Citroen C3: 12 V battery / Starting using another battery

If the vehicle's battery is flat, the engine can be started using a backup battery (either external or from another vehicle) and jump leads or using a battery booster.

Never start the engine by connecting a battery charger.

Never use a 24 V or higher battery booster. Check beforehand that the backup battery has a nominal voltage of 12 V and a capacity at least equal to that of the discharged battery.

The two vehicles must not be in contact with each other.

Switch off all electricity-consuming equipment on both vehicles (audio system, wipers, lighting, etc.).

Make sure that the jump leads are well away from the engine’s moving parts (fan, belt, etc.).

Do not disconnect the (+) terminal while the engine is running.

• Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if the vehicle has one.
• Connect the red cable to the (+) terminal of flat battery A (at the metal elbow), then to the (+) terminal of the backup battery B or of the booster.
• Connect one end of the green or black cable to the (-) terminal of the backup battery B or of the booster (or to an earth point on the assisting vehicle).
• Connect the other end of the green or black cable to the earth point C.
• Start the engine on the assisting vehicle and leave it running for a few minutes.
• Operate the starter on the broken down vehicle and let the engine run.

If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the ignition and wait a few moments before trying again.

• Wait for it to return to idle.
• Disconnect the jump leads in reverse order.
• Refit the plastic cover to the (+) terminal, if the vehicle has one.
• Allow the engine to run for at least 30 minutes, with the vehicle stationary, so that the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.

Driving immediately without having reached a sufficient level of charge may affect some of the vehicle's functionalities.

Some functions, including Stop & Start, are not available if the battery is not sufficiently charged.