2023 CITROEN C4 Charge

82
Safety
Never use the same seat belt to secure more
than one child.
Never carry a child on your lap.
For more information on Child seats, refer to
the corresponding section.
Maintenance
In accordance with current safety
regulations, for all work on your vehicle's
seat belts, contact a qualified workshop with
the skills and equipment needed, which a
CITROËN
dealer is able to provide.
Have the seat belts checked regularly by a
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop,
particularly if the straps show signs of
damage.
Clean the seat belt straps with soapy water or
a textile cleaning product, sold by CITROËN
dealers.
Airbags
General information
System designed to help improve the safety
of the occupants sitting in the front seats and
the rear outer seats, in the event of a violent
collision. The airbags supplement the action
of the seat belts equipped with a force limiting
system.
Electronic detectors record and analyse the
front and side impacts sustained in the impact
detection zones:
–

In the event of violent impact, the airbags
deploy instantly and help better protect the
occupants of the vehicle; immediately after the
impact, the airbags deflate rapidly in order not
to hinder the visibility or the possible exit of the
occupants.
–


In the event of a slight impact, a rear impact
and under certain rollover conditions, the airbags
may not deploy; only the seat belt helps to
protect you in these situations.
The seriousness of the impact depends on the
nature of the obstacle and the speed of the
vehicle at the moment of collision.
The airbags do not operate when the
ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only deploy once. If a
second impact occurs (during the same or a
subsequent accident), the airbag will not be
deployed again.
Impact detection zones
A. Front impact zone
B. Side impact zone
When one or more airbags are deployed,
the detonation of the pyrotechnic charge
incorporated in the system makes a noise and
releases a small quantity of smoke.
This smoke is not harmful, but sensitive
individuals may experience irritation.
The detonation noise associated with the
deployment of one or more airbags may result
in a slight loss of hearing for a short time.

94
Driving
Noise (Electric)
On the outside
Due to the vehicle’s quiet operation when
driving, the driver must pay particular attention.
When manoeuvring, the driver must always
check the vehicle's immediate surroundings.
At speeds of up to 19 mph (30 km/h), the
pedestrian horn warns other road users of the
vehicle’s presence.
Cooling the traction battery
The cooling fan comes on during
charging to cool the on-board charger and the
traction battery.
On the inside
During use, you may hear certain perfectly
normal noises specific to electric vehicles, such
as:
–

T
raction battery relay when starting.
–

V
acuum pump when braking.
–

V
ehicle tyres or aerodynamics when driving.
–

Jolting and knocking noise during hill starts.
Towing
Driving with a trailer places greater
demands on the towing vehicle and
particular care must be taken.
Do not exceed the maximum towable
weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by
10% per 1,000 metres of altitude; the lower
air density at high altitudes decreases engine
performance.
New vehicle: do not tow a trailer until the
vehicle has 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.
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 causes the coolant
temperature to increase. The maximum towable
load depends on the gradient and the exterior
temperature. The fan’s cooling capacity does not
increase with engine speed.
►

Reduce speed and lower the engine speed to
limit the amount of heating produced.
►


Pay constant 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
Using the engine brake is recommended to limit
the overheating of the brakes. Braking distances
are increased when towing a trailer.
Side wind
Bear in mind that the vehicle will be more
susceptible to wind when towing.

95
Driving
6Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The keys contain a code, which must be
recognised by the vehicle before starting is
possible.
If the system malfunctions, indicated by the
display of a message, the engine will not start.
Contact a CITROËN dealer.
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 the charging of accessories.
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
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 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 need to apply
significant force to move the steering
wheel (e.g.
wheels turned to full lock).
►

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 has started, release the
key and allow it to return to position 2.
Petrol engines
After a cold start, preheating the catalytic
converter can cause noticeable engine
vibrations, for anything up to 2 minutes
(accelerated idle speed).
►

With a
Diesel engine, turn the key to position
2, to

activate the engine preheating system.
Wait until this warning lamp goes off on
the instrument panel, then turn the key to
position 3 without pressing the accelerator pedal,
to operate the starter motor. Once the engine
has started, release the key and allow it to return
to position 2.
In wintry conditions, the warning lamp
may stay on for a longer period. When
the engine is hot, the warning lamp does not
come on.
In mild conditions, do not leave the engine
to warm up while stationary, but move off
straight away and drive at moderate speed.
If the engine does not start straight away,
switch off the ignition. Wait a few
seconds before operating the starter motor
again. If the engine does not start after a few
attempts, do not keep trying - risk of
damaging the starter motor and the engine!
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.

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.

