engine CITROEN C3 2009 Owner's Guide
Page 115 of 209
9
DRIVING
Manual operation
Select position M for sequential
changing of the four gears.
Push the lever towards the + sign to
change up a gear.
Pull the lever towards the - sign to
change down a gear.
It is only possible to change from one
gear to another if the vehicle speed and
engine speed permit; otherwise, the
g e a r b o x w i l l o p e r a t e t e m p o r a r i l y i n a u t o -
matic mode.
D disappears and the gears
engaged appear in succession
on the instrument panel.
In the event of the engine la-
bouring or over-revving, the
g e a r s e l e c t e d fl a s h e s f o r a f e w s e -
conds, then the actual gear engaged is
displayed.
It is possible to change from position D
( a u t o m a t i c ) t o p o s i t i o n M ( m a n u a l ) a t
any time.
When the vehicle is stationary or moving
v e r y s l o w l y , t h e g e a r b o x s e l e c t s g e a r M1
automatically.
The sport and snow programmes do not
operate in manual mode. Invalid value during manual
operation
This symbol is displayed if a
gear is not engaged correctly
(selector between two posi-
t i o n s ) .
Stopping the vehicle
Before switching off the engine, you
can engage position P or N to place the
g e a r b o x i n n e u t r a l .
In both cases, apply the parking brake
to immobilise the vehicle.
If the lever is not in position P ,
when the driver's door is opened
o r a p p r o x i m a t e l y 4 5 s e c o n d s a f t e r
the ignition is switched off, a mes-
sage appears in the multifunction
screen.
Return the lever to position P ;
the message disappears. There is a risk of damage to the
g e a r b o x :
- if you press the accelerator
and brake pedals at the same
time,
- if you force the movement of the gear lever from the P
position to another position
w h e n t h e b a t t e r y i s fl a t .
Operating fault
When the ignition is on,
the lighting of this warn-
ing lamp, accompanied
by an audible signal and
a message on the multifunction screen,
i n d i c a t e s a g e a r b o x m a l f u n c t i o n .
I n t h i s c a s e , t h e g e a r b o x s w i t c h e s t o
emergency mode and is locked in 3 rd
gear. You may feel a substantial knock
when changing from P to R and from N
to R . This will not cause any damage to
t h e g e a r b o x .
D o n o t e x c e e d 6 0 m p h ( 1 0 0 k m / h ) , l o c a l
speed restrictions permitting.
Contact a CITROËN dealer as soon as
possible.
Page 122 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
BONNET
Protects the components of the engine
and provides access for checking levels.
Opening
Open the front left door.
Pull the interior control A , located at
the bottom of the door aperture.
Push the exterior control B to the left
and raise the bonnet.
Unclip the bonnet stay C from its
housing, holding it by its foam pro-
tection.
Fix the strut in the notch to hold the
bonnet open.
The location of the interior
control prevents opening of the
bonnet while the front left door is
closed.
Closing
Take the stay out of the support
notch.
Clip the stay in its housing.
Lower the bonnet and release it at
the end of its travel.
Pull on the bonnet to check that it is
fully latched.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
(DIESEL)
I f y o u r v e h i c l e i s fi t t e d w i t h a n H D I e n -
gine, the fuel circuit must be reprimed if
you run out of fuel.
This system consists of a repriming
pump, a transparent pipe and a degas
screw under the bonnet.
HDi 90 and HDi 110 FAP engines
F i l l t h e f u e l t a n k w i t h a t l e a s t fi v e l i t r e s
of diesel.
Open the bonnet.
Depending on version, unclip the
cover to gain access to the reprim-
ing pump.
Squeeze and release the repriming
pump until fuel appears in the trans-
parent pipe with the green connector.
Operate the starter until the engine
starts.
Depending on version, put the cover
back in position and clip it in place.
Close the bonnet.
If the engine does not start at the
fi r s t a t t e m p t , d o n o t t r y a g a i n .
Operate the repriming pump
again, then the starter.
