2021 PEUGEOT 508 ESP

100
Driving
Driving recommendations
► Observe the driving regulations and remain
vigilant whatever the traffic conditions.
►

Monitor your environment and keep your
hands on the wheel to be able to react to
anything that may happen any time.
►


Drive smoothly
, anticipate the need for
braking and maintain a longer safety distance,
especially in bad weather.
►

Stop the vehicle before performing operations
that require sustained attention (e.g.

settings).
►

During long trips, take a break every 2 hours.
Important!
Never leave the engine running in a
closed space without sufficient
ventilation. Internal combustion engines emit
toxic exhaust gases such as carbon
monoxide. Danger of poisoning and death!
In very severe wintry conditions
(temperature below -23°C), let the engine
run for 4 minutes before moving off, to ensure
the correct operation and durability of the
mechanical components of your vehicle
(engine and gearbox).
Never drive with the parking brake
applied . Risk of overheating and
damaging the braking system!
Do not park the vehicle or leave the
engine running on a flammable
surface (e.g. dry grass, dead leaves).The
vehicle exhaust system is very hot, even
several minutes after the engine stops. Risk
of fire!
Never leave the vehicle unattended,
with the engine running . If you have to
leave your vehicle with the engine running,
apply the parking brake and put the gearbox
into neutral or position N or P (depending on
the type of gearbox).
Never leave children inside the vehicle
unsupervised.
PSE (PEUGEOT Sport Engineered)
Repeated hard braking in this vehicle
can generate loud banging noises which are
completely normal.
Continue driving but with lighter braking so
that the braking system can cool down.
The

performance of the braking system
remains unaffected.
On flooded roads
We strongly advise against driving on flooded
roads, as this could cause serious damage to
the internal combustion engine or electric motor,
the gearbox and the electrical systems of the
vehicle.


If the vehicle absolutely must drive through a
flooded section of road:
►

Check that the depth of the water does not
exceed 15

cm, taking account of waves that
might be generated by other users.
►

Deactivate the Stop & Start function.
►


For rechargeable hybrid engines, place the
mode selector in 4WD

position (depending on
version).
►

Drive as slowly as possible without stalling. In
all cases, do not exceed 6 mph (10

km/h).
►

Do not stop and do not switch off the motor
.
On leaving the flooded road, as soon as safety
conditions allow, make several light brake
applications to dry the brake discs and pads.
If in doubt about the state of your vehicle,
contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Towing
Driving with a trailer places greater
demands on the towing vehicle and
particular care must be taken.
Do not exceed the maximum towable
weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by
10% per 1,000 metres of altitude; the lower
air density at high altitudes decreases engine
performance.
New vehicle: do not tow a trailer until the
vehicle has driven at least 620 miles
(1,000 kilometres).
If the outside temperature is high, let the
engine idle for 1 to 2 minutes after the
vehicle comes to a stop, to help it to cool.
Before setting off
Nose weight
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heaviest items are as close as possible to the
axle and the nose weight (at the point where it
joins your vehicle) approaches the maximum
permitted without exceeding it.
Tyres
► Check the tyre pressures of the towing
vehicle and of the trailer, observing the
recommended pressures.
Lighting
► Check the electrical signalling on the trailer
and the headlamp beam height of your vehicle.

102
Driving
Starting

► With an automatic gearbox, select mode P
or N and press the brake pedal.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button while
maintaining pressure on the pedal until the
engine starts.
Diesel engines
In negative temperatures and/or when the
engine is cold, starting takes place only after the
preheating warning lamp goes out.
If this warning lamp comes on after
pressing the " START/STOP" button:
►

Keep the pedal fully depressed and do not
press the "

