143
Check all of these levels regularly, in line with the manufacturer's service schedule. Top them up if necessary, unless other wise indicated.
If a level drops significantly, have the corresponding system checked by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Take care when working under the bonnet, as certain areas of the engine may be extremely hot (risk of burns) and the cooling fan could start at
any time (even with the ignition off).
Checking levels
Engine oil level
To ensure the accuracy of the reading, your
vehicle must be on a level sur face, with the
engine off for at least 30 minutes.
It is normal to top-up the oil level between
services (or oil changes).
CITROËN
recommends that you check the level, and
top up if necessary, every 3,500 miles
(5,000 km). This level is checked using the
dipstick located under the bonnet. To
find this gauge, see the description
of the engine compartment.
Checking using the dipstick
For more information about , and in particular
the dipstick location, refer to the corresponding
section.
F
H
old the dipstick by its coloured grip and
remove it completely.
F
W
ipe the end of the dipstick with a clean
and non-fluffy cloth.
F
R
e-insert the dipstick and push it fully
down, then pull it out again for a visual
check: the level must be between the two
marks A and B . If you find that the level is above the A mark or
below the B mark, do not star t the engine
.
-
I
f the level is above the
MA X (A) mark (risk of
damage to the engine),
contact a
CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
-
I
f the level is below the
MIN (B) mark, you must
top-up the engine oil.
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Practical information
144
Topping-up the engine oil level
Oil grade
The oil must be the correct grade for your
engine and comply with the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Refer to the under-bonnet view for the location
of the oil filler cap on your vehicle.
F
U
nscrew the oil filler cap to access the filler
opening.
F
A
dd oil in small quantities, avoiding any
spills on engine components (risk of fire).
F
W
ait a few minutes before checking the
level again using the dipstick.
F
A
dd more oil if necessary.
F
A
fter checking and topping up, carefully
refit the oil filler cap and return the dipstick
to its housing.
Engine oil change
Refer to the manufacturer's service schedule
for details of the interval for this operation.
In order to maintain the reliability of the engine
and emissions control system, never use
additives in the engine oil.
Brake fluid level
The level of this liquid should be
close to the "MA X" mark. If it is not,
check the brake pad wear.
Draining the circuit
Refer to the manufacturer's service schedule
for details of the interval for this operation.
Fluid specification
The fluid must conform to the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Practical information
145
Coolant level
The check and top-up must only be done with
the engine cold.
A low coolant level presents a risk of serious
damage to your engine.
The coolant level should be close to the "MA X"
mark but should never exceed it.
If the level is close to or below the "MIN" mark,
it is essential to top-up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of the
coolant is regulated by the fan.
In addition, as the cooling system is
pressurised, wait at least one hour after
switching off the engine before carrying out any
work.
To avoid the risk of scalding when you need to
top-up in an emergency, place a cloth around
the cap and unscrew the cap by two turns to
allow the pressure to drop.
Once the pressure has dropped, remove the
cap and top-up the level.Check the coolant level regularly.
It is normal to top up the fluid
between two services.
Fluid specification
The fluid must conform to the manufacturer's
recommendations.
The cooling fan may star t after
switching off the engine: take care
with articles and clothing that might be
caught by the fan blades.
Screenwash fluid level
Top up the level when necessary.
Fluid specification
For optimum cleaning and to avoid freezing,
this fluid must not be topped up or replaced
with plain water.
In wintry conditions, it is recommended that you
use an ethyl alcohol or methanol based fluid.
Diesel additive level (Diesel
engine with particle filter)
A low additive level is indicated by illumination
of the service warning light, accompanied by an
audible warning and a message in the screen
(if a display screen is fitted).
To p p i n g u p
This additive must be topped-up by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop without delay.
Used products
Avoid prolonged contact of used oil or
fluids with the skin.
Most of these fluids are harmful to health
or indeed very corrosive.
Do not discard used oil or fluids into
sewers or onto the ground.
Take used oil to a
CITROËN dealer or
a qualified workshop and dispose of in
the containers made available for this
purpose.
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Practical information
146
Checks
Unless otherwise indicated, check these components in accordance with the manufacturer's
service schedule and according to your engine.
Other wise, have them checked by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
12 V battery
For more information and the precautions to
take before starting work on the 12 V batter y,
refer to the corresponding section. The battery does not require any
maintenance.
However, check regularly that the
terminals are correctly tightened
(versions without quick release
terminals) and that the connections
are clean.
Air filter and passenger compartment filter
Depending on the environment (e.g. dusty
atmosphere) and the use of the vehicle (e.g.
city driving), replace them twice as often if
necessary
.
A clogged passenger compartment filter may
have an adverse effect on the per formance
of the air conditioning system and generate
undesirable odours. Refer to the manufacturer's
service schedule for details of the
replacement intervals for these
components.
Oil filter
Replace the oil filter each time the
engine oil is changed.
Refer to the manufacturer's
service schedule for details of
the replacement interval for this
component.
Particle filter (Diesel)
As soon as the traffic conditions permit,
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at
least 40 mph (60 km/h) until the warning light
goes off.
