Practical information -> Checks (Battery, Filters, Tyres, AdBlue) for Your DS 3 Crossback 4 Door First Generation (2018-2022)

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Practical information  
The check and top-up must only be done with the  
engine cold.  
Filling with pure water is prohibited under  
all circumstances (risk of freezing,  
limestone deposits, etc.).  
12 V battery  
The battery does not require any  
A low level presents a risk of serious damage to  
the engine.  
The level of this fluid should be close to the "MAX"  
mark but should never exceed it.  
If the level is close to or below the "MIN” mark, it  
is essential to top up.  
maintenance.  
However, check regularly that the terminals  
are correctly tightened (versions without quick  
release terminals) and that the connections are  
clean.  
AdBlue (BlueHDi)  
An alert is triggered when the reserve level is  
reached.  
For more information on Indicators and in  
particular the AdBlue range indicators, refer to  
the corresponding section.  
To avoid the vehicle being immobilised in  
accordance with regulations, you must top up the  
AdBlue tank.  
For more information on AdBlue® (BlueHDi), and  
in particular on the supply of AdBlue, refer to the  
corresponding section.  
For more information on the precautions  
to take before any work on the 12 V  
battery, refer to the corresponding section.  
When the engine is hot, the temperature of this  
fluid is regulated by the fan.  
As the cooling system is pressurised, wait at least  
one hour after switching off the engine before  
carrying out any work.  
In order to avoid the risk of scalding if you need to  
top up in an emergency, wrap a cloth around the  
cap and unscrew the cap by two turns to allow the  
pressure to drop.  
Versions equipped with Stop & Start are  
fitted with a 12 V lead-acid battery of  
specific technology and specification.  
Its replacement should be carried out only by a  
dealer or by a qualified workshop.  
Once the pressure has dropped, remove the cap  
and top up to the required level.  
Checks  
Unless otherwise indicated, check these  
components in accordance with the  
manufacturer's service schedule and according to  
your engine.  
Passenger compartment filter  
Screenwash fluid  
Depending on the environment and the use  
of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere, city  
Top up to the required level when  
necessary.  
driving), change it twice as often, if necessary.  
A clogged passenger compartment filter  
can adversely affect air conditioning  
system performance and generate undesirable  
odours.  
Otherwise, have them checked by a dealer or a  
qualified workshop.  
Fluid specification  
The fluid must be topped up with a ready-to-use  
mixture.  
In winter (temperatures below zero), a liquid  
containing an agent to prevent freezing must  
be used which is appropriate for the prevailing  
conditions, in order to protect the elements of the  
system (pump, tank, ducts, jets, etc.).  
Only use products recommended by the  
Manufacturer or products of equivalent  
quality and specification.  
In order to optimise the operation of  
components as important as those in the  
braking system, the Manufacturer selects and  
offers very specific products.  
Air filter  
Depending on the environment and the use  
of the vehicle (e.g. dusty atmosphere, city  
driving), change it twice as often, if necessary.  
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Oil filter  
Automatic gearbox  
Brake disc wear  
For information on checking brake disc  
wear, contact a dealer or a qualified  
workshop.  
Change the oil filter each time the engine  
The gearbox does not require any  
maintenance (no oil change).  
oil is changed.  
Particle filter (Diesel)  
Electric parking brake  
Wheels and tyres  
The inflation pressure of all tyres,  
including the spare wheel, must be  
checked on "cold” tyres.  
When the particle filter is approaching  
saturation, this warning lamp comes on  
temporarily, accompanied by a message warning  
of the risk of filter clogging.  
This system does not require any routine  
servicing. However, in case of an issue, do  
not hesitate to have the system checked by a  
dealer or a qualified workshop.  
As soon as the traffic conditions permit,  
regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at  
least 37 mph (60 km/h) until the warning lamp  
goes off.  
The pressures indicated on the tyre pressure label  
are valid for "cold" tyres. If you have driven for  
more than 10 minutes or more than 6 miles (10  
kilometres) at over 31 mph (50 km/h), add 0.3 bar  
(30 kPa) to the values indicated on the label.  
For more information on the Electric  
parking brake, refer to the corresponding  
section.  
Following prolonged operation of the  
vehicle at very low speed or at idle, you  
may, in exceptional circumstances, notice the  
emission of water vapour at the exhaust while  
accelerating. This has no impact on the  
vehicle’s behaviour or the environment.  
Brake pads  
Under-inflation increases fuel  
consumption. Non-compliant tyre  
pressure causes premature wear on tyres and  
has an adverse effect on the vehicle's road  
holding - risk of an accident!  
Brake wear depends on the style of driving,  
particularly in the case of vehicles used in  
town, over short distances. It may be necessary to  
have the condition of the brakes checked, even  
between vehicle services.  
