Citroën C5 Aircross (2022 year). Manual in english - page 6

82

Safety

It comes on in red on both the instrument panel 

and the front passenger airbag and seat belts 

warning lamps display, once the system detects 

that a seat belt is not fastened or has been 

unfastened.

Seat belts not fastened/unfastened 

identification indicator lamp

The red indicator lamps on the display indicate 

the location of the seat belts which are not 

fastened or have been unfastened.

Not fastened at the front

When the ignition is switched on, the warning 

lamp and the corresponding indicator lamps light 

up if the driver and/or the front passenger have 

not fastened their seat belts.

At a speed greater than 12 mph (20 km/h), 

these warning lamps flash, accompanied by an 

increasing audible signal for approximately two 

minutes. After two minutes, these warning lamps 

remain on as long as the front seatbelts are not 

fastened.

Not fastened at the rear

When the ignition is switched on and with the 

engine running or the vehicle moving at a speed 

below 12 mph (20 km/h), the warning lamp and 

the corresponding indicator lamps light up for 

1 minute, if one or more rear seat belts are not 

fastened.

Unfastened

After the ignition is switched on, the warning 

lamp and the corresponding indicator lamps light 

up if the driver and/or one or more passengers 

unfasten their seat belts.

At a speed greater than 12 mph (20 km/h), these 

warning lamps flash, accompanied by an audible 

signal for approximately two minutes. After this 

time, these warning lamps remain on as long as 

the seatbelts are not refastened.

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 invert the seat belt buckles, as they 

will not fulfil their role properly.

To ensure the proper functioning of the belt 

buckles, make sure that there are no foreign 

bodies present (e.g. a coin) before fastening.

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 over the pelvis.

The upper part must be positioned in the 

hollow of the shoulder.

At the front, adjusting the position of the 

seat belt may require the seat height to be 

adjusted.

In order to be effective, a seat belt must:

–  be tightened as close to the body as 

possible.

–  be pulled in front of you with a smooth 

movement, checking that it is not twisted.

–  must only be used to secure one person.

–  not show signs of tearing or fraying.

–  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 1.5 

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 work on your vehicle's 

seat belts, contact 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, 

83

Safety

5

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

This system is designed to improve the safety 

of the occupants of 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.

* For more information on Deactivating the front passenger airbag, refer to the corresponding section.

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 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.

Front airbags

 

 

System that protects the driver and front 

passenger in the event of a serious front impact, 

limiting the risk of head and chest injury.

The driver's airbag is fitted in the centre of the 

steering wheel; the front passenger airbag is 

fitted in the dashboard above the glove box.

The front airbags are adaptive. In 

particular, they inflate less firmly in the 

presence of a smaller occupant, with the seat 

set in a forward longitudinal position.

Deployment

They deploy, except the front passenger airbag 

if it is deactivated*, in the event of a serious front 

impact to all or part of the front impact zone 

A

.

The front airbag inflates between the thorax and 

head of the front occupant of the vehicle and the 

84

Safety

steering wheel, driver's side, and the dashboard, 

passenger's side, to cushion their forward 

movement.

Lateral airbags

At the front

 

 

This system protects the driver and front 

passenger in the event of a serious side impact, 

limiting the risk of injury to the chest, between 

the hip and the shoulder.

Each lateral airbag is fitted in the seat backrest 

frame, on the door side.

Deployment

The lateral airbags are deployed on one side in 

the event of a serious side impact applied to all 

or part of the side impact zone 

B

.

The lateral airbag inflates between the hip and 

shoulder of the vehicle's occupant and the 

corresponding door panel.

Curtain airbags

System contributing towards greater protection 

for the driver and passengers (with the exception 

of the rear centre passenger) in the event of a 

serious side impact in order to limit the risk of 

injury to the side of the head.

Each curtain airbag is built into the pillars and 

the upper passenger compartment area.

Deployment

It deploys simultaneously with the corresponding 

lateral airbag in the event of a serious side 

impact applied to all or part of the side impact 

zone 

B

.

The curtain airbag inflates between the front 

and rear occupants of the vehicle and the 

corresponding windows.

Malfunction

If this warning lamp comes on in the 

instrument panel, you must contact a 

CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop to have 

the system checked.

