Peugeot 508 Indicators: Orange Warnings

Orange (amber) warning lamps on a Peugeot 508 rarely mean you have to stop immediately, but they shouldn't be ignored. Most tell you that a system has developed a fault, has switched itself off or needs some attention from you. This guide explains each amber lamp on the second-generation 508 Fastback and SW (2018 on) and, crucially, how urgent it is. We've based it on the official Peugeot 508 owner's handbook.

Many 508s are plug-in hybrids, so alongside the usual engine warnings you'll find a few that only appear on the Hybrid and PSE versions.

The warnings are grouped by urgency, starting with the ones that need a workshop soonest.

Quick Reference

Active Bonnet

The active bonnet is a pedestrian-protection system: in a collision with a pedestrian it lifts the rear of the bonnet to create a cushioning gap above the engine. If this lamp stays on with a message, the bonnet has been deployed.

What to do:

• Don't touch the bonnet
• Don't drive faster than 19 mph (30 km/h). Call for roadside assistance, or stop safely and contact a Peugeot dealer or workshop so the system can be inspected and reset

Service Warning

The Service lamp (a spanner or exclamation mark, depending on the model) is a catch-all for faults that don't have their own dedicated lamp. The message that comes with it is the key.

Engine Self-Diagnostic System

The orange engine symbol is what most people call the "check engine light". How it behaves tells you how urgent it is:

A steady light is not an emergency, but it is something you shouldn't ignore. Some faults affect fuel economy, and in the UK a car with an illuminated engine light fails its MOT.

SCR Emissions Control System

The SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system uses AdBlue to cut NOx emissions from BlueHDi diesels. The handbook describes three stages:

• Lamp on with a chime and message at start-up: a malfunction has been detected. The alert clears once emissions return to normal
• AdBlue lamp flashing, engine lamp steady, with range shown: a fault is confirmed. You can drive up to about 685 miles (1,100 km), depending on the message, before the car blocks restarting. Book it in now
• Same lamps, "starting prevented" message: the driving limit has been used up and the engine won't restart. Call a dealer or Peugeot Assistance

Electric Parking Brake Malfunction

Shown with the message "Parking brake fault", this means part of the electric parking brake isn't working properly.

• If the switch isn't responding: the automatic apply/release functions take over and are reactivated automatically, so use them and have the switch repaired
• If the brake itself is faulty: to hold the car when stationary, pull and hold the switch for about 7-15 seconds until the lamp lights. If that doesn't work, park on level ground, engage a gear (manual) or select P (automatic) and chock a wheel

Either way, contact a Peugeot dealer or workshop.

Braking

On some models, a steady amber brake warning indicates a minor fault in the braking system, unlike the red brake lamp, which is serious.

What to do:

• Drive carefully and allow extra stopping distance
• Have the brakes checked by a dealer or workshop soon

Emergency Brake Malfunction (With Electric Parking Brake)

With the message "Parking brake fault", this warning means the electric parking brake's emergency braking function (used if you hold the switch while moving) won't work at full performance.

What to do:

• If automatic release isn't available, release the brake manually using the switch
• Have the system checked by a dealer or workshop

Hill Start Assist

Shown with the message "Anti roll-back system fault", this means hill start assist isn't working. The car may roll back briefly when you move off on a slope.

What to do:

• Use the handbrake or parking brake for hill starts until it's fixed
• Have it checked by a dealer or workshop

Lane Positioning Assist

When this lamp comes on with the Service lamp, the lane positioning assist system, which keeps the car in your chosen position within the lane, has a fault. Keep both hands on the wheel and have the system checked.

Low Fuel Level

When the low-fuel warning first appears, there are only a few litres left in the tank: around 5-6 litres depending on the model (check your handbook for your car's reserve). Until you refuel, the warning comes back every time you switch on the ignition, and more often as the level falls.

What to do:

• Fill up at the next opportunity
• Don't run the tank dry. Peugeot warns this can damage the emissions control and fuel injection systems

AdBlue® (BlueHDi)

BlueHDi diesels need AdBlue (diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, in the US) to meet emissions rules. The warning gets more insistent as the remaining range falls:

You can buy AdBlue at most filling stations and motor factors. Only use fluid meeting ISO 22241.

