Get Driving Guide for Citroen C3 Picasso SUV Second Generation (2013-2017)

Driving

Driving recommendations

Observe the driving regulations and remain

vigilant whatever the traffic conditions.

Pay close attention to the traffic and keep your

hands on the wheel so that you are ready to

react at any time to any eventuality.

On a long journey, a break every two hours is

strongly recommended.

If you are obliged to drive through water:

Important!

Never drive with the parking brake

applied - Risk of overheating and

damage to the braking system!

Do not park or run the engine when

stationary in areas where inflammable

substances and materials (dry grass,

dead leaves...) might come into contact

with the hot exhaust system - Risk of

fire!

In difficult weather, drive smoothly, anticipate

the need to brake and increase the distance

from other vehicles.

-

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 system,

drive as slowly as possible without

stalling. In all cases, do not exceed 6 mph

(10 km/h),

-

Driving on flooded

roads

We strongly advise against driving on flooded

roads, as this could cause serious damage

to the engine or gearbox, as well as to the

electrical systems of your vehicle.

-

do not stop and do not switch off the

engine.

Never leave a vehicle unsupervised

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.

9

On leaving the flooded road, as soon as

circumstances allow, make several light brake

applications to dry the brake discs and pads.

If in doubt on the state of your vehicle, contact

a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.

123

Driving

Starting-switching off the engine

Anti-theft protection

Ignition switch

Starting the engine

F

Apply the parking brake.

Electronic engine immobiliser

With a manual gearbox: place the lever in

neutral and fully depress the clutch pedal.

With an electronic gearbox: place the lever

at position N and press the brake pedal

firmly.

With an automatic gearbox: place the lever

at position P and press the brake pedal

firmly.

Insert the key in the ignition switch; the

system recognises the code.

Unlock the steering column by

simultaneously turning the steering and the

key.

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 few moments

after the ignition is switched off and prevents

starting of the engine by anyone who does not

have the key.

F

In the event of a fault, you are

informed by illumination of this

warning lamp, an audible signal

and a message in the screen.

It has 3 positions:

-

Position 1: Stop

Position 2: Ignition on

Position 3: Starting

In some circumstances, you may have

to apply some force to turn the steering

wheel (wheels on lock for example).

In this case, your vehicle will not start; contact

a CITROËN dealer as soon as possible.

Ignition on

In this position the vehicle's electrical

equipment can be used or accessories

charged.

When the state of charge of the battery

drops to a reserve level, the system goes into

energy economy mode: the power supply is

automatically cut off to preserve the state of

charge of the battery.

Keep safely, away from your vehicle, the label

attached to the keys given to you on acquisition

of the vehicle.

F

With a petrol engine, operate the starter

motor by turning the key to position 3 until

the engine starts, without pressing the

accelerator pedal. Once the engine starts,

release the key.

With a Diesel engine, turn the key to

position 2, ignition on, to operate the

engine preheating system.

124

Driving

Switching the engine off

F

Immobilise the vehicle.

Wait until this warning lamp goes off

in the instrument panel, then operate

the starter motor by turning the key to

position 3 until the engine starts, without

pressing the accelerator pedal. Once

the engine starts, release the key.

In temperate conditions, do not

With the engine at idle, turn the key fully

towards you to position 1 (Stop).

Remove the key from the ignition switch.

To lock the steering column, turn the

steering wheel until it locks.

warm the engine up with the vehicle

stationary, but move off straight away

and drive at moderate engine speeds.

F

In wintry conditions, the warning lamp

will stay on longer. When the engine is

hot, it does not come on.

Never leave the engine running in

an enclosed area without adequate

ventilation: internal combustion

To facilitate unlocking of the steering

column, put the front wheels in the

straight ahead position before switching

the ignition off.

engines emit toxic exhaust gases,

such as carbon monoxide. Danger of

intoxication and death. In very severe

winter conditions (temperatures

below -23°C), it is necessary to allow

the engine to run for 4 minutes before

setting off, in order to ensure the

correct operation and durability of

the mechanical components of your

vehicle, the engine and gearbox.