The airbags may not be deployed in the event of 

a serious impact.

In the event of a minor impact or bump at 

the side of the vehicle or if the vehicle 

rolls over, the airbags may not be deployed.

In the event of a rear or front collision, none of 

the lateral airbags are deployed.

Advice

For the airbags to be fully effective, 

observe the safety recommendations 

below.

Adopt a normal and upright sitting position.

Fasten your seat belt and position it correctly.

Do not place anything between the occupants 

and the airbags (e.g. child, animal, object), do 

not fix or attach anything near or in the path of 

the airbags, as this could cause injuries when 

they are deployed.

Never modify the original definition of the 

vehicle, particularly in the area directly around 

the airbags.

Even if all of the precautions mentioned are 

observed, a risk of injury or of minor burns to 

the head, chest or arms cannot be ruled out 

when an airbag is deployed. The bag inflates 

almost instantly (within a few milliseconds) 

then deflates within the same time, 

discharging the hot gas via openings provided 

for this purpose.

After an accident or if the vehicle has been 

stolen, have the airbag systems checked.

All work must be carried out only by a 

CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop

Front airbags

Do not drive holding the steering wheel 

by its spokes or resting your hands on the 

centre part of the wheel.

85

Safety

5

Passengers must not place their feet on the 

dashboard.

Do not smoke as deployment of the airbags 

can cause burns or the risk of injury from a 

cigarette or pipe.

Never remove or pierce the steering wheel or 

hit it violently.

Do not fix or attach anything to the steering 

wheel or dashboard, as this could cause 

injuries when the airbags are deployed.

Lateral airbags

Use only approved seat covers 

compatible with the deployment of these 

airbags. For information on the range of seat 

covers suitable for your vehicle, contact a 

CITROËN dealer.

Do not fix or attach anything to the seat 

backrests (e.g. clothing) as this could cause 

injuries to the chest or arm when the airbag is 

deployed.

Do not sit with the upper part of the body any 

nearer to the door than necessary.

The vehicle's front door panels include side 

impact sensors.

A damaged door or any unauthorised or 

incorrectly executed work (modification or 

repair) on the front doors or their interior trim 

could compromise the operation of these 

sensors - risk of malfunction of the lateral 

airbags!

All work must be carried out only by a 

CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop

Curtain airbags

Do not fix or attach anything to the roof, 

as this could cause head injuries when the 

curtain airbag is deployed.

Do not remove the grab handles installed on 

the roof.

Child seats

The legislation on carrying children is 

specific to each country. Refer to the 

legislation in force in your country.

For maximum safety, please observe the 

following recommendations:

–  In accordance with European regulations, 

all 

children under the age of 12 or less than one 

and a half metres tall must travel in approved 

child seats suited to their weight

, on seats 

fitted with a seat belt or ISOFIX mountings.

– 

Statistically, the safest seats in your 

vehicle for carrying children are the rear 

seats.

– 

A child weighing less than 9 kg must travel 

in the "rearward facing" position both in the 

front and in the rear.

It is recommended

 that children travel 

on the 

rear seats

 of the vehicle:

– "

rearward facing

" up to the age of 3,

– "

forward facing

" over the age of 3.

Make sure that the seat belt is correctly 

positioned and tightened.

For child seats with a support leg, ensure that 

the support leg is in firm and steady contact 

with the floor.

An incorrectly installed child seat in a 

vehicle compromises the child's safety in 

the event of an accident.

Ensure that there is no seat belt or seat belt 

buckle under the child seat, as this could 

destabilise it.

Remember to fasten the seat belts or the 

child seat harness keeping the slack relative 

to the child's body to a minimum, even for 

short journeys.

When installing a child seat using the seat 

belt, ensure that the seat belt is tightened 

correctly on the child seat and that it secures 

the child seat firmly on the vehicle seat. If 

the passenger seat is adjustable, move it 

forwards if necessary.

Remove the head restraint before 

installing a child seat with a backrest on a 

passenger seat.

Ensure that the head restraint is stored or 

attached securely to prevent it from being 

thrown around the vehicle in the event of 

sharp braking. Refit the head restraint once 

the child seat has been removed.

86

Safety

Children at the rear

A child seat with ISOFIX or i-Size 

mountings must never be installed on the 

centre rear passenger seat.

