2023 CITROEN C4 CACTUS warning

72
Driving
N.Neutral
– Vehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied.
– Starting the engine.
D. Automatic operation
M. + / - Manual operation
► To move up / down through the
gears, move backwards / forwards.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When a position is selected in the grate with the
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp
lights up on the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not processed in manual
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this
warning lamp is displayed on the
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal,
select position P or N.
Parking brake
Release

► Pull the parking brake lever up slightly , press
the release button, then lower the lever fully.
When driving the vehicle, if this warning
lamp and the STOP warning lamp come
on, accompanied by an audible signal and the
display of a message, this means that the
parking brake is still applied or has not been fully
released.
Application
► Pull the parking brake lever up to immobilise
the vehicle.
When parking on a slope, turn the
wheels against the kerb, apply the
parking brake, engage a gear and switch off
the ignition.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the lever fully to the right to engage 5th
or 6th gear.
Failure to follow this advice may cause
permanent damage to the gearbox
(engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear by mistake).
Engaging reverse gear

► Raise the ring under the knob and move the
gear lever to the left then forwards.
Only engage reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary with the engine at
idle.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate starting the engine:
–

always select neutral,
– press the clutch pedal.
Automatic gearbox (EAT6)
6-speed automatic gearbox which offers a choice
between the comfort of automatic operation or
manual gear changing.
Two driving modes are available:
–

Automatic
operation for electronic
management of the gears by the gearbox: •

With the
Sport programme for a more
dynamic driving style.
–

Manual
operation for sequential changing of
the gears by the driver.
Gear selector module
1. Sport programme
P. Parking
–

V
ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied or released.
–

Starting the engine.
R. Reverse gear
–


Reversing manoeuvres, vehicle
stationary

, engine at idle.

73
Driving
6N.Neutral
–
V ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied.
–

Starting the engine.
D. Automatic operation
M. + / - Manual operation
►


T
o move up / down through the
gears, move backwards / forwards.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When a position is selected in the grate with the
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp
lights up on the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not processed in manual
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this
warning lamp is displayed on the
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal,
select position P
or N.
► Start the engine.
If the conditions are not met, you will hear an
audible signal, accompanied by the display of a
message.
►

With the engine running, press the brake
pedal.
►


Release the parking brake.
►


Select position R

, D or M.
►

Gradually release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves off immediately

.
If position N is selected inadvertently
while driving, allow the engine to return
to idle, then select position D to accelerate.
When the engine is running at idle with
the brakes released, if position R, D or M
is selected, the vehicle moves off even
without the accelerator being pressed.
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle when the engine is running.
When carrying out maintenance with the
engine running, apply the parking brake and
select position P.
Automatic operation
► Select position D for automatic changing of
the six gears.
The gearbox then operates in auto-adaptive
mode, without any intervention on the part of the
driver. It continuously selects the most suitable
gear according to the driving style, the road
profile and the load in the vehicle.
For maximum acceleration without touching the
selector, press the accelerator fully down (kick-
down). The gearbox changes down automatically
or holds the gear selected until the maximum
engine speed is reached.
When braking, the gearbox changes down
automatically to provide effective engine braking.
If you release the accelerator sharply, the
gearbox will not shift to a higher gear for safety
reasons.
Never select position N while the vehicle
is moving.
Never select positions P or R unless the
vehicle is completely stationary.
"Sport" programme
This special programme supplements the
automatic operation in specific conditions of use.
"Sport"
► Press this button, once the engine has
started.
"
S" appears on the instrument panel.
The gearbox automatically favours a dynamic
style of driving.
Return to automatic operation
► At any time, press the selected button again
to quit the activated programme and return to
auto-adaptive mode.

