2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS key

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

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.

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;

95
Practical information
7

► With the vehicle unlocked, press the rear-
central part of the filler flap to open it.
►

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).
►

Insert the key in the filler cap then turn it to
the left, or turn the filler cap manually to the left
(depending on version).


► Remove the filler cap and hang it on its
carrier (on the filler flap).
►

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 third cut-off of the
nozzle, as this may cause malfunctions.
►


Refit the filler cap.
►


T
urn the key to the right then remove it from
the filler cap, or turn the filler cap manually to the
right (depending on version).
►

Push the filler flap to close it.
If you have put in the wrong fuel for the
vehicle, you must have the fuel tank
drained and filled with the correct fuel before
starting the engine.
The vehicle is fitted with a catalytic converter, a
device which helps to reduce the level of harmful
emissions in the exhaust gases.
For petrol engines, 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.
Misfuel prevention (Diesel)
(Depending on country of sale.)
This mechanical device prevents filling the tank
of a Diesel vehicle with petrol.
Located in the filler neck, the misfuel prevention
device is visible when the filler cap is removed.
Operation
When a petrol filler nozzle is inserted into the
fuel filler neck of a Diesel vehicle, it comes into
contact with the flap. The system remains closed
and prevents filling.
Do not persist but introduce a Diesel type
filler nozzle.
It remains possible to use a fuel jerrycan
to fill the tank.
Travelling abroad
As Diesel fuel pump nozzles may be
different in other countries, the presence
of the misfuel prevention device may make
refuelling impossible.
Before travelling abroad, it is advisable to
check with a CITROËN dealer if the vehicle is
suitable for the distribution equipment of the
countries visited.

105
Practical information
7Storage recommendations
AdBlue® freezes at about -11°C and deteriorates
above +25°C. Containers should be stored in a
cool area and protected from direct sunlight.
Under these conditions, the fluid can be kept for
at least a year.
If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once it has
completely thawed out in the ambient air.
Never store AdBlue® containers in your
vehicle.
Precautions for use
AdBlue® is a urea-based solution. This fluid is
non-flammable, colourless and odourless (when
kept in a cool place).
In the event of contact with the skin, wash the
affected area with soap and running water. In the
event of contact with the eyes, immediately rinse
the eyes with large amounts of water or with an
eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if you feel a persistent burning
sensation or irritation.
If swallowed, immediately wash out the mouth
with clean water and then drink plenty of water.
In certain conditions (high temperature, for
example), the risk of release of ammonia cannot
be excluded: do not inhale the fluid. Ammonia
vapours have an irritant effect on mucous
membranes (eyes, nose and throat).
Store AdBlue® out of the reach of
children, in its original container.
Procedure
Before starting the top-up procedure, ensure that
the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface.
In wintry conditions, ensure that the temperature
of the vehicle is above -11
°C. Otherwise, the
AdBlue
® may be frozen and therefore cannot
be poured into its tank. Park your vehicle in a
warmer area for a few hours to allow the top-up
to be carried out.
Never pour AdBlue® into the Diesel fuel
tank.
If any AdBlue® is splashed, or if there are
any spillages on the bodywork, rinse
immediately with cold water or wipe with a
damp cloth.
If the fluid has crystallised, clean it off using a
sponge and hot water.
Important: in the event of a top-up after
a breakdown because of a lack of
AdBlue, it is essential to wait around 5
minutes before switching on the ignition,
without opening the driver’s door,
unlocking the vehicle, introducing the key
into the ignition switch, or introducing the
key of the “Keyless Entry and Starting

”
system into the passenger compartment

.
Switch on the ignition, then wait for 10
seconds before starting the engine.
► Switch off the ignition and remove the key
from the switch to switch off the engine.
or
►

With Keyless Entry and Starting, press the
"

START/STOP" button to switch off the engine.


► With the vehicle unlocked and the fuel filler
flap open, turn the blue cap of the AdBlue® tank
anti-clockwise and remove it.
►

With a bottle or container of

AdBlue
®: after
checking the expiry date, read the instructions
on the label carefully before pouring the contents
into the vehicle's AdBlue tank.
►

With an


AdBlue® pump: introduce the nozzle
and fill the tank until the nozzle automatically
cuts out.
In order not to overfill the AdBlue® tank:
–
Add between 10 and 13 litres using
AdBlue® containers.
–
Stop after the nozzle’ s first automatic cut-
out, if you are refilling at a service station.
The system only registers AdBlue
® top-ups of
5

litres or more.
If the AdBlue® tank is completely empty
– which is confirmed by the message

106
Practical information
For the care of the stickers in the rear
door windows (quarter panels), we
recommend the following:
– Use a wide jet at a temperature of between
25°C and 40°C.
– Where possible, direct the jet at right
angles to the stickers."Top up AdBlue: Starting impossible" – it is
essential to add at least 5 litres.
After refilling
► Refit the blue cap to the tank filler and turn it
clockwise, as far as it will go.
►

Close the fuel filler flap.
Do not dispose of AdBlue® bottles or
containers in the household waste.
Place them in a container reserved for this
purpose or take them back to where you
purchased them.
Advice on care and maintenance
General recommendations
Observe the following recommendations to avoid
damaging your vehicle.
Exterior
Never use a high-pressure jet wash in
the engine compartment, due to the risk
of damaging electrical components.
Do not wash the vehicle in strong sunshine or
extremely cold conditions.
When washing the vehicle at an
automatic roller-brush car wash, be sure
to lock the doors and, depending on version,
remove the electronic key.
When using a pressure washer, hold the
lance at least 30 cm from the vehicle
(particularly when cleaning areas containing
chipped paint, sensors or seals).
Promptly clean up any stains containing
chemicals liable to damage the vehicle's paint
(including tree resin, bird droppings, insect
secretions, pollen and tar).
If justified by the environment, clean the
vehicle more frequently to remove salty
deposits (in coastal areas), soot (in industrial
estates) and mud (in wet or cold areas).
These substances can be highly corrosive.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop if you require advice on removing
stubborn stains requiring special products
(such as tar or insect removers).
Preferably, have paint touch-ups performed
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Interior
When washing the vehicle, never use a
water hose or high-pressure washer to
clean the interior.
Liquids carried in cups or other open
containers can spill, presenting a risk of
damage if they come into contact with the
controls in the dashboard and centre console.
Take care!
Bodywork
High-gloss paint
Do not use abrasive products or
solvents, petrol or oil to clean the
bodywork.
Never use an abrasive sponge to clean
stubborn stains. Risk of scratching the
paintwork!
Do not apply polish in strong sunshine, or to
plastic or rubber parts.
Use a soft sponge and soapy water or a
pH neutral product.
Gently wipe the bodywork with a clean
microfibre cloth.
Apply polish with the vehicle clean and dry.
Comply with the instructions for use stated on
the product.
Care of the stickers
These styling stickers are treated to give good
resistance to ageing and tearing.
They have been designed to allow you to
customise your vehicle's bodywork.
When washing your vehicle, keep the high-
pressure lance tip at least 30 cm away from the
stickers.