What the red warning lights on the Peugeot 307 (2002-2005) mean, from the STOP light to oil pressure and brake warnings, and what you should do.
Red warning lights on your Peugeot 307 point to something that needs your attention straight away. Several of them work together with the central STOP light, and many tell you to stop the car immediately.
This guide covers the first-generation Peugeot 307 (2002-2005) and is based on the handbook edition for cars produced from 1 July 2004. Some lamps depend on the version or equipment of your car, so not every light here will appear on yours.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Central STOP warning light | Stop safely, get help | Flashing with engine running: stop immediately |
| Engine oil pressure warning light | Stop safely, get help | Oil pressure too low, stop immediately |
| Diesel engine low coolant level warning light | Stop safely, get help | Coolant level low, stop immediately |
| Coolant temperature too high | Stop safely, get help | Engine too hot, stop immediately |
| Handbrake and low brake fluid level warning light | Stop safely, get help | Handbrake on, low brake fluid or braking fault |
| Battery charge warning light | Get it checked soon | Fault in the battery charging system |
| Seat belt not fastened warning light | Action needed from you | Driver's seat belt not fastened |
This is the light marked STOP in the centre of the instrument panel. It comes on each time you switch on the ignition. It works together with the engine oil pressure, low coolant level, brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution fault warning lights, as well as the coolant temperature gauge.
What to do:
If it flashes while the engine is running:
This light shows an oil can symbol and works together with the central STOP light. If it comes on while the engine is running, you will also hear an audible signal and see the message "Oil pressure insufficient" on the multifunction display.
What to do:
This light shows a coolant symbol and works together with the central STOP light. It comes on for about 3 seconds each time you switch on the ignition. If it comes on at other times, you will also hear an audible signal and see the message "Top up engine coolant level" on the multi-function display.
What to do:
This warning is shown on the coolant temperature gauge rather than by a separate lamp. When the needle is in zone A the temperature is correct, and when it reaches zone B the temperature is too high. In that case the central STOP light flashes, you hear an audible signal and the message "Engine coolant temp. too high" appears on the multi-function display.
What to do:
This light shows a brake symbol and works together with the central STOP light. It comes on each time you switch on the ignition. When it comes on at other times, you hear an audible signal and a message on the multi-function display tells you the cause.
What to do:
If the message reads "Handbrake on", the handbrake is applied or has not been fully released:
If the message reads "Brake fluid level low" and the light stays on with the handbrake released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far:
If the message reads "Braking fault" and the ABS light comes on at the same time, the electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) has a fault:
This light shows a battery symbol and comes on each time you switch on the ignition. If it comes on while the engine is running, you also hear an audible signal and see the message "Battery charge fault" on the multi-function display. This can point to a fault in the charging circuit, loose battery or starter terminals, a cut or slack alternator belt, or an alternator fault.
What to do:
This light shows a seated figure wearing a seat belt. It comes on while the engine is running if the driver's seat belt is not fastened.
What to do:
If a red light comes on and you are not sure what it means, stay calm, stop somewhere safe and check the message on the multi-function display. When in doubt, contact a PEUGEOT dealer before you carry on driving.
Red lights on your Peugeot 307 are there to protect you and the car, so never ignore them. Use this guide alongside your handbook, and keep an eye on the messages on the display to understand exactly what your car is telling you.
Related guides: Peugeot 307 I (2002-2005) orange warning lights, Peugeot 307 I (2002-2005) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 307 guides.
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