If the engine does not start straight

away, switch the ignition off. Wait a

few moments before trying again. If

the engine does not start after a few

attempts, do not keep trying: you risk

damaging the starter motor and the

engine. Call on a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

F

Ensure that the parking brake is applied

correctly, particularly when on a slope.

9

Never switch the ignition off until the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and

the parking brake has been applied. With

the engine stopped, the braking and

steering assistance systems are also cut

off: risk of loss of control of the vehicle.

125

Driving

Parking brake

Releasing

When you leave the vehicle, take the

key with you and lock the vehicle.

F

Pull the parking brake lever gently, press

the release button then lower the lever

fully.

Energy economy mode

When the vehicle is being driven, if this

warning lamp and the STOP warning lamp

come on, accompanied by an audible signal

and a message in the multifunction screen,

this indicates that the parking brake is still

on or has not been properly released.

After switching off the engine (position 1 - Stop),

you can still use functions such as the audio

and telematic system, the wipers, dipped beam,

courtesy lamps, etc., for maximum cumulative

period of 30 minutes.

Applying

F

Pull the parking brake lever fully up to

immobilise your vehicle.

For more information, refer to the "Energy

economy mode" section.

When parking on a slope, direct your

wheels against the pavement, apply the

parking brake and engage a gear.

Key reminder

If the key is left in the ignition switch, an

audible signal sounds when the driver's

door is opened.

Avoid attaching heavy objects to the

key, which would weigh down on its

blade in the ignition switch and could

cause a malfunction.

126

Driving

Electronic gearbox

Six-speed electronically controlled gearbox

which offers a choice between the comfort of

fully automatic operation or the pleasure of

manual gear changing.

Gear selector positions

Steering mounted control paddles

There are two driving modes:

-

automated mode for automatic control

of the gears by the gearbox, without any

action on the part of the driver

-

manual mode for sequential gear changing

by the driver using the gear selector or the

steering mounted paddles.

In automated mode, you can temporarily take

over control of gear changing.

+. Paddle to the right of the steering wheel for

changing up.

R. Reverse

F

Press the back of the "+" steering mounted

F

With your foot on the brake, move the gear

paddle to change up a gear.

slector forwards to select this position.

-. Paddle to the left of the steering wheel for

N. Neutral.

With your foot on the brake, select this

position to start.

A. Automated mode.

changing down.

F

Press the back of the "-" steering mounted

paddle to change down a gear.

9

F

Move the selector backwards to select this

mode.

M + / -.

Manual mode with sequential gear

changing.

The steering mounted paddles cannot

be used to select neutral or to engage

or disengage reverse gear.

F

Move the selector backwards then to the

left to select this mode, then:

● give a push forwards to change up,

● or give a push rearwards to change

down.

127

Driving

Display in the instrument panel Moving off

Automated mode

F

Select position N.

F

Select position A.

Press the brake pedal down fully.

Start the engine.

AUTO and the gear engaged appear

in the instrument panel screen.

N appears in the instrument panel

screen.

The gearbox operates in auto-active mode,

without any action on the part of the driver. It

continuously selects the most suitable gear for:

If the engine does not start:

-

If N flashes in the instrument

panel, move the gear selector to

position A, then to position N.

If the message "Foot on the

brake" is displayed in the screen,

accompanied by an audible signal,

press the brake pedal firmly.

-

optimisation of fuel consumption,

the style of driving,

the profile of the road.

the vehicle load.

-

N. Neutral

R. Reverse

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Gears in manual mode.

AUTO.

This comes on when the automated

mode is selected. It switches off on

changing to manual mode.

For optimum acceleration, for example

when overtaking another vehicle, press the

accelerator pedal firmly past the point of

resistance.

F

Select automated mode (position A) or

manual mode (position M) or reverse

(position R).

AUTO and 1, 1 or R appear in the instrument

panel screen.

F

Release the parking brake.

Progressively take your foot off the brake

pedal.

You can change mode at any time by

moving the gear selector from A to M or

the other way round.

F

Accelerate away.

