2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS service

102
Practical information
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary.
A clogged passenger compartment filter
can adversely affect air conditioning
system performance and generate
undesirable odours.
Air filter
Depending on the environment and the
use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary .
Oil filter
Change the oil filter each time the engine
oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
The start of saturation of the particle filter
is signalled by the temporary illumination
of this warning lamp, accompanied by a
message warning of the risk of the filter clogging
up.
As soon as the traffic conditions permit,
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at
least 37 mph (60 km/h) until the warning lamp
goes off.
If the warning lamp stays on, this
indicates a low Diesel additive level.
For more information on Checking levels,
refer to the corresponding section.
If the level is close to or below the " MIN” mark, it
is essential to top up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of this
fluid is regulated by the fan.
As the cooling system is pressurised, wait at
least one hour after switching off the engine
before carrying out any work.
In order to avoid the risk of scalding if you need
to top up in an emergency, wrap a cloth around
the cap and unscrew the cap by two turns to
allow the pressure to drop.
Once the pressure has dropped, remove the cap
and top up to the required level.
Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when necessary.
Fluid specification
The fluid must be topped up with a ready-to-use
mixture.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a liquid
containing an agent to prevent freezing must
be used which is appropriate for the prevailing
conditions, in order to protect the elements of the
system (pump, tank, ducts, jets, etc.).
Filling with pure water is prohibited under
all circumstances (risk of freezing,
limestone deposits, etc.).
Diesel fuel additive (Diesel
with particle filter)
On reaching the minimum level in the
particle filter additive tank, this warning
lamp comes on fixed, accompanied by an
audible warning and a message warning that the
additive level is too low.
Topping up
This additive must be topped up without delay by
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
AdBlue (BlueHDi)
An alert is triggered when the reserve level is
reached.
For more information on the AdBlue range
indicators, refer to the corresponding section.
To avoid the vehicle being immobilised in
accordance with regulations, you must top up the
AdBlue tank.
For more information on the Supply of AdBlue,
refer to the corresponding section.
Checks
Unless otherwise indicated, check these
components in accordance with the
manufacturer's service schedule and according
to your engine.
Otherwise, have them checked by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Only use products recommended by
CITROËN or products of equivalent
quality and specification.
In order to optimise the operation of
components as important as those in the
braking system, CITROËN selects and offers
very specific products.
12 V battery
The battery does not require any maintenance.
However, check regularly that the terminals
are correctly tightened (versions without quick
release terminals) and that the connections are
clean.
For more information on the precautions
to take before any work on the 12 V
battery, refer to the corresponding section.
Versions equipped with Stop & Start are
fitted with a 12 V lead-acid battery of
specific technology and specification.
Its replacement should be carried out only by
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Passenger compartment
filter
Depending on the environment and the
use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,

103
Practical information
7city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary.
A clogged passenger compartment filter
can adversely affect air conditioning
system performance and generate
undesirable odours.
Air filter
Depending on the environment and the
use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere,
city driving), change it twice as often, if
necessary .
Oil filter
Change the oil filter each time the engine
oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
The start of saturation of the particle filter
is signalled by the temporary illumination
of this warning lamp, accompanied by a
message warning of the risk of the filter clogging
up.
As soon as the traffic conditions permit,
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at
least 37 mph (60
km/h) until the warning lamp
goes off.
If the warning lamp stays on, this
indicates a low Diesel additive level.
For more information on Checking levels,
refer to the corresponding section.
Following prolonged operation of the
vehicle at very low speed or at idle, you
may, in exceptional circumstances, notice the
emission of water vapour at the exhaust on
acceleration. This does not affect the
behaviour of the vehicle or the environment.
New vehicle
The first particle filter regeneration
operations may be accompanied by a
"burning" smell, which is perfectly normal.
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Automatic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any maintenance (no oil change).
Brake pads
Brake wear depends on the style of
driving, particularly in the case of vehicles
used in town, over short distances. It may be
necessary to have the condition of the brakes
checked, even between vehicle services.
Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a drop in the
brake fluid level indicates that the brake pads
are worn.
After washing the vehicle, moisture, or in wintry conditions, ice can form on the
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency may
be reduced. Gently dab the brakes to dry and
defrost them.
Brake disc/drum wear
For any information on checking brake
disc/drum wear, contact a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Parking brake
If excessive travel or a loss of
effectiveness of this system is noticed, the
parking brake must be checked, even between
two services.
This system must be checked by a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Wheels and tyres
The pressure must be checked on all tyres, including the spare wheel, when the
tyres are "cold".
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure
label are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have driven
for more than 10 minutes or more than 6 miles
(10 kilometres) at over 31 mph (50
km/h), add
0.3 bar (30 kPa) to the values indicated on the
label.
Driving with under-inflated tyres
increases fuel consumption. Non-
compliant tyre pressure causes premature
wear on tyres and has an adverse effect on

104
Practical information
Storage 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.
the vehicle's road holding - risk of an
accident! Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the
braking and road holding performance of the
vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check the
condition of the tyres (tread and sidewalls) and
wheel rims as well as the presence of the valves.

