2023 PEUGEOT 508 steering

78
Safety
They can be switched off by pressing the button.
Horn

► Press the central part of the steering wheel.
Pedestrian horn
(Rechargeable hybrid)
This system alerts pedestrians that the vehicle is approaching, when driving in Electric mode
(100% electric driving).
The pedestrian horn operates once the vehicle
is moving and at speeds of up to 19 mph
(30
km/h), in forward or reverse gear.
This function cannot be deactivated.
* In accordance with the general conditions of use of the service, available from dealers an\
d subject to technological and technical limitations.
** Depend ing on the geographic coverage provided by the "eCall (SOS)" and "ASSISTANCE" systems.
The list of countries covered and the telematic services provided is ava\
ilable from dealers or on the website for your country.
Emergency or assistance
call




1. eCall (SOS)
2. ASSISTANCE
eCall (SOS)
Your vehicle may be fitted with the eCall (SOS)
system either as standard or as an option.
The eCall
(SOS) system provides direct contact
to the emergency services and is fully built
into the vehicle. This contact is made either
automatically via the sensors built into the
vehicle, or by pressing button 1.
According to the country of sale, the eCall
(SOS)
system corresponds to the systems PE112,
ERAGLONASS, 999, etc.
The eCall
(SOS) system is activated by default.
► To make an emergency call manually, press
button 1 for more than 2 seconds.
The lit indicator lamp and a voice message
confirm that the call has been made to the
emergency services*.
The eCall
(SOS) system immediately locates
your vehicle and puts you in contact with the
appropriate emergency services**.
►

Pressing again immediately cancels the
request.
The indicator lamp flashes while the vehicle
data is being sent, and then remains lit when
communication is established.
In the event that a serious accident is
detected by the sensors built into the
vehicle, such as the airbag control unit, an
emergency call is made automatically.
The eCall (SOS) system is a public
service of general interest and is
free-of-charge.
Operation of the system
– Upon switching on the ignition, the indicator
lamp lights up for a few seconds and then goes
out: the system is operating correctly
.

85
Safety
5Airbags
General information
This system is designed to improve the safety
of the occupants of 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
* For more information on Deactivating the front passenger airbag, refer t\
o the corresponding section.
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.
Front airbags

This system protects the driver and front
passenger in the event of a serious front impact,
limiting the risk of head and chest injury.
The driver's airbag is fitted in the centre of the
steering wheel; the front passenger airbag is
fitted in the dashboard above the glove box.
The front airbags are adaptive. In particular, they inflate less firmly in the
presence of a smaller occupant, with the seat
set in a forward longitudinal position.
Deployment
They deploy, except the front passenger airbag
if it is deactivated*, in the event of a serious front
impact to all or part of the front impact zone A.
The front airbag inflates between the thorax and
head of the front occupant of the vehicle and the

86
Safety
steering wheel, driver's side, and the dashboard,
passenger's side, to cushion their forward
movement.
Lateral airbags

This system protects the driver and front
passenger in the event of a serious side impact,
limiting the risk of injury to the chest, between
the hip and the shoulder.
Each lateral airbag is fitted in the seat backrest
frame, on the door side.
Deployment
The lateral airbags are deployed on one side in
the event of a serious side impact applied to all
or part of the side impact zone B.
The lateral airbag inflates between the chest of
the vehicle's occupant and the corresponding
door panel.
Curtain airbags
This system helps provide greater protection for
the driver and passengers (with the exception
of the rear centre passenger) in the event of a
serious side impact, in order to limit the risk of
injury to the side of the head.
Each curtain airbag is built into the pillars and
the upper passenger compartment area.
Deployment
It deploys simultaneously with the corresponding
lateral airbag in the event of a serious side
impact applied to all or part of the side impact
zone B.
The curtain airbag inflates between the front
and rear occupants of the vehicle and the
corresponding windows.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction,
these warning lamps light up on
the instrument panel. Contact a PEUGEOT
dealer or a qualified workshop to have the
system checked.
The airbags may not be deployed in the event of
a serious impact.
In the event of a minor impact or bump at
the side of the vehicle or if the vehicle
rolls over, the airbags may not be deployed.
In the event of a rear or front collision, none of
the lateral airbags are deployed.
Advice
For the airbags to be fully effective,
observe the safety recommendations
below.
Adopt a normal and upright sitting position.
Fasten your seat belt and position it correctly.
Do not place anything between the occupants
and the airbags (e.g.
child, animal, object), do
not fix or attach anything near or in the path of
the airbags, as this could cause injuries when
they are deployed.
Never modify the original definition of the
vehicle, particularly in the area directly around
the airbags.
Even if all of the precautions mentioned are
observed, a risk of injury or of minor burns to
the head, chest or arms cannot be ruled out
when an airbag is deployed. The bag inflates
almost instantly (within a few milliseconds)
then deflates within the same time,
discharging the hot gas via openings provided
for this purpose.
After an accident or if the vehicle has been
stolen, have the airbag systems checked.
All work must be carried out only by a
PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop
Front airbags
Do not drive holding the steering wheel
by its spokes or resting your hands on the
centre part of the wheel.

