2020 CITROEN C4 charging

146
Practical information
For a full charge, follow the desired charging
procedure without pausing it, until it ends
automatically. Charging can be either immediate
or deferred (except fast public charger, mode 4).
You can stop domestic or accelerated charging
at any time by unlocking the vehicle and
removing the nozzle. For superfast charging,
refer to the fast public charger.
For more information on the charging displays
on the Instrument panel and the Touch screen,
refer to the corresponding section.
It is also possible to monitor the charging
progress using the MyCitroën App
application.
For more information on Remote functions,
refer to the corresponding section.
As a safety measure, the engine will not start if the charging cable is plugged into
the connector on the vehicle. A warning is
displayed on the instrument panel.
Cooling the traction battery
The cooling fan in the engine
compartment comes on during charging to
cool the on-board charger and the traction
battery.
Low load / Driving
Driving when the charge level of the
traction battery is too low can lead to the
vehicle breaking down and can lead to
accidents or serious injuries. ALWAYS make
sure the traction battery has a sufficient
charge level.
Low load / Parking
If the outside temperature is negative,
it is recommended not to park your vehicle
outside for several hours at a low load (less
than 20%).
Vehicle in storage for more than
1 month
In the event of a long period of non-use of
the vehicle (beyond 4
weeks) without the
possibility of charging when restarting, the
self-discharge may make it impossible to
restart if the traction battery charge level
is a low or very low, especially at negative
ambient temperatures. ALWAYS make sure
that the traction battery has a charge between
20% and 40% if you do not plan to use your
vehicle for several weeks.
Do not connect the charging cable.
Always park the vehicle in a place with
temperatures between -10°C and 30°C
(parking in a place with extreme temperatures
can damage the traction battery).
Disconnect the cable from the (+) terminal
of the accessory battery in the engine
compartment.
Connect a 12 V battery charger to the (+)
and (-) terminals of the accessory battery
about every 3 months in order to recharge the
accessory battery and maintain an operating
voltage.
Precautions
Our electric vehicles have been developed in
accordance with the recommendations on the
maximum limits for electromagnetic fields, as
issued by the International Commission on Non-
Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP - 1998
Guidelines).
Wearers of pacemakers or equivalent
devices
Ask your doctor about what precautions you should take, or ask the manufacturer
of your implanted electro-medical device about
whether its operation is guaranteed in an
environment which complies with the ICNIRP
recommendations.
If in doubt
Domestic or accelerated charging: do
not remain inside or near the vehicle, or near
the charging cable or charging unit, even for
a short time.
Superfast charging: do not use the system
yourself and avoid approaching public fast
charging points. Leave the area and ask a
third party to recharge the vehicle.

147
Practical information
7For domestic or accelerated charging
Before charging
Depending on the context:
►

Have a professional check that the
electrical system to be used complies with
applicable standards and is compatible with
the vehicle.
►


Have a professional electrician install
a dedicated domestic power socket or
accelerated charging unit (W

allbox)
compatible with the vehicle.
You should preferably use the charging cable
available as an accessory.
For more information, contact a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
During charging
While charging is in progress, unlocking
the vehicle will cause the charging to stop.
If no action is taken on one of the openings
(door or boot) or on the charging nozzle, the
vehicle will lock again after 30 seconds and
charging will resume automatically.
Never work under the bonnet:
–

Some areas remain very hot, even an hour
after charging ends - risk of burns!
–


The fan may start at any time - risk of cuts
or strangulation!
After charging
Check that the charging flap is closed.
Do not leave the cable connected to the
domestic power socket - risk of short-circuit
or electrocution in the event of contact with or
immersion in water!
For superfast charging
Before charging
Check that the fast public charging
station and its charging cable are compatible
with the vehicle.
If the exterior temperature is below:
–

0°C, charging times may be extended.
–


-20°C, charging is still possible, but
charging times may be extended even further
(the battery has to be heated first).
After charging
Check that the charging flap is closed.
Connection
► Before charging, check that the drive selector
is in mode P, otherwise charging is not possible.
►

Open the charging flap by pressing the
push-button, and check that there are no foreign
bodies on the charging connector

.
Domestic charging, mode 2



► Connect the charging cable from the control
unit to the domestic socket.
When the connection is made, all of the indicator
lamps on the control unit light up, then only the
POWER
indicator lamp remains on in green.
►

