Every red warning light on the Peugeot 406 (2003 on) explained in plain English: what each lamp means and what the handbook tells you to do next.
Red warning lamps on your dashboard are the ones to take most seriously. Several of them tell you to stop straight away, so it pays to know what each one means before you need it.
This guide covers the first-generation Peugeot 406, based on handbook edition ed02-03 for cars produced from 1 April 2003. Some lamps depend on the version or equipment of your car, so you may not see every one of them.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Warning | Urgency | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Central (STOP) Warning Light | Stop safely, get help | Flashing with engine running: 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 and let the engine 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 fault with the engine running |
| Air Bag Warning Light | Get it checked soon | Front or side 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 |
This is the central STOP warning light. It works together with the engine oil pressure, low brake fluid level, coolant temperature gauge and electronic brake force distribution fault warning lights. It comes on each time you switch the ignition on.
What to do:
If it flashes while the engine is running:
This light works together with the central STOP warning light. If it comes on while the engine is 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. The handbook does not explain it further, but it does tell you exactly what to do when it comes on. Keep in mind that the cooling system is pressurised.
What to do:
This light comes on each time you switch the ignition on. On its own, it means the handbrake is on or has not been fully released. If it comes on together with the central STOP warning light and stays on even with the handbrake released, the brake fluid level has dropped too far. If it comes on together with the STOP light and the ABS warning light, there is a fault in the electronic brake force distribution system.
What to do:
If it stays on with the handbrake released and the STOP light is also on:
If it comes on together with the STOP light and the ABS warning light:
This light comes on each time you switch the ignition on. If it comes on while the engine is 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 light comes on for 6 seconds when you switch the ignition on. If it lights up while the engine is running, you will also hear a warning sound and see a message on the multifunction display showing the cause of the front or side air bag fault.
What to do:
This light comes on with the engine running when the driver's seat belt is not fastened.
What to do:
With the engine running, this light 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 which one it is, stay calm, stop somewhere safe and contact a PEUGEOT dealer for advice before driving on.
Red lights are your 406's way of telling you something needs attention now. Knowing what each one means helps you react calmly and keep yourself and your car safe.
Related guides: Peugeot 406 I (2003) orange warning lights and all Peugeot 406 guides.
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