87
Safety
5Passengers must not place their feet on the
dashboard.
Do not smoke as deployment of the airbags
can cause burns or the risk of injury from a
cigarette or pipe.
Never remove or pierce the steering wheel or
hit it violently.
Do not fix or attach anything to the steering
wheel or dashboard, as this could cause
injuries when the airbags are deployed.
Lateral airbags
Use only approved seat covers
compatible with the deployment of these
airbags. For information on the range of seat
covers suitable for your vehicle, contact a
PEUGEOT dealer.
Do not fix or attach anything to the seat
backrests (e.g.
clothing) as this could cause
injuries to the chest or arm when the airbag is
deployed.
Do not sit with the upper part of the body any
nearer to the door than necessary.
The vehicle's front door panels include side
impact sensors.
A damaged door or any unauthorised or
incorrectly executed work (modification or
repair) on the front doors or their interior trim
could compromise the operation of these
sensors - risk of malfunction of the lateral
airbags!
All work must be carried out only by a
PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop
Curtain airbags
Do not fix or attach anything to the roof,
as this could cause head injuries when the
curtain airbag is deployed.
Do not remove the grab handles installed on
the roof, as these help to secure the curtain
airbags.
Active bonnet

The active bonnet has been designed to
optimise the safety of pedestrians in the event of
collision with the front of the vehicle.
The pyrotechnic system is triggered at the
hinges of the bonnet to lift it, when the sensors
located at the front of the vehicle detect a
collision.
Deployment of the active bonnet is
accompanied by a slight discharge of
harmless smoke and a noise, due to the
activation of the pyrotechnic cartridge
incorporated in the system. The airbag
warning lamp comes on.
After triggering, do not try to open or close
the bonnet. Call a towing company or go to
the nearest PEUGEOT dealer or qualified
workshop, driving at a speed below 19 mph
(30
km/h).
Make sure that you adjust the height of the
driver's seat - risk of hindrance to visibility!
This equipment will only trigger once. If a second impact occurs (during the same
or a subsequent accident), the active bonnet
will not trigger.
After an accident or if the vehicle has been
stolen, have the system checked.
Do not tamper with the pyrotechnic systems
under the bonnet, close to the struts - risk of
explosion!
All work must be carried out only by a
PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning
lamp lights up on the instrument panel,
accompanied by the display of a message and
an audible signal. You must contact a PEUGEOT
dealer or a qualified workshop to have the
system checked.
The active bonnet may not deploy in the event of
an impact.

99
Driving
6Starting/switching off the
engine
The electronic key must be present in the passenger compartment.
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

► Select mode P or N on the automatic
gearbox, then depress 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
while pressing the " START/STOP" button to
assist unlocking of the steering column.
Petrol engines
With Petrol engines, after a cold start,
pre-heating the catalytic converter can cause
noticeable engine vibrations, for anything up
to 2

minutes (accelerated idle speed).
Starting rechargeable hybrid
vehicles
► Fully depress the brake pedal and press
the START/STOP button for approximately 2
seconds.
► Keep you r foot on the pedal until this
indicator lamp comes on, indicating the
activation of the rechargeable hybrid system
(confirmed by an audible signal).
To exit Park mode, wait for the READY indicator lamp to come on.
By default, the system starts in Electric mode.
Depending on certain parameters (battery
charge level or outside temperature), the system
determines whether it is necessary to start the
petrol engine.
It is possible to change the driving mode at any
time using the mode selector.
When the vehicle starts in electric mode,
it makes no noise.
Pay particular attention to pedestrians and
cyclists who may not hear the vehicle coming
despite the pedestrian horn.
Switching off
► Immobilise the vehicle using the parking
brake.
►