Using different size wheels and tyres from those
specifi ed can affect the lifetime of tyres, wheel
rotation, ground clearance, the speedometer
reading and have an adverse e

ffect on road
holding.
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles
can cause the ESC to mistime.
AdBlue ®
(BlueHDi)
To respect the environment and ensure compliance with the Euro 6 standard, without
adversely affecting the performance or fuel
consumption of its Diesel engines, CITROËN
has taken the decision to equip its vehicles
with a system that associates SCR (Selective
Catalytic Reduction) with a Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) for the treatment of exhaust gases.
SCR System
Using a liquid called AdBlue ®
that contains
urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of
the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and
water, which are harmless to health and the
environment.
The AdBlue® is contained in a special
tank holding about 17 litres.
Its capacity allows a driving range of
approximately 5,600
miles (9,000 km), which
may vary considerably depending on your
driving style.
An alert system is triggered once the reserve
level is reached: it is then possible to drive for a
further 1,500 miles (2,400
km) before the tank is
empty and the vehicle blocked.
If the estimated distance travelled by the vehicle
between two services is greater than 12,500
miles (20,000 km), it will be necessary to top up
the AdBlue.
For more information on the Warning
and indicator lamps and the associated
alerts, or the Indicators, please refer to the
corresponding sections.
Once the AdBlue® tank is empty, a
system required by legislation prevents
starting of the engine.
If the SCR system is faulty, the level of
emissions from the vehicle will no longer meet
the Euro 6 standard: the vehicle becomes
polluting.
In the event of a confirmed SCR system
malfunction, it is essential to visit a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop. After 680
miles (1,100 km), a device is automatically
activated to prevent the engine from starting.
In both cases, a range indicator indicates
the distance that can be travelled before the
vehicle is stopped.
Freezing of the AdBlue®
AdBlue® freezes at temperatures below
around -11°C.
The SCR system includes a heater for the
AdBlue
® tank, allowing you to continue driving
in very cold conditions.
Supply of AdBlue®
It is recommended that the AdBlue® be topped
up as soon as the first alert is issued indicating
that the reserve level has been reached.
For the correct operation of the SCR
system:
–
Use only AdBlue® fluid that meets the ISO
22241 standard.
–
Never transfer

AdBlue
® to another container
as it would lose its purity.
–
Never dilute AdBlue® with water.
It is possible to obtain AdBlue
® from a CITROËN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
You can also visit a service station equipped with AdBlue® pumps specially
designed for passenger vehicles.
Never top up from an AdBlue® dispenser
reserved for heavy goods vehicles.

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

122
In the event of a breakdown

For access to the (+) terminal:
► release the bonnet using the interior lever ,
then the exterior safety catch,
►

lift the bonnet, then fix it in place with its stay
.
(+) Positive terminal.
It has a quick-release clamp.
(-) Negative terminal.
The battery (-) terminal is not accessible, use the
engine mounting.
Starting using another
battery
When your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be started using a backup battery
(external or from another vehicle) and jump
leads or a battery booster.
Never try to start the engine by
connecting a battery charger.
Never use a 24 V or higher battery booster.
Check beforehand that the back-up battery
has a nominal voltage of 12 V and a capacity
at least equal to that of the discharged
battery.
The two vehicles must not be in contact with
each other.
Switch off all the electrical consumers on both
vehicles (audio system, wipers, lighting, etc.).
Make sure that the jump leads are not close
to moving parts of the engine (fan, belts, etc.).
Do not disconnect the (+) terminal while the
engine is running.


► Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if
your vehicle has one.
►

Connect the red cable to the positive terminal
(+) of flat battery A

(at the metal elbow) then to
the positive terminal (+) of back-up battery B or
the booster.
►

Connect one end of the green or black cable
to the negative terminal (-) of back-up battery B


or the booster (or the earth point on the other
vehicle).
►
Connect the other end of the green or black
cable to earth point C

on the broken down
vehicle.
►

Start the engine of the vehicle with the good
battery and leave it running for a few minutes.
►


Operate the starter on the broken down
vehicle and let the engine run.
If the engine does not start straight away

, switch
off the ignition and wait a few moments before
trying again.
►

W
ait until the engine returns to idle then
disconnect the jump lead cables in the reverse
order.
►

Refit the plastic cover to the (+) terminal, if
your vehicle has one.
►


Allow the engine to run for at least 30
minutes, by driving or with the vehicle stationary

,
so that the battery reaches an adequate state of
charge.
Some functions, including Stop & Start,
are not available if the battery is not
sufficiently charged.
Charging the battery using a
battery charger
For optimum service life of the battery, it is
essential to maintain an adequate state of
charge.

123
In the event of a breakdown
8In some circumstances, it may be necessary to
charge the battery:
–
using the vehicle mainly for short journeys;
–


if the vehicle is to be taken off the road for
several weeks.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
To charge the vehicle's battery yourself, use only a charger compatible with
lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of
12

V.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the charger.
Never reverse polarities.
It is not necessary to disconnect the
battery.
►

Switch off the ignition.
►


Switch off all electrical consumers (audio
system, lighting, wipers, etc.).


