2023 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS engine

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.

135
Practical information
7for 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.


► With the vehicle unlocked and the fuel filler
flap open, turn the blue cap of the AdBlue® tank
a quarter turn anti-clockwise.
Filling up
► With a container of AdBlue®: after checking
the expiry date, read the instructions on the
label carefully before pouring the contents of the
container into the vehicle's AdBlue tank.
►

With an


AdBlue® pump: insert the nozzle and
fill the tank until the nozzle automatically cuts
out.
In order not to overfill the AdBlue® tank:
–
Add between 10 and 13 litres using
AdBlue® containers.
–
Stop after the nozzle’ s first automatic cut-
out, if you are refilling at a service station.
The system only registers AdBlue
® top-ups of
5

litres or more.
If the AdBlue® tank is completely empty
– which is confirmed by the message
“Top up AdBlue: Starting impossible ” – it is
essential to add at least 5 litres.
After refilling
► Perform the same sequence of operations in
reverse order .
Do not dispose of AdBlue® containers in
the household waste.
Place them in a container reserved for this
purpose or take them back to where you
purchased them.
Advice on care and
maintenance
General recommendations
Observe the following recommendations to avoid
damaging the vehicle.
Exterior
Never use a high-pressure jet wash in
the engine compartment - risk of
damaging the electrical components!
Do not wash the vehicle in bright sunshine or
extremely cold conditions.
When washing the vehicle in an
automatic roller-brush car wash, be sure
to lock the doors and, depending on version,

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.

144
In the event of a breakdown
Refitting the lamp units
Perform the operations in the reverse
order to dismantling.
Opening the bonnet/Accessing the
bulbs
Proceed with caution when the engine is hot -
risk of burns!
Take care with objects or clothing that could
be caught in the blades of the cooling fan -
risk of strangulation!
Halogen bulbs (Hx)
To ensure good quality lighting, check
that the bulb is correctly positioned in its
housing.
Light-emitting diode (LED)
headlamps and lamps
Depending on version, the affected types of
headlamps/lamps are:
– Front foglamps.
– Daytime running lamps/sidelamps.
– Dipped beam headlamps.
– Main beam headlamps.
– Direction indicator side repeaters.
– Third brake lamp.
– Number plate lamps.
Putting the spare wheel
back in place
The punctured wheel cannot be put
under the boot floor.


► Put the spare wheel back in place in its
housing.
►

Slacken the nut on the bolt by a few turns.
►


Position the fastening device (nut and bolt) in
the middle of the wheel.
►


T
ighten the central nut sufficiently to retain
the wheel correctly.
►

Stow the tools in the bag or storage box
(depending on equipment).
If there is no wheel in the well, the
fastening device (nut and bolt) cannot be
refitted.
After changing a wheel
With a "space-saver" type spare wheel
Deactivate certain driving aid functions
(Active Safety Brake, Adaptive cruise control,
etc.).
Do not exceed the maximum authorised
speed of 50 mph (80
km/h) or the maximum
distance of 50 miles (80 km).
Driving with more than one "space-saver"
type spare wheel is prohibited.
Visit a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Have the tightening of the spare wheel's bolts
and its tyre pressure checked.
Have the punctured tyre examined. After
inspection, the technician will advise you on
whether the tyre can be repaired or if it must
be replaced.
Changing a bulb
In some weather conditions (e.g. low
temperature or humidity), misting on the
internal surface of the glass of the headlamps
and rear lamps is normal, and will disappear
after the lamps have been on for a few
minutes.
The headlamps have polycarbonate lenses with a protective coating:
–

Do not clean them with a dry or abrasive
cloth, nor with detergent or solvent
products.
–


Use a sponge and soapy water or a pH
neutral product.
–


When using a high-pressure washer on
persistent marks, do not keep the lance
directed towards the headlamps, lamps or
their edges for too long, so as not to damage
their protective coating and seals.
Changing a bulb must only be done with
the ignition off and after the headlamp /
lamp has been switched off for several
minutes - risk of serious burns!
Do not touch the bulb directly with your
fingers; use a lint-free cloth.
It is essential only to use anti-ultraviolet
(UV) type bulbs, so as not to damage the
headlamp.
Always replace a failed bulb with a new bulb
of the same type and specification. To avoid
lighting imbalance, replace the bulbs in pairs.

