engine CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2020 Manual PDF
Page 173 of 308
171
F Hold the towball 5 firmly in one hand; using the other hand, pull and turn star wheel 6 
fully in a clockwise direction; do not release 
the star wheel.
F
 
R
 emove the cap from the lock.
F  
I
 nsert the key into the lock 7
.
F  
O
 pen the lock using the key.
F Extract the towball from the bottom of its 
carrier   1.
F
 
R
 elease the star wheel; this automatically stops 
in the unlocked position and the red  mark on 
the star wheel lines up with the white  mark on 
the towball (position B ).
Maintenance
Correct operation is only possible if the towball 
and its carrier are kept clean.
Before cleaning the vehicle with a high-
pressure jet wash, the towball must be removed 
and the protective plug fitted to the carrier.
Apply the label provided to a clearly visible 
area, close to the carrier or in the boot.
Go to a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop for any work on the towbar 
system.
F
 
R
 efit protective plug 2 to carrier 1
.
F  
C
 arefully stow the towball in its bag away 
from knocks and dirt.
Towing device
Load distribution
F  D istribute the load in the trailer so that 
the heaviest items are as close as 
possible to the axle and the nose weight 
approaches the maximum permitted without 
exceeding
 
it.
Air density decreases with altitude, thus 
reducing engine performance. The maximum 
load which can be towed must be reduced by 
10% per 1,000
  metres of altitude.
Use towing devices and their genuine 
harnesses approved by CITROËN. It is 
recommended that the installation be 
per formed by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
If the towbar is not fitted by a CITROËN 
dealer, it must still be fitted in accordance 
with the vehicle manufacturer's 
instructions.
Certain driving assistance or manoeuvring 
assistance functions are automatically 
disabled if an approved towbar is used.
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Practical information  
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172
Load reduction mode
System which manages the use of certain 
functions according to the level of charge 
remaining in the battery.
When the vehicle is being driven, the load 
reduction function temporarily deactivates 
certain functions, such as air conditioning, 
heated rear screen, etc.
The deactivated functions are reactivated 
automatically as soon as conditions permit.
Energy economy mode
System which manages the duration of use of 
certain functions to conser ve a sufficient level 
of charge in the battery.
After the engine has stopped, you can still use 
functions such as the audio and telematics 
system,  windscreen wipers, dipped beam 
headlamps,
  courtesy lamps, etc. for a 
maximum combined duration of about forty 
minutes.
Switching to this mode
A message appears in the instrument panel 
screen indicating that the vehicle has switched 
to economy mode and the active functions are 
put on standby.
If a telephone call is being made at this 
time, it will be maintained for around 
10
  minutes with the hands-free kit of your 
audio system.
Exiting the mode
These functions will be automatically restored 
the next time the vehicle is used.
In order to restore the use of these functions 
immediately, start the engine and let it run:
-
 
f
 or less than ten minutes, to use the 
equipment for approximately five minutes, A flat battery prevents the engine from 
starting.
For more information on the 12
  V batter y
, 
refer to the corresponding section.
Obser ve the maximum authorised towable 
weight, indicated on your vehicle's 
registration certificate, the manufacturer's 
label as well as in the Technical data
 
section of this guide.
Complying with the maximum 
authorised nose weight (towball) 
also includes the use of accessories 
(bicycle carriers, tow boxes, etc.).
Obser ve the legislation in force in the 
country in which you are driving. - 
f
 or more than ten minutes, to use the 
equipment for up to approximately thirty 
minutes.
Let the engine run for the duration specified to 
ensure that the battery charge is sufficient.
Do not repeatedly and continuously restart the 
engine in order to charge the battery. 
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175
F Unclip the stay from its housing and place it in the support slot to hold the bonnet open.
Closing
F Take the stay out of the support slot.
F C lip the stay in its housing.
F
 
L
 ower the bonnet and release it near the 
end of its travel. 
F
 
P
 ull on the bonnet to check that it is fully 
latched.
The location of the interior bonnet release 
lever prevents opening of the bonnet when 
the left-hand front door is shut. When the engine is hot, handle the 
exterior safety catch and the stay with 
care (risk of burns), using the protected 
area.
When the bonnet is open, take care not to 
damage the safety catch.
Do not open the bonnet under very windy 
conditions.
The cooling fan may star t after 
switching off the engine: take care 
with articles and clothing that might be 
caught by the fan blades.
Because of the presence of electrical 
equipment under the bonnet, it is 
recommended that exposure to water 
(rain, washing, etc.) be limited. Before doing anything under the bonnet, 
deactivate the Stop & Start system to 
avoid the risk of injury related to an 
automatic change to START mode.
Engines
Petrol
Diesel
These engines are examples provided as a 
guide.
The locations of the following elements may 
vary:
-
 
