2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS battery

70
Driving
Switching 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.

audible signal, to remind you that the key is
still in the ignition switch at position 1 (Stop).
If the key has been left in the ignition switch
at position 2 (Ignition on) , the ignition will be
switched off automatically after one hour.
To switch the ignition back on, turn the key
to position 1 (Stop), then back to position 2
(Ignition on) .
Starting / Switching off the
engine with Keyless Entry
and Starting
The electronic key must be present in the
passenger compartment.
If it is not detected, a message is displayed.
Move the electronic key so that the engine
can be started or switched off.
If there is still a problem, refer to the "Key
not detected - Back-up starting or Back-up
switch-off" section.
Starting

► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral and fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, select mode P
or
N and press the brake pedal.


► Press the " START/STOP" button while
maintaining pressure on the pedal until the
engine starts.
For Diesel engines, when the temperature is
below zero and/or the engine is cold, starting will
only occur once the preheating warning lamp is
off.
If this warning lamp comes on after
pressing the " START/STOP" button:
►

Keep the pedal fully depressed and do not
press the "

START/STOP" button again until the
engine is running.
If one of the starting conditions is not met, a
message is displayed.
In some circumstances, a message indicates
that it is necessary to turn the steering wheel
while pressing the " START/STOP" button to
assist unlocking of the steering column.
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).
Switching off
► Immobilise the vehicle, with the engine at
idle.
►

With a
manual gearbox, ideally put the gear
lever into neutral.
►

With an
automatic gearbox, ideally select
mode
P or N.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button..
In some circumstances, it is necessary to turn
the steering wheel to lock the steering column.
If the vehicle is not immobilised, the
engine will not switch off.
With the engine off, the braking and
steering assistance systems are also cut
off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!
Never leave your vehicle with the
electronic key still inside.

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.

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.

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;

97
Practical information
7► Insert the 4 lower mounting tabs and the 4
upper mounting tabs in the bumper until they
click into position, starting from the outside and
working inwards.
►

Check that the unit is firmly held by pressing
around the edges.
T

o remove these screens, perform the same
sequence of operations in reverse order.


► Present the third screen in front of the lower
grille of the bumper .
►

Insert the 4 lower mounting tabs in the
bumper

.
►

Push the upper part of the screen against the
bumper until the 5 upper mounting tabs click into
position in the bumper

.
►

Check that the unit is firmly held by pressing
around the edges.
To remove the screen, push it down to unclip
the upper mounting tabs, then pull the screen
towards you.
Towing device
Distribution of loads
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heaviest items are as close as possible to the
axle, and the nose weight approaches the
maximum permitted without exceeding it.
Air density decreases with altitude, thus reducing
engine performance.
The maximum load which
can be towed must be reduced by 10% per
1,000
metres of altitude.
Use towing devices and their genuine
wiring harnesses approved by CITROËN.
It is recommended that the installation be
performed by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
If not fitted by a CITROËN dealer, it must
still be fitted in accordance with the vehicle
manufacturer's instructions.
Certain driving or manoeuvring aid functions
are automatically deactivated if an approved
towing system is used.
Observe the maximum authorised
towable weight, indicated on the vehicle's
registration certificate, the manufacturer's
label as well as in the Technical data section
of this guide.
Complying with the maximum authorised
nose weight (towball) also includes the
use of accessories (bicycle carriers, tow
boxes, etc.).
Observe the legislation in force in the
country in which you are driving.
Remove the quickly detachable towball
when not towing a trailer.
Load reduction mode
System which manages the use of certain
functions according to the level of charge
remaining in the battery.
When the vehicle is being driven, the load
reduction function temporarily deactivates certain
functions, such as air conditioning, heated rear
screen, etc.
The deactivated functions are reactivated
automatically as soon as conditions permit.
Energy economy mode
System which manages the duration of use of
certain functions to conserve a sufficient level of
charge in the battery.
After the engine has stopped, you can still use
functions such as the audio and telematics

98
Practical information
Recommendations
► Distribute the load uniformly, taking
care to avoid overloading one of the sides.
► Arrange the heaviest part of the load as
close as possible to the roof.
► Lash the load down securely and fit a
warning flag if it overhangs the vehicle.
► Drive gently: the vehicle will be more
susceptible to the effects of side winds
(stability may be affected).
► Remove the roof bars once they are no
longer needed.
Maximum load, distributed over the roof
bars, for a loading height not exceeding
40 cm: 80 kg.
As this value may change, please verify the
maximum load quoted on the note supplied
with the roof bars.
If the height exceeds 40 cm, adapt the
speed of the vehicle to the profile of the road
to avoid damaging the roof bars and the
mountings on the vehicle.
Be sure to refer to national legislation in order
to comply with the regulations for transporting
objects which are longer than the vehicle.
Bonnet
Stop & Start
Before doing anything under the bonnet,
you must switch off the ignition to avoid any
systemI windscreen wipers, dipped beam
headlamps, courtesy lamps, etc. for a maximum
combined duration of about forty minutesK
Switching to the mode
A message indicating that the vehicle has
switched to economy mode is displayed on the
touch screen and the active functions are put on
standby.
If a telephone call is in progress at the
time, it will be maintained for around 10
minutes using your audio system’s hands-free
system.
Exiting the mode
These functions will be automatically restored
the next time the vehicle is used.
In order to restore the use of these functions
immediately, start the engine and let it run:
–

for less than ten minutes, to use the
equipment for approximately five minutes,
–


for more than ten minutes, to use the
equipment for up to approximately thirty minutes.
Let the engine run for the duration specified to
ensure that the battery charge is sufficient.
Do not repeatedly and continuously restart the
engine in order to charge the battery

.
A flat battery prevents the engine from starting.
For more information on the 12 V battery,
refer to the corresponding section.
Roof bars
For safety reasons and to avoid
damaging the roof, it is essential to use
the transverse bars approved for your vehicle.
Observe the fitting instructions and the
conditions of use in the guide supplied
with the roof bars.
Version without longitudinal
bars


When fitting roof bars, use only the four fixing
points located in the roof frame. The points are
hidden by the vehicle doors when closed.


The roof bar fixings include a lug to be fitted into
the hole at each fixing point.
Version with longitudinal
bars


You must fit the transverse bars to the
longitudinal bars at the fixing points indicated by
engraved markings on the longitudinal bars.

100
Practical information
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 or a
qualified workshop.
Engine oil
The level is checked, with the engine having been switched off for at least 30
minutes and on level ground, either using the oil
level indicator in the instrument panel when the
ignition is switched on (for vehicles equipped
with an electric gauge), or using the dipstick.
It is normal to top up the oil level between two
services (or oil changes). It is recommended
that you check the level, and top up if necessary,
every 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
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.


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

.
Because of the presence of electrical
equipment under the bonnet, it is strongly
recommended that exposure to water (rain,
washing, etc.) be limited.
Engine compartment
The engine represented is an example given for
illustration purposes only. The locations of the following elements may
vary:
–

Air filter
.
–
Engine oil dipstick.
–

Engine oil filler cap.
Petrol engine

Diesel engine

1.
Screenwash fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery / Fuses
5. Remote earth point (-)
6. Fusebox
7. Air filter
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
The Diesel fuel system operates under
very high pressure.
All work on this circuit must be carried out
only by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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 or a qualified workshop.
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.