74
Driving
The system adapts its gear shift recommendation according to the driving
conditions (slope, load, etc.) and the driver’s
requirements (request for power, acceleration,
braking, etc.).
The system never suggests:
– engaging first gear.
– engaging a lower gear.
– engaging reverse.
With a manual gearbox, the arrow may
be accompanied by the recommended
gear. The system always suggests changing
to a higher gear when this is necessary.
Hill start assist
This system keeps your vehicle briefly stationary
(for approximately 2 seconds) when making a hill
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
This system is only active when:
– the vehicle is completely stationary, with your
foot on the brake pedal,
– certain slope conditions are met,
– the driver’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the parking
brake manually. After that, ensure that the
parking brake indicator lamp and the indicator
Manual operation
To limit fuel consumption during an extended standstill with the engine
running (for example, in a traffic jam), set the
gear selector to N and apply the parking
brake.
►

Selecting position

M
enables sequential
shifting between the six gears.
►

Push backwards to shift up a gear
.
►

Push forwards to shift down a gear
.
The gearbox only changes gear if the road
speed and engine speed permit; apart from
this condition, the rules for automatic operation
temporarily apply.
D disappears, and the gears engaged appear in
succession on the instrument panel.
If the engine speed is too low or too high, the
selected gear flashes for a few seconds, then the
gearactually activated is displayed.
It is possible to change from position D to
position M
at any time.
When the vehicle is stationary or moving
very slowly, the gearbox selects gear M1
automatically.
The Sport programme is inactive in manual
operation.
This symbol is displayed if a gear is not engaged correctly (gear selector between
two positions).
Switching off the vehicle
Before switching off the engine, it is possible to
engage position P or N to place the gearbox in
neutral.
In both cases, apply the parking brake to
immobilise the vehicle.
If the gear selector is not in position P,
when the driver's door is opened or
approximately 45 seconds after the ignition is
switched off, an audible signal sounds and a
message appears.
►

Return the gear selector to P

; the audible
signal stops and the message disappears.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning
lamp comes on and a message is
displayed, when the ignition is switched on.
In this case, the gearbox goes into back-up
mode and is locked in 3
rd gear. You may feel a
significant jolt (without risk for the gearbox) while
changing from

P

to R and from N to R.
Do not exceed 62 mph (100
km/h), local speed
restrictions permitting.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
There is a risk of damaging the gearbox: – If the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed simultaneously
.
–

In the event of a battery failure, forcing the
selector from position P

to another position.
With an automatic gearbox, never try to
start the engine by pushing the vehicle.
Gear efficiency indicator
(Depending on engine.)
This system helps reduce fuel consumption by
recommending the most appropriate gear.
Operation
Depending on the driving situation and the
vehicle's equipment, the system may advise to
skip one or more gears.
Gear shift recommendations should not be
considered compulsory. In fact, the road layout,
the traffic density and safety remain the deciding
factors when choosing the best gear. The driver
therefore remains responsible for deciding
whether or not to follow the indications issued by
the system.
This function cannot be deactivated.
On certain BlueHDi Diesel versions with
manual gearbox, the system may suggest
changing into neutral ( N is displayed in the
instrument panel) so that the engine can go into
standby (STOP mode with Stop & Start), in
certain driving conditions.
The system is only active on vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox.
The information appears in the instrument panel in the form of an arrow.

75
Driving
6The system adapts its gear shift recommendation according to the driving
conditions (slope, load, etc.) and the driver’s
requirements (request for power, acceleration,
braking, etc.).
The system never suggests:
–

engaging first gear
.
–

engaging a lower gear
.
–

engaging reverse.
With a manual gearbox, the arrow may
be accompanied by the recommended
gear. The system always suggests changing
to a higher gear when this is necessary.
Hill start assist
This system keeps your vehicle briefly stationary
(for approximately 2 seconds) when making a hill
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
This system is only active when:
–

the vehicle is completely stationary
, with your
foot on the brake pedal,
–

certain slope conditions are met,
–


the driver
’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the parking
brake manually. After that, ensure that the
parking brake indicator lamp and the indicator
lamp P in the electric parking brake control
lever are on fixed.
The hill start assist function cannot be deactivated. However, use of the parking
brake to immobilise the vehicle interrupts its
operation.
Operation

Facing uphill, with the vehicle stationary,
the vehicle is held for a short time when you
release the brake pedal:
–

provided you are in first gear or neutral with a
manual gearbox.
–


provided you are in mode D

or M with an
automatic gearbox.


