check engine CITROEN C5 2021 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CITROEN, Model Year: 2021, Model line: C5, Model: CITROEN C5 2021Pages: 228, PDF Size: 6.78 MB
Page 90 of 228

88
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 (e.g. tall grass, 
accumulated dead leaves, crops, debris) 
such as a field, a country lane overgrown 
with bushes or a grassy verge. 
This vegetation could come into contact with 
the vehicle's exhaust system or other systems 
which are very hot. Risk of fire!
Make sure you do not leave any item in 
the passenger compartment which could 
act like a magnifying glass under the effect of 
the sun's rays and cause a fire. Risk of fire or 
damage to interior surfaces!
Never leave the vehicle unattended, 
with the engine running . If you have to 
leave your vehicle with the engine running, 
apply the parking brake and put the automatic 
gearbox into position  N or P.
Never leave children inside the vehicle 
unsupervised.
On flooded roads
We strongly advise against driving on flooded 
roads, as this could cause serious damage to 
the internal combustion engine or electric motor, 
the gearbox and the electrical systems of the 
vehicle.
 
 
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 motor
 .
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.    
Page 91 of 228

89
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.
Starting/Switching off the 
engine with Keyless Entry 
and Starting
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.    
Page 92 of 228

90
Driving
For versions fitted with Proximity Keyless 
Entry and Start, the electronic key is also 
detected in the boot.
If there is still a problem, refer to the "Key 
not detected - Back-up starting or Back-up 
switch-off" section.
Starting
► Select mode P or N on the automatic 
gearbox, then depress the brake pedal.
 
 
► Press the " START/STOP" button while 
maintaining pressure on the pedal until the 
engine starts.
In all circumstances, 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.
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).
Starting rechargeable hybrid 
vehicles
► Fully depress the brake pedal and press 
the  START/STOP button for approximately 2 
seconds.
► Keep you r foot on the pedal until this 
indicator lamp comes on, indicating the 
activation of the rechargeable hybrid system 
(confirmed by an audible signal).
To exit Park mode, wait for the READY  indicator lamp to come on.
By default, the system starts in Electric mode.
Depending on certain parameters (battery 
charge level or outside temperature), the system 
determines whether it is necessary to start the 
petrol engine.
It is possible to change the driving mode at any 
time using the mode selector.
When the vehicle starts in electric mode, 
it makes no noise. 
Pay particular attention to pedestrians and 
cyclists who may not hear the vehicle coming 
despite the pedestrian horn.
Switching off
► Deactivate cruise control alone or Highway 
Driver  Assist (depending on version).
►
 
Immobilise the vehicle using the parking 
brake.
►
 
Select mode
   P   on the automatic gearbox.
► Press the "START/STOP" button.
►  For rechargeable hybrid vehicles, before 
leaving the vehicle, check that the  READY
 
indicator lamp is switched off.
The automatic gearbox locks in mode  P.
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.
►
 
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 to the steering column, 
to enable the engine to be started if the system     
Page 94 of 228

92
Driving
 
Before leaving the vehicle, check that the 
parking brake is applied: the parking 
brake indicator lamps on the instrument panel 
and the control must be on fixed.
If the parking brake is not applied, there is an 
audible signal and a message is displayed on 
opening the driver's door.
Never leave a child alone inside the 
vehicle, as they could release the parking 
brake.
When the vehicle is parked: on a 
steep slope, heavily loaded or during 
towing
Turn the wheels toward the pavement and 
select mode
  P on the automatic gearbox.
When towing, the vehicle is approved for 
parking on slopes of up to 12%.
Manual operation
Manual release
With the ignition on or engine running:
► Press the brake pedal.
►  While maintaining pressure on the brake 
pedal, briefly push the control.
If the brake pedal is not depressed, the 
parking brake is not released and a 
message is displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
►  Briefly pull the control.
The control indicator lamp flashes to confirm the 
application request.
Automatic operation
Automatic release
First ensure that the engine is running and that 
the driver's door is closed.
The electric parking brake gradually releases 
automatically as the vehicle moves off.
With an automatic gearbox
►
 
Depress the brake pedal.
►
 
Select mode
   D, M or   R.
►
 
Release the brake pedal and depress the 
accelerator pedal.
If the brake does not release 
automatically, check that the front doors 
are fully closed.
When stationary with the engine running, 
do not depress the accelerator pedal 
unnecessarily. Risk of parking brake release.
Automatic application
With the vehicle stationary, the parking brake 
is applied automatically when the engine is 
switched off.
It is not applied automatically if the 
engine stalls or enters STOP mode with 
Stop & Start.
In automatic mode, the parking brake 
can be manually applied or released at 
any time using the control.
Special cases
Immobilising the vehicle with the 
engine running
To immobilise the vehicle with the engine 
running, briefly pull the control.
Parking the vehicle with the brake 
released
In very cold conditions (ice), applying the 
parking brake is not recommended.
To immobilise the vehicle, place the chock 
against one of the wheels.    
Page 97 of 228

