2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS brake

88
Driving
In some circumstances, a message indicates
that it is necessary to turn the steering wheel
while pressing the "START/STOP" button to
assist unlocking of the steering column.
Petrol engines
With Petrol engines, after a cold start,
pre-heating the catalytic converter can cause
noticeable engine vibrations, for anything up
to 2 minutes (accelerated idle speed).
Switching off
► Immobilise the vehicle using the parking
brake.
►

With a
manual gearbox, ideally put the gear
lever into neutral.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, ideally select
mode
P or N.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button.
In some circumstances, it is necessary to turn
the steering wheel to lock the steering column.
If the vehicle is not immobilised, the
engine will not stop.
With the engine off, the braking and
steering assistance systems are also cut
off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!
Never leave your vehicle with the
electronic key still inside.
Switching on the ignition
without starting the engine


With the electronic key in the passenger
compartment, pressing the " START/STOP"
button, without depressing any of the pedals ,
allows the ignition to be switched on without
starting the engine (the instrument panel and
accessories such as the audio system and the
lighting will come on).
►

Press this button again to switch off the
ignition and allow the vehicle to be locked.
With the ignition on, the system
automatically goes into energy economy
mode to maintain an adequate state of charge
in the battery.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted to the steering column,
to enable the engine to be started if the system
fails to detect the key in the recognition zone, or
if the battery in the electronic key is flat.


► Place and hold the remote control against the
back-up reader .
►

W
ith a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral, then fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

W
ith an automatic gearbox, select mode P,
then depress the brake pedal.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button.
The engine starts.
Back-up switch-off

If the electronic key is not detected or is no
longer in the recognition zone, a message
appears in the instrument panel when closing a
door or trying to switch off the engine.
► To confirm the instruction to switch off the
engine, press the " START/STOP" button for
approximately 5 seconds.
In the event of a fault with the electronic key,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Emergency switch-off
In case of emergency only, the engine can be
switched off without conditions (even when
driving).
► Press the "START/STOP" button for about
5 seconds.
In this case, the steering column locks as soon
as the vehicle stops.

89
Driving
6Back-up switch-off

If the electronic key is not detected or is no
longer in the recognition zone, a message
appears in the instrument panel when closing a
door or trying to switch off the engine.
►
T
o confirm the instruction to switch off the
engine, press the " START/STOP" button for
approximately 5
seconds.
In the event of a fault with the electronic key,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Emergency switch-off
In case of emergency only, the engine can be
switched off without conditions (even when
driving).
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button for about
5
seconds.
In this case, the steering column locks as soon
as the vehicle stops.
Parking brake
Release

► Pull the parking brake lever up slightly , press
the release button, then lower the lever fully.
When driving the vehicle, if this warning
lamp and the STOP warning lamp come
on, accompanied by an audible signal and the
display of a message, this means that the
parking brake is still applied or has not been fully
released.
Application
► Pull the parking brake lever up to immobilise
the vehicle.
When parking on a slope, turn the
wheels against the kerb, apply the
parking brake, engage a gear and switch off
the ignition.
When towing, parking on a steep slope,
or if your vehicle is heavily laden, turn the
wheels towards the kerb and engage a gear
(manual gearbox) or move the selector lever
to position P (automatic gearbox).
For towing, your vehicle is approved for
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
5-speed manual gearbox
Engaging reverse gear

► Fully depress the clutch pedal.
► Push the gear lever fully to the right, then
backwards.
Only engage reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary with the engine at
idle.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate starting the engine:
–

Always select neutral.
–


Depress the clutch pedal.

90
Driving
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the gear selector fully to the right to
engage 5th or 6th gear.
Failure to follow this instruction could
cause permanent damage to the gearbox
(inadvertent engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear).
Engaging reverse gear

► Raise the ring under the knob and move the
gear selector to the left, then forwards.
Only engage reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary with the engine at
idle.
* Snow programme : depending on the country of sale.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate
engine starting:
►

Always select neutral.
►


Press the clutch pedal.
Automatic gearbox (EAT6)
6-speed automatic gearbox which offers a choice
between the comfort of automatic operation or
manual gear changing.
Two driving modes are available:
–

