2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS tow

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

80
Driving

On detection of speed limit information, the
system displays the value.


The driver can adjust the vehicle’s speed
according to the information given by the system.
Operating limits
The system does not take account of reduced
speed limits, especially those imposed in the
following cases:
– poor weather (rain, snow),
– atmospheric pollution,
– when towing,
– driving with a space-saver type spare wheel or
snow chains fitted,
– Tyre repaired using the temporary puncture
repair kit,
– young drivers.
It is possible for the system to not display the
speed limit if it does not detect a speed limit
Speed Limit Recognition
and Recommendation
Refer to the General recommendations on the
use of driving and manoeuvring aids .


This system displays the maximum authorised
speed in the instrument panel, according to
the speed limits in the country in which you are
driving, using:
–

Speed limit signs detected by the camera.
–


Speed limit details from the navigation system
mapping.
Navigation mapping should be regularly
updated in order to receive accurate
speed limit information from the system.
The units for the speed limit (mph or km/h) depend on the country you are
driving in.
This should be taken into account so that you
observe the speed limit.
For the system to work correctly when
changing country, the speed unit in the
instrument panel must correspond to that of
the country you are driving in.
The automatic reading of road signs is a driving aid system and does not always
display speed limits correctly.
The speed limit signs present on the road
always take priority over the display by the
system.
The system is designed to detect signs that
conform to the Vienna Convention on road
signs.
Specific speed limits, such as those for
heavy goods vehicles, are not displayed.
The display of the speed limit in the
instrument panel is updated when passing
a speed limit sign intended for cars (light
vehicles).
Activation / Deactivation
By default, the system is automatically activated
at every engine start.
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel


1. Speed limit indication.
Speed display

The system is active but is not detecting speed
limit information.

81
Driving
6

On detection of speed limit information, the
system displays the value.


The driver can adjust the vehicle’s speed
according to the information given by the system.
Operating limits
The system does not take account of reduced
speed limits, especially those imposed in the
following cases:
–
poor weather (rain, snow),
–


atmospheric pollution,
–


when towing,
–


driving with a space-saver type spare wheel or
snow chains fitted,
–


T
yre repaired using the temporary puncture
repair kit,
–

young drivers.
It is possible for the system to not display the
speed limit if it does not detect a speed limit
sign within a preset period and in the following
situations:
–

road signs that are obstructed, do not comply
with the standard, are damaged or distorted,
–


obsolete or incorrect maps.
Memorising the speed
setting

In addition to Speed Limit Recognition and
Recommendation, the driver can select the
speed displayed as a speed setting for the speed
limiter or cruise control using the speed limiter or
cruise control memorisation button.
For more information on the Speed
limiter or Cruise control, refer to the
corresponding sections.
Steering mounted controls
1. Speed limiter/cruise control mode selection
2. Memorise the speed setting
Information displayed on the
instrument panel


3.Speed limit indication.
4. Speed
memorisation request.
5. Current speed of the vehicle.
6. Current speed setting.
Memorising the speed
► Switch on the speed limiter/cruise control.
The speed limiter/cruise control information is
displayed.


Upon detecting a sign suggesting a new speed
setting, the system displays the value and a

83
Driving
6Adjusting the limit speed setting
You do not have to switch the speed limiter on in
order to set the speed.
To modify the limit speed setting based on the
vehicle’s current speed:
►

Briefly press button
2 or 3 to change the
value in steps of +
or - 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
►

Press and hold button

2
or 3 to change the
value in steps of +
or - 5 mph (8 km/h).
To modify the cruise speed setting based on the speed suggested by the Speed Limit Recognition
and Recommendation, as shown on the
instrument panel:
►

Press button
5 once; a message is displayed
to confirm the memorisation request.
►

Press button
5 again to save the suggested
speed.
The speed is immediately shown on the
instrument panel as the new speed setting.
Temporarily exceeding the
speed setting
► Press the accelerator pedal down fully .
The speed limiter is deactivated temporarily and
the displayed speed setting flashes.
Release the accelerator pedal to return to below
the programmed speed.
When the limit speed is exceeded but this is not
due to action by the driver (in case of a steep
slope, for example), an audible signal triggers
immediately.
On a steep descent or in the event of
sharp acceleration, the speed limiter will
not be able to prevent the vehicle from
exceeding the speed setting.
Brake if necessary to control the speed of
your vehicle.
Once the speed of the vehicle returns to the
programmed setting, the speed limiter functions
again: the display of the speed setting becomes
fixed again.
Switching off
► Turn the thumbwheel 1 to the "0" position:
the display of information on the speed limiter
disappears.
Malfunction

