engine CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 2023 Owner's Guide

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 may
occassionally drive on other less passable
terrain.
However, it does not permit off-road driving:
–

Driving on terrain that can damage the
underbody or tear off elements (e.g.

fuel
pipe, fuel cooler) by obstacles or stones in
particular.
–

Driving on terrain with steep gradients and
poor grip.
–


Crossing a waterway
.
Hill Assist Descent
Control
Hill Assist Descent Control system for medium to
steep slopes, on tarmac or other road surfaces
(e.g. gravel, mud).
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, the system assists the driver
in maintaining a constant speed, depending on
the gear engaged, while progressively releasing
the brakes.
For the system to activate, the gradient
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.




► To select the system, at speeds below
31 mph (50 km/h), press this button until

84
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 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!
Do not park the vehicle or 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 (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 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 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 CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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 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.

85
Driving
6Towing
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 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 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 keys contain a code, which must be
recognised by the vehicle before starting is
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,
never leave the electronic key in the
vehicle, even when you are close to it.

86
Driving
Starting / Switching off the
engine with the key
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.
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 CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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.

87
Driving
6To 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.
Starting/Switching off the
engine with Keyless Entry
and Start
The electronic key must be present in the
passenger compartment.
If the electronic key 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 depress the brake pedal.


► Press the " START/STOP" button while
maintaining pressure on the pedal until the
engine starts.
Diesel engines
In negative temperatures and/or when the
engine is cold, starting takes place only after the
preheating warning lamp goes out.
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.
In all circumstances, if one of the starting
conditions is not met, a message is displayed.

88
Driving
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.
Petrol engines
With Petrol engines, after a cold start,
pre-heating the catalytic converter can cause
noticeable engine vibrations, for anything up
to 2 minutes (accelerated idle speed).
Switching off
► Immobilise the vehicle using the parking
brake.
►

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 stop.
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.
Switching on the ignition
without starting the engine


With the electronic key in the passenger
compartment, pressing the " START/STOP"
button, without depressing any of the pedals ,
allows the ignition to be switched on without
starting the engine (the instrument panel and
accessories such as the audio system and the
lighting will come on).
►

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,
to enable the engine to be started if the system
fails to 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
back-up reader .
►

W
ith a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral, then fully depress the clutch pedal.
►

W
ith an automatic gearbox, select mode P,
then 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 case of 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.

89
Driving
6Back-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.
►
T
o 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 case of 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.
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.
–


Depress the clutch pedal.

90
Driving
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.
* Snow programme : depending on the country of sale.
As a safety precaution and to facilitate
engine starting:
►

Always select neutral.
►


Press the clutch pedal.
Automatic gearbox (EAT6)
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.
In automatic mode, you can still change gear
manually using the steering-mounted controls
(e.g. when overtaking).
Gear selector module
1. Sport programme
2. Snow programme (depending on country of sale)
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.

91
Driving
6Information 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.
►


Release the parking brake, unless it is set to
automatic mode.
►


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.
"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.

92
Driving
This programme improves starting and traction
when grip is poor.
Return to automatic operation
► At any time, press the selected button ("S" or
"T") again to exit the activated programme and
return to auto-adaptive mode.
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 backwards/forwards.
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.
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 M1
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 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 the system checked by a CITROËN 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.
Automatic gearbox
Never try to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle.
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.
Hill start assist
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.