What each red warning light on the Peugeot 206 SW (2004 handbook) means, from the STOP light to brakes, oil and coolant, and what you should do.
Red warning lights on your dashboard are the ones to take seriously. Several of them tell you to stop the car, and the others point to a fault or a safety reminder that needs your attention straight away.
This guide covers the Peugeot 206 SW, based on handbook edition ed01-04 for vehicles produced from 01/04/2004. Some lamps are only fitted on certain versions or in certain countries, or depend on the engine and equipment of your car, so you may not see every one of them 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 | Oil pressure or temperature problem |
| Diesel engine low coolant level warning light | Stop safely, get help | Coolant level low, stop and top up |
| Handbrake, low brake fluid and Electronic Brake Force Distribution system | Stop safely, get help | Handbrake on, low brake fluid or EBFD fault |
| Battery charge warning light | Get it checked soon | Charging circuit fault |
| Seat belt not fastened warning light | Action needed from you | Driver's seat belt not fastened |
| Air bags warning light | Get it checked soon | Air bag fault |
This is the central STOP warning light on your instrument panel. It works together with the warning lights for engine oil pressure and temperature, low coolant level, the handbrake, low brake fluid level and an Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) system fault. It is also linked to the coolant temperature indicator, so it flashes if the needle is in the zone showing that the coolant temperature is too high. If the STOP light flashes while the engine is running, you must stop.
What to do:
This is the engine oil warning lamp, and it comes on together with the central STOP warning light and an audible signal. It means one of two things: the oil pressure is too low or there is not enough oil in the lubrication circuit, or the oil temperature 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 warns you that the coolant level is low on diesel engines. It comes on together with the central STOP warning light. The cooling circuit is under pressure, so take care before you open it.
What to do:
This is the braking system warning lamp, and it comes on together with the central STOP warning light. It can mean the handbrake is applied or not fully released. If it stays on even with the handbrake released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far. If it comes on at the same time as the ABS warning light, there is a fault in the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) system.
What to do:
If the handbrake is on or not fully released:
If the light stays on with the handbrake released:
If the light comes on together with the ABS warning light:
This is the battery charge warning lamp. When it comes on, there may be a fault in the charging circuit, slack battery or starter terminals, a cut or slack alternator belt, or an alternator failure.
What to do:
This lamp reminds you to fasten your seat belt, and whether it is fitted depends on the country. When you switch the ignition on, it lights up if the driver's seat belt is not fastened and stays lit until you fasten it. Above 12 mph (20 km/h), it flashes for about two minutes, with an audible signal that gets louder and a message on the multi-function display.
What to do:
If the light is on steadily:
If the light is flashing while you drive:
This is the air bag warning lamp. It comes on for a few seconds when you switch the ignition on, which is normal. If it lights up while the engine is running, with an audible signal and a message on the multi-function display, there is a fault in the air bags.
What to do:
If the light comes on with the engine running:
If a red light comes on and you are not sure what it means, stay calm, stop somewhere safe and check your handbook. If you still cannot tell what is wrong, consult a PEUGEOT dealer before you carry on driving.
Red lights on your Peugeot 206 SW are there to protect you and your car, so never ignore them. Know what each one means, act on it promptly, and you will avoid most nasty surprises on the road.
Related guides: Peugeot 206 SW (2004) orange warning lights, Peugeot 206 SW (2004) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 206 guides.
Red warning lights on your Peugeot 206 SW point to something that needs your attention straight away. Some tell you to stop the car, others remind you to do something simple, such as fastening your seat belt.
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