Orange warning lights on the Peugeot 406 Break from 2002 explained: what each lamp means, from ABS and ESP to diesel pre-heating, and what you should do.
Orange warning lights on your dashboard are there to flag a fault, a system that needs attention or something you need to do. They are not usually as urgent as a red light, but you should not ignore them.
This guide covers the Peugeot 406 Break built from 1 January 2002, based on handbook edition ed01-02. Some of these lamps depend on the version or equipment of your car, so you may not see every one of them on your dashboard.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| ESP Electronic Stability Programme operation indicator light | Information / status | Flashing: ESP working; steady: off or fault |
| Clogging of the particulate emission filter warning light (diesel engine) | Action needed from you | Particulate filter at risk of clogging |
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light | Get it checked soon | ABS fault, normal braking still works |
| Front brake pad wear warning light | Get it checked soon | Front brake pads need replacing |
| Engine diagnostics warning light | Get it checked soon | Emission control, injection or ignition fault |
| Diesel pre-heating indicator light | Action needed from you | Wait until it goes out before starting |
| Water in diesel filter warning light (depending on destination) | Get it checked soon | Water in diesel filter, injection at risk |
| Passenger air bag disarming warning light | Information / status | Passenger air bag switched off |
| Air bag warning light | Get it checked soon | Front, side or curtain air bag fault |
This is the indicator light for the ESP Electronic Stability Programme. It can flash or stay on steadily, and each tells you something different.
What to do:
If the light is flashing:
If the light stays on steadily:
This warning light is for the particulate emission filter on diesel engines, and a beep sounds when it comes on. If it flashes while the engine is running, the filter is overloaded or the engine has been idling for too long, and you may see white smoke from the exhaust. If you keep driving the same way, the filter could clog.
What to do:
If the light is flashing with the engine running:
If the light comes on and stays on:
This is the warning light for the anti-lock braking system (ABS). It comes on for 3 seconds every time you switch on the ignition, which is normal. If it comes on when you are driving at more than 8 mph (12 km/h), the ABS has a fault, but your car still has conventional servo-assisted braking.
What to do:
This warning light is linked to the front brake pads. When it comes on, the pads need replacing.
What to do:
This is the engine diagnostics warning light. It comes on every time you switch on the ignition, which is normal. If it stays on or flashes with the engine running, there is a fault, and the type of fault depends on how it lights up.
What to do:
If the light stays on steadily with the engine running:
If the light flashes with the engine running:
This is the diesel pre-heating indicator light. If the engine is already warm enough, it won't come on and you can start the engine straight away.
What to do:
This warning light, fitted depending on the country the car was sold in, shows that there is water in the diesel filter. If you leave it, the injection system could be damaged.
What to do:
This warning light tells you about the passenger air bag. When it comes on, a beep sounds and a message appears on the multi-function display.
What to do:
If the light comes on with the ignition and stays on:
If the light flashes:
This is the air bag warning light. It comes on for 6 seconds when you switch on the ignition, which is normal. If it comes on while you are driving, a beep sounds and a message on the multi-function display tells you which air bag has a fault: front, side or curtain.
What to do:
If you are not sure what a light means, or it behaves differently from what is described here, check your own handbook. If you are still worried, stop somewhere safe and contact a PEUGEOT dealer for advice.
Orange lights are rarely an emergency, but they are your 406 Break telling you something. Deal with them promptly and you can head off bigger problems later.
Related guides: Peugeot 406 Break (2002) red warning lights, Peugeot 406 Break (2002) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 406 guides.
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