61Comfort
Recommendations for ventilation and air co nditioning
If after an extended stop in sunshine, the interior temperature is very high, first ventilate the passenger compar tment for a few moments.
Put the air flow control at a setting high enough to quickly change the air in the passenger compar tment. The air conditioning system does not contain chlorine and does not present any danger to the ozone layer.
In order for these systems to be fully effective, follow the operation and maintenance guidelines below: To obtain an even air distribution, take care not to obstruct the exterior air intake grilles located at the base of the windscreen, the nozzles, the vents and the air outlets, as well as the air extractor located in the boot. Do not cover the sunshine sensor, located on the d ashboard; this is used for regulation of the digital air conditioning system. Operate the air conditioning system for at least 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a month to keep it in per fect working order. Ensure that the passenger compar tment filter is in g ood condition and have the filter elements replaced regularly (refer to the "Checks" secti on). We recommend the use of a combined passenger compa r tment filter. Thanks to its special active additive, it contributes to the purification of the air breathed by the occupants and the cleanliness of the passenger compar t ment (reduction of allergic symptoms, bad odours and greasy deposits). To ensure correct operation of the air conditioning system, you are also advised to have it checked regularly as recommended in the Maintenanc e and Warranty Guide.
If the system does not produce cold air, deactivate it and contact a CITROËN dealer. When towing the maximum load on a steep gradient in high temperatures, switching off the air conditioning increases the available engine power and so improves the towing ability.
The condensation created by the air conditioning results in a discharge of water under the vehicle which is per fectly normal.
When you move the lever in the gate to select a position, the corresponding indicator is displayed on the instrument panel. P. Park R. Reverse N. Neutral D. Drive (Automatic driving) S.Spor t programme .Snow programme 1, 2, 3, 4. Gear engaged during manual operation -. Invalid value during manual operation
Displays on the instrument panel
Foot on brake
Press the brake pedal when this indicator lamp is displayed on the instrument panel (e.g.: star ting the engine).
Moving off
If position N is engaged inadver tently while driving, allow the engine to return to idle then engage position D to accelerate.
When the engine is running at idle, with the brakes released, if position R ,
D or M is selected, the vehicle moves even without the accelerator being pressed. When the engine is running, never leave children in the vehicle without super vision. When carrying out maintenance with the engine running, apply the parking brake and select position P . PP
Apply the parking brake. Select position P or N . Star t the engine. If this procedure is not followed, an audible signal is heard, accompanied by a message on the multifunction screen. With the engine running, press the brake pedal. Release the parking brake. Select position R , D or M , Gradually release the brake pedal. The vehicle moves off immediately.
159Driving
The system is reactivated automatically at every new star t using the key.
Reactivation
This system requires a battery with a special specification and technology (reference numbers available from CITROËN dealers). Fitting a battery not listed by CITROËN introduces the risk of malfunction of the system. In the event of a malfunction with the system, the "ECO OFF" switch warning lamp flashes, then comes on continuously. Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer. In the event of a fault in STOP mode, the vehicle may stall. It is then necessary to switch off the ignition and star t the engine again using the key.
Operating fault Maintenance
Before working under the bonnet, deactivate the Stop & Star t system to avoid any risk of injury resulting from automatic operation of START mode.
The Stop & Star t system makes use of advanced technology. Specialist knowledge is needed for any work on the system, which can only be assured
by CITROËN dealers.
Press the "ECO OFF" switch again. The system is active again; this is confirmed
by the switch warning lamp going off, accompanied by a message on the screen.
173Checks
Checking levels
Check all of these levels regularly and top them up if necessary, unless other wise indicated. If a level drops significantly, have the corresponding system checked by a CITROËN dealer.
Oil level
Engine oil change
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for details of the inter val for this operation.
In order to maintain the reliability of the engine and emission control system, the use of additives in the engine oil is prohibited.
Oil grade
The oil must be suitable for your engine and conform to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Brake fluid level
C h a n g i n g t h e fl u i d
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for details of the inter val for this operation.
F l u i d s p e c i fi c a t i o n
The brake fluid must conform to the manufacturer's recommendations and meet the DOT4 standard.
