PEUGEOT 301 2022 Workshop Manual
Page 51 of 148
49
Driving
6Driving recommendations
► Observe the driving regulations and remain 
vigilant whatever the traffic conditions.
►
 
Monitor your environment and keep your 
hands on the wheel to be able to react to 
anything that may happen any time.
►
 
Drive smoothly
 , anticipate the need for 
braking and maintain a longer safety distance, 
especially in bad weather.
►
 
Stop the vehicle before performing operations 
that require sustained attention (e.g.
  settings).
►
 
During long trips, take a break every 2 hours.
Important!
Never leave the engine running in a 
closed space without sufficient 
ventilation.  Internal combustion engines emit 
toxic exhaust gases such as carbon 
monoxide. Danger of poisoning and death!
In very severe wintry conditions 
(temperature below -23°C), let the engine 
run for 4 minutes before moving off, to ensure 
the correct operation and durability of the 
mechanical components of your vehicle 
(engine and gearbox).
Never drive with the parking brake 
applied . Risk of overheating and 
damaging the braking system!
Never park the vehicle and never 
leave the engine running on a 
flammable surface (e.g.
  dry grass, dead 
leaves).The vehicle exhaust system is very 
hot, even several minutes after the engine 
stops. Risk of fire!
Never drive on surfaces covered with 
vegetation (e.g.   tall grass, 
accumulated dead leaves, crops, debris) 
such as a field, a country lane overgrown 
with bushes or a grassy verge.
This vegetation could come into contact with 
the vehicle's exhaust system
  or other systems 
which are very hot. Risk of fire!
Make sure you do not leave any item in 
the passenger compartment which could 
act like a magnifying glass under the effect of 
the sun's rays and cause a fire. Risk of fire or 
damage to interior surfaces!
Never leave the vehicle unattended, 
with the engine running . If you have to 
leave your vehicle with the engine running, 
apply the parking brake and put the automatic 
gearbox into position  N or P.
Never leave children inside the vehicle 
unsupervised.
On flooded roads
We strongly advise against driving on flooded 
roads, as this could cause serious damage to the 
engine or gearbox, as well as to your vehicle's 
electrical systems.
 
 
If the vehicle absolutely must drive through a 
flooded section of road:
►
 
Check that the depth of the water does not 
exceed 15
  cm, taking account of waves that 
might be generated by other users.
►
 
Deactivate the Stop & Start function.
►
 
Drive as slowly as possible without stalling. In 
all cases, do not exceed 6 mph (10
  km/h).
►
 
Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.
On leaving the flooded road, as soon as safety 
conditions allow
, make several light brake 
applications to dry the brake discs and pads.
If in doubt about the state of your vehicle, 
contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified 
workshop.   
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Driving
Towing
Driving with a trailer places greater 
demands on the towing vehicle and 
particular care must be taken.
Do not exceed the maximum towable 
weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by 
10% per 1,000 metres of altitude; the lower 
air density at high altitudes decreases engine 
performance.
New vehicle: do not tow a trailer until the 
vehicle has driven at least 620 miles 
(1,000 kilometres).
If the outside temperature is high, let the 
engine idle for 1 to 2 minutes after the 
vehicle comes to a stop, to help it to cool.
Before setting off
Nose weight
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the 
heaviest items are located as close as possible 
to the axle, and the nose weight (at the point 
where it joins your vehicle) approaches the 
maximum permitted, without exceeding it.
Tyres
► Check the tyre pressures of the towing 
vehicle and of the trailer , observing the 
recommended pressures.
Lighting
► Check the electrical signalling on the trailer 
and the headlamp beam height of your vehicle.
If a genuine PEUGEOT towing device is 
used, the rear parking sensors will be 
deactivated automatically to avoid activating 
the audible signal.
When driving
Cooling
Towing a trailer uphill causes the coolant 
temperature to increase. The maximum towable 
load depends on the gradient and the exterior 
temperature. The fan’s cooling capacity does not 
increase with engine speed.
►
 
Reduce speed and lower the engine speed to 
limit the amount of heating produced.
►
 
Pay constant attention to the coolant 
temperature.
If this warning lamp and the STOP 
warning lamp come on, stop the vehicle 
and switch off the engine as soon as possible.
Brakes
Using the engine brake is recommended to limit 
the overheating of the brakes. Braking distances 
are increased when towing a trailer.
Side wind
Bear in mind that the vehicle will be more 
susceptible to wind when towing.
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The remote control contains an electronic chip 
which has a special code. When the ignition is 
switched on, this code must be recognised in 
order for starting to be possible.
A few seconds after switching off the ignition, 
this system locks the engine control system, 
therefore preventing the engine from being 
started in the event of a break-in.
In the event of a fault, you are informed 
by illumination of this warning lamp, an 
audible signal and a message on the screen.
The vehicle will not start; contact a PEUGEOT 
dealer as soon as possible.   
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Driving
6Starting-switching off the 
engine
Key ignition switch 
 
