Peugeot 308 I SW Indicators: Red Warnings (2008-present)

A red warning lamp on your instrument panel means there is a fault that needs action from you. Some red lamps, especially when they come on with the STOP lamp, mean you must stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so. Each lamp is usually backed up by a message on the screen to help you work out what is wrong.

This guide covers the Peugeot 308 I SW (2008-present). It is based on handbook edition ed01-12, which applies to vehicles produced from 01/07/2012. Depending on your version of instrument panel, a lamp may also come with an audible signal, a pictogram or a message, and some lamps depend on your version or equipment.

Quick Reference

STOP

This is the red STOP warning lamp. It stays on, either alone or with another warning lamp, and comes with an audible signal and a message on the screen. It points to a serious fault with the braking system, power steering, engine lubrication or cooling system, or a punctured tyre.

What to do:

• Stop as soon as it is safe to do so, as there is a risk that the engine will cut out while you are driving.
• Park and switch off the ignition.
• Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Braking

This is the red braking warning lamp. It stays on together with the STOP warning lamp and means the brake fluid level is too low.

What to do:

• Stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Top up the brake fluid with the fluid recommended by PEUGEOT.
• If the problem continues, have the system checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Maximum coolant temperature

This is the red maximum coolant temperature warning lamp. It stays on while the temperature gauge needle is in the red zone, which means the cooling system is too hot.

What to do:

• Stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Wait until the engine has cooled down, then top up the coolant if needed.
• If the problem continues, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Door(s) open

This is the red door open warning lamp. It stays on when a door or the boot is still open, and an audible signal also sounds if you are driving above 6 mph (10 km/h).

What to do:

• Close the door or boot that is open.

Engine oil pressure

This is the red engine oil pressure warning lamp. When it stays on, there is a fault with the engine lubrication system.

What to do:

• Stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Park and switch off the ignition.
• Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Battery charge *

This is the red battery charge warning lamp. When it stays on, there is a fault in the battery charging circuit, for example dirty or loose terminals or a slack or cut alternator belt.

What to do:

• Check that the lamp goes off once the engine has started.
• If it stays on, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Seat belt not fastened / unfastened

This is the red seat belt warning lamp. It comes on steadily, then flashes with an audible signal that gets louder. It means the driver or front passenger has not fastened or has unfastened their seat belt, or that at least one rear passenger has unfastened theirs (on SW individual rear seats, this applies only to the 2nd row).

What to do:

• Pull the seat belt strap across and push the tongue into the buckle.

Parking brake

This is the red parking brake warning lamp. When it stays on, the parking brake is applied or has not been released properly.

What to do:

• Keep your foot on the brake pedal and release the parking brake to switch the lamp off.
• Follow the safety recommendations.
• For more on the parking brake, see the "Driving" section of your handbook.

If You're Not Sure

If a red lamp comes on and you are not sure what it means, read the message on the screen, as it is there to help you identify the fault. If the lamp comes on with the STOP warning lamp, stop as soon as it is safe to do so, and if in any doubt, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Red lamps are your Peugeot 308 SW's way of telling you something needs attention now. Stay calm, act on the message and the steps above, and get the car checked whenever a fault does not clear.

Related guides: Peugeot 308 I SW (2008-present) orange warning lights, Peugeot 308 I SW (2008-present) green and blue lights, Peugeot 308 Indicators: Red Warnings (general guide) and all Peugeot 308 guides.