Facing downhill, with the vehicle stationary
and reverse gear engaged, the vehicle is held
for a short time when you release the brake
pedal.
Malfunction
This warning lamp comes on in the event of a malfunction, accompanied by an
onscreen message.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the system checked.
Tyre under-inflation detection
This system automatically checks the pressures
of the tyres while driving.
It compares the information given by the wheel
speed sensors with reference values, which
must be reinitialised every time the tyre
pressures are adjusted or a wheel changed.

76
Driving
Stop & Start
The Stop & Start function puts the engine temporarily into standby - STOP mode - during
phases when the vehicle is stopped (red lights,
queues, etc.). The engine restarts automatically
- START mode - as soon as the driver wishes to
move off again.
Primarily designed for urban use, the function
is intended to reduce fuel consumption and
exhaust emissions as well as the noise level
when stationary.
The function does not affect the functionalities of
the vehicle, in particular the braking.
Deactivation/Reactivation
The function is activated by default when the
ignition is switched on.
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.
A message in the instrument panel confirms the
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, if the engine
was in standby, it restarts immediately.
Associated indicator lamp
Function activated.
Opening the bonnet
Before doing anything under the bonnet,
deactivate the Stop & Start system to avoid
The system triggers an alert as soon as it
detects a drop in the inflation pressure of one or
more tyres.
Under-inflation detection does not
replace the need for vigilance on the part
of the driver.
This system does not avoid the need to
regularly check the tyre pressures (including
the spare wheel) as well as before a long
journey.
Driving with under-inflated tyres, particularly
in adverse conditions (heavy load, high
speed, long journey):
–

worsens road-holding.
–


lengthens braking distances.
–


causes premature wear of the tyres.
–


increases fuel consumption.
The inflation pressures defined for the vehicle can be found on the tyre pressure
label.
For more information on the Identification
markings, refer to the corresponding section.
Checking tyre pressures
This check should be done when the
tyres are "cold" (vehicle stopped for 1 hour or
after a journey of less than 6 miles (10
km) at
moderate speeds).
Otherwise, add 0.3 bar to the pressures
shown on the label.
Snow chains
The system does not have to be
reinitialised after fitting or removing snow
chains.
Spare wheel
The steel spare wheel does not have an
under-inflation detection sensor.
Under-inflation alert
This is signalled by the fixed illumination of this warning lamp, accompanied by an
audible signal and the display of a message.
►

Reduce speed immediately
, avoid excessive
steering movements and avoid sudden braking.
►

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
The loss of pressure detected does not always cause visible bulging of the tyre.
Do not rely on just a visual check.
►

Using a compressor
, such as the one in
the temporary puncture repair kit, check the
pressures of the four tyres when cold.
►

If it is not possible to make this check
immediately

, drive carefully at reduced speed.
►

In the event of a puncture, use the
temporary puncture repair kit or the spare wheel
(depending on equipment).
The alert is kept active until the system is reinitialised.
Reinitialisation
Reinitialise the system after adjusting one or
more tyre pressures and after changing one or
more wheels.


Before reinitialising the system, make
sure that the pressures of the four tyres
are correct for the conditions of use of the
vehicle and conform to the values written on
the tyre pressure label.
Check the pressures of the four tyres before
performing the reinitialisation.
The system does not advise if a pressure is
incorrect at the time of reinitialisation.
With the vehicle stationary, the system is
reinitialised via the Driving /
V
ehicle touch screen menu.
Malfunction
These warning lamps come on in the event of a malfunction.
In this case, the tyre under-inflation monitoring
function is no longer performed.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.

78
Driving
certain types of paint could interfere with the
operation of the radar.


Driving aids camera
This camera and its associated functions
may be impaired or not work if the windscreen
area in front of the camera is dirty, misty,
frosty, covered with snow, damaged or
masked by a sticker.
On versions with camera alone, this message
indicates to you that the camera is obstructed:
"Driving aids camera: visibility limited, see
user guide".
In humid and cold weather, demist the
windscreen regularly.
Poor visibility (inadequate street lighting,
heavy rain, thick fog, snowfall), dazzle
(headlamps of an oncoming vehicle, low sun,
reflections on a damp road, leaving a tunnel,
alternating shade and light) can also impair
detection performance.
In the event of a windscreen replacement,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to recalibrate the camera;
otherwise, the operation of the associated
driving aids may be disrupted.
During parking manoeuvres, STOP mode
is not available for a few seconds after
coming out of reverse gear or turning the
steering wheel.
Restarting the engine (START mode)
The engine automatically restarts as soon as the
driver indicates the intention of moving off again.
–

