2023 CITROEN C3 ESP

31
Driving
6Driving 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 to carry out operations that
require close attention (such as adjustments).
►


During long trips, take a break every two
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 severe wintry conditions, 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
damage to the braking system!
Do not park the vehicle or leave the
engine running on a flammable
surface (dry grass, dead leaves, etc.). The
exhaust system of your vehicle is very hot,
even several minutes after the engine stops.
Risk of fire!
Never leave a 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.
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 the electrical
systems of your vehicle.


If you have to drive on a flooded road:
► drive as slowly as possible without stalling. In
all cases, do not exceed 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.
Starting / Switching off the
engine
Key ignition switch

It has 4 positions:
1. Stop Inserting and removing the key, steering
column locked.
2. ACC Steering column unlocked, use of the
vehicle's electric equipment.
3. ON (Ignition) Steering column unlocked, ignition on, engine
running.
4. Starting

33
Driving
6Only engage reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary with the engine at
idle.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate starting the engine:
–

Always select neutral.
–


Press the clutch pedal.
Gear efficiency indicator
This system helps reduce fuel consumption by
recommending the most appropriate gear.
Operation
The system advises to change gear.The information appears in the instrument panel in the form of an ascending or
descending arrow.
The number displayed is the current gear.
Gear shift recommendations should not be
considered compulsory. In fact, the road layout,
the traffic density and safety remain the deciding
factors when choosing the best gear. The driver
therefore remains responsible for deciding
whether or not to follow the indications issued by
the system.
This function cannot be deactivated.
The system adapts its gear shift recommendation according to the driving
conditions (slope, load, etc.) and the driver’s
requirements (power, acceleration, braking,
etc.).
The system never suggests:
–

engaging first gear;
–


engaging reverse.
Overspeed alert
An audible overspeed alert is triggered when the
vehicle exceeds predefined speed thresholds.
When the vehicle speed is greater than 80 km/h,
the alert is emitted every 2 minutes.
When the vehicle speed is greater than 120
km/h, the alert is emitted every 2 seconds.
This system cannot be modified nor deactivated.
Parking sensors

Using sensors located in the bumper, this
system signals the proximity of obstacles
(e.g.
pedestrian, vehicle, tree, barrier) present in
their field of detection.
Rear parking sensors
The system is switched on by engaging reverse
gear.
The system is switched off when disengaging
reverse gear.
Audible assistance

The system signals the presence of obstacles
within the sensors’ detection zone.
The proximity information is given by an
intermittent audible signal, the frequency of
which increases as the vehicle approaches the
obstacle.
When the distance between the vehicle
and the obstacle becomes less than about
60
centimetres, the audible signal becomes
continuous.
Operating limits
If the boot is heavily loaded, the vehicle may tilt,
affecting distance measurements.

37
Practical information
7– Air filter.
– Engine oil dipstick.
–

Engine oil filler cap.

NA engine

Turbo engine
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter
3. Battery
4. Fusebox
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Screenwash fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
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.
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).
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.
Engine oil
The level is checked, with the engine having been switched off for at least 30
minutes and on level ground, using the dipstick.
To know how often the engine oil should be
replaced, refer to the manufacturer's servicing
schedule.
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.

38
Practical information
– 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 the engine
and complies with the recommendations in
the service schedule supplied with the vehicle
(or available from your CITROËN dealer).
Use of non-recommended oil may invalidate
the contractual 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 under-bonnet 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.
Within 30 minutes of adding oil, the oil
level indication in the instrument panel
when the ignition is switched on is not valid.
Brake fluid
The level of this fluid should be close to
the "MAX" mark. If not, check the leakage
in the circuit and the brake pad 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 DOT3 or 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 low level presents a risk of serious damage to
the engine.
The level of engine coolant should be close to
the "MAX" mark but should never exceed it.
If the level is close to or below the " MIN” mark, it
is essential to top up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of
engine 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 burning, 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.
Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when necessary.
Fluid specification
The fluid must be topped up with a ready-to-use
mixture.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a liquid
containing an agent to prevent freezing must
be used which is appropriate for the prevailing
conditions, in order to protect the elements of the
system (pump, tank, ducts, jets, etc.).
Filling with pure water is prohibited under
all circumstances (risk of freezing,
limestone deposits, etc.).