A
 ir filter.
-
 
E
 ngine oil dipstick.
-
 
E
 ngine oil filler cap.
-
 P
riming pump.
1. Screenwash fluid reservoir.
2. Engine coolant reservoir.
7 
Practical information  
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176
3.Brake fluid reser voir.
4. Battery.
5. Fusebox.
6. A i r f i l t e r.
7. Engine oil dipstick.
8. Engine oil filler cap.
9. Remote earth point.
10. Priming pump*.
The Diesel circuit is under very high 
pressure.
All work on this circuit must be carried out 
only by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
*
 D
epending on engine.
Checking levels
Check all of these levels regularly, in line with 
the manufacturer's service schedule. Top them 
up if necessary, unless other wise indicated.
If a level drops significantly, have the 
corresponding system checked by a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop. The fluid must comply with the 
manufacturer's recommendations and with 
the vehicle's engine. Take care when working under the bonnet, 
as certain areas of the engine may be 
extremely hot (risk of burns) and the 
cooling fan could start at any time (even 
with the ignition off).
Used products
Avoid prolonged contact of used oil or 
fluids with the skin.
Most of these fluids are harmful to health 
or indeed very corrosive.
Do not discard used oil or fluids into 
sewers or onto the ground.
Take used oil to a CITROËN dealer or 
a qualified workshop and dispose of 
it in the containers reser ved for this 
purpose.
Engine oil level
The check is carried out either when 
the ignition is switched on using the 
oil level indicator in the instrument 
panel for vehicles so equipped, or 
using the dipstick. To ensure that the reading is correct, your 
vehicle must be parked on a level sur face 
with the engine having been off for more 
than 30
 
minutes.
It is normal to top up the oil level between 
two ser vices (or oil changes). CITROËN 
recommends that you check the level, and top 
up if necessary, every 3,000   miles (5,000   km).
Checking using the dipstick
The location of the dipstick is shown in the 
corresponding underbonnet layout view.
F
 
T
 ake the dipstick by its coloured grip and 
pull it out completely.
F
 
W
 ipe the end of the dipstick using a clean 
non-fluffy cloth.
F
 
R
 efit the dipstick and push fully down, then 
pull it out again to make the visual check: 
the correct level is between marks A and B . 
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177
A = MA X
B = MIN
If you find that the level is above the mark A or 
below the mark B , do not star t the engine.
-
 
I
f the level is above the MAX  mark (risk of 
damage to the engine), contact a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
-
 
I
f the level is below the MIN  mark, you must 
top up the engine oil.
Oil grade
Before topping up the oil or changing the oil, 
check that the oil is the correct grade for your 
engine and conforms to the manufacturer's 
recommendations.
Topping up the engine oil level
F Unscrew the oil filler cap to access the filler  opening.
F
 
A
 dd oil in small quantities, avoiding any 
spills on engine components (risk of fire).
F
 
