Get SAFETY Guide for DS 3 4 Door First Generation (2009-2016)

Safety

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.

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.

Right: raise the lighting stalk beyond the

point of resistance.

F

Press this button, the direction indicators

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.

145

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 service (operated by

CITROËN Assistance).

F

Press one of the spokes of the steering

wheel.

For more information on the use of this

function, refer to the "Audio and telematics"

section.

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 need for vigilance

on the part 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.

147

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 on 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, as

given 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 is done in the vehicle configuration menu, with the vehicle stationary and the ignition on.

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.

F

Press the MEnU button for access to the

main menu.

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

the Veh config menu, then confirm by

pressing the OK button.

F

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

"Personalisation-configuration" menu,

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

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.

Confirm by pressing the OK button.

149

Safety

Operating fault

The new pressure settings registered are

considered to be reference values by the

system.

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 under-inflation alert is only

dependable if the system has been

reinitialised with all four tyres inflated to

the correct pressures.

Have the system checked by a CITROËN

dealer or a qualified workshop.

Touch screen tablet

Before doing anything to the system,

the pressures of the four tyres must be

checked and the system reinitialised.

F

Press the MEnU button.

Snow chains

Select the "driving" menu.

In the secondary page, select "Under-

inflation initialisation".

The system does not have to be

reinitialised after fitting or removing

snow chains.

A message is displayed to confirm the

reinitialisation instruction.

F

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

A message confirms the reinitialisation.

Braking assistance systems

Group of supplementary systems which help

Operating fault

Anti-lock braking system

you to obtain optimum braking in complete

safety in emergency situations:

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.

151

Safety

Trajectory control systems

Emergency braking assistance Anti-slip regulation (ASR)

and dynamic stability

control (dSC)

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 control 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

These systems are activated automatically

each time the vehicle is started.

They come into operation in the event of a grip

or trajectory problem.

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.

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

button, accompanied by an audible

signal and a message, this indicates a

malfunction of these systems.

Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

The DSC/ASR systems offer

deactivation

Reactivation

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:

In extremely severe conditions (deep snow,

mud...), when it is not possible to move off, it

may be useful to temporarily deactivate the

systems, so that the wheels can spin 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.

F

Press this button, located on the left below

F

Press this button again to reactivate them

manually.

-

wheels (tyres and rims),

braking components,

electronic components,

assembly and repair procedures.

the steering wheel.

Illumination of the lamp in the button indicates

that the systems are deactivated.

After an impact, have these systems

checked by a CITROËN dealer or a

qualified workshop.

153

Safety

Active City Brake

Active City Brake is a driving assistance

system that aims to avoid a frontal collision

or reduce the speed of an impact if the driver

does not react sufficiently (inadequate brake

application).

Principle

Conditions for activation

Active City Brake only 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 vehicles.

Active City Brake can in no

●

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.

circumstances replace the need for

vigilance on the part of the driver.

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

deactivation

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 system is deactivated in the vehicle

configuration menu, accessible with the ignition on.

Its state is memorised when the ignition is

switched off.

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.

When the system is deactivated, a

message is displayed every time the

ignition is switched on, to warn you.

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.

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 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.

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.

155

Safety

Operating limits

The system only detects vehicles that are

stationary or moving in the same direction as

your vehicle.

With the monochrome screen C

With the touch screen tablet

It does not detect small vehicles

(bicycles, motorcycles), pedestrians or

animals, nor non-reflective stationary

objects.

F

Press the MEnU button for access to the

main menu.

F

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 activate or deactivate

the system respectively.

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

button to select the "OK" box and confirm

or the Back button to cancel.

The system is not triggered or is interrupted if

the driver:

-

accelerates strongly

or turns the steering wheel suddenly

(avoiding manoeuvre).

F

Press the "MEnU" button.

Select the "driving" menu.

In the secondary page, select "Vehicle

settings".

Select "driving assistance" tab.

Check or uncheck the "Automatic

emergency braking" box to activate or

deactivate the system.

F

Confirm.

Operating faults

Sensor fault

System fault

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 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.

The driver must therefore remain

particularly vigilant.

Do not stick or otherwise fix any object on

the windscreen in front of the sensor.

In the event of an impact to the

windscreen at the sensor, deactivate

the system and contact a CITROËN

dealer or a qualified workshop to have

your windscreen replaced.

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.

Never try to remove, adjust or test

the sensor.

Only a CITROËN dealer or a qualified

workshop is able to work on the system.

When towing a trailer or when the

vehicle is being towed, the system must

be deactivated.

157

Safety

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

F

Check that the seat belt is fastened

correctly by pulling the strap.

warning lamp comes on in the instrument

panel, if the driver and/or the front

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.

Rear seat belts

The rear seats are each fitted with a three-point

inertia reel seat belt.

Fastening

F

Pull the strap, then insert the tongue in the

buckle.

F

Check that the seat belt is fastened

correctly by pulling the strap.

Unfastening

F

Press the red button on the buckle.

Guide the seat belt as it is reeled in.

159

Safety

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.

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.

161

Safety

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.

Operating fault

To assure the safety of your child,

the passenger's front airbag must be

deactivated when you install a rearward

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 rearward 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's 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.

163

Safety

Lateral airbags

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.

deployment

Impact detection zones

A. Front impact zone.

B. Side impact zone.

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.

The lateral airbag inflates between the hip and

shoulder of the front occupant of the vehicle

and the corresponding door trim panel.

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.

165

Safety

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

Sit in a normal upright position.

Front airbags

Lateral airbags

Use only approved covers on the seats,

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.

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.

SAFETY for Your DS 3 4 Door First Generation (2009-2016)

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