The brake fluid level should be close to the "MA X" mark. If it is not, check the brake pad wear.
The reading will only be correct if the vehicle is on level ground and the engine has been off for more than 15 minutes. The check is carried out either when the ignition is switched on using the oil level indicator on the instrument panel, or using the dipstick.
Checks
Battery Air filter and passenger compartment filter
Oil filter
Particle emission filter (Diesel)
Following prolonged operation of the vehicle at very low speed or at idle, you may, in exceptional circumstances,
notice the emission of water vapour at the exhaust on acceleration. This does not affect the behaviour of the vehicle or the environment.
Unless other wise indicated, check these components in accordance with the Maintenance and Warranty Guide and according to your engine. Other wise, have them checked by a CITROËN dealer.
The battery does not require any maintenance. However, check that the terminals are clean and correctly tightened, particularly in summer and winter. When carrying out work on the battery, refer to the "Practical information" section for details of the precautions to be taken before disconnecting the battery and following its reconnection.
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for details of the replacement inter vals for these components. Depending on the environment (e.g. dusty atmosphere) and the use of the vehicle (e.g. city driving), replace them twice as often if necessar y (refer to the "Engines" section). A clogged passenger compar tment filter may have an adverse effect on the per formance of the air conditioning system and generate undesirable odours.
Replace the oil filter each time the engine oil is changed.
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for details of the replacement inter val for this component.
The presence of this label, in par ticular with the Stop & Star t system, indicates the use of a specific 12 V lead-acid battery with special technology and specification, for which the involvement of a CITROËN dealer is required when replacing or disconnecting the battery. Failure to obser ve this recommendation may cause premature wear of the battery.
It is imperative that the maintenance of the par ticle emission filter is carried out by a CITROËN dealer.
177Checks
Manual gearbox
Automatic gearbox
Brake pads
Brake wear depends on the style of driving, par ticularly in the case of vehicles used in town, over shor t distances. It may be necessary to have the condition of the brakes checked, even between vehicle ser vices. Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a drop in the brake fluid level indicates that the brake pads are worn.
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change). Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for the details of the level checking inter val for this component.
Brake disc wear
Parking brake
If a loss of effectiveness of this system is noticed, the parking brake must be checked, even between two ser vices. This system must be checked by a CITROËN dealer.
Only use products recommended by CITROËN or products of equivalent
quality and specifications. In order to optimise the operation of units as impor tant as the braking
system, CITROËN selects and offers very specific products. To avoid damaging the electrical units, the use of a high pressure washer
in the engine compar tment is strictly prohibited .
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for details of the level checking inter val for this component.
For information relating to checking the brake disc wear, contact a
CITROËN dealer.
215Practical information
"Multimedia":
hands-free system, audio systems, semi-integral satellite navigation system, por table navigation systems, mapping update CD, speed camera warning, DVD player, reversing
camera, USB Box, speakers, Hi-Fi module, 230 V socket, WiFi on Board...
"Boutique":
windscreen wash fluid, interior and exterior cleaning and maintenance products, bodywork touch-up aerosol and pen...
Installation of radio communication transmitters
Before installing on your vehicle any after-market radio communication transmitter with external aerial, we recommend that you contact
a CITROËN dealer. The CITROËN dealer network will give you the specification for transmitters which can be fitted (frequency, maximum power, aerial position, specific installation requirements), in line with the Vehicle Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2004/104/EC).
The fitting of electrical equipment or accessories which are not recommended by CITROËN may result in a failure of your vehicle’s electronic system and excessive electrical consumption. Please note this specific warning. You are advised to contact a CITROËN representative to be shown the range of recommended equipment and accessories.
Depending on the country in which the vehicle is sold, it may be compulsory to have a high visibility safety jacket, warning triangle and spare bulbs available in the vehicle.
Welcome
This document describes the special features relating to the presentation and use of your CITROËN DS3 R ACING. Refer to the owner's handbook for all other descriptions and specifications, and also to the Maintenance and Warranty Guide for ser vicing information for your vehicle.