W
 ait a few minutes before checking the 
level again using the dipstick.
F
 
A
 dd more oil if necessary.
F
 
A
 fter checking the level, carefully refit the oil 
filler cap and the dipstick in its tube.
After topping up the oil, the check when 
switching on the ignition with the oil level 
indicator in the instrument panel is not 
valid during the 30
  minutes after topping 
up.
Engine oil change
Refer to the manufacturer's service schedule 
for details of the inter val for this operation.
In order to maintain the reliability of the engine 
and emissions control system, never use 
additives in the engine oil.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level should be close 
to the "MA X" mark. If it is not, check 
the brake pad wear.
Changing the fluid
Refer to the manufacturer's service schedule 
for details of the inter val for this operation.
Fluid specification
This fluid must conform to the manufacturer's 
recommendations.
Coolant level
Check the coolant level regularly.
It is normal to top up the fluid 
between two services.
To ensure that the reading is correct, your 
vehicle must be parked on a level sur face with 
the engine cool.
The coolant level should be close to the "MA X" 
mark but should never exceed it.
If the level is close to or below the "MIN" mark, 
it is essential to top up.
The location of the oil filler cap is shown in the 
corresponding underbonnet layout view.
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Practical information  
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178
When the engine is warm, the temperature of 
the coolant is regulated by the fan.
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 the risk of scalding when you need to 
top up in an emergency, place a cloth around 
the cap and unscrew the cap by two turns to 
allow the pressure to drop.
Once the pressure has dropped, remove the 
cap and top up the coolant.The cooling fan may star t after 
switching off the engine: take care 
with articles and clothing that might be 
caught by the fan blades.
Fluid specification
The fluid must conform to the manufacturer's 
recommendations.
Screenwash fluid level
A low coolant level presents a risk of serious 
damage to your engine.
Top up the fluid when necessary.Fluid specification
The screenwash fluid must be topped up with a 
ready for use mix.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a fluid with 
antifreeze must be used that is appropriate for 
the prevailing conditions, in order to preser ve 
the elements of the system (pump, tank, ducts, 
e t c .) .
Filling with pure water is prohibited under all 
circumstances (risk of freezing, limestone 
deposits, etc.).
Diesel fuel additive level 
(Diesel with particle filter)
The additive tank minimum level is 
indicated by fixed illumination of this 
warning lamp, accompanied by an 
audible signal and a message that 
the particle filter additive level is 
too low.
To p p i n g  u p
The reser voir must be topped up without delay 
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
AdBlue level
An alert is triggered once the reser ve level is 
reached.
To avoid the vehicle being immobilised as per 
regulations, you must top up with AdBlue.
For more information on AdBlue
® and the SCR 
system, and, in particular, topping it up, refer to 
the corresponding section.
Checks
Unless otherwise indicated, check these 
components in accordance with the 
manufacturer's service schedule and according 
to your engine.
Other wise, have them checked by a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
12 V battery
The battery does not require any 
maintenance.
However, check regularly that the 
terminals are correctly tightened 
(versions without quick release 
terminals) and that the connections 
are clean. 
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179
For more information on the precautions 
to take before starting work on the 12  V 
battery , refer to the corresponding 
section.
Versions equipped with Stop & Start are 
fitted with a 12
  V lead-acid battery of 
specific technology and specification.
Its replacement should be carried out 
only by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
Air filter
Depending on the environment 
(e.g. dusty atmosphere) and the 
use of the vehicle (e.g. city driving), 
replace it twice as often if 
necessary .
Passenger compartment filter
Depending on the environment 
(e.g. dusty atmosphere) and the 
use of the vehicle (e.g. city driving), 
replace it twice as often if 
necessary. A clogged passenger compartment 
filter may have an adverse effect on 
the per formance of the air conditioning 
system and generate undesirable odours.
Oil filter
Replace the oil filter each time the 
engine oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
The start of saturation of the particle 
filter is indicated by the constant 
illumination of this warning lamp 
accompanied by an alert message.
As soon as the traffic conditions permit, 
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed 
of at least 37
  mph (60   km/h) until the 
warning lamp goes off.
If the warning lamp stays on, this indicates 
a low Diesel additive level.
For more information on Checking levels  
and particularly on the level of Diesel 
additive, refer to the corresponding 
section.
On a new vehicle, the first particle 
filter regeneration operations may be 
accompanied by a "burning" smell, which 
is per fectly normal.
Following prolonged operation of the 
vehicle at very low speed or at idle, 
you may, in exceptional circumstances, 
notice the emission of water vapour at the 
exhaust on acceleration. This does not 
affect the behaviour of the vehicle or the 
environment.
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any 
maintenance (no oil change).
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Practical information  
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180
Automatic gearbox
The gearbox does not require any 
maintenance (no oil change).
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 fluid level indicates that the brake 
pads are worn.
Brake disc wear
For information on checking brake 
disc wear, contact a CITROËN or a 
qualified workshop.
Parking brake
If excessive travel or a loss of 
effectiveness of this system is 
noticed, the parking brake must 
be checked, even between two 
services.
Checking this system must be done by a 
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Only use products recommended by 
CITROËN or products of equivalent quality 
and specification.
In order to optimise the operation of 
components as important as those in the 
braking system, CITROËN selects and 
offers very specific products.
After washing the vehicle, dampness, or 
in wintry conditions, ice can form on the 
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency 
may be reduced. Make light brake 
applications to dry and defrost the brakes.
AdBlue® (BlueHDi 
engines)
SCR system
Using a liquid called AdBlue® that contains 
urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of 
the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into nitrogen and 
water, which are harmless to health and the 
environment.
The AdBlue
® is contained in 
a special tank  holding about 
15
 
litres.
 An alert system is triggered automatically once 
the reser ve level is reached: you can then drive 
for a further 1,500
 
