2013 Citroen C8 Owner's Manual

SAFETY
87
4
Parking sensors
FRONT AND/OR REAR
PARKING ASSISTANCE

If fi tted on your vehicle, the system is
audible and/or visual and consists of
four proximity sensors, located in the
front and/or rear bumper. The sensors
detect any obstacle which enters
the fi eld: person, vehicle, tree, gate,
located in front of or behind the vehicle
during the manoeuvre.
Objects the size or thickness of which
is detected at the beginning of the
manoeuvre, may no longer be detected
at the end of the manoeuvre: due to
blind spots between and below the
sensors. Examples: stake, roadworks
cone, kerbstone.
This system does not take the place of
the vigilance and responsibility of the
driver.

Switching the system on

The system is activated as soon as:


- reverse gear is engaged,

- the speed falls below 6 mph
(10 km/h) in forward gear.
This is accompanied by an audible
signal and displaying of the vehicle,
depending on the display.
The proximity information is given by:


- an audible signal, which becomes
more rapid as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle,

- a graphic on the display, with
blocks which become progressively
closer to the vehicle.
The obstacle is located in relation to
the emission of the audible signal from
the speakers, front or rear and right
or left.

Switching the system off


Press the button again to re-activate
the system. The indicator light on the
button switches off.
In bad or wintry weather, ensure
that the sensors are not covered
with mud, frost or snow.
In this case (e.g. sensors dirty), when
reverse gear is engaged, the indicator
light fl ashes, accompanied by an
audible signal and a message on the
display.
Consult a CITROËN dealer.


Deactivation
Press the button on the fascia
to deactivate the system
(to avoid waking a child...).
The indicator light on the
button comes on. The system returns to the inactive
status:


- when you exit reverse gear,

- when the speed increases to above
6 mph (10 km/h),

- at the end of the manoeuvre, when
the vehicle becomes stationary
(front parking assistance only).


RE-ACTIVATION
When the distance between the vehicle
and the obstacle is less than approximately
thirty centimetres, the audible signal
becomes continuous and the "Danger"
symbol appears depending on the display.

This function will be deactivated
automatically when the vehicle is
towing a trailer or when a bicycle
carrier is fi tted (vehicle fi tted with
towing attachment or bicycle carrier
recommended by CITROËN).

88


Driving safely

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS) AND ELECTRONIC
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
(EBFD)

The ABS, in conjunction with the
electronic brake force distribution,
increases the stability and
manoeuvrability of your vehicle on
braking, in particular on poor or
slippery road surfaces.
HORN

Press one of the spokes of the steering
wheel. When changing wheels (tyres and
rims), make sure that these are
approved.
The anti-lock braking system comes
into operation automatically when there
is a risk of wheel lock.
When this warning light
comes on, accompanied by
a buzzer and a message,
it indicates that there is a
malfunction of the ABS, which
can cause a loss of control of the
vehicle when braking.
When this warning light comes
on, connected to the STOP
warning light, accompanied
by a buzzer and a message,
it indicates that there is a
malfunction of the electronic brake force
distribution, which can cause a loss of
control of the vehicle when braking.

Stop immediately.


In both cases, consult a CITROËN
dealer.
Normal operation of the ABS may
make itself felt by slight vibrations of
the brake pedal.

In emergency braking, press
very fi rmly without releasing the
pressure.


EMERGENCY BRAKING
ASSISTANCE SYSTEM
(EBA)
In an emergency, this system enables
the optimum braking pressure to be
reached more quickly, press the pedal
fi rmly without releasing it.
It is triggered by the speed at which the
brake pedal is activated.
To prolong the operation of the
emergency braking assistance system:
keep your foot on the brake pedal.
This alters the resistance of the brake
pedal under your foot.

SAFETY
89
4
Driving safely
TRACTION CONTROL (ASR)
AND DYNAMIC STABILITY
CONTROL
(ESP)

Activation of the ASR and ESP
systems
When the ignition is on, the ASR and
ESP systems are always active.


Disarming the ASR/ESP
systems
In certain conditions (vehicle stuck in
mud or snow, or on loose ground...), it
could prove useful to disarm the ASR
and ESP systems to make the wheels
spin and regain grip.
-
Press the switch, situated under
the steering wheel on the left of the
fascia.
The indicator light comes on
accompanied by a message:
the ESP and ASR systems
no longer act on the engine
operation, but continue to act
on the brakes.
Operating check
The ASR/ESP systems offer
increased safety during normal
driving, but should not incite the
driver to take risks or to drive at high
speed.


The operation of these systems is
ensured if the recommendations
of the manufacturer regarding
the wheels (tyres and rims), the
braking components, the electronic
components and the fi tting and repair
procedures within the CITROËN
network are observed.


After an impact, have these systems
checked by a CITROËN dealer .

They engage again:
-
automatically above 30 mph
(50 km/h),
- manually by pressing the switch
again.


Operation of the ASR and
ESP systems
The warning light fl ashes if
the ASR or ESP is activated.