The display of dashes (flashing then fixed)
indicates a fault with the speed limiter.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Cruise control - particular
recommendations
For the safety of everyone, only use the
cruise control where the driving
conditions allow running at a constant speed
and keeping an adequate safety distance.
Remain vigilant when the cruise control is
activated. If you hold one of the speed setting
modification buttons, a very rapid change in
the speed of your vehicle may occur.
When descending a steep hill , the cruise
control system cannot prevent the vehicle
from exceeding the set speed. Brake if
necessary to control the speed of your
vehicle.
On steep climbs or when towing, the set
speed may not be reached or maintained.
Exceeding the programmed speed
setting
You can temporarily exceed the speed
setting by pressing the accelerator pedal (the
programmed speed flashes).
To return to the speed setting, release the
accelerator pedal (when the set speed is
reached again, the displayed speed stops
flashing).
Operating limits
Never use the system in the following
situations:

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.

90
Driving
or other objects; they may hamper correct
operation of the system.
Parking sensors
Refer to the General recommendations on the
use of driving and manoeuvring aids.


Using sensors located in the bumper, this
system signals the proximity of obstacles
(e.g. pedestrian, vehicle, tree, barrier) present in
their field of detection.
Rear parking sensors
The system is switched on by engaging reverse
gear, which is confirmed by an audible signal.
The system is switched off when disengaging
reverse gear.
The state of the system stays in the memory
when switching off the ignition.
The system is automatically deactivated
when towing with a towing device
approved by CITROËN.
Conditions for operation
– All vehicles are moving in the same direction
and in adjacent lanes.
–

The speed of your vehicle must be between 7
and 87 mph (12 and 140

km/h).
–

When overtaking a vehicle, the speed
difference is less than 6

mph (10 km/h).
–

When overtaken by a vehicle, the speed
difference is less than 16

mph (25 km/h).
–

T
raffic is flowing normally.
–

Overtaking a vehicle over a certain period of
time and the vehicle being overtaken remains in
the blind spot.
–


Y
ou are driving on a straight or slightly curved
road.
–

Y
our vehicle is not pulling a trailer, a caravan,
etc.
Operating limits



No alert is triggered in the following conditions:
– In the presence of non-moving objects (parked
vehicles, barriers, street lamps, road signs, etc.).
–

Oncoming traffic.
–


Driving on a winding road or a sharp corner
.
–

When overtaking or being overtaken by a very
long vehicle (lorry

, bus, etc.) that is detected
in the rear blind spot but is also present in the
driver’s front field of vision.
–

When overtaking quickly
.
–

In very heavy traffic: vehicles detected in
front and behind are confused with a lorry or a
stationary object.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, you are warned by
the display of a message.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the system checked.
The system may suffer temporary interference in certain weather conditions
(rain, hail, etc.).
In particular, driving on a wet surface or
moving from a dry area to a wet area can
cause false alerts (for example, the presence
of a fog of water droplets in the blind spot
angle is interpreted as a vehicle).
In bad or wintry weather, ensure that the
sensors are not covered by mud, ice or snow.
Take care not to cover the warning zone in
the door mirrors or the detection zones on the
front and rear bumpers with adhesive labels

92
Driving
The front parking sensors are interrupted if the
vehicle stops for more than three seconds in
forward gear, if an obstacle is no longer detected
or when the speed of the vehicle exceeds 6 mph
(10
km/h).
The sound emitted by the speaker (front or rear) locates the obstacle in relation to
the vehicle, in the vehicle trajectory, in front or
behind.
Deactivation / Activation
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.
The state of the system stays in the memory
when the ignition is switched off.
The rear parking sensors system will be deactivated automatically if a trailer or
bicycle carrier is connected to a towing device
installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Operating limits
If the boot is heavily loaded, the vehicle may tilt,
affecting distance measurements.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction when
changing into reverse, this warning lamp
comes on on the instrument panel, accompanied
by an onscreen message and an audible signal
(short beep).
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the system checked.
Reversing Camera
Refer to the General recommendations on the
use of driving and manoeuvring aids .


The reversing camera is automatically activated
when reverse gear is engaged.
The image is displayed on the touch screen.
The reversing camera function may be
supplemented with parking sensors.


The representation with overlaid lines helps with
the manoeuvre.
They are represented as lines marked "on the ground" and do not indicate the
position of the vehicle in relation to tall
obstacles (e.g. other vehicles).
Some distortion of the image is normal.
It is normal to have a part of the number plate
showing at the bottom of the screen.
The blue lines 1 represent the general direction
of the vehicle (the gap represents the width of
your vehicle without the mirrors).
The red line 2 represents a distance of about
30

cm beyond the edge of your vehicle's rear
bumper.
The green lines 3 represent distances of about 1
and 2 metres beyond the edge of your vehicle's
rear bumper.
The turquoise blue curves 4 represent the
maximum turning circle.
Opening the tailgate causes the display
to disappear.