Driving with worn or damaged tyres reduces the  
braking and road holding performance of the  
vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check the  
condition of the tyres (tread and sidewalls) and  
wheel rims as well as the presence of the valves.  
When the wear indicators no longer appear set  
back from the tread, the depth of the grooves is  
less than 1.6 mm; it is imperative to replace the  
tyres.  
Unless there is a leak in the circuit, a drop in the  
brake fluid level indicates that the brake pads are  
worn.  
New vehicle  
During the first few particle filter  
regeneration operations, you may notice a  
"burning" smell. This is perfectly normal.  
After washing the vehicle, moisture, or in  
wintry conditions, ice can form on the  
brake discs and pads: braking efficiency may  
be reduced. Gently dab the brakes to dry and  
defrost them.  
Manual gearbox  
The gearbox does not require any  
maintenance (no oil change).  
Using different size wheels and tyres from those  
specified can affect the lifetime of tyres, wheel  
rotation, ground clearance, the speedometer  
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reading and have an adverse effect on road  
holding.  
Reduction) with a Diesel particle filter (DPF) for  
the treatment of exhaust gases.  
qualified workshop. After 680 miles (1,100 km),  
a device is automatically activated to prevent  
the engine from starting.  
Fitting different tyres on the front and rear axles  
can cause the ESC to mistime.  
SCR System  
In both cases, a range indicator indicates  
the distance that can be travelled before the  
vehicle is stopped.  
Using a liquid called AdBlue® that contains  
urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of  
the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and  
water, which are harmless to health and the  
environment.  
Shock absorbers  
It is not easy for drivers to detect when  
shock absorbers are worn. Nevertheless,  
the shock absorbers have a major impact on  
road-holding and braking performance.  
For your safety and driving comfort, it is important  
to have them regularly checked by a dealer or a  
qualified workshop.  
Freezing of the AdBlue®  
AdBlue® freezes at temperatures below  
around -11°C.  
The SCR system includes a heater for the  
AdBlue® tank, allowing you to continue driving  
in very cold conditions.  
The AdBlue® is contained in a special tank  
holding about 15 litres.  
Its capacity allows a driving range of  
approximately 5,600 miles (9,000 km), which may  
vary considerably depending on your driving style.  
An alert system is triggered once the reserve level  
is reached: it is then possible to drive for a further  
1,500 miles (2,400 km) before the tank is empty  
and the vehicle blocked.  
Timing and accessory kits  
Supply of AdBlue®  
Timing and accessory kits are used from  
the time the engine is started until it is  
switched off. It is normal for them to wear over  
time.  
It is recommended that the AdBlue® be topped up  
as soon as the first alert is issued indicating that  
the reserve level has been reached.  
For more information on the Warning and  
indicator lamps and the associated alerts,  
or the Indicators, please refer to the  
corresponding sections.  
A faulty timing or accessory kit can damage  
the engine, rendering it unusable. Observe the  
recommended replacement frequency, stated in  
distance travelled or time elapsed, whichever is  
reached first.  
For the correct operation of the SCR  
system:  
– Use only AdBlue® fluid that meets the ISO  
22241 standard.  
– Never transfer AdBlue® to another container  
as it would lose its purity.  
Once the AdBlue® tank is empty, a system  
required by legislation prevents starting  
of the engine.  
If the SCR system is faulty, the level of  
emissions from the vehicle will no longer meet  
the Euro 6 standard: the vehicle becomes  
polluting.  
AdBlue® (BlueHDi)  
To respect the environment and ensure  
compliance with the Euro 6 standard, without  
adversely affecting the performance or fuel  
consumption of Diesel engines, the Manufacturer  
has taken the decision to equip its vehicles with a  
system that associates SCR (Selective Catalytic  
– Never dilute AdBlue® with water.  
It is possible to obtain AdBlue® from a dealer or a  
qualified workshop as well as at service stations  
equipped with AdBlue® pumps specially designed  
for passenger vehicles.  
In the event of a confirmed SCR system  
malfunction, it is essential to visit a dealer or a  
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Recommendations on storage  
Procedure  
AdBlue® freezes at about -11°C and deteriorates  
above +25°C. Containers should be stored in a  
cool area and protected from direct sunlight.  
Under these conditions, the fluid can be kept for  
at least a year.  
Before starting the top-up procedure, ensure that  
the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface.  
In wintry conditions, ensure that the temperature  
of the vehicle is above -11 °C. Otherwise, the  
AdBlue® may be frozen and therefore cannot be  
poured into its tank. Park your vehicle in a warmer  
area for a few hours to allow the top-up to be  
carried out.  
If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once it has  
completely thawed out at room temperature.  
►ꢀ Turn the blue cap of the AdBlue® tank a 6th of a  
turn anti-clockwise and remove it.  
Never store AdBlue® containers in your  
vehicle.  
Never pour AdBlue® into the Diesel fuel  
tank.  
►ꢀ With a container of AdBlue®: after checking  
the expiry date, read carefully the instructions  
on the label before pouring the contents of the  
container into the vehicle's AdBlue tank.  
►ꢀ With an AdBlue® pump: introduce the nozzle  
and fill the tank until the automatic cut-off of the  
nozzle.  
Precautions for use  
If any AdBlue® is splashed, or if there are  
any spillages on the bodywork, rinse  
immediately with cold water or wipe with a  
damp cloth.  
If the fluid has crystallised, clean it off using a  
sponge and hot water.  
AdBlue® is a urea-based solution. This fluid is non-  
flammable, colourless and odourless (when kept  
in a cool place).  
In the event of contact with the skin, wash the  
affected area with soap and running water. In the  
event of contact with the eyes, immediately rinse  
the eyes with large amounts of water or with an  
eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek  
medical attention if you feel a persistent burning  
sensation or irritation.  
If swallowed, immediately wash out the mouth  
with clean water and then drink plenty of water.  
In certain conditions (high temperature, for  
example), the risk of release of ammonia cannot  
be excluded: do not inhale the fluid. Ammonia  
vapours have an irritant effect on mucous  
membranes (eyes, nose and throat).  
In order not to overfill the AdBlue® tank:  
– Add between 10 and 13 litres using  
AdBlue® containers.  
– Stop after the nozzle’s first automatic cut-  
out, if you are refilling at a service station.  
Important: in the event of a top-up after an  
AdBlue breakdown, you must wait about  
5 minutes before switching on the ignition,  
without opening the driver's door, unlocking  
the vehicle or bringing the electronic key into  
the passenger compartment.  
If the AdBlue® tank is completely empty  
– which is confirmed by the “Top  
up AdBlue: Starting impossible” message – it is  
essential to add at least 5 litres.  
Switch on the ignition, then wait for 10  
seconds before starting the engine.  
►ꢀ Press the "START/STOP" button to switch off  
the engine.  
Store AdBlue® out of the reach of children,  
in its original container.  
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Do not dispose of AdBlue® containers in  
Reverting to normal operation  
Keyless Entry and Starting  
the household waste.  
You must not depress the brake pedal  
while switching the ignition on or off. If you do,  
the engine will start, requiring you to restart  
the procedure.  
►ꢀ While depressing the brake pedal, start the  
engine.  
Place them in a container reserved for this  
purpose or take them back to where you  
bought them.  
With EAT8 automatic gearbox  
or drive selector and electric  
parking brake  
Free-wheeling  
Advice on care and  
maintenance  
 /
In certain situations, you must allow the vehicle to  
free-wheel (while being towed, on a rolling road,  
in an automatic car wash, or being transported by  
rail or sea freight, etc.).  
Release procedure  
General recommendations  
Observe the following recommendations to avoid  
damaging your vehicle.  
►ꢀ With the vehicle stationary and the engine  
running, select mode N and switch off the  
ignition.  
The procedure varies according to the type of  
gearbox and parking brake.  
Exterior  
Within 5 seconds:  
With a manual gearbox and  
electric parking brake  
►ꢀ Switch on the ignition again.  
►ꢀ While depressing the brake pedal, move the  
push selector forwards or backwards to confirm  
mode N.  
►ꢀ While depressing the brake pedal, press the  
control lever to release the parking brake.  
►ꢀ Release the brake pedal, switch off the  
ignition.  
Never use a high-pressure jet wash in the  
engine compartment, due to the risk of  
damaging electrical components.  
Do not wash the vehicle in strong sunshine or  
extremely cold conditions.  
 /
Release procedure  
►ꢀ With the engine running and while depressing  
the brake pedal, move the gear selector to the  
neutral position.  
►ꢀ While depressing the brake pedal, switch off  
the ignition.  
►ꢀ Release the brake pedal, then switch on the  
ignition again.  
►ꢀ While depressing the brake pedal, press the  
control lever to release the parking brake.  
►ꢀ Release the brake pedal, then switch off the  
ignition.  
When washing the vehicle at an  
automatic roller-brush car wash, be sure  
to lock the doors and, depending on version,  
remove the electronic key and deactivate the  
“hands-free” function (“Hands-Free Tailgate  
Access”).  
When using a pressure washer, hold the lance  
at least 30 cm from the vehicle (particularly  
when cleaning areas containing chipped paint,  
sensors or seals).  
If the 5-second time limit is exceeded, the gearbox  
engages mode P; it is then necessary to restart  
the procedure.  
Reverting to normal operation  
►ꢀ While depressing the brake pedal, restart the  
engine.