towing CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS 2022 Handbook (in English)

97
Driving
6Driving recommendations
► Observe the driving regulations and remain
vigilant whatever the traffic conditions.
►

Monitor your environment and keep your
hands on the wheel to be able to react to
anything that may happen any time.
►


Drive smoothly
, anticipate the need for
braking and maintain a longer safety distance,
especially in bad weather.
►

Stop the vehicle to carry out operations that
require close attention (such as adjustments).
►


During long trips, take a break every two
hours.
Important!
Never leave the engine running in a
closed space without sufficient
ventilation. Internal combustion engines emit
toxic exhaust gases such as carbon
monoxide. Danger of poisoning and death!
In 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 leave a vehicle unattended with
the engine running. If you have to leave
your vehicle with the engine running, apply
the parking brake and put the gearbox into
neutral or position N or P (depending on the
type of gearbox).
Never leave children inside the vehicle
unsupervised.
On flooded roads
We strongly advise against driving on flooded
roads, as this could cause serious damage to
the internal combustion engine or electric motor,
the gearbox and the electrical systems of the
vehicle.


If you are obliged to drive on a flooded road:
► Check that the depth of water does not
exceed 15 cm, taking account of waves that
might be generated by other users.
►

Deactivate the Stop & Start function.
►


Drive as slowly as possible without stalling. In
all cases, do not exceed 6 mph (10

km/h).
►

Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.
On leaving the flooded road, as soon as safety
conditions allow

, make several light brake
applications to dry the brake discs and pads.
If in doubt about the state of your vehicle,
contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.
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).

98
Driving
automatically to preserve the remaining battery
charge.
Switching off the engine leads to a loss
of braking assistance.
Starting the engine
Parking brake applied:
► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral then depress the clutch pedal fully.
► With an automatic gearbox, place the gear
selector in mode N or P then depress the brake
pedal fully.
► 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,
pre-heating the catalytic converter can
cause clearly-felt engine vibrations when
stationary, with the engine running, for
anything up to two minutes (accelerated idle
speed).
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.
In all cases, pay attention to the coolant
temperature.
If this warning lamp and the STOP
warning lamp come on, stop the
vehicle and switch off the engine as soon as
possible.
Brakes
Braking distances are increased when towing a
trailer. To avoid overheating the brakes, the use
of engine braking is recommended.
Side wind
Bear in mind that the vehicle will be more
susceptible to wind when towing.
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The keys include an electronic engine
immobiliser system, which secret code must be
recognised in order for starting to be possible.
If the system malfunctions, indicated by the
display of a message, the engine will not start.
Contact the CITROËN dealer.
Starting / Switching off the
engine with the key
Key ignition switch

It has 3 positions:
– position 1 (Stop): inserting and removing the
key, steering column locked.
–
position 2 (Ignition on) : steering column
unlocked, ignition on, Diesel preheating, engine
running,
–
position 3 (Starting).
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key
or the remote control, which would weigh
down on its blade 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

102
Driving
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
With a manual gearbox, turn the wheels
toward the pavement and engage a gear.
With an automatic gearbox, turn the wheels
toward the pavement and select mode P.
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:
► Depress the brake pedal.
► While maintaining pressure on the brake
pedal, briefly push the control lever.
If you push the control lever without
pressing the brake pedal, the parking
brake is not released and a message is
displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
► Pull briefly on the control lever.
The control lever indicator lamp flashes to
confirm the application request.
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. On certain versions with automatic gearbox
(EAT6 / EAT8), the steering column does not
lock.
Electric parking brake
In automatic mode, this system applies the
parking brake when the engine is switched off
and releases it when the vehicle moves off.




At any time, with the engine running:
► to apply the parking brake, briefly
pull the
control lever;
►

to release it, briefly
push the control lever
while pressing the brake pedal.
Automatic mode is activated by default.
Indicator lamp
This indicator lamp comes on on the instrument panel and on the control lever
to confirm the application of the parking brake,
accompanied by the display of the message
"Parking brake applied".
The indicator lamp goes out to confirm the
release of the parking brake, accompanied
by the display of the message "Parking brake
released".
The indicator lamp flashes in response to a
manual request to apply or release the brake.
In the event of a battery failure, the
electric parking brake will not operate.
As a safety measure, with a manual gearbox,
if the parking brake is not applied, immobilise
the vehicle by engaging a gear.
As a safety measure, with an automatic
gearbox, if the parking brake is not applied,
immobilise the vehicle by placing the supplied
chocks against one of the wheels.
Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified
workshop.