If the warning light stays on, this indicates a low
additive level; refer to “Diesel additive level”
section. or
The start of saturation of the particle
filter is indicated by the fixed
illumination of this warning light
accompanied by a warning message
in the screen (if a display screen is
fitted).
On a new vehicle, the first particle
filter regeneration operations may be
accompanied by a "burning" smell, which
is per fectly normal.
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.
Practical information
147
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any
maintenance (no oil change).
Refer to the manufacturer's service
schedule for the checking interval
for this component.
Electronic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any
maintenance (no oil change).
Refer to the manufacturer's service schedule
for the checking interval for this component.
Automatic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any
maintenance (no oil change).
Refer to the manufacturer's service
schedule for the checking interval
for this component.
Brake pads
Brake wear depends on the style
of driving, particularly in the case
of vehicles used in town, over short
distances. It may be necessary to
have the condition of the brakes
checked, even between vehicle
services.
Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a drop in
the brake fluid level indicates that the brake
pads are worn.
Brake disc wear
For information on checking brake
disc wear, contact a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
Parking brake
If excessive travel or a loss of
effectiveness of this system is
noticed, the parking brake must
be checked, even between two
services.
Checking this system must be done by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Only use products recommended by
CITROËN or products of equivalent quality
and specification.
In order to optimise the operation of units
as important as those in the braking
system,
CITROËN selects and offers very
specific products.
After washing the vehicle, dampness, or
in wintry conditions, ice can form on the
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency
may be reduced. Make light brake
applications to dry and defrost the brakes.
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Practical information
174
Charging the battery using
a battery charger
For optimum service life of the battery, it is
essential to maintain an adequate state of
charge.
In some circumstances it may be necessary to
charge the battery:
-
I
f you use your vehicle essentially for short
journeys.
-
I
f the vehicle is to be taken off the road for
several weeks.
Contact a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
If you envisage charging your vehicle's
battery yourself, use only a charger
compatible with lead-based batteries of a
nominal voltage of 12 V.
Follow the instructions for use provided by
the charger manufacturer.
Never reverse polarities.
It is not necessary to disconnect the
battery. F
S
witch off the ignition.
F
S
witch off all electricity consuming devices
(audio system, lighting, wipers, etc.).
F
S
witch off the charger B before connecting
the cables to the battery, so as to avoid any
dangerous sparks.
F
E
nsure that the charger cables are in good
condition.
F
R
aise the plastic cover, if your vehicle has
one, on the (+) terminal.
F
C
onnect the charger B cables as follows:
-
T
he positive (+) red cable to the (+)
terminal of the battery A .
-
T
he negative (-) black cable to the earth
point C on the vehicle.
F
A
t the end of the charging operation, switch
off the charger B before disconnecting the
cables from the battery A . If this label is present, it is essential to
use only a 12 V charger to avoid causing
irreversible damage to the electrical
components related to the Stop & Start
system.
Never try any charge a frozen battery -
Risk of explosion!
If the battery has frozen, have it checked
by a
CITROËN dealer or by a qualified
workshop who will check that the internal
components have not been damaged and
that the container has not cracked, which
would mean a risk of toxic and corrosive
acid leaking.
In the event of a breakdown
175
Disconnecting the battery
In order to maintain an adequate state
of charge for starting the engine, it is
recommended that the battery be disconnected
if the vehicle is taken out of service for a long
period.
Before disconnecting the battery:
F
C
lose all openings (doors, boot, windows).
F
S
witch off all electricity consuming devices
(audio system, wipers, lighting, etc.).
F
S
witch off the ignition and wait for four
minutes.
After accessing the battery, you only have to
disconnect the (+) terminal.Rapid lock lug
Disconnecting the (+) terminal
F
R
aise palette A as much as possible to
unlock clamp B .
F
R
emove clamp B by raising it. Reconnecting the (+) terminal
F
R
aise palette A as much as possible.
F
R
eplace clamp B open on the (+) terminal
F
P
ress clamp B up to the stop.
F
L
ower palette A to lock clamp B.
8
In the event of a breakdown
177
Towing the vehicle
Procedure for having your vehicle towed.
Access to the tools
The towing eye is installed in the boot under
t h e f l o o r.
To gain access to it:
F
O
pen the boot.
F
L
ift the floor and remove it.
F
R
emove the towing eye from the holder. General recommendations
Observe the legislation in force in your
c o unt r y.
Ensure that the weight of the towing vehicle
is higher than that of the towed vehicle.
The driver must remain at the wheel of the
towed vehicle and must have a valid driving
licence.
When towing a vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground, always use an approved
towing arm; rope and straps are prohibited.
The towing vehicle must move off gently.
When the vehicle is towed with its engine
off, there is no more braking and steering
assistance.
In the following cases, you must always call
on a professional recovery service:
-
v
ehicle broken down on a motor way or
fast road,
-
f
our-wheel drive vehicle,
-
w
hen it is not possible to put the gearbox
into neutral, unlock the steering, or
release the parking brake,
-
t
owing with only two wheels on the
ground,
- w here there is no approved towing arm
available...
8
In the event of a breakdown