W
ith a manual gearbox: with the clutch pedal
fully depressed.
–

W
ith an automatic gearbox:
•

With the selector in position D

or M: with the
brake pedal released.
•

With the selector in position N

and the brake
pedal released: with the selector at D or M.
•

With the selector in position P

and the brake
pedal depressed: with the selector at R, N,
D or M.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if all
conditions for operation are met again and in the
following case.
–

Some specific conditions (braking assistance,
air conditioning setting, etc.).
In this case, this indicator lamp flashes for
a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a system malfunction, this
warning lamp flashes on the instrument
panel.
Have the vehicle checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
The vehicle stalls in STOP mode
All of the instrument panel warning lamps come
on if there is a fault.
Depending on version, a warning message
may also be displayed, prompting you to place
the gear selector in position N and depress the
brake pedal.
►

Switch off the ignition then start the engine
again with the key or the " ST

ART/STOP" button.
The Stop & Start system requires a 12 V
battery of specific technology and
specification.
All work concerning the battery must be
carried out only by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Driving and manoeuvring
aids - General
recommendations
Driving and manoeuvring aids cannot, in
any circumstances, replace the need for
vigilance on the part of the driver.
The driver must comply with the Highway
Code, must remain in control of the vehicle in
all circumstances and must be able to retake
control of it at all times. The driver must adapt
the speed to climactic conditions, traffic and
the state of the road.
It is the driver's responsibility to constantly
check the traffic, to assess the relative
distances and speeds of other vehicles and to
anticipate their movements before indicating
and changing lane.
The systems cannot exceed the limits of the
laws of physics.
Driving aids
You should hold the steering wheel
with both hands, always use the interior and
exterior rear view mirrors, always keep the
feet close to the pedals and take a break
every two hours.
Manoeuvring aids
The driver must always check the
surroundings of the vehicle before and during
the whole manoeuvre, in particular using the
mirrors.
Radar
The operation of the radar as well as the
associated functions may be impaired through
the accumulation of dirt (mud, frost, etc.), in
certain difficult weather conditions (very heavy
rain, snow) or if the bumper is damaged.
If the front bumper is to be repainted, contact
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop;

82
Driving
Adjusting 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.
message prompting you to save it as the new
speed setting. "MEM" flashes for a few seconds
on the display.
If there is a difference of less than 6 mph
(9 km/h) between the speed setting and
the speed displayed by the Speed Limit
Recognition and Recommendation, the
"MEM" symbol is not displayed.
►

Press button
2once to save the suggested
speed value.
A message is displayed to confirm the request.
►

Press button
2again to confirm and save the
new speed setting.
The display then reverts to its previous state.
Speed limiter
Refer to the General recommendations on the
use of driving and manoeuvring aids .
This system prevents the vehicle from
exceeding the speed programmed by the
driver (speed setting).
The speed limiter is switched on manually.
The minimum speed setting is 19 mph (30
km/h).
The speed setting remains in the system
memory when the ignition is switched off.
Steering mounted control

1. ON (LIMIT position) / OFF (position 0)
2. Reduce the speed setting
3. Increase the speed setting
4. Pause / resume speed limiter with the speed
setting previously stored
5. Use the speed suggested by the Speed Limit
Recognition and Recommendation (MEM
display)
For more information on the Speed Limit
Recognition and Recommendation , refer to
the corresponding section.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel


6. Speed limiter on/pause indication.
7. Programmed speed setting value.
8. Speed limiter mode selection indication.
Switching on/pausing
► Turn thumbwheel 1 to the "LIMIT" position to
select the speed limiter; the function is paused.
►

If you are satisfied with the limit speed setting
(most recent speed setting programmed in the
system), press button

4 to switch the speed
limiter on.
►

Pressing button 4

again temporarily pauses
the function.
An audible warning will sound if the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed
setting for an extended period.

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.