Tyre Under-Inflation

A steady tyre symbol means the pressure in one or more tyres is too low, often because of a slow puncture or because of a drop in temperature.

What to do:

• Check all four tyres with a gauge as soon as possible (when the tyres are cold)
• Inflate them to the pressures on the label in the driver's door frame
• Reinitialise the system afterwards through the touch screen or vehicle settings, otherwise the warning will come back

If a tyre keeps losing air, have it checked for a puncture.

Engine Pre-Heating

On diesel models, this coil-shaped lamp lights up when you switch on the ignition in cold weather while the glow plugs warm the engine. It can stay on for up to about 30 seconds in very cold conditions.

What to do:

• Wait for the lamp to go out before starting
• Then keep the clutch (manual) or brake (automatic) pressed and the engine will start straight away
• If it doesn't start, make another start request with your foot still on the pedal

Automatic Functions Deactivated

This lamp means the electric parking brake's automatic functions (applying when you switch off and releasing when you pull away) are deactivated. You'll need to apply and release the brake yourself using the switch.

To reactivate the automatic functions (procedure from the handbook):

1. Start the engine and apply the parking brake with the switch
2. Take your foot fully off the brake pedal
3. Push the switch in the release direction and hold it for 10-15 seconds, then let go
4. Press and hold the brake pedal, pull the switch in the apply direction for 2 seconds, then let go of both

Collision Risk Alert/Active Safety Brake

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)/Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

Turning DSC off can help you move off in deep snow or mud, but switch it back on as soon as you're moving again.

Road Sign Recognition

• Steady, with a message and chime: the road sign recognition system has a fault. Don't rely on the speed limit display until it's been checked
• "Driving Assistance Sensor blind": the windscreen camera is obscured by dirt, ice, condensation or a sticker. Stop when safe, switch off and clean the area in front of the camera

Lane Keeping Assist

Using your indicators when you change lanes stops the system intervening.

Driver Attention Warning by Camera

This system uses a camera to watch for signs of distraction and drowsiness.

• Steady: the system is switched off
• Steady, with a message and chime: system fault. Have it checked
• "Driving Assistance Sensor blind": the camera is obstructed. Stop when safe and clean it

Whatever the lamp says, if you feel tired, take a break. The UK Highway Code recommends a 15-minute break at least every two hours.

Front Passenger Airbag (ON)

This lamp confirms that the front passenger airbag is active (the switch is set to ON). It's the right setting for adult passengers.

Important: never fit a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat while the airbag is on. If the airbag deployed, it could seriously injure or kill the child.

Front Passenger Airbag (OFF)

This lamp confirms the front passenger airbag is deactivated (the switch is set to OFF). It's the setting you need for a rear-facing child seat in the front.

Remember to switch it back to ON before an adult sits there. If the main airbag fault lamp is also on, don't fit a child seat in the front until the fault has been fixed.

Parking Sensors

• Flashing: an obstacle has been detected. Manoeuvre carefully
• Steady, with a message and chime: system fault. Have it checked
• "Parking Assistance Sensor blind": the sensors are covered in dirt, snow or ice. Stop when safe, switch off and clean the front and/or rear bumper sensors

Stop & Start

When the system is off, the engine won't stop at the next standstill. That's normal and not a problem in itself.

Night Vision

On versions with Night Vision, a steady amber lamp means the function is switched on but can't give alerts, because you're driving too fast or the outside temperature is outside its operating range. You can still view the night vision image, but don't count on it to warn you about pedestrians or animals. Drive to the conditions as you normally would.

Rear Foglamps

Your rear fog lamp is on. In the UK, the Highway Code says to use fog lamps only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally to less than 100 metres (328 feet). Switch them off when visibility improves, because they can dazzle drivers behind you and hide your brake lights.

If You're Not Sure

• Read the message. The text that appears with a lamp on the 508's display usually tells you exactly which system is affected
• Note what else is lit. Several warnings change meaning when they appear together with STOP or Service
• Photograph the dashboard before you switch off. It helps the dealer or your breakdown service diagnose the fault
• When in doubt, stop safely and call for help. It costs far less than a damaged engine or a collision

More Peugeot 508 Guides

See our red warning lights, green and blue indicator lamps and what every 508 warning light means. For the bigger picture, read our Peugeot 508 review.

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