Citroen DS3 Quiz
Driving checks

Warning lights

In this manual: Driving checks
Safety — 29Practical information — 50Audio and telematics — 75Driving — 63Visibility — 16Doors and tailgate — 16Child safety — 15Driving checks — 41Comfort — 47Technical data — 9Checks — 6
~7min read

When one of the following warning lights comes on while the engine is running or while driving, it indicates a fault that requires driver action.

Any fault that causes a warning light to come on requires further diagnosis by reading the message shown on the multifunction display. If in doubt, contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.


















Indicator

is lit

Cause

Operation / Notes
STOP steadily, on its own or combined with another warning light, together with a warning tone and a message on the screen The warning light indicates a serious fault in the braking system or a high coolant temperature. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, as there is a risk of the engine stalling while driving.

Stop, switch off the ignition and contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Service temporarily. Minor faults not linked to any warning light may appear. Identify the fault by reading the message on the screen, for example:
  • engine oil level,
  • windscreen washer fluid level,
  • remote control battery,
  • particulate filter clogged on diesel vehicles (see the "Diesel particulate filter" section).

For any other faults, contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
steadily. Serious faults not linked to any warning light may appear. Identify the fault by reading the message on the screen, and contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Braking system steadily, together with the STOP warning light. The brake fluid level is insufficient. Stop the vehicle in optimum safety conditions. Top up the level with the fluid recommended by CITROËN.

If the problem persists, have the system checked by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
steadily, together with the STOP and ABS warning lights. Electronic brake force distribution (REF) fault. Stop the vehicle in optimum safety conditions.

Have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) steadily. Anti-lock braking system fault. The vehicle retains conventional braking.

Continue driving carefully at a moderate speed and contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Dynamic stability control (CDS/ASR) flashes. System regulation in progress The system optimises the operation of the powertrain and improves vehicle stability.
permanently, together with the illumination of the system OFF button indicator, an audible signal and a message. The CDS/ASR or hill start assist system is faulty. Have the system checked at a CITROËN network dealership or at a specialist workshop.
Engine diagnostic system flashes. Engine management system fault. Risk of damage to the catalytic converter.

Consult a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop.
steadily. Exhaust emission control system fault. The warning lamp should go out after starting the engine.

If it does not go out, contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Minimum fuel level steadily. When the warning lamp comes on for the first time, there is approximately 5 litres of fuel in the tank. Refuel immediately to avoid engine stalling. This warning lamp comes on each time the ignition is switched on until sufficient fuel has been added. Tank capacity: approximately 50 litres (petrol engine) or 46 litres (diesel); (depending on version: approximately 30 litres (petrol or diesel)).

Never let the engine stall due to lack of fuel, as this may damage the exhaust aftertreatment and injection systems
Maximum coolant temperature steadily. Coolant temperature too high. Stop the vehicle safely, observing all safety precautions. If necessary, wait for the engine to cool down before topping up the coolant.

If the problem persists, contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop.
Engine oil pressure steadily. Engine lubrication system fault. Stop the vehicle safely, observing safety precautions.

Stop, switch off the ignition and contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Charging the battery steadily. Battery charging system fault (dirty or loose terminals, loose or broken alternator belt...). The warning lamp should go out after starting the engine.

If it does not go out, contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop.
Open door permanently, at speeds below 10 km/h. A door or the boot is open. Close the relevant element.
permanently, with an audible signal, at speeds above 10 km/h
Airbags illuminates temporarily. Comes on for a few seconds and goes out when the ignition is switched on. It should go out after starting the engine.

If it does not go out, contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop
steadily. Fault in one of the airbag systems or seat belt pretensioner systems. Consult a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop.
Seat belt not fastened / unfastened permanently, then flashes with a rising audible signal. The driver and/or front passenger has not fastened the seat belt or has unfastened it. Pull the belt and insert the buckle into the seat belt receptacle.
Power steering system steadily. Power steering fault. Drive carefully and smoothly.

Have the system checked at a CITROËN network dealership or at a specialist workshop.
Tyre pressure too low permanently, with an audible signal and a message. Insufficient pressure in one or more tyres. Check tyre pressure as soon as possible. Check the pressure when the tyres are cold. Reinitialise the system after each pressure adjustment in one or more tyres and after replacing one or more wheels.

For more information on low tyre pressure detection, see the relevant section
flashes, then permanently; the Service warning lamp lights at the same time. Malfunction: tyre pressure monitoring is no longer ensured. Check tyre pressure as soon as possible.

Have the system checked by a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop.
AdBlue additive (Diesel BlueHDi) permanently, when the ignition is switched on, together with an audible signal and a message showing the remaining distance. The possible remaining distance is between 600 and 2400 km. Top up the AdBlue supply promptly: contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop, or carry out this operation yourself.
flashes, together with the SERVICE warning lamp, with an audible signal and a message showing the possible remaining distance. The possible remaining distance is between 0 and 600 km. AdBlue must be topped up to avoid a malfunction: contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop, or carry out this operation yourself.
flashes, together with the SERVICE warning lamp, with an audible signal and a message indicating that starting is prohibited. The AdBlue tank is empty: the mandatory starting lock prevents the engine from restarting To restart the engine, AdBlue must be topped up: contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop, or carry out this operation yourself.

Pour at least 3.8 litres of AdBlue into the tank.
SCR exhaust aftertreatment system (Diesel BlueHDi) permanently, when the ignition is switched on, together with the SERVICE and engine diagnostic warning lamps, with an audible signal and a message. SCR exhaust aftertreatment system fault detected. This warning disappears as soon as the level of exhaust emissions is correct again.
flashes when the ignition is switched on, together with the SERVICE and engine diagnostic warning lamps, with an audible signal and a message showing the remaining distance. Once the exhaust aftertreatment fault is confirmed, you can drive a maximum of 1100 km before the starting lock activates. Contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop as soon as possible to avoid a malfunction.
flashes when the ignition is switched on, together with the SERVICE and engine diagnostic warning lamps, with an audible signal and a message. Permitted distance exceeded after confirmation of an exhaust aftertreatment fault: the starting lock prevents the engine from restarting To restart the engine, contact a CITROËN dealership or a specialist workshop.
For more information on AdBlue and how to top it up, see the corresponding section.

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