miles (2,400   km) before the 
tank is emptied completely. 
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181
During each scheduled ser vice of your vehicle 
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop, 
the AdBlue
® tank is refilled in order to allow 
normal operation of the SCR system.
If the estimated mileage of your vehicle 
between two ser vices is greater than around 
12,000
 
miles (20,000   km), it will be necessary 
to top up the AdBlue
®.
Once the AdBlue
® tank is empty, a system 
r
equired by regulations prevents starting 
of the engine.
If the SCR
 
system is faulty, the level of 
emissions from your vehicle will no longer 
meet the Euro 6 standard: your vehicle 
becomes polluting.
In the event of a confirmed fault with the 
SCR system, you must go to a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop as soon 
as possible: after a running distance of 
680
 
miles (1,100
 
km), a system will be 
triggered automatically to prevent engine 
starting.
In either case, a range indicator gives you 
the distance you can travel before the 
vehicle is immobilised.
For more information on the Warning 
and indicator lamps  and the associated 
alerts, refer to the corresponding section. Freezing of AdBlue
®
AdBlue® freezes at temperatures below 
around -11°C.
The SCR system includes a heater for the 
AdBlue
® tank, allowing you to continue 
driving in all weather conditions.
Topping up with AdBlue®
Before topping up, please read the 
following warnings carefully.
Precautions for use
The AdBlue® solution is based on urea. This 
liquid is non-flammable, colourless and 
odourless (when kept in a cool place).
In the event of contact with the skin, wash the 
affected area with soap and water. In the event 
of contact with the eyes, wash (irrigate) the 
eyes with large amounts of water or with an eye 
wash solution for at least 15
  minutes. If you feel 
a persistent burning sensation or irritation, get 
medical attention.
If swallowed, immediately wash out the mouth 
with clean water and then drink plenty of water. Keep AdBlue
® out of the reach of children, 
in its original container.
Never transfer AdBlue
® to another 
container: it would become contaminated.
Use only AdBlue
® fluid that meets the 
ISO 
22241 standard.
Never dilute AdBlue
® with water.
Never pour AdBlue® into the Diesel fuel 
tank.
Containers are available from a 
CITROËN
 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
In certain conditions (at high temperature, 
for example), the risk of release of ammonia 
cannot be excluded: do not inhale the vapour. 
Ammonia has an irritant effect on mucous 
membranes (eyes, nose and throat).
You can also visit a ser vice station 
equipped with AdBlue pumps specially 
designed for private vehicles and light 
goods vehicles.
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Practical information  
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182
Recommendations on storage
AdBlue® freezes at about -11°C and 
deteriorates above 25°C. It should be stored in 
a cool place and protected from direct sunlight.
Under these conditions, the fluid can be kept 
for at least a year.
If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once 
it has completely thawed out at ambient 
temperature.
Never keep AdBlue
® containers in your 
vehicle.
Procedure
In cold weather, before per forming the top-up, 
ensure that the temperature is above -11°C. 
Otherwise the AdBlue
® may be frozen and so 
cannot be poured into the tank.
Park your vehicle in a warmer area for a few 
hours to allow the top-up to be carried out. F
 
S
 witch off the ignition and remove the key to 
switch off the engine.
or
F  
W
 ith   
K
 eyless Entry and Starting, press the 
" START/STOP " button to stop the engine.
F  
W
 ith the vehicle unlocked, open the fuel 
filler flap.
F  
T
 urn the blue cap a quarter turn anti-
clockwise.
F  
R
 elease the blue cap.
Refilling
F Obtain an AdBlue® container. After first 
checking the use-by date, read the 
instructions on the label carefully before 
pouring the contents of the container or 
bottle into your vehicle's AdBlue tank. F
 
I
 nsert the AdBlue
® pump nozzle and refill 
the tank until the nozzle stops automatically.
Or
Important:
-
 
T
o avoid over flowing the AdBlue
® tank, 
i
t is recommended:
•
 
T
o do a top-up of between 10 and 
13
 
litres using AdBlue
® containers.
Or
•
 
I
f filling in a ser vice station, stop 
after the first automatic shut-off of 
the nozzle.
-
 I
f your vehicle's AdBlue
® tank is 
completely empty – which is confirmed 
by the alert messages and the 
impossibility of starting the engine – 
you must add at least 5
 
litres.
Never top up from an AdBlue
® dispenser 
reserved for heavy goods vehicles.
F
 
B
efore topping up, ensure that the vehicle is 
parked on a flat and level sur face. 
Practical information