It has 3 positions:
1. StopInserting/removing the key, steering column 
locked.
2. Ignition on Steering column unlocked, ignition on, 
preheating (Diesel), switching the engine on.
3. Starting
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key  or the remote control. This would weigh 
down on its shaft in the ignition switch and 
could cause a malfunction.
Ignition on position
It allows the use of the vehicle's electric 
equipment or the charging of accessories.
Once the state of charge of the battery drops to 
the reserve level, the system switches to energy 
economy mode. The power supply is cut off 
automatically to preserve the remaining battery 
charge.
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key  or the remote control, which would weigh 
down on its blade in the ignition switch and 
could cause a malfunction.
Starting the engine
With the parking brake applied:
►  With a  manual gearbox, place the gear lever 
in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
►
 
With an 
 automatic gearbox, place the gear 
selector in mode  N or P then depress the brake 
pedal.
►
 
Insert the key into the ignition switch; the 
system recognises the code.
►
 
Unlock 
 the steering column by simultaneously 
turning the steering wheel and the key.
In certain cases, you may need to apply 
significant force to move the steering 
wheel (e.g.
  wheels turned to full lock).
►
 
With a 
 petrol engine , operate the starter 
motor by turning the key to position  3 without 
pressing the accelerator pedal, until the engine 
starts. Once the engine has started, release the 
key and allow it to return to position  2.
Petrol engines
After a cold start, preheating the catalytic 
converter can cause noticeable engine 
vibrations, for anything up to 2 minutes 
(accelerated idle speed).
►
 
With a 
 Diesel engine, turn the key to position 
2, to
 
activate   the engine preheating system.
Wait until this warning lamp goes off on 
the instrument panel, then turn the key to 
position  3 without pressing the accelerator pedal, 
to operate the starter motor. Once the engine 
has started, release the key and allow it to return 
to position 2.
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.
In mild conditions, do not leave the engine 
to warm up while stationary, but move off 
straight away and drive at moderate speed.
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 a few 
attempts, do not keep trying - risk of 
damaging the starter motor and the engine!
Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified 
workshop.   
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Driving
Switching off the engine
► Immobilise the vehicle.
►  With the engine at idle, turn the key to 
position  1
.
►
 
Remove the key from the ignition switch.
►
 
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.
Never switch off the ignition before the 
complete immobilisation of the vehicle. 
With the engine off, the braking and steering 
assistance systems are also cut off - risk of 
loss of control of the vehicle!
Check that the parking brake is correctly 
applied, particularly on sloping ground.
When leaving the vehicle, keep the key in 
your possession and lock the vehicle.
Energy economy mode
After the engine has stopped (position  1. Stop), 
for a maximum combined duration of 30 minutes, 
you can still use functions such as the audio and 
telematics system, courtesy lamps or dipped 
beam headlamps.
For more information on  Energy 
economy mode, refer to the 
corresponding section.
Key left in
When the driver's door is opened, a 
message is displayed, accompanied by an 
audible signal, if the key has been left in the 
ignition switch in position  1.
If the key has been left in the ignition switch 
in position  2, the ignition will be switched off 
automatically after one hour.
To switch the ignition back on, turn the key to 
position  1, then back to position 2.
Parking brake
Release 
 
► Pull the parking brake lever up slightly , press 
the release button, then lower the lever fully.
When driving the vehicle, if this warning 
lamp and the  STOP warning lamp come 
on, accompanied by an audible signal and the 
display of a message, this means that the 
parking brake is still applied or has not been fully 
released.
Application
► Pull the parking brake lever up to immobilise 
the vehicle.
When parking on a slope, turn the 
wheels against the kerb, apply the 
parking brake, engage a gear and switch off 
the ignition.
Hill start assist
(Depending on engine.)
This system keeps the vehicle briefly stationary 
(for approximately 2
  seconds) when making a hill 
start, while you transfer your foot from the brake 
pedal to the accelerator pedal.
The system is only active when:
–
 
The vehicle is completely stationary
 , with your 
foot on the brake pedal.
–
 
Certain slope conditions are met.
–
 
The driver
 ’s door is closed.
Do not leave the vehicle while it is being 
held temporarily by hill start assist.
If someone needs to get out of the vehicle 
with the engine running, apply the parking 
brake manually. Then check that the parking 
brake indicator lamp is on fixed on the 
instrument panel.   
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Driving
6The hill start assist function cannot be deactivated. However, using the parking 
brake to immobilise the vehicle interrupts its 
operation.
Operation 
 
Facing uphill, with the vehicle stationary, 
the vehicle is held for a short time when the 
driver releases the brake pedal:
–
 
If first gear or neutral is engaged on a manual 
gearbox.
–
 
If mode 
 D or M is selected on an automatic 
gearbox.
 
