engine CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2021 Handbook (in English)

57
Lighting and visibility
4the left, moving the lighting control stalk upwards
turns on the right-hand sidelamps).
This is confirmed by an audible signal and the
lighting of the corresponding direction indicator
lamp on the instrument panel.
► To switch off the parking lamps, return the lighting control stalk to the central position.
Automatic illumination of headlamps
When the ring is at the "AUTO" position and
a low level of ambient light is detected by a
sunshine sensor, the number plate lamps, side lamps and dipped beam headlamps are switched
on automatically, without any action on the
part of the driver. They can also come on if
rain is detected, at the same time as automatic
operation of the windscreen wipers.
As soon as the light returns to a sufficient level
or after the windscreen wipers are switched off,
the lamps are switched off automatically.
Operating fault
In the event of a malfunction of the sunshine sensor, the lighting comes on,
this warning lamp is displayed in the instrument
panel accompanied by an audible signal and/or a
message.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
Do not cover the sunshine sensor,
integrated with the rain sensor and
located at the top centre of the windscreen
behind the rear view mirror; the associated
functions would no longer be controlled.
In fog or snow, the sunshine sensor may
detect sufficient light. In this case, the
lighting will not come on automatically.
Daytime running lamps /
Sidelamps


The front and rear lamps light up automatically
when the engine starts.
They provide the following functions:
– Daytime running lamps (lighting control stalk
at position "AUTO" with adequate light level).
– Sidelamps (lighting control stalk in "AUTO"
position with low light level or "Sidelamps only”
or "Dipped/main beam headlamps").
In daytime running lamps mode, the
diodes are brighter.
Guide-me-home lighting
Automatic
With the "Automatic illumination of headlamps"
function activated (lighting control stalk at the
AUTO position), under low ambient light, the
dipped beam headlamps come on automatically
when the ignition is switched off.
Activation, deactivation and the duration of the
guide-me-home lighting are set in the vehicle
parameters menu.
Manual

67
Safety
5Electronic stability control
(ESC)
The electronic stability control programme includes the following systems:
– Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic brake force distribution (EBFD).– Emergency braking assistance (EBA).– Anti-slip regulation (ASR).– Dynamic stability control (DSC).
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic brake
force distribution (EBFD)
These systems enhance the vehicle’s stability
and handling during braking, and enable greater
control while cornering, particularly on poor or
slippery road surfaces.
ABS prevents wheel locking in the event of
emergency braking.
EBFD manages the braking pressure wheel by
wheel.
This warning lamp comes on fixed in the event of an ABS malfunction.
The vehicle retains conventional braking. Drive
carefully at a moderate speed.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
This warning lamp, when lit together with the STOP and ABS warning lamps,
accompanied by a message and an audible
signal, indicates an EBFD malfunction.
You must stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
The normal operation of the ABS may result in slight vibrations in the brake
pedal.
When braking in an emergency, press
very firmly and maintain this pressure.
When changing wheels (tyres and rims),
ensure that these are approved for your
vehicle.
After an impact, have these systems checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
Emergency braking
assistance (EBA)
In an emergency, this system enables you
to reach the optimum braking pressure more
quickly and therefore reduce the stopping
distance.
It is triggered in relation to the speed at which
the brake pedal is pressed. This is felt by a
reduction in the resistance of the pedal and an
increase in braking efficiency.
Anti-slip regulation (ASR) / Dynamic stability control
(DSC)
Anti-slip regulation optimises traction using
engine braking and by applying the brakes on
the driving wheels to avoid wheel spinning. It
also enhances the vehicle's directional stability
while accelerating.
If there is a difference between the vehicle’s
trajectory and the path desired by the driver, the
dynamic stability control system automatically
uses engine braking and the brakes on one or
more wheels to return the vehicle to the desired
path, within the limits of the laws of physics.
These systems are activated automatically every
time the vehicle is started.
They come into operation in the event of a grip
or trajectory problem.
This warning lamp on the instrument panel flashes to indicate that they are
operating.
Deactivation / Reactivation
In exceptional conditions (starting a vehicle stuck
in mud, immobilised in snow, on soft ground,
etc.), it may be useful to deactivate the ASR
system to freely spin the wheels and regain
traction.
Reactivate the system as soon as the level of
grip permits.
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.

