2023 CITROEN C4 driving section

93
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 before performing operations
that require sustained attention (e.g.

settings).
►

During long trips, take a break every 2 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 very 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
damaging the braking system!
Never park the vehicle and never
leave the engine running on a
flammable surface (e.g.
dry grass, dead
leaves).The vehicle exhaust system is very
hot, even several minutes after the engine
stops. Risk of fire!
Never drive on surfaces covered with
vegetation (e.g. tall grass,
accumulated dead leaves, crops, debris)
such as a field, a country lane overgrown
with bushes or a grassy verge.
This vegetation could come into contact with
the vehicle's exhaust system
or other systems
which are very hot. Risk of fire!
Make sure you do not leave any item in
the passenger compartment which could
act like a magnifying glass under the effect of
the sun's rays and cause a fire. Risk of fire or
damage to interior surfaces!
Never leave the 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 your vehicle's
electrical systems.


If the vehicle absolutely must drive through a
flooded section of road:
►

Check that the depth of the 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.

96
Driving
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 30 minutes,
you can still use functions such as the audio and
telematics system, courtesy lamps or dipped
beam headlamps.
For more information on Energy
economy mode, refer to the
corresponding section.
Key left in
When the driver's door is opened, a
message is displayed, accompanied by an
audible signal, if the key has been left in the
ignition switch in position 1.
If the key has been left in the ignition switch
in position 2, the ignition will be switched off
automatically after one hour.
To switch the ignition back on, turn the key to
position 1, then back to position 2.
Starting/switching off the
engine with Keyless Entry
and Start
The electronic key must be present in the
passenger compartment.
The electronic key is also detected in the
boot.
If the electronic key 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.
Diesel engines
In negative temperatures and/or when the
engine is cold, starting takes place only after the
preheating warning lamp goes out.
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.
In all circumstances, 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

98
Driving
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 case of 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.
Starting/Switching off the
electric motor
Starting
The drive selector must be in mode P.
► If using a remote control key , depress the
brake pedal and turn the key until it reaches
position 3 (Start).
►

If using
Keyless Entry and Start, depress the
brake pedal and briefly press the "START/STOP"
button.
►

Keep your foot on the brake pedal until the
READY

indicator lamp comes on and an audible
signal is emitted, indicating that the vehicle is
ready to drive.
►
With your foot on the brake, select mode
D
or R.
►

Release the brake pedal, then accelerate.
On starting, the instrument panel lights up and
the power indicator cursor moves to the "neutral"
position.

The steering column automatically
unlocks (you may hear a sound and feel the
steering wheel move).
Switching off
► If using a remote control key , turn the key
fully to position 1 (Stop).
►

If using Keyless Entry and Start, press the
"

START/STOP" button.
Before exiting the vehicle, check that:
–

The drive selector is in mode P

.
–
The READY indicator lamp is off.
The drive selector moves automatically
to mode P when the motor is switched off
or when the driver's door is opened.
If the driver's door is opened while the
required conditions for switching off are
not met, an audible signal is emitted,
accompanied by the display of a warning
message.
For the procedures for switching on the
ignition without starting the engine and
those for back-up starting/switching off using
the Keyless Entry and Start system, refer to
the Starting/Switching off the engine
using
Keyless Entry and Start section.
Manual 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.

100
Driving
Automatic operation
Automatic release
First ensure that the engine is running and that
the driver's door is closed.
The electric parking brake gradually releases
automatically as the vehicle moves off.
With a manual gearbox
►
Fully depress the clutch pedal and engage
first gear or reverse.
►