Before leaving the vehicle, check that the
parking brake is applied: the indicator
lamps on the instrument panel and the control
lever 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.

103
Driving
6Never 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
With a manual gearbox, turn the wheels
toward the pavement and engage a gear.
With an automatic gearbox, turn the wheels
toward the pavement and select mode

P
.
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:
► Depress the brake pedal.
►

While maintaining pressure on the brake
pedal, briefly push the control lever

.
If you push the control lever without
pressing the brake pedal, the parking
brake is not released and a message is
displayed.
Manual application
With the vehicle stationary:
► Pull briefly on the control lever .
The control lever indicator lamp flashes to
confirm the application request.
Automatic operation
Automatic release
First ensure that the engine is running and the
driver's door is properly closed.
The electric parking brake gradually releases
automatically as the vehicle moves off.
With a manual gearbox
►

Fully depress the clutch pedal and engage
first gear or reverse.
►


Depress the accelerator pedal and release
the clutch pedal.
W

ith an automatic gearbox
►

Depress the brake pedal.
►


Select mode
D, M or R.
►

Release the brake pedal and depress the
accelerator pedal.
With an automatic gearbox, if the brake
does not release automatically, check
that the front doors are correctly 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 automatically applied when the engine is
switched off .
It is not applied automatically if the
engine stalls or enters STOP mode
of

Stop & Start.
With automatic operation, it is also
possible to manually apply or release the
parking brake using the control lever.
Special cases
Immobilising the vehicle with the
engine running
To immobilise the vehicle with the engine
running, briefly pull the control lever.
Parking the vehicle with the brake
released
In very cold conditions (ice), applying the
parking brake is not recommended.
To immobilise the vehicle, engage a gear or
place the chocks against one of the wheels.
With an automatic gearbox, mode P is
automatically selected when the ignition
is switched off. The wheels are blocked.
For more information on Free-wheeling, refer
to the corresponding section.
With an automatic gearbox, while mode
N is selected, opening the driver’s door

104
Driving
EAT6 automatic gearbox
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. Park
– Vehicle immobilised, parking brake
applied or released.
– Engine starting.
R. Reverse
– Reversing manoeuvres, vehicle
stationary, engine at idle.
triggers an audible signal. It stops when the
driver's door closes again.
Deactivating automatic
operation
In some situations, for example when it is
extremely cold or when towing (e.g. caravan,
breakdown), it may be necessary to deactivate
automatic operation of the system.
►

Start the engine.
►


Use the control lever to apply the parking
brake, if it is released.
►


T
ake your foot fully off the brake pedal.
►

Hold the control lever pressed in the release
direction for between 10 and a maximum of 15
seconds.
►


Release the control lever
.
►

Depress and hold the brake pedal.
►


Pull the control lever in the application
direction for 2

seconds.
This indicator lamp on the instrument panel comes on to confirm deactivation of
the automatic functions.
►

Release the control lever and the brake
pedal.
From now on, the parking brake can only be
applied and released manually using the control
lever

.
Repeat this procedure to reactivate automatic
operation (confirmed by the indicator lamp on the
instrument panel going off).
Emergency braking
In the event of a fault with the brake pedal or
in an exceptional situation (e.g. driver taken ill,
driver under instruction), a continuous pull on the
electric parking brake control lever will brake the
vehicle. Braking continues while the control lever
is pulled, and ceases when the control lever is
released.
The ABS and DSC systems stabilise the vehicle
during emergency braking.
If emergency braking malfunctions, the message
"Parking brake control faulty" will be displayed
on the instrument panel.
If the ABS and DSC systems
malfunction, indicated by lighting
one or both warning lamps on the instrument
panel, the vehicle’s stability is no longer ensured.
In this event, the driver must keep the vehicle
stable by successively pulling and releasing the
control lever, repeating the operation until the
vehicle has stopped.
6-speed manual gearbox
Engaging reverse gear

► Raise the trigger 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 of the engine, always select
neutral and depress the clutch pedal.
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).

109
Driving
6From neutral N:
► Fully depress the brake pedal.
►

Start the engine.
►


Maintaining pressure on the brake pedal,
push rearwards to select the automatic mode


D
,
or forwards, while pressing the Unlock
button to
engage reverse

R
.
Then, from
D or R:
►

Release the brake pedal.
►


Accelerate gradually to automatically release
the electric parking brake.
The vehicle moves off immediately

.
With an automatic gearbox, never try to
start the engine by pushing the vehicle.
Stopping the vehicle
Whatever the state of the gearbox, when the
ignition is switched off, mode P is engaged
automatically and immediately.
However, in mode N, mode P will be engaged
after a delay of 5 seconds (allowing for the
process of putting the vehicle into 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 in the selector and the electric parking brake
control lever must be on, as well as those in the
instrument panel.
Operating faults
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.
The gearbox switches to back-up mode: mode

D

is locked in third gear, the steering-mounted
control paddles are inoperative, mode

M
is no
longer available. 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 cautiously and visit a CITROËN dealer or a
qualified workshop.
In certain 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.
Stop as soon as it is safe to do so, away
from traffic, and call a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
e-EAT8 electric automatic
gearbox (Rechargeable
hybrid)
Automatic 8-speed gearbox with a push selector and regenerative braking function.
With the exception of manual mode and
regenerative braking, the operation is identical to
that of other EAT8 gearboxes.
For more information on the Operation or the
Malfunctions of the EAT8 gearbox, refer to the
corresponding sections.
Gearbox selector positions
P. Car park
For parking the vehicle: the front wheels
are blocked.
R. Reverse gear
N. Neutral
For moving the vehicle with the ignition
off: in certain car washing machines,
when towing the vehicle, etc.

11 9
Driving
6Speed Limit Recognition
and Recommendation
Refer to the General recommendations on the
use of driving and manoeuvring aids.


This system displays the maximum authorised
speed in the instrument panel, according to
the speed limits in the country in which you are
driving, using:
–

Speed limit signs detected by the camera.
–


Speed limit details from the navigation system
mapping.
Navigation mapping should be regularly
updated in order to receive accurate
speed limit information from the system.
–

Signs indicating an intersection area detected
by the camera.
Sign detected Suggested speed (calculated)
Entry into an
intersection area Example:


Without CITROËN
Connect Nav
10 mph or 20
km/h
(depending on
the units of the
instrument panel) With CITROËN Connect NavDisplay of the
speed in force in the
country in which you are driving.
–

Certain qualifier plates are detected by the
camera.
Qualifier plate detected Display of the
speed associated with the qualifier plate
Speed limit in rain Examples:


If the wiper control stalk is in the
"intermittent wipe"
or "automatic wipe" position (in order
to activate the rain sensor):
68 mph (110
km/h)
(for example)
Qualifier plate detected Display of the
speed associated with the qualifier plate
Speed limit if towing


If an approved towing device is fixed to the vehicle:
56 mph (90
km/h)
(for example)
Speed limit
applicable over a certain distance Example:


43 mph (70 km/h)
(for example)
Speed limit for
vehicles whose gross vehicle
weight or gross
train weight is less than 3.5 tonnes


56 mph (90 km/h)
(for example)
Speed limit in snow Example:


If the exterior
temperature is below 3°C:
19 mph (30
km/h)
(for example)
with a "snowflake" symbol

120
Driving
– Road signs that are obstructed, non-standard,
damaged or bent.
– Obsolete or incorrect maps.
Recommendation

In addition to Speed Limit Recognition and
Recommendation, the driver can select the
speed displayed as a speed setting for the speed
limiter or cruise control using the speed limiter or
cruise control 'store' button.
For more information on the Speed
limiter, Cruise control or Adaptive
cruise control, refer to the corresponding
sections.
Steering-mounted controls
1. Speed limiter/cruise control mode selection
2. Memorise the speed setting
Qualifier plate
detected Display of the
speed associated with the qualifier plate
Speed limit at certain times Example:


19 mph (30 km/h)
(for example)
with a "clock" symbol
The units for the speed limit (mph or km/h) depend on the country you are
driving in.
This should be taken into account so that you
observe the speed limit.
For the system to work correctly when
changing country, the speed unit in the
instrument panel must correspond to that of
the country you are driving in.
The automatic reading of road signs is a driving aid system and does not always
display speed limits correctly.
The speed limit signs present on the road
always take priority over the display by the
system.
The system is designed to detect signs that
conform to the Vienna Convention on road
signs.
Specific speed limits, such as those for
heavy goods vehicles, are not displayed.
The display of the speed limit in the
instrument panel is updated when passing
a speed limit sign intended for cars (light
vehicles).
Activation / Deactivation
By default, the system is automatically activated
at every engine start.
It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch
screen menu.
Information displayed on
the instrument panel




1. Detected speed limit indication
or
2. End of speed limit indication


The system is active but is not detecting speed
limit information.


On detecting speed limit information, the system
displays the value.


For a suggested maximum speed, the first time
that the vehicle exceeds it
by more than 3 mph
(5
km/h) (e.g. 59 mph (95 km/h)), the speed is
displayed and flashes for 10 seconds (depending
on version).
Operating limits
The system does not take account of reduced
speed limits, especially those imposed in the
following cases:
–

Poor weather (rain, snow).
–


Atmospheric pollution.
–

Towing.
–

Driving with a space-saver type spare wheel
or snow chains fitted.
–


T
yre repaired using the temporary puncture
repair kit.
–

Y
oung drivers.
The system may not display the speed limit if it
does not detect a speed limit sign within a preset
period and in the following situations:

123
Driving
6and Recommendation, as shown on the
instrument panel:
►
Press button
5 once; a message is displayed
to confirm the memorisation request.
►

Press button
5 again to save the suggested
speed.
The speed is immediately shown on the
instrument panel as the new speed setting.
Temporarily exceeding the
speed setting
► Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The speed limiter is deactivated temporarily and
the displayed speed setting flashes.
►

Release the accelerator pedal to return to
below the programmed speed.
When the limit speed is exceeded other than
as a result of action by the driver (on a steep
slope, for example), an audible signal triggers
immediately

.
On a steep descent or in the event of
sharp acceleration, the speed limiter will
not be able to prevent the vehicle from
exceeding the speed setting.
If necessary, use the brakes to control the
speed of your vehicle.
Once the speed of the vehicle returns to the
speed setting, the speed limiter resumes
operation: the display of the speed setting
becomes fixed again.
Switching off
► Turn the thumbwheel 1 to the "0" position:
the display of information on the speed limiter
disappears.
Malfunction

Dashes are displayed (flashing, initially, then
fixed) in the event of a speed limiter malfunction.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.
Cruise control - particular
recommendations
For the safety of everyone, only use the
cruise control where the driving
conditions allow running at a constant speed
and keeping an adequate safety distance.
Remain vigilant when the cruise control
is activated. If you hold one of the speed
setting modification buttons down, a very
rapid change in the speed of your vehicle may
occur.
When descending a steep hill , the cruise
control system cannot prevent the vehicle
from exceeding the set speed. Brake if
necessary to control the speed of your
vehicle.
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.
–


Driving on a speed circuit.
–


Driving on a rolling road.
–


When using snow chains, non-slip covers
or studded tyres.

129
Driving
6When moving off again, watch out for
cyclists, pedestrians and animals, as
they may not be detected properly.
Operating limits
Cruise control operates by day and night, in fog
or moderate rainfall.
Certain situations cannot be managed by the
system and require driver intervention.
Cases of non-detection by the system:
–

Pedestrians, some cyclists, animals.
–


Stationary vehicles (traffic jam, breakdown,
etc.).


– Vehicles crossing your lane.
– V ehicles driving in the opposite direction.
Situations in which the driver must pause the
cruise control system:


– Vehicles in a tight bend.
– When approaching a roundabout.

– When following a narrow vehicle.
Reactivate cruise control when conditions permit.
Situations in which the driver is prompted to
immediately resume control:
–

Excessively sharp deceleration by the vehicle
in front of you.


– When a vehicle cuts in sharply between your
vehicle and the one in front.
Pay particular attention:
– When motorcycles are present and
when there are vehicles staggered across the
traffic lane.
–

When entering a tunnel or crossing a
bridge.
If any of the following malfunctions
occurs, do not use the system:
–

Following an impact on the windscreen
close to the camera or on the front bumper
(versions with radar).
–


Brake lamps not working.
If the vehicle has undergone any of the
following modifications, do not use the
system:
–

Carrying long objects on roof bars.
–


Towing.
–

Use of the "space-saver" type spare wheel
(depending on version).
–


Front end of the vehicle modified (for
example by adding long-range headlamps or
painting the front bumper).
Malfunction
If the cruise control malfunctions,
dashes are displayed instead of
the cruise control speed setting.
If this warning lamp comes on,
accompanied by an alert message and an
audible signal, this confirms the malfunction.
Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer
or a qualified workshop.