START/STOP" button again until the
engine is running.
In all circumstances, if one of the starting
conditions is not met, a message is displayed.
In some circumstances, a message indicates
that it is necessary to turn the steering wheel
while pressing the " START/STOP" button to
assist unlocking of the steering column.
Petrol engines
With Petrol engines, after a cold start,
pre-heating the catalytic converter can cause
noticeable engine vibrations, for anything up
to 2 minutes (accelerated idle speed).
Starting rechargeable hybrid
vehicles
► Fully depress the brake pedal and press
the START/STOP button for approximately 2
seconds.
► Keep your foot on the pedal until this
indicator lamp comes on, indicating the
activation of the rechargeable hybrid system
(confirmed by an audible signal).
To exit Park mode, wait for the READY indicator lamp to come on.
By default, the system starts in Electric mode.
Depending on certain parameters (battery
charge level or outside temperature), the system
determines whether it is necessary to start the
petrol engine.
It is possible to change the driving mode at any
time using the mode selector.
When the vehicle starts in electric mode,
it makes no noise.
Pay particular attention to pedestrians and
cyclists who may not hear the vehicle coming
despite the pedestrian horn.
Switching off
► Immobilise the vehicle using the parking
brake.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, ideally select
mode
P or N.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button.
►

For rechargeable hybrid vehicles, before
leaving the vehicle, check that the READY


indicator lamp is switched off.
In some circumstances, it is necessary to turn
the steering wheel to lock the steering column.
On certain versions with an automatic gearbox
(EAT6/EAT8), the steering column does not lock,
but the gearbox locks in mode P.
If the vehicle is not immobilised, the
engine will not stop.
With the engine off, the braking and
steering assistance systems are also cut
off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!
Never leave your vehicle with the
electronic key still inside.
Switching on the ignition
without starting the engine


With the electronic key in the passenger
compartment, pressing the " START/STOP"
button, without depressing any of the pedals ,
allows the ignition to be switched on without
starting the engine.
► Press this button again to switch off the
ignition and allow the vehicle to be locked.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted to the steering column,
to enable the engine to be started if the system
fails to detect the key in the recognition zone, or
if the battery in the electronic key is flat.

104
Driving
► To apply the parking brake, briefly pull the
control.
►
T
o release it, briefly push the control while
pressing the brake pedal.
Automatic mode is activated by default.
This automatic operation can be deactivated in
certain situations.
Indicator lamp
This indicator lamp comes on both on the instrument panel and on the control to
confirm that the parking brake has been applied,
accompanied by display of the message
"Parking brake applied".
The indicator lamp goes out to confirm the
release of the parking brake, accompanied by
the display of the message " Parking brake
released ".
The indicator lamp flashes in response to a
manual request to apply or release the brake.
In the event of a battery failure, the
electric parking brake will not operate.
As a safety measure, with an automatic
gearbox, if the parking brake is not applied,
immobilise the vehicle by placing the supplied
chocks against one of the wheels.
Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.


Before leaving the vehicle, check that the
parking brake is applied: the parking
brake indicator lamps on the instrument panel
and the control must be on fixed.
If the parking brake is not applied, there is an
audible signal and a message is displayed on
opening the driver's door.
Never leave a child alone inside the
vehicle, as they could release the parking
brake.
When the vehicle is parked: on a
steep slope, heavily loaded or during
towing
With an automatic gearbox, turn the wheels
toward the pavement and select mode

P
.
When towing, the vehicle is approved for
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
Manual operation
Manual release
With the ignition on or engine running:
► Press the brake pedal.
► While maintaining pressure on the brake
pedal, briefly push the control.
If the brake pedal is not depressed, the
parking brake is not released and a
message is displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
► Briefly pull the control.
The control indicator lamp flashes to confirm the
application request.
Automatic operation
Automatic release
First ensure that the engine is running and that
the driver's door is closed.
The electric parking brake gradually releases
automatically as the vehicle moves off.
With an automatic gearbox
►

Depress the brake pedal.
►


Select mode
D, M or R.
►

Release the brake pedal and depress the
accelerator pedal.
If the brake does not release
automatically, check that the front doors
are fully closed.
When stationary with the engine running,
do not depress the accelerator pedal
unnecessarily. Risk of parking brake release.
Automatic application
With the vehicle stationary, the parking brake
is applied automatically when the engine is
switched off.
It is not applied automatically if the
engine stalls or enters STOP mode with
Stop & Start.
In automatic mode, the parking brake
can be manually applied or released at
any time using the control.
Special cases
Immobilising the vehicle with the
engine running
To immobilise the vehicle with the engine
running, briefly pull the control.
Parking the vehicle with the brake
released
In very cold conditions (ice), applying the
parking brake is not recommended.
To immobilise the vehicle, engage a gear or
place the chocks against one of the wheels.

