2021 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS engine

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Practical information
7Compatibility of fuels
Petrol fuels conforming to the EN228 standard
containing up to 5% and 10% ethanol
respectively.

Diesel fuels conforming to the EN590, EN16734
and EN16709 standards and containing up to
7%, 10%, 20% and 30% fatty acid methyl ester
respectively. The use of B20 or B30 fuels, even
occasionally, imposes special maintenance
conditions referred to as "Arduous conditions".

Paraffinic Diesel fuel conforming to the EN15940
standard.
The use of any other type of (bio) fuel (vegetable or animal oils, pure or diluted,
domestic fuel, etc.) is strictly prohibited (risk
of damage to the engine and fuel system).
The only fuel additives authorised for use are those that meet the B715001 (petrol)
or B715000 (Diesel) standards.
Diesel at low temperature
At temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F), the formation of paraffins in summer-type Diesel fuels could prevent the engine from operating
correctly. In these temperature conditions, use
winter-type Diesel fuel and keep the fuel tank
more than 50 % full.At temperatures below -15 °C (+5 °F) to avoid problems starting, it is best to park the vehicle
under shelter (heated garage).
Travelling abroad
Certain fuels could damage your vehicle’s
engine.
In certain countries, the use of a particular
fuel may be required (specific octane rating,
specific trade name, etc.) to ensure correct
operation of the engine.
For all additional information, consult a dealer.
Refuelling
Fuel tank capacity: approximately 45 litres.
Reserve level: approximately 5 litres.
Low fuel level
/2
1 1When the low fuel level is reached, one of these warning lamps comes
on on the instrument panel, accompanied by an
onscreen message and an audible signal. When
it first comes on, about 5 litres of fuel remain.
Until sufficient fuel is added, this warning lamp
appears every time the ignition is switched on,
accompanied by an onscreen message and
an audible signal. When driving, this message
and audible signal are repeated with increasing
frequency as the fuel level drops towards 0.
You must refuel as soon as possible to avoid
running out of fuel.
For more information on Running out of fuel
(Diesel), refer to the corresponding section.
Stop & Start
Never refuel with the engine in STOP
mode; you must switch off the ignition.
Refuelling
Additions of fuel must be of at least 5 litres, in
order to be registered by the fuel gauge.
Opening the filler cap may create a noise caused
by an inrush of air. This vacuum is entirely
normal, resulting from the sealing of the fuel
system.
To refuel in complete safety:
► You must switch off the engine.

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Practical information
► With the vehicle unlocked, press the rear-central part of the filler flap to open it.► Take care to select the pump that delivers the correct fuel type for the vehicle's engine (see a
reminder label on the inside of the filler flap).
► Turn the filler cap to the left.

► Remove the filler cap and hang it on its carrier (on the filler flap).► Introduce the filler nozzle and push it in as far as possible before starting to refuel (risk of
blowback).
► Fill the tank.Do not continue past the third cut-off of the
nozzle, as this may cause malfunctions.
► Refit the filler cap.► Turn it to the right.► Push the filler flap to close it.
If you have put in the wrong fuel for the
vehicle, you must have the fuel tank
drained and filled with the correct fuel before
starting the engine. The vehicle is fitted with a catalytic converter, a
device which helps to reduce the level of harmful
emissions in the exhaust gases.
For petrol engines, you must use unleaded
fuel.
The filler neck is narrower, admitting unleaded
petrol nozzles only.
Fuel cut-off
Your vehicle is equipped with a safety device
which cuts off the fuel supply in the event of a
collision.
Misfuel prevention (Diesel)
(Depending on country of sale.)
This mechanical device prevents filling the tank
of a Diesel vehicle with petrol.
Located in the filler neck, the misfuel prevention
device is visible when the filler cap is removed.
Operation

When a petrol filler nozzle is inserted into the
fuel filler neck of a Diesel vehicle, it comes into
contact with the flap. The system remains closed
and prevents filling.
Do not persist but introduce a Diesel type
filler nozzle.
It remains possible to use a fuel jerrycan
to fill the tank.
Travelling abroad
As Diesel fuel pump nozzles may be
different in other countries, the presence
of the misfuel prevention device may make
refuelling impossible.
Before travelling abroad, it is advisable to
check with a CITROËN dealer if the vehicle is
suitable for the distribution equipment of the
countries visited.
Snow chains
In wintry conditions, snow chains improve
traction as well as the behaviour of the vehicle
when braking.
The snow chains must be fitted only to the front wheels. They must never be
fitted to "space-saver" type spare wheels.
Take account of the legislation specific to each country on the use of snow chains
and the maximum authorised speed.
Use only the chains designed to be fitted to the type of wheel fitted to the vehicle:
Original tyre size Chain types
195/65 R15
Maximum 9 mm link
195/60 R16
205/60 R16 Cannot be fitted with
chains
215/50 R17
For more information on snow chains, contact a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Installation tips
► To fit the chains during a journey, stop the vehicle on a flat surface on the side of the road.► Apply the parking brake and position any wheel chocks under the wheels to prevent
movement of the vehicle.
► Fit the chains following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.► Move off gently and drive for a few moments, without exceeding 31 mph (50 km/h).► Stop the vehicle and check that the snow chains are correctly tightened.
It is strongly recommended that before
you leave, you practise fitting the snow
chains on a level and dry surface.
Avoid driving with snow chains on roads that have been cleared of snow to avoid
damaging the vehicle's tyres and the road

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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.

