2021 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS tow bar

126
Practical information
– the green mark on the star wheel is in line
with the white mark on the ball joint,
– the locking wheel is in contact with the towball (position A),– the security key lock is on and the key removed; the locking wheel can no longer be
operated,
– the towball must not be able to move in its carrier; test by shaking it with your hand.
If the towball is not locked, the trailer can
detach - accident risk!
During use
Never release the locking system with a
trailer or load carrier on the towball.
Never exceed the maximum authorised
weight for the vehicle - the Gross Train
Weight or GTW.
It is essential that the maximum authorised
load be complied with on the towing device:
if it is exceeded, this device may detach from
the vehicle, which is a serious accident risk.
Check that the trailer lamps work correctly.
Before setting off, check the adjustment of the
headlamp beam height.
For more information on Headlamp
adjustment, refer to the corresponding
section.
Following use
When travelling without a trailer or load
on a towbar-mounted carrier, the towball
must be removed and the protective plug
inserted in the carrier. This measure applies
particularly where the towball might obscure
visibility of the number plate or its lighting.
Fitting the towball

► Below the rear bumper , remove the protective plug 2 from the towball carrier 1.

► Insert the end of towball 5 into carrier 1 and
push it upwards; the locking will take place
automatically.


► The locking wheel 6 turns a quarter of a turn
anti-clockwise ; take care to keep your hands
clear!


► Check that the mechanism has correctly locked into place and that the green mark on the
star wheel is in line with the white mark on the
towball (position A).
► Close the lock 7 using the key.

128
Practical information
► Refit protective plug 2 to carrier 1.► Carefully stow the towball in its bag away from knocks and dirt.
Maintenance
Correct operation is only possible if the towball
and its carrier are kept clean.
Before cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure
jet wash, the towball must be removed and the
protective plug fitted to the carrier.
Apply the label provided to a clearly visible area, close to the carrier or in the
boot.
Go to a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop for any work on the towbar system.
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 load which
can be towed must be reduced by 10% per
1,000 metres of altitude.
Use towing devices and their genuine
wiring harnesses approved by CITROËN.
It is recommended that the installation be
performed by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
If not fitted by a CITROËN dealer, it
must still be fitted in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
Certain driving or manoeuvring aid functions
are automatically deactivated if an approved
towing system is used.
Observe the maximum authorised
towable weight, indicated on the vehicle's
registration certificate, the manufacturer's
label as well as in the Technical data section
of this guide.
Complying with the maximum authorised
nose weight (towball) also includes the
use of accessories (bicycle carriers, tow
boxes, etc.).
Observe the legislation in force in the
country where you are driving.
Load reduction mode
System which 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 air conditioning, heated rear
screen, etc.
The deactivated functions are reactivated
automatically as soon as conditions permit.
Energy economy mode
This system manages the duration of use of
certain functions, in order to conserve a sufficient
level of charge in the battery with the ignition off.
After switching off the engine, you can still
use functions such as the audio and telematic
system, the wipers and the dipped beam
headlamps or courtesy lamps, for a combined
duration of approximately 40 minutes.
Switching to this mode
A message appears in the instrument panel
screen indicating that the vehicle has switched to
economy mode and the active functions are put
on standby.
If a telephone call is being made at this
time, it will be maintained for around 10
minutes with the Bluetooth hands-free system
of your audio 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.
To 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,
refer to the corresponding section.
Roof bars
For safety reasons and to avoid
damaging the roof, it is essential to use
the transverse bars approved for your vehicle.
Observe the fitting instructions and the
conditions of use in the guide supplied
with the roof bars.

130
Practical information
► Remove the roof bars once they are no longer needed.
Maximum load, distributed over the roof
bars, for a loading height not exceeding
40 cm:
– without longitudinal bars: 50 kg,– with longitudinal bars: 45 kg.
As this value may change, please verify the
maximum load quoted on the note supplied
with the roof bars.
If the height exceeds 40 cm, adapt the
speed of the vehicle to the profile of the road
to avoid damaging the roof bars and the
mountings on the vehicle.
Be sure to refer to national legislation in order
to comply with the regulations for transporting
objects which are longer than the vehicle.
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.
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 .
► Pull the interior release lever, located at the bottom of the door frame, towards you.

► Tilt the safety catch to the left and raise the bonnet.