Remove the protective cover from the
charging nozzle.
►


Insert the nozzle into the charging connector
.
The start of charging is confirmed by the flashing
green CHARGE indicator lamps in the flap, then
those on the control unit.
If this is not the case, charging has not
started; restart the procedure, ensuring that all
connections are properly established.
The red indicator lamp in the flap comes on to
indicate that the nozzle is locked.
When charging is complete and while the
charging cable is still connected, opening

148
Practical information
the driver's door will display the charge level
on the instrument panel for about 20 seconds.
Accelerated charging, mode 3

► Follow the accelerated charging unit
(W allbox) user instructions.
►

Remove the protective cover from the
charging nozzle.
►


Insert the nozzle into the charging connector
.
The start of charging is confirmed when the
charging indicator lamp in the flap flashes green.
If this is not the case, charging has not started;
restart the procedure, ensuring that the
connection has been properly established.
The red indicator lamp in the flap comes on to
indicate that the nozzle is locked.
Superfast charging, mode 4

► Depending on version, remove the protective
cover from the lower part of the connector .►

Follow the instructions for use of the fast
public charger and connect the cable from the
fast public charger
to the vehicle's connector.
The start of charging is confirmed by the flashing
green charging indicator lamp in the flap.
If this is not the case, charging has not started;
restart the procedure, ensuring that the
connection is properly established.
The red indicator lamp in the flap comes on to
indicate that the nozzle is locked.
Deferred charging
Settings
At a CITROËN dealer or qualified
workshop, with touch screen BLUETOOTH
audio system
By default, the deferred charging start time is set
to midnight (vehicle time).
You can have the deferred charging start time
modified.
Visit a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
On a smartphone or tablet
You can programme the deferred charging function at any time via the
MyCitroën App application.
For more information on Remote functions,
refer to the corresponding section.
In the vehicle, with 10-inch touch screen
► In the Energy touch screen menu,
select the Charge page.
►

Set the charging start time.
► Press OK.
The setting is saved in the system.
Activation
Deferred charging is only possible with
modes 2 and 3.
►

After programming the deferred charging,
connect your vehicle to the desired charging
equipment.


► Press this button in the flap within one
minute to activate the system (confirmed by the
charging indicator lamp coming on in blue).
Disconnection

Before disconnecting the nozzle from the
charging connector:
►

If the vehicle is unlocked, lock it and then
unlock it .
►


If the vehicle is locked, unlock it.
The red indicator lamp in the flap goes out to
confirm that the charging nozzle is unlocked.

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Practical information
7► Within 30 seconds, remove the charging
nozzle.
The charging indicator lamp comes on in white.
With selective door unlocking activated,
press the unlocking button twice to
disconnect the charging nozzle.
When charging is complete, the green
charging indicator lamp in the flap goes
out after about 2 minutes.
Domestic charging, mode 2
The end of charging is confirmed when the green
CHARGE indicator lamp on the control unit and
the green charging indicator lamp in the flap
come on fixed.
►

Replace the protective cover on the charging
nozzle and close the charging flap.
►


Disconnect the control unit end of the
charging cable from the domestic socket.
Accelerated charging, mode 3
The end of charging is indicated by the charging
control unit and by the fixed lighting of the green
indicator lamp in the flap.
►

Hang up the nozzle on the charging unit and
close the charging flap.
Superfast charging, mode 4
The end of charging is indicated by the charger
and by the fixed lighting of the green indicator
lamp in the flap.
► You can also pause charging by
pressing this button in the flap (in mode 4
only).
►

Hang up the nozzle on the charger
.
►

Depending on version, replace the protective
cover on the lower section and close the
charging flap.
When the charging nozzle is
disconnected, a message on the
instrument panel indicates that charging is
complete, even if the charging nozzle was
disconnected before full charging was
completed.
Towing device
Load distribution
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heaviest items are as close as possible to the
axle, and the nose weight approaches the
maximum permitted without exceeding it.
Air density decreases with altitude, thus reducing
engine performance.
The maximum towable load
must be reduced by 10% per 1,000
metres of
altitude.
Use genuine towing devices and wiring
harnesses approved by CITROËN. We
recommend having them fitted by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
If not fitted by a CITROËN dealer, they must
still be fitted in accordance with the vehicle
manufacturer's instructions.
Certain driving or manoeuvring aid functions
are automatically deactivated while an
approved towing system is in use.
For more information about driving with a
towing device fitted to a trailer and associated
with the Trailer stability assist, refer to the
corresponding section.
Comply with the maximum authorised
towable weight, as indicated on your
vehicle's registration certificate, on the
manufacturer's label and in the Technical
data section of this guide.
If using accessories attached to the
towing device (e.g. bicycle carriers, tow
boxes):
–