68
Safety
► Or, depending on version, turn the “Grip control” knob to this position.Deactivation is confirmed by the illumination of this indicator lamp in the
instrument panel and the display of a message.
The ASR system is reactivated automatically
every time the ignition is switched back on or
from 31 mph (50 km/h).Reactivation is manual below 31 mph (50 km/h).
Malfunction
In the event of a system malfunction, this warning lamp comes on, accompanied by
an onscreen message and audible signal.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop to have the systems checked.
ASR / DSC
These systems enhance safety during
normal driving, but should not encourage
the driver to take extra risks or drive at high
speed.
It is in conditions of reduced grip (rain, snow,
ice) that the risk of loss of grip increases. It
is therefore important for your safety to keep
these systems activated in all conditions, and
particularly in difficult conditions.
Correct operation of these systems depends
on compliance with the manufacturer's
recommendations relating to the wheels
(tyres and rims), braking and electronic
components, as well as the assembly and
repair procedures used by CITROËN dealers.
The use of snow tyres is recommended, to
ensure that these systems remain effective
in winter conditions. All four wheels must be
fitted with tyres approved for the vehicle.
Grip control
A special, patented traction control system which improves driveability on snow, mud and sand.
This system, optimised for operation in a range
of conditions, enables you to manoeuvre in most
slippery conditions (encountered during normal
passenger car use).
When combined with all-season Peak Mountain
Snow Flake tyres, this system offers a
compromise between safety, grip and driveability.
The accelerator pedal should be pressed
sufficiently to allow the system to harness the
power of the engine. Operation at high engine
speeds is completely normal.
A five-position selector knob allows you to
choose the setting best suited to the driving
conditions encountered.
An indicator lamp associated with each mode
comes on, accompanied by the display of a
message to confirm your choice.
Operating modes


Standard (ESC)
This mode is calibrated for a low level of wheel spin, based on the different levels
of grip normally encountered on the road.
Whenever the ignition is switched off, the
system automatically resets to this mode.
Snow
This mode adapts its strategy to the conditions of grip encountered for each of
the two front wheels on moving off.
(mode active up to 50 mph (80 km/h))
All terrain (mud, damp
grass, etc.)
This mode, when moving off, allows considerable spin on the wheel with the
least grip to optimise clearing of the mud and to
regain grip. At the same time, the wheel with the
most grip is controlled in such a way as to
transmit as much torque as possible.
When moving, the system optimises wheel spin
to respond to the driver's requirements as fully
as possible.
(mode active up to 31 mph (50 km/h))
Sand
This mode allows little spin on the two driving wheels at the same time to allow
the vehicle to move forward and limit the risks of
getting stuck in the sand.
(mode active up to 75 mph (120 km/h))
Do not use the other modes on sand as
the vehicle may become stuck.
You can deactivate the ASR and DSC systems by turning the knob to the "OFF "
position.
The ASR and DSC systems will no longer act on the operation of the engine

69
Safety
5All terrain (mud, damp grass, etc.)
This mode, when moving off, allows considerable spin on the wheel with the
least grip to optimise clearing of the mud and to
regain grip. At the same time, the wheel with the
most grip is controlled in such a way as to
transmit as much torque as possible.
When moving, the system optimises wheel spin
to respond to the driver's requirements as fully
as possible.
(mode active up to 31 mph (50 km/h))
Sand
This mode allows little spin on the two driving wheels at the same time to allow
the vehicle to move forward and limit the risks of
getting stuck in the sand.
(mode active up to 75 mph (120 km/h))
Do not use the other modes on sand as
the vehicle may become stuck.
You can deactivate the ASR and DSC systems by turning the knob to the "OFF "
position.
The ASR and DSC systems will no longer act on the operation of the engine
or of the brakes in the event of a change of
trajectory.
These systems are reactivated automatically
from 31 mph (50 km/h) and whenever the ignition is switched on.
Recommendations
The vehicle is designed principally to
drive on tarmac roads, but it allows you to
occasionally drive on other less passable
terrain.
However, it does not permit off-road driving
such as:
– driving on terrain which could damage the underbody or strip away components (fuel
pipe, fuel cooler, etc.) due to obstacles or
stones in particular,
– driving on terrain with steep gradients and poor grip,– crossing a waterway .
Hill Assist Descent
System that provides assistance when
descending on loose or soft surfaces (gravel,
mud, etc.) or a steep gradient.
This system reduces the risk of slip or loss of
control of the vehicle when descending, whether
going forward or in reverse.
During a descent, it assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed, depending on the
gear engaged, while progressively releasing the
brakes.
For the system to activate, the slope
must be greater than 5%.
The system can be used with the gearbox in
neutral.
Otherwise engage a gear corresponding to
the speed to prevent the engine stalling.
With an automatic gearbox, the system can
be used with the selector at N, D or R.
When the system is regulating, the Active
Safety Brake system is automatically
deactivated.
Operation
Switching on
By default, the system is not selected.
The state of the function is not saved when the
ignition is switched off.
The driver can select the system when the
engine is running, when the vehicle is stationary
or when moving at speeds up to approximately
31 mph (50 km/h).

86
Driving
Driving 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 to carry out operations that require close attention (such as adjustments).► During long trips, take a break every two 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 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
damage to the braking system!
Do not park the vehicle or leave the
engine running on a flammable
surface (dry grass, dead leaves, etc.). The
exhaust system of your vehicle is very hot,
even several minutes after the engine stops.
Risk of fire!
Never leave a vehicle unattended with
the engine running. If you have to leave
your vehicle with the engine running, apply
the parking brake and put the gearbox into
neutral or position N or P (depending on the
type of gearbox).
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 the electrical
systems of your vehicle.