105
Driving
6When stationary with the engine running,
do not depress the accelerator pedal
unnecessarily. Risk of parking brake release.
Automatic application
With the vehicle stationary, the parking brake
is applied automatically when the engine is
switched off.
It is not applied automatically if the
engine stalls or enters STOP mode with
Stop & Start.
In automatic mode, the parking brake
can be manually applied or released at
any time using the control.
Special cases
Immobilising the vehicle with the
engine running
To immobilise the vehicle with the engine
running, briefly pull the control.
Parking the vehicle with the brake
released
In very cold conditions (ice), applying the
parking brake is not recommended.
To immobilise the vehicle, engage a gear or
place the chocks against one of the wheels.
With an automatic gearbox, mode P is
automatically selected when the ignition
is switched off. The wheels are blocked.
For more information on Free-wheeling, refer
to the corresponding section.
With an automatic gearbox, if you open
the driver's door while mode N is
engaged, an audible signal will sound and
mode P will be engaged. The audible signal
stops when the driver's door is closed.
Deactivating automatic
operation
In some situations, for example when it is
extremely cold or when towing (e.g. caravan,
breakdown), it may be necessary to deactivate
automatic operation of the system.




► Start the engine.
► Use the control to apply the parking brake, if
it is released.
►

T
ake your foot fully off the brake pedal. ►

Keep the control pushed in the release
direction for 10 to a maximum of
15 seconds.
►
Release the control.
►

Depress and hold the brake pedal.
►

Pull the control in the application direction for
2
seconds.
This indicator lamp on the instrument
panel comes on to confirm deactivation of
the automatic functions.
►

Release the control and the brake pedal.
From this point onwards, only the manual
functions, using the control, allow the parking
brake to be applied and released.
►


Follow this procedure again to reactivate
automatic operation (confirmed by the indicator
lamp on the instrument panel going out).
Emergency braking
If depressing the brake pedal fails to provide
effective braking or in exceptional circumstances
(e.g.
driver unwell, assisted driving), the vehicle
can be braked by sustained pulling on the
electric parking brake control. Braking continues
for as long as the control is kept pulled, and
ceases when the control is released.
The ABS and DSC systems stabilise the vehicle
during emergency braking.
If emergency braking malfunctions, the message
"Parking brake fault" will be displayed on the
instrument panel.
If the ABS and DSC systems
malfunction, indicated by lighting

106
Driving
one or both warning lamps on the instrument
panel, the vehicle’s stability is no longer ensured.
►
In this case, ensure the vehicle's stability by
successive and repeated "pull-release" actions
on the electric parking brake control until the
vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Automatic gearbox (EAT6 / EAT8)
Automatic 6 or 8-speed gearbox with a push
selector. It also offers a manual mode with gear
changes via control paddles located
behind the
steering wheel.
Gearbox selector positions
P. Park
For parking the vehicle: the front wheels are
blocked.
R. Reverse gear
N. Neutral
For moving the vehicle with the ignition off, or
to allow it to free-wheel.
For more information on Changing to free-
wheeling , refer to the corresponding section.
D. Driving in automatic mode
The gearbox manages gear changes
according to the style of driving, the road
profile and the vehicle load.
M. Driving in manual mode
The driver changes gear using the steering-
mounted controls.
Push selector

A.Button P
To put the gearbox into Park mode.
B. Unlock button To unlock the gearbox and come out of

P
or
to change to
R, with the foot on the brake
pedal.
Press and hold this button before pushing the
selector.
C. Button M
To change from mode

D
to permanent
manual mode.
(Depending on version: with Full Park Assist,
the manual mode is accessed via the DRIVE
MODE control)
D. Gearbox state indicator lamps (R, N, D)


► Move the selector by pressing it forwards
( N or R) or rearwards (N or D) once or twice,
passing the point of resistance if necessary.
The push selector returns to its initial position
when released.
For example, to change from
P to R, while
pressing Unlock, push forward twice without
crossing the point of resistance or push once
crossing the point of resistance:
–

In the first case, the gearbox goes from
P to N,
then from
N to R.
–

In the second case, the gearbox goes directly
from

P to R.
Steering-mounted controls
In mode M or D, the steering-mounted control
paddles can be used to change gear manually .
They cannot be used to select neutral or to
engage or disengage reverse gear.


