Red Peugeot 306Updated 3 min read

Peugeot 306 Break Indicators: Red Warnings (2002)

Red warning lights on the Peugeot 306 Break (2002) explained: brakes, STOP, battery, coolant and oil pressure, plus what you should do next.

Red warning lights on your dashboard usually need your attention straight away. Some of them mean you must stop, and others mean you should have the car checked by a PEUGEOT dealer.

This guide covers the Peugeot 306 Break, based on handbook edition ed02-01 for vehicles produced from 1 January 2002. Some lamps are only fitted depending on the version or specification of your car, so you may not see every light listed here.

Quick Reference

Scroll the table sideways.

WarningUrgencyIn short
Handbrake, low brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution warning lightStop safely, get helpHandbrake on, low brake fluid or brake fault
STOP warning lightStop safely, get helpSerious fault, you must stop
Battery charge warning lightGet it checked soonBattery charging problem
Low coolant level warning lightStop safely, get helpCoolant level too low, you must stop
Oil pressure warning lightStop safely, get helpLow oil pressure, you must stop

Handbrake, low brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution warning light

Handbrake, low brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution warning light warning lamp icon

This single light covers the handbrake, the brake fluid level and the electronic brake force distribution.

It comes on for one of three reasons: the handbrake is on or has not been fully released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far (the light stays on even with the handbrake released), or there is a malfunction in the braking system (the light comes on together with the ABS warning light).

What to do:

If the handbrake is on or not fully released:

  • Release the handbrake fully.

If the light stays on with the handbrake released:

  • Stop immediately, somewhere safe.
  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer.

If the light comes on together with the ABS warning light:

  • Stop immediately, somewhere safe.
  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer.

STOP warning light

STOP warning light warning lamp icon

The STOP light comes on together with another warning light, such as the oil pressure or low coolant level warning light.

It tells you that you must stop the car.

What to do:

  • Stop somewhere safe.
  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer.

Battery charge warning light

Battery charge warning light warning lamp icon

This light warns you about a problem with the battery charging.

It can mean the battery charging circuit is not working properly, the battery or starter terminals are loose, the alternator drive belt is broken or loose, or there is a fault with the alternator.

What to do:

  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer.

Low coolant level warning light

Low coolant level warning light warning lamp icon

This light is fitted depending on the specification of your car. It comes on together with the STOP warning light to show that the coolant level is too low.

Your coolant temperature gauge also helps: with the needle in zone A the temperature is correct, and with the needle in zone B the temperature is too high.

What to do:

  • Stop somewhere safe and contact a PEUGEOT dealer.
  • Wait until the engine has cooled before topping up the coolant, as the cooling circuit is under pressure.
  • Turn the cap to the first notch to let the pressure drop before opening it fully.

Oil pressure warning light

Oil pressure warning light warning lamp icon

This light comes on together with the STOP warning light.

It means the oil pressure is too low or there is not enough oil in the lubricating circuit.

What to do:

  • Stop somewhere safe.
  • Top up the engine oil if needed.
  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer.

If You're Not Sure

If a red light comes on and you are not sure what it means, stop somewhere safe and check your handbook. If you are still unsure, contact a PEUGEOT dealer before you carry on driving.

Red lights on your Peugeot 306 Break are worth taking seriously. Knowing what each one means helps you stay calm and do the right thing when one appears.

Related guides: Peugeot 306 Break (2002) orange warning lights, Peugeot 306 I (2002) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 306 guides.

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