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Practical information
7– 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.
Version without longitudinal
bars


When fitting roof bars, use only the four fixing
points located in the roof frame. The points are
hidden by the vehicle doors when closed.


The roof bar fixings include a lug to be fitted into
the hole at each fixing point.
Version with longitudinal
bars


You must fit the transverse bars to the
longitudinal bars at the fixing points under the
longitudinal bars.
Sunroof
Check that the load does not pass below
the roof bars so that it does not impede the
movements of the sunroof.
Recommendations► Distribute the load uniformly , taking care to avoid overloading one of the sides.► Arrange the heaviest part of the load as close as possible to the roof.► Lash the load down securely and fit a warning flag if it overhangs the vehicle.
► Drive gently: the vehicle will be more susceptible to the effects of side winds
(stability may be affected).

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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.

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Practical information
7► 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.
Petrol engine

Diesel engine

1. Screenwash fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Remote earth point (-)
6. Fusebox
7. Air filter
8. Engine oil filler cap
9.Engine oil dipstick
10. Priming pump *
The Diesel fuel system operates under
very high pressure.
All work on this circuit must be carried out
only by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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).

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Practical information
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.
Oil grade
Before topping up or changing the engine
oil, check that the oil is suitable for the engine
and complies with the recommendations in
the service schedule supplied with the vehicle
(or available from your CITROËN dealer and
qualified workshops).
Use of non-recommended oil may invalidate
the contractual warranty in the event of
engine failure.
Topping up the engine oil level
The location of the oil filler cap is shown in the
corresponding underbonnet layout view.
► Add oil in small quantities, avoiding any spills on engine components (risk of fire).► Wait a few minutes before checking the level again using the dipstick.► Add more oil if necessary .► After checking the level, carefully refit the oil filler cap and the dipstick in its tube.
During the 30 minutes after topping up
the oil, the check performed with the oil
level indicator in the instrument panel when
the ignition is switched on is not valid.
Brake fluid
The level of this fluid should be close to
the "MAX" mark. If not, check the brake
pad wear.
To know how often the brake fluid should be
replaced, refer to the manufacturer's servicing
schedule.
Clean the cap before removing it to refill.
Use only DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed
container.
Engine coolant
It is normal to top up this fluid between two services.
The check and top-up must only be done with
the engine cold.
A low level presents a risk of serious damage to
the engine.
The level of this fluid should be close to the
"MAX" 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 this
fluid is regulated by the fan.
As the cooling system is pressurised, wait at
least one hour after switching off the engine
before carrying out any work.
In order to avoid the risk of scalding if you need
to top up in an emergency, wrap 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 to the required level.
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!
Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when necessary.

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Practical information
7Engine coolant
It is normal to top up this fluid between two services.
The check and top-up must only be done with
the engine cold.
A low level presents a risk of serious damage to
the engine.
The level of this fluid should be close to the
"MAX" 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 this
fluid is regulated by the fan.
As the cooling system is pressurised, wait at
least one hour after switching off the engine
before carrying out any work.
In order to avoid the risk of scalding if you need
to top up in an emergency, wrap 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 to the required level.
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!
Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when necessary.
Fluid specification
The fluid must be topped up with a ready-to-use
mixture.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a liquid
containing an agent to prevent freezing must
be used which is appropriate for the prevailing
conditions, in order to protect the elements of the
system (pump, tank, ducts, jets, etc.).
Filling with pure water is prohibited under
all circumstances (risk of freezing,
limestone deposits, etc.).
Diesel fuel additive (Diesel
with particle filter)
On reaching the minimum level in the particle filter additive tank, this warning
lamp comes on fixed, accompanied by an
audible warning and a message warning that the
additive level is too low.
Topping up
This additive must be topped up without delay by
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
AdBlue (BlueHDi)
An alert is triggered when the reserve level is
reached.
For more information on the AdBlue range
indicators, refer to the corresponding section.
To avoid the vehicle being immobilised in
accordance with regulations, you must top up the
AdBlue tank.
For more information on the Supply of AdBlue,
refer to the corresponding section.
Checks
Unless otherwise indicated, check these
components in accordance with the
manufacturer's service schedule and according
to your engine.
Otherwise, have them checked 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
components as important as those in the
braking system, CITROËN selects and offers
very specific products.
12 V battery
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.