Installing a booster seat

The chest part of the seat belt must be 

positioned on the child's shoulder without 

touching the neck.

Ensure that the lap part of the seat belt 

passes correctly over the child's thighs.

Use a booster seat with a backrest, equipped 

with a belt guide at shoulder level.

Additional protections

To prevent accidental opening of the 

doors and rear windows, use the "Child lock".

Take care not to open the rear windows by 

more than one third.

To protect young children from the sun's rays, 

fit side blinds on the rear windows.

As a safety measure, do not leave:

–  A child alone and unsupervised inside a 

vehicle.

–  A child or an animal in a vehicle which is 

exposed to the sun, with the windows closed.

–  The keys within reach of children inside the 

vehicle.

Child seat at the rear

Forward-facing or rearward-facing

 

 

 

 

►  Move the vehicle's front seat forward and 

straighten the backrest so that the legs of the 

child in the forward-facing or rearward-facing 

child seat itself do not touch the vehicle's front 

seat.

►  Check that the backrest of the forward-facing 

child seat is as close as possible to the backrest 

of the vehicle's rear seat, and ideally in contact 

with it.

Centre rear seat

A child seat with a support leg must never be 

installed on the 

centre rear passenger seat

.

Child seat at the front

 

 

►  Adjust the front passenger seat to the 

highest

 and 

fully back longitudinal position

, 

with the backrest straightened

.

"Forward facing"

 

 

You must leave the front passenger 

airbag active.

"Rearward facing"

 

 

87

Safety

5

The front passenger airbag must be 

deactivated before installing a rearward 

facing child seat. Otherwise, 

the child risks 

being seriously injured or killed if the 

airbag is deployed

.

 

 

Warning label - Front passenger airbag

 

 

You must comply with the following instruction, 

as reminded by the warning label on both sides 

of the passenger sun visor:

NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint 

on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in 

front of it, DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the 

CHILD can occur.

Deactivating the front 

passenger airbag

 

 

Passenger airbag OFF

To ensure the safety of the child, the front 

passenger airbag MUST be deactivated 

when a "rearward facing" child seat is 

installed on the front passenger seat. 

Otherwise, the child risks being seriously 

injured or killed in the event of deployment of 

the airbag.

Vehicles not equipped with a 

deactivation/reactivation control

Installing a "rearward facing" child seat on 

the front passenger seat is strictly prohibited 

- risk of death or serious injury in the event of 

airbag deployment!

Deactivating/Reactivating the front 

passenger airbag

For vehicles on which it is fitted, the switch is 

located inside the glove box.

 

 

With the ignition off:

►  To deactivate the airbag, turn the key in the 

switch to the "

OFF

" position. 

►  To reactivate it, turn the key to the "

ON

" 

position.

When the ignition is switched on:

This warning lamp comes on and remains 

lit to signal deactivation.

Or

This warning lamp comes on for about 1 

minute to signal activation.

Recommended child seats

Range of child seats secured using a 

three-

point seat belt

.

88

Safety

Group 0+: from birth to 13 kg

 

 

L1

"RÖMER Baby-Safe"

Installed in the "rearward facing" position.

Groups 2 and 3: from 15 to 36 kg

 

 

L5

"RÖMER KIDFIX 2R"

Can be fitted to the vehicle's ISOFIX 

mountings.

The child is restrained by the seat belt.

A version with a removable backrest may be 

used for children weighing more than 25 kg. 

However, for better protection, use a booster 

seat with backrest for all children weighing up 

to 36 kg.

"ISOFIX" mountings

The seats shown below are fitted with ISOFIX 

compliant mountings:

 

 

*

 Depending on country of sale.

The mountings comprise three rings for each 

seat, indicated by a marking:

–  Two rings 

A

, located between the vehicle seat 

backrest and cushion.

 

 

The 2 latches on 

ISOFIX child seats

 are 

secured to them.

–  One ring 

B

, located behind the seat, called the 

TOP TETHER

, for attaching seats fitted with an 

upper strap.

 

 

Front seat

 

 

Rear seats

This system prevents the child seat from tipping 

forwards in the event of a front impact.

