CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS 2020 Handbook (in English)
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119
Wait until this warning lamp goes off 
in the instrument panel, then operate 
the starter motor by turning the key 
to position 3  without pressing the 
accelerator pedal, until the engine 
starts. Once the engine starts, 
release the key.
In wintry conditions, the warning lamp 
may stay on for a
  longer period. When the 
engine is hot, the warning lamp does not 
come on.
If the engine does not start straight away, 
switch off the ignition. Wait a
  few seconds 
before operating the starter motor again. 
If the engine does not start after several 
attempts, do not keep trying: you risk 
damaging the starter motor and the 
engine. Contact a
  CITROËN dealer or 
a
 
qualified workshop.
In mild conditions, do not leave the engine 
at idle to warm up but move off straight 
away and drive at moderate speed.Switching off the engine
F Stop the vehicle.
F  W ith the engine running at idle, turn the key 
to position 1 .
F
 
R
 emove the key from the ignition switch.
F
 
T
 o lock the steering column, turn the 
steering wheel until it locks.
To facilitate unlocking of the steering 
column, it is recommended that the 
wheels be returned to the straight ahead 
position before switching off the engine.
F
 
C
 heck that the parking brake is correctly 
applied, particularly on sloping ground.
Never switch off the ignition before the 
vehicle is at a
  complete stop. With the 
engine off, the braking and steering 
assistance systems are also cut off: risk of 
loss of control of the vehicle.
When you leave the vehicle, keep the key 
with you and lock the vehicle.
Energy economy mode
After switching off the engine (position 1 
- Stop ), for a
  maximum of 30   minutes you 
can still use functions such as the audio and 
telematic system, the wipers, dipped beam 
headlamps, courtesy lamps, etc.
For more information on Energy 
economy mode , refer to the 
corresponding section.
Key left in
If the key has been left in the ignition 
switch at position 2 (Ignition on) , the 
ignition will be switched off automatically 
after one hour.
To switch the ignition back on, turn the key 
to position 1 (Stop) , then back to position 
2 (Ignition on) .
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Driving  
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120
Starting/Switching off the 
engine with Keyless Entry 
and Starting
The electronic key must be present in the 
passenger compartment.
If it is not detected, a message is 
displayed.
Move the electronic key so that the engine 
can be started or stopped.
If there is still a  problem, refer to the "Key 
not detected – Back-up starting or Back-
up switch-off " section.
Starting the engine
F Press the " START/STOP" button while 
maintaining pressure on the pedal until the 
engine starts.
For Diesel engines , when the temperature is 
below zero and/or the engine is cold, starting 
will only occur once the preheater warning 
lamp is off.
F
 
Y
 ou should keep the pedal fully depressed 
and not press the " START/STOP" button 
again until the engine is running.
If one of the starting conditions is not met, a 
message is displayed.
In some circumstances, you are alerted by 
a
  message that it is necessary to turn the 
steering wheel while pressing the " S TA R T/
STOP " button, to help unlock the steering 
column.
With petrol engines , after a
  cold start, 
preheating the catalytic converter can 
cause noticeable engine vibrations for 
anything up to 2
  minutes while stationary 
with the engine running (accelerated idle 
speed).Switching off the engine
F Immobilise the vehicle, engine at idle.
F  W ith a   manual gearbox , ideally put the 
gear lever into neutral.
F
 
W
 ith an automatic gearbox , ideally select 
mode P or N .
F
 
P
 ress the " START/STOP " button.
In some circumstances, it is necessary to turn 
the steering wheel to lock the steering column.
On certain versions with the EAT8
  automatic 
gearbox, the steering column does not lock, but 
the gearbox locks in mode P .
If the vehicle is not immobilised, the 
engine will not stop.
Never leave your vehicle with the 
electronic key still inside.
Switching off the engine leads to a
  loss of 
braking assistance.
F
 
W
ith a
 
manual gearbox , place the gear 
lever in neutral and depress the clutch pedal 
fully.
or
F
 
