light CITROEN C3 2009 Owner's Guide

5
VISIBILITY
Automatic windscreen wiping
The windscreen wipers operate auto-
matically, without any action on the part
of the driver, if rain is detected (sensor
behind the interior mirror), adapting their
speed to the intensity of the rainfall.
Activation
Switching off Operating fault
If an automatic wiping malfunction
occurs, the wipers will operate in inter-
mittent mode.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer. Special position of the
windscreen wipers
For optimum and lasting wiping
of the "fl at-blade" wiper blades,
it is advisable to:
- handle them with care,
- clean them regularly using soapy water,
- change them approximately every 6 months,
- avoid using them to retain cardboard on the windscreen.
Do not cover the rain sensor,
linked with the brightness sensor
and located in the centre of the
windscreen behind the interior
mirror.
Switch off the automatic wiping
when using an automatic car
wash.
In winter, it is advisable to wait
until the windscreen is completely
clear of ice before activating the
automatic wiping.
The automatic wiping must be re-
activated if the ignition has been
off for more than one minute, by
pushing stalk
A downwards.
In the minute following switching off of the
ignition, any action on the stalk positions
the wipers vertically.
This action enables you to position the
wiper blades for winter parking, cleaning
or replacement without damaging the
bonnet.
To park the wipers after this has been
done, switch on the ignition and operate
the stalk.
This is controlled manually by the driver by
pushing stalk
A to the "AUTO" position.
This is controlled manually by the driver
by moving stalk A upwards and returning
it to position "0" . It is accompanied by the indica-
tor lamp in the instrument panel
switching off and a message on
the multifunction screen.
It is accompanied by the lighting
of this indicator lamp in the in-
strument panel and a message
on the multifunction screen.

5
VISIBILITY

A. Central courtesy lamp

1. Rear side reading lamps

2. Rear courtesy lamp Central or rear courtesy lamps
Version without Zenith windscreen
Front side reading lamps

 With the ignition on, the fi rst press of
the corresponding switch switches
on the reading lamp concerned in
permanent lighting mode.
 Following a second press, it comes on:
- when the vehicle is unlocked, - when the key is removed from
the ignition,
- when a door is opened, - when the remote control locking
button is pressed, in order to
locate your vehicle. In permanent lighting mode, dif-
ferent lighting times are available:
- with the ignition off, approxi-
mately ten minutes,
- in energy economy mode, ap- proximately thirty seconds,
- with the engine running, un- limited.
Version with Zenith windscreen In this position, the courtesy
lamp comes on gradually:
- when the vehicle is unlocked,
- when the key is removed from the ignition,
- when a door is opened,
- when the remote control locking but- ton is activated, in order to locate your
vehicle.
It switches off gradually:
- when the vehicle is locked,
- when the ignition is switched on,
- 30 seconds after the last door is closed.
Permanently off.
Permanent lighting.
It switches off gradually:
- when the vehicle is locked,
- when the ignition is switched on,
- 30 seconds after the last door is closed.
To switch off the rear courtesy lamp,
place it in the "permanently off" position.
COURTESY LAMPS
Selection and control of the various
passenger compartment lamps.

5
VISIBILITY
AMBIENCE LIGHTING
The dimmed passenger compartment
lighting improves visibility in the vehicle
when the light is poor.
Switching on
At night, the illumination of footwell and
the central dashboard stoarge compart-
ment comes on automatically when the
sidelamps are switched on. Switching off
The ambience lighting switches off au-
tomatically when the sidelamps are
switched off.
It can be switched off manually using
the instrument panel lighting rheostat
button.

 With the lighting on, press several
times on the left hand button of the
instrument panel to progressively
reduce the dashboard lighting level.

 Press again to reduce the lighting
level to the minimum and switch off
the ambience lighting. This comes on automatically when the
boot is opened and switches off auto-
matically when the boot is closed.
BOOT LIGHTING
Different lighting times are avail-
able:
- when the ignition is off, ap-
proximately ten minutes,
- in energy economy mode, ap- proximately thirty seconds,
- when the engine is running, no limit.
On certain versions, three lamps locat-
ed in the support between the roof and
the automatic day/night interior mirror
come on as well.

