brakes CITROEN C3 2009 Owners Manual

8
SAFETY
TRAJECTORY CONTROL
SYSTEMS
Anti-skid regulation (ASR) and
electronic stability programme
(ESP)
The anti-skid regulation (also known as
Traction Control) optimises traction to
prevent skidding of the wheels, by act-
ing on the brakes of the driving wheels
and on the engine.
The electronic stability programme acts
on the brake of one or more wheels and
on the engine to keep the vehicle on the
trajectory required by the driver.
Activation
These systems are activated automati-
cally each time the vehicle is started.
They come into operation in the event
of a grip or trajectory problem. This is indicated by fl ashing of
this warning lamp on the instru-
ment panel. Deactivation
In exceptional conditions (starting a ve-
hicle which is bogged down, stuck in
snow, on soft ground...), it may be ad-
visable to deactivate the ASR and ESP
systems, so that the wheels can move
freely and regain grip.

 Press the "ESP OFF" button, located
on the left below the steering wheel.
If this warning lamp comes on in
the instrument panel and the in-
dicator lamp on the button comes
on, this indicates that the ASR and
ESP systems are deactivated.
Reactivation
These systems are reactivated automat-
ically each time the ignition is switched
back on or from 30 mph (50 km/h).

 Press the "ESP OFF" button again
to reactivate them manually. Operating fault
If this warning lamp comes on,
accompanied by an audible sig-
nal and a message on the mul-
tifunction screen, this indicates
a malfunction of these systems.
Have the systems checked by a
CITROËN dealer.
The ESP/ASR systems offer ex-
ceptional safety in normal driving,
but this should not encourage the
driver to take extra risks or drive
at high speed.
The correct functioning of these
systems depends on observation
of the manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding the wheels
(tyres and rims), the braking
components, the electronic
components and the CITROËN
assembly and operation proce-
dures.
After an impact, have these sys-
tems checked by a CITROËN
dealer.

9
DRIVING
Moving off

 Apply the parking brake.

 Select position P or N .

 Start the engine.
If this procedure is not followed, an au-
dible signal is heard, accompanied by a
message on the multifunction screen.

 With the engine running, press the
brake pedal.

 Release the parking brake.

 Select position R , D or M .

 Gradually release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves off immediately. Automatic operation

 Select position D for automatic
changing of the four gears.
The gearbox then operates in auto-
adaptive mode, without any intervention
on the part of the driver. It continuously
selects the most suitable gear accor-
ding to the style of driving, the profi le of
the road and the load in the vehicle.
For maximum acceleration without
touching the lever, press the accelera-
tor pedal down fully (kick down). The
gearbox changes down automatically
or maintains the gear selected until the
maximum engine speed is reached.
On braking, the gearbox changes down
automatically to provide effi cient engine
braking.
If you release the accelerator sharply,
the gearbox will not change to a higher
gear for safety reasons. Sport and snow programmes
These two special programmes supple-
ment the automatic operation in very
specifi c conditions of use.
Sport programme "S"

 Press button "S" , after starting the
engine.
The gearbox automatically favours a
dynamic style of driving.
Snow programme "  "

 Press button "  ", after starting the
engine.
The gearbox adapts to driving on slip-
pery roads.
This programme improves starting and
drive when traction is poor.
Return to automatic operation

 At any time, press the button selected
again to quit the programme engaged
and return to auto-adaptive mode.
If position
N is engaged inad-
vertently while driving, allow the
engine to return to idle then en-
gage position D to accelerate.
Never select position N while the
vehicle is moving.
Never select positions P or R
unless the vehicle is completely
stationary.
When the engine is running at
idle, with the brakes released,
if position
R , D or M is selected,
the vehicle moves even without
the accelerator being pressed.
When the engine is running, never
leave children in the vehicle with-
out supervision.
When carrying out maintenance
with the engine running, apply
the parking brake and select
position P .
S appears on the instrument
panel.

 appears on the instrument
panel.

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
drop in the brake fl uid level indicates
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
equivalent quality and specifi ca-
tions.
In order to optimise the operation
of units as important as the brak-
ing system, CITROËN selects
and offers very specifi c products.
To avoid damaging the electrical
units, the use of a high pressure
washer in the engine compart-
ment is strictly
prohibited .