W
ith an automatic gearbox , select mode P 
or N and press the brake pedal. If this warning lamp comes on after 
pressing the "
START/STOP " button: 
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Switching the ignition on 
without starting
With the electronic key inside the vehicle, 
pressing the "START/STOP " button, without 
pressing any of the pedals , allows the 
ignition to be switched on without starting the 
engine (turning on the instrument panel and 
accessories such as the audio system and the 
lighting).
F
 
P
 ress 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 allow the engine to be started if 
the system does not detect the key in the 
recognition zone, or when the battery in the 
electronic key is discharged. F
 
W
 ith a   manual gearbox
, place the gear 
lever in neutral, then fully depress the clutch 
pedal.
F  
W
 ith an automatic gearbox
, select mode 
P , then fully depress the brake pedal.
F  
P
 ress the "
START/STOP " button.
The engine starts.
Back-up switch-off
When 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.
F
 
T
 o confirm the instruction to switch off the 
engine, press the " START/STOP" button for 
about five seconds.
Emergency switch-off
In the event of an 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.
On certain versions with the EAT8
  automatic 
gearbox, the steering column does not lock.
F
 
P
lace and hold the remote control against 
the reader. In the event of a
  fault with the electronic key, 
contact a   CITROËN dealer or a   qualified 
workshop.
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.
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Driving  
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Indicator lamp
This indicator lamp comes on in the 
instrument panel and on the control 
lever to confirm the application of 
the parking brake, accompanied by 
display of the message "Parking 
brake applied".
It goes off to confirm the release of the parking 
brake.
This indicator lamp flashes on the control lever 
when manual parking brake application or 
release is performed. In the event of a
  battery failure, the 
electric parking brake no longer works.
As a   safety measure with a   manual 
gearbox, if the parking brake is not 
applied, immobilise the vehicle by 
engaging a
 
 gear.
As a   safety measure with an automatic 
gearbox, if the parking brake is not 
applied, immobilise the vehicle by placing 
the chocks supplied against one of the 
wheels.
Contact a   CITROËN dealer or a   qualified 
workshop.
Before leaving the vehicle, check that the 
parking brake is applied: the indicator 
lamps in the instrument panel and the 
control lever 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.
Any time that the engine is running, the driver 
can take over to apply or release the parking 
brake by operating the control lever:
F
 
b
y briefly pulling
 the control lever to apply 
the brake,
F
 
b
y briefly pushing
 the control lever, while 
pressing the brake pedal, to release it.
Automatic mode is activated by default. When towing, parking on a   steep slope 
or if your vehicle is heavily laden, turn 
the wheels towards the kerb and with 
a
 
 manual gearbox, engage a
 
 gear.
When towing, parking on a   steep slope, 
or if your vehicle is heavily laden, turn the 
wheels towards the kerb and select mode 
P with an automatic gearbox.
For towing, your vehicle is approved for 
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
Manual operation
Manual release
With the ignition on or engine running:
F  p ress the brake pedal,
F
 
w
 hile maintaining pressure on the brake 
pedal, briefly push the control lever.
The complete release of the parking brake is 
confirmed by the brake indicator lamp and the 
P indicator lamp in the control lever going off, 
accompanied by the display of the message 
"Parking brake released". 
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123
If you push the control lever without 
pressing the brake pedal, the parking 
brake will not be released and a  message 
is displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
F  p ull briefly on the control lever.
Confirmation of the instruction is signalled by 
flashing of the indicator lamp in the control 
l eve r.
Application of the parking brake 
is confirmed by illumination of the 
brake indicator lamp and the P 
indicator lamp in the control lever, 
accompanied by the display of the 
message "Parking brake applied".
Automatic operation
Automatic release
Ensure first that the engine is running and the 
driver's door is properly closed.
The electric parking brake releases 
automatically and progressively when the 
vehicle moves off . With a
  manual gearbox
F  
F
 ully depress the clutch pedal, engage 1
st 
gear or reverse.
F
 
P
ress the accelerator pedal and release the 
clutch pedal.
With an automatic gearbox
F
 