► Pull the "+" or "-" paddle towards you and
release to shift up or down a gear, respectively.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox
status is displayed on the instrument panel:
P : Park.
R : Reverse.
N : Neutral.
D1...D6/D8 : Automatic mode.
M1...M6/M8 : Manual mode.
- : Instruction not processed in manual mode.
If the driver's door is opened with the ignition on,
a message is displayed, prompting you to set the
gearbox to mode P.
Operation
With the engine running, if it is necessary to
press the brake pedal and/or the Unlock button

107
Driving
6

► Pull the "+" or "-" paddle towards you and
release to shift up or down a gear, respectively.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox
status is displayed on the instrument panel:
P : Park.
R : Reverse.
N : Neutral.
D1...D6/D8 : Automatic mode.
M1...M6/M8 : Manual mode.
- : Instruction not processed in manual mode.
If the driver's door is opened with the ignition on,
a message is displayed, prompting you to set the
gearbox to mode P.
Operation
With the engine running, if it is necessary to
press the brake pedal and/or the Unlock button
in order to change mode, an alert message is
displayed in the instrument panel.
Only appropriate attempted changes of mode
are accepted.
With the engine running and the brakes
released, if R, D or M is selected, the
vehicle moves off, even without pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Never press the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time - risk of damage
to the gearbox!
In the event of a battery failure, you must
place the chock supplied with the vehicle
tools against one of the wheels to immobilise
the vehicle.
Unlocking the gearbox
– From mode P:
► Fully depress the brake pedal.
►

Press the
Unlock button.
►

While continuing to press the brake pedal
and the

Unlock button, select another mode.
–

From neutral
N, at a speed below 3 mph
(5
km/h):
►

Fully depress the brake pedal.
►


While continuing to depress the brake
pedal, select another mode.
Engaging reverse gear
► Slow down until you come to a stop.
► Depress the brake pedal, then press the
Unlock button.
►

While maintaining the presses, select
mode

R.
Permanent manual mode
Entering the mode:
With EAT8 without Full Park Assist button and
EAT6:
►
With mode
D initially selected.
►

Press button
M; the green indicator lamp in
the button comes on.
With EAT8 and Full Park Assist button:
►

Press the
DRIVE MODE control.
►

Select "Manual" mode, which is displayed on
the instrument panel.
Exiting the mode:
►


Push forwards once to return to
D.
or
►

Press button
M; the indicator lamp in the
button goes off.
or
►

Select another mode using the DRIVE MODE


control.
Switching off the ignition
To switch off the ignition, the vehicle must be
stationary.
Changing to free-wheeling
For more information on Changing to free-
wheeling , refer to the corresponding section.
If you open the driver's door while mode
N is engaged, an audible signal will

108
Driving
sound. It will stop when you close the driver's
door again.
Special aspects of automatic mode
The gearbox selects the gear that provides
optimal performance based on ambient
temperature, road profile, vehicle loading and
driving style.
For maximum acceleration, press the accelerator
fully down (kick-down). The gearbox changes
down automatically or holds the selected gear
until the maximum engine speed is reached.
Steering mounted controls allow the driver to
temporarily select a gear, if the vehicle speed
and engine speed conditions permit.
Special aspects of manual mode
The gearbox only changes from one gear to
another if the vehicle speed and engine speed
conditions permit.
Starting the vehicle
From mode P:
► Fully depress the brake pedal.
►

Start the engine.
►


Maintaining pressure on the brake pedal,
press the

Unlock button.
►

Push once or twice rearwards to select
the automatic mode

D, or forwards to engage
reverse
R.
From neutral
N:
►

Fully depress the brake pedal.
► Start the engine.
► Maintaining pressure on the brake pedal,
push rearwards to select the automatic mode