154
Practical information
High voltage system voltage is
dangerous and can cause burns or other
injuries or even fatal electric shock.
Since damage to high voltage components is
not visible, CITROËN recommends that you:
–

Never touch the components, damaged
or not, and never let your jewelry or other
metallic objects come into contact with these
components.
–


Never work on the orange high voltage
cables or on any other high voltage
component marked with the Electric risk label.
Any intervention on the high voltage system
must be carried out by qualified persons in
workshops qualified and approved to carry
out this type of work.
–


Never damage, modify or remove the
orange high voltage cables or disconnect
them from the high voltage network.
–


Never open, modify or remove the cover of
the traction battery

.
–

Never work with cutting and forming
tools or heat sources near high voltage
components and cables.
In case of low level of fluid in the cooling
tank, the refilling shall only be performed in a
qualified and trained workshop to verify that
the leakage is not in the traction battery

.
Any intervention on the high voltage system
must be carried out by qualified persons in
workshops qualified and approved to carry
out this type of work.Damage to the vehicle or the traction battery
could result in the leakage of toxic gases or
fluids either immediately or later. CITROËN
recommends that you:
–

Always inform the fire and emergency
services in the event of an incident, warning
that the vehicle is equipped with a traction
battery

.
–

Never touch the liquids leaking from the
traction battery

.
–

Do not inhale the gases emitted by the
traction battery which are toxic.
–


Move away from the vehicle in the event of
incident or accident, the gases emitted being
flammable and could cause a fire.


This label is intended solely for use by firefighters and maintenance services in
the event of any work on the vehicle.
No other person must touch the device shown
on this label.
In the event of an accident or impact
to the vehicle’s underbody
In these situations, the electrical
circuit or the
traction battery can be seriously damaged.
Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and switch
off the ignition.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
When washing
Before washing the vehicle, always
check that the charging flap is closed
correctly.
Never wash the vehicle while the battery is
on charge.
High-pressure washing
To avoid damaging the electrical
components, it is expressly prohibited to
use high-pressure washing in the engine
compartment or under the body.
Do not use a pressure greater than 80 bar
when washing the bodywork.
Never allow water or dust to enter the
connector or charging nozzle - risk of
electrocution or fire!
Never connect / disconnect the charging
nozzle or cable with wet hands - risk of
electrocution!

155
Practical information
7Traction battery
This battery stores the energy that powers
the electric motor and the thermal comfort
equipment in the passenger compartment. It is
discharged during use, and must therefore be
regularly recharged. There is no need to wait
for the traction battery to fall to its reserve level
before recharging.
The range of the battery may vary according
to the type of driving, the route, the use of
thermal comfort equipment and the ageing of its
components.
The lifespan of the traction battery depends on multiple factors, such as
climatic conditions, distance travelled and
how often it has been fast-charged.
To preserve the mileage of your vehicle and the durability of your traction battery,
CITROËN recommends that you:
–

Do not fully charge the battery of your
electric vehicle daily (charge the traction
battery below 80% as often as possible).
–


Do not completely discharge the battery
.
–

Do not store the vehicle for a long period
of non-use (more than 12

hours) when the
traction battery has a low or high charge level.
Prefer a charge level between 20 and 40%.
–

Limit the use of fast charging.
–


Do not expose the vehicle to temperatures
below -30°C and above +60°C for more than
24


hours.
– Avoid charging the vehicle at negative
temperatures (except if the vehicle ran more
than 20 minutes) or above +30°C.
–

Do not use the vehicle's traction battery as
a generator of energy

.
–

Do not use a generator to recharge your
vehicle's traction battery

.
In the event of damage to the traction
battery
It is strictly prohibited to work on the vehicle
yourself.
Do not touch liquids coming from the battery,
and in the event of skin contact with these
products, wash abundantly with water and
contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the system checked.
Disposal of the traction battery
The traction battery is designed for the life of the
vehicle if the recommendations of CITROËN are
followed.
If it becomes necessary to replace the battery,
contact the CITROËN dealer for instructions on
its disposal. Improper disposal carries the risk of
severe burns, electric shock, and damage to the
environment.
In accordance with regulations, CITROËN
ensures a second life or recycling of this
component in collaboration with qualified
operators.
Charging connectors and
indicator lamps


1. Charging connectors
2. Deferred charging activation button
3. Nozzle locking indicator lamp
Fixed red: nozzle positioned correctly and
locked in the connector.
Flashing red: nozzle incorrectly positioned or
locking not possible.
4. Charging indicator lamp

156
Practical information
State of charging
indicator lampMeaning
Fixed white Welcome lighting on
opening the flap and
disconnecting the
charging cable.
Fixed blue Deferred charging.
Flashing green Charging.
Fixed green Charging complete.
The charging
indicator lamp goes
off after about 2
minutes as the
vehicle's functions go
into standby.
The indicator lamp
comes on again
when the vehicle is
unlocked with the
Keyless Entry and
Start system or when
a door is opened
to indicate that
the battery is fully
charged.State of charging
indicator lampMeaning
Fixed red Malfunction.
In case of impact, even light, against the
charging flap, do not use it.
Do not dismantle or modify the charging
connector - risk of electrocution and/or fire!
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Charging cables, sockets
and chargers
The charging cable supplied with the vehicle
(depending on version) is compatible with the
electrical systems in the country of sale. When
travelling abroad, check the compatibility of local
electrical systems with the charging cable.
A full range of charging cables is available from
your dealer.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop for more information and to obtain
suitable charging cables.
Identification labels on charging
sockets/connectors
Identification labels are affixed to the vehicle,
charging cable and charger to inform the user
about which device needs to be used.




The meaning of each identification label is as
follows:
Identification label LocationConfigurationPower type/Voltage range
C
Charging connector (vehicle side) TYPE 2AC
< 480 Vrms