What each red warning light on your Peugeot 306 means, from the STOP and oil pressure lamps to brake and coolant warnings, and what to do next.
Red warning lamps on your Peugeot 306 cover the most serious messages your car can give you. Several of them tell you to stop, so it pays to know what each one means before you need it.
This guide covers the Peugeot 306 I, based on handbook edition ed02-01 for vehicles produced from 01/01/2002. Some lamps depend on the version or equipment of your car, so not every lamp here will be fitted to yours.
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| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Handbrake, Low Brake Fluid Level and Electronic Brake Force Distribution Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Handbrake on, low brake fluid or brake fault |
| STOP Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Serious fault, you must stop |
| Battery Charge Warning Light | Get it checked soon | Battery charging fault |
| Low Coolant Level Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Coolant level too low, you must stop |
| Oil Pressure Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Low oil pressure or lack of oil |
This lamp shares one symbol for the handbrake and the braking system. It can mean one of three things: the handbrake is on or has not been fully released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far, or there is a fault in the braking system.
If the lamp stays on even after you have released the handbrake, it points to an excessive drop in the brake fluid level. If it comes on together with the ABS warning light, it points to a malfunction of the braking system.
What to do:
If the handbrake is on or not fully released:
If the lamp stays on with the handbrake released:
If the lamp comes on together with the ABS warning light:
The STOP lamp works alongside other warning lamps rather than on its own. It comes on together with the oil pressure warning light, and also with the low coolant level warning light, to tell you that the problem is serious.
What to do:
This lamp warns you about the battery charging system. It can point to a fault in the battery charging circuit, loose battery or starter terminals, a broken or loose alternator drive belt, or a fault with the alternator itself.
What to do:
This lamp warns you that the coolant level is low, and the STOP warning light comes on with it. It is fitted according to specification, so your car may not have it.
Keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge as well: with the needle in zone A the temperature is correct, while in zone B it is too high.
What to do:
This lamp comes on together with the STOP warning light. It tells you that the oil pressure is too low or that there is not enough oil in the lubricating circuit.
What to do:
If a red lamp comes on and you are not sure what it means, stay calm, stop somewhere safe and check this guide or your handbook. If the handbook tells you to contact a PEUGEOT dealer, do so before carrying on with your journey.
Red lamps are your Peugeot 306's way of telling you something needs attention straight away. Knowing what each one means helps you react quickly and keep yourself and your car safe.
Related guides: Peugeot 306 I (2002) orange warning lights, Peugeot 306 I (2002) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 306 guides.
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