Do not press the brake and accelerator

pedals at the same time. There would

be a risk of rapid wear of the clutch.

Never select neutral N when driving.

128

Driving

Manual mode

Reverse

To engage reverse gear R, the vehicle must be

F

Select position M.

Temporary control of gear

changing

immobilised with your foot on the brake pedal.

The gears engaged appear in

succession in the instrument panel

screen.

F

Select position R.

You can temporarily take over control of

gear changing using the "+" and "-" steering

mounted paddles: if the engine speed allows,

the request to change gear is acted on.

This function allows you to anticipate certain

situations such as overtaking a vehicle or the

approach to a corner.

The gear change requests are only acted on if

the engine speed permits.

It is not necessary to release the accelerator

during gear changes.

Engagement of reverse gear is

accompanied by an audible signal.

When braking or slowing down, the gearbox

changes down automatically to allow the

vehicle to accelerate in the correct gear.

On sharp acceleration, the gearbox will not

change up unless the driver acts on the gear

selector or the steering mounted paddles.

After a few moments without any action on

the control paddles, the gearbox resumes

automatic control of the gears.

At very low speed, if reverse gear is requested,

this will only be acted on when the vehicle is

immobilised.

At high speed, if reverse gear is requested,

the N indicator flashes and the gearbox goes

into neutral. To engage a gear again, put the

gear selector into position A or M.

9

You can change mode at any time, be

moving the gear selecto from M to A or

the other way round.

Never select neutral N while the vehicle

is moving.

129

Driving

Stopping the vehicle

Operating fault

Before switching off the engine, you can:

With the ignition on, the flashing of AUTO,

accompanied by an audible signal and a

message in the screen, indicates a malfunction

of the gearbox.

Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

-

move to position N to engage neutral,

or

-

leave the gear engaged; in this case, it will

not be possible to move the vehicle.

In all cases when parking, you must

apply the parking brake to immobilise

the vehicle.

When immobilising the vehicle, with

the engine running, you must place the

gear selector in neutral N.

Before carrying out any work in the

engine compartment, ensure that the

gear selector is in neutral N and that the

parking brake is applied.

130

Driving

Gear shift indicator*

System which reduces fuel consumption by advising the driver to change up.

Example:

With an electronic gearbox, the system

-

You are in third gear.

is only active in manual mode.

You press the accelerator pedal

moderately.

Operation

The system intervenes only when driving

In the case of driving which makes

-

The system may suggest that you engage

a higher gear, if appropriate.

particular demands on the performance

of the engine (firm pressure on the

accelerator pedal, for example, when

overtaking...), the system will not

recommend a gear change.

economically.

Depending on the driving situation and your

vehicle's equipment, the system may advise

you to skip one or more gears. You can

follow this instruction without engaging the

intermediate gears.

The gear engagement recommendations must

not be considered compulsory. In fact, the

configuration of the road, the amount of traffic

and safety remain determining factors when

choosing the best gear. Therefore, the driver

remains responsible for deciding whether or not

to follow the advice given by the system.

This function cannot be deactivated.

The system never suggests:

-

engaging first gear,

engaging reverse gear,

engaging a lower gear.

9

The information appears in the instrument

panel in the form of an arrow accompanied by

the suggested gear.

* Depending on engine.

131

Driving

Hill start assist (with

electronic gearbox)

Operation

System which holds your vehicle temporarily

(approximately 2 seconds) when starting on a

slope, the time it takes to move your foot from

the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.

This function is only active when:

-

the vehicle is completely stationary, with

your foot on the brake pedal,

On an ascending slope, with the vehicle

stationary, the vehicle is held momentarily

when you release the brake pedal:

On a descending slope, with the vehicle

stationary and reverse gear engaged, the

vehicle is held momentarily when you

release the brake pedal.

-

certain conditions on a slope are met,

with the driver’s door closed.

The hill start assist function cannot be

deactivated.

-

provided you are in automated mode

(position A) or in manual mode (position M)

with an electronic gearbox.

Operating fault

Do not leave the vehicle while it is being

held in the hill start assist phase.