These systems are linked and
complement the ABS.
The ASR system optimises drive to
prevent the wheels skidding, by acting
on the brakes of the drive wheels
and on the engine. It also allows the
directional stability of the vehicle to be
improved on acceleration.
If there is a variation between the
trajectory followed by the vehicle and
that required by the driver, the ESP
system automatically acts on the
engine and the brake of one or more
wheels, in order to put the vehicle back
on course, within the limits of the laws
of physics. When a malfunction of the
systems occurs, the indicator
light comes on, accompanied
by an audible signal and a
message on the display.

Consult a CITROËN dealer to have the
system checked.

90


Driving safely


TYRE UNDER-INFLATION
DETECTION

Sensors check the tyre pressure during
driving, and trigger a warning in the
event of a malfunction (speed greater
than approx.15 mph [25 km/h]) or
puncture.
An outline representing one or more
wheels fl ashing indicates the location
of the wheel or wheels concerned.

Flat tyre

The SERVICE warning light
comes on, accompanied
by the message "Tyre(s)
defl ated"
, an outline on the display,
and an audible signal.
Check the tyre pressure as soon as
possible. If the damaged tyre is temporarily
stored in the boot, it will again emit
this message to remind you of the
necessity of having it repaired. This will
prevent another warning of the same
type being displayed.


Sensor(s) not detected

The SERVICE warning light
comes on, accompanied
by the message "X tyre
pressure sensor(s) missing"
, an
outline on the display and an audible
signal.
Under-infl ation detection is absent
from one (or several) tyre(s). Consult a
CITROËN dealer to replace the faulty
sensor(s). This message is also displayed
when one of the tyres is away
from the vehicle (being repaired)
or when a wheel without a sensor is
fi tted.
All repairs and changing of
tyres on a wheel fi tted with this
system must be carried out by a
CITROËN dealer.

The tyre under-infl ation detection
system is a driving aid which does
not take the place of

the

vigilance or
the responsibility of the driver.

This system does not remove the
need to have the tyre pressure
checked regularly (including the spare
wheel), to ensure that the dynamic
performance of the vehicle remains at
its best and to avoid premature wear
of the tyres, in particular in the case
of arduous driving (heavy load, high
speed).
The system may temporarily be
disturbed by radio broadcasts on a
frequency close to it.


Puncture

The STOP warning light
comes on, accompanied
by the message
"Punctured tyre(s)"
, an outline on the
display and an audible signal.
Stop immediately, avoiding any sudden
movement of the steering wheel and
the brakes.
Change the damaged (punctured or
very defl ated) tyre, and have the tyre
pressure checked as soon as possible.
Refer to the "Changing a wheel"
section of chapter 7.

SAFETY
91


Seat belts

4

FRONT AND REAR SIDE
SEAT BELTS

The front seats and the rear side seats
of row 2 are fi tted with pre-tensioners
and force limiters. The lap strap must be positioned as
low as possible on the pelvis. The
chest strap must pass over the hollow
of the shoulder.
Check that the seat belt is fastened
correctly by pulling the strap. The force-limiting device reduces the
pressure of the seat belt against the
chest of the occupant, so increasing
his protection.

A bag placed on the front
passenger seat or a pet sitting on
this seat may trigger the lighting of
this warning light.
SEAT BELTS


Front seat belt warning light

If the driver and/or front
passenger has/have not
fastened his/their seat belt, this
warning light comes on.
Then, at a speed in excess of
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h), it fl ashes
accompanied by an audible signal of
increasing volume (for approximately
90 seconds) and a message on the display.

Row 2 rear side seat belts

For your comfort, if you are not using
the seat belt, slide the seat belt loop to
the upper stop to prevent the tongue
from vibrating.


To adjust the height
-
To lower the attachment point,
squeeze control and slide it
downwards.
- To raise the attachment point, slide
control upwards.



To fasten
-
Pull the strap, then insert the
buckle into the stalk.
- Check that the seat belt is secured
correctly by pulling the strap.


Inertia reel seat belts

These are fi tted with a device which
locks the seat belt automatically in
the event of an impact or emergency
braking.
Safety in the event of a frontal impact
has been improved by the introduction
of pre-tensioning and force-limiting
seat belts. Depending on the
seriousness of the impact, the
pre-tensioning system instantly
tightens the seat belts fi rmly against
the body of the occupant.
The pre-tensioning seat belts are
armed when the ignition is on.

Row 3 rear side seat belts

The row 3 rear side seats are fi tted
with two seat belts which are both
three-point inertia reel belts with force
limiter.

92


Seat belts

Depending on the nature and
seriousness of any impact, the
pretensioning device may be triggered
before and independently of infl ation
of the airbags. It instantly tightens
the seat belts against the body of the
occupants.
Triggering of the pretensioners is
accompanied by a slight discharge
of harmless smoke and a noise, due
to the activation of the pyrotechnic
cartridge incorporated in the system.
The force limiter reduces the pressure
of the seat belt against the body of the
occupants.