Automatic
operation for electronic
management of the gears by the gearbox: •

With the
Sport programme for a more
dynamic driving style.
•

Or the
Snow programme to improve driving
in the event of poor grip.*
–

Manual
operation for sequential changing of
the gears by the driver.
In automatic mode, you can still change gear
manually using the steering-mounted controls
(e.g. when overtaking).
Gear selector module
1. Sport programme
2. Snow programme (depending on country of sale)
P. Park
–

V
ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied or released.
–

Engine starting.
R. Reverse
–


Reversing manoeuvres, vehicle
stationary

, engine at idle.
N. Neutral
–

V
ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied.
–

Engine starting.
D. Automatic operation
M. +/- Manual operation
►


T
o shift up/down through the gears,
push the control backwards/forwards.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel


When a position is selected in the grid with the
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp
lights up on the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
T. Snow programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not accepted during manual
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this
warning lamp is displayed on the
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal,
select position P or N.
► Start the engine.

91
Driving
6Information displayed on
the instrument panel


When a position is selected in the grid with the
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp
lights up on the instrument panel.
P.Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
T. Snow programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not accepted during manual
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this
warning lamp is displayed on the
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal,
select position P
or N.
►

Start the engine.
If the conditions are not met, you will hear an
audible signal, accompanied by the display of a
message.
►

With the engine running, depress the brake
pedal.
►


Release the parking brake, unless it is set to
automatic mode.
►


Select position R

, D or M.
►

Gradually release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves off immediately

.
If position N is selected inadvertently
while driving, allow the engine to return
to idle, then select position D to accelerate.
When the engine is running at idle with
the brakes released, if position R, D or M
is selected, the vehicle moves off even
without the accelerator being pressed.
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle when the engine is running.
When carrying out maintenance with the
engine running, apply the parking brake and
select position P.
Automatic operation
► Select position D for automatic changing of
the six gears.
The gearbox then operates in auto-adaptive
mode, without any intervention on the part of the
driver. It continuously selects the most suitable
gear according to the driving style, the road
profile and the load in the vehicle.
For maximum acceleration without touching the
selector, press the accelerator fully down (kick-
down). The gearbox changes down automatically
or holds the gear selected until the maximum
engine speed is reached.
When braking, the gearbox changes down
automatically to provide effective engine braking.
If you release the accelerator sharply, the
gearbox will not shift to a higher gear for safety
reasons.
Never select position N while the vehicle
is moving.
Never select positions P or R unless the
vehicle is completely stationary.
"Sport" and "Snow" programmes
These two special programmes supplement
automatic operation in specific conditions of use.
"Sport"
► Press this button once the engine has
started.
"
S"appears on the instrument panel.
The gearbox automatically favours a dynamic
driving style.
"Snow"
► Press this button once the engine has
started.

"T" appears on the instrument panel.
The gearbox adapts to driving on slippery roads.

92
Driving
This programme improves starting and traction
when grip is poor.
Return to automatic operation
► At any time, press the selected button ("S" or
"T") again to exit the activated programme and
return to auto-adaptive mode.
Manual operation
To limit fuel consumption during an extended standstill with the engine
running (for example, in a traffic jam), set the
gear selector to N and apply the parking
brake.
►

Selecting position

M
enables sequential
shifting between the six gears.
►

T

o shift up/down through the gears, push the
control backwards/forwards.
The gearbox only changes gear if the vehicle
speed and engine speed conditions allow;
otherwise, the rules for automatic operation are
temporarily applied.
D disappears, and the gears engaged appear in
succession on the instrument panel.
If the engine speed is too low or too high, the
selected gear flashes for a few seconds, then the
gear actually engaged is shown.
It is possible to change from position D to
position M
at any time.
When the vehicle is stationary or moving
very slowly, the gearbox selects gear M1
automatically.
The Sport and Snow programmes are inactive
in manual operation.
This symbol is displayed if a gear is not engaged correctly (gear selector between
two positions).
Switching off the vehicle
Before switching off the engine, it is possible to
engage position P or N to place the gearbox in
neutral.
In both cases, apply the parking brake to
immobilise the vehicle.
If the gear selector is not in position P,
when the driver's door is opened or
approximately 45 seconds after the ignition is
switched off, an audible signal sounds and a
message appears.
►

Return the gear selector to P

; the audible
signal stops and the message disappears.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning
lamp comes on and a message is
displayed, when the ignition is switched on.
In this case, the gearbox goes into back-up
mode and is locked in 3
rd gear. You may feel a
significant jolt (without risk to the gearbox) when
changing from