P
ress the brake pedal.
F
 
Sel
ect mode D , M or R.
F
 
R
elease the brake pedal and press the 
accelerator pedal.
With an automatic gearbox, if the brake 
does not release automatically, check that 
the front doors are correctly closed.
The complete release of the parking brake is 
confirmed by the brake indicator lamp and the 
P indicator lamp in the control lever going off, 
accompanied by the display of the message 
"Parking brake released".
When stationary with the engine running, do not 
depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily, 
you risk releasing the parking brake.
Automatic application
With the vehicle stationary, the parking brake 
is automatically applied when the engine is 
switched off .
Application of the parking brake 
is confirmed by illumination of the 
brake indicator lamp and the P 
indicator lamp in the control lever, 
accompanied by the display of the 
message "Parking brake applied".
Automatic application does not take place 
if the engine stalls or goes into STOP 
mode of Stop & Start.
With automatic operation, you can also 
manually apply or release the parking 
brake using the control lever.
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Driving  
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Special cases
Parking the vehicle with the 
brake released
In very cold conditions (ice), it is 
recommended that the parking brake not 
be applied.
To immobilise your vehicle, engage a  gear 
or place the chocks against one of the 
wheels.
Immobilisation of the vehicle with the 
parking brake released
F
 
S
 witch off the engine.
Illumination of the indicator lamps in the 
instrument panel and the control lever 
confirm the application of the parking brake.
F
 
S
 witch on the ignition again, without starting 
the engine.
F
 
R
 elease the parking brake manually by 
pushing the control lever while keeping your 
foot on the brake pedal.
The complete release of the parking brake 
is confirmed by the indicator lamp in the 
instrument panel and the P indicator lamp in 
the control lever going off, accompanied by 
the display of the message "Parking brake 
released".
F
 
S
 witch off the ignition. With an automatic gearbox, mode P is 
automatically selected when the ignition is 
switched off. The wheels are blocked.
For further information on the Automatic 
gearbox
, particularly in relation to leaving 
the vehicle in free-wheeling mode, refer to 
the corresponding section.
With an automatic gearbox, when mode N 
is engaged, an audible signal will sound 
if the driver's door is opened. It will stop 
when you close the driver's door again.
Deactivating automatic 
operation
In some situations, for example when it is 
extremely cold or during towing (caravan, 
breakdown), it may be necessary to deactivate 
automatic operation of the system. F
 
P
 ush and hold the control lever in the 
release direction for at least 10   seconds and 
no more than 15   seconds.
F  
R
 elease the control lever.
F  
P
 ress and hold the brake pedal.
F  
P
 ull the control lever in the application 
direction for 2
 
 seconds.
Deactivation of the automatic 
functions is confirmed by 
illumination of this indicator lamp in 
the instrument panel.
F  
R
 elease the control lever and the brake 
pedal.
F  
S
 tart the engine.
F
 
