2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS ESP

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.

132
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.

133
Practical information
7Automatic 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.
Wheels and tyres
The inflation pressure of all tyres, including the spare wheel, must be
checked on "cold” tyres.
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure
label are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have driven
for more than 10 minutes or more than 6 miles
(10 kilometres) at over 31 mph (50
km/h), add
0.3 bar (30 kPa) to the values indicated on the
label.
Under-inflation increases energy
consumption. Non-compliant tyre
pressures cause tyres to wear prematurely
and have an adverse effect on the vehicle's
road holding - risk of accident!
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the
braking and road holding performance of the
vehicle. Regularly check the condition of the
tyres (tread and sidewalls) and rims as well as
the presence of the valve caps.
When the wear indicators no longer appear set
back from the tread, the depth of the grooves is
less than 1.6 mm; replace the tyres as soon as
possible.
Using different size wheels and tyres from those
specified can affect the lifetime of tyres, wheel
rotation, ground clearance, the speedometer
reading and have an adverse effect on road
holding.
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles
can cause the ESC to mistime. Always mark the direction of rotation on the tyres
that will be stored when fitting winter or summer
tyres. Store them in a cool, dry place and away
from direct exposure to the sun's rays.
Winter or 4-seasons tyres can be
identified by this symbol on their
sidewalls.
AdBlue® (BlueHDi)
To respect the environment and ensure compliance with the Euro 6 standard, without
adversely affecting the performance or fuel
consumption of its Diesel engines, CITROËN
has taken the decision to equip its vehicles with
a system that combines SCR (Selective Catalytic
Reduction) with a Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) for
the treatment of exhaust gases.
SCR system
Using a liquid called AdBlue® that contains
urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of
the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and
water, which are harmless to health and the
environment.
The AdBlue® is contained in a special
tank holding about 17 litres.
Its capacity allows a driving range of
approximately 3,900
miles (6,500 km),
which
may vary considerably depending on your
driving style.
An alert system is triggered once the reserve
level is reached: it is then possible to drive for a

134
Practical information
further 1,500 miles (2,400 km) before the tank is
empty and the vehicle is immobilised.
If the estimated distance travelled by the
vehicle between two services is greater than
12,500
miles (20,000 km), it will be necessary to
top up the AdBlue.
For more information on the Warning
and indicator lamps and the associated
alerts, or the Indicators, please refer to the
corresponding sections.
Once the AdBlue® tank is empty, a device
required by law prevents the engine from
being restarted.
If the SCR system is faulty, the level of
emissions from the vehicle will no longer meet
the Euro 6 standard and the vehicle starts
polluting the environment.
In the event of a confirmed SCR system
malfunction, it is essential to visit a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop. After 685
miles (1,100 km), a device is automatically
activated to prevent the engine from starting.
In both cases, a range indicator indicates
the distance that can be travelled before the
vehicle is stopped.
Freezing of the AdBlue®
AdBlue® freezes at temperatures below
around -11°C.
The SCR system includes a heater for the
AdBlue® tank, allowing you to continue driving
in very cold conditions.
Supply of AdBlue®
It is recommended that the AdBlue® be topped
up as soon as the first alert is issued indicating
that the reserve level has been reached.
For the correct operation of the SCR
system:
–

