What each red warning light on your Peugeot 206 (2002-2004) means, from the STOP light to the brake and oil lamps, and what you should do next.
Red warning lights on your Peugeot 206 deal with the most serious messages your car can give you, from oil pressure and coolant to the brakes and air bags. Several of them work together with the central STOP light, so it pays to know what each one means before you need it.
This guide covers the first-generation Peugeot 206 (2002-2004) and is based on handbook edition ed03-03, which applies to cars produced from 1 October 2003. Some lamps depend on the version, equipment or the country your car was sold in, so you may not see every one on your instrument panel.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Central (STOP) Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Serious fault, stop if it flashes |
| Engine Oil Pressure and Temperature Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Low oil pressure or oil too hot |
| Diesel Engine Low Coolant Level Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Coolant level too low, stop |
| Handbrake, Low Brake Fluid and Electronic Brake Force Distribution System Fault Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Handbrake on, low fluid or EBFD fault |
| Battery Charge Warning Light | Get it checked soon | Problem with the charging system |
| Seat Belt Not Fastened Warning Light | Action needed from you | Driver's seat belt not fastened |
| Air Bags Warning Light | Get it checked soon | Fault in the air bags |
This is the central lamp marked STOP. It works together with the engine oil pressure and temperature light, the low coolant level light, the handbrake, low brake fluid and electronic brake force distribution light, and the coolant temperature gauge. It also flashes if the coolant temperature gauge needle moves into the too-high zone.
What to do:
This lamp is shown in the symbol above and comes on together with the central STOP light, along with an audible signal. It warns you of either low oil pressure or a lack of oil in the lubrication circuit, or of an engine oil temperature that is too high.
What to do:
If the oil pressure is too low or there is not enough oil:
If the oil temperature is too high:
This lamp is shown in the symbol above and is fitted to diesel models. It comes on together with the central STOP light to tell you the coolant level is too low. Remember that the cooling circuit is under pressure, so take care when opening it.
What to do:
This lamp is shown in the symbol above and comes on together with the central STOP light. It can mean three different things: the handbrake is on or not fully released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far, or there is a fault in the Electronic Brake Force Distribution system.
What to do:
If the handbrake is on or not fully released:
If the light stays on even with the handbrake released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far:
If the light comes on at the same time as the ABS warning light, there is a fault in the Electronic Brake Force Distribution system:
This lamp is shown in the symbol above. It tells you there is a problem with the charging system, which could be a fault in the charging circuit, loose battery or starter terminals, a broken or slack alternator belt, or an alternator failure.
What to do:
This lamp is shown in the symbol above and is fitted depending on the country your car was sold in. It reminds you that the driver's seat belt is not fastened and stays lit until you fasten it.
What to do:
If the light is on steadily after you switch on the ignition:
If the light flashes above 12 mph (20 km/h), for about two minutes with an audible signal that gets louder:
This lamp is shown in the symbol above. It comes on for a few seconds when you switch on the ignition, which is normal. If it lights up with the engine running, together with an audible signal and a message on the multi-function display, there is a fault in the air bags.
What to do:
If a red light comes on and you are not sure which one it is, stay calm, stop somewhere safe and check whether the central STOP light is also lit. Your handbook is the best reference for your exact car, and a PEUGEOT dealer can help if you are still unsure.
Red warning lights on your Peugeot 206 are there to protect you and your engine, so never ignore them. Knowing what each one means helps you react quickly and safely when one comes on.
Related guides: Peugeot 206 I (2002-2004) orange warning lights and all Peugeot 206 guides.
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