A
 pply the parking brake with the control 
lever, if it is released.
F
 
T
 ake your foot off the brake pedal. From now on, the parking brake can only 
be applied and released manually using the 
control lever.
Repeat this procedure to reactivate automatic 
operation (confirmed by the indicator lamp in 
the instrument panel going off).
Emergency braking
In the event of a fault with the brake pedal or 
i n an exceptional situation (e.g. driver taken 
ill, driver under instruction, etc.), a continuous 
pull on the control lever will brake the vehicle. 
Braking takes place while the control lever is 
being pulled. It is interrupted if the control lever 
is released. 
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The ABS and DSC systems ensure stability of 
the vehicle during emergency braking.
If the emergency braking malfunctions, the 
message "Parking brake control faulty" will be 
displayed in the instrument panel.
If the ABS and DSC systems malfunction, 
signalled by the illumination of one or both 
warning lamps in the instrument panel, then 
stability of the vehicle is no longer guaranteed.
In this event, stability must be assured by the 
driver by repeating alternate "pull-release" 
actions on the control lever until the vehicle is 
immobilised.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging reverse gear
F Raise the trigger under the knob and move the gear lever to the left, then for wards. Only engage reverse gear when the 
vehicle is stationary with the engine at 
idle.
As a
  safety precaution and to facilitate 
starting of the engine, always select 
neutral and depress the clutch pedal.
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
F Move the lever fully to the right to engage 5th 
or 6th g e a r.
Failure to follow this advice may cause 
permanent damage to the gearbox 
(engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear by mistake).
Automatic gearbox (EAT6/
E AT 8)
Automatic 6 or 8 -speed gearbox with a push 
s elector. It also offers a   manual mode with gear 
changes via control paddles situated behind 
the steering wheel.
Gearbox selector positions
P. Park.
For parking the vehicle: the front wheels 
are blocked.
R. Reverse.
N. Neutral.
For moving the vehicle with the ignition 
off: in certain car washing machines, 
when towing the vehicle, etc.
D. Automatic mode.
The gearbox manages gear changes 
according to the style of driving, the road 
profile and the vehicle load.
M. Manual mode.
The driver changes gear using the 
steering mounted controls.
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Driving  
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A.Button P .
To put the gearbox into Park mode.
B. Unlock  button.
To unlock the gearbox and come out of 
P or to change to R , with the foot on the 
brake pedal.
Press and hold this button before pushing 
the selector.
C. Button M .
To change from automatic mode D to 
permanent manual mode.
D. Gearbox state indicators (P, R, N, D) .Move the selector by pressing it for ward (
N 
or R ) or rear ward ( N or D) once or twice, 
if necessary going beyond the point of 
resistance.
The push selector returns to its initial position 
when released.
For example, to change from P to R , you can 
either push for ward twice without going beyond 
the point of resistance or push just once going 
beyond the point of resistance:
-  
I
 n the first case, the gearbox goes from P to 
N , then from N to R .
-  
I
 n the second case, the gearbox goes 
directly from P to R .Steering mounted controls
In mode M or D, the steering mounted control 
paddles allow the driver to change gear 
manually.
They cannot be used to engage neutral or to 
select or come out of reverse. F
 
P
 ull the "
+" or " -" paddle towards you and 
release to change up or down a   gear.
Displays in the instrument panel
With the ignition on, the state of the gearbox is 
displayed in the instrument panel:
P
: park.
R : reverse.
N : neutral.
D1...D8 : automatic mode.
S : Sport programme
M1...M8 : manual mode.
- : instruction not accepted in manual mode.
If the driver's door is opened with the ignition 
on, a message is displayed asking you to put 
the gearbox into mode P .
The state of the gearbox is displayed in the 
instrument panel for a
  few moments after 
switching off the ignition.
Operation
With the engine running, if it is necessary to 
press the brake pedal and/or the Unlock  button 
in order to change mode, an alert message is 
displayed in the instrument panel.
Only appropriate attempted changes of mode 
are accepted.
Push selector 
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With the engine running and the brakes 
released, if R, D or M is selected, the 
vehicle moves off, even without pressing 
the accelerator pedal.
Never press the accelerator and brake 
pedals at the same time – risk of damage 
to the gearbox!
In the event of a
  battery failure, you 
must place the chocks supplied with the 
vehicle tools against one of the wheels to 
immobilise the vehicle.
Unlocking the gearbox
- From mode P :
F  f ully depress the brake pedal,
F
  press  the  Unlock button,
F
 
w
 hile continuing to press the brake pedal 
and the Unlock  button, select another 
mode.
-
 
F
 rom neutral N , at a
  speed below 3   mph 
(5
 
km/h):
F
 
f
 ully depress the brake pedal,
F
 
w
 hile continuing to press the brake pedal, 
select another mode.
Engaging reverse gear
F Slow down until you come to a   stop.
F  W ith your foot on the brake pedal, press the 
Unlock  button.
F
 