This ISOFIX mounting system provides fast, 

reliable and safe fitting of the child seat in the 

vehicle.

To secure the child seat to the 

TOP TETHER

:

►  Remove and stow the head restraint before 

installing the child seat on this seat (refit it once 

the child seat has been removed).

89

Safety

5

►  Pass the strap of the child seat behind the 

seat backrest, centring it between the openings 

for the head restraint rods.

►  Secure the upper strap hook to ring 

B

.

►  Tighten the upper strap.

When fitting an ISOFIX child seat to the 

left-hand rear seat of the bench seat, 

before fitting the seat, first move the centre 

rear seat belt towards the middle of the 

vehicle, so as to avoid the seat interfering 

with the operation of the seat belt.

An incorrectly installed child seat in a 

vehicle compromises the child's safety in 

the event of an accident.

Strictly observe the fitting instructions 

provided in the user guide supplied with the 

child seat.

For information about the options for 

fitting ISOFIX child seats in your vehicle, 

refer to the summary table.

Recommended ISOFIX child seats

Also consult the user guide from the child 

seat’s manufacturer to find out how to 

install and remove the seat.

"RÖMER Baby-Safe and its ISOFIX base"

(size category: 

E

)

Group 0+: from birth to 13 kg

 

 

Installed "rearward facing" using an ISOFIX 

base which is attached to rings 

A

.

Only suitable for installation on the front 

passenger seat or the outer rear seats.

The base has a support leg, height-

adjustable, which rests on the vehicle's floor.

This child seat can also be secured with a 

seat belt. In this case, only the shell is used 

and attached to the vehicle seat using the 

three-point seat belt.

"

RÖMER Duo Plus ISOFIX

"

(size category: 

B1

)

Group 1: from 9 to 18 kg

 

 

"

RÖMER Duo Plus ISOFIX

"

(size category: 

B1

)

Group 1: from 9 to 18 kg

Suitable for forward-facing installation only.

Attached to rings 

A

 and ring 

B

, referred to as 

TOP TETHER, using an upper strap.

Only suitable for installation on the front 

passenger seat or the outer rear seats. The 

head restraint on the rear side seat must be 

raised to the maximum.

Three seat body angles: sitting, reclining, 

lying down.

This child seat can also be used in seat 

positions not equipped with ISOFIX 

mountings. In this case, it must be secured to 

the vehicle's seat by the three-point seat belt. 

Adjust the front seat of the vehicle so that the 

child's feet do not touch the backrest.

i-Size child seats

i-Size child seats have two latches that are 

anchored to the two rings 

A

.

These i-Size child seats also have:

–  either an upper strap that is attached to ring 

B

.

–  or a support leg that rests on the vehicle 

floor, compatible with the approved i-Size seat 

position.

Their role is to prevent the child seat from tipping 

forward in the event of a collision.

For more information on the 

ISOFIX mountings

, 

refer to the corresponding section.

90

Safety

Installing universal, ISOFIX and i-Size child seats

In compliance with European regulations, this table indicates the possibilities for installing child seats secured using the seat belt and universally approved 

(a)

 as well as the largest 

ISOFIX

 and 

i-Size

 child seats for the seat positions fitted with 

ISOFIX

 anchorage points in the vehicle.

Seat numbers

Front seats

Rear seats

 

 

1

3

4

5

6

 

 

3

1

4

5

6

Front passenger airbag

-

Deactivated 

"

OFF

" 

(b)

Activated "

ON

" 

(c)

-

-

-

Position compatible with a 

universal (a)

 child seat

no

yes 

(e) (h)

yes 

(e) (i)

yes

yes 

(f)

yes

Position compatible with an 

i-Size

 child seat

no

yes 

(j)

 / no 

(k)

yes

no

yes

Position equipped with a 

TOP 

TETHER

 hook

no

yes 

(j)

 / no 

(k)

yes

no

yes

"

Carrycot

" type child seat

no

no

no

no

no

"Rearward facing" 

ISOFIX

 

child seat

no

R3 

(d) (j)

 / no 

(k)

no

R2

no

R2

"Forward facing" 

ISOFIX

 child 

seat

no

F3 

(d) (j)

 / no 

(k)

F3

no

F3

Booster child seat

no

B3 

(g)

B3

B3

B3

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Safety

5

Rules:

–  A position that is 

i-Size

 compatible is also compatible with 

R1

, 

R2

 and 

F2X

, 

F2

, 

B2

.