95
Driving
6If you open the driver's door while mode 
N is engaged, an audible signal will 
sound and mode  P will be selected. The 
audible signal stops when the driver's door is 
closed.
If the speed drops below 3 mph (5 km/h), 
opening the driver's door triggers 
selection of mode  P - risk of sudden braking!
In the event of battery failure, it is 
essential to place the chock(s) supplied 
with the tool kit against one of the wheels to 
immobilise the vehicle.
Special aspects of automatic mode
The gearbox selects the gear that provides 
optimal performance based on ambient 
temperature, road profile, vehicle loading and 
driving style.
For maximum acceleration, press the accelerator 
fully down (kick-down). The gearbox changes 
down automatically or holds the selected gear 
until the maximum engine speed is reached.
Steering mounted controls allow the driver to 
temporarily select a gear, if the vehicle speed 
and engine speed conditions permit.
Special aspects of manual mode
The gearbox only changes from one gear to 
another if the vehicle speed and engine speed 
conditions permit.
Regenerative braking (Brake function)
The regenerative braking function emulates 
engine braking, slowing the vehicle with no need 
to depress the brake pedal. When the driver 
releases the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slows 
down more quickly.
The energy recovered when the accelerator 
pedal is released is used to partially recharge the 
traction battery.
This partial recharging has no effect on  the charge level indicator.
The resulting deceleration of the vehicle does not cause the brake lamps to come 
on.
►
 
From
   mode D, press button B to activate/
deactivate the function.
D on the instrument panel is replaced with  B.
In some situations (e.g. battery full, 
extreme temperatures), the amount of 
regenerative braking may be temporarily 
limited, resulting in less deceleration.
The driver must remain alert to traffic 
conditions and must always be ready to use 
the brake pedal.
Regenerative braking using the brake 
pedal
Energy recovery can also be produced 
by depressing the brake pedal in order to 
partially recharge the traction battery, without 
affecting the charge level indicator.
Starting the vehicle
► Fully depress the brake pedal.
►  Start the engine.
►
 
With your foot on the brake pedal, push once 
or twice backwards to select automatic mode  D
, 
or forwards to shift into reverse gear  R.
►
 
Release the brake pedal.
►
 
Accelerate gradually to automatically release 
the electric parking brake.
The vehicle moves off immediately
.
Never try to start the engine by pushing 
the vehicle.
Switching the vehicle off
Regardless of the current gearbox mode, mode 
P is immediately engaged automatically when 
the ignition is switched off.
However, in mode N, mode P will be engaged 
after a delay of 5 seconds (time to enable free-
wheeling mode).
Check that mode  P has been engaged and 
that the electric parking brake was applied 
automatically; if not, apply it manually.
The corresponding indicator lamps on the  gear selector and the electric parking 
brake control must be on, as well as the 
indicator
  lamps on the instrument panel.   
Page 98 of 228

96
Driving
Gearbox malfunction
This warning lamp comes on, accompanied by an audible signal and 
the display of a message.
Visit a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Do not drive faster than 62
  mph (100   km/h), 
keeping to the speed limit.
Switching of the gearbox to back-up mode
Mode D locks in third gear.
The paddles on the steering wheel do not work 
and mode  M is no longer accessible.
You may feel a significant jolt on engaging 
reverse gear. This will not damage the gearbox.
Selector malfunction
Minor malfunction
This warning lamp comes on,  accompanied by the display of a message 
and an audible signal.
Drive carefully.
Visit a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
In some cases, the selector indicator lamps may 
no longer come on, but the gearbox state is still 
displayed on the instrument panel.
Major malfunction
This warning lamp comes on,  accompanied by the display of a 
message.
You must stop the vehicle.
Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and 
switch off the ignition.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified 
workshop.
Citroën Advanced 
Comfort active 
suspension
This suspension system with progressive  hydraulic cushions improves driving comfort by 
filtering out the imperfections and demands of 
the road surface.
Each shock absorber is equipped with a 
hydraulic compression stop (at the base) and a 
hydraulic rebound stop (at the top).
Depending on the intensity of the shock to be 
absorbed, these stops provide the vehicle with a 
greater freedom of movement or gradually slow 
down the amount of movement in order to avoid 
any sudden jolts at the end of travel.
Unlike conventional suspension which absorbs 
the energy but then partially returns some of 
it, this suspension absorbs and dissipates this 
energy, without producing any rebound.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, this warning 
lamp lights up on the instrument panel. Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Driving modes
The driving modes available depend on the 
engine and equipment of the vehicle.
Driving modes are selected using the following 
control:
 
 
 
 
► Press the control to display the modes on the 
instrument panel.
►
 
Press the control again to change mode.
When the message disappears, the selected 
mode is activated and remains indicated on the 
instrument panel (except  Normal
  mode).
The selected mode is activated immediately.
With petrol engine
Whenever the ignition is switched on, 
Normal   driving mode is selected by default.   
Page 100 of 228

98
Driving
Electric power is used to supplement the petrol 
engine as long as there is energy left in the 
battery.
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 and the  P indicator lamp 
in the electric parking brake control are on 
fixed.
The hill start assist function cannot be  deactivated. However, using the parking 
brake to immobilise the vehicle interrupts its 
operation.
Operation 
 
Facing uphill, with the vehicle stationary, 
the vehicle is held for a short time when the 
driver releases the brake pedal:
–
 
If mode 
 D or M is selected on an automatic 
gearbox.
 
 
Facing downhill, with the vehicle stationary 
and reverse gear engaged, the vehicle is held 
for a short time when the driver releases the 
brake pedal.
Malfunction
If the event of a malfunction, these 
warning lamps light up on the 
instrument panel, accompanied by the display of 
a message.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
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.
The system is only active in mode  M of 
the automatic gearbox.
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
 .   
Page 102 of 228

100
Driving
coming out of reverse gear or turning the 
steering wheel.
Restarting the engine (START mode)
The engine automatically restarts as soon as the 
driver indicates the intention of moving off again:
– 
With the selector in mode 
 D or M: with the 
brake pedal released.
–
 
With the selector in mode 
 N and the brake 
pedal released: when you place the gear 
selector in mode  D or M.
–
 
With the selector in mode 
 P and the brake 
pedal depressed: when you place the gear 
selector in mode  R, N, D or M.
–
 
With reverse gear engaged.
Special cases
The engine will restart automatically if the 
conditions for operation are met again and in the 
following case:
– 
Automatic gearbox in mode  N
, vehicle speed 
exceeds 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
In this case, this indicator lamp flashes for 
a few seconds, then goes off.
Malfunctions
In the event of a fault with the system, this 
warning lamp flashes for a few moments 
on the instrument panel, then remains on, 
accompanied by the display of a message.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
The vehicle stalls in STOP mode
All of the instrument panel warning lamps come 
on if there is a fault.
►
 
Switch off the ignition then start the engine 
again with the " ST
ART/STOP" button.
12 V battery
The Stop & Start system requires a 
12 V battery of specific technology and 
specification.
All work must be carried out only by a 
CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop
Tyre under-inflation  detection
This system alerts the driver when one or more 
tyres have a drop in pressure.
The alert is raised when the vehicle is moving, 
not when stationary.
It compares the information given by the wheel 
speed sensors with  reference values, which 
must be reinitialised every time the tyre 
pressures are adjusted or a wheel changed.
It takes the last values 
  
stored during 
the
  reinitialisation   request into account. It is 
therefore essential that the tyre pressure is 
correct during the operation. This operation is 
the driver’s responsibility.
The tyre under-inflation detection cannot,  in any circumstances, replace the need 
for vigilance on the part of the driver.
This system does not avoid the need to 
regularly check the tyre pressures (including 
the spare wheel), especially before a long 
journey.
Driving with under-inflated tyres, particularly 
in adverse conditions (heavy load, high 
speed, long journey):
–
 
worsens road-holding.
–
 
lengthens braking distances.
–
 
causes premature wear of the tyres.
–
 
increases energy consumption.
The inflation pressures defined for the  vehicle can be found on the tyre pressure 
label.
For more information on the  Identification 
markings, refer to the corresponding section.
Checking tyre pressures
This check should be done monthly 
when the tyres are "cold" (vehicle stopped for 
1 hour or after a journey of less than 6 miles 
(10
 
km) at moderate speeds).
Otherwise, add 0.3 bar to the pressures 
shown on the label.   
Page 111 of 228

109
Driving
6Off
► Press 1-LIMIT: the speed limiter information 
display disappears.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, dashes are 
displayed flashing and then fixed (orange) 
instead of the speed setting.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Cruise control - Specific 
recommendations
The cruise control function does not  guarantee compliance with the maximum 
authorised speed and the safety distance 
between vehicles, the driver remains 
responsible for their driving.
In the interest of public safety, only use cruise 
control if the traffic conditions enable vehicles 
to drive at a steady speed and maintain an 
adequate safety distance.
Remain vigilant while cruise control is 
activated. If you press and hold one of the 
speed setting modification buttons, your 
vehicle may change speed very abruptly.
When descending a steep hill , the cruise 
control system cannot prevent the vehicle 
from exceeding the set speed. Brake if 
necessary to control the vehicle speed.
On steep climbs or when towing, the set 
speed may not be reached or maintained.
Exceeding the programmed speed 
setting
You can temporarily exceed the speed 
setting by pressing the accelerator pedal (the 
programmed speed flashes).
To return to the speed setting, release the 
accelerator pedal (when the set speed is 
reached again, the displayed speed stops 
flashing).
Operating limits
Never use the system in the following 
situations:
–
 
In an urban area with the risk of 
pedestrians crossing the road.
–
 
In heavy traffic (except versions with the 
Stop & Go function).
–
 
On winding or steep roads.
–
 
On slippery or flooded roads.
–
 
In poor weather conditions.
–
 
In the event of restricted visibility for the 
driver
.
–
 
Driving on a speed circuit.
–
 
Driving on a rolling road.
–
 
When using a ‘space-saver
 ’ type spare 
wheel.
–
 
When using snow chains, non-slip covers 
or studded tyres.
Cruise control
For more information, refer to the 
General recommendations on the use 
of driving and manoeuvring aids  and 
to
 
Cruise control - particular 
recommendations.
This system automatically maintains the  vehicle’s speed at the value programmed 
by the driver (speed setting), without the use of 
the accelerator pedal.
Cruise control is switched on manually.
It requires a minimum vehicle speed of 25 mph 
(40
 
km/h).
With an automatic gearbox, mode
 
D
  or second 
gear or higher in mode
 
M
  must be engaged.
Cruise control remains active after 
changing gear on engines fitted with Stop 
& Start.
Switching off the ignition cancels any 
speed setting.   
Page 127 of 228

125
Driving
6Deactivation/Activation
By default, the system is automatically activated 
at every engine start.
It is configured in the ADAS touch screen 
application.
Deactivation of the system is signalled by 
the illumination of this warning lamp, 
accompanied by the display of a message.
Operating conditions and 
limits
Vehicle moving forward without trailer.
Brake system operational.
ASR / ESP system activated.
Seat belts fastened for all passengers.
Stabilised speed on roads with no or low 
curvature.
This warning lamp lights up on the  instrument panel without any additional 
message, to indicate that the “automatic braking 
system” is not available. This is a normal 
behavior indicating that a condition is not fulfilled 
and which does not request the support of a 
workshop. 
In any situations with ignition on where automatic 
braking presents a risk, deactivating the 
system via ADAS touch screen application is 
recommended, for instance:
–
 
T
owing a trailer (particularly a trailer without its 
own braking system).
–
 
Carrying long objects on roof bars.
–
 
Driving with snow chains.
– Using an automatic car wash.
–  Performing any maintenance (e.g. changing a 
wheel, working underhood).
–
 
Placing the vehicle on a rolling bench in a 
workshop.
–
 
T
 owing the vehicle.
–
 
Following a front bumper deformation (version 
with radar).
–
 
Following 
 an impact to the windscreen close to 
the detection camera.
The system is automatically deactivated  if:
–
 
A
 spare wheel with a too small diameter is 
detected.
–
 
A
 fault with the brake pedal switch or with 
the right or left brake lamp is detected.
–
 
A
 fault in the sensors, in the electronic or in 
the brake system is detected.
–
 
A
 trailer is detected by the equipped vehicle 
hitch (with an electrical connection plug).
The system diagnoses permanently its  capability and may inhibit itself without 
specific driver indication, if the system is 
outside of the regular operating conditions. 
Examples: sensor initialization, board voltage 
out of regular range, activation of stability 
system… 
Therefore the system may not be available 
just after starting the vehicle. 
It can be dangerous to drive if the brake 
lamps are not in perfect working order.
The driver must not load his vehicle  excessively (respect of MTAC values, 
MTRA values and loading height on roof 
bars).
Following an impact (e.g. a collision), the 
system is automatically deactivated.
Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a 
qualified workshop.
Collision Risk Alert
This function warns the driver if there is a risk 
of collision with the preceding vehicle, or with a 
pedestrian or cyclist.
Modifying the alert trigger threshold
The trigger threshold determines the sensitivity 
with which the function warns of the risk of 
collision.
It is configured in the ADAS touch screen 
application.
►
 
Select one of the 3 preset thresholds: “ Far
”, 
“Medium” or “Near”.
The selected threshold is memorised when the 
ignition is switched off.
Operation
Depending on the collision risk detected by the 
system and the alert trigger threshold chosen