Use
only AdBlue
® fluid that meets the ISO
22241 standard.
–

Never

transfer AdBlue
® to another container
as it would lose its purity.
–

Never dilute

AdBlue
® with water.
You can obtain AdBlue
® from a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop, as well as service
stations equipped with AdBlue
® pumps specially
designed for passenger vehicles.
Never top up from an AdBlue® dispenser
reserved for heavy goods vehicles.
Recommendations on storage
AdBlue® freezes at about -11°C and deteriorates
above +25°C. Containers should be stored in a
cool area and protected from direct sunlight.
Under these conditions, the fluid can be kept for
at least a year.
If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once it has
completely thawed out at room temperature.
Never store AdBlue® containers in your
vehicle.
Precautions for use
AdBlue® is a urea-based solution. This fluid is
non-flammable, colourless and odourless (when
kept in a cool place).
In the event of contact with the skin, wash the
affected area with soap and running water. In the
event of contact with the eyes, immediately rinse
the eyes with large amounts of water or with an
eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if you feel a persistent burning
sensation or irritation.
If swallowed, immediately wash out the mouth
with clean water and then drink plenty of water.
In certain conditions (high temperature, for
example), the risk of release of ammonia cannot
be excluded: do not inhale the fluid. Ammonia
vapours have an irritant effect on mucous
membranes (eyes, nose and throat).
Store AdBlue® out of the reach of
children, in its original container.
Procedure
Before starting the top-up procedure, ensure that
the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface.
In wintry conditions, ensure that the temperature
of the vehicle is above -11°C. Otherwise the
AdBlue
® may be frozen and so cannot be poured
into the tank. Park the vehicle in a warmer area
for a few hours to allow the top-up to be carried
out.
Never pour the AdBlue® into the Diesel
fuel tank.
If any AdBlue® is splashed, or if there are
any spillages on the bodywork, rinse
immediately with cold water or wipe with a
damp cloth.
If the fluid has crystallised, clean it off using a
sponge and hot water.
Important: in the event of a top-up after
a breakdown because of a lack of
AdBlue, it is essential to wait around 5
minutes before switching on the ignition,
without opening the driver’s door,
unlocking the vehicle, inserting the key
into the ignition switch, or bringing the
key for the "Keyless Entry and Start"
system into the passenger compartment.
Switch on the ignition, then wait for 10
seconds before starting the engine.
► Switch off the ignition and remove the key
from the switch to switch off the engine.
or
► With Keyless Entry and Start, press the
"START/STOP" button to switch off the engine.

137
In the event of a breakdown
8Running out of fuel
(Diesel)
With Diesel engines, the fuel system must be
primed if you run out of fuel.
Before starting to prime the system, it is
essential to put at least 5 litres of Diesel into the
fuel tank.
For more information on Refuelling and
on Misfuel prevention (Diesel), refer to
the corresponding section.
For non-BlueHDi versions, the fuel system
components are located in the engine
compartment; this may be under a removable
cover.
For more information on the Engine
compartment, in particular the location
of these components under the bonnet, refer
to the corresponding section.
BlueHDi engines
► Switch on the ignition (without starting the
engine).
►

W
ait around 1 minute and switch off the
ignition.
►

Operate the starter motor to start the engine.
If the engine does not start at the first attempt,
do not keep trying, but restart the procedure.
Non-BlueHDi engines
► Open the bonnet and then, if necessary ,
unclip the cover to access the priming pump.
► Operate the priming pump repeatedly
until resistance is felt (resistance may be
felt at the first press).
►

Operate the starter motor to start the engine
(if the engine does not start at the first attempt,
wait around 15 seconds before trying again).
►


If the engine does not start after a few
attempts, operate the priming pump again, then
the starter motor

.
►

Put the cover back in place and clip it in, then
close the bonnet.
Tool kit
Set of tools supplied with the vehicle.
Its content depends on your vehicle's equipment:
–

T
emporary puncture repair kit.
–

Spare wheel.
Accessing the tools
Depending on version, the tool kit is stored in a
bag or in a storage box in the boot.


List of tools

1. Chocks to immobilise the vehicle (depending
on equipment)
2. Socket for the wheel security bolts (located in
the glove box or in the tool box) (depending
on country of sale)
To adapt the wheelbrace to the special
‘security’ bolts.

138
In the event of a breakdown
Tyre inflation pressures are indicated on this label.
For more information on Identification
markings, particularly this label, refer to the
corresponding section.
)RUPRUHLQIR\
UPDWLRQRQWK\
H Tool kit,
refer to the corresponding section.
3. Removable towing eye and flat blade
screwdriver
The flat blade screwdriver allows the cover
plate on the front or rear bumper to be
opened to screw in the removable towing
eye.
For more information on Towing the vehicle
and using the removable towing eye, refer to the
corresponding section.
With temporary puncture repair kit

4. 12 V compressor with cartridge of sealant
and speed limit sticker
For temporary repair of a tyre and to adjust
the tyre pressure.
For more information about the Temporary
puncture repair kit, refer to the corresponding
section.
With spare wheel