When the engine is hot, handle
the exterior control and the stay
with care.
Page 123 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
* According to engine.
PETROL ENGINES
1. Screenwash reservoir.
2. Coolant reservoir.
3. A i r fi l t e r * .
4. B r a k e fl u i d r e s e r v o i r .
5. Battery.
6. Fuse box.
7. Engine oil dipstick.
8. E n g i n e o i l fi l l e r c a p .
Page 124 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
* According to engine.
DIESEL ENGINES
1. Screenwash reservoir.
2. Coolant reservoir.
3. A i r fi l t e r * .
4. B r a k e fl u i d r e s e r v o i r .
5. Battery.
6. Fuse box.
7. Engine oil dipstick.
8. E n g i n e o i l fi l l e r c a p .
9. Repriming pump * .
Page 125 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
CHECKING LEVELS
Check all of these levels regularly and
top them up if necessary, unless other-
wise indicated.
I f a l e v e l d r o p s s i g n i fi c a n t l y , h a v e t h e
corresponding system checked by a
CITROËN dealer.
Oil level The reading will only be correct
if the vehicle is on level ground
and the engine has been off for
more than 15 minutes.
The check is carried out either
when the ignition is switched on using
the oil level indicator on the instrument
panel, or using the dipstick.
Between two oil changes, the consump-
tion should not exceed 0.5 litre per
600 miles (1,000 km).
Engine oil change
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty
Guide for details of the interval for this
operation.
In order to maintain the reliability of the
engine and emission control system,
the use of additives in the engine oil is
prohibited.
Oil grade
The oil must be suitable for your en-
gine and conform to the manufacturer's
recommendations. Brake fluid level
T h e b r a k e fl u i d l e v e l s h o u l d b e
close to the "MAX" mark. If it is
not, check the brake pad wear.
Changing the fluid
Refer to the Maintenance and Warranty
Guide for details of the interval for this
operation.
Fluid specification
T h e b r a k e fl u i d m u s t c o n f o r m t o t h e
manufacturer's recommendations and
meet the DOT4 standard.
Coolant level The coolant level should be
close to the "MAX" mark but
should never exceed it.
When the engine is warm, the
temperature of the coolant is regulated
by the fan. This can operate with the ig-
nition off.
O n v e h i c l e s w h i c h a r e fi t t e d w i t h a p a r -
t i c l e e m i s s i o n fi l t e r , t h e f a n m a y o p e r -
ate after the vehicle has been switched
o f f , e v e n i f t h e e n g i n e i s c o l d .
In addition, as the cooling system is
pressurised, wait at least one hour after
switching off the engine before carrying
out any work. To avoid any risk of scalding, unscrew
the cap by two turns to allow the pres-
sure to drop. When the pressure has
dropped, remove the cap and top up
the level.
Changing the coolant
The coolant does not have to be
changed.
Fluid specification
The coolant must conform to the manu-
facturer's recommendations.
Screenwash fluid level
Top up the level when necessary.
Fluid specification
For optimum cleaning and to avoid
f r e e z i n g , t h i s fl u i d m u s t n o t b e t o p p e d
up or replaced with water.
Take care when carrying out
checks under the bonnet as
some parts of the engine can be
very hot (risk of burns).
Page 126 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
Diesel additive level
(Diesel engine with particle
emission filter)
A low additive level is indicated by light-
ing of the service warning lamp, accom-
panied by an audible warning and a
message on the multifunction screen.
Topping up
This additive must be topped up by a
CITROËN dealer without delay.
Used products Avoid prolonged contact of used
o i l o r fl u i d s w i t h t h e s k i n .
M o s t o f t h e s e fl u i d s a r e h a r m f u l t o
health or indeed very corrosive.
D o n o t d i s c a r d u s e d o i l o r fl u i d s
into sewers or onto the ground.
Take used oil to a CITROËN
dealer (France) or an authorised
waste disposal site. CHECKS
Unless otherwise indicated, check
these components in accordance with
the Maintenance and Warranty Guide
and according to your engine.
