Starting / Switching off the engine with the key

Ignition switch

It has 3 positions:

- 1. Stop: key insertion and removal, steering column locked.

- 2. Ignition: steering column unlocked, ignition on, preheating (Diesel), engine running.

- 3. Start.

Avoid hanging heavy objects from the key or the remote control. They would put strain on its axis in the ignition switch and could cause a malfunction.

Accessory position

It allows the use of the vehicle's electrical equipment or the charging of accessories.

As soon as the battery charge level reaches the reserve threshold, the system switches to energy saving mode: the power supply is automatically cut off to preserve the battery charge.

Starting the engine

Parking brake applied:

► With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever in neutral then press the clutch pedal fully down.

► With an automatic gearbox, place the selector lever in N or P then press the brake pedal.

► Insert the key into the ignition switch; the system recognises the code.

► Unlock the steering column by turning the steering wheel and the key at the same time.

In some cases, you may need to apply considerable force to turn the steering wheel (e.g. wheels turned to full lock).

► With a petrol engine, operate the starter by turning the key to position 3 until the engine starts, without accelerating.

As soon as the engine starts, release the key to return to position 2.

Petrol engines

After a cold start, preheating of the catalytic converter may cause noticeable engine vibration for up to 2 minutes (fast idle speed).

► With a Diesel engine, turn the key to position 2 to activate the engine preheating system.

Wait for this warning lamp on the instrument panel to go out, then operate the starter by turning the key to position 3, without accelerating. As soon as the engine starts, release the key to return to position 2.

In winter conditions, the warning lamp stays on for longer.

When the engine is warm, the warning lamp does not come on.

In mild conditions, do not warm the engine up while stationary; start it and drive off immediately at moderate engine speed.

If the engine does not start immediately, turn the ignition off.

Wait a few moments before trying again. If the engine still does not start after a few attempts, do not persist - risk of damaging the starter and the engine! Contact the CITROËN network or a qualified workshop.

Switching off the engine

► Stop the vehicle.

► With the engine idling, turn the key to position 1.

► Remove the key from the ignition switch.

► To lock the steering column, turn the steering wheel until it locks.

To make it easier to unlock the steering column, it is advisable to align the front wheels with the vehicle's axis before switching off the engine.

Never turn the ignition off before the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

When the engine is switched off, the brake and steering assistance functions are also cut off - risk of loss of vehicle control!

Check that the electric parking brake is properly applied, especially on a slope.

When leaving the vehicle, keep the key with you and lock the vehicle.

Energy saving mode

After the engine is switched off (position 1. Stop), functions such as the audio and telematics system, the courtesy lights or the dipped headlamps can still be used for a maximum cumulative duration of 30 minutes.

For more information on energy saving mode, refer to the corresponding section.

Key left in the ignition

When the driver's door is opened, a message and an audible warning remind you that the key has been left in the ignition switch in position 1.

If the key is left in the ignition switch in position 2, the ignition is switched off automatically after one hour.

To switch the ignition back on, turn the key to position 1, then again to position 2.