2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS Owners Manual

71
Driving
6Switching on the ignition
without starting the engine


With the electronic key in the passenger
compartment, pressing the “START/STOP”
button, without pressing any of the pedals ,
allows the ignition to be switched on without
starting the engine (turning on the instrument
panel and accessories such as the audio system
and the lighting).
►

Press this button
again to switch off the
ignition and allow the vehicle to be locked.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted underneath the
parking brake lever so that the engine can be
started if the system does not detect the key
in the recognition zone, or if the battery in the
electronic key is flat.


► Place and hold the remote control against the
reader .
►

W
ith a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

W
ith an automatic gearbox, select mode P,
then fully depress the brake pedal.
►

Press the “
START/STOP” button.
The engine starts.
Back-up switch-off

If the electronic key is not detected or is no
longer in the recognition zone, a message
appears in the instrument panel when closing a
door or trying to switch off the engine.
►

T
o confirm the instruction to switch off the
engine, press the " START/STOP" button for
approximately 5
seconds.
In the event of a fault with the electronic key,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Emergency switch-off
In the event of an emergency only, the engine
can be switched off without conditions (even
when driving).
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button for about
5
seconds.
In this case, the steering column locks as soon
as the vehicle stops.

72
Driving
N.Neutral
– Vehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied.
– Starting the engine.
D. Automatic operation
M. + / - Manual operation
► To move up / down through the
gears, move backwards / forwards.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When a position is selected in the grate with the
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp
lights up on the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not processed in manual
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this
warning lamp is displayed on the
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal,
select position P or N.
Parking brake
Release

► Pull the parking brake lever up slightly , press
the release button, then lower the lever fully.
When driving the vehicle, if this warning
lamp and the STOP warning lamp come
on, accompanied by an audible signal and the
display of a message, this means that the
parking brake is still applied or has not been fully
released.
Application
► Pull the parking brake lever up to immobilise
the vehicle.
When parking on a slope, turn the
wheels against the kerb, apply the
parking brake, engage a gear and switch off
the ignition.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the lever fully to the right to engage 5th
or 6th gear.
Failure to follow this advice may cause
permanent damage to the gearbox
(engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear by mistake).
Engaging reverse gear

► Raise the ring under the knob and move the
gear lever to the left then forwards.
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,
– press the clutch pedal.
Automatic gearbox (EAT6)
6-speed automatic gearbox which offers a choice
between the comfort of automatic operation or
manual gear changing.
Two driving modes are available:
–

Automatic
operation for electronic
management of the gears by the gearbox: •

With the
Sport programme for a more
dynamic driving style.
–

Manual
operation for sequential changing of
the gears by the driver.
Gear selector module
1. Sport programme
P. Parking
–

V
ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied or released.
–

Starting the engine.
R. Reverse gear
–


Reversing manoeuvres, vehicle
stationary

, engine at idle.

73
Driving
6N.Neutral
–
V ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied.
–

Starting the engine.
D. Automatic operation
M. + / - Manual operation
►


T
o move up / down through the
gears, move backwards / forwards.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When a position is selected in the grate with the
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp
lights up on the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not processed in manual
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this
warning lamp is displayed on the
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal,
select position P
or N.
► Start the engine.
If the conditions are not met, you will hear an
audible signal, accompanied by the display of a
message.
►

With the engine running, press the brake
pedal.
►


Release the parking brake.
►


Select position R

, D or M.
►

Gradually release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves off immediately

.
If position N is selected inadvertently
while driving, allow the engine to return
to idle, then select position D to accelerate.
When the engine is running at idle with
the brakes released, if position R, D or M
is selected, the vehicle moves off even
without the accelerator being pressed.
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle when the engine is running.
When carrying out maintenance with the
engine running, apply the parking brake and
select position P.
Automatic operation
► Select position D for automatic changing of
the six gears.
The gearbox then operates in auto-adaptive
mode, without any intervention on the part of the
driver. It continuously selects the most suitable
gear according to the driving style, the road
profile and the load in the vehicle.
For maximum acceleration without touching the
selector, press the accelerator fully down (kick-
down). The gearbox changes down automatically
or holds the gear selected until the maximum
engine speed is reached.
When braking, the gearbox changes down
automatically to provide effective engine braking.
If you release the accelerator sharply, the
gearbox will not shift to a higher gear for safety
reasons.
Never select position N while the vehicle
is moving.
Never select positions P or R unless the
vehicle is completely stationary.
"Sport" programme
This special programme supplements the
automatic operation in specific conditions of use.
"Sport"
► Press this button, once the engine has
started.
"
S" appears on the instrument panel.
The gearbox automatically favours a dynamic
style of driving.
Return to automatic operation
► At any time, press the selected button again
to quit the activated programme and return to
auto-adaptive mode.

74
Driving
The system adapts its gear shift recommendation according to the driving
conditions (slope, load, etc.) and the driver’s
requirements (request for power, acceleration,
braking, etc.).
The system never suggests:
– engaging first gear.
– engaging a lower gear.
– engaging reverse.
With a manual gearbox, the arrow may
be accompanied by the recommended
gear. The system always suggests changing
to a higher gear when this is necessary.
Hill start assist
This system keeps your vehicle briefly stationary
(for approximately 2 seconds) when making a hill
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
This system is only active when:
– the vehicle is completely stationary, with your
foot on the brake pedal,
– certain slope conditions are met,
– the driver’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the parking
brake manually. After that, ensure that the
parking brake indicator lamp and the indicator
Manual operation
To limit fuel consumption during an extended standstill with the engine
running (for example, in a traffic jam), set the
gear selector to N and apply the parking
brake.
►

Selecting position

M
enables sequential
shifting between the six gears.
►

Push backwards to shift up a gear
.
►

Push forwards to shift down a gear
.
The gearbox only changes gear if the road
speed and engine speed permit; apart from
this condition, the rules for automatic operation
temporarily apply.
D disappears, and the gears engaged appear in
succession on the instrument panel.
If the engine speed is too low or too high, the
selected gear flashes for a few seconds, then the
gearactually activated is displayed.
It is possible to change from position D to
position M
at any time.
When the vehicle is stationary or moving
very slowly, the gearbox selects gear M1
automatically.
The Sport programme is inactive in manual
operation.
This symbol is displayed if a gear is not engaged correctly (gear selector between
two positions).
Switching off the vehicle
Before switching off the engine, it is possible to
engage position P or N to place the gearbox in
neutral.
In both cases, apply the parking brake to
immobilise the vehicle.
If the gear selector is not in position P,
when the driver's door is opened or
approximately 45 seconds after the ignition is
switched off, an audible signal sounds and a
message appears.
►

Return the gear selector to P

; the audible
signal stops and the message disappears.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning
lamp comes on and a message is
displayed, when the ignition is switched on.
In this case, the gearbox goes into back-up
mode and is locked in 3
rd gear. You may feel a
significant jolt (without risk for the gearbox) while
changing from

P

to R and from N to R.
Do not exceed 62 mph (100
km/h), local speed
restrictions permitting.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
There is a risk of damaging the gearbox: – If the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed simultaneously
.
–

In the event of a battery failure, forcing the
selector from position P

to another position.
With an automatic gearbox, never try to
start the engine by pushing the vehicle.
Gear efficiency indicator
(Depending on engine.)
This system helps reduce fuel consumption by
recommending the most appropriate gear.
Operation
Depending on the driving situation and the
vehicle's equipment, the system may advise to
skip one or more gears.
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.
On certain BlueHDi Diesel versions with
manual gearbox, the system may suggest
changing into neutral ( N is displayed in the
instrument panel) so that the engine can go into
standby (STOP mode with Stop & Start), in
certain driving conditions.
The system is only active on vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox.
The information appears in the instrument panel in the form of an arrow.

75
Driving
6The system adapts its gear shift recommendation according to the driving
conditions (slope, load, etc.) and the driver’s
requirements (request for power, acceleration,
braking, etc.).
The system never suggests:
–

engaging first gear
.
–

engaging a lower gear
.
–

engaging reverse.
With a manual gearbox, the arrow may
be accompanied by the recommended
gear. The system always suggests changing
to a higher gear when this is necessary.
Hill start assist
This system keeps your vehicle briefly stationary
(for approximately 2 seconds) when making a hill
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
This system is only active when:
–

the vehicle is completely stationary
, with your
foot on the brake pedal,
–

certain slope conditions are met,
–


the driver
’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the parking
brake manually. After that, ensure that the
parking brake indicator lamp and the indicator
lamp P in the electric parking brake control
lever are on fixed.
The hill start assist function cannot be deactivated. However, use of the parking
brake to immobilise the vehicle interrupts its
operation.
Operation

Facing uphill, with the vehicle stationary,
the vehicle is held for a short time when you
release the brake pedal:
–

provided you are in first gear or neutral with a
manual gearbox.
–


provided you are in mode D

or M with an
automatic gearbox.


Facing downhill, with the vehicle stationary
and reverse gear engaged, the vehicle is held
for a short time when you release the brake
pedal.
Malfunction
This warning lamp comes on in the event of a malfunction, accompanied by an
onscreen message.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the system checked.
Tyre under-inflation detection
This system automatically checks the pressures
of the tyres while driving.
It compares the information given by the wheel
speed sensors with reference values, which
must be reinitialised every time the tyre
pressures are adjusted or a wheel changed.

76
Driving
Stop & Start
The Stop & Start function puts the engine temporarily into standby - STOP mode - during
phases when the vehicle is stopped (red lights,
queues, etc.). The engine restarts automatically
- START mode - as soon as the driver wishes to
move off again.
Primarily designed for urban use, the function
is intended to reduce fuel consumption and
exhaust emissions as well as the noise level
when stationary.
The function does not affect the functionalities of
the vehicle, in particular the braking.
Deactivation/Reactivation
The function is activated by default when the
ignition is switched on.
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.
A message in the instrument panel confirms the
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, if the engine
was in standby, it restarts immediately.
Associated indicator lamp
Function activated.
Opening the bonnet
Before doing anything under the bonnet,
deactivate the Stop & Start system to avoid
The system triggers an alert as soon as it
detects a drop in the inflation pressure of one or
more tyres.
Under-inflation detection does not
replace the need for vigilance on the part
of the driver.
This system does not avoid the need to
regularly check the tyre pressures (including
the spare wheel) as well as before a long
journey.
Driving with under-inflated tyres, particularly
in adverse conditions (heavy load, high
speed, long journey):
–

worsens road-holding.
–


lengthens braking distances.
–


causes premature wear of the tyres.
–


increases fuel consumption.
The inflation pressures defined for the vehicle can be found on the tyre pressure
label.
For more information on the Identification
markings, refer to the corresponding section.
Checking tyre pressures
This check should be done when the
tyres are "cold" (vehicle stopped for 1 hour or
after a journey of less than 6 miles (10
km) at
moderate speeds).
Otherwise, add 0.3 bar to the pressures
shown on the label.
Snow chains
The system does not have to be
reinitialised after fitting or removing snow
chains.
Spare wheel
The steel spare wheel does not have an
under-inflation detection sensor.
Under-inflation alert
This is signalled by the fixed illumination of this warning lamp, accompanied by an
audible signal and the display of a message.
►

Reduce speed immediately
, avoid excessive
steering movements and avoid sudden braking.
►

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
The loss of pressure detected does not always cause visible bulging of the tyre.
Do not rely on just a visual check.
►

Using a compressor
, such as the one in
the temporary puncture repair kit, check the
pressures of the four tyres when cold.
►

If it is not possible to make this check
immediately

, drive carefully at reduced speed.
►

In the event of a puncture, use the
temporary puncture repair kit or the spare wheel
(depending on equipment).
The alert is kept active until the system is reinitialised.
Reinitialisation
Reinitialise the system after adjusting one or
more tyre pressures and after changing one or
more wheels.


Before reinitialising the system, make
sure that the pressures of the four tyres
are correct for the conditions of use of the
vehicle and conform to the values written on
the tyre pressure label.
Check the pressures of the four tyres before
performing the reinitialisation.
The system does not advise if a pressure is
incorrect at the time of reinitialisation.
With the vehicle stationary, the system is
reinitialised via the Driving /
V
ehicle touch screen menu.
Malfunction
These warning lamps come on in the event of a malfunction.
In this case, the tyre under-inflation monitoring
function is no longer performed.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.

77
Driving
6Stop & Start
The Stop & Start function puts the engine temporarily into standby - STOP mode - during
phases when the vehicle is stopped (red lights,
queues, etc.). The engine restarts automatically
- START mode - as soon as the driver wishes to
move off again.
Primarily designed for urban use, the function
is intended to reduce fuel consumption and
exhaust emissions as well as the noise level
when stationary.
The function does not affect the functionalities of
the vehicle, in particular the braking.
Deactivation/Reactivation
The function is activated by default when the
ignition is switched on.
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.
A message in the instrument panel confirms the
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, if the engine
was in standby, it restarts immediately.
Associated indicator lamp
Function activated.
Opening the bonnet
Before doing anything under the bonnet,
deactivate the Stop & Start system to avoid
any risk of injury caused by the engine
restarting automatically.
Driving on flooded roads
Before entering into a flooded area, it is
strongly recommended that you deactivate
the Stop & Start system.
For more information on Driving
recommendations, particularly on flooded
roads, refer to the corresponding section.
Operation
Main conditions for operation
– The driver ’s door must be closed.
– The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
–

The state of charge of the battery must be
sufficient.
–


The temperature of the engine must be within
its nominal operating range.
–


The outside temperature must be between
0°C and 35°C.
Putting the engine into standby
(STOP mode)
The engine automatically goes into standby
as soon as the driver indicates the intention of
stopping.
– With a manual gearbox: at a speed below
2 mph (3 km/h) or with the vehicle stationary
(depending on version), with the gear lever in
neutral and the clutch pedal released,
–

W
ith an automatic gearbox: at a speed
below 2 mph (3
km/h) or with the vehicle
stationary (depending on version), with the
gear selector in position, N or the brake pedal
depressed.
Time counter
A time counter adds up the time spent in standby
during the journey. It is reset to zero every time
the ignition is switched on.
Special cases:
The engine will not go into standby if all of the
conditions for operation are not met and in the
following cases.
–

Steep slope (ascending or descending).
–


V
ehicle has not exceeded 6 mph (10 km/h)
since the last engine start (with the key or the
“START/STOP” button).
–

Needed
to maintain a comfortable temperature
in the passenger compartment.
–

Demisting active.
–


Braking assistance is being used.
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes
for a few seconds, then goes off.
After the engine has restarted, STOP mode is not available until the vehicle
has reached a speed of 5 mph (8
km/h).

78
Driving
certain types of paint could interfere with the
operation of the radar.


Driving aids camera
This camera and its associated functions
may be impaired or not work if the windscreen
area in front of the camera is dirty, misty,
frosty, covered with snow, damaged or
masked by a sticker.
On versions with camera alone, this message
indicates to you that the camera is obstructed:
"Driving aids camera: visibility limited, see
user guide".
In humid and cold weather, demist the
windscreen regularly.
Poor visibility (inadequate street lighting,
heavy rain, thick fog, snowfall), dazzle
(headlamps of an oncoming vehicle, low sun,
reflections on a damp road, leaving a tunnel,
alternating shade and light) can also impair
detection performance.
In the event of a windscreen replacement,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to recalibrate the camera;
otherwise, the operation of the associated
driving aids may be disrupted.
During parking manoeuvres, STOP mode
is not available for a few seconds after
coming out of reverse gear or turning the
steering wheel.
Restarting the engine (START mode)
The engine automatically restarts as soon as the
driver indicates the intention of moving off again.
–

W
ith a manual gearbox: with the clutch pedal
fully depressed.
–

W
ith an automatic gearbox:
•

With the selector in position D

or M: with the
brake pedal released.
•

With the selector in position N

and the brake
pedal released: with the selector at D or M.
•

With the selector in position P

and the brake
pedal depressed: with the selector at R, N,
D or M.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if all
conditions for operation are met again and in the
following case.
–

Some specific conditions (braking assistance,
air conditioning setting, etc.).
In this case, this indicator lamp flashes for
a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a system malfunction, this
warning lamp flashes on the instrument
panel.
Have the vehicle checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
The vehicle stalls in STOP mode
All of the instrument panel warning lamps come
on if there is a fault.
Depending on version, a warning message
may also be displayed, prompting you to place
the gear selector in position N and depress the
brake pedal.
►

Switch off the ignition then start the engine
again with the key or the " ST

ART/STOP" button.
The Stop & Start system requires a 12 V
battery of specific technology and
specification.
All work concerning the battery must be
carried out only by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Driving and manoeuvring
aids - General
recommendations
Driving and manoeuvring aids cannot, in
any circumstances, replace the need for
vigilance on the part of the driver.
The driver must comply with the Highway
Code, must remain in control of the vehicle in
all circumstances and must be able to retake
control of it at all times. The driver must adapt
the speed to climactic conditions, traffic and
the state of the road.
It is the driver's responsibility to constantly
check the traffic, to assess the relative
distances and speeds of other vehicles and to
anticipate their movements before indicating
and changing lane.
The systems cannot exceed the limits of the
laws of physics.
Driving aids
You should hold the steering wheel
with both hands, always use the interior and
exterior rear view mirrors, always keep the
feet close to the pedals and take a break
every two hours.
Manoeuvring aids
The driver must always check the
surroundings of the vehicle before and during
the whole manoeuvre, in particular using the
mirrors.
Radar
The operation of the radar as well as the
associated functions may be impaired through
the accumulation of dirt (mud, frost, etc.), in
certain difficult weather conditions (very heavy
rain, snow) or if the bumper is damaged.
If the front bumper is to be repainted, contact
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop;