VI
!
SAFETY
104 The ASC/TCL systems offer ex-
ceptional safety in normal driving,
but this should not encourage the
driver to take extra risks or drive at
high speed.
The correct functioning of these sys-
tems depends on observation of the
manufacturer's recommendations on:
- wheels (tyres and rims),
- braking components,
- electronic components,
- assembly and repair procedures.
After an impact, have these systems
checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualifi ed workshop.
Deactivation
In exceptional conditions (starting a ve-
hicle which is bogged down, stuck in
snow, on soft ground, ...), it may be ad-
visable to deactivate the ASC system,
so that the wheels can move freely and
regain grip.
)
Press the "ASC OFF"
button, locat-
ed to the left of the steering wheel,
until the ASC OFF symbol appears
on the instrument panel screen.
The display of this symbol in the top
right corner of the instrument panel
screen indicates that the ASC and TCL
systems are deactivated.
Reactivation
These systems are not reactivated au-
tomatically above 30 mph (50 km/h).
)
Press the "ASC OFF"
button again
to reactivate them manually.
Switching off of the symbol in the top
right corner of the instrument panel
screen indicates the reactivation of the
ASC and TCL systems.
Operating fault
The displaying of this mes-
sage on the instrument panel
screen indicates a malfunc-
tion of these systems.
Contact a CITROËN deal-
er or a qualifi ed workshop to have the
ASC/TCL systems checked.
TRAJECTORY CONTROL
SYSTEMS
Activation
These systems are activated automati-
cally each time the vehicle is started.
They operate when the vehicle speed is
higher than 10 mph (15 km/h).
Traction control and automatic
stability control
Traction control optimises traction to
prevent wheel spin, by acting on the
brakes of the driving wheels and on the
engine.
Automatic stability control acts on the
brake of one or more wheels and on the
engine to keep the vehicle on the tra-
jectory required by the driver.
They come into operation in
the event of a grip or trajectory
problem.
This is indicated by fl ashing
of this symbol on the instrument panel
screen.
Associated systems which guarantee
the directional stability of the vehicle
within the limits of the laws of physics:
- traction control (TCL),
- automatic stability control (ASC).
VI
!
SAFETY
108
AIRBAGS
The airbags do not operate
when the ignition is switched
off.
This equipment will only operate
once. If a second impact occurs (dur-
ing the same or a subsequent acci-
dent), the airbag will not operate.
Front airbags
System which protects the head and
chest of the driver and front passenger
in the event of a front impact.
The driver's airbag is fi tted in the centre
of the steering wheel; the front passen-
ger's airbag is fi tted in the dashboard
above the glove box.
Deployment
The airbags are deployed simultane-
ously, unless the passenger's front
airbag is deactivated, in the event of
a serious front impact applied to all or
part of the front impact zone A
, in the
longitudinal centreline of the vehicle on
a horizontal plane and directed from the
front to the rear of the vehicle.
The front airbag infl ates between the
front occupant of the vehicle and the
dashboard to cushion their forward
movement.
Impact detection zones
A.
Front impact zone.
B.
Side impact zone.
Deployment of the airbag(s) is ac-
companied by a slight emission of
harmless smoke and a noise, due to
the activation of the pyrotechnic car-
tridge incorporated in the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but sensi-
tive individuals may experience slight
irritation.
The noise of the detonation may re-
sult in a slight loss of hearing for a
short time.
System designed to maximise the safety
of the occupants (with the exception of
the rear centre passenger) in the event
of violent collisions. It supplements the
action of the force-limiting seat belts.
If a collision occurs, the electronic de-
tectors record and analyse the front
and side impacts sustained in the im-
pact detection zones:
- in the case of a serious impact, the
airbags are deployed instantly and
protect the occupants of the vehicle
(with the exception of the rear cen-
tre passenger); immediately after the
impact, the airbags defl ate rapidly so
that they do not hinder visibility or the
exit of the occupants,
- in the case of a minor or rear impact
or in certain roll-over conditions, the
airbags will not be deployed; the
seat belt alone is suffi cient to pro-
vide optimum protection in these
situations.
VI
!
111
Lateral airbags
Use only approved covers on the seats, compatible with the deployment the
lateral airbags. For information on the range of seat covers suitable for your
vehicle, you can contact a CITROËN dealer (see "Practical information - §
Accessories").
Do not fi x or attach anything to the seat backs (clothing...). This could cause
injury to the chest or arms if the lateral airbag is deployed.
Do not sit with the upper part of the body any nearer to the door than necessary.
For the airbags to be fully
effective, observe the
following safety rules:
Sit in a normal upright position.
Wear a correctly adjusted seat belt.
Do not leave anything between the
occupants and the airbags (a child,
pet, object...). This could hamper the
operation of the airbags or injure the
occupants.
After an accident or if the vehicle has
been stolen or broken into, have the
airbag systems checked.
All work on the airbag system must be
carried out by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualifi ed workshop.
Even if all of the precautions men-
tioned are observed, a risk of injury
or of minor burns to the head, chest
or arms when an airbag is deployed
cannot be ruled out. The bag infl ates
almost instantly (within a few millisec-
onds) then defl ates within the same
time discharging the hot gas via open-
ings provided for this purpose.
Curtain airbags
Do not fi x or attach anything to the roof. This could cause injury to the head if
the curtain airbag is deployed.
If fi tted on your vehicle, do not remove the grab handles installed on the roof,
they play a part in securing the curtain airbags.
Front airbags
Do not drive holding the steering wheel by its spokes or resting your hands on
the centre part of the wheel.
Passengers must not place their feet on the dashboard.
If possible, do not smoke as deployment of the airbags can cause burns or the
risk of injury from a cigarette or pipe.
Never remove or pierce the steering wheel or hit it violently.