 
Facing downhill, with the vehicle stationary 
and reverse gear engaged, the vehicle is held 
for a short time when the driver releases the 
brake pedal.
Malfunction
If the event of a malfunction, these 
warning lamps light up on the 
instrument panel, accompanied by the display of 
a message.
Have it checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
5-speed manual gearbox
Engaging reverse gear 
 
► With the clutch pedal fully depressed, you 
must place the gear lever in neutral.
►
 
Move the gear lever to the right, then pull it 
back.
Only engage reverse gear when the 
vehicle is stationary with the engine at 
idle.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate  engine starting:
–
 
always select neutral,
–
 
depress the clutch pedal.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the gear selector fully to the right to 
engage 5th or 6th gear.
Failure to follow this instruction could 
cause permanent damage to the gearbox 
(inadvertent engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear).
Engaging reverse gear 
 
► Raise the ring under the knob and move the 
gear selector to the left, then forwards.
Only engage reverse gear when the 
vehicle is stationary with the engine at 
idle.   
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Driving
As a safety precaution and to facilitate engine starting:
►
 
Always select neutral.
►
 
Press the clutch pedal.
6-speed automatic 
gearbox
6-speed automatic gearbox which offers a choice 
between the comfort of automatic operation or 
manual gear changing.
Two driving modes are available:
–
 
Automatic
  operation for electronic 
management of the gears by the gearbox: •
 
With the 
 Sport programme for a more 
dynamic driving style.
•
 
Or the 
 Snow programme to improve driving 
in the event of poor grip.*
–
 
Manual
  operation for sequential changing of 
the gears by the driver.
* Snow programme : depending on the country of sale.
Gear selector module
1.Gear selector
2. Sport programme
3. Snow programme P. Park
–
 
V
 ehicle immobilised, parking brake 
applied or released.
–
 
Engine starting.
R. Reverse
–
 
Reversing manoeuvres, vehicle 
stationary
, engine at idle.
N. Neutral
–
 
V
 ehicle immobilised, parking brake 
applied.
–
 
Engine starting.
D. Automatic operation
M. +/- Manual operation
►
 
T
 o shift up/down through the gears, 
push the control backwards/forwards.
Information displayed on 
the instrument panel
When a position is selected in the grid with the 
gear selector, the corresponding indicator lamp 
lights up on the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (automatic operation)
S. Sport programme
T. Snow programme
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not accepted during manual 
operation
Foot on the brake
► Depress the brake pedal when this 
warning lamp is displayed on the 
instrument panel (e.g. when starting the engine).
Starting the vehicle
► With your foot on the brake pedal, 
select position  P
 or N.
►
 
Start the engine.
If the conditions are not met, you will hear an 
audible signal, accompanied by the display of a 
message.
►
 
With the engine running, depress the brake 
pedal.    
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Driving
6► Release the parking brake.
►  Select position  R
, D or M.
►
 
Gradually release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves off immediately
.
If position N is selected inadvertently 
while driving, allow the engine to return 
to idle, then select position  D to accelerate.
When the engine is running at idle with 
the brakes released, if position  R, D or M 
is selected, the vehicle moves off even 
without the accelerator being pressed.
Never leave children unattended in the 
vehicle when the engine is running.
When carrying out maintenance with the 
engine running, apply the parking brake and 
select position  P.
Automatic operation
► Select position  D  for automatic changing of 
the six 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 according to the driving style, the road 
profile and the load in the vehicle.
For maximum acceleration without touching the 
selector, press the accelerator fully down (kick-
down). The gearbox changes down automatically 
or holds the gear selected until the maximum 
engine speed is reached.
When braking, the gearbox changes down 
automatically to provide effective engine braking.
If you release the accelerator sharply, the 
gearbox will not shift to a higher gear for safety 
reasons.
Never select position  N while the vehicle 
is moving.
Never select positions  P or R unless the 
vehicle is completely stationary.
Creeping (moving without using the 
accelerator)
This function facilitates manoeuvring of the 
vehicle at low speed (when parking, in traffic 
jams, etc.).
When the engine is at idle, with the parking 
brake released and gear position  D, M or R 
selected, the vehicle begins to creep forward 
as soon as you take your foot off the brake pedal 
(even without pressing the accelerator).
As a safety precaution, never leave the  vehicle with the engine running and the 
doors closed.
"Sport" and "Snow" 
programmes
These two special programmes supplement 
automatic operation in specific conditions of use.
"Sport"
► Press this button once the engine has 
started.
"
S"appears on the instrument panel.
The gearbox automatically favours a dynamic 
driving style.
"Snow"
► Press this button once the engine has 
started.
 