Comply with the maximum authorised nose
weight.
–


Do not transport more than 3 bicycles.
When loading bicycles on to a bicycle carrier
over the towball, be sure to place the heaviest
bicycles as close as possible to the vehicle.
Observe the legislation in force in the
country where you are driving.

154
Practical information
continue to use functions such as the audio and
telematics system, dipped beam headlamps or
courtesy lamps.
Selecting the mode
A confirmation message is displayed when
energy economy mode is entered, and the active
functions are placed on standby.
If a telephone call is in progress at the
time, it will be maintained for around 10
minutes via the audio system’s hands-free
system.
Exiting the mode
These functions are automatically reactivated the
next time the vehicle is used.
To restore the use of these functions
immediately, start the engine and let it run:
–

For less than 10 minutes, to use the
equipment for approximately 5 minutes.
–


For more than 10 minutes, to use the
equipment for approximately 30 minutes.
Let the engine run for the specified duration to
ensure that the battery charge is sufficient.
T

o recharge the battery, avoid repeatedly or
continuously restarting the engine.
A flat battery prevents the engine from starting.
For more information on the 12
V battery/
Accessories battery /, refer to the
corresponding section.
Load reduction mode
This system manages the use of certain
functions according to the level of charge
remaining in the battery.
When the vehicle is being driven, the load
reduction function temporarily deactivates certain
functions, such as the air conditioning and the
heated rear screen.
The deactivated functions are reactivated
automatically as soon as conditions permit.
Bonnet
Stop & Start
Before doing anything under the bonnet,
you must switch off the ignition to avoid any
risk of injury resulting from an automatic
change to START mode.
Electric motor
Take care with objects or clothing that
could be caught in the blades of the cooling
fan or in certain moving components - risk of
strangulation and serious injury!
Before carrying out any work under the
bonnet, you must switch off the ignition, check
that the READY indicator lamp is off on the
instrument panel and disconnect the charging
nozzle if it is plugged in.
The location of the interior bonnet release lever prevents the bonnet being
opened when the left-hand front door is
closed.
When the engine is hot, handle the
exterior safety catch and the bonnet stay
with care (risk of burns), using the protected
area.
When the bonnet is open, take care not to
damage the safety catch.
Do not open the bonnet under very windy
conditions.
Cooling of the engine when stopped
The engine cooling fan may start after
the engine has been switched off.
Take care with objects or clothing that
could be caught in the blades of the fan!
Opening
► Open the left-hand front door.

156
Practical information
Electric motor

1.Screenwash fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir (level only)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery/Fuses
5. Fusebox
6. 400
V electrical circuit
7. Emergency circuit-breaker for emergency
services and maintenance technicians
For more information on the Charging system
(Electric), refer to the corresponding section.
Checking levels
Check all of the following levels regularly in
accordance with the manufacturer's service
schedule. Top them up if required, unless
otherwise indicated.
If a level drops significantly, have the
corresponding system checked by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
The fluids must comply with the manufacturer's requirements and with
the vehicle's engine.
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).
Used products
Avoid prolonged contact of used oil or fluids with the skin.
Most of these fluids are harmful to health and
very corrosive.
Do not discard used oil or fluids into
sewers or onto the ground.
Empty used oil into the containers reserved
for this purpose at a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Engine oil
The level is checked, with the engine having been switched off for at least 30
minutes and on level ground, either using the oil
level indicator in the instrument panel when the
ignition is switched on (for vehicles equipped
with an electric gauge), or using the dipstick.
It is normal to top up the oil level between two
services (or oil changes). It is recommended
that you check the level, and top up if necessary,
every 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
In order to maintain the reliability of the
engine and emissions control system,
never use additives in the engine oil.
Checking using the dipstick
For the location of the dipstick, please refer
to the illustration of the corresponding engine
compartment.
►

Grasp the dipstick by its coloured grip and
pull it out completely

.
►

Wipe the end of the dipstick using a clean,
lint-free cloth.


