2020 CITROEN C4 ESP

71
Safety
5(tyres and rims), braking and electronic
components, as well as the assembly and
repair procedures provided by CITROËN
dealers.
In order to ensure that these systems remain
effective in wintry conditions, the use of snow
or all-season tyres is recommended. All four
wheels must be fitted with tyres approved for
your vehicle.
All tyre specifications are listed on the
tyre/paint label. For more information
on Identification markings, refer to the
corresponding section.
Seat belts
Inertia reel
The seat belts are equipped with an inertia
reel which allows the strap length to adjust
automatically to the shape of the user. The seat
belt returns to its storage automatically when it
is not used.
The inertia reels are fitted with a device which
automatically locks the strap in the event of a
collision, emergency braking or if the vehicle rolls
over. It can be released by pulling the strap firmly
and then releasing it so that it reels in slightly.
Pyrotechnic pretensioning
This system improves safety in the event of a
frontal or side impact.
Depending on the severity of the impact, the
pyrotechnic pretensioning system instantly
tightens the seat belts against the body of the
occupants.
The pyrotechnic pretensioning seat belts are
enabled when the ignition is on.
Force limiting system
This system reduces the pressure of the seat
belt on the chest of the occupant, thus improving
their protection.
In the event of an impact
Depending on the nature and
seriousness of the impacts, the pyrotechnic
device may trigger before and independently
of airbag deployment. Deployment 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.
In all cases, the airbag warning lamp comes
on.
Following an impact, have the seat belt
system checked, and if necessary replaced,
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Front seat belts
The front seat belts are fitted with a pyrotechnic
pretensioning system and a force limiting
system.
Rear seat belts

Each of the rear seats has a three-point seat belt
with inertia reel.
The outer seats are fitted with a pyrotechnic
pretensioning and force limiting system.
Fastening
► Pull the strap, then insert the tongue into the
buckle.
►

Check that the seat belt is fastened correctly
by pulling on the strap.
Unfastening
► Press the red button on the buckle.
► Guide the seat belt as it is reeled in.

72
Safety
Seat belts warning lamps
display




1. Front left seat belt warning lamp
2. Front right seat belt warning lamp
3. Rear left seat belt warning lamp
4. Rear centre seat belt warning lamp
5. Rear right seat belt warning lamp
Not fastened/unfastened warning lamp
It comes on in red on both the instrument panel
and on the seat belts warning lamps display as
soon as the system detects that a seat belt is not
fastened or has been unfastened.
Type 1
Front seat belt not fastened alert
When the ignition is switched on, if the
driver or front passenger has not fastened their
seat belt, the corresponding warning lamp ( 1 or
2) comes on in red. At a speed greater than 12
mph (20
km/h), the warning lamp flashes red,
accompanied by an audible signal for around 2
minutes. After this time has elapsed, the warning
lamp remains on fixed in red until the seat belt is
fastened.
Rear seat belt not fastened alert
When the ignition is switched on, if one of
the rear passengers has not fastened their seat
belt, the corresponding warning lamp ( 3, 4 or 5)
comes on in red for 60 seconds.
Seat belt unfastened alert
After the ignition is switched on, if the
driver or a passenger unfastens their seat belt,
the corresponding warning lamp ( 1, 2, 3, 4 or
5) comes on in red. At a speed greater than
12 mph (20
km/h), the warning lamp flashes,
accompanied by an audible signal for around 2
minutes. After this time has elapsed, the warning
lamp remains on until the seat belt has been
fastened again.
With the ignition on, if the driver or a
passenger fastens their seat belt, the
corresponding warning lamp ( 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5)
comes on in green on the display.
With the ignition on, if one of the front or
rear passenger seats is detected as being
unoccupied, the corresponding warning lamp ( 2,
3, 4 or 5) comes on in grey.
When there are no longer any not fastened/
unfastened alerts, the green or grey warning
lamps remain on for around 30 seconds, then
go off.
Type 2
Front seat belt not fastened alert
When the ignition is switched on, if the
driver or front passenger has not fastened their
seat belt, the corresponding warning lamp ( 1 or
2) comes on in red. At a speed greater than 12
mph (20
km/h), the warning lamp flashes red,
accompanied by an audible signal for around 2
minutes. After this time has elapsed, the warning
lamp remains on fixed in red until the seat belt is
fastened.
Rear seat belt not fastened alert
When the ignition is switched on, if one of
the rear passengers has not fastened their seat
belt, the corresponding warning lamp ( 3, 4 or 5)
comes on in red for 60 seconds.
Seat belt unfastened alert
After the ignition is switched on, if the
driver or a passenger unfastens their seat belt,
the corresponding warning lamp ( 1, 2, 3, 4 or
5) comes on in red. At a speed greater than
12 mph (20
km/h), the warning lamp flashes,
accompanied by an audible signal for around 2
minutes. After this time has elapsed, the warning
lamp remains on until the seat belt has been
fastened again.
Advice
The driver must ensure that passengers use the seat belts correctly and that they
are all fastened before setting off.
Wherever seated in the vehicle, you must
always fasten the seat belt, even for short
journeys.
Do not invert the seat belt buckles, as they
will not fulfil their role properly.

