What each red warning light on the Peugeot 406 Coupe (2003-2004) means, from the STOP light to oil, coolant and brake lamps, and what to do next.
Red warning lamps on your Peugeot 406 Coupe are the ones to take most seriously. Several of them tell you to stop straight away, and others point to faults with the brakes, charging or air bags that need a PEUGEOT dealer.
This guide covers the 406 Coupe built in 2003-2004 and is based on the handbook edition for vehicles produced from 01/01/2004. Some lamps depend on the version, engine or equipment of your car, so you may not see every one of them on your instrument panel.
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 | Stop immediately, top up when cool |
| Handbrake, Low Brake Fluid Level and EBFD Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Handbrake on, low fluid or EBFD fault |
| Battery Charge Warning Light | Get it checked soon | Charging circuit problem with engine running |
| Air Bag Warning Light | Get it checked soon | Front, side or curtain air bag fault |
| Seat Belt Not Fastened Warning Light | Information / status | Driver's seat belt not fastened |
| Door Open Warning Light | Information / status | A door or the boot is open |
| Coolant Temperature Indicator | Stop safely, get help | Needle in zone B: temperature too high |
This is the central STOP lamp. It works together with the engine oil pressure, low brake fluid level, coolant temperature gauge and electronic brake force distribution fault warning lights, so always check which of those is lit alongside it.
What to do:
When you switch on the ignition:
If it flashes with the engine running:
This lamp works together with the central STOP lamp. If it comes on with the engine running, 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 lamp. If you see it, the handbook tells you to stop immediately and let the engine cool down before you do anything else.
What to do:
This braking lamp comes on each time you switch on the ignition. After that it can mean three different things, depending on which other lamps are lit with it.
What to do:
If the handbrake is on or has not been released correctly:
If it stays on with the handbrake released and the central STOP lamp is lit, the brake fluid level has dropped too far:
If it is lit with the central STOP lamp and the ABS warning lamp, the electronic brake force distribution system (EBFD) has a fault:
This lamp comes on each time you switch on the ignition. If it comes on with the engine running, it 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 lamp 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 showing the cause of the front, side or curtain air bag fault.
What to do:
Fitted depending on the version of your car. With the engine running, this lamp comes on when the driver's seat belt is not fastened.
What to do:
With the engine running, this lamp tells you that a door has not been closed properly or that the boot is open.
What to do:
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. With the needle in zone A the temperature is correct, while in zone B it is too high and the central STOP lamp flashes.
What to do:
If the needle is in zone A:
If the needle is in zone B and the central STOP lamp is flashing:
If a red lamp comes on and you are not sure what it means, stay calm, stop somewhere safe and check your handbook. Where the handbook tells you to, contact a PEUGEOT dealer before driving on.
Red lamps on your 406 Coupe are there to protect you and the car, so never ignore them. Knowing what each one means helps you react quickly and safely.
Related guides: Peugeot 406 Coupe (2003-2004) orange warning lights, Peugeot 406 Coupe (2003-2004) green and blue lights and all Peugeot 406 guides.
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...
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.
Green and blue lamps on your dashboard are generally there to tell you that a system is working or switched on, rather than to warn you of a problem. Some of them can still point to a fault in certain cases, so it...