40
Practical information
The battery electrolyte must be filled. If the level
is found to be below the “MIN” level line, add
distilled water to the “MAX” level line.
For more information on the precautions
to take before any work on the 12 V
battery, refer to the corresponding section.
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.
Manual 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 and drum wear
For information on checking brake disc
and drum wear, contact a CITROËN
dealer.
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 10
kilometres at over 50 km/h, add 0.3 bar (30 kPa)
to the values indicated on the label.
Under-inflation increases fuel
consumption. Non-compliant tyre
pressure causes premature wear on tyres and
has an adverse effect on the vehicle's road
holding - risk of an accident!
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the
braking and road holding performance of the
vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check the
condition of the tyres (tread and sidewalls) and
wheel rims as well as the presence of the valves.
When the wear indicators no longer appear set
back from the tread, the depth of the grooves is
less than 1.6 mm; it is imperative to replace the
tyres.
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 ABS and EBFD systems to mistime.
Shock absorbers
It is not easy for drivers to detect when
shock absorbers are worn. Nevertheless,
the shock absorbers have a major impact on
road-holding and braking performance.
For your safety and driving comfort, it is
important to have them regularly checked by a
CITROËN dealer.

42
In the event of a breakdown
Tool kit
Set of tools supplied with the vehicle.
Accessing the tools

The tools are located under the boot floor carpet,
with the spare wheel.
List of tools

1.Jack
To raise the vehicle.
2.Jack handle
3. Wheel wrench
To remove the wheel bolts.
4. Removable towing eye
For more information on Towing the vehicle
and using the removable towing eye, 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.
The jack does not require any maintenance.
Spare wheel
Access to the spare wheel
The spare wheel is installed in the boot, under
the floor carpet.
Removing the spare wheel

► Rotate the fixing screw to unlock the spare
wheel.
►

Lift the spare wheel towards you from the
rear

.
►

T
ake the wheel out of the boot.
Removing the jack

► Rotate the fixing screw to unlock the jack on
one end.
►

T
ilt the jack towards the right and lift it from
the rear.

45
In the event of a breakdown
8► Tighten the spare wheel fixing screw by a few
turns.
After changing a wheel
The temporary spare wheel is only intended for temporary emergency use,
until the conventional wheel can be repaired
or replaced.
Continuous use of this spare can result in tire
failure and loss of control. Always observe
these precautions when using this spare:
–

Y

our vehicle will respond differently with
this temporary spare.
–

Do not exceed 80 km/h speed.
–


Replace this spare with a standard tire and
wheel as soon as possible.
–


Use of this spare will reduce ground
clearance.
–


Set the specified tire pressure indicated
on the tire information label located on the
driver's door lock pillar

.
–

Do not use tire chains on the temporary
spare. If you must use tire chains, rearrange
the wheels so standard tires and wheels are
fitted to the front axle.
–


The temporary spare wheel has a much
shorter tread life than the conventional

wheels
on your vehicle. Replace the tire as soon as
possible as the tread wear indicator appears.
The inflation pressure of the temporary spare
wheel should be checked at least monthly. At
the same time, check that the tire is stored
securely. If it is not, tighten it.
Note that two or more temporary spare
wheels should not be used on one vehicle
simultaneously.
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.
Refitting the lamp units
Perform the operations in the reverse
order to dismantling.
Opening the bonnet / Accessing the
bulbs
With the engine warm, proceed with caution -
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.

46
In the event of a breakdown
Light-emitting diode (LED)
headlamps and lamps
Depending on version, the affected types of
headlamps / lamps are:
–
Daytime running lamps / sidelamps.
–


Direction indicator side repeaters.
–


Third brake lamp.
–


Number plate lamps.
Light emitting diodes (LED)
For the replacement of this type of bulb,
you must contact a CITROËN dealer.
Do not touch the LED technology lamps - risk
of electrocution!
Front lamps
Model 1

1. Daytime running lamps/sidelamps (W5W
bulb)
2. Direction indicators (PY21W
- 12V - 21W)
3. Beam headlamps (H4
- 12V - 60/55W)
Model 2

1.Daytime running lamps/sidelamps (LED)
2. Direction indicators (PY21W
- 12V - 21W)
3. Beam headlamps (H4
- 12V - 60/55W)
Daytime running lamps/sidelamps

► Turn the bulb holder a quarter of a turn and
pull it out.
►
Pull the bulb out and change it.
Direction indicators
Rapid flashing of a direction indicator
lamp (left or right) indicates that one of
the bulbs on the corresponding side has
failed.


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

Remove the bulb and replace it.
Amber coloured bulbs, such as the direction indicators, must be replaced by
bulbs with identical colour and specifications.
Beam headlamps

► Remove the protective cover by pulling on
the tab.
►

Disconnect the bulb connector
.
►

Release the retaining tab.
►


Change the bulb taking care to align the
metal part with the grooves on the lamp.
►


Reposition the retaining tab.
►


Reconnect the bulb connector
.