73
Safety
5To ensure the proper functioning of the belt
buckles, make sure that there are no foreign
bodies present (e.g. a coin) before fastening.
Before and after use, ensure that the seat belt
is reeled in correctly.
After folding or moving a seat or rear bench
seat, ensure that the seat belt is positioned
and reeled in correctly.
Installation
The lower part of the strap must be
positioned as low as possible over the pelvis.
The upper part must be positioned in the
hollow of the shoulder.
In order to be effective, a seat belt must:
–

be tightened as close to the body as
possible.
–


be pulled in front of you with a smooth
movement, ensuring that it is not twisted.
–


only be used to secure one person.
–


not show signs of tearing or fraying.
–


not be changed or modified, in order to
avoid affecting its performance.
Recommendations for children
Use a suitable child seat if the passenger
is less than 12 years old or shorter than 1.5
metres.
Never use the same seat belt to secure more
than one child.
Never carry a child on your lap.
For more information on Child seats, refer to
the corresponding section.
Maintenance
In accordance with current safety
regulations, for all work on your vehicle's
seat belts, contact a qualified workshop with
the skills and equipment needed, which a
CITROËN dealer is able to provide.
Have the seat belts checked regularly by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop,
particularly if the straps show signs of
damage.
Clean the seat belt straps with soapy water or
a textile cleaning product, sold by CITROËN
dealers.
Airbags
General information
System designed to help improve the safety
of the occupants sitting in the front seats and
the rear outer seats, in the event of a violent
collision. The airbags supplement the action
of the seat belts equipped with a force limiting
system.
Electronic detectors record and analyse the
front and side impacts sustained in the impact
detection zones:
–

In the event of violent impact, the airbags
deploy instantly and help better protect the
occupants of the vehicle; immediately after the
impact, the airbags deflate rapidly in order not
to hinder the visibility or the possible exit of the
occupants.
–

In the event of a slight impact, a rear impact
and under certain rollover conditions, the airbags
may not deploy; only the seat belt helps to
protect you in these situations.
The seriousness of the impact depends on the
nature of the obstacle and the speed of the
vehicle at the moment of collision.
The airbags do not operate when the
ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only deploy once. If a
second impact occurs (during the same or a
subsequent accident), the airbag will not be
deployed again.
Impact detection zones
A. Front impact zone
B. Side impact zone
When one or more airbags are deployed,
the detonation of the pyrotechnic charge

74
Safety
incorporated in the system makes a noise and
releases a small quantity of smoke.
This smoke is not harmful, but sensitive
individuals may experience irritation.
The detonation noise associated with the
deployment of one or more airbags may result
in a slight loss of hearing for a short time.
Front airbags

System that protects the driver and front
passenger in the event of a serious front impact,
limiting the risk of head and chest injury.
The driver's airbag is fitted in the centre of the
steering wheel; the front passenger airbag is
fitted in the dashboard above the glove box.
* For more information on Deactivating the front passenger airbag, refer t\
o the corresponding section.
Deployment
They deploy, except the front passenger airbag
if it is deactivated*, in the event of a serious front
impact to all or part of the front impact zone A.
The front airbag inflates between the thorax and
head of the front occupant of the vehicle and the
steering wheel, driver's side, and the dashboard,
passenger's side, to cushion their forward
movement.
Lateral airbags

