2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS ESP

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.

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.

96
Driving
Snow chains
The system does not have to be
reinitialised after fitting or removing snow
chains.
Under-inflation alert
This is signalled by the fixed illumination of this warning lamp, accompanied by an
audible signal and, depending on equipment, the
display of a message.
►

Reduce speed immediately
, avoid excessive
steering movements and avoid sudden braking.
►

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
The loss of pressure detected may not always cause visible deformation of the
tyre.
Do not rely on just a visual check.
►

Using a compressor
, such as the one in
the temporary puncture repair kit, check the
pressures of all four tyres when cold.
►

If it is not possible to carry out this check
immediately

, drive carefully at reduced speed.
►

In the event of a puncture, use the
temporary puncture repair kit or the spare wheel
(depending on equipment).
Driving too slowly may not ensure
optimum monitoring.
The alert is not immediately triggered in the
event of a sudden loss of pressure or tyre
blow-out. This is because analysis of the
values read by the wheel's speed sensors
can take several minutes.
The alert may be delayed at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h), or when adopting a sporty
driving mode.
The alert is kept active until the system is reinitialised.
Reinitialisation
► The system must be reinitialised after any
adjustment to the pressure of one or more tyres,
and after changing one or more wheels.
Before reinitialising the system, make
sure that the pressures of the four tyres
are correct for the conditions of use of the
vehicle and conform to the values written on
the tyre pressure label.
Check the pressures of the four tyres before
performing the reinitialisation.
The system does not advise if a pressure is
incorrect at the time of reinitialisation.
The reinitialisation of the system is done with the
ignition on and the vehicle stationary:
–

V

ia the vehicle configuration menu for vehicles
fitted with a touch screen.
–

V

ia the button on the dashboard for vehicles
without a touch screen.
With/Without audio system



► Press and hold this button.
Reinitialisation is confirmed by a high-pitched
audible signal.
A
low-pitched audible signal indicates that
the reinitialisation operation has not been
successful.
With touch screen
► In the menu Driving / Vehicle, select
the tab "Driving functions ", then "Reset
under-inflation detection ".
►

Select "
Ye s" to confirm.
The reinitialisation is confirmed by the display of
a message and an audible signal.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction,
these warning lamps light up on
the instrument panel.
A message appears, accompanied by an audible
signal.
In this case, the tyre under-inflation monitoring
function is no longer performed.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
"Space-saver" type spare wheel
The use of this type of spare wheel may
suspend tyre pressure monitoring.
In this case, the malfunction warning lamp
comes on and disappears once the wheel
has been replaced by one of uniform size (the
same as the others), the pressure readjusted
and the reinitialisation carried out.
Driving and manoeuvring
aids - General
recommendations
Driving and manoeuvring aids cannot, in
any circumstances, replace the need for
vigilance on the part of the driver.
The driver must comply with the Highway
Code, must remain in control of the vehicle in
all circumstances and must be able to retake
control of it at all times. The driver must adapt
the speed to climatic conditions, traffic and
the state of the road.
It is the driver's responsibility to constantly
monitor traffic conditions, assess the distance
and relative speed of other vehicles, and
anticipate their manoeuvres before using the
direction indicator and changing lanes.

97
Driving
6Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
"Space-saver" type spare wheel
The use of this type of spare wheel may
suspend tyre pressure monitoring.
In this case, the malfunction warning lamp
comes on and disappears once the wheel
has been replaced by one of uniform size (the
same as the others), the pressure readjusted
and the
reinitialisation carried out.
Driving and manoeuvring
aids - General
recommendations
Driving and manoeuvring aids cannot, in
any circumstances, replace the need for
vigilance on the part of the driver.
The driver must comply with the Highway
Code, must remain in control of the vehicle in
all circumstances and must be able to retake
control of it at all times. The driver must adapt
the speed to climatic conditions, traffic and
the state of the road.
It is the driver's responsibility to constantly
monitor traffic conditions, assess the distance
and relative speed of other vehicles, and
anticipate their manoeuvres before using the
direction indicator and changing lanes.
These systems do not make it possible to
exceed the laws of physics.
Driving aids
You should hold the steering wheel with
both hands, always use the door and interior
mirrors, always leave your feet close to the
pedals and take a break every 2 hours.
Manoeuvring aids
The driver must always check the
surroundings of the vehicle before and during
the whole manoeuvre, in particular using the
mirrors.


Driving aids camera
This camera and its associated functions
may be impaired or not work if the windscreen
area in front of the camera is dirty, misty,
frosty, covered with snow, damaged or
masked by a sticker.
In humid and cold weather, demist the
windscreen regularly.
Poor visibility (inadequate street lighting,
heavy rain, thick fog, snowfall), dazzle
(headlamps of an oncoming vehicle, low sun,
reflections on a damp road, leaving a tunnel,
alternating shade and light) can also impair
detection performance.
In the event of a windscreen replacement,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to recalibrate the camera;
otherwise, the operation of the associated
driving aids may be disrupted.
Other cameras
The images from the camera(s)
displayed on the touch screen or on the
instrument panel may be distorted by the
terrain.
In the presence of areas in shade, or in
conditions of bright sunlight or inadequate
lighting, the image may be darkened and with
lower contrast.
Obstacles may appear further away than they
actually are.
Sensors
The operation of the sensors, as well as
any associated functions, may be disrupted
by noise pollution such as that emitted by
noisy vehicles and machinery (e.g. lorries,
pneumatic drills), by the accumulation of
snow or dead leaves on the road or in the
event of damaged bumpers and mirrors.
When reverse gear is engaged, an audible
signal (long beep) indicates that the sensors
may be dirty.

100
Driving
For more information on the Speed limiter
or Cruise control, refer to the corresponding
section.
Road signs recognition
For more information, refer to the
General recommendations on the use
of driving and manoeuvring aids .


This system displays the maximum speed
authorised locally on the instrument panel, using:
–

Speed limit signs detected by the camera.
–


Speed limit information from the navigation
system’

s mapping.
The units for the speed limit (mph or km/h) depend on the country you are
driving in.
This should be taken into account to ensure
you observe the speed limit.
For the system to work properly when
changing countries, the speed unit of the
instrument panel must match that of the
country you are driving in.
Automatic sign reading is a driving aid system and does not always display the
correct speed limits.
The speed limit signs present on the road
always take priority over those displayed by
the system.
The system is designed to detect signs that
conform to the Vienna Convention on road
signs.
Specific speed limits, such as those for
heavy goods vehicles, are not displayed.
The display of the speed limit on the
instrument panel is updated when passing
a speed limit sign intended for cars (light
vehicles).
Displays in the instrument
panel




Head-up display
1. Speed limit indication
Speed display

The system is active but is not detecting speed
limit information.


On detection of speed limit information, the
system displays the value.


The driver can adjust the vehicle’s speed
according to the information given by the system.
Activation/Deactivation
By default, the system is automatically activated
at every engine start.
The settings are changed via the
vehicle configuration menu.
Information display
With an LCD text instrument panel, the speed
limit recognition information is displayed after the
trip computer information.
To display it:


► Press the button located on the end of the
wiper control stalk .


► Or, depending on equipment, press the knob
located on the steering wheel.
Operating limits
The system does not take account of reduced
speed limits, especially those imposed in the
following cases: