2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS check engine

67
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 (temperature
below -23°C), 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 or position N or P (depending on the
type of gearbox).
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 are obliged to drive on a flooded road:
► check that the depth of water does not
exceed 15 cm, taking account of waves that
might be generated by other users,
►

deactivate the Stop & Start function,
►


drive as slowly as possible without stalling. In
all cases, do not exceed 6 mph (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 or a qualified
workshop.
In case of towing
Driving with a trailer places greater
demands on the towing vehicle and
requires extra care from the driver.
Respect the maximum towable weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by
10% per 1,000 metres of altitude; the density
of the air decreases with altitude and the
performance of the engine reduces.
New vehicle: do not pull a trailer before
having driven at least 620 miles (1,000
kilometres).
If the outside temperature is high, let the
engine idle for 1 to 2 minutes after the
vehicle comes to a stop, to help it to cool.

68
Driving
automatically to preserve the remaining battery
charge.
Starting the engine
With the parking brake applied:
► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
► With an automatic gearbox, place the gear
selector in mode N or P then fully depress the
brake 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).
► With a petrol engine , 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.
With petrol engines , 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).
► With a Diesel engine, turn the key to position
2, ignition on, to operate the engine preheating
system.
Before setting off
Nose weight
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heaviest items are as close as possible to the
axle and the nose weight (at the point where it
joins your vehicle) approaches the maximum
permitted without exceeding it.
Tyres
► Check the tyre pressures of the towing
vehicle and of the trailer , observing the
recommended pressures.
Lighting
► Check the electrical signalling on the trailer
and the headlamp beam height of your vehicle.
If a genuine CITROËN towing device is
used, the rear parking sensors will be
deactivated automatically to avoid the audible
signal.
When driving
Cooling
Towing a trailer uphill increases the temperature
of the coolant. The maximum towable load
depends on the gradient and the exterior
temperature. The cooling capacity of the fan
does not increase with engine speed.
►

Reduce speed and lower the engine speed,
so as to limit the heating-up. In all cases, pay attention to the coolant
temperature.
If this warning lamp and the
STOP
warning lamp come on, stop the vehicle
and switch off the engine as soon as possible.
Brakes
Braking distances are increased when towing a
trailer. To avoid overheating of the brakes, the
use of engine braking is recommended.
Side wind
Bear in mind the increased susceptibility to the
wind that the vehicle will have.
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The key contains an electronic chip which has a
special code. When the ignition is switched on,
this code must be recognised in order for starting
to be possible.
This electronic engine immobiliser locks the
engine management system a moment after
the ignition is switched off, and prevents
unauthorised engine starting.
In the event of a fault, you are informed
by illumination of this warning lamp, an
audible signal and a message in the screen.
In this case, your vehicle will not start; contact
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
Starting / Switching off the
engine with the key
Key ignition switch

It has 3 positions:
– 1. Stop: inserting and removing the key ,
steering column locked.
–

2. Ignition : steering column unlocked, ignition
on, Diesel preheating, engine running.
–


3. Starting
.
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.
Once the state of charge of the battery drops to
the reserve level, the system switches to energy
economy mode : the power supply is cut off

69
Driving
6automatically to preserve the remaining battery
charge.
Starting the engine
With the parking brake applied:
► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, place the gear
selector in mode N or P then fully depress the
brake 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).
►

With a
petrol engine , 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.
With petrol engines , 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).
►

With a
Diesel engine, turn the key to position
2, ignition on, to operate the engine preheating
system.
Wait until this warning lamp goes off in the
instrument panel, then 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.
In wintry conditions, the warning lamp
may stay on for a longer period. When
the engine is hot, the warning lamp does not
come on.
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 and the engine.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
In mild conditions, do not leave the
engine at idle to warm up but move off
straight away and drive at moderate speed.
Switching off the engine
► Immobilise the vehicle.
► With the engine at idle, turn the key to
position 1
.
►

Remove the key from the ignition switch.
►


T
o lock the steering column, turn the steering
wheel until it locks.
To facilitate unlocking of the steering column, it is recommended that the
wheels be returned to the straight ahead
position before switching off the engine.
Never switch off the ignition before the
complete immobilisation of the vehicle.
With the engine off, the braking and steering
assistance systems are also cut off - risk of
loss of control of the vehicle!
Check that the parking brake is correctly
applied, particularly on sloping ground.
When leaving the vehicle, keep the key in
your possession and lock the vehicle.
Energy economy mode
After the engine has stopped (position 1. Stop),
for a maximum combined duration of about thirty
minutes, you can still use functions such as the
audio and telematics system, courtesy lamps,
windscreen wipers, dipped beam headlamps,
etc.
For more information on Energy
economy mode, refer to the
corresponding section.
Key left in
When opening the driver's door, an alert
message is displayed, accompanied by an

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.

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;

86
Driving
Where the speed of your vehicle is too
high approaching another vehicle, the
first level of alert may not be displayed: the
level 2 alert may be displayed directly.
Important: the level 1 alert is not displayed
when there is a stationary obstacle or when
the "Close" trigger threshold has been
selected.
Modifying the alert trigger threshold
This threshold determines how you wish to be
warned of the presence of a moving or stationary
vehicle in front of you, or a pedestrian present in
your traffic lane.
The current threshold can be modified via the
vehicle configuration menu.
You can select one of three pre-defined
thresholds:
– "Distant",
– "Normal",
– "Close".
The last threshold selected is memorised when
the ignition is switched off.
Intelligent emergency
braking assistance
If the driver brakes, but not sufficiently to avoid a
collision, this system will supplement the braking,
within the limits of the laws of physics.
This assistance will only be provided if you press
the brake pedal.
– warns the driver that their vehicle is at risk of
collision with the vehicle in front or a pedestrian.
–

reduces the vehicle's speed to avoid a
collision or limit its severity

.
This system is comprised of three functions:
–

Collision
Risk Alert.
–

Intelligent emergency braking assistance.
–


Active Safety Brake (automatic emergency
braking).


The vehicle has a camera located at the top of
the windscreen.
This system does not avoid the need for vigilance on the part of the driver.
This system is designed to assist the driver
and improve road safety.
It is the driver's responsibility to continuously
monitor the state of the traffic, observing the
driving regulations.
As soon as the system detects a potential obstacle, it prepares the braking
circuit in case automatic braking is needed.
This may cause a slight noise and a slight
sensation of deceleration.
Operating conditions and
limits
The ESC system must not be faulty.
The ASR system must not be deactivated.
All passenger seat belts must be fastened.
Driving at a steady speed on roads with few
bends is required.
In the following cases, deactivating the system
via the vehicle's configuration menu is advised:
–

towing a trailer
,
–

carrying long objects on roof bars or roof rack,
–


with snow chains fitted,
–


before using an automatic car wash, with the
engine running,
–


before placing the vehicle on a rolling road in
a workshop,
–


towed vehicle, engine running,
–


Following
an impact to the windscreen close to
the detection camera.
The system is automatically deactivated after the use of the "space-saver" type
spare wheel is detected, or if a fault with the
lateral brake lamps is detected.
It is possible that warnings are not given,
are given too late or seem unjustified.
Consequently, always stay in control of your
vehicle and be prepared to react at any time
to avoid an accident.
After an impact, the function automatically stops operating. Contact a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop to
have the system checked.
Collision Risk Alert
It warns the driver that their vehicle is at risk of
collision with the vehicle in front or a pedestrian
present in their traffic lane.
Operation
Depending on the degree of risk of collision
detected by the system and the alert trigger
threshold chosen by the driver, several different
levels of alert may be triggered and displayed on
the touch screen.
The system takes account of the vehicle
dynamics, the speed of your vehicle and the one
in front, the environmental conditions and the
operation of the vehicle (actions on the pedals,
the steering wheel, etc.) to trigger the alert at the
best moment.
Level 1 (orange): visual alert only,
indicating that the vehicle in front is very
close.
The message
"Vehicle close" is displayed.
Level 2 (red): visual and audible alert,
indicating that a collision is imminent.
The message "Brake! " is displayed.
Level 3: in some cases, a vibration alert in the
form of micro-braking can be given, confirming
the risk of collision.