If you are obliged to drive on a flooded road:
► check that the depth of 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 CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
In case of towing
Driving with a trailer places greater
demands on the towing vehicle and
requires extra care from the driver.
Respect the maximum towable weights.
At altitude: reduce the maximum load by
10% per 1,000 metres of altitude; the density
of the air decreases with altitude and the
performance of the engine reduces.
New vehicle: do not pull a trailer before
having 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 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 CITROËN towing device is
used, the rear parking sensors will be
deactivated automatically to avoid 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 heating up.

87
Driving
6Before setting off
Nose weight
► Distribute the load in the trailer so that the heaviest items are 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 CITROËN towing device is
used, the rear parking sensors will be
deactivated automatically to avoid 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 heating up.
In all cases, pay 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
Braking distances are increased when towing a
trailer. To avoid overheating the brakes, the use
of engine braking is recommended.
Side wind
Bear in mind that the vehicle will be more
susceptible to wind when towing.
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The keys include an electronic engine
immobiliser system, whose secret code must be
recognised in order for starting to be possible.
If the system malfunctions, indicated by the
display of a message, the engine will not start.
Contact a CITROËN dealer.
For safety and theft protection reasons,
do not leave your electronic key in the
vehicle, even when you are close to it.
It is recommended that you keep it with you.
Starting / Switching off the
engine with the key
Key ignition switch

It has 3 positions:– 1. Stop : inserting and removing the key,
steering column locked.
– 2. Ignition : steering column unlocked, ignition
on, Diesel preheating, engine running.
– 3. Starting.
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key or the remote control. It 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 portable devices to be charged.
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

88
Driving
automatically to preserve the remaining battery
charge.
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 fully 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 have to apply
significant force to move the steering
wheel (wheels on full lock, for example).
► 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 starts, release the key.
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).
► With a Diesel engine, turn the key to position
2, ignition on, to operate the engine preheating
system.
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 a few
attempts, do not keep trying - risk of
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
► Immobilise the vehicle.► With the engine at idle, turn the key to position 1.► Remove the key from the ignition switch.► To 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 about thirty
minutes, you can still use functions such as the
audio and telematics system, courtesy lamps,
windscreen wipers, dipped beam headlamps,
etc.
For more information on Energy
economy mode, refer to the
corresponding section.
Key left in
When opening the driver's door, an alert
message is displayed, accompanied by an
audible signal, to remind you that the key is still in the ignition switch at position 1 (Stop).
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) .
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 switched off.
If there is still a problem, refer to the "Key
not detected - Back-up starting or Back-up
switch-off" section.

89
Driving
6audible signal, to remind you that the key is
still in the ignition switch at position 1 (Stop).
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) .
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 switched off.
If there is still a problem, refer to the "Key
not detected - Back-up starting or Back-up
switch-off" section.
Starting

► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral and fully depress the clutch pedal.
► With an automatic gearbox, select mode P or N and press the brake pedal.

► 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 preheating warning lamp is
off.
If this warning lamp comes on after pressing the " START/STOP" button:► Keep the pedal fully depressed and do 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, a message indicates
that it is necessary to turn the steering wheel
while pressing the " START/STOP" button to
assist unlocking of 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
► Immobilise the vehicle, with the engine at idle.► With a manual gearbox, ideally put the gear
lever into neutral.
► With an automatic gearbox, ideally select mode P or N.► Press the "START/STOP" button..
In some circumstances, it is necessary to turn
the steering wheel to lock the steering column.
If the vehicle is not immobilised, the
engine will not switch off.
With the engine off, the braking and
steering assistance systems are also cut
off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!
Never leave your vehicle with the
electronic key still inside.

90
Driving
Switching on the ignition
without starting the engine


With the electronic key in the passenger
compartment, 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).
► Press this button again to switch off the
ignition and allow the vehicle to be locked.
With the ignition on, the system
automatically goes into energy economy
mode to maintain an adequate state of charge
in the battery.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted to the steering column
so that the engine can be started if the system
does not detect the key in the recognition zone,
or if the battery in the electronic key is flat.


► Place and hold the remote control against the reader.► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
► With an automatic gearbox, select mode P,
then fully depress the brake pedal.
► Press the “START/STOP” button.
The engine starts.
Back-up switch-off

If 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.
► To confirm the instruction to switch off the engine, press the " START/STOP" button for approximately 5 seconds.In the event of a fault with the electronic key,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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.
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.

91
Driving
6Parking 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.
When towing, parking on a steep slope,
or if your vehicle is heavily laden, turn the
wheels towards the kerb and engage a gear
(manual gearbox) or move the selector lever
to position P (automatic gearbox).
For towing, your vehicle is approved for
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
5-speed manual gearbox
Engaging reverse gear

► Fully depress the clutch pedal.► Push the gear lever fully to the right then backwards.
Only engage reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary with the engine at
idle.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate starting the engine:
– always select neutral,– press the clutch pedal.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the lever fully to the right to engage 5th
or 6th gear.