D
,
or forwards, while pressing the Unlock
button to
engage reverse

R
.
Then, from
D or R:
►

Release the brake pedal.
►


Accelerate gradually to automatically release
the electric parking brake.
The vehicle moves off immediately

.
Automatic gearbox
Never try to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle.
Switching the vehicle off
Regardless of the current gearbox mode, mode
P is immediately engaged automatically when
the ignition is switched off.
However, in mode N, mode P will be engaged
after a delay of 5 seconds (time to enable free-
wheeling mode).
Check that mode
P has been engaged and
that the electric parking brake was applied
automatically; if not, apply it manually.
The corresponding indicator lamps on the gear selector and the electric parking
brake control must be on, as well as the
indicator
lamps on the instrument panel.
Gearbox malfunction
This warning lamp comes on, accompanied by an audible signal and the
display of a message.
Go to a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Do not drive faster than 62
mph (100 km/h),
keeping to the speed limit.
Switching of the gearbox to back-up mode
Mode D locks in third gear.
The paddles on the steering wheel do not work
and mode M is no longer accessible.
You may feel a significant jolt on engaging
reverse gear. This will not damage the gearbox.
Selector malfunction
Minor malfunction
This warning lamp comes on, accompanied by the display of a message
and an audible signal.
Drive carefully.
Go to a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.
In some cases, the selector indicator lamps may
no longer come on, but the gearbox state is still
displayed on the instrument panel.
Major malfunction
This warning lamp comes on, accompanied by the display of a
message.
You must stop the vehicle.
Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch off the ignition.
Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.
e-EAT8 electric automatic
gearbox (Rechargeable
hybrid)
Automatic 8-speed gearbox with a push selector and regenerative braking function.
With the exception of manual mode and
regenerative braking, the operation is identical to
that of other EAT8 gearboxes.
For more information on the Operation or the
Malfunctions of the EAT8 gearbox, refer to the
corresponding sections.
Gearbox selector positions
P. Car park
For parking the vehicle: the front wheels
are blocked.
R. Reverse gear
N. Neutral
For moving the vehicle with the ignition
off: in certain car washing machines,
when towing the vehicle, etc.

109
Driving
6You must stop the vehicle.
Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch off the ignition.
Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.
e-EAT8 electric automatic
gearbox (Rechargeable
hybrid)
Automatic 8-speed gearbox with a push selector and regenerative braking function.
With the exception of manual mode and
regenerative braking, the operation is identical to
that of other EAT8 gearboxes.
For more information on the Operation or the
Malfunctions of the EAT8 gearbox, refer to the
corresponding sections.
Gearbox selector positions
P. Car park
For parking the vehicle: the front wheels
are blocked.
R. Reverse gear
N. Neutral
For moving the vehicle with the ignition
off: in certain car washing machines,
when towing the vehicle, etc. D/B.
Automatic forward gear ( D) or automatic
forward gear with regenerative braking
(B)
The gearbox manages gear changes
according to the style of driving, the road
profile and the vehicle load. With the
regenerative braking function activated,
the gearbox also controls braking when
the accelerator pedal is released.
Push selector

A. Button P
To put the gearbox into Park mode.
B. Unlock button To unlock the gearbox and come out of P or
to change to
R, with the foot on the brake
pedal.
Press and hold this button before pushing the
selector.
C. Gearbox selector indicator lamps (R, N, D/B)
To exit Park mode, wait for the READY
indicator lamp to come on.
Displays in the instrument
panel
When the ignition is switched on, the status of
the gearbox is displayed in the instrument panel:
P: park.
R: reverse.
N: neutral.
D1 to D8: automatic forward gear.
B1 to B8: automatic forward gear with
regenerative braking function activated.
In all-electric driving, the gear engaged is not
indicated.
The state of the gearbox remains displayed in
the instrument panel for a few seconds after
switching off the ignition.
Regenerative braking (Brake
function)
The regenerative braking function emulates
engine braking, slowing the vehicle with no need