6
FITTINGS
SUN VISOR
Component which protects against sun-
light from the front or the side.
Version without Zenith windscreen
GLOVE BOX

 To open the glove box, raise the
handle.
It houses the front passenger airbag de-
activation switch A .
It gives access to the dashboard fuse-
box (see the "Practical information - §
Changing a fuse" section).
CENTRE ARMREST
Comfort and storage system for the
driver and front passenger.
Storage

 For access to the closed storage
box, lift the lever to open the lid.

 For access to the open storage box
below the armrest, lift the complete
armrest towards the rear.
These can be used for portable devices
(mobile phone, MP3 player...) which
can be connected to the USB port/Jack
socket or charged from the 12 V socket
in the centre console.
Version with Zenith windscreen
Refer to the "Familiarisation - § Zenith
windscreen" section.
The sun visors are fi tted with a courtesy
mirror, with concealing fl ap for the driver
and a ticket/card holder.

6
FITTINGS
SUN VISOR
Component which protects against sun-
light from the front or the side.
Version without Zenith windscreen
GLOVE BOX

 To open the glove box, raise the
handle.
It houses the front passenger airbag de-
activation switch A .
It gives access to the dashboard fuse-
box (see the "Practical information - §
Changing a fuse" section).
CENTRE ARMREST
Comfort and storage system for the
driver and front passenger.
Storage

 For access to the closed storage
box, lift the lever to open the lid.

 For access to the open storage box
below the armrest, lift the complete
armrest towards the rear.
These can be used for portable devices
(mobile phone, MP3 player...) which
can be connected to the USB port/Jack
socket or charged from the 12 V socket
in the centre console.
Version with Zenith windscreen
Refer to the "Familiarisation - § Zenith
windscreen" section.
The sun visors are fi tted with a courtesy
mirror, with concealing fl ap for the driver
and a ticket/card holder.

6
FITTINGS
Rear shelf
To remove the shelf:

 unhook the two cords,

 raise the shelf slightly, then unclip it
on each side. Hooks
The hooks permit the securing of
shopping bags.
Luggage retaining net
Hooked onto the stowing rings, this en-
ables you to secure your luggage to the
bottom of the boot. Storage box

 Raise the boot carpet to gain access
to the storage box.
This has areas for storing a temporary
puncture repair kit, a box of spare bulbs,
a fi rst aid kit, two warning triangles, ...

 refi t the boot fl oor carpet by folding it
slightly in two.

8
SAFETY
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Selection of the left or right direction in-
dicators to signal a change of direction
of the vehicle.

 Lower the lighting stalk fully when
moving to the left.

 Raise the lighting stalk fully when
moving to the right.
"Motorway" function
System for indicating a change of lane
on a motorway.

 Move the lighting stalk briefl y up-
wards or downwards, without going
beyond the resistance point; the di-
rection indicators will fl ash 3 times.
This function can be used at any speed,
but it is particularly useful when changing
lane on high-speed roads.
HAZARD WARNING LAMPS
A visual warning by means of the direc-
tion indicators to alert other road users to
a vehicle breakdown, towing or accident.

 Press the button A , the direction in-
dicators fl ash.
They can operate with the ignition off.
Automatic lighting of hazard
warning lamps
When braking in an emergency, de-
pending on the deceleration, the hazard
warning lamps come on.
They will switch off automatically the
fi rst time you accelerate.

 If they do not, press button A to
switch the direction indicators off.
As a safety precaution in a traffi c
jam, switch on the hazard warn-
ing lamps if you are the last in
the queue.
HORN
Audible warning to alert other road users
to an imminent danger.

 Press one of the spokes of the steer-
ing wheel.
Use the horn moderately and
only in the following cases:
- immediate danger,
-
when approaching an area
- where there is no visibility.

