Peugeot 308 Dashboard Warning Lights: Complete Guide to All 16 Signals
Complete reference guide to the 16 dashboard warning lights on a Peugeot 308: colour coding, what each signal means, and the exact action you should take — from the red STOP light to the amber low-fuel indicator.
The Peugeot 308 dashboard follows the ISO 2575 colour-coding standard so you can assess severity at a glance. Red means stop immediately — a serious fault. Amber or yellow means caution — check soon. Green means a system is active. This guide breaks down all 16 primary dashboard signals on the Peugeot 308 and tells you exactly what to do when each one appears.
What does the red STOP light mean on a Peugeot 308?
The red STOP indicator is the most critical signal on the Peugeot 308 dashboard. It indicates a severe fault that requires you to stop the vehicle immediately. This light typically accompanies other warnings — oil pressure, engine temperature, or brake system alerts.
What to do: pull over at the earliest safe opportunity, switch off the engine, and contact a Peugeot dealer or qualified mechanic. Do not continue driving.
What does the oil pressure warning light indicate?
The red oil pressure light means the engine has lost normal lubrication pressure. Common causes are low oil level, a failing oil pump, or a clogged oil filter. If this light comes on while driving, the engine is at immediate risk of severe internal damage.
What to do: stop the engine immediately, wait a few minutes, then check the oil level using the dipstick. If the level is normal but the light stays on, do not drive — call a tow truck.
How should you react to the coolant temperature warning?
The red coolant temperature warning signals engine overheating. The coolant has exceeded its safe operating temperature. Possible causes include low coolant level, a stuck thermostat, a coolant leak, or a faulty radiator fan.
What to do: stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down — never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Check the coolant level once cool. See our documentation for the correct refill procedure.
Why is the battery charge warning light on?
The red battery charge light means the battery is not receiving sufficient charge from the alternator. Common causes are a loose or damaged alternator belt, a faulty alternator, or corroded battery terminals. Related fault codes include P0562 (low voltage) and P0563 (high voltage).
What to do: check the battery terminals and the alternator belt condition. If the light stays on while driving, reduce electrical load (air conditioning, audio) and head to a garage.
What does the brake system warning light mean?
The red brake system light can indicate one of several issues: low brake fluid level, worn brake pads, or the handbrake being engaged.
What to do: first, check that the handbrake is fully released. If the light remains on, inspect the brake fluid reservoir level. Low fluid usually means pad wear or a leak — both require immediate attention. For every warning light on your Peugeot, see the warning lights hub.
How urgent is the airbag (SRS) warning light?
The amber airbag or SRS warning light indicates a fault in the supplemental restraint system. In a collision, the airbags may fail to deploy. Common triggers include a faulty sensor, loose wiring under the seat, or an SRS control module error.
What to do: schedule a diagnostic check at a Peugeot dealer. A glowing airbag light will not prevent the car from running, but it compromises your safety in a crash.
What triggers the seat belt reminder?
The red seat belt symbol means one or more occupants have not fastened their seat belts. It is accompanied by an audible chime when the vehicle is in motion. All seats are monitored, but the audible warning typically only activates for the front seats.
What to do: fasten your seat belt. This is not just a legal requirement — it is your primary safety restraint in any collision.
What does the engine management light mean?
The amber engine management light signals a fault in the engine or emissions system. The severity depends on how it behaves:
| Light behaviour | Meaning | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Steady amber | Non-urgent fault logged (e.g. oxygen sensor, fuel mixture) | Schedule a diagnostic check |
| Flashing amber | Misfire detected — unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter | Reduce engine load immediately |
| On with loss of power | Limp-home mode activated | Drive to a garage at reduced speed |
A steady light can point to codes such as P0420 (catalyst efficiency below threshold).
What to do: if flashing, ease off the accelerator and stop. If steady, continue driving but book a diagnostic check soon.
Is it safe to drive with the ABS light on?
The amber ABS light means the anti-lock braking system has a fault. Standard braking still works, but ABS will not activate during emergency braking — the wheels can lock up on slippery surfaces.
What to do: drive carefully, especially in wet conditions, and have the system checked at a garage. For a complete list of dashboard indicators, visit our warning lights hub.
What does the AdBlue light mean on a Peugeot 308?
The amber AdBlue light warns of low AdBlue fluid level or a fault in the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system. This applies to diesel Peugeot 308 models. If ignored, the car may refuse to restart after you switch it off — a Peugeot anti-tamper measure to prevent emissions-cheat driving.
What to do: top up AdBlue at your earliest opportunity. The warning typically gives you 500–1000 km of driving before the restart lock engages.
Why does the spanner (service) light come on?
The amber spanner icon is a routine service reminder. The car has reached the preset mileage or time interval for an oil change, filter replacement, and general inspection. It is not a fault — just a reminder.
What to do: book a service appointment. The indicator resets after the scheduled maintenance is completed.
What does the electric parking brake warning mean?
The red electric parking brake (EPB) warning behaves differently depending on its state. If flashing, the brake is not fully applied or released. If steady, there is a system-level fault. Both require attention.
What to do: test the EPB on a flat surface. If the fault persists, have the system inspected by a qualified mechanic.
How urgent is a tyre pressure warning?
The amber tyre pressure light indicates low pressure in one or more tyres (detected at 25% or more below nominal pressure) or a TPMS sensor fault.
What to do: check and adjust tyre pressures as soon as possible. If the light stays on after inflation, a TPMS sensor may be faulty or the battery in the sensor may need replacement.
What causes the glow plug warning on diesel models?
The amber glow plug light is relevant only to diesel Peugeot 308 models. A flashing light points to a fault in the glow plug or pre-heating system, which can make cold-weather starting difficult.
What to do: if you experience hard starting in cold weather, have the glow plugs and the control module diagnosed at a garage.
How much fuel is left when the low-fuel light comes on?
The amber low-fuel light signals that the fuel level is nearing empty. On diesel models, running the tank completely dry can damage the high-pressure fuel pump and the DPF (diesel particulate filter).
What to do: refuel at the earliest opportunity. Avoid driving on fumes — sediment from the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel system.
This guide covers every standard dashboard signal on the Peugeot 308. For a full catalogue of all possible warning indicators across different car makes, visit the warning lights hub. To check specific fault codes and their meanings, use our DTC code lookup.