2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS ESP

69
Safety
5All terrain (mud, damp grass, etc.)
This mode, when moving off, allows
considerable spin on the wheel with the
least grip to optimise clearing of the mud and to
regain grip. At the same time, the wheel with the
most grip is controlled in such a way as to
transmit as much torque as possible.
When moving, the system optimises wheel spin
to respond to the driver's requirements as fully
as possible.
(mode active up to 31 mph (50
km/h))
Sand
This mode allows little spin on the two driving wheels at the same time to allow
the vehicle to move forward and limit the risks of
getting stuck in the sand.
(mode active up to 75 mph (120
km/h))
Do not use the other modes on sand as
the vehicle may become stuck.
You can deactivate the ASR and DSC systems by turning the knob to the "OFF"
position.
The ASR and DSC systems will no longer act on the operation of the engine
or of the brakes in the event of a change of
trajectory.
These systems are reactivated automatically
from 31 mph (50
km/h) and whenever the
ignition is switched on.
Recommendations
The vehicle is designed principally
to drive on tarmac roads, but it may
occassionally drive on other less passable
terrain.
However, it does not permit off-road driving:
–

Driving on terrain that can damage the
underbody or tear off elements (e.g.

fuel
pipe, fuel cooler) by obstacles or stones in
particular.
–

Driving on terrain with steep gradients and
poor grip.
–


Crossing a waterway
.
Hill Assist Descent
Control
Hill Assist Descent Control system for medium to
steep slopes, on tarmac or other road surfaces
(e.g. gravel, mud).
This system reduces the risk of slip or loss of
control of the vehicle when descending, whether
going forward or in reverse.
During a descent, the system assists the driver
in maintaining a constant speed, depending on
the gear engaged, while progressively releasing
the brakes.
For the system to activate, the gradient
must be greater than 5%.
The system can be used with the gearbox in
neutral.
Otherwise, engage a gear corresponding to
the speed to prevent the engine stalling.
With an automatic gearbox, the system can
be used with the selector at N, D or R.
When the system is regulating, the Active
Safety Brake system is automatically
deactivated.
Operation
Switching on
By default, the system is not selected.
The state of the function is not saved when the
ignition is switched off.




► To select the system, at speeds below
31 mph (50 km/h), press this button until

72
Safety
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.
Seat belt not fastened/
unfastened alerts


A. Front and rear seat belts not fastened/
unfastened warning lamp


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
If the corresponding seat belt is not fastened
or is unfastened, when the ignition is switched
on, the seat belts warning lamp comes on in the
instrument panel and the corresponding warning
lamp (1 to 5) comes on in red in the seat belt and
front passenger airbag warning lamps display.
If a rear seat belt is not fastened, the
corresponding warning lamp ( 3 to 5)
comes on for around 30 seconds.
Above about 12 mph (20 km/h) and for 2
minutes, each warning lamp corresponding to
an occupied seat whose seat belt is unfastened
flashes, accompanied by an audible signal. After
these 2 minutes, the corresponding seat warning
lamp remains on until the driver or the front/rear
passenger fasten their seat belt.
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.
To 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.
At the front, adjusting the position of the
seat belt may require the seat height to be
adjusted.
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, checking that it is not twisted.
–


must only be used to secure one person.

73
Safety
5– 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
This system is designed to improve the safety
of the occupants of 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
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.

74
Safety
Front airbags

This system 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.
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.
* For more information on Deactivating the front passenger airbag, refer to the corresponding section.
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
This system helps provide 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.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the system checked.
The airbags may not be deployed in the event of
a serious impact.
In the event of a minor impact or bump at
the side of the vehicle or if the vehicle
rolls over, the airbags may not be deployed.
In the event of a rear or front collision, none of
the lateral airbags are deployed.
Advice
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.

80
Safety
"RÖMER Duo Plus ISOFIX"
(size category: B1)
Group 1: from 9 to 18 kg


"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 event of a collision.
For more information on the ISOFIX mountings, refer to the corresponding section.
Installing universal, ISOFIX and i-Size child seats
In compliance with European regulations, this table indicates the possibilities for installing child seats secured using the seat belt and universally approved
(a) as well as the largest ISOFIX and i-Size child seats for the seat positions fitted with ISOFIX anchorage points in the vehicle.

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!
Do not park the vehicle or 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 (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.
Towing
Driving with a trailer places greater
demands on the towing vehicle and
particular care must be taken.
Do not exceed the maximum towable
weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by
10% per 1,000 metres of altitude; the lower
air density at high altitudes decreases engine
performance.
New vehicle: do not tow a trailer until the
vehicle has driven at least 620 miles
(1,000 kilometres).
If the outside temperature is high, let the
engine idle for 1 to 2 minutes after the
vehicle comes to a stop, to help it to cool.
Before setting off
Nose weight
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heaviest items are as close as possible to the
axle and the nose weight (at the point where it
joins your vehicle) approaches the maximum
permitted without exceeding it.

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.