Depress the accelerator pedal and release
the clutch pedal.
W

ith an automatic gearbox
►

Depress the brake pedal.
►


Select mode
D, M or R.
►

Release the brake pedal and depress the
accelerator pedal.
W

ith a drive selector
►

Depress the brake pedal.
►


Select mode
D, B or R.
►

Release the brake pedal and depress the
accelerator pedal.
With an automatic gearbox or drive
selector, if the brake does not release
automatically, check that the front doors are
properly closed.
When stationary with the engine running,
do not depress the accelerator pedal
unnecessarily. Risk of parking brake release.
Automatic application
With the vehicle stationary, the parking brake
is applied automatically when the engine is
switched off.
It is not applied automatically if the
engine stalls or enters STOP mode with
Stop & Start.
In automatic mode, the parking brake
can be manually applied or released at
any time using the control.
Special cases
Immobilising the vehicle with the
engine running
To immobilise the vehicle with the engine
running, briefly pull the control.
Parking the vehicle with the brake
released
In very cold conditions (ice), applying the
parking brake is not recommended.
To immobilise the vehicle, engage a gear or
place the chocks against one of the wheels.
With an automatic gearbox or drive
selector, mode P is automatically
selected when the ignition is switched off. The
wheels are blocked.
For more information on Free-wheeling, refer
to the corresponding section.
With an automatic gearbox or drive
selector, while mode N is selected,
opening the driver’s door triggers an audible
signal. It stops when the driver's door closes
again.
Deactivating automatic
operation
In some situations, for example when it is
extremely cold or when towing (e.g. caravan,
breakdown), it may be necessary to deactivate
automatic operation of the system.
►

Start the engine.
►


Use the control to apply the parking brake, if
it is released.
►


T
ake your foot fully off the brake pedal.
►

Keep the control pushed in the release
direction for 10 to a maximum of

15 seconds.
►

Release the control.
►


Depress and hold the brake pedal.
►


Pull the control in the application direction for
2

seconds.
This indicator lamp on the instrument panel comes on to confirm deactivation of
the automatic functions.
►

Release the control and the brake pedal.

101
Driving
6From this point onwards, only the manual
functions, using the control, allow the parking
brake to be applied and released.
►
Follow this procedure again to reactivate
automatic operation (confirmed by the indicator
lamp on the instrument panel going out).
Emergency braking
If depressing the brake pedal fails to provide
effective braking or in exceptional circumstances
(e.g.
driver unwell, assisted driving), the vehicle
can be braked by sustained pulling on the
electric parking brake control. Braking continues
for as long as the control is kept pulled, and
ceases when the control is released.
The ABS and DSC systems stabilise the vehicle
during emergency braking.
If emergency braking malfunctions, the message
"Parking brake fault" will be displayed on the
instrument panel.
If the ABS and DSC systems
malfunction, indicated by lighting
one or both warning lamps on the instrument
panel, the vehicle’s stability is no longer ensured.
►

In this case, ensure the vehicle's stability by
successive and repeated "pull-release" actions
on the electric parking brake control until the
vehicle comes to a complete stop.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the gear selector fully to the right to
engage 5th or 6th gear.
Failure to follow this instruction could
cause permanent damage to the gearbox
(inadvertent engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear).
Engaging reverse gear

► Raise the ring under the knob and move the
gear selector 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
Automatic 8-speed gearbox with push selector. It also offers a manual mode with gear changes
via control paddles located
behind the steering
wheel.
Push selector

P. Auto Park
Press this button to switch to Parking mode.
For parking the vehicle: the front wheels are
blocked.
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
To free-wheel and move the vehicle, with the
ignition off.
For more information on Free-wheeling, refer
to the corresponding section.
D. Driving in automatic mode
The gearbox manages gear changes
according to the style of driving, the road
profile and the vehicle load.

104
Driving
P.Park
Button for parking the vehicle: the front
wheels are locked (the button lights up to
indicate that it is activated).
R. Reverse
To engage reverse gear, with your foot on the
brake pedal.
N. Neutral
To move the vehicle with the ignition off and
so allow it to free-wheel.
For more information on Free-wheeling, refer
to the corresponding section.
D. Drive (automatic forward gear)
B. Brake (regenerative braking)
Button for changing to Drive/automatic
forward gear
mode with regenerative braking
function (the button lights up to indicate that it
is activated).
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When the ignition is switched on, the drive
selector status is displayed on the instrument
panel:
P : Park.
R : Reverse.
N : Neutral.
D : Drive (automatic forward gear).
B : Brake (automatic forward gear with
regenerative braking function activated).
Operation
► In mode N, with your foot on the brake pedal,
push without passing the point of resistance: •

