2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS engine

122
Practical information

► With the vehicle unlocked, press the rear-
central part of the filler flap to open it.
►

T
ake care to select the pump that delivers the
correct fuel type for your vehicle's engine (see a
reminder label on the inside of the filler flap).
►

T
urn the filler cap to the left, remove it and
place it on its support (on the filler
flap).


► Insert the filler nozzle and push it in as far as
possible before starting to refuel (to minimise the
risk of splashing).
Do not continue after the nozzle’s third cut-
out. Doing so may cause malfunctions.
►

Put the filler cap back in place and turn it to
the right.
►


Close the fuel filler flap.
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,
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 introduced 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.
The misfuel prevention device does not prevent filling with a jerrycan, regardless
of the fuel type.
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.
Snow chains must be fitted only to the
front wheels. They must never be fitted to
"space-saver" type spare wheels.
Observe the legislation in force in your
country relating to the use of snow
chains and maximum authorised speeds.
Use only the chains designed to be fitted to the
type of wheel fitted to the vehicle: Original tyre size Chain types195/65 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 snow chains during a journey, stop
the vehicle on a flat surface at the side of the
road.
► Apply the parking brake and position any
wheel chocks under the wheels to prevent
movement of the vehicle.

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Practical information
► Open the lock using the key.
► Hold the towball 5
firmly in one hand; using
the other hand, pull and turn the wheel 6 fully in
a clockwise direction until it stops; do not release
the wheel.


► Extract the towball from the base of its
carrier 1.
►

Release the wheel; it automatically locks
in the unlocked position and the red mark on
the wheel is in line with the white mark on the
towball (position B

).


► Replace the protective plug 2 into the
carrier 1.
►

Stow the towball in its bag to protect it 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.
Work on the towing device
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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 towable load
must be reduced by 10% per 1,000
metres of
altitude.
Use genuine towing devices and wiring
harnesses approved by CITROËN. We
recommend having them fitted by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
If not fitted by a CITROËN dealer, they must
still be fitted in accordance with the vehicle
manufacturer's instructions.
Certain driving or manoeuvring aid functions
are automatically deactivated while an
approved towing system is in use.
For more information about driving with a
towing device fitted to a trailer and associated
with the Trailer stability assist, refer to the
corresponding section.
Comply with the maximum authorised
towable weight, as indicated on your
vehicle's registration certificate, on the
manufacturer's label and in the Technical
data section of this guide.
If using accessories attached to the
towing device (e.g. bicycle carriers, tow
boxes):
–

Comply with the maximum authorised nose
weight.
– Do not transport more than 4 conventional
bicycles or 2 electric bicycles.
When loading bicycles onto a bicycle carrier
on a towball, be sure to place the heaviest
bicycles as close as possible to the vehicle.
Observe the legislation in force in the
country where you are driving.
Load reduction mode
This system 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 the air conditioning and the
heated rear screen.
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 and for a maximum
cumulative period of around 30 minutes, you can
continue to use functions such as the audio and
telematics system, dipped beam headlamps or
courtesy lamps.

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Practical information
7– Do not transport more than 4 conventional
bicycles or 2 electric bicycles.
When loading bicycles onto a bicycle carrier
on a towball, be sure to place the heaviest
bicycles as close as possible to the vehicle.
Observe the legislation in force in the
country where you are driving.
Load reduction mode
This system 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 the air conditioning and the
heated rear screen.
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 and for a maximum
cumulative period of around 30 minutes, you can
continue to use functions such as the audio and
telematics system, dipped beam headlamps or
courtesy lamps.
Selecting the mode
A confirmation message is displayed when
energy economy mode is entered, and the active
functions are placed on standby.
If a telephone call is in progress at the
time, it will be maintained for around 10
minutes via the audio system’s hands-free
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.
T

o 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
As a safety measure and to avoid damaging the roof, it is essential to use
transverse roof bars approved for your
vehicle.
Observe the instructions on fitting and use
contained in the guide supplied with the roof
bars.
Fitting directly to the roof

You must only attach the transverse bars to
the four fixing points located on the roof frame.
These points are concealed by the vehicle doors
when the doors are closed.
The roof bar fixings have a stud which must be
inserted into the opening of each fixing point.

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Practical information
Fitting on longitudinal bars

The transverse bars must be fixed at the
markings located on 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 - risk of major
damage!
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.
Secure the load firmly.
Drive gently: the vehicle will be more
susceptible to the effects of side winds and its
stability may be affected.
Regularly check the security and tight
fastening of the roof bars, at least before each
trip.
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 in the guide 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 fixings
on the vehicle.
Be sure to refer to national legislation in order
to comply with the regulations for transporting
objects that 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 the engine restarting automatically.
Take care with objects or clothing that could
be caught in the blades of the cooling fan
or in certain moving components - risk of
strangulation and serious injury!
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 .