If you need to leave the vehicle with

the engine running, manually apply

the parking brake then ensure that the

parking brake warning lamp is on (not

flashing) in the instrument panel.

If a malfunction of the system occurs, these

warning lamps come on. Contact a CITROËN

dealer or a qualified workshop to have the

system checked.

132

Driving

Speed limiter

System which prevents the vehicle from

exceeding the speed programmed by the driver.

When the programmed speed limit is reached,

pressing the accelerator pedal in the normal

manner no longer has any effect.

Steering mounted controls

Displays in the instrument panel

The speed limiter is switched on manually:

it requires a programmed speed of at least

20 mph (30 km/h).

The speed limiter is switched off by manual

operation of the control.

The programmed speed can be exceeded

temporarily by pressing the accelerator firmly.

To return to the programmed speed, simply

slow down to a speed below the programmed

speed.

The controls of this system are grouped

together on stalk A.

1. Speed limiter mode selection thumb wheel.

2. Value decrease button.

The programmed information is grouped

together in the instrument panel screen.

5. Speed limiter on / off indication.

6. Speed limiter mode selection indication.

7. Programmed speed value.

3. Value increase button.

4. Speed limiter on / off button.

9

The programmed speed remains in the memory

when the ignition is switched off.

The speed limiter cannot, in any circumstances,

replace the need to respect speed limits, nor can it

replace the need for vigilance on the part of the driver.

133

Driving

Programming

Operating fault

F

Turn thumb wheel 1 to the "LIMIT"

position: the speed limiter mode

is selected but is not switched on

(PAUSE).

In the event of a speed limiter fault, the speed

is cleared resulting in flashing of the dashes.

Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

You do not have to switch the speed limiter

on in order to set the speed.

F

Set the speed value by pressing button 2 or 3 (e.g.: 55 mph

(90 km/h)).

You can then change the programmed speed using buttons 2 and 3:

-

by + or - 1 mph (km/h) = short press,

-

by + or - 5 mph (km/h) = long press,

-

F

in steps of + or - 5 mph (km/h) = maintained press.

Switch the speed limiter on by pressing button 4.

Switch the speed limiter off by pressing button 4: the display

confirms that it has been switched off (PAUSE).

Switch the speed limiter back on by pressing button 4 again.

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 programmed speed.

To avoid any risk of jamming of the

pedals:

F

Exceeding the programmed speed

Pressing the accelerator pedal to exceed the programmed speed will not have

any effect unless you press the pedal firmly past the point of resistance.

The speed limiter is deactivated temporarily and the programmed speed,

which is still displayed, flashes.

-

ensure that the mat is secured

correctly,

do not fit one mat on top of another.

-

Returning to the programmed speed, by means of intentional or unintentional

deceleration of the vehicle, automatically cancels the flashing of the

programmed speed.

Leaving limiter mode

F

Turn thumb wheel 1 to the "0" position: the speed limiter mode is

deselected. The display returns to the distance recorder.

134

Driving

Cruise control

System which automatically maintains the

speed of the vehicle at the value programmed

by the driver, without any action on the

accelerator pedal.

Steering mounted controls

Displays in the instrument panel

The cruise control is switched on manually: it

requires a minimum vehicle speed of 25 mph

(40 km/h) and the engaging of at least 4th gear.

The cruise control is switched off manually

or by pressing the brake or clutch pedal or

on triggering of the ESP system for safety

reasons.

The controls of this system are grouped

together on control stalk A.

The programmed information is grouped

together in the instrument panel screen.

1. Cruise control mode selection thumb whee;

2. Speed programming / value decrease

button

3. Speed programming / value increase

button

5. Cruise control off / resume indication

6. Cruise control mode selection indication

7. Programmed speed value

It is possible to exceed the programmed speed

temporarily by pressing the accelerator pedal.

To return to the programmed speed, simply

release the accelerator pedal.

9

Switching off the ignition cancels any

programmed speed value.

4. Cruise control off / resume button

The cruise control cannot, in any circumstances,

replace the need to respect speed limits, nor can it

replace the need for vigilance on the part of the driver.