In the event of a serious side impact, this system
protects the driver and front passenger to
mitigate the risk of injury to the chest, between
the hip and the shoulder.
Each lateral airbag is fitted in the seat backrest
frame, on the door side.
Deployment
The lateral airbags are deployed on one side in
the event of a serious side impact applied to all
or part of the side impact zone B.
The lateral airbag inflates between the chest of
the vehicle's occupant and the corresponding
door panel.
Curtain airbags
System contributing towards greater protection
for the driver and passengers (with the exception
of the rear centre passenger) in the event of a
serious side impact in order to limit the risk of
injury to the side of the head.
Each curtain airbag is built into the pillars and
the upper passenger compartment area.
Deployment
It deploys simultaneously with the corresponding
lateral airbag in the event of a serious side
impact applied to all or part of the side impact
zone B.
The curtain airbag inflates between the front
and rear occupants of the vehicle and the
corresponding windows.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning
lamp lights up on the instrument panel.

80
Safety
"RÖMER Duo Plus ISOFIX"
(size category: B1)
Group 1: from 9 to 18 kg
Suitable for forward-facing installation only.
Attached to rings
A and ring B, referred to as
TOP TETHER, using an upper strap.
Three seat body angles: sitting, reclining, lying down.
This child seat can also be used in seat positions not equipped with ISOFIX
mountings. In this case, it must be secured to the vehicle's seat by the three-point seat belt. Adjust the front seat of the vehicle so that the child's feet do not touch the backrest.
i-Size child seats
i-Size child seats have two latches that are anchored to the two rings A.
These i-Size child seats also have:
–

either an upper strap that is attached to ring B

.
–

or a support leg that rests on the vehicle floor
, compatible with the approved i-Size seat position.
Their role is to prevent the child seat from tipping forward in the even\
t of a collision.
For more information on the ISOFIX mountings, refer to the corresponding section.

84
Driving
Driving recommendations
► Observe the driving regulations and remain
vigilant whatever the traffic conditions.
►

Monitor your environment and keep your
hands on the wheel to be able to react to
anything that may happen any time.
►


Drive smoothly
, anticipate the need for
braking and maintain a longer safety distance,
especially in bad weather.
►

Stop the vehicle before performing operations
that require sustained attention (e.g.

settings).
►

During long trips, take a break every 2 hours.
Important!
Never leave the engine running in a
closed space without sufficient
ventilation. Internal combustion engines emit
toxic exhaust gases such as carbon
monoxide. Danger of poisoning and death!
In very severe wintry conditions
(temperature below -23°C), let the engine
run for 4 minutes before moving off, to ensure
the correct operation and durability of the
mechanical components of your vehicle
(engine and gearbox).
Never drive with the parking brake
applied . Risk of overheating and
damaging the braking system!
Never park the vehicle and never
leave the engine running on a
flammable surface (e.g.
dry grass, dead
leaves).The vehicle exhaust system is very
hot, even several minutes after the engine
stops. Risk of fire!
Never drive on surfaces covered with
vegetation (e.g. tall grass,
accumulated dead leaves, crops, debris)
such as a field, a country lane overgrown
with bushes or a grassy verge.
This vegetation could come into contact with
the vehicle's exhaust system
or other systems
which are very hot. Risk of fire!
Make sure you do not leave any item in
the passenger compartment which could
act like a magnifying glass under the effect of
the sun's rays and cause a fire. Risk of fire or
damage to interior surfaces!
Never leave the vehicle unattended,
with the engine running . If you have to
leave your vehicle with the engine running,
apply the parking brake and put the gearbox
into neutral or position N or P (depending on
the type of gearbox).
Never leave children inside the vehicle
unsupervised.
On flooded roads
We strongly advise against driving on flooded
roads, as this could cause serious damage to the
engine or gearbox, as well as to your vehicle's
electrical systems.


If the vehicle absolutely must drive through a
flooded section of road:
►

Check that the depth of the water does not
exceed 15

cm, taking account of waves that
might be generated by other users.
►

Deactivate the Stop & Start function.
►


Drive as slowly as possible without stalling. In
all cases, do not exceed 6 mph (10

km/h).
►

Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.
On leaving the flooded road, as soon as safety
conditions allow

, make several light brake
applications to dry the brake discs and pads.
If in doubt about the state of your vehicle,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.

