Red Peugeot 406Updated 3 min read

Peugeot 406 Break Indicators: Red Warnings (2002)

Red warning lights on the Peugeot 406 Break (from July 2002) explained: what the STOP, oil pressure, coolant and brake lamps mean and what to do.

Red warning lights are the ones that ask you to stop. On your Peugeot 406 Break they point to a problem with the engine oil, the coolant or the brakes, and the handbook tells you to stop immediately when they come on with the engine running.

This guide covers the Peugeot 406 Break handbook edition ed02-02, which applies to cars produced from 1 July 2002. Some lamps depend on the version or equipment of your car, so you may not have every one listed here.

Quick Reference

Scroll the table sideways.

WarningUrgencyIn short
Central (STOP) Warning LightStop safely, get helpSerious fault, stop immediately if flashing
Engine Oil Pressure Warning LightStop safely, get helpLow oil pressure or not enough oil
Low Coolant Level Warning LightStop safely, get helpCoolant level too low, stop immediately
Handbrake, Low Brake Fluid Level and Electronic Brake Force Distribution Warning LightStop safely, get helpHandbrake on, low brake fluid or EBFD fault

Central (STOP) Warning Light

Central (STOP) Warning Light warning lamp icon

This lamp shows the word STOP on your instrument panel.

It comes on each time you switch on the ignition. It works together with the engine oil pressure warning light, the low brake fluid level warning light, the coolant temperature gauge and the electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) fault warning light. If it flashes while the engine is running, one of these has found a serious problem.

What to do:

If it flashes with the engine running:

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

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light warning lamp icon

This is the engine oil pressure symbol on your instrument panel, and it works together with the central STOP warning light.

If it comes on while the engine is running, the oil pressure is too low or there is not enough oil in the lubrication circuit.

What to do:

  • Stop immediately, somewhere safe.
  • Top up the engine oil.
  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer as soon as possible.

Low Coolant Level Warning Light

Low Coolant Level Warning Light warning lamp icon

This is the coolant level symbol on your instrument panel.

When it comes on, the coolant level is too low. Remember that the cooling system is under pressure, so take care before you open it.

What to do:

  • Stop immediately, somewhere safe, and let the engine cool down.
  • To avoid scalding, turn the cap to the first notch so the pressure can drop.
  • Once the pressure has dropped, remove the cap and top up the coolant.
  • Contact a PEUGEOT dealer.

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 iconHandbrake, Low Brake Fluid Level and Electronic Brake Force Distribution Warning Light warning lamp iconHandbrake, Low Brake Fluid Level and Electronic Brake Force Distribution Warning Light warning lamp icon

This is the brake symbol on your instrument panel.

It comes on each time you switch on the ignition. After that, it can mean the handbrake is on, or that something is wrong with the braking system when it lights up together with other warning lights.

What to do:

If the brake light is on by itself, the handbrake is on or has not been released properly:

  • Release the handbrake fully.

If the brake light stays on with the handbrake released and the central STOP warning light is also on, the brake fluid level has dropped too far:

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

If the brake light and the central STOP warning light come on together with the ABS warning light, the electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) system has a fault:

  • Stop immediately, somewhere safe.
  • 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 contact a PEUGEOT dealer. Your handbook is the best guide to the lamps fitted to your own car.

Red lights on your Peugeot 406 Break are there to protect you and the car, so never ignore them. Stay calm, stop somewhere safe and follow the steps above.

Related guides: Peugeot 406 Break (2002) orange warning lights, Peugeot 406 Break (2002) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 406 guides.

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