The pretensioning seat belts are active
when the ignition is switched on.
The inertia reels are fi tted with a device
which automatically locks the strap in
the event of a collision or emergency
braking or if the vehicle rolls over.
You can unfasten the seat belt by
pressing the red button on the buckle.
Guide the seat belt after unfastening. The upper part of the seat belt should
be positioned in the hollow of the
shoulder.
The lap part should be placed as low
as possible on the pelvis.
Do not invert the seat belt buckles as
they will not fulfi l their role completely.
If the seats are fi tted with armrests, the
lap part of the seat belt should always
pass under the armrest.
Check that the seat belt is fastened
correctly by pulling the strap fi rmly.


Good practice

The driver must ensure that
passengers use the seat belts correctly
and that they are all strapped in
securely before moving off.
Wherever you are seated in the
vehicle, always fasten your seat belt,
even for short journeys.
The seat belts are fi tted with an inertia
reel which automatically adjusts the
length of the strap to your size.
Do not use accessories (clothes pegs,
clips, safety pins, etc.) which permit a
clearance with the seat belt straps.
Ensure that the seat belt is rolled up
correctly after use.
After folding or moving a seat or a rear
bench seat, ensure that the seat belt is
rolled up correctly and that the buckle
is ready to accommodate the tongue. To install the seat belt, move the
tongue into position to insert it into the
buckle.


Row 2 and 3 rear centre seat
belts
The row 2 rear centre seat and the
rear bench seat centre seat have an
integrated three-point inertia reel seat
belt.
The airbag warning light comes on
if the pretensioners are triggered.
Consult a CITROËN dealer.
In order to be effective, a seat belt
must:


- restrain one person only,

- must not be twisted, check by
pulling in front of you with an even
movement,

- be tightened as close to the body
as possible.
Recommendations for children:


- use a suitable child seat if the
passenger is less than 12 years old
or shorter than one metre fi fty,

- never allow a child to travel on
your lap, even with the seat belt
fastened.
For further information regarding child
seats, refer to the "Children on board"
section of chapter 4.
In accordance with current safety
regulations, your CITROËN dealer
guarantees all work or any checks,
from testing to maintenance, on your
seat belt equipment.
Have the seat belts checked regularly
(even after a minor impact) by a
CITROËN dealer: they must not show
any signs of wear, cutting or fraying
and they must not be transformed or
modifi ed.
Clean the seat belt straps with soapy
water or a textile cleaning product, sold
by CITROËN dealers.

SAFETY
93
Airbags
4
The airbags have been designed to
maximise the safety of the occupants
(with the exception of the centre
seats of rows 2 and 3) in the event
of a serious collision; they work in
conjunction with the force limiting
seat belts.
In the event of a serious collision, the
electronic detectors record and analyse
the front and side impacts suffered in
the impact detection zones:


- in the event of a serious impact, the
airbags infl ate instantly and protect
the occupants of the vehicle. Immediately after the impact, the
airbags defl ate rapidly, so that they
do not hinder the visibility of the
occupants nor their possible exit from
the vehicle:


- in the event of a minor or rear
impact and in certain roll-over
conditions, the airbags will not
be deployed; the seat belt alone
is suffi cient to provide maximum
protection in these situations.
The seriousness of the collision
depends on the nature of the obstacle
and the speed of the vehicle at the
moment of impact.
Airbags only operate when the
ignition is switched on.
This equipment only operates once.
If a second impact occurs (during the
same or a subsequent accident), the
airbag will not operate.
The triggering of an airbag or airbags
is accompanied by a slight discharge
of harmless smoke and a noise, due
to the activation of the pyrotechnic
cartridge incorporated in the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but
sensitive individuals may experience
some irritation.
The noise of the detonation may result
in a slight loss of hearing for a short
time.
AIRBAGS

It is imperative that the passenger
airbag is disarmed if a child seat is
installed facing rearwards. Refer
to the "Children on board" section of
chapter 4.

94


Airbags



Good practice

If your vehicle is fi tted with a front
passenger airbag, side airbags or
curtain airbags, observe this good
practice.
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 is strictly
forbidden unless it is carried out by
qualifi ed personnel of the CITROËN
network .
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 fascia.
Smoke as little as possible 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.

Side airbags


Only put approved covers on the seats.
These will not hinder infl ation of the
side airbags. Consult a
CITROËN
dealer.
Do not fi x or glue anything to the seat
backs. This could cause injury to the
chest or arms when the side airbag
infl ates.


Do not sit with the upper part of the
body any nearer to the door than
necessary.

Curtain airbags
Do not fi x or glue anything to the roof.
This could cause injury to the head
when the curtain airbag infl ates.
Do not remove the grab handles
installed on the roof, they play a part
in securing the curtain airbags.
Even if all of the precautions
mentioned are observed, a risk of
injury or of minor burns to the head,
chest or arms when an airbag is
triggered cannot be ruled out. In fact,
the bag infl ates almost instantly (within
a few milliseconds) then defl ates within
the same time discharging the hot gas
via openings provided for this purpose.