Get Safety Guide for Citroen Ds3 SUV First Generation (2009-2019)

Safety

This section describes the operation of the direction indicators, hazard

warning lamps and the horn to warn other road users, the emergency

or assistance call in the event of an accident or breakdown, the various

braking and trajectory control systems for maintaining control of your

vehicle, the seat belts and airbags to reduce the risk of injury in the event

of a collision.

Direction indicators Hazard warning lamps

Automatic operation of

hazard warning lamps

When braking in an emergency, depending on

the deceleration, the hazard warning lamps

come on automatically.

They switch off automatically the first time you

accelerate.

F

You can also switch them off by pressing

the button.

Selection of the left or right direction indicators

to signal a change of direction of the vehicle.

A visual warning by means of the direction

indicators to alert other road users to a vehicle

breakdown, towing or accident.

F

Left: lower the lighting stalk beyond the

point of resistance.

F

Press this button, the direction indicators

F

Right: raise the lighting stalk beyond the

point of resistance.

flash.

They can operate with the ignition off.

Three ﬂashes of the direction

indicators

F

Press briefly upwards or downwards,

without going beyond the point of

resistance; the direction indicators will

flash 3 times.

149

Safety

Horn

Emergency or

assistance call

Audible warning to alert other road users to an

imminent danger.

This system allows you to make an emergency

or assistance call to the emergency services or

to the dedicated CITROËN service.

For more information on the use of this

function, refer to the "Audio and telematics"

section.

F

Press one of the spokes of the steering

wheel.

Under-inﬂation detection

System which automatically checks the pressures of the tyres while driving.

The system monitors the pressures in the four

The under-inflation detection system

does not replace the vigilance or the

responsibility of the driver.

The inflation pressures defined for

your vehicle can be found on the tyre

pressure label.

See the "Identification markings"

section.

Tyre pressures should be checked

when the tyres are "cold" (vehicle

stopped for 1 hour or after a journey of

less than 6 miles (10 km) at moderate

speeds).

tyres, once the vehicle is moving.

It compares the information given by the four

wheel speed sensors with reference values,

which must be reinitialised every time the

tyre pressures are adjusted or a wheel

changed.

The system triggers an alert as soon as it

detects a drop in the inflation pressure of one

or more tyres.

This system does not avoid the need to

check the tyre pressures (including the

spare wheel) every month as well as

before a long journey.

Driving with under-inflated tyres

impairs road holding, extends braking

distances and causes premature

tyre wear, particularly under arduous

condition (high loading, high speed,

long journey).

Otherwise (when hot), add 0.3 bar to

the pressures shown on the label.

Driving with under-inflated tyres

increases fuel consumption.

151

Safety

Under-inflation alert

Reinitialisation

This is given by fixed illumination of

It is necessary to reinitialise the system every

time one or more tyre pressure is adjusted, and

after changing one or more wheels.

A label attached to the middle pillar, left hand

side, gives a reminder of this.

F

If you have a compressor (such as the one

in the temporary puncture repair kit) check

the pressures of the four tyres when cold.

If it is not possible to carry out this check

straight away, drive carefully at reduced

speed.

this warning lamp, accompanied by

an audible signal and the display of a

message.

F

Reduce speed immediately, avoid

excessive steering movements and sudden

braking

or

F

In the event of a puncture, use the

temporary puncture repair kit or the spare

wheel (depending on equipment),

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

The loss of pressure detected does not

always cause visible bulging of the tyre.

Do not satisfy yourself with just a visual

check.

The alert is maintained until the system

is reinitialised.

Before reinitialising the system, ensure

that the pressures of the four tyres are

correct for the use of the vehicle and in

line with the recommendations on the

tyre pressure label.

The under-inflation detection system

does not give a warning if a pressure is

incorrect at the time of reinitialisation.

Reinitialisation of the system must be done with the ignition on and the vehicle stationary,

in the vehicle configuration menu.

Monochrome screen c

Monochrome screen A

F

Press the "5" or "6" button to select

the "Tyre pressures" menu, then the

"Reinitialisation" menu, then confirming

by pressing the OK button.

F

Press the MENU button for access to the

main menu.

Press the "5" or "6" button to

select the menu, "Personalisation-

configuration"then confirm by pressing

the OK button.

Press the "5" or "6" button to select the

"define vehicle parameters" menu, then

confirm by pressing the OK button.

F

Press the MENU button for access to the

main menu.

Press the "5" or "6" button to select

the menu Veh config, then confirm by

pressing the OK button.

F

A message confirms the reinitialisation.

F

Press the "5" or "6" button to select the

"Reinit inflat", menu, then confirm by

pressing the OK button.

A message is displayed to confirm the

instruction.

F

Confirm by pressing the OK button.

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Safety

Operating fault

The flashing and then fixed illumination of the

under-inflation warning lamp accompanied

by illumination of the Service warning lamp

indicates a fault with the system.

In this case, under-inflation monitoring of the

tyres is no longer assured.

The new pressure settings registered are

considered to be reference values by the

system.

Have the system checked by a CITROËN

dealer or a qualified workshop.

colour screen

The under-inflation alert is only

dependable if the system has been

reinitialised with all four tyres inflated to

the correct pressures.

F

Press the "SETUP" button for access to

the configuration menu.

Before doing anything to the system,

the pressures of the four tyres must be

checked and the system reinitialised.

F

Select the "Vehicle parameters" menu,

then confirm.

F

Select "driving assistance", then confirm.

Select "Initialisation of under-inflation",

then confirm.

Snow chains

A message is displayed to confirm the

reinitialisation instruction.

The system does not have to be

reinitialised after fitting or removing

snow chains.

F

Select "Yes" or "No", then confirm.

A message confirms the reinitialisation.

Braking assistance systems

Group of supplementary systems which help

you to obtain optimum braking in complete

safety in emergency situations:

Operating fault

Anti-lock braking system

If this warning lamp comes on,

accompanied by an audible signal

and a message in the screen, it

and electronic brake force

distribution

-

anti-lock braking system (ABS),

electronic brake force distribution (EBFD),

emergency braking assistance (EBA).

Linked systems which improve the stability and

manoeuvrability of your vehicle when braking,

in particular on poor or slippery surfaces.

indicates a malfunction of the anti-lock braking

system which could result in loss of control of

the vehicle when braking.

If this warning lamp comes on,

together with the STOP and ABS

warning lamps, accompanied by an

Activation

The anti-lock braking system comes into

operation automatically when there is a risk of

wheel lock.

Normal operation of the ABS may make itself

felt by slight vibration of the brake pedal.

audible signal and a message in the screen, it

indicates a malfunction of the electronic brake

force distribution which could result in loss of

control of the vehicle when braking.

You must stop as soon as it is safe to do so.

In either case, contact a CITRoËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

When braking in an emergency, press

very firmly without releasing the

pressure.

When replacing wheels (tyres and

rims), ensure that they conform to the

manufacturer's recommendations.

155

Safety

Trajectory control systems

Emergency braking assistance Anti-slip regulation (ASR)

and electronic stability

programme (ESP)

System which, in an emergency, enables you

to obtain the optimum braking pressure more

quickly, thus reducing the stopping distance.

The anti-slip regulation (also known as Traction

Control) optimises traction to prevent skidding

of the wheels, by acting on the brakes of the

driving wheels and on the engine.

The electronic stability programme acts on the

brake of one or more wheels and on the engine

to keep the vehicle on the trajectory required

by the driver, within the limits of the laws of

physics.

Activation

It is triggered by the speed at which the brake

pedal is pressed.

The effect of this is a reduction in the

resistance of the pedal and an increase in

braking efficiency.

Activation

These systems are activated automatically

each time the vehicle is started.

They come into operation in the event of a grip

or trajectory problem.

This is indicated by flashing of this

warning lamp in the instrument panel.

When braking in an emergency, press

firmly without releasing the pressure.

Operating fault

Illumination of this warning lamp in

the instrument panel and the lamp in

the "ESP OFF" button, accompanied

by an audible signal and a message

in the multifunction screen, this indicates a

malfunction of these systems.

Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

The ESP/ASR systems offer

exceptional safety in normal driving, but

this should not encourage the driver to

take extra risks or drive at high speed.

The correct functioning of these

systems depends on observation of the

manufacturer's recommendations on:

deactivation

Reactivation

In exceptional conditions (starting a vehicle

which is bogged down, stuck in snow, on soft

ground...), it may be advisable to deactivate the

ASR and ESP systems, so that the wheels can

move freely and regain grip.

These systems are reactivated automatically

each time the ignition is switched back on or

from 30 mph (50 km/h) except 1.6 litre

(THP 150, THP 155 and THP 160) and

RACING petrol engines.

-

wheels (tyres and rims),

braking components,

electronic components,

assembly and repair procedures.

F

Press the "ESP OFF" button, located on

F

Press the "ESP OFF" button again to

the left below the steering wheel.

Illumination of the lamp in the button indicates

that the ASR and ESP systems are deactivated.

reactivate them manually.

After an impact, have these systems

checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

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Safety

Active City Brake

Active City Brakeis a driving assistance system

that aims to avoid a frontal collision or reduce

the speed of an impact if the driver does

not take sufficient action (inadequate brake

application).

Principle

conditions for activation

Active City Brakeonly operates if the following

conditions are met:

●

ignition on,

the vehicle is in a forward gear,

speed is between about 3 and 18 mph

(5 and 30 km/h),

●

the braking assistance systems (ABS,

EBFD, emergency braking assistance) are

not faulty,

the trajectory control systems (ASR, DSC)

are not deactivated or faulty,

the vehicle is not in a tight corner,

the system has not been triggered during

the previous 10 seconds.

This system is designed to improve driving safety.

It remains the driver's responsibility to

continuously monitor the state of the traffic and

to assess the distances and relative speeds of

other vehicle.

●

Active City Brakecan in no circumstances

replace the need for vigilance on the part of

the driver.

Using a laser sensor located at the top of the

windscreen, this system detects a vehicle

running in the same direction or stationary

ahead of your vehicle.

When necessary, the vehicle's braking system

is operated automatically to avoid a collision

with the vehicle ahead.

never look at the laser sensor through

an optical instrument (magnifying glass,

microscope...) at a distance of less than

10 centimetres: risk of eye injury.

Automatic braking occurs later than if

done by the driver, so as to intervene

only when there is a high risk of

collision.

Operation

When your vehicle is too close to or

approaches the vehicle ahead too quickly the

system automatically applies the brakes to

avoid a collision.

The collision can be avoided automatically if the

difference in speed between your vehicle and the

vehicle ahead does not exceed 9 mph (15 km/h).

Above this threshold, the system will do what

is possible to avoid or reduce the accident by

lowering the speed of impact.

The triggering of the system may cause

the engine to stall, unless the driver

depresses the clutch pedal quickly

enough during automatic braking.

You are then alerted by the display of a

message.

The brake lamps on your vehicle come on to

warn other road users.

The automatic braking may bring the vehicle to

a complete stop if the situation requires it.

In this case, the vehicle is held stationary

temporarily (for about 1.5 seconds) to allow

the driver to take back control by pressing the

brake pedal.

During automatic braking, the driver

can always obtain a higher rate of

deceleration than that controlled by the

system, by pressing firmly on the brake

pedal.

After an impact, the system is

automatically put out of service: it no

longer operates.

You must go to a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop to have the system

made operational again.

159

Safety

Operating limits

The system only detects vehicles that are

stationary or moving in the same direction as

your vehicle.

The system is not triggered or is interrupted if

the driver:

In difficult weather conditions (very

heavy rain, snow, fog, hail...), braking

distances increase, which can reduce

the ability of the system to avoid a

collision.

The driver must therefore remain

particularly vigilant.

-

accelerates strongly

or turns the steering wheel suddenly

(avoiding manoeuvre).

It does not detect small vehicles

(bicycles, motorcycles), pedestrians or

animals, nor non-reflective stationary

objects.

Never leave accumulations of snow or

any object projecting above the bonnet

or in front of the roof: this might fall into

the field of vision of the sensor and

generate a detection.

deactivation

The system is deactivated in the vehicle

configuration menu, accessible with the ignition on.

Its state is memorised when the ignition is

switched off.

With the monochrome screen c

With the colour screen

When the system is deactivated, a

message is displayed every time the

ignition is switched on, to warn you.

F

Press the MENU button for access to the

main menu.

Select "Personalisation-configuration".

Select "define vehicle parameters".

Select "driving assistance".

Select "Automatic emergency braking: OFF"

or "Automatic emergency braking: ON".

Press the "7" or "8" button to check or

uncheck the box and respectively activate

or deactivate the system.

Press the "5" or "6" button, then the OK

button to select the "OK" box and confirm

or the Back button to cancel.

F

Press the SETUP button.

Select "Vehicle parameters" and press

the knob to confirm.

F

Select "driving assistance" and press the

knob to confirm.

Select "Automatic emergency braking: OFF"

or "Automatic emergency braking: ON".

Check or uncheck the box to activate or

deactivate the system.

Press the knob to confirm.

161

Safety

Operating faults

Sensor fault

System fault

In the event of an impact to the

The operation of the laser sensor may suffer

interference from accumulations of dirt or

misting of the windscreen. In this case you are

warned by the display of a message.

Use the windscreen demisting and regularly

clean the area of the windscreen in front of the

sensor.

In the event of a malfunction of the system, you

are warned by an audible signal and the display

of the message "Automatic braking system

fault".

Have the system checked by a CITROËN

dealer or a qualified workshop.

windscreen at the sensor, deactivate

the system and contact a CITROËN

dealer or a qualified workshop to have

your windscreen replaced.

Never try to remove, adjust or test

the sensor.

only a CITRoËN dealer or a qualified

workshop is able to work on the system.

Do not stick or otherwise fix any object on

the windscreen in front of the sensor.

When towing a trailer or when the

vehicle is being towed, the system must

be deactivated.

Seat belts

Front seat belts

The front seat belts are fitted with a

pretensioning and force limiting system.

This system improves safety in the front

seats in the event of a front or side impact.

Depending on the severity of the impact, the

pretensioning system instantly tightens the seat

belts against the body of the occupants.

The pretensioning seat belts are active when

the ignition is on.

The force limiter reduces the pressure of the

seat belt on the chest of the occupant, so

improving their protection.

Fastening

Seat belt not fastened /

unfastened warning lamp

F

Pull the strap, then insert the tongue in the

buckle.

When the ignition is switched on, this

warning lamp comes on in the instrument

panel, if the driver and/or the front

F

Check that the seat belt is fastened

correctly by pulling the strap.

passenger has not fastened their seat belt.

From approximately 12 mph (20 km/h)

this warning lamp flashes for two minutes

accompanied by an audible signal of increasing

volume. Once these two minutes have elapsed,

this warning lamp remains on until the driver

and/or the front passenger fastens their

seat belt.

Unfastening

F

Press the red button on the buckle.

Guide the seat belt as it is reeled in.

163

Safety

Rear seat belts

The rear seats are each fitted with a three-point

inertia reel seat belt.

Fastening

Unfastening

F

Pull the strap, then insert the tongue in the

F

Press the red button on the buckle.

Guide the seat belt as it is reeled in.

buckle.

F

Check that the seat belt is fastened

correctly by pulling the strap.

The driver must ensure that passengers use

the seat belts correctly and that they are all

restrained securely before setting off.

Wherever you are seated in the vehicle,

always fasten your seat belt, even for short

journeys.

In order to be effective, a seat belt must:

Recommendations for

children

-

be tightened as close to the body as

possible,

Use a suitable child seat if the passenger is

less than 12 years old or shorter than one

and a half metres.

Never use the same seat belt to secure

more than one person.

Never allow a child to travel on your lap.

For more information, refer to the "Child

seats" section.

-

be pulled in front of you with a smooth

movement, checking that it does not

twist,

Do not interchange the seat belt buckles as

they will not fulfil their role fully.

-

be used to restrain only one person,

not bear any trace of cuts or fraying,

not be converted or modified to avoid

affecting its performance.

The seat belts are fitted with an inertia reel

permitting automatic adjustment of the length

of the strap to your size. The seat belt is

stowed automatically when not in use.

before and after use, ensure that the seat

belt is reeled in correctly.

The lower part of the strap must be

positioned as low as possible on the pelvis.

The upper part must be positioned in the

hollow of the shoulder.

The inertia reels are fitted with an automatic

locking device which comes into operation in

the event of a collision, emergency braking

or if the vehicle rolls over. You can release

the device by pulling the strap firmly and then

releasing it so that it reels in slightly.

In accordance with current safety regulations,

for all repairs on your vehicle's seat belts, go

to a qualified workshop with the skills and

equipment needed, which a CITROËN dealer

is able to provide.

Have your seat belts checked regularly by

a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop,

particularly if the straps show signs of

damage.

Clean the seat belt straps with soapy water or

a textile cleaning product, sold by CITROËN

dealers.

After folding or moving a seat or rear bench

seat, ensure that the seat belt is positioned

and reeled in correctly.

In the event of an impact

depending on the nature and seriousness

of the impact, the pretensioning device may

be deployed before and independently of the

airbags. Deployment of the pretensioners

is accompanied by a slight discharge of

harmless smoke and a noise, due to the

activation of the pyrotechnic cartridge

incorporated in the system.

In all cases, the airbag warning lamp comes on.

Following an impact, have the seat belts

system checked, and if necessary replaced,

by a CITRoËN dealer or a qualified

workshop.

165

Safety

Airbags

System designed to contribute towards

improving the safety of the occupants (with

the exception of the rear centre passenger)

in the event of violent collisions. The airbags

supplement the action of the force-limiting

seat belts (with the exception of the centre rear

passenger).

If a collision occurs, the electronic detectors

record and analyse the front and side impacts

sustained in the impact detection zones:

-

in the case of a serious impact, the airbags

are deployed instantly and contribute

towards better protection of the occupants

of the vehicle (with the exception of the

rear centre passenger); immediately after

the impact, the airbags deflate rapidly so

that they do not hinder visibility or the exit

of the occupants,

Impact detection zones

A. Front impact zone.

B. Side impact zone.

The airbags do not operate when the

ignition is switched off.

Deployment of one or more of the

airbags is accompanied by a slight

emission of smoke and a noise, due

to the activation of the pyrotechnic

cartridge incorporated in the system.

This smoke is not harmful, but sensitive

individuals may experience slight

irritation.

-

in the case of a minor or rear impact or in

certain roll-over conditions, the airbags

may not be deployed; the seat belt

alone contributes towards ensuring your

protection in these situations.

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.

The noise of detonation related to the

deployment of one or more airbags

may result in a slight loss of hearing for

a short time.

Front airbags

System which protects the driver and front

passenger in the event of a serious front impact

in order to limit the risk of injury to the head and

chest.

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

steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is

fitted in the dashboard above the glove box.

deployment

The airbags are deployed, except the

passenger's front airbag if it is deactivated,

in the event of a serious front impact applied

to all or part of the front impact zone A, in

the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle on a

horizontal plane and directed from the front to

the rear of the vehicle.

The front airbag inflates between the head-

thorax of the front occupant of the vehicle

and the dashboard to cushion their forward

movement.

167

Safety

Operating fault

To assure the safety of your child,

the passenger's front airbag must

be deactivated when you install a

"rear facing" child seat on the front

passenger seat.

Otherwise, the child would risk being

seriously injured or killed if the airbag

were deployed.