135

Driving

Programming

Operating fault

In the event of a cruise control malfunction,

the speed is cleared resulting in flashing of the

dashes.

F

Turn dial 1 to the "CRUISE" position:

the cruise control mode is selected

but is not switched on (PAUSE).

Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

F

Set the programmed speed by

accelerating to the required speed,

then press button 2 or 3 (e.g.: 70 mph

(110 km/h)).

You can then change the programmed speed using buttons 2 and 3:

-

by + or - 1 mph (km/h) = short press,

by + or - 5 mph (km/h) = long press,

in steps of + or - 5 mph (km/h) = maintained press.

When the cruise control is switched on,

be careful if you maintain the pressure

on one of the programmed speed

changing buttons: this may result in a

very rapid change in the speed of your

vehicle.

Do not use the cruise control on

slippery roads or in heavy traffic.

On a steep descent, the cruise control

will not be able to prevent the vehicle

from exceeding the programmed speed.

To avoid any risk of jamming of the

pedals:

F

Switch off the cruise control by pressing button 4:

this is confirmed in the screen (PAUSE).

F

Switch the cruise control back on by pressing button 4 again.

Exceeding the programmed speed

Intentional or unintentional exceeding of the programmed speed results in

flashing of this speed in the screen.

Return to the programmed speed, by means of intentional or unintentional

deceleration of the vehicle, automatically cancels the flashing of the speed.

-

ensure that the mat is secured

correctly,

-

never fit one mat on top of another.

Return to normal driving

F

Turn dial 1 to the "0" position: the cruise control mode is

deselected. The display returns to the distance recorder.

136

Driving

Rear parking sensors

System comprising four proximity sensors, located in the rear bumper.

This detects obstacles (person, vehicle, tree,

gate, etc.) behind the vehicle. However, it

cannot detect obstacles located just below the

bumper.

When the distance between the rear of the vehicle

Detection zone

and the obstacle is less than thirty centimetres, the

audible signal becomes continuous and the "Danger"

symbol appears in the multifunction screen.

On completion of the manoeuvre, when you exit

reverse gear, the system becomes inactive.

Activation

The system is activated as soon as reverse

gear is engaged, accompanied by an audible

signal. The proximity information is given by:

An object, such as a stake, a roadworks

cone or any other similar object may

be detected at the beginning of the

manoeuvre, but may no longer be detected

when the vehicle comes close to it.

-

an audible signal, which becomes more

rapid as the vehicle approaches the

obstacle,

a graphic in the multifunction screen, with

blocks which become increasingly closer to

the vehicle (depending on version).

9

The parking sensors system cannot in

any circumstances replace the need for

vigilance on the part of the driver.

137

Driving

Deactivation

Reactivation

Press button A again to reactivate the system.

The indicator lamp in the button goes off.

If there is an operating fault, when reverse gear

is engaged, the service warning lamp comes

on, accompanied by an audible signal (short

beep) and a message in the multifunction

screen.

With the engine running, press button A to

deactivate the system permanently. The

indicator lamp in the button comes on.

In bad or wintry weather, ensure that

the sensors are not covered with mud,

frost or snow.

The system will be deactivated

automatically when towing a trailer or

when a bicycle carrier is fitted (vehicle

fitted with a towbar or bicycle carrier

recommended by CITROËN).

138

Driving

Reversing camera

A reversing camera is activated automatically

when reverse gear is engaged.

The colour image is provided in the navigation

screen.

The space between the blue lines represents the

width of your vehicle except for the door mirrors.

The blue lines represent the general direction

of the vehicle.

The red line represents a distance of about

30 cm beyond the edge of your vehicle's

rear bumper. The audible signal becomes

continuous from this limit.

The green lines represent distances of about 1

and 2 metres beyond the edge of your vehicle's

rear bumper.

9

The reversing camera cannot in any

circumstances be a substitute for

vigilance on the part of the driver.

Clean the reversing camera regularly

using a soft, dry cloth.

139

Driving for Your Citroen C3 Picasso SUV Second Generation (2013-2017)

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