2023 CITROEN C3 Owners Manual

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

32
Driving
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key or the remote control. It would weigh
down on its shaft in the ignition switch and
could cause a malfunction.
Ignition on position
It allows the use of the vehicle's electric
equipment or portable devices to be charged.
Starting the engine
With the parking brake applied:
► Place the gear lever in neutral then fully
depress the clutch pedal.
►

Insert the key into the ignition switch; the
system recognises the code.
►


Unlock
the steering column by simultaneously
turning the steering wheel and the key.
In certain cases, you may have to apply
significant force to move the steering
wheel (wheels on full lock, for example).
►

Operate the starter motor by turning the key
to position

3 without pressing the accelerator
pedal, until the engine starts. Once the engine
starts, release the key.
After a cold start, preheating the catalytic converter can cause noticeable engine
vibrations for anything up to 2 minutes while
stationary with the engine running
(accelerated idle speed).
If the engine does not start straight away,
switch off the ignition. Wait a few
seconds before operating the starter motor
again. If the engine does not start after a few
attempts, do not keep trying - risk of
damaging the starter motor, the battery and
the engine.
Contact a CITROËN dealer.
In mild conditions, do not leave the
engine at idle to warm up but move off
straight away and drive at moderate speed.
5-speed manual gearbox
Engaging reverse gear

► Fully depress the clutch pedal.
► Push the gear lever fully to the right, then
backwards.
Only 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.
–


Depress the clutch pedal.
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.

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.

34
Driving
Manoeuvring aids cannot, in any
circumstances, replace the need for
vigilance on the part of the driver.
The driver must always check the
surroundings of the vehicle before and during
the whole manoeuvre, in particular using the
mirrors.

35
Practical information
7Refuelling
Fuel tank capacity: 30 litres.
Reserve level: approximately 5 litres.
Low fuel level
When the low fuel level is reached, this
warning lamp comes on on the instrument
panel, accompanied by an audible signal. When
it first comes on, about 5 litres of fuel remain.
Until sufficient fuel is added, this warning lamp
appears every time the ignition is switched on,
accompanied by an audible signal. When driving,
the audible signal are repeated with increasing
frequency as the fuel level drops towards 0.
You must refuel as soon as possible to avoid
running out of fuel.
Refuelling
Additions of fuel must be of at least 5 litres, in
order to be registered by the fuel gauge.
Opening the filler cap may create a noise caused
by an inrush of air. This vacuum is entirely
normal, resulting from the sealing of the fuel
system.
To refuel in complete safety:
►

Y
ou must switch off the engine.


► Lift the fuel filler flap lever , located on the
floor beside the driver's seat, to open the flap.
►

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


► Turn the filler cap to the left and remove it.
► Introduce the filler nozzle and push it in as
far as possible before starting to refuel (risk of
blowback).
►

Fill the tank.
Do not continue past the first cut-off of the
nozzle, as this may cause malfunctions.
► Refit the filler cap.
► T urn it to the right.
►

Push the filler flap to close it.
If you have put in wrong/dirty/
contaminated fuel or H2O mixed fuel in
the vehicle, you must have the fuel tank
drained and filled with the correct fuel before
starting the engine.
Contact a CITROËN dealer for the fuel
system cleaning.
The vehicle is fitted with a catalytic converter, a
device which helps to reduce the level of harmful
emissions in the exhaust gases.
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.
Bonnet
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.

36
Practical information
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!
Water washing in the engine
compartment including high pressure
water washing may cause the failure of
electrical circuits located in the engine
compartment.
Never allow water or other liquids to come in
contact with electrical/electronic components
inside the vehicle as this may damage them.
Opening

► Pull the release lever towards you.

► Lift the safety catch and raise the bonnet.

► Unclip the stay from its housing and place it
in the support slot to hold the bonnet open.
Closing
► Take the stay out of 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

.
Engine compartment
The engines represented are examples given for
illustration purposes only.
The locations of the following elements may
vary:

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.).