CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2021 Handbook (in English)
Manufacturer: CITROEN, Model Year: 2021, Model line: C3 AIRCROSS, Model: CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2021Pages: 244, PDF Size: 6.29 MB
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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).   
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Safety
 
  
 
► To select the system, at speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h), press this button until its indicator lights up; this lamp appears in green 
in the instrument panel.
The system becomes active at speeds below 19 
mph (30 km/h).► When the vehicle begins its descent, you can release the accelerator and brake pedals; the 
system regulates the speed:
– if the gearbox is in first or second gear, the speed decreases and the indicator lamp flashes rapidly,– if the gearbox is in neutral or if the clutch pedal is depressed, the speed decreases and the 
indicator lamp flashes slowly; in this case, the maintained descent speed is lower.
On a descent, with the vehicle stationary, if you 
release the accelerator and brake pedals, the 
system will release the brakes to set the vehicle 
gradually in motion.
The brake lamps light up automatically when the 
system is regulating.
If the speed exceeds 19 mph (30 km/h), regulation is paused automatically, the 
indicator lamp goes back to grey in the instrument panel, but the green indicator lamp in 
the button remains on.
Regulation resumes automatically when the 
speed falls below 19 mph (30 km/h) again, if the slope and pedal release conditions are met.
You can depress the accelerator or brake pedal 
again at any time.
Switching off 
  
 
► Press this button until its indicator lamp goes off; the indicator goes off in the instrument panel.
Above 45 mph (70 km/h), the system is 
automatically deactivated; the indicator lamp in 
the button goes off.
Malfunction
In the event of a system malfunction, this warning lamp comes on on the instrument 
panel, accompanied by an onscreen message.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer 
or a qualified workshop.
Seat belts
Inertia reel
The seat belts are equipped with an inertia reel 
which allows the strap length to automatically 
adjust to your shape. The seat belt returns to its 
storage automatically when it is not used.
The inertia reels are fitted with a device which 
automatically locks the strap in the event of a 
collision, emergency braking or if the vehicle rolls 
over. It can be released by pulling the strap firmly 
and then releasing it so that it reels in slightly.
Pyrotechnic pretensioning
This system improves safety in the event of a 
frontal or side impact.
Depending on the severity of the impact, the 
pyrotechnic pretensioning system instantly 
tightens the seat belts against the body of the 
occupants.
The pyrotechnic pretensioning seat belts are 
enabled when the ignition is on.
Force limiter
This system reduces the pressure of the seat 
belt on the chest of the occupant, thus improving 
their protection.
In the event of an impact
Depending on the nature and 
seriousness of the impacts, the pyrotechnic 
device may trigger before and independently 
of airbag deployment. Deployment of the 
pretensioners is accompanied by a slight 
discharge of harmless smoke and a noise, 
due to the activation of the pyrotechnic cartridge incorporated in the system.
In all cases, the airbag warning lamp comes 
on.
Following an impact, have the seat belt 
system checked, and if necessary replaced, 
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
Front seat belts 
 
The front seat belts are fitted with a pyrotechnic 
pretensioning system and a force limiting 
system.   
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Safety
5due to the activation of the pyrotechnic 
cartridge incorporated in the system.
In all cases, the airbag warning lamp comes 
on.
Following an impact, have the seat belt 
system checked, and if necessary replaced, 
by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
Front seat belts 
 
The front seat belts are fitted with a pyrotechnic 
pretensioning system and a force limiting 
system.
Height adjustment 
 
► To adjust the height of the anchorage point, squeeze control A and slide it to the notch 
desired.
Rear seat belts 
 
Each of the rear seats has a three-point seat belt 
with inertia reel.
The outer seats are fitted with a pyrotechnic 
pretensioning and force limiting system.
Seat belts, centre rear
The seat belt for the rear central position is 
integrated into the back of the roof.
Installation 
 
► Pull the strap and insert tongue A into the left 
buckle.
► Insert tongue B into the right buckle.► Check that each buckle is fastened correctly by pulling the strap.
Removal and storage
► Press the red button on buckle B, then the 
button on buckle  A.
► Guide the strap as it reels in and take tongue B, then A to the magnet at the anchoring point 
on the roof.   
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Fastening 
 
► Pull the strap, then insert the tongue in the buckle.► Check that the seat belt is fastened correctly by pulling on the strap.
Unlocking
► Press the red button on the buckle.► Guide the seat belt as it is reeled in.
Seat belt not fastened/
unfastened alerts
 
 
A.Front and rear seat belts not fastened/
unfastened warning lamp
 
 
1.Front left seat belt warning lamp
2. Front right seat belt warning lamp
3. Rear left seat belt warning lamp
4. Rear centre seat belt warning lamp
5. Rear right seat belt warning lamp
If the corresponding seat belt is not fastened 
or is unfastened, when the ignition is switched 
on, the seat belts warning lamp comes on in the 
instrument panel and the corresponding warning 
lamp (1 to  5) comes on in red in the seat belt and 
front passenger airbag warning lamps display.
If a rear seat belt is not fastened, the 
corresponding warning lamp ( 3 to 5) 
comes on for around 30 seconds.
From about 12 mph (20 km/h) and for 2 
minutes, each warning lamp corresponding to 
an occupied seat whose seat belt is unfastened 
flashes, accompanied by an audible signal. After 
these 2 minutes, the corresponding seat warning 
lamp remains on until the driver or the front/rear 
passenger fasten their seat belt.
Advice
The driver must ensure that passengers  use the seat belts correctly and that they 
are all fastened before setting off.
Wherever seated in the vehicle, you must 
always fasten the seat belt, even for short 
journeys.
Do not interchange the seat belt buckles, as 
they will not fulfil their role fully.
Before and after use, ensure that the seat belt 
is reeled in correctly.
After folding or moving a seat or rear bench 
seat, ensure that the seat belt is positioned 
and reeled in correctly.
Installation
The lower part of the strap must be 
positioned as low as possible on the pelvis.
The upper part must be positioned in the 
hollow of the shoulder.
In order to be effective, a seat belt:
– must be tightened as close to the body as 
possible;– must be pulled in front of you with a smooth movement, ensuring that it is not twisted;– must only be used to secure one person;– must not show signs of tearing or fraying;– must not be changed or modified, in order to avoid affecting its performance.
Recommendations for childrenUse a suitable child seat if the passenger 
is less than 12 years old or shorter than one 
and a half metres.
Never use the same seat belt to secure more 
than one child.
Never carry a child on your lap.
For more information on  Child seats, refer to 
the corresponding section.
Maintenance
In accordance with current safety 
regulations, for all repairs on your vehicle's 
seat belts, go to a qualified workshop with 
the skills and equipment needed, which a 
CITROËN dealer is able to provide.
Have the seat belts checked regularly by a 
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop, 
particularly if the straps show signs of 
damage.
Clean the seat belt straps with soapy water or 
a textile cleaning product, sold by CITROËN 
dealers.
Airbags
General information
System designed to help improve the safety 
of the occupants sitting in the front seats and 
the rear outer seats, in the event of a violent 
collision. The airbags supplement the action    
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5Recommendations for children
Use a suitable child seat if the passenger 
is less than 12 years old or shorter than one 
and a half metres.
Never use the same seat belt to secure more 
than one child.
Never carry a child on your lap.
For more information on  Child seats, refer to 
the corresponding section.
Maintenance
In accordance with current safety 
regulations, for all repairs on your vehicle's 
seat belts, go to a qualified workshop with 
the skills and equipment needed, which a 
CITROËN dealer is able to provide.
Have the seat belts checked regularly by a 
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop, 
particularly if the straps show signs of 
damage.
Clean the seat belt straps with soapy water or 
a textile cleaning product, sold by CITROËN 
dealers.
Airbags
General information
System designed to help improve the safety 
of the occupants sitting in the front seats and 
the rear outer seats, in the event of a violent 
collision. The airbags supplement the action 
of the seat belts equipped with a force limiting 
system.
Electronic detectors record and analyse the 
front and side impacts sustained in the impact 
detection zones:
– In the event of violent impact, the airbags deploy instantly and help better protect the 
occupants of the vehicle; immediately after the 
impact, the airbags deflate rapidly in order not 
to hinder the visibility or the possible exit of the 
occupants.
– In the event of a slight impact, a rear impact and under certain rollover conditions, the airbags 
may not deploy; only the seat belt helps to 
protect you in these situations.
The seriousness of the impact depends on the 
nature of the obstacle and the speed of the 
vehicle at the moment of collision.
The airbags do not operate when the 
ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only deploy once. If a 
second impact occurs (during the same or a 
subsequent accident), the airbag will not be 
deployed again.
Impact detection zones
A.Front impact zone
B. Side impact zone
When one or more airbags are deployed, 
the detonation of the pyrotechnic charge 
incorporated in the system makes a noise and 
releases a small quantity of smoke.
This smoke is not harmful, but sensitive 
individuals may experience slight irritation.
The detonation noise associated with the 
deployment of one or more airbags may result 
in a slight loss of hearing for a short time.   
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Front airbags 
 
This system protects the driver and front 
passenger in the event of a serious front impact, 
in order to limit the risk of head and chest 
injuries.
The driver's airbag is fitted in the centre of the 
steering wheel; the front passenger airbag is 
fitted in the dashboard above the glove box.
Deployment
They deploy, except the front passenger airbag 
if it is deactivated*, in the event of a serious front 
impact to all or part of the front impact zone A.
The front airbag inflates between the thorax and 
head of the front occupant of the vehicle and the 
steering wheel, driver's side, and the dashboard, 
passenger's side, to cushion their forward 
movement.
* For more information on Deactivating the front passenger airbag, refer to the corresponding section.
Lateral airbags 
 
In the event of a serious side impact, this system 
protects the driver and front passenger to 
mitigate the risk of injury to the chest between the hip and the shoulder.
Each lateral airbag is fitted in the seat backrest 
frame, door side.
Deployment
The lateral airbags are deployed on one side in 
the event of a serious side impact applied to all 
or part of the side impact zone B.
The lateral airbag inflates between the hip and 
shoulder of the vehicle's occupant and the 
corresponding door panel.
Curtain airbags
System contributing towards greater protection 
for the driver and passengers (with the exception 
of the rear centre passenger) in the event of a 
serious side impact in order to limit the risk of 
injury to the side of the head.
Each curtain airbag is built into the pillars and 
the upper passenger compartment area.
Deployment
It deploys simultaneously with the corresponding 
lateral airbag in the event of a serious side 
impact applied to all or part of the side impact 
zone B.
The curtain airbag inflates between the front 
and rear occupants of the vehicle and the 
corresponding windows.
Malfunction
If this warning lamp comes on in the instrument panel, you must contact a 
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop to have 
the system checked.
The airbags may no longer be deployed in the 
event of a serious impact.
In the event of a minor impact or bump at 
the side of the vehicle or if the vehicle 
rolls over, the airbags may not be deployed.
In the event of a rear or front collision, none of 
the lateral airbags are deployed.
Advice
For the airbags to be fully effective, 
observe the safety recommendations 
below.
Adopt a normal upright sitting position.
Fasten the seat belt ensuring it is correctly 
positioned and adjusted.
Do not leave anything between the occupants 
and the airbags (a child, pet, object, etc.), nor 
fix or attach anything close to or in the way of 
the airbag release trajectory; this could cause 
injuries during their deployment.
Never modify the original definition of your 
vehicle, particularly in the area directly around 
the airbags.
After an accident or if the vehicle has been 
stolen, have the airbag systems checked.
All work on the airbag systems must only 
be performed by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Even if all of the precautions mentioned 
are observed, a risk of injury or of minor 
burns to the head, chest or arms cannot be 
ruled out when an airbag is deployed. The 
airbag inflates almost instantly (within a few 
milliseconds) then deflates within the same 
time discharging the hot gas via openings 
provided for this purpose.   
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Safety
5Advice
For the airbags to be fully effective, 
observe the safety recommendations 
below.
Adopt a normal upright sitting position.
Fasten the seat belt ensuring it is correctly 
positioned and adjusted.
Do not leave anything between the occupants 
and the airbags (a child, pet, object, etc.), nor 
fix or attach anything close to or in the way of 
the airbag release trajectory; this could cause 
injuries during their deployment.
Never modify the original definition of your 
vehicle, particularly in the area directly around 
the airbags.
After an accident or if the vehicle has been 
stolen, have the airbag systems checked.
All work on the airbag systems must only 
be performed by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Even if all of the precautions mentioned 
are observed, a risk of injury or of minor 
burns to the head, chest or arms cannot be 
ruled out when an airbag is deployed. The 
airbag inflates almost instantly (within a few 
milliseconds) then deflates within the same 
time discharging the hot gas via openings 
provided for this purpose.
Front airbags
Do not drive holding the steering wheel 
by its spokes or resting your hands on the 
centre part of the wheel.
Passengers must not place their feet on the 
