Orange warning lamps on the Peugeot 406 explained from the 2002 handbook: what each light means and what you should do when one comes on.
Orange warning lamps on your dashboard tell you about a fault or something that needs your attention. Some only confirm that a system is working, while others mean you should have the car looked at soon.
This guide covers the first-generation Peugeot 406, based on handbook edition ed02-02 for vehicles produced from 1 July 2002. Some lamps are only fitted to certain versions, engines or equipment levels, so your car may not have all of them.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel filler cap warning light | Action needed from you | Fuel cap missing or not screwed on |
| ESP Electronic Stability Programme operation indicator light | Information / status | ESP working, switched off or faulty |
| Clogging of the particulate emission filter warning light (diesel engine) | Get it checked soon | Particulate filter overloaded or at risk |
| 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 | Information / status | Wait for it to go out |
| Water in diesel filter warning light (according to destination) | Get it checked soon | Water in diesel filter |
| Passenger air bag disarming warning light | Information / status | Passenger air bag is switched off |
| Air bag warning light | Get it checked soon | Front or side air bag fault |
This lamp shows the fuel filler cap symbol.
It comes on if the fuel cap is missing or has not been screwed on correctly.
What to do:
This lamp shows the ESP symbol.
It flashes while the ESP system is working. It stays on steadily if the system has been switched off or if there is a fault.
What to do:
If the lamp is flashing:
If the lamp stays on steadily:
This lamp shows the particulate emission filter symbol and is only found on diesel engines.
When it comes on you will also hear a warning sound. If it flashes with the engine running, the particulate emission filter is overloaded or the engine has been idling for too long, which you may notice as white smoke from the exhaust. If you keep driving in the same way, the filter may become clogged.
What to do:
If the lamp is flashing:
If the lamp is on:
This lamp shows the letters ABS.
It comes on for 3 seconds each time you switch on the ignition. If it comes on when you are driving above 8 mph (12 km/h), the ABS has a fault, but your car still has conventional servo-assisted braking. If it comes on together with the handbrake, low brake fluid level and electronic brake force distribution warning light, there is a fault in the electronic brake force distribution system (EBFD).
What to do:
When you switch on the ignition:
If it comes on above 8 mph (12 km/h):
If it comes on with the brake warning light:
This lamp shows the brake pad wear symbol.
It comes on when the front brake pads need replacing.
What to do:
This lamp shows the engine symbol.
It comes on each time you switch on the ignition. If it stays on steadily with the engine running, there is a fault in the emission control system. If it flashes with the engine running, there is a fault in the injection or ignition system, and on petrol engines the catalytic converter could be damaged.
What to do:
If the lamp stays on steadily with the engine running:
If the lamp flashes with the engine running:
This lamp shows the diesel pre-heating symbol.
It may come on when you switch on the ignition of a diesel car. If the engine is already warm enough, it will not come on at all.
What to do:
If the lamp comes on:
If the lamp does not come on:
This lamp shows the diesel filter symbol and is only fitted in some countries.
It warns you that there is water in the diesel filter, which could damage the injection system.
What to do:
This lamp shows the passenger air bag symbol.
If the passenger air bag has been switched off, the lamp comes on when you switch on the ignition and stays on. You will also hear a warning sound and see a message on the multifunction display.
What to do:
If the lamp stays on steadily:
If the lamp flashes:
This lamp shows the air bag symbol.
It comes on for 6 seconds when you switch on the ignition. If it comes on with the engine running, you will also hear a warning sound and see a message on the multifunction display telling you which front or side air bag has a fault.
What to do:
When you switch on the ignition:
If it comes on with the engine running:
If you are not sure what a lamp means, or it behaves differently from what is described here, check the handbook that came with your car, as some lamps depend on version and equipment. If in doubt, stop somewhere safe and contact a PEUGEOT dealer.
Orange lamps rarely mean you have to stop straight away, but they should not be ignored. Deal with them promptly and your Peugeot 406 will keep looking after you.
Related guides: Peugeot 406 I (2002) red warning lights and all Peugeot 406 guides.
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