5. Wheelbrace
For removing the wheel bolts.
6. Jack with integrated handle
To raise the vehicle.
7. Wheel bolt cap removal tool (stored in the
glove box, tool bag or tool box) (depending
on equipment)
For removing the wheel trim from steel
wheels or the central bolt cover from alloy
wheels.
For more information on the Spare wheel, refer
to the corresponding section.
These tools are specific to the vehicle and may vary according to the level of
equipment.
Do not use them for any other purpose.
The jack must only be used to change a wheel with a damaged or punctured tyre.
Do not use any jack other than the one
supplied with the vehicle.
If the vehicle does not have its original jack,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to obtain the one that was intended
by the manufacturer.
The jack meets European standards, as
defined in the Machinery Directive 2006/42/
CE.
The jack does not require any maintenance.
Temporary puncture repair kit
Scan the QR Code on page 3 to view
explanatory videos.
Made up of a compressor and a sealant
cartridge,
it allows you to carry out a temporary
repair of the tyre so that you can drive to the
nearest garage.
It is designed to repair most punctures located
on the tyre tread.
Only the 12 V socket located at the front
of the vehicle can be used to power the
compressor.

139
In the event of a breakdown
8Tyre inflation pressures are indicated on this label.
For more information on Identification
markings, particularly this label, refer to the
corresponding section.
For more information on the Tool kit,
refer to the corresponding section.
Access to the kit

This kit is installed in the storage box, under the
boot floor.
Repair procedure
Do not remove any foreign bodies (e.g.
nail, screw) which have penetrated into
the tyre.
►

Park the vehicle without obstructing traffic
and apply the parking brake.
►


Follow the safety instructions (hazard
warning lamps, warning triangle, high visibility
jacket, etc.) according to the legislation in force
in the country in which you are driving.
►


Switch the ignition off.
►


Uncoil
the pipe stowed under the compressor.


► Connect the pipe from the compressor to the
bottle of sealant.


► Turn the bottle of sealant over and secure it
in the notch provided on the compressor.
►

Remove the valve cap from the tyre to be
repaired, and place it in a clean place.

141
In the event of a breakdown
8Checking/adjusting tyre
pressures
The compressor can be used, without injecting
sealant, to check and, if necessary, adjust the
tyre pressures.
►

Remove the valve cap from the tyre and keep
it in a clean place.
►


Uncoil
the pipe stowed under the compressor.
►

Screw the pipe onto the valve and tighten
firmly

.
►

Check that the compressor switch is in
position " O

".
►

Fully uncoil the electric cable stowed under
the compressor

.
►

Connect the compressor's electric plug to the
vehicle's 12

V socket.
►

Switch the ignition on.
►


Start the compressor by placing the switch at
position " I

" and adjust the pressure to the value
shown on the vehicle's tyre pressure label. To
deflate: press the black button located on the
compressor pipe, near the valve connection.
If after 7 minutes the pressure of 2 bar is
not reached, the tyre is damaged;
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop for assistance.
►

Once the correct pressure is reached, put the
switch in position " O

".
►

Remove the kit and stow it.
►


Refit the cap on the valve.
Should the pressure of one or more tyres
be adjusted, it is necessary to reinitialise
the under-inflation detection system.
For more information on Tyre under-inflation
detection, refer to the corresponding section.
Spare wheel
Scan the QR Code on page 3 to view
explanatory videos.
For more information on the Tool kit,
refer to the corresponding section.
Accessing the spare wheel
The spare wheel is stored in the boot, under the
floor.
To access the spare wheel, first refer to the
Tool
kit
section.
Depending on version, the spare wheel
may be a standard steel or 'space-saver'
wheel.
Removing the spare wheel

► Unclip and remove the tool storage box or
remove the polystyrene cover (depending on
version).
►

Slacken the central nut.
►


Remove the fastening device (nut and bolt).
►


Lift the spare wheel towards you from the
rear

.
►

T
ake the wheel out of the boot.
Removing a wheel
Parking the vehicle
Immobilise the vehicle where it does
not obstruct traffic: the ground must be level,
stable and non-slippery.
With a manual gearbox, engage first gear
to lock the wheels, apply the parking brake,
unless it is set to automatic mode, and switch
off the ignition.