87
Driving
6Switching off the engine
► Immobilise the vehicle.
► With the engine at idle, turn the key to
position 1
.
►

Remove the key from the ignition switch.
►


T
o lock the steering column, turn the steering
wheel until it locks.
To facilitate unlocking of the steering column, it is recommended that the
wheels be returned to the straight ahead
position before switching off the engine.
Never switch off the ignition before the
complete immobilisation of the vehicle.
With the engine off, the braking and steering
assistance systems are also cut off - risk of
loss of control of the vehicle!
Check that the parking brake is correctly
applied, particularly on sloping ground.
When leaving the vehicle, keep the key in
your possession and lock the vehicle.
Energy economy mode
After the engine has stopped (position 1. Stop),
for a maximum combined duration of 30 minutes,
you can still use functions such as the audio and
telematics system, courtesy lamps or dipped
beam headlamps.
For more information on Energy
economy mode, refer to the
corresponding section.
Key left in
When the driver's door is opened, a
message is displayed, accompanied by an
audible signal, if the key has been left in the
ignition switch in position 1.
If the key has been left in the ignition switch
in position 2, the ignition will be switched off
automatically after one hour.
To switch the ignition back on, turn the key to
position 1, then back to position 2.
Starting/switching off the
engine with Keyless Entry
and Start
The electronic key must be present in the
passenger compartment.
The electronic key is also detected in the
boot.
If the electronic key is not detected, a
message is displayed.
Move the electronic key so that the engine
can be started or switched off.
If there is still a problem, refer to the "Key
not detected - Back-up starting or Back-up
switch-off" section.
Starting

► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral and fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, select mode P
or
N and press the brake pedal.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button while
maintaining pressure on the pedal until the
engine starts.
Diesel engines
In negative temperatures and/or when the
engine is cold, starting takes place only after the
preheating warning lamp goes out.
If this warning lamp comes on after
pressing the " START/STOP" button:
►

Keep the pedal fully depressed and do not
press the "

START/STOP" button again until the
engine is running.
In all circumstances, if one of the starting
conditions is not met, a message is displayed.
In some circumstances, a message indicates
that it is necessary to turn the steering wheel

90
Driving
Electric parking brake
In automatic mode, this system applies the
parking brake when the engine is switched off
and releases it when the vehicle moves off.




At any time, with the engine running:
► T o apply the parking brake, briefly pull the
control.
►

T
o release it, briefly push the control while
pressing the brake pedal.
Automatic mode is activated by default.
This automatic operation can be temporarily
deactivated.
Indicator lamp
This indicator lamp comes on both on the instrument panel and on the control to
confirm that the parking brake has been applied,
accompanied by display of the message
"Parking brake applied".
The indicator lamp goes out to confirm the
release of the parking brake, accompanied by
the display of the message " Parking brake
released ".
The indicator lamp flashes in response to a
manual request to apply or release the brake.
In the event of a battery failure, the
electric parking brake will not operate.
As a safety measure, with a manual gearbox,
if the parking brake is not applied, immobilise
the vehicle by engaging a gear.
As a safety measure, with an automatic
gearbox or drive selector, if the parking brake
is not applied, immobilise the vehicle by
placing the supplied chock against one of the
wheels.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.


Before leaving the vehicle, check that the
parking brake is applied: the parking
brake indicator lamps on the instrument panel
and the control must be on fixed.
If the parking brake is not applied, there is an
audible signal and a message is displayed on
opening the driver's door.
Never leave a child alone inside the
vehicle, as they could release the parking
brake.
When the vehicle is parked: on a
steep slope, heavily loaded or during
towing
With a manual gearbox, turn the wheels
toward the pavement and engage a gear.
With an automatic gearbox or a drive selector,
turn the wheels toward the pavement and
select mode
P.
When towing, the vehicle is approved for
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
Manual operation
Manual release
With the ignition on or engine running:
► Press the brake pedal.
►

While maintaining pressure on the brake
pedal, briefly push the control.
If the brake pedal is not depressed, the
parking brake is not released and a
message is displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
► Briefly pull the control.
The control indicator lamp flashes to confirm the
application request.