► Unclip the stay from its housing and place it in the support slot to hold the bonnet open.
Closing
► Hold the bonnet and pull out the stay from the support slot.
► Clip the stay in its housing.► Lower the bonnet and release it near the end of its travel.► Pull on the bonnet to check that it is locked correctly.
Because of the presence of electrical
equipment under the bonnet, it is strongly
recommended that exposure to water (rain,
washing, etc.) be limited.
Engine compartment
The engine represented is an example given for
illustration purposes only.
The locations of the following elements may
vary:
– Air filter.– Engine oil dipstick.– Engine oil filler cap.– Priming pump.
* Depending on engine.

134
Practical information
For more information on the precautions
to take before any work on the 12 V battery, refer to the corresponding section.
Versions equipped with Stop & Start are fitted with a 12 V lead-acid battery of specific technology and specification.
Its replacement should be carried out only by
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Passenger compartment
filter
Depending on the environment and the use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary .
A clogged passenger compartment filter
can adversely affect air conditioning
system performance and generate
undesirable odours.
Air filter
Depending on the environment and the use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary .
Oil filter
Change the oil filter each time the engine oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
When the particle filter is approaching saturation, this warning lamp comes on
temporarily, accompanied by a message warning
of the risk of filter clogging.
As soon as the traffic conditions permit,
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at
least 37 mph (60 km/h) until the warning lamp goes off.
If the warning lamp stays on, this
indicates a low Diesel additive level.
For more information on Checking levels,
refer to the corresponding section.
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 while
accelerating. This has no impact on the
vehicle’s behaviour or the environment.
New vehicle
During the first few particle filter
regeneration operations, you may notice a
"burning" smell. This is perfectly normal.
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Automatic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
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.
After washing the vehicle, moisture, or in wintry conditions, ice can form on the
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency may
be reduced. Gently dab the brakes to dry and
defrost them.
Brake disc wear
For information on checking brake disc
wear, contact a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Manual parking brake
If you notice excessive brake lever travel or decreased effectiveness, the parking
brake must be adjusted, even between two
services.
This system must be checked by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Wheels and tyres
The inflation pressure of all tyres, including the spare wheel, must be
checked on "cold” tyres.
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure
label are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have driven
for more than 10 minutes or more than 6 miles
(10 kilometres) at over 31 mph (50 km/h), add 0.3 bar (30 kPa) to the values indicated on the
label.
Under-inflation increases fuel
consumption. Non-compliant tyre
pressure causes premature wear on tyres and
has an adverse effect on the vehicle's road
holding - risk of an accident!
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the
braking and road holding performance of the
vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check the
condition of the tyres (tread and sidewalls) and
wheel rims as well as the presence of the valves.
When the wear indicators no longer appear set
back from the tread, the depth of the grooves is
less than 1.6 mm; it is imperative to replace the
tyres.
Using different size wheels and tyres from those
specified can affect the lifetime of tyres, wheel
rotation, ground clearance, the speedometer
reading and have an adverse effect on road
holding.
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles
can cause the ESC to mistime.

142
In the event of a breakdown
The tyre inflation pressures are given on this label.


► Switch on the ignition.

► Switch on the compressor by moving the switch to position " I" until the tyre pressure
reaches 2 bar. The sealant product is injected
under pressure into the tyre; do not disconnect
the pipe from the valve during this operation (risk
of blowback).
If after approximately 7 minutes, the
pressure of 2 bar is not reached, this
indicates that the tyre is not repairable;
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop for assistance.
► Move the switch to position "O".► Disconnect the compressor's electric plug from the vehicle's 12 V socket.► Refit the cap on the valve.► Remove the kit.► Remove and store the bottle of sealant.
The sealant product is harmful if swallowed and causes irritation to the
eyes.
Keep this product out of the reach of children.
The use-by date of the fluid is marked on the
bottle.
After use, do not discard the bottle in
standard waste, take it to a CITROËN dealer
or an authorised waste disposal site.
Do not forget to obtain a new bottle of
sealant, available from a CITROËN dealer or
a qualified workshop.


► Drive immediately for approximately 3 miles (5 kilometres) at reduced speed (between
12 and 37 mph (20 and 60 km/h)) to plug the puncture.► Stop to check the repair and the tyre
pressure using the kit.
With a tyre repaired using this type of kit, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not drive more than 125 miles (200 km).Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the tyre changed.
Checking / adjusting tyre
pressures
The compressor can be used, without
injecting sealant, to check and, if necessary,
adjust the tyre pressures.
► Remove the valve cap from the tyre and keep it in a clean place.► Uncoil the pipe stowed under the compressor.► Screw the pipe onto the valve and tighten firmly.
► Check that the compressor switch is in position "O".► Fully uncoil the electric cable stowed under the compressor.► Connect the compressor's electric plug to the vehicle's 12 V socket.► Switch on the ignition.
Only the 12 V socket located at the front
of the vehicle can be used to power the
compressor .