–  A position that is 

R3

 compatible is also compatible with 

R1

 and 

R2

.

–  A position that is 

R2

 compatible is also compatible with 

R1

.

–  A position that is 

F3

 compatible is also compatible with 

F2X

 and 

F2

.

–  A position that is 

B3

 compatible is also compatible with 

B2

.

(a)

Universal child seat: child seat that can be installed in all vehicles using the seat belt.

(b)

To install a "

rearward facing

" child seat at this seat position, the front passenger airbag must be deactivated ("

OFF

").

(c)

Only a "

forward facing

" child seat is authorised at this seat position with the front passenger airbag activated ("

ON

").

(d)

Tilt the seat backrest to 45°, then install the child seat.

Straighten the backrest until it contacts the child seat's backrest.

(e)

For a seat with height adjustment, set it to the maximum height.

(f)

A child seat with a support leg must never be installed on the centre rear passenger seat.

(g)

The vehicle seat must be as far back as possible.

(h)

For a "rearward facing" and/or "forward facing" universal child seat (U) in groups 0, 0+, 1, 2 or 3.

(i)

For a "forward facing" universal child seat (UF) in groups 1, 2 or 3.

(j)

Seat fitted with ISOFIX compliant mountings.

(k)

Seat not fitted with ISOFIX compliant mountings.

 

92

Safety

 

Key

Seat position where the installation of a 

child seat is forbidden.

Front passenger airbag 

deactivated

. 

Front passenger airbag 

activated

. 

Seat position suitable for the installation 

of a child seat secured using the seat belt 

and 

universally approved "rearward facing" 

and/or "forward facing"

 (

U

) for all sizes and 

weight groups.

Seat position suitable for the installation 

of a child seat secured using the seat belt 

and 

universally approved "forward facing"

 

(

UF

) for groups 

1

, 

2

 & 

3

 only.

Seat position authorised for the 

installation of an 

i-Size

 child seat.

Seat position not suitable for the 

installation of a child seat with support 

leg.

Seat position authorised for the 

installation of a 

"forward facing" i-Size

 

child seat.

Presence of a 

Top Tether

 anchorage 

point at the rear of the backrest, 

authorising the installation of a 

universal ISOFIX 

child seat

.

Presence of a 

Top Tether

 anchorage 

point at the rear of the backrest, 

authorising the installation of a 

"forward facing" 

universal ISOFIX child seat

.

"Rearward facing" 

ISOFIX

 child seat: 

– 

R1

: 

ISOFIX

 child seat for a 

baby

.

– 

R2

: 

ISOFIX reduced size

 child seat.

– 

R3

: 

ISOFIX large size

 child seat.

"Forward facing" 

ISOFIX

 child seat: 

– 

F2X

: 

ISOFIX

 child seat 

for toddlers

.

– 

F2

: 

ISOFIX reduced height

 child seat.

– 

F3

: 

ISOFIX full height

 child seat.

Booster

 child seat: 

– 

B2

: 

reduced width booster

 seat.

– 

B3

: 

full width booster

 seat.

Seat position authorised for the 

installation of an 

ISOFIX

 child seat.

Seat position where the installation of an 

ISOFIX

 child seat is forbidden.

For seat adjustments, refer to the table 

"

Installing universal, ISOFIX and i-Size child 

seats

".

Manual child lock

The system prevents a rear door from being 

opened using its interior handle.

The red control is located on the edge of each 

rear door (marked by a label).

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Safety

5

Activation/Deactivation

 

 

►  To activate the child lock, turn the built-in key 

in the 

red

 control as far as possible:

•  To the right on the left-hand rear door.

•  To the left on the right-hand rear door.

►  To deactivate the child lock, turn the key 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.

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.

94

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 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!

Never park the vehicle and never 

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 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 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.

95

Driving

6

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 located 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 activating 

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.

96

Driving

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 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.

►  To lock the steering column, turn the steering 

wheel until it locks.

97

Driving

6

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

.

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.

In some circumstances, a message indicates 

that it is necessary to turn the steering wheel