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Practical information
7► 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 shown here is an example for
illustrative purposes only.
The locations of the following components may
vary:
–

Air filter
.
–

Engine oil dipstick.
–


Engine oil filler cap.
–


Priming pump.
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

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Practical information
10.Priming pump*
Diesel fuel system
This system is under very high pressure.
All work 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).
* Depending on engine.
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 your engine and complies with the
recommendations in the service schedule
supplied with the vehicle (or available from
your CITROËN dealer or qualified workshop).
Use of non-recommended oil may invalidate
your warranty in the event of engine failure.
Topping up the engine oil level
For the location of the engine oil filler cap, please
refer to the corresponding engine compartment
illustration.
► 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.
► Top up the level if necessary.
► After checking the level, carefully screw the
oil filler cap back on and replace the dipstick in
its tube.
The oil level indication displayed on the instrument panel when the ignition is
switched on is not valid for 30 minutes
following an addition of oil.
Brake fluid
The level of this fluid should be close to the "MAX" mark. If not, check the brake
pads for wear.
To know how often the brake fluid should be
replaced, refer to the manufacturer's servicing
schedule.

131
Practical information
7supplied with the vehicle (or available from
your CITROËN dealer or qualified workshop).
Use of non-recommended oil may invalidate
your warranty in the event of engine failure.
Topping up the engine oil level
For the location of the engine oil filler cap, please
refer to the corresponding engine compartment
illustration.
►
Add oil in small quantities, avoiding any spills
on engine components (risk of fire).
►


W
ait a few minutes before checking the level
again using the dipstick.
►

T
op up the level if necessary.
►

After checking the level, carefully screw the
oil filler cap back on

and replace the dipstick in
its tube.
The oil level indication displayed on the instrument panel when the ignition is
switched on is not valid for 30 minutes
following an addition of oil.
Brake fluid
The level of this fluid should be close to the "MAX" mark. If not, check the brake
pads for 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 level of coolant that is too low risks causing
major damage to the engine; the coolant level
must be close to the "MAX" mark without ever
going above it.
If the level is close to or below the " MIN" mark, it
is essential to top it up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of the
coolant 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 pre-mixed
product.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a fluid
containing an anti-freeze agent which is
appropriate for the temperature conditions
must be used in order to protect the system's
components (pump, tank, ducts, jets).
Filling with pure water is prohibited in all
circumstances (risk of freezing,
limescale, 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 signal and a warning message.
Topping up
The topping up of this additive must be carried
out quickly.
Visit a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
AdBlue® (BlueHDi)
An alert is triggered when the reserve level is
reached.

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Practical information
For more information on the Indicators and in
particular 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 AdBlue
® (BlueHDi),
and in particular 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.
Check regularly that the terminals are correctly
tightened (versions without quick-release
terminals) and that the connections are clean.
For more information on the precautions
to take before any work on the 12 V
battery, refer to the corresponding section.
Versions equipped with Stop & Start are
fitted with a 12 V lead-acid battery with
special technology and specifications.
Its replacement should be carried out only by
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Passenger compartment
filter
Depending on the environment and the
use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary .
A clogged passenger compartment filter
can adversely affect air conditioning
system performance and generate
undesirable odours.
Air filter
Depending on the environment and the
use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary .
Oil filter
Change the oil filter each time the engine
oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
The start of clogging of the particle filter is
indicated by the temporary lighting of this
warning lamp, accompanied by an alert
message.
As soon as the traffic conditions permit,
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at
least 37
mph (60 km/h) until the warning lamp
goes off.
If the warning lamp stays on, this
indicates a low Diesel additive level.
For more information on Checking levels,
refer to the corresponding section.
Following prolonged operation of the
vehicle at very low speed or at idle, you
may, in exceptional circumstances, notice
water vapour coming from the exhaust while
accelerating. These emissions have no
impact on the vehicle’s behaviour and the
environment.
New vehicle
During the first few particle filter
regeneration operations, you may notice a
"burning" smell. This is perfectly normal.
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Automatic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Brake pads
Brake wear depends on the style of
driving, particularly in the case of vehicles
used in town, over short distances. It may be
necessary to have the condition of the brakes
checked, even between vehicle services.
Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a drop in the
brake fluid level indicates that the brake pads
are worn.
After washing the vehicle, moisture, or in wintry conditions, ice can form on the
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency may
be reduced. Gently dab the brakes to dry and
defrost them.
Brake disc wear
For information on checking brake disc
wear, contact a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Manual parking brake
If you notice excessive brake lever travel
or decreased effectiveness, the parking
brake must be adjusted, even between two
services.
This system must be checked by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.