dashboard.
Do not smoke as deployment of the airbags 
can cause burns or the risk of injury from a 
cigarette or pipe.
Never remove or pierce the steering wheel or 
hit it violently.
Do not fix or attach anything to the steering 
wheel or dashboard, as this could cause 
injuries when the airbags are deployed.
Lateral airbags
Use only approved covers on the seats, 
compatible with the deployment of the lateral 
airbags. For information on the range of seat 
covers suitable for your vehicle, contact a 
CITROËN dealer.
Do not fix or attach anything to the seat 
backrests (clothes, etc.), as this could cause 
injuries to the thorax or arm when the lateral 
airbag is deployed.
Do not sit with the upper part of the body any 
nearer to the door than necessary.
The vehicle's front door panels include side 
impact sensors.
A damaged door or any unauthorised or 
incorrectly executed work (modification or 
repair) on the front doors or their interior trim 
could compromise the operation of these 
sensors - risk of malfunction of the lateral 
airbags!
Such work must only be done by a CITROËN 
dealer or a qualified workshop.
Curtain airbags
Do not fix or attach anything to the roof, 
as this could cause head injuries when the 
curtain airbag is deployed.
Do not remove the grab handles installed on 
the roof, as they play a part in securing the 
curtain airbags.
Child seats
The regulations on carrying children are  specific to each country. Refer to the 
legislation in force in your country.
For maximum safety, please observe the 
following recommendations:
– In accordance with European regulations, all 
children under the age of 12 or less than 4 
ft 11” (150 cm) tall must travel in approved 
child seats suited to their weight , on seats 
fitted with a seat belt or ISOFIX mountings.
– Statistically, the safest seats in your 
vehicle for carrying children are the rear 
seats.
– Children weighing less than 9 kg must 
travel in the "rear facing" position, whether in 
the front or rear of the vehicle.   
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It is recommended that children travel 
on the rear seats of the vehicle:
– ‘rear facing’ up to the age of 3,– ‘forward facing’ over the age of 3.
Make sure that the seat belt is correctly 
positioned and tightened.
For child seats with a support leg, ensure that 
the support leg is in firm and steady contact 
with the floor.
Advice
An incorrectly installed child seat  compromises the child's safety in the 
event of an accident.
Ensure that there is no seat belt or seat belt 
buckle under the child seat, as this could 
destabilise it.
Remember to fasten the seat belts or the 
harness of child seats, keeping the slack 
relative to the child's body to a minimum, 
even for short journeys.
When installing a child seat using the seat 
belt, ensure that the seat belt is tightened 
correctly on the child seat and that it secures 
the child seat firmly on the seat of the vehicle. 
If the passenger seat is adjustable, move it 
forwards if necessary.
Remove the head restraint before 
installing a child seat with a backrest on a 
passenger seat.
Ensure that the head restraint is stored or 
attached securely to prevent it from being 
thrown around the vehicle in the event of 
sharp braking. Refit the head restraint once 
the child seat has been removed.
Installing a booster seat
The chest part of the seat belt must be 
positioned on the child's shoulder without 
touching the neck.
Ensure that the lap part of the seat belt 
passes correctly over the child's thighs.
Use a booster seat with backrest, equipped 
with a belt guide at shoulder level.
Additional protections
To prevent accidental opening of the 
doors and rear windows, use the "Child lock".
Take care not to open the rear windows by 
more than one third.
To protect young children from the rays of the 
sun, fit side blinds on the rear windows.
As a safety precaution, do not leave:
– a child alone and unattended in a vehicle,– a child or an animal in a vehicle which is exposed to the sun, with the windows closed,– the keys within reach of children inside the vehicle.
Child seat at the rear
"Forward facing" or "Rearward 
facing"
 
  
 
► Move the vehicle's front seat forward and straighten the backrest so that the legs of the 
child in the "forward facing" child seat or the 
"rearward facing" child seat itself do not touch 
the vehicle's front seat.
► Verify that the backrest of the "forward facing" child seat is as close as possible to the backrest 
of the vehicle's rear seat, and is ideally in contact 
with it.
Centre rear seat
A child seat with a support leg must never be 
installed on the  centre rear passenger seat .
Child seat at the front 
 
► Adjust the front passenger seat to the maximum rear longitudinal position , with the 
backrest straightened .
"Rearward facing" 
 
The front passenger airbag must be 
deactivated before installing a rearward 
facing child seat. Otherwise,  the child risks 
being seriously injured or killed if the 
airbag deploys.   
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Safety
5Child seat at the front 
 
► Adjust the front passenger seat to the maximum rear longitudinal position, with the 
backrest straightened .
"Rearward facing" 
 
The front passenger airbag must be 
deactivated before installing a rearward 
facing child seat. Otherwise,  the child risks 
being seriously injured or killed if the 
airbag deploys.
"Forward facing" 
 
You must leave the front passenger  airbag active.
 
 
Warning label - Front passenger airbag 
 
You must comply with the following instruction, 
reminded by the warning label on both sides of 
the passenger sun visor:
NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint 
on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in 
front of it, DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the 
CHILD can occur.
Deactivating the front 
passenger airbag
 
 
Passenger airbag OFF
To guarantee the safety of your child, the front passenger airbag must be 
deactivated when a "rear facing" child seat is 
installed on the front passenger seat. 
Otherwise, the child risks being seriously 
injured or killed if the airbag is deployed.
Vehicles not equipped with a 
deactivation control
Installing a “rear facing” child seat on the 
front passenger seat is expressly prohibited! 
Doing so would expose the child to the risk of 
death or serious injury in the event of airbag 
deployment.   
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Deactivating/Reactivating the front 
passenger airbag
The control is located in the glove box. 
 
With the ignition off:► To deactivate the airbag, turn the key in the switch to the "OFF" position. ► To reactivate it, turn the key to the "ON" 
position.
When the ignition is switched on:
This warning lamp comes on and remains lit to signal the deactivation.
Or
This warning lamp comes on for about 1 minute to signal the activation.
Recommended child seats
Range of recommended child seats secured 
using a three-point seat belt.
Group 0+: from birth to 13 kg 
 
L1
"RÖMER Baby-Safe Plus"
Installed in the "rearward facing" position.
Groups 2 and 3: from 15 to 36 kg 
 
L5
"RÖMER KIDFIX XP"
Can be fitted to the vehicle's ISOFIX  mountings.
The child is restrained by the seat belt.
Only suitable for installation on the side rear  seats.
The head restraint on the vehicle seat must  be removed.
Groups 2 and 3: from 15 to 36 kg 
 
L6
"GRACO Booster"
The child is restrained by the seat belt.
Only suitable for installation on the front 
passenger seat or on the rear side seats.
Locations for child seats secured using the seat belt
In accordance with European regulations, this table indicates the options for installing child seats secured using the seat belt and universally approved  (a) 
in relation to the weight of the child and the seat position in the vehicle.
Weight of the child
 / indicative age
SeatUnder 13 kg(groups 0 (b) and 
0+)
Up to about 1 year 
oldFrom 9 to 18 kg(group 1)
From about 1 to 3 
years oldFrom 15 to 25 kg(group 2)
From about 3 to 6 
years oldFrom 22 to 36 kg(group 3)
From about 6 to 
10 years old
Row 1 (c) Passenger seat with 
passenger airbag 
deactivated "OFF"
 
 
U UX X
Passenger seat with 
passenger airbag 
activated "ON" X
XU U
Row 2 (d) (e) Rear side seats
 
 
U UU U
Rear central seat
 
 
X XX X
U
: seat position suitable for installing a child seat secured using the seat belt and universally approved for "rearward facing" and/or "forward facing" use.X: seat position not suitable for installing a child seat for the weight group indicated.
(a): Universal child seat: child seat which can be installed in any vehicle using the seat belt.
(b)
: Group 0: from birth to 10 kg. Carrycots and "car" infant carriers cannot be installed on the front passenger seat.(c): refer to the legislation in force in your country before installing your child in this seat position.
(d): to install a "rearward facing" or "forward facing" child seat at the rear , move the front seat forward, then straighten the backrest to allow enough room 
for the child seat and the child's legs.
(e):: to install a "rearward facing" or "forward facing" child seat at the rear , slide the rear seat as far backwards as possible, with the backrest straightened.