2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS steering

75
Safety
5Advice
For the airbags to be fully effective,
observe the safety recommendations
below.
Adopt a normal and upright sitting position.
Fasten your seat belt and position it correctly.
Do not place anything between the occupants
and the airbags (e.g.
child, animal, object), do
not fix or attach anything near or in the path of
the airbags, as this could cause injuries when
they are deployed.
Never modify the original definition of the
vehicle, particularly in the area directly around
the airbags.
Even if all of the precautions mentioned are
observed, a risk of injury or of minor burns to
the head, chest or arms cannot be ruled out
when an airbag is deployed. The bag inflates
almost instantly (within a few milliseconds)
then deflates within the same time,
discharging the hot gas via openings provided
for this purpose.
After an accident or if the vehicle has been
stolen, have the airbag systems checked.
All work must be carried out only by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop
Front airbags
Do not drive holding the steering wheel
by its spokes or resting your hands on the
centre part of the wheel.
Passengers must not place their feet on the
dashboard.
Do not smoke as deployment of the airbags
can cause burns or the risk of injury from a
cigarette or pipe.
Never remove or pierce the steering wheel or
hit it violently.
Do not fix or attach anything to the steering
wheel or dashboard, as this could cause
injuries when the airbags are deployed.
Lateral airbags
Use only approved seat covers
compatible with the deployment of these
airbags. For information on the range of seat
covers suitable for your vehicle, contact a
CITROËN dealer.
Do not fix or attach anything to the seat
backrests (e.g.
clothing) as this could cause
injuries to the chest or arm when the airbag is
deployed.
Do not sit with the upper part of the body any
nearer to the door than necessary.
The vehicle's front door panels include side
impact sensors.
A damaged door or any unauthorised or
incorrectly executed work (modification or
repair) on the front doors or their interior trim
could compromise the operation of these
sensors - risk of malfunction of the lateral
airbags!
All work must be carried out only by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop
Curtain airbags
Do not fix or attach anything to the roof,
as this could cause head injuries when the
curtain airbag is deployed.
Do not remove the grab handles installed on
the roof.
Child seats
The regulations on carrying children are specific to each country. Refer to the
legislation in force in your country.
For maximum safety, please observe the
following recommendations:
–

In accordance with European regulations,
all children under the age of 12 or less than
1,5 metres tall must travel in approved child
seats suited to their weight , on seats fitted with
a seat belt or ISOFIX mountings.
–


Statistically
, the safest seats in your
vehicle for carrying children are the rear
seats.
–

Children weighing less than 9 kg must
travel in the "rearward facing" position,
whether in the front or rear of the vehicle.
It is recommended that children travel
on the rear seats of the vehicle:
–

‘

rearward facing’ up to the age of 3,
–

‘

forward facing’ over the age of 3.

86
Driving
Starting / Switching off the
engine with the key
Key ignition switch

It has 3 positions:
1. StopInserting/removing the key, steering column
locked.
2. Ignition on Steering column unlocked, ignition on,
preheating (Diesel), switching the engine on.
3. Starting
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key or the remote control. This would weigh
down on its shaft in the ignition switch and
could cause a malfunction.
Ignition on position
It allows the use of the vehicle's electric
equipment or the charging of accessories.
Once the state of charge of the battery drops to
the reserve level, the system switches to energy
economy mode. The power supply is cut off
automatically to preserve the remaining battery
charge.
Starting the engine
With the parking brake applied:
► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, place the gear
selector in mode N or P then depress the brake
pedal.
►

Insert the key into the ignition switch; the
system recognises the code.
►


Unlock
the steering column by simultaneously
turning the steering wheel and the key.
In certain cases, you may need to apply
significant force to move the steering
wheel (e.g.
wheels turned to full lock).
►

With a
petrol engine , operate the starter
motor by turning the key to position 3 without
pressing the accelerator pedal, until the engine
starts. Once the engine has started, release the
key and allow it to return to position 2.
Petrol engines
After a cold start, preheating the catalytic
converter can cause noticeable engine
vibrations, for anything up to 2 minutes
(accelerated idle speed).
►

With a
Diesel engine, turn the key to position
2, to

activate the engine preheating system.
Wait until this warning lamp goes off on
the instrument panel, then turn the key to
position 3 without pressing the accelerator pedal,
to operate the starter motor. Once the engine
has started, release the key and allow it to return
to position 2.
In wintry conditions, the warning lamp
may stay on for a longer period. When
the engine is hot, the warning lamp does not
come on.
In mild conditions, do not leave the engine
to warm up while stationary, but move off
straight away and drive at moderate speed.
If the engine does not start straight away,
switch off the ignition. Wait a few
seconds before operating the starter motor
again. If the engine does not start after a few
attempts, do not keep trying - risk of
damaging the starter motor and the engine!
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Switching 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.

87
Driving
6To 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.
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 depress 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.

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.

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.