"T" appears on the instrument panel. 
The gearbox adapts to driving on slippery roads.
This programme improves starting and traction 
when grip is poor.
Manual operation
To limit fuel consumption during an  extended standstill with the engine 
running (for example, in a traffic jam), set the 
gear selector to N and apply the parking 
brake.
►
 
Selecting position
  
M
  enables sequential 
shifting between the six gears.
►
 
T
o shift up/down through the gears, push the 
control forwards/backwards.
The gearbox only changes gear if the vehicle 
speed and engine speed conditions allow; 
otherwise, the rules for automatic operation are 
temporarily applied.
D disappears, and the gears engaged appear in 
succession on the instrument panel.    
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Driving
If the engine speed is too low or too high, the 
selected gear flashes for a few seconds, then the 
gear actually engaged is shown.
It is possible to change from position D to 
position  M
  at any time.
When the vehicle is stationary or moving very 
slowly, the gearbox selects gear  1 automatically.
The Sport and Snow  programmes are inactive 
in manual operation.
This symbol is displayed if a gear is not  engaged correctly (gear selector between 
two positions).
Switching off the vehicle
Before switching off the engine, it is possible to 
engage position  P  or   N to place the gearbox in 
neutral.
In both cases, apply the parking brake to 
immobilise the vehicle.
If the gear selector is not in position P , 
when the driver's door is opened or 
approximately 45
  seconds after the ignition is 
switched off, an audible signal sounds and a 
message appears.
►
 
Return the gear selector to
  
P
 ; the audible 
signal stops and the message disappears.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning 
lamp comes on accompanied by an 
audible signal and a message is displayed, when 
the ignition is switched on.
In this case, the gearbox goes into back-up 
mode and is locked in 3
rd gear. You may feel a 
significant jolt (without risk to the gearbox) when 
changing from
 
P
 to R and from   N to   R.
Do not exceed 62 mph (100
  km/h), local speed 
restrictions permitting.
Have it checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
There is a risk of damaging the gearbox: –  If the accelerator and brake pedals are 
depressed simultaneously
.
–
 
In the event of a battery failure, forcing the 
selector from position  P
 to another position.
Gear shift indicator
(Depending on engine)
This system is designed to reduce fuel 
consumption by recommending the most suitable 
gear.
Operation
Depending on the driving situation and 
the vehicle's equipment, the system may 
recommend skipping one or more gears.
Gear engagement recommendations are 
not to be considered mandatory. Indeed, the 
configuration of the road, the traffic density and 
safety remain determining factors when choosing 
the best gear. Therefore, the driver remains 
responsible for deciding whether or not to follow 
the system’s advice.
The system cannot be deactivated.
With an automatic gearbox, the system is 
only active in manual operation.
The information appears on the instrument panel, in the form of an arrow 
and the recommended gear.
The system adapts the gear change  instructions according to the driving 
conditions (e.g.
  slope, load) and driving style 
(e.g.
  power demand, acceleration, braking).
The system never suggests:
–
 
engaging first gear
 .
–
 
engaging reverse gear
 .
Stop & Start
The Stop & Start function puts the engine temporarily into standby - STOP mode - during 
phases when the vehicle is stationary (e.g.
  red 
lights, traffic jams). The engine automatically 
restarts - START mode - as soon as the driver 
indicates the intention of moving off again.
Primarily designed for urban use, the function 
is intended to reduce fuel consumption and 
exhaust emissions as well as the noise level 
when stationary.
The function does not affect the functionalities of 
the vehicle, in particular the braking.    
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Driving
6Deactivation/Reactivation
The function is activated by default when the 
ignition is switched on.
To deactivate/reactivate the function:
With the dashboard button 
 
 
 