P

to R and from N to R.
Do not exceed 62 mph (100
km/h), local speed
restrictions permitting.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
There is a risk of damaging the gearbox: – If the accelerator and brake pedals are
depressed simultaneously
.
–

In the event of a battery failure, forcing the
selector from position P

to another position.
Automatic gearbox
Never try to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle.
Gear shift indicator
(Depending on engine)
This system is designed to reduce fuel
consumption by recommending the most suitable
gear.
Operation
Depending on the driving situation and
the vehicle's equipment, the system may
recommend skipping one or more gears.
Gear engagement recommendations are
not to be considered mandatory. Indeed, the
configuration of the road, the traffic density and
safety remain determining factors when choosing
the best gear. Therefore, the driver remains
responsible for deciding whether or not to follow
the system’s advice.
The system cannot be deactivated.
With an automatic gearbox, the system is
only active in manual operation.
The information appears on the instrument panel, in the form of an arrow
and the recommended gear.
The system adapts the gear change instructions according to the driving
conditions (e.g. slope, load) and driving style
(e.g. power demand, acceleration, braking).
The system never suggests:
– engaging first gear;
– engaging reverse gear.
Hill start assist
This system keeps the vehicle briefly stationary
(for approximately 2 seconds) when making a hill
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
The system is only active when:
– The vehicle is completely stationary, with your
foot on the brake pedal.
– Certain slope conditions are met.
– The driver’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the parking
brake manually. Then check that the parking
brake indicator lamp is on fixed on the
instrument panel.

93
Driving
6With an automatic gearbox, the system is
only active in manual operation.
The information appears on the instrument panel, in the form of an arrow
and the recommended gear.
The system adapts the gear change instructions according to the driving
conditions (e.g.
slope, load) and driving style
(e.g.
power demand, acceleration, braking).
The system never suggests:
–

engaging first gear;
–


engaging reverse gear
.
Hill start assist
This system keeps the vehicle briefly stationary
(for approximately 2 seconds) when making a hill
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
The system is only active when:
–

The vehicle is completely stationary
, with your
foot on the brake pedal.
–

Certain slope conditions are met.
–


The driver
’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the parking
brake manually. Then check that the parking
brake indicator lamp is on fixed on the
instrument panel.
The hill start assist function cannot be deactivated. However, using the parking
brake to immobilise the vehicle interrupts its
operation.
Operation

Facing uphill, with the vehicle stationary,
the vehicle is held for a short time when you
release the brake pedal:
–

provided you are in first gear or neutral with a
manual gearbox.
–


provided you are in mode D

or M with an
automatic gearbox.


Facing downhill, with the vehicle stationary
and reverse gear engaged, the vehicle is held
for a short time when you release the brake
pedal.
Malfunction
If the event of a malfunction, this warning
lamp lights up on the instrument panel,
accompanied by the display of a message.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Stop & Start
The Stop & Start function puts the engine temporarily into standby - STOP mode - during
phases when the vehicle is stationary (e.g.
red
lights, traffic jams). The engine automatically
restarts - START mode - as soon as the driver
indicates the intention of moving off again.
Primarily designed for urban use, the function
is intended to reduce fuel consumption and
exhaust emissions as well as the noise level
when stationary.
The function does not affect the functionalities of
the vehicle, in particular the braking.
Deactivation/Reactivation
The function is activated by default when the
ignition is switched on.

94
Driving
With/Without audio system



► Press the button.
A message on the instrument panel confirms the
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, the orange
indicator lamp is lit; if the engine was in standby,
it restarts immediately.
With the touch screen button
The settings are changed via the Driving/Vehicle touch screen menu.
A message on the instrument panel confirms the
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, if the engine
was in standby, it restarts immediately.
Associated indicator lamp
Function activated.
Opening the bonnet
Before doing anything under the bonnet,
deactivate the Stop & Start system to avoid
any risk of injury caused by the engine
restarting automatically.
Driving on flooded roads
Before entering into a flooded area, it is
strongly recommended that you deactivate
the Stop & Start system.
For more information on Driving
recommendations, particularly on flooded
roads, refer to the corresponding section.
Operation
Main conditions for operation
– The driver ’s door must be closed.
– The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
–