145
In the event of a breakdown
8Refitting the lamp units
Perform the operations in the reverse
order to dismantling.
Opening the bonnet/Accessing the
bulbs
Proceed with caution when the engine is hot -
risk of burns!
Take care with objects or clothing that could
be caught in the blades of the cooling fan -
risk of strangulation!
Halogen bulbs (Hx)
To ensure good quality lighting, check
that the bulb is correctly positioned in its
housing.
Light-emitting diode (LED)
headlamps and lamps
Depending on version, the affected types of
headlamps/lamps are:
–

Front foglamps.
–


Daytime running lamps/sidelamps.
–


Dipped beam headlamps.
–


Main beam headlamps.
–


Direction indicator side repeaters.
–


Third brake lamp.
–


Number plate lamps.
If you need to replace this type of bulb,
you must contact a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Do not touch the "Full LED" technology
headlamps or lamps - risk of electrocution!
Front lamps
1. Daytime running lamps/Sidelamps (LED)
2. Direction indicators (PY21W)
3. Dipped beam headlamps (LED)
4. Main beam headlamps (LED)
5. Foglamps (LED)
Direction indicators

Rapid flashing of the indicator lamp for a
direction indicator
(left or right) indicates
that one of the bulbs on the corresponding
side has failed.
►

T

urn the bulb holder an eighth of a turn anti-
clockwise and remove it.
►

Remove the bulb and replace it.
Amber-coloured bulbs must be replaced by bulbs with identical specifications and
colour.

147
In the event of a breakdown
8► Fit the console back into place around the
courtesy lamp and clip it correctly .
Rear courtesy lamp

► Using a thin, flat blade screwdriver , unclip the
courtesy lamp.
►

Remove the defective bulb and replace it.
►


Fit the courtesy lamp back into place and clip
it correctly

.
Boot (W5W)

► Unclip the cover using a small flat blade
screwdriver .
►

Remove the bulb and replace it.
►


Put the unit back in place.
Fuses
Changing a fuse
All work must be carried out only by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop
The replacement of a fuse by a third party
could cause a serious malfunction of the
vehicle.
Installing electrical accessories
The vehicle's electrical system is
designed to operate with standard or optional
equipment.
Before fitting other electrical equipment
or accessories to your vehicle, contact a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
CITROËN accepts no responsibility for
the cost incurred in repairing the vehicle
or for rectifying malfunctions resulting from
the installation of accessories not supplied or
not recommended by CITROËN and not
installed in accordance with its
recommendations, in particular when the
combined power consumption of all of the
additional equipment connected exceeds 10
milliamperes.
12 V battery
Procedure for starting the engine using another
battery or for charging a discharged battery.
Lead-acid starter batteries
These batteries contain harmful substances (sulphuric acid and lead).
They must be disposed of in accordance
with regulations and must never under any
circumstances be discarded with household
waste.
Take used remote control batteries and
vehicle batteries to a special collection point.
Protect your eyes and face before
handling the battery.
All operations on the battery must be carried
out in a well ventilated area and away from
naked flames and sources of sparks, to avoid
any risk of explosion or fire.
Wash your hands afterwards.
Accessing the battery
The battery is located under the bonnet.

For access to the (+) terminal:

148
In the event of a breakdown
► Release the bonnet by pulling the internal
release lever , then the external safety catch.
►

Raise the bonnet.
(+)

Positive terminal.
This terminal has a quick-release clamp.
(-) Negative terminal.
As the battery's negative terminal is not
accessible, use the engine mounting.
Starting using another
battery
If the vehicle's battery is flat, the engine can be
started using a backup battery (either external or
from another vehicle) and jump leads or using a
battery booster.
Never start the engine by connecting a
battery charger.
Never use a 24
V or higher battery booster.
Check beforehand that the backup battery
has a nominal voltage of 12
V and a capacity
at least equal to that of the discharged
battery.
The two vehicles must not be in contact with
each other.
Switch off all electricity-consuming equipment
on both vehicles (audio system, wipers,
lighting, etc.).
Make sure that the jump leads are well away
from the engine’s moving parts (fan, belt,
etc.).
Do not disconnect the (+) terminal while the
engine is running.


► Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if the
vehicle has one.
►

Connect the red cable to the (+) terminal of
flat battery

A (at the metal elbow), then to the
(+) terminal of the backup battery
B or of the
booster.
►

Connect one end of the green or black cable
to the (-) terminal of the backup battery

B or of
the booster (or to an earth point on the assisting
vehicle).
►

Connect the other end of the green or black
cable to the earth point


C
.
►

Start the engine on the assisting vehicle and
leave it running for a few minutes.
►


Operate the starter on the broken down
vehicle and let the engine run.
If the engine does not start immediately

, switch
off the ignition and wait a few moments before
trying again.
►

W
ait for it to return to idle.
►

Disconnect the jump leads in reverse order.
► Refit the plastic cover to the (+) terminal, if
the vehicle has one.
►

Allow the engine to run for at least
30

minutes, with the vehicle stationary, so that
the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.
Driving immediately without having
reached a sufficient level of charge may
affect some of the vehicle's functions.
Automatic gearbox
Never try to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle.
Charging the battery using a
battery charger
For optimum service life of the battery, it is
essential to maintain an adequate state of
charge.
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to
charge the battery:
–

When using the vehicle mainly for short
journeys.
–


If the vehicle is to be taken off the road for
several weeks.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
To charge the vehicle's battery yourself, use only a charger compatible with
lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of
12

V.