143
In the event of a breakdown
8The tyre inflation pressures are given on this label.


► Start the compressor by placing the switch at position " I" and adjust the pressure to the value
shown on the vehicle's tyre pressure label. To
deflate: press the black button located on the
compressor pipe, near the valve connection.
If after 7 minutes the pressure of 2 bar is
not reached, the tyre is damaged;
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop for assistance.
► Once the correct pressure is reached, put the switch in position " O".► Remove the kit and stow it.
Should the pressure of one or more tyres
be adjusted, it is necessary to reinitialise
the under-inflation detection system.
For more information on Tyre under-inflation
detection, refer to the corresponding section.
Spare wheel
Scan the QR Code on page 3 to view
explanatory videos.
For more information on the Tool kit,
refer to the corresponding section.
Access to the spare wheel

The spare wheel is installed in the boot, under
the floor.
Removing the spare wheel

► Unclip and remove the tool storage box or remove the polystyrene cover (depending on
version).
► Slacken the central nut.► Remove the fastening device (nut and bolt).► Lift the spare wheel towards you from the rear.► Take the wheel out of the boot.
Removing a wheel
Parking the vehicle
Immobilise the vehicle where it does
not obstruct traffic: the ground must be level,
stable and non-slippery.
With a manual gearbox, engage first gear
to lock the wheels, apply the parking brake,
unless it is programmed to be in automatic
mode, and switch off the ignition.

156
In the event of a breakdown
Accessing the tools

The tools are located in the boot. Depending
on version, they are stored under the floor or
behind the removable grille of the right-hand
compartment.
For access:
► Open the boot.► Then, depending on version, lift up the floor using the handle, remove it and remove the mat.► Or open the removable grille on the right by pulling from the top.
For more information on the list of tools, refer to
the Tool kit section.
Towing
Procedure for having your vehicle towed or for towing another vehicle using the towing eye.
General recommendations
Observe the legislation in force in the country where you are driving.
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 towbar; ropes and straps are prohibited.
The towing vehicle must move off gently.
When the vehicle is towed with its engine off, there is no longer braking and steering assistance.
A professional recovery service must be called if:– broken down on a motorway or main road;– not possible to put the gearbox into neutral, unlock the steering, or release the parking brake;– not possible to tow a vehicle with an automatic gearbox, with the engine running;– towing with only two wheels on the ground;– four-wheel drive vehicle;– no approved towbar available.
Towing constraints
Type of vehicle
(engine / gearbox)gearbox Font wheels on the
groundRear wheels on the
groundFlatbed
4 wheels on the ground
with towbar
Internal combustion /
Manual








Internal combustion /
Automatic





In case of battery or electric parking brake failure, it is essential to call a p
rofessional using flatbed recovery vehicles (excluding manual gearbox).

157
In the event of a breakdown
8Accessing the tools

The tools are located in the boot. Depending
on version, they are stored under the floor or
behind the removable grille of the right-hand
compartment.
For access:
► Open the boot.► Then, depending on version, lift up the floor using the handle, remove it and remove the mat.► Or open the removable grille on the right by pulling from the top.
For more information on the list of tools, refer to
the Tool kit section.
Towing your vehicle

► On the front bumper , unclip the cover from below using the flat blade screwdriver.► Screw the towing eye in fully .► Install the towbar.► With a manual gearbox, move the gear lever into neutral.► With an automatic gearbox, move the gear selector into position N.
Failure to observe this instruction could
result in damage to certain components
(braking, transmission, etc.) and to the
absence of braking assistance the next time
the engine is started.
► Unlock the steering and release the parking brake.► Switch on the hazard warning lamps on both
vehicles.► Move off gently , drive slowly and only for a short distance.
Towing another vehicle

► On the rear bumper , unclip the cover from below using the flat blade screwdriver.► Screw the towing eye in fully .► Install the towbar.► Switch on the hazard warning lamps on the vehicle being towed.► Move off gently, drive slowly and only for a short distance.
If the vehicle is equipped with a BlueHDi
120 S&S EAT6 engine and a sunroof or
spare wheel, it is forbidden to tow another
vehicle.