W
 hile maintaining the presses, select  
mode R .
Manual mode
Switching to the mode:
F
 w ith mode D selected in advance,
F
 
p
 ress button M ; the green indicator lamp in 
the button comes on.
Exiting the mode:
F
 
p
 ush for wards once to return to D .
or
F
 
p
 ress button M ; the indicator lamp in the 
button goes off.
Switching off the ignition
To switch off the ignition, the vehicle must be 
stationary.
Changing to free-wheeling
To put the vehicle in free-wheeling mode, with 
the engine switched off:
F
 
w
 ith the vehicle stationary and the engine 
running, select N ,
F
 
s
 witch off the engine,
F
 
w
 ithin 5   seconds, switch the ignition on 
again,
F
 
w
 ith your foot on the brake pedal, push the 
selector for ward or back once to confirm N 
and manually release the electric parking 
brake,
F
 
s
 witch off the ignition.
After this time limit, the gearbox engages mode 
P ; it is then necessary to restart the procedure. If you open the driver's door while mode N 
is engaged, an audible signal will sound. It 
will stop when you close the driver's door 
again.
Special aspects of automatic 
mode
The gearbox selects the gear that offers 
optimum per formance, taking account of the 
exterior temperature, the profile of the road, the 
load on the vehicle and the style of driving.
For maximum acceleration without touching the 
selector, push the accelerator to the floor (kick-
down). The gearbox shifts down automatically 
or holds the gear selected until the maximum 
engine speed is reached.
The steering mounted controls allow the driver 
to temporarily select a
  gear, if the road and 
engine speed permit.
Special aspects of manual mode
The change from one gear to another takes 
place only if the road speed and engine speed 
permit.
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Driving  
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128
Moving off
From mode P:
F  F ully depress the brake pedal.
F
 
S
 tart the engine.
F
 
M
 aintaining pressure on the brake pedal, 
press the Unlock  button.
F
 
P
 ush once or twice rear ward to select the 
automatic mode D , or for ward to engage 
reverse R .
From neutral N :
F
 
F
 ully depress the brake pedal.
F
 
S
 tart the engine.
F
 
M
 aintaining pressure on the brake pedal, 
push rear ward to select the automatic mode 
D , or while pressing the Unlock  button push 
forward to engage reverse R .
Then, from D or R :
F
 
R
 elease the brake pedal.
F
 
A
 ccelerate progressively to automatically 
release the electric parking brake.
The vehicle moves off immediately.
In severe wintry conditions (temperature 
below -23°C), it is recommended that the 
engine be allowed to run for a
  few minutes 
before moving off, to ensure the correct 
operation and durability of the engine and 
gearbox. If your vehicle has an automatic gearbox, 
never try to start the engine by pushing 
the vehicle.
Stopping the vehicle
Whatever the state of the gearbox when the 
ignition is switched off, mode P is engaged 
automatically and immediately.
However, in mode N
, mode P will be engaged 
after a
  duration of 5   seconds (allowing for the 
process of putting the vehicle to free-wheeling).
Check that mode P has been engaged and 
that the electric parking brake was applied 
automatically; if not, apply it manually.
The corresponding indicator lamps 
in the selector and the electric 
parking brake control lever must 
be on, as well as those in the 
instrument panel.
Operating faults
Gearbox operating fault
This is signalled by the illumination of 
this warning lamp, accompanied by the 
display of a   message and an audible 
signal, when the ignition is switched on.
Go to a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
w orkshop.
Do not drive faster than 62
  mph (100   km/h), 
keeping to the speed limit.
The gearbox switches to back-up mode: mode 
D is locked in third gear, the steering-mounted 
control paddles are inoperative, mode M is no 
longer available. You may feel a
  pronounced 
jolt when engaging reverse. This does not 
present any risk for the gearbox.
Selector operating fault
Minor malfunction
You are alerted by this warning lamp 
lighting up, accompanied by the display 
of a
  message and an audible signal.
Drive cautiously and go to a CITROËN dealer 
o r a  qualified workshop.
In certain cases, the selector lamps may not 
come on, but the state of the gearbox is still 
displayed in the instrument panel.
Major malfunction
You are alerted by the illumination of 
this warning lamp. 
Driving