Otherwise, have them checked by a
CITROËN dealer.
B a t t e r y The battery does not require
any maintenance.
H o w e v e r , c h e c k t h a t t h e t e r -
minals are clean and correctly
tightened, particularly in sum-
mer and winter.
When carrying out work on the battery,
refer to the "Practical information" sec-
tion for details of the precautions to be
taken before disconnecting the battery
and following its reconnection.
Air filter and passenger
compartment filter Refer to the Maintenance and
Warranty Guide for details of
the replacement intervals for
these components.
Depending on the environment
(e.g. dusty atmosphere) and the use of
the vehicle (e.g. city driving), replace
t h e m t w i c e a s o f t e n i f n e c e s s a r y (re-
fer to the "Engines" paragraph).
A c l o g g e d c a b i n fi l t e r m a y h a v e a n a d -
verse effect on the performance of the
air conditioning system and generate
undesirable odours. Oil filter
R e p l a c e t h e o i l fi l t e r e a c h t i m e
the engine oil is changed.
Refer to the Maintenance and
Warranty Guide for details of
the replacement interval for
this component.
Particle emission filter (Diesel)
It is imperative that the maintenance of
t h e p a r t i c l e e m i s s i o n fi l t e r i s c a r r i e d o u t
by a CITROËN dealer.
Following prolonged operation of
the vehicle at very low speed or
at idle, you may, in exceptional
circumstances, notice the emis-
sion of water vapour at the ex-
haust on acceleration. This does
not affect the behaviour of the
vehicle or the environment.
Page 127 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
Diesel additive level
(Diesel engine with particle
emission filter)
A low additive level is indicated by light-
ing of the service warning lamp, accom-
panied by an audible warning and a
message on the multifunction screen.
Topping up
This additive must be topped up by a
CITROËN dealer without delay.
Used products Avoid prolonged contact of used
o i l o r fl u i d s w i t h t h e s k i n .
M o s t o f t h e s e fl u i d s a r e h a r m f u l t o
health or indeed very corrosive.
D o n o t d i s c a r d u s e d o i l o r fl u i d s
into sewers or onto the ground.
Take used oil to a CITROËN
dealer (France) or an authorised
waste disposal site. CHECKS
Unless otherwise indicated, check
these components in accordance with
the Maintenance and Warranty Guide
and according to your engine.
Otherwise, have them checked by a
CITROËN dealer.
B a t t e r y The battery does not require
any maintenance.
H o w e v e r , c h e c k t h a t t h e t e r -
minals are clean and correctly
tightened, particularly in sum-
mer and winter.
When carrying out work on the battery,
refer to the "Practical information" sec-
tion for details of the precautions to be
taken before disconnecting the battery
and following its reconnection.
Air filter and passenger
compartment filter Refer to the Maintenance and
Warranty Guide for details of
the replacement intervals for
these components.
Depending on the environment
(e.g. dusty atmosphere) and the use of
the vehicle (e.g. city driving), replace
t h e m t w i c e a s o f t e n i f n e c e s s a r y (re-
fer to the "Engines" paragraph).
A c l o g g e d c a b i n fi l t e r m a y h a v e a n a d -
verse effect on the performance of the
air conditioning system and generate
undesirable odours. Oil filter
R e p l a c e t h e o i l fi l t e r e a c h t i m e
the engine oil is changed.
Refer to the Maintenance and
Warranty Guide for details of
the replacement interval for
this component.
Particle emission filter (Diesel)
It is imperative that the maintenance of
t h e p a r t i c l e e m i s s i o n fi l t e r i s c a r r i e d o u t
by a CITROËN dealer.
Following prolonged operation of
the vehicle at very low speed or
at idle, you may, in exceptional
circumstances, notice the emis-
sion of water vapour at the ex-
haust on acceleration. This does
not affect the behaviour of the
vehicle or the environment.
Page 128 of 209
1 0
CHECKS
Manual gearbox The gearbox does not re-
quire any maintenance (no oil
change).
