CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS 2020 Handbook (in English)
Page 191 of 292
189
F Lift the safety catch and raise the bonnet.
F 
U
 nclip 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 locked 
c o r r e c t l y.
Because of the presence of electrical 
equipment under the bonnet, it is 
recommended that exposure to water 
(rain, washing, etc.) be limited.
Engine compartment
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.
-
 D
egassing screw.
Petrol engine
Diesel engine
1. Screenwash fluid reservoir.
2. Engine coolant reservoir.
3. Brake fluid reser voir.
4. Battery/Fuses. The Diesel fuel system operates under 
very high pressure.
All work on this circuit must be carried out 
only by a
  CITROËN dealer or a   qualified 
workshop.
5.
Remote earth point (-).
6. Fusebox.
7. A i r f i l t e r.
8. Engine oil filler cap.
9. Engine oil dipstick.
10. Priming pump* 
11. Degassing screw*.
*
 D
 epending on engine.
Checking levels
Check all of the following levels regularly in 
accordance with the manufacturer's service 
schedule. Top them up if required, unless 
otherwise indicated.
If a
  level drops significantly, have the 
corresponding system checked by a
  CITROËN 
dealer or a
  qualified workshop.
The fluids must comply with the 
manufacturer's requirements and with the 
vehicle's engine.
7 
Practical information  
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190
Check 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 .A = MA X
B = MIN
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
The location of the oil filler cap is shown in the 
corresponding underbonnet layout view.
F  
A
 dd oil in small quantities, avoiding any 
spills on engine components (risk of fire).
Do not star t the engine if the level is:
-
 
A
 bove mark A
, then contact a   CITROËN 
dealer or a   qualified workshop.
-  
B
 elow mark B
, then top up the engine oil 
immediately.
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, 
and may be very corrosive.
Do not discard used oil or fluids into 
sewers or onto the ground.
Empty used oil into the containers 
reser ved for this purpose at a
  CITROËN 
dealer or a
  qualified workshop.
Engine oil
The level is checked either using the 
oil level indicator in the instrument 
panel when the ignition is switched 
on, for vehicles equipped with an 
electric gauge, or using the dipstick.
The vehicle must be parked on a level sur face, 
w ith the engine stopped for more than 30   minutes.
It is normal to top up the oil level between two 
ser vices (or oil changes). It is recommended 
that you check the level, and top up if 
necessary, every 3,000
  miles (5,000   km).
In order to maintain the reliability of the 
engine and emissions control system, 
never use additives in the engine oil. 
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191
During the 30 minutes after topping up the 
o il, the check per formed with the oil level 
indicator in the instrument panel when the 
ignition is switched on is not valid.
Brake fluid
The level of this fluid should be close 
to the " MAX" mark. If not, check the 
brake pad wear.
To know how often the brake fluid should be 
replaced, refer to the manufacturer's servicing 
schedule.
Engine coolant
Check the engine coolant level 
regularly.
It is normal to top up this fluid 
between two services. The check and top-up must only be done with 
the engine cold.
A low level presents a
  risk of serious damage 
to the engine.
The level of this fluid should be close to the 
" MAX " mark but should never exceed it.
If the level is close to or below the " MIN" mark, 
it is essential to top up.
When the engine is hot, the temperature of this 
fluid 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 if you need to top 
up in an emergency, wrap 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 to the required level.
If topping up, clean the cap before 
replacing it. Use only DOT4   brake fluid 
from a   sealed canister.
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.
Cooling of the engine when stopped
The engine cooling fan may star t after 
the engine has been switched off.
Take care with objects or clothing that 
could be caught in the blades of the 
fan!Screenwash fluid
Top up to the required level when 
necessary.
Fluid specification
The screenwash fluid must be topped up with 
a  ready for use mix.
In winter (temperatures below zero), a liquid 
containing an anti-freeze agent must be 
used which is appropriate for the prevailing 
conditions, in order to preser ve the elements of 
the system (pump, tank, ducts, etc.).
Filling with pure water is prohibited 
under all circumstances (risk of freezing, 
limestone deposits, jets, etc.).
Diesel fuel additive (Diesel 
with particle filter)
 or  The minimum level in the particle 
filter additive tank is indicated by fixed 
illumination of this warning lamp, 
accompanied by an audible warning 
and a
  message warning that the level 
of additive is too low.
To p p i n g  u p
This additive must be topped up without delay 
by a   CITROËN dealer or a   qualified workshop.
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192
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.
Cabin filter
Depending on the environment and 
the use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty 
atmosphere, city driving), change it 
twice as often if necessar y .A clogged cabin filter may have an 
adverse effect on the per formance of 
the air conditioning system and generate 
undesirable odours.
Air filter
Depending on the environment and 
the use of the vehicle (e.g. dusty 
atmosphere, city driving), change it 
twice as often if necessar y
.
Oil filter
Change the oil filter each time the 
engine oil is changed.
Particle filter (Diesel)
 or The start of saturation of the particle 
filter is signalled by the temporary 
illumination of this warning lamp, 
accompanied by a
  message warning 
of the risk of the filter clogging up.
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.
AdBlue (BlueHDi)
An alert is triggered once the reser ve level is 
reached.
For more information on the AdBlue range 
indicators , refer to the corresponding section.
To avoid the vehicle being immobilised as per 
regulations, you must top up the AdBlue tank.
For more information on the Supply of 
AdBlue , 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.
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.
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.
For more information on the precautions to 
take before any work on the 12   V batter y, 
refer to the corresponding section. 
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If the warning lamp stays on, this indicates 
a  low Diesel additive level.
For more information on Checking levels , 
refer to the corresponding section.
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.
New vehicle
The first particle filter regeneration 
operations may be accompanied by a 
"burning" smell, which is per fectly normal.
Manual gearbox
The gearbox does not require any 
maintenance (no oil change).
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.
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.
Brake disc wear
For information on checking brake 
disc wear, contact a   CITROËN 
dealer or a
  qualified workshop.
Electric parking brake
This system does not require any 
routine servicing. However, in case 
of an issue, do not hesitate to have 
the system checked by a
  CITROËN 
dealer or a
  qualified workshop.
For more information on the Electric 
parking brake , refer to the corresponding 
section.
Wheels and tyres
The pressure must be checked on 
all tyres, including the spare wheel, 
when the tyres are "cold", at least 
once a
  month and before a   long 
j o u r n ey.
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure 
label are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have 
driven for more than 10
  minutes or more 
than 6
 
