Citroen C3: Lighting and visibility / Automatic headlamp dipping

When the ring is in the "AUTO” position, this system automatically switches between dipped and main beam headlamps according to the lighting and traffic conditions, using a camera located at the top of the windscreen.

This system is a driving aid.

The driver remains responsible for the vehicle's lighting, its correct use for the prevailing conditions of light, visibility and traffic, and for observation of driving and vehicle regulations.

The system becomes operational when the vehicle exceeds 16 mph (25 km/h). When the speed falls below 9 mph (15 km/h), the function is no longer operational.

Activation/Deactivation

It is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch screen menu.

• Flash the headlamps (going beyond the point of resistance) to activate the function.

The state of the system stays in the memory when switching off the ignition.

Operation

If the ambient light level is sufficient and/or the traffic conditions do not allow the main beam headlamps to be lit:

• The dipped beam headlamps remain lit. These indicator lamps come on on the instrument panel.

If the ambient light level is very low and traffic conditions permit:

• The main beam headlamps come on automatically. These indicator lamps come on on the instrument panel.

The function is deactivated if the fog lamps are switched on or the system detects dense fog.

When the fog lamps are switched off or the vehicle leaves the area of dense fog, the function is automatically reactivated.

This indicator lamp goes out when the function is deactivated.

Pause

If the situation requires a change of headlamp beam, the driver can take over at any time.

• A "headlamp flash" pauses the function:
  • If the "AUTO" and "Dipped beam" indicator lamps were on, the system changes to main beam.
  • If the "AUTO" and "Main beam" indicator lamps were on, the system changes to dipped beam.

To reactivate the system, flash the headlamps again.

The system may be disrupted or not work correctly:

• When visibility conditions are poor (snowfall, heavy rain, etc.).
• If the windscreen in front of the camera is dirty, misted or obscured (for example, by a sticker).

If the vehicle is facing highly reflective signs.

When the system detects thick fog, it temporarily deactivates the function.

The system is not able to detect:

• Road users that do not have their own lighting, such as pedestrians.
• Vehicles whose lighting is obscured (for 4 example, vehicles driving behind a safety barrier on a motorway).
• Vehicles at the top or bottom of a steep slope, on winding roads, on crossroads.

Clean the windscreen regularly, particularly the area in front of the camera.

The internal surface of the windscreen can also become misted around the camera. In humid and cold weather, demist the windscreen regularly.

Do not allow snow to accumulate on the bonnet or roof of the vehicle as this could obstruct the detection camera.