Refer to the Maintenance and
Warranty Guide for the details
of the level checking interval
for this component.
Automatic gearbox The gearbox does not re-
quire any maintenance (no oil
change).
Refer to the Maintenance and
Warranty Guide for details of
the level checking interval for
this component. Brake pads
Brake wear depends on the
style of driving, particularly in
the case of vehicles used in
town, over short distances. It
may be necessary to have the
condition of the brakes checked, even
between vehicle services.
Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a
d r o p i n t h e b r a k e fl u i d l e v e l i n d i c a t e s
that the brake pads are worn.
Brake disc wear
For information relating to
checking the brake disc wear,
contact a CITROËN dealer.
Parking brake If a loss of effectiveness of this
system is noticed, the parking
brake must be checked, even
between two services.
This system must be checked
by a CITROËN dealer. Only use products recommend-
ed by CITROËN or products of
e q u i v a l e n t q u a l i t y a n d s p e c i fi c a -
tions.
In order to optimise the operation
of units as important as the brak-
ing system, CITROËN selects
a n d o f f e r s v e r y s p e c i fi c p r o d u c t s .
To avoid damaging the electrical
units, the use of a high pressure
washer in the engine compart-
ment is strictly
prohibited .
Page 129 of 209
11
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
This repair kit is available from
CITROËN dealers.
It is designed to repair holes of a
maximum diameter of 6 mm, only
where the puncture is located on
the tyre tread or shoulder. Avoid
removing any foreign bodies
which have penetrated the tyre.
TEMPORARY PUNCTURE
REPAIR KIT
Complete system consisting of a compres-
sor and an incorporated sealant cartridge
which permits temporary repair of the
tyre so that you can drive to the nearest
garage.
The kit is mounted in the boot under the
fl o o r . Using the kit
This procedure, comprising several
steps, must be carried out in full.
Switch off the ignition.
Turn the selector A to the "SEALANT"
position.
Check that the switch B is in posi-
tion "0" .
Connect the white pipe C to the
valve of the tyre to be repaired.
Connect the compressor's electric
plug to the vehicle's 12 V socket.
A f fi x t h e s p e e d l i m i t a t i o n s t i c k e r t o
the vehicle's steering wheel to re-
mind you that a wheel is in temporary
use.
Start the vehicle and leave the engine
running.
Access to the kit
Page 131 of 209
11
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
T a k e c a r e , t h e fl u i d c o n t a i n s
ethylene-glycol. This product is
harmful if swallowed and causes
i r r i t a t i o n t o t h e e y e s . K e e p i t o u t
of reach of children.
T h e e x p i r y d a t e o f t h e fl u i d i s i n -
dicated on the cartridge.
The sealant cartridge is designed
for single use; even if only partly
used, it must be replaced.
To remove the cartridge, turn it
a quarter turn at its cap and pull
off.
After use, do not discard the car-
tridge into the environment, take
it to an authorised waste disposal
site or a CITROËN dealer.
Do not forget to obtain a new
sealant cartridge, available from
CITROËN dealers.
Connect the compressor's electric
plug to the vehicle's 12 V socket.
Start the vehicle again and leave the
engine running.
Adjust the pressure using the compres-
s o r ( t o i n fl a t e : s w i t c h B in position "1" ;
t o d e fl a t e : s w i t c h B in position "0" and
press button E ) , i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e
vehicle's tyre pressure label (located
o n t h e l e f t h a n d d o o r a p e r t u r e ) .
A loss of pressure indicates that the puncture has not been fully plugged;
contact a CITROËN dealer for as-
sistance.
Remove and stow the kit.
Drive at reduced speed (50 mph
[ 8 0 k m / h ] m a x ) l i m i t i n g t h e d i s t a n c e
travelled to approximately 120 miles
( 2 0 0 k m ) .
Go to a CITROËN dealer as
soon as a possible.
Have the tyre inspected by a technician, who can then
advise you whether it can
be repaired or should be re-
placed.