The level of charge in the battery must be
sufficient.
–


The temperature of the engine must be within
its nominal operating range.
–


The outside temperature must be between
0°C and 35°C.
Putting the engine into standby
(STOP mode)
The engine automatically enters standby mode
as soon as the driver indicates their intention to
stop:
– With a manual gearbox: with the gear lever
in neutral and the clutch pedal released.
–

W
ith an automatic gearbox: with the gear
selector in mode D or M, the brake pedal
depressed until the vehicle stops or the gear
selector in mode N, with the vehicle stationary.
Time counter
A time counter adds up the time spent in standby
during the journey. It is reset to zero every time
the ignition is switched on.
Special cases:
The engine will not go into standby if the
conditions for operation are not met and in the
following cases:
–

Steep slope (ascending or descending).
–


V
ehicle has not exceeded 6 mph (10 km/h)
since the last engine start (with the key or the
START/STOP button).
–

Needed
to maintain a comfortable temperature
in the passenger compartment.
–

Demisting active.
–


Braking assistance being used.
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes
for a few seconds, then goes off.
After the engine has restarted, STOP mode is not available until the vehicle
has reached a speed of 5 mph (8
km/h).
During parking manoeuvres, STOP mode
is not available for a few seconds after
coming out of reverse gear or turning the
steering wheel.
Restarting the engine (START mode)
The engine automatically restarts as soon as the
driver indicates the intention of moving off again:
With a manual gearbox: with the clutch pedal
fully depressed.
With an automatic gearbox:
– With the selector in mode D or M: with the
brake pedal released.
– With the selector in mode N and the brake
pedal released: with the selector at D or M.
– With the selector in mode P and the brake
pedal depressed: with the selector at R, N, D
or M.
– With reverse gear engaged.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if the
conditions for operation are met again and in the
following cases:
– Vehicle speed exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
– Some specific conditions (braking assistance,
air conditioning setting, etc.).
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes
for a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a malfunction, the button’s
indicator lamp flashes briefly, then remains on.

95
Driving
6coming out of reverse gear or turning the
steering wheel.
Restarting the engine (START mode)
The engine automatically restarts as soon as the
driver indicates the intention of moving off again:
With a manual gearbox: with the clutch pedal
fully depressed.
With an automatic gearbox:
–
With the selector in mode
D or M: with the
brake pedal released.
–

With the selector in mode
N and the brake
pedal released: with the selector at D or M.
–

With the selector in mode
P and the brake
pedal depressed: with the selector at R, N, D
or M.
–

With reverse gear engaged.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if the
conditions for operation are met again and in the
following cases:
–
V
ehicle speed exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
–

Some specific conditions (braking assistance,
air conditioning setting, etc.).
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes
for a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a malfunction, the button’s
indicator lamp flashes briefly, then remains on.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
The vehicle stalls in STOP mode
All of the instrument panel warning lamps come
on if there is a fault.
►

Switch off the ignition then start the engine
again with the key or the " ST

ART/STOP" button.
12 V battery
The Stop & Start system requires a
12 V battery of specific technology and
specification.
All work must be carried out only by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop
Tyre under-inflation detection
This system alerts the driver if one or more tyres
suffer a drop in pressure.
The alert is raised when the vehicle is moving,
not when stationary.
It compares the information given by the wheel
speed sensors with reference values, which
must be reinitialised every time the tyre
pressures are adjusted or a wheel changed.
It takes into account the last values stored
during the reinitialisation request. It is therefore
essential that the tyre pressure is correct during
the operation. This operation is the driver’s
responsibility.
The tyre under-inflation detection cannot, in any circumstances, replace the need
for vigilance on the part of the driver.
This system does not avoid the need to
regularly check the tyre pressures (including
the spare wheel), especially before a long
journey.
Driving with under-inflated tyres, particularly
in adverse conditions (heavy load, high
speed, long journey):
–

worsens road-holding.
–


lengthens braking distances.
–


causes premature wear of the tyres.
–


increases energy consumption.
The inflation pressures defined for the vehicle can be found on the tyre pressure
label.
For more information on the Identification
markings, refer to the corresponding section.
Checking tyre pressures
This check should be done monthly
when the tyres are "cold" (vehicle stopped for
1 hour or after a journey of less than 6 miles
(10

km) at moderate speeds).
Otherwise, add 0.3 bar to the pressures
shown on the label.