► Press the button.
A  message on the instrument panel confirms the 
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, the orange 
indicator lamp is lit; if the engine was in standby, 
it restarts immediately.
With the touch screen button
The settings are changed via the  Driving/Vehicle touch screen 
menu.
A message on the instrument panel confirms the 
change of status.
When the function is deactivated, if the engine 
was in standby, it restarts immediately.
Associated indicator lamp
Function activated: engine on standby 
(STOP mode).
Opening the bonnet
Before doing anything under the bonnet, 
deactivate the Stop & Start system to avoid 
any risk of injury caused by the engine 
restarting automatically.
Driving on flooded roads
Before entering into a flooded area, it is 
strongly recommended that you deactivate 
the Stop & Start system.
For more information on  Driving 
recommendations, particularly on flooded 
roads, refer to the corresponding section.
Operation
Main conditions for operation
– The driver ’s door must be closed.
–  The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
–
 
The level of charge in the battery must be 
sufficient.
–
 
The temperature of the engine must be within 
its nominal operating range.
–
 
The outside temperature must be between 
0°C and 35°C.
Putting the engine into standby 
(STOP mode)
The engine automatically enters standby mode 
as soon as the driver indicates their intention to 
stop:
With a manual gearbox: at speeds below 12 
mph (20
  km/h) or with the vehicle stationary 
(depending on engine), with the gear lever in 
neutral and the clutch pedal released.
With an automatic gearbox: with the brake 
pedal depressed or the gear selector in 
position
 
N
 , with the vehicle stationary.
Time counter
A time counter adds up the time spent in standby 
during the journey. It is reset to zero every time 
the ignition is switched on.
Special cases
The engine will not go into standby if the 
conditions for operation are not met and in the 
following cases:
– 
V
 ehicle has not exceeded 6 mph (10   km/h) 
since the last engine start.
–
 
Needed 
 to maintain a comfortable temperature 
in the passenger compartment.
–
 
Demisting active.
–
 
Braking assistance being used.
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes 
for a few seconds, then goes off.    
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58
Driving
After the engine has restarted, STOP mode is not available until the vehicle 
has reached a speed of 5 mph (8
  km/h).
During parking manoeuvres, STOP mode 
is not available for a few seconds after 
coming out of reverse gear or turning the 
steering wheel.
Restarting the engine (START mode)
The engine automatically restarts as soon as the 
driver indicates the intention of moving off again:
With a manual gearbox: with the clutch pedal 
fully depressed.
With an automatic gearbox:
–
 
With the selector in mode 
 D or M: with the 
brake pedal released.
–
 
With the selector in mode 
 N and the brake 
pedal released: with the selector at  D or M.
–
 
With the selector in mode 
 P and the brake 
pedal depressed: with the selector at  R, N, D 
or M.
–
 
With reverse gear engaged.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if the 
conditions for operation are met again and in the 
following case:
– 
Some specific conditions (braking assistance, 
air conditioning setting, etc.).
In these cases, this indicator lamp flashes 
for a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a system malfunction, the 
warning lamp in this button flashes for a 
moment, then illuminates continuously.
Have it checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
The vehicle stalls in STOP mode
All of the instrument panel warning lamps come 
on if there is a fault.
►
 
Switch off the ignition then start the engine 
again.
12 V battery
The Stop & Start system requires a 
12 V battery of specific technology and 
specification.
All work must be carried out only by a 
PEUGEOT
 dealer or a qualified workshop
Tyre under-inflation detection
This system alerts the driver if one or more tyres 
suffer a drop in pressure.
The alert is raised when the vehicle is moving, 
not when stationary.
It compares the information given by the wheel 
speed sensors with  reference values, which 
must be reinitialised every time the tyre 
pressures are adjusted or a wheel changed.
It takes into account the last values stored 
during the reinitialisation request. It is therefore 
essential that the tyre pressure is correct during 
the operation. This operation is the driver’s 
responsibility.
The tyre under-inflation detection cannot,  in any circumstances, replace the need 
for vigilance on the part of the driver.
This system does not avoid the need to 
regularly check the tyre pressures (including 
the spare wheel), especially before a long 
journey.
Driving with under-inflated tyres, particularly 
in adverse conditions (heavy load, high 
speed, long journey):
–
 
worsens road-holding.
–
 
lengthens braking distances.
–
 
causes premature wear of the tyres.
–
 
increases energy consumption.
The inflation pressures defined for the  vehicle can be found on the tyre pressure 
label.
For more information on the  Identification 
markings, refer to the corresponding section.
Checking tyre pressures
This check should be done monthly 
when the tyres are "cold" (vehicle stopped for 
1 hour or after a journey of less than 6 miles 
(10
 
km) at moderate speeds).