miles (10   kilometres) at over 31   mph 
(50
 
km/h), add 0.3   bar (30   kPa) to the values 
indicated on the label.
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Practical information  
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Headlamps and lamps
The headlamps have polycarbonate 
lenses with a protective coating.
Do not clean them with a
  dry or abrasive 
cloth, nor with detergent or solvent 
products.
Use a
  sponge and soapy water.
The use of a
  high pressure jet wash for 
cleaning the headlamps, lamps and their 
surrounds may damage the lacquer and 
seals.
Observe the recommendations on 
pressure and distance for jet washing.
First clean persistent stains with a
  sponge 
and warm soapy water.
Leather
Leather is a  natural product. Appropriate 
regular care and cleaning is essential for its 
durability.
Refer to your vehicle's Maintenance and 
Warranty guide for information on all the 
special precautions to observe.
AdBlue® (BlueHDi)
To respect the environment and ensure 
compliance with the Euro 6   standard, without 
adversely affecting the per formance or fuel 
consumption of Diesel engines, CITROËN 
has taken the decision to equip its vehicles 
with a
  system that associates SCR (Selective 
Catalytic Reduction) with a
  Diesel particle filter 
(DPF) for the treatment of exhaust gases.
SCR system
Using a liquid called AdBlue® that contains 
urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of 
the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and 
water, which are harmless to health and the 
environment.
The AdBlue
® is contained in 
a 
special tank  holding about 
17
 
litres.
Its capacity allows a
 
driving range of 
approximately 5,600
 
miles (9,000   km), highly 
dependent  on your driving style.
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 empty.
Driving with under-inflated tyres increases 
fuel consumption. Non-compliant tyre 
pressure causes premature wear on tyres 
and has an adverse effect on the vehicle's 
road holding – risk of an accident!
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces 
the braking and road holding per formance of 
the vehicle. It is recommended to regularly 
check the condition of the tyres (tread and 
sidewalls) and wheel rims as well as the 
presence of the valves.
Using different size wheels and tyres from 
those specified can affect the lifetime of 
tyres, wheel rotation, ground clearance, the 
speedometer reading and have an adverse 
effect on road holding.
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles 
can cause the ESC to mistime.
Advice on care and maintenance
Recommendations on the care and 
maintenance of your vehicle are given in the 
Maintenance and Warranty Guide. 
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195
For more information on the Warning 
and indicator lamps and the associated 
alerts, or the Indicators , refer to the 
corresponding sections.
Once the AdBlue
® tank is empty, a system 
required 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 travelling a
  distance 
of 685
 
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.
Freezing of the 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 very cold conditions.
Supply of AdBlue®
It is recommended that the AdBlue® be topped 
up as soon as the first alert is issued indicating 
that the reser ve level has been reached.
In order to ensure that the SCR system 
operates correctly:
-
 
U
se only AdBlue
® fluid that meets the 
ISO 
22241 
standard.
-
 
N
ever transfer AdBlue
® to another 
container: it would lose its purity.
-
 
N
ever dilute AdBlue
® with water.
You can obtain AdBlue
® from a CITROËN 
d
ealer or a
 
qualified workshop.
You can also visit a
 
ser vice station equipped 
with AdBlue
® pumps specially designed for 
passenger vehicles.
Recommendations on 
storage
If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once it has 
completely thawed out at room temperature.
Never keep bottles or containers of 
AdBlue
® in your vehicle.
Precautions for use
AdBlue® is a urea-based solution. 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.
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).
AdBlue
® freezes below 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.
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Practical information  
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196
Access to the AdBlue® tank
A blue cap under the fuel filler flap indicates 
access to the AdBlue® tank.
F
 
