ignition CITROEN C4 CACTUS 2023 Owner's Guide

53
Safety
5Deactivation 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.
Seat belts
Front seat belts

The front seat belts are fitted with a pyrotechnic
pretensioning and force limiting system.
This system improves safety in the front seats
in the event of a front or side impact. Depending
on the severity of the impact, the pretensioning
system instantly tightens the seat belts against
the body of the occupants.
The pretensioning seat belts are active when the
ignition is on.
The force limiter reduces the pressure of the
seat belt on the chest of the occupant, thus
improving their protection.
Locking

► Pull the strap then insert the tongue in the
buckle.
►

Check that the seat belt is fastened correctly
by pulling the strap.
Release
► Press the red button on the buckle.
► Guide the seat belt as it reels in.

54
Safety
Rear seat belts

The rear seats are each fitted with a three-point
seat belt.
Fastening
► Pull the strap then insert the tongue in the
buckle.
►

Check that the seat belt is fastened correctly
by pulling the strap.
Unfastening
► Press the red button on the buckle.
► Guide the seat belt as it reels in.
Seat belt(s) not fastened /
unfastened warning lamp(s)


1. Front seat belts not fastened / unfastened
warning lamp, in the instrument panel.
2. Front left seat belt warning lamp.
3. Front right seat belt warning lamp.
4. Rear right seat belt warning lamp.
5. Rear centre seat belt warning lamp.
6. Rear left seat belt warning lamp.
From approximately 12 mph (20
km/h), the
warning lamp(s) flashes for two minutes
accompanied by an audible signal. Once these
two minutes have elapsed, the warning lamp(s)
remains on until the driver or the front passenger
fastens their seat belt.
Front seat belt warning lamp(s)
On switching on the ignition, warning lamp
1 comes on in the instrument panel and the
corresponding warning lamp ( 2 and 3) comes
on in red in the seat belt and front passenger’s
airbag warning lamp display if the driver's seat
belt or front passenger's seat belt is not fastened
or is unfastened.
Rear seat belt warning lamp(s)
The corresponding ( 4 to 6) warning lamp lights
up red in the seat belt and front passenger
airbag display screen when one or more rear
passengers unfastens their seat belts.
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;

55
Safety
5– 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 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.

60
Safety
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.
Deactivating/Reactivating the front
passenger airbag
The control is located in the glove box.

With the ignition off:
► T o deactivate the airbag, turn the key in the
switch to the "OFF " position.
►

T
o 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

L4
"KLIPPAN Optima"
From 22 kg (approximately 6 years), the booster is used on its own.
Groups 2 and 3: from 15 to 36 kg

L5
"RÖMER KIDFIX"
Can be fitted to the vehicle's ISOFIX mountings.
The child is restrained by the seat belt.
Locations for child seats secured using the seat belt
In accordance with European regulations, this table indicates the option\
s for installing universally-approved ( a ) child seats secured using the seat belt,
based on the child’s weight and the seat position in the vehicle.

66
Safety
Locking / Unlocking

► To lock, turn the red control as far as it will go
using the integral key:•

T
o the right on the left-hand rear door.
•

T
o the left on the right-hand rear door.
►

T
o unlock, turn it in the opposite direction.
Do not confuse the child lock control,
which is red, with the back-up locking
control, which is black.
Electric child lock
This control prevents the opening of the rear
doors using their interior handles.
Activation/Deactivation



► With the ignition on, press this button to
activate/deactivate the child lock.
A
message is displayed, confirming activation/
deactivation of the child lock.
When the indicator lamp is on, the child lock is
activated.
Any other indicator lamp status indicates a fault affecting the electric child lock.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
With the child lock activated, it is still
possible to open the doors from outside.
This system is independent and in no circumstances does it take the place of
the central locking control.
Check the status of the child lock each time
you switch on the ignition.
Always keep the electronic key with you when
leaving the vehicle, even for a short time.
In the event of a serious impact, the electric
child lock is switched off automatically to
permit the exit of the rear passengers.

68
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.
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 increases the temperature
of the coolant. The maximum towable load
depends on the gradient and the exterior
temperature. The cooling capacity of the fan
does not increase with engine speed.
►

Reduce speed and lower the engine speed,
so as to limit the 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 of the brakes, the
use of engine braking is recommended.
Side wind
Bear in mind the increased susceptibility to the
wind that the vehicle will have.
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The key 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.
This electronic engine immobiliser locks the
engine management system a moment after
the ignition is switched off, and prevents
unauthorised engine starting.
In the event of a fault, you are informed
by illumination of this warning lamp, an
audible signal and a message in the screen.
In this case, your vehicle will not start; contact
a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
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

69
Driving
6automatically 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.
►


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 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

70
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.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted underneath the
parking brake lever 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.

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.
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.

71
Driving
6Switching 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.
Key not detected
Back-up starting
A back-up reader is fitted underneath the
parking brake lever 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 .
►

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 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.
►

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 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.

72
Driving
N.Neutral
– Vehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied.
– Starting the engine.
D. Automatic operation
M. + / - Manual operation
► To move up / down through the
gears, move backwards / forwards.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel
When a position is selected in the grate 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
1...6. Gear engaged during manual operation
-. Instruction not processed in 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.
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.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging 5th or 6th gear
► Move the lever fully to the right to engage 5th
or 6th gear.
Failure to follow this advice may cause
permanent damage to the gearbox
(engagement of 3
rd or 4th gear by mistake).
Engaging reverse gear

► Raise the ring under the knob and move the
gear lever to the left then forwards.
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.
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.
–

Manual
operation for sequential changing of
the gears by the driver.
Gear selector module
1. Sport programme
P. Parking
–

V
ehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied or released.
–

Starting the engine.
R. Reverse gear
–


Reversing manoeuvres, vehicle
stationary

, engine at idle.