Citroen C3: Starting / Switching off the engine with Keyless Entry and Starting / Key not detected. Emergency switch-off

Citroen C3 2016-2026 Owners Manual / Driving / Starting / Switching off the engine with Keyless Entry and Starting / Key not detected. Emergency switch-off

Key not detected

Back-up starting

A back-up reader is fitted to the steering column so that the engine can be started if the system does not detect the key in the recognition zone, or if the battery in the electronic key is flat.

Citroen C3. Key not detected. Emergency switch-off

Place and hold the remote control against the reader.
With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
With an automatic gearbox, select mode P, then fully depress the brake pedal.
Press the “START/STOP” button.

The engine starts.

Back-up switch-off

Citroen C3. Key not detected. Emergency switch-off

If the electronic key is not detected or is no longer in the recognition zone, a message appears in the instrument panel when closing a door or trying to switch off the engine.

To confirm the instruction to switch off the engine, press the "START/STOP" button for approximately 5 seconds.

In the event of a fault with the electronic key, contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.

Emergency switch-off

In the event of an emergency only, the engine can be switched off without conditions (even when driving).

Press the "START/STOP" button for about 5 seconds.

In this case, the steering column locks as soon as the vehicle stops.

Switching on the ignition without starting the engine

With the electronic key in the passenger compartment, pressing the “START/STOP” button, without pressing any of the pedals, allows the ignition to be switched on without starting the engine...

Parking brake

Release Pull the parking brake lever up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever fully. When driving the vehicle, if this warning lamp and the STOP warning lamp come on, accompanied by an audible signal and the display of a message, this means that the parking brake is still applied or has not been fully released...

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Citroen C3 2016-2026 Owners Manual: Charging the battery using a battery charger

For optimum service life of the battery, it is essential to maintain an adequate state of charge. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to charge the battery: using the vehicle mainly for short journeys; if the vehicle is to be taken off the road for several weeks...

Citroen C3 2016-2026 Owners Manual: Front seats