Forwards, mode
R is selected.
•

Backwards, mode D

is selected.
Release the selector fully after each push; it
will then return to its initial position.
Special cases
To avoid mode N (quick change from D to R and
back again):
►

In mode
R, push backwards past the point of
resistance, mode D is selected.
►

In mode
D, push forwards past the point of
resistance,
mode R is selected.
►

T
o return to mode N, push without passing
the point of resistance.
Regenerative braking
With the Brake function and when
decelerating
The Brake function emulates engine braking,
slowing the vehicle with no need to depress the
brake pedal. The vehicle slows more quickly
when the driver releases the accelerator pedal.
The energy recovered when the accelerator
pedal is released is then used to partially
recharge the traction battery, thereby increasing
the vehicle's driving range.
The resulting deceleration of the vehicle does not cause the brake lamps to come
on.
► From mode D, press button B to activate/
deactivate the function (the button lights up when
the function is activated).
B is displayed on the instrument panel.
The system status is not saved when the ignition
is switched off.
In some situations (e.g. battery full,
extreme temperatures), the amount of
regenerative braking may be temporarily
limited, resulting in less deceleration.
The driver must remain alert to traffic
conditions and must always be ready to use
the brake pedal.
With the brake pedal
When the brake pedal is depressed, the
intelligent braking system automatically recovers
some of the energy and uses it to recharge the
traction battery.
This energy recovery also reduces use of the
brake pads, thereby limiting their wear.
The driver may experience a different sensation when depressing the brake
pedal compared to a vehicle without
regenerative braking.
Driving modes
The driving modes available depend on the engine and equipment of the vehicle.

107
Driving
6Driving 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 level of charge in 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 enters standby mode
as soon as the driver indicates their intention to
stop:
–

W
ith a manual gearbox: with the gear lever
in neutral and the clutch pedal released.
–

W
ith an automatic gearbox: with the gear
selector in mode D or M, the brake pedal
depressed until the vehicle stops or the gear
selector in mode N, with the vehicle stationary.
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 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.
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).
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: With a manual gearbox: with the clutch pedal
fully depressed.
With an automatic gearbox:
–

With the selector in mode
D or M: with the
brake pedal released.
–
With the selector in mode
N and the brake
pedal released: with the selector at D or M.
–
With the selector in mode
P and the brake
pedal depressed: with the selector at R, N, D
or M.
–
With reverse gear engaged.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if the
conditions for operation are met again and in the
following cases:
–

With a manual gearbox: vehicle speed
exceeds 2.5 mph (4

km/h).
–

With an automatic gearbox, in mode N

, vehicle
speed exceeds 0.6 mph (1
km/h).
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes
for a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a fault with the system, this
warning lamp flashes for a few moments
on the instrument panel, then remains on,
accompanied by the display of a message.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.

108
Driving
The vehicle stalls in STOP mode
All of the instrument panel warning lamps come
on if there is a fault.
►
Switch off the ignition then start the engine
again with the key or the " ST

ART/STOP" button.
12 V battery
The Stop & Start system requires a
12 V battery of specific technology and
specification.
All work must be carried out only by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop
Tyre under-inflation detection
This system alerts the driver if one or more tyres
suffer a drop in pressure.
The alert is raised when the vehicle is moving,
not when stationary.
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.
It takes into account the last values stored
during the reinitialisation request. It is therefore
essential that the tyre pressure is correct during
the operation. This operation is the driver’s
responsibility.
The tyre under-inflation detection cannot, in any circumstances, 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), especially 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 energy 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 monthly
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.
Under-inflation alert
This is signalled by the fixed illumination of this warning lamp, accompanied by an
audible signal and, depending on equipment, 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 may not always cause visible deformation 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 all four tyres when cold.
►

If it is not possible to carry out 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).
Driving too slowly may not ensure
optimum monitoring.
The alert is not immediately triggered in the
event of a sudden loss of pressure or tyre