S
witch off the ignition and remove the key.
Or
F
 
W
ith Keyless Entry and Starting, press the 
" START/STOP " button to switch off the 
engine.
F
 
T
urn the AdBlue
® blue filler cap anti-
clockwise.
F
 
O
btain an AdBlue
® container (check the 
use-by date) and pour the contents of the 
container into your vehicle's AdBlue
® tank.
Or
F
 
I
nsert the AdBlue
® pump nozzle and refill 
the tank until the nozzle stops automatically. Important:
To avoid over flowing the AdBlue
® tank, it 
is recommended:
F
 
T
o top up between 10
 
and 13
 
litres 
using AdBlue
® containers.
Or
F
 
W
hen filling at a   ser vice station, to stop 
after the third automatic cut-off of the 
nozzle.
Important: in the event of a
  top-up after 
a
 
breakdown because of a   lack of 
AdBlue,  you must wait around 5
  minutes 
before switching on the ignition, without 
opening the driver's door, unlocking 
the vehicle, introducing the key into 
the ignition switch, or introducing 
the key of the Keyless Entr y and 
Star ting system into the passenger 
compartment .
Switch on the ignition, then wait for 
10
 
seconds before starting the engine.
Keep AdBlue
® out of the reach of children, 
in its original container or bottle.
Procedure
Before starting the top-up procedure, ensure 
that the vehicle is parked on a   flat and level 
sur face.
Do not pour AdBlue
® if the temperature of the 
vehicle is less than -11°C. Park your vehicle in 
a
 
warmer area for a
 
few hours to allow the top-
up to be carried out.
In the event of an AdBlue
® breakdown, 
confirmed by the message "Add AdBlue: 
Starting impossible", you must top up with 
at least 5
 
litres.
Never pour AdBlue
® into the Diesel fuel 
tank.
If any AdBlue
® is splashed, or if there 
are any spillages on the bodywork, rinse 
immediately with cold water or wipe with 
a
 
damp cloth.
If the fluid has crystallised, clean it off 
using a
 
sponge and hot water. 
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Warning triangle
As a safety precaution, before leaving your 
v ehicle to set up and install the triangle, switch 
on the hazard warning lamps and put on your 
high visibility vest.
Storage compartment
There is a compartment in the interior trim of 
t he tailgate to store a   triangle.
F
 
O
 pen the tailgate.
F
 
R
 elease the cover by turning the screw 
a
  quarter turn anti-clockwise.
Assembling and placing the 
triangle
For versions supplied with a triangle as original 
e quipment, refer to the illustration above.
For other versions, refer to the assembly 
instructions provided with the triangle.
F
 
P
 ut the triangle in place behind the vehicle, 
as required by local legislation.
Running out of fuel (Diesel)
On vehicles fitted with Diesel engines, the fuel 
system must be primed if you run out of fuel.
If the engine does not start first time, do not 
keep trying, but start the procedure again from 
the beginning. For more information on Misfuel 
prevention (Diesel)
, refer to the 
corresponding section.
BlueHDi 130  engines
F Fill the fuel tank with at least 5   litres of 
Diesel.
F
 
S
 witch on the ignition (without starting the 
engine).
F
 
W
 ait around 1   minute and switch off the 
ignition.
F
 
O
 perate the starter to start the engine.
If the engine does not start, repeat the 
procedure.
BlueHDi 180  engines
F Fill the fuel tank with at least 5   litres of 
Diesel.
F
 
S
 witch on the ignition (without starting the 
engine).
F
 
W
 ait around 6   seconds and switch off the 
ignition.
F
 
R
 epeat the last two operations 10   times.
F
 
O
 perate the starter to start the engine.
8 
In the event of a breakdown  
Page 200 of 292
198
HDi engines
F Fill the fuel tank with at least 5  litres of 
Diesel.
F
 
O
 pen the bonnet.
F
 
I
 f necessary, unclip the cover to access the 
priming pump.
F
 
L
 oosen the degassing bolt.
F
 
O
 perate the priming pump until fuel appears 
in the transparent tube.
F
 
R
 etighten the degassing bolt.
F
 
O
 perate the starter until the engine starts (if 
the engine does not start at the first attempt, 
wait around 15
  seconds before trying 
again).
F
 
I
 f the engine does not start after a   few 
attempts, operate the priming pump again 
then start the engine.
F
 
P
 ut the cover back in place, clip it and 
ensure it is clipped in.
F
 
C
 lose the bonnet.
Tool kit
This is a set of tools provided with the vehicle.
I ts content depends on your vehicle's 
equipment:
-
 t
emporary puncture repair kit,
-
 spar
e wheel.
Access to the tool kit
The main tools are stowed in the boot, under 
t h e f l o o r.
For access to them:
F 
O
 pen the boot.
F
 
P
 lace the adjustable boot floor in the high 
position.
Versions with a temporary 
p uncture repair kit
F Unclip the two fixings to open its cover.
Versions with a spare wheel
F unclip the storage box by pulling it up,
F
 u nclip the two fixings to open its cover.
All of these tools are specific to your 
vehicle and may vary depending on 
equipment.
Do not use them for any other purposes. 
In the event of a breakdown