What each red warning light on the Peugeot 406 Coupe (from March 2002) means and what to do, from the STOP light to oil, coolant, brakes and battery.
Red warning lights on your Peugeot 406 Coupe point to something serious or something that needs your attention straight away. Some of them mean you should stop immediately, so it is worth knowing what each one is telling you before you need it.
This guide covers the Peugeot 406 Coupe built from 1 March 2002, based on handbook edition ed01-02. Some lamps depend on the version or equipment fitted to your car, so you may not see every one listed here.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Central (STOP) warning light | Stop safely, get help | Flashing while driving: stop immediately |
| Engine oil pressure warning light | Stop safely, get help | Low oil pressure or lack of oil |
| Low coolant level warning light | Stop safely, get help | Coolant level low, stop and let cool |
| Handbrake, low brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution warning light | Stop safely, get help | Handbrake on, low brake fluid or EBFD fault |
| Battery charge warning light | Get it checked soon | Charging problem with the engine running |
| Air bag warning light | Get it checked soon | Front, side or curtain air bag fault |
| Seat belt not fastened warning light | Action needed from you | Driver's seat belt not fastened |
| Door open warning light | Action needed from you | A door or the boot is open |
This is the central STOP warning light. It comes on each time you switch on the ignition. It works together with the engine oil pressure, low brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution fault warning lights, and with the coolant temperature gauge. It also flashes when the coolant temperature needle reaches zone B, which means the temperature is too high.
What to do:
If it flashes with the engine running:
This is the engine oil pressure warning light, and it works together with the central STOP warning light. If it comes on with the engine running, it means either the oil pressure is too low or there is not enough oil in the lubrication circuit.
What to do:
This is the low coolant level warning light. When it comes on, the coolant level is too low. Keep in mind that the cooling system is under pressure, so there is a risk of scalding if you open it while hot.
What to do:
This is the braking warning light, and it comes on each time you switch on the ignition. On its own, it means the handbrake is on or has not been released properly. If it stays on with the handbrake released and the central STOP warning light is also lit, the brake fluid level has dropped too far. If it comes on together with the ABS warning light, there is a fault in the electronic brake force distribution system (EBFD).
What to do:
If the brake fluid level has dropped (light on with the handbrake released, plus the STOP light):
If it is lit together with the ABS warning light (EBFD fault):
This is the battery charge warning light, and it comes on each time you switch on the ignition. If it comes on with the engine running, there may be 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 is the air bag warning light, and it comes on for 6 seconds when you switch on the ignition. If it lights up with the engine running, you will also hear an audible signal and see a message on the multifunction display telling you whether the fault is with a front, side or curtain air bag.
What to do:
This is the seat belt warning light. With the engine running, it comes on when the driver's seat belt is not fastened.
What to do:
This is the door open warning light. With the engine running, it tells you that a door has not been closed properly or that the boot is open.
What to do:
If a red light comes on and you are not sure what it means, stay calm, stop somewhere safe as soon as you can and check this guide or your handbook. If in doubt, contact a PEUGEOT dealer.
Red lights are your 406 Coupe's way of telling you something needs attention now. Knowing what each one means helps you react quickly and keep yourself and your car safe.
Related guides: Peugeot 406 Coupe (2002) orange warning lights and all Peugeot 406 guides.
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