Select mode
P on the automatic gearbox.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button.
►

For rechargeable hybrid vehicles, before
leaving the vehicle, check that the READY


indicator lamp is switched off.
In some circumstances, it is necessary to turn
the steering wheel to lock the steering column.
On certain versions with an automatic gearbox
(EAT8), the steering column does not lock, but
the gearbox locks in mode P.
If the vehicle is not immobilised, the
engine will not stop.

100
Driving
With the engine off, the braking and
steering assistance systems are also cut
off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!
Never leave your vehicle with the
electronic key still inside.
Switching on the ignition
without starting the engine


With the electronic key in the passenger
compartment, pressing the " START/STOP"
button, without depressing any of the pedals ,
allows the ignition to be switched on without
starting the engine.
►

Press this button again to switch off the
ignition and allow the vehicle to be locked.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted to the steering column,
to enable the engine to be started if the system
fails to detect the key in the recognition zone, or
if the battery in the electronic key is flat.


► Place and hold the remote control against the
back-up reader .
►

Select mode
P on the automatic gearbox,
then depress the brake pedal.
►

Press the "
START/STOP" button.
The engine starts.
Back-up switch-off

If the electronic key is not detected or is no
longer in the recognition zone, a message
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 PEUGEOT 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.

101
Driving
6On certain versions with an automatic gearbox
(EAT8), the steering column does not lock.
Electric parking brake
In automatic mode, this system applies the
parking brake when the engine is switched off
and releases it when the vehicle moves off.




At any time, with the engine running:
► T o apply the parking brake, briefly pull the
control.
►

T
o release it, briefly push the control while
pressing the brake pedal.
Automatic mode is activated by default.
This automatic operation can be deactivated in
certain situations.
Indicator lamp
This indicator lamp comes on both on the instrument panel and on the control to
confirm that the parking brake has been applied,
accompanied by display of the message
"Parking brake applied".
The indicator lamp goes out to confirm the
release of the parking brake, accompanied by
the display of the message " Parking brake
released ".
The indicator lamp flashes in response to a
manual request to apply or release the brake.
In the event of a battery failure, the
electric parking brake will not operate.
As a safety measure, if the parking brake is
not applied, immobilise the vehicle by placing
the supplied chock against one of the wheels.
Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified
workshop.


Before leaving the vehicle, check that the
parking brake is applied: the parking
brake indicator lamps on the instrument panel
and the control must be on fixed.
If the parking brake is not applied, there is an
audible signal and a message is displayed on
opening the driver's door.
Never leave a child alone inside the
vehicle, as they could release the parking
brake.
When the vehicle is parked: on a
steep slope, heavily loaded or during
towing
Turn the wheels toward the pavement and
select mode
P on the automatic gearbox.
When towing, the vehicle is approved for
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
Manual operation
Manual release
With the ignition on or engine running:
► Press the brake pedal.
►

While maintaining pressure on the brake
pedal, briefly push the control.
If the brake pedal is not depressed, the
parking brake is not released and a
message is displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
► Briefly pull the control.
The control indicator lamp flashes to confirm the
application request.

103
Driving
6Emergency 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.
Automatic gearbox
With petrol / Diesel engines
Automatic 8-speed gearbox with push selector. It also offers a manual mode with gear changes
via control paddles located
behind the steering
wheel.
With Rechargeable hybrid
engines
Automatic 8-speed gearbox with push selector and regenerative braking function.
With the exception of the manual mode and
regenerative braking function, its operation is
identical to that of other EAT8 gearboxes.
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.
M. Driving in manual mode (Petrol / Diesel)
Press this button to switch to manual mode.
The driver changes gear using the steering-
mounted controls.
B. Driving in automatic mode with regenerative
braking function (Rechargeable hybrid)
Press this button to activate the regenerative
braking function.
The gearbox also manages braking when the
accelerator pedal is released.
►
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.