If this warning lamp comes on in the

instrument panel, you must contact

a CITRoËN dealer or qualified

workshop to have the system

checked. The airbags may no longer

be deployed in the event of a serious

impact.

deactivation

Reactivation

Only the passenger's front airbag can be

deactivated:

When you remove a child seat that has

been fitted "rearwards facing", turn switch to

the "ON" position to re-activate the airbag and

so assure the safety of your front passenger in

the event of an impact.

F

with the ignition off, insert the key in the

passenger airbag deactivation switch,

turn it to the "OFF" position,

F

then, remove the key keeping the switch in

the new position.

This warning lamp comes on in the

instrument panel when the ignition is

on and until the airbag is re-activated.

Lateral airbags

deployment

Impact detection zones

System which protects the driver and front

passenger in the event of a serious side impact

in order to limit the risk of injury to the chest,

between the hip and the shoulder.

Each lateral airbag is fitted in the seat backrest

frame, door side.

A lateral airbag is deployed unilaterally in the

event of a serious side impact applied to all or

part of the side impact zone B, perpendicular

to the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle on a

horizontal plane and directed from the outside

towards the inside of the vehicle.

A. Front impact zone.

B. Side impact zone.

The lateral airbag inflates between the hip and

shoulder of the front occupant of the vehicle

and the corresponding door trim panel.

169

Safety

curtain airbags

System which contributes towards improving

the protection of 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.

Operating fault

If this warning lamp comes on in the

instrument panel, accompanied by

an audible signal and a message

in the screen, contact a CITRoËN dealer

or a qualified workshop to have the system

checked. The airbags may no longer be

deployed in the event of a serious impact.

Each curtain airbag is built into the pillars and

the upper passenger compartment area.

deployment

The curtain airbag is deployed at the same

time as the corresponding lateral airbag in the

event of a serious side impact applied to all or

part of the side impact zone B, perpendicular

to the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle on a

horizontal plane and directed from the outside

towards the inside of the vehicle.

In the event of a minor impact or bump

on the side of the vehicle or if the

vehicle rolls over, the airbag may not be

deployed.

In the event of a rear or front collision,

the airbag is not deployed.

The curtain airbag inflates between the front or

rear occupant of the vehicle and the windows.

For the airbags to be fully effective, observe the following safety rules:

Sit in a normal upright position.

Front airbags

Lateral airbags

Wear a correctly adjusted seat belt.

Do not drive holding the steering wheel by its

Do not leave anything between the occupants

spokes or resting your hands on the centre

and the airbags (a child, pet, object...). This

part of the wheel.

Use only approved covers on the seats,

compatible with the deployment the lateral

airbags. For information on the range of seat

covers suitable for your vehicle, you can

contact a CITROËN dealer.

Refer to the "Accessories" section.

Do not fix or attach anything to the seat

backs (clothing...). This could cause injury

to the chest or arms if the lateral airbag is

deployed.

could hamper the operation of the airbags or

Passengers must not place their feet on the

injure the occupants.

dashboard.

after an accident or if the vehicle has been

Do not smoke as deployment of the airbags

stolen or broken into, have the airbag

can cause burns or the risk of injury from a

systems checked.

All work on the airbag system must be

Never remove or pierce the steering wheel or

carried out by a CITRoËN dealer or a

cigarette or pipe.

hit it violently.

qualified workshop.

Do not fit or attach anything to the steering

wheel or dashboard, this could cause injuries

with deployment of the airbags.

Do not sit with the upper part of the body any

nearer to the door than necessary.

Even if all of the precautions mentioned

are observed, a risk of injury or of minor

burns to the head, chest or arms when an

airbag is deployed cannot be ruled out. 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.

curtain airbags

Do not fix or attach anything to the roof.

This could cause injury to the head if the

curtain airbag is deployed.

If fitted on your vehicle, do not remove the

grab handles installed on the roof, they play

a part in securing the curtain airbags.

171

Safety

Safety for Your Citroen Ds3 SUV First Generation (2009-2019)

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