► Reinsert the dipstick and push fully down,
then pull it out again to visually check the oil
level: the correct level is between marks A
(max)
and B (min).
Do not start the engine if the level is:
–

above mark
A: contact a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
–

below mark B

: top up the engine oil
immediately.

176
In the event of a breakdown
For more information, refer to the
handbook.
Explosive gases can be present close to
the battery.
Accessing the battery
The battery is located under the bonnet.

For access to the (+) terminal:
► Release the bonnet by pulling the internal
release lever
, then the external safety catch.
►

Raise the bonnet.
(+)

Positive terminal with a quick-release
terminal.
(-) Negative terminal.
Starting using another
battery
If the vehicle's battery is flat, the engine can be
started using a backup battery (either external or
from another vehicle) and jump leads or using a
battery booster.
Never start the engine by connecting a
battery charger.
Never use a 24
V or higher battery booster.
Check beforehand that the backup battery
has a nominal voltage of 12 V and a capacity
at least equal to that of the discharged
battery.
The two vehicles must not be in contact with
each other.
Switch off all electricity-consuming equipment
on both vehicles (audio system, wipers,
lighting, etc.).
Make sure that the jump leads are well away
from the engine’s moving parts (fan, belt,
etc.).
Do not disconnect the (+) terminal while the
engine is running.


► Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if the
vehicle has one.
►

Connect the red cable to the (+) terminal of
flat battery

A (at the metal elbow), then to the
(+) terminal of the backup battery
B or of the
booster.
►

Connect one end of the green or black cable
to the (-) terminal of the backup battery

B or of
the booster (or to an earth point on the assisting
vehicle).
►
Connect the other end of the green or black
cable to the (-) terminal of flat battery

A.
►

Start the engine on the assisting vehicle and
leave it running for a few minutes.
►


Operate the starter on the broken down
vehicle and let the engine run.
If the engine does not start immediately

, switch
off the ignition and wait a few moments before
trying again.
►

W
ait for it to return to idle.
►

Disconnect the jump leads in reverse order.
►


Refit the plastic cover to the (+) terminal, if
the vehicle has one.
►


Allow the engine to run for at least
30

minutes, with the vehicle stationary, so that
the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.
Driving immediately without having
reached a sufficient level of charge may
affect some of the vehicle's functions (e.g.
Stop & Start).
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:

177
In the event of a breakdown
8– When using the vehicle mainly for short
journeys.
–

If the vehicle is to be taken off the road for
several weeks.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
To charge the vehicle's battery yourself, use only a charger compatible with
lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of
12

V.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the charger.
Never reverse polarities.
It is not necessary to disconnect the
battery.
►

Switch the ignition off.
►


Switch off all electrical consumers (audio
system, lighting, wipers, etc.).


► Switch off charger B before connecting
the cables to the battery, so as to avoid any
dangerous sparks.
► Ensure that the charger cables are in good
condition.
►

Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if the
vehicle has one.
►


Connect the cables of charger B

as follows:
•

the positive (+) red cable to the (+) terminal
of battery

A.
•

the negative (-) black cable to the (-) terminal
of battery

A.
►

At the end of the charging operation, switch
off charger B

before disconnecting the cables
from battery A.
If this label is present, use only a 12 V
charger to avoid causing irreversible
damage to the electrical components.
24V
12V
Disconnecting the battery
In order to maintain an adequate state of
charge for starting the engine, we recommend
disconnecting the battery if the vehicle is to be
unused for an extended period.
Before disconnecting the battery:
►

Close all openings (doors, boot, windows,
roof). ►


Switch off all electricity-consuming devices
(audio system, wipers, lamps, etc.).
►

Switch off the ignition and wait for 4
minutes.
After accessing the battery, it is only necessary
to disconnect the (+) terminal.
Quick-release terminal clamp
Disconnecting the (+) terminal

► Depending on equipment, lift the plastic cover
on the (+) terminal.
►

Raise lever

A
fully to release clamp
B
.
►

Remove clamp

B
by lifting it off.