► Switch off charger B before connecting
the cables to the battery, so as to avoid any
dangerous sparks.
►

Ensure that the charger cables are in good
condition.
►


Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if the
vehicle has one.
►


Connect the cables of charger B

as follows:
•

the positive (+) red cable to the (+) terminal
of battery

A,
•

the negative (-) black cable to earth point C


on the vehicle.
►

At the end of the charging operation, switch
off charger B

before disconnecting the cables
from battery A.

24v 12v
If this label is present, use only a 12 V
charger to avoid causing irreversible
damage to the electrical components related
to the Stop & Start system.
Never try to charge a frozen battery - risk
of explosion!
If the battery has frozen, have it checked by a
CITROËN dealer or by a qualified workshop
who will verify that the internal components
have not been damaged and that the case
has not cracked, which would mean a risk of
toxic and corrosive acid leaking.
Disconnecting the battery
In order to maintain an adequate state of charge
for starting the engine, it is recommended that
the battery be disconnected if the vehicle is
taken out of service for a long period.
Before disconnecting the battery:
►

Close all openings (doors, boot, windows,
roof).
►


Switch off all electrical consumers (audio
system, wipers, lighting, etc.).
►


Switch off the ignition and wait for 4
minutes.
At the battery, it is only necessary to disconnect
the (+) terminal.

124
In the event of a breakdown
Quick-release terminal clamp
Disconnecting the (+) terminal

► Depending on equipment, lift the plastic cover
on the (+) terminal.
►

Raise lever

A
fully to release clamp
B
.
►

Remove clamp

B
by lifting it off.
Reconnecting the (+) terminal

► Raise lever A fully.
► Refit the open clamp B on the (+) terminal.
► Push clamp B fully down.
► Lower lever A to lock clamp B.
►

Depending on equipment, lower the plastic
cover on the

(+) terminal.
Do not force the lever as locking will be
impossible if the clamp is not positioned
correctly; start the procedure again.
Following reconnection
After reconnecting the battery, turn on the
ignition and wait 1 minute before starting the
engine, in order to enable the electronic systems
to initialise.
If minor problems nevertheless persist following
this operation, contact a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Referring to the corresponding section, you must
yourself reinitialise certain systems, such as:
–

the remote control key or the electronic key
(depending on version),
–


the electric windows,
–


the date and time,
–


the preset radio stations.
The Stop & Start system may not be operational during the trip following the
first engine start.
In this case, the system will only be
available again after a continuous period of
immobilisation of the vehicle, a period which
depends on the exterior temperature and the
state of charge of the battery (up to about 8
hours).Towing
Procedure for having your vehicle towed or for towing another vehicle us\
ing the towing eye.
General recommendations
Observe the legislation in force in the country where you are driving.
Ensure that the weight of the towing vehicle is higher than that of the \
towed vehicle.
The driver must remain at the wheel of the towed vehicle and must have a\
valid driving licence.
When towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, always use an \
approved towbar; ropes and straps are prohibited.
The towing vehicle must move off gently.
When the vehicle is towed with its engine off, there is no longer braking and steering assistance.
A professional recovery service must be called if:
– broken down on a motorway or main road;
– not possible to put the gearbox into neutral, unlock the steering, or re\
lease the parking brake;
– not possible to tow a vehicle with an automatic gearbox, with the engine\
running;
– towing with only two wheels on the ground;
– four-wheel drive vehicle;
– no approved towbar available.
Towing constraints
Type of vehicle
(engine / gearbox)gearbox Font wheels on the
groundRear wheels on the
groundFlatbed
4 wheels on the ground
with towbar
Internal combustion /
Manual


Internal combustion /
Automatic

In case of battery failure, it is essential to call a professional using flatbed
recovery vehicles (excluding manual gearbox).

125
In the event of a breakdown
8Towing
Procedure for having your vehicle towed or for towing another vehicle us\
ing the towing eye.
General recommendations
Observe the legislation in force in the country where you are driving.
Ensure that the weight of the towing vehicle is higher than that of the \
towed vehicle.
The driver must remain at the wheel of the towed vehicle and must have a\
valid driving licence.
When towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, always use an \
approved towbar; ropes and straps are prohibited.
The towing vehicle must move off gently.
When the vehicle is towed with its engine off, there is no longer braking and steering assistance.
A professional recovery service must be called if:
– broken down on a motorway or main road;
–

not possible to put the gearbox into neutral, unlock the steering, or re\
lease the parking brake;
–


not possible to tow a vehicle with an automatic gearbox, with the engine\
running;
–


towing with only two wheels on the ground;
–


four-wheel drive vehicle;
–


no approved towbar available.
Towing constraints
Type of vehicle
(engine / gearbox)gearbox Font wheels on the
groundRear wheels on the
groundFlatbed
4 wheels on the ground
with towbar
Internal combustion /
Manual


Internal combustion /
Automatic

In case of battery failure, it is essential to call a professional using flatbed
recovery vehicles (excluding manual gearbox).