8
SAFETY
BRAKING ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
Group of supplementary systems which
help you to obtain optimum braking in
complete safety in emergency situa-
tions:
- anti-lock braking system (ABS),
- electronic brake force distribution (EBFD),
- emergency braking assistance (EBA).
Anti-lock braking system
and electronic brake force
distribution
Linked systems which improve the sta-
bility and manoeuvrability of your vehicle
when braking, in particular on poor or
slippery surfaces.
Activation
The anti-lock braking system comes
into operation automatically when there
is a risk of wheel lock.
Normal operation of the ABS may make
itself felt by slight vibration of the brake
pedal.
When braking in an emergency,
press very fi rmly without releas-
ing the pressure. Operating fault
In either case, contact a CITROËN dealer.
If this warning lamp comes on,
accompanied by an audible sig-
nal and a message on the mul-
tifunction screen, it indicates a
malfunction of the anti-lock braking sys-
tem which could result in loss of control
of the vehicle when braking.
If this warning lamp comes on,
together with the STOP and

ABS warning lamps, accompa-
nied by an audible signal and a
message on the multifunction screen, it
indicates a malfunction of the electron-
ic brake force distribution which could
result in loss of control of the vehicle
when braking.

You MUST stop as soon as it is safe
to do so.
When replacing wheels (tyres
and rims), ensure that they
conform to the manufacturer's
recommendations. Emergency braking assistance
System which, in an emergency, ena-
bles you to obtain the optimum braking
pressure more quickly, thus reducing
the stopping distance.
Activation
It is triggered by the speed at which the
brake pedal is pressed.
The effect of this is a reduction in the
resistance of the pedal and an increase
in braking effi ciency.
When braking in an emergency,
press fi rmly without releasing
the pressure.

8
SAFETY
AIRBAGS
System designed to maximise the safety
of the occupants (with the exception of
the rear centre passenger) in the event
of violent collisions. It supplements the
action of the force-limiting seat belts
(with the exception of the rear centre
passenger).
If a collision occurs, the electronic de-
tectors record and analyse the front and
side impacts sustained in the impact
detection zones:
- in the case of a serious impact, the airbags are triggered instantly and
protect the occupants of the vehicle
(with the exception of the rear centre
passenger); immediately after the
impact, the airbags defl ate rapidly
so that they do not hinder visibility
or the exit of the occupants,
- in the case of a minor or rear impact or in certain roll-over conditions, the
airbags will not be triggered; the
seat belt alone is suffi cient to pro-
vide optimum protection in these
situations.

The airbags do not operate when
the ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only operate
once. If a second impact occurs
(during the same or a subse-
quent accident), the airbag will
not operate. Impact detection zones

A. Front impact zone.

B. Side impact zone.
Triggering of the airbag(s) is ac-
companied by a slight emission
of harmless smoke and a noise,
due to the activation of the pyro-
technic cartridge incorporated in
the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but
sensitive individuals may experi-
ence slight irritation.
The noise of the detonation may
result in a slight loss of hearing
for a short time. Front airbags
System which protects the driver and
front passenger in the event of a seri-
ous front impact in order to limit the risk
of injury to the head and chest.
The driver's airbag is incorporated in
the centre of the steering wheel; the
front passenger's airbag is incorporated
in the dashboard above the glove box.
Activation
The airbags are triggered simultaneous-ly, unless the passenger's front airbag
is disarmed, in the event of a serious
front impact applied to all or part of the
front impact zone
A , in the longitudinal
centreline of the vehicle on a horizontal
plane and directed from the front to the
rear of the vehicle.
The front airbag infl ates between the
front occupant of the vehicle and the
dashboard to cushion their forward
movement.

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
gearbox will operate temporarily in auto-
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
gear selected fl ashes for a few se-
conds, then the actual gear engaged is
displayed.
It is possible to change from position D
(automatic) to position M (manual) at
any time.
When the vehicle is stationary or moving
very slowly, the gearbox selects gear 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-
tions).
Stopping the vehicle
Before switching off the engine, you
can engage position P or N to place the
gearbox in neutral.
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
or approximately 45 seconds after
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
gearbox:
- 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
when the battery is fl at.
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,
indicates a gearbox malfunction.
In this case, the gearbox switches to
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
the gearbox.
Do not exceed 60 mph (100 km/h), local
speed restrictions permitting.
Contact a CITROËN dealer as soon as
possible.