Citroen C4: Starting / Switching off the engine with the key

• Key ignition switch
• Switching off the engine

Key ignition switch

It has 3 positions:

1. Stop
   Inserting/removing the key, steering column locked.
2. Ignition on
   Steering column unlocked, ignition on, preheating (Diesel), switching the engine on.
3. Starting

Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key or the remote control. This would weigh down on its shaft in the ignition switch and could cause a malfunction.

Ignition on position

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

Once the state of charge of the battery drops to the reserve level, the system switches to energy economy mode. The power supply is cut off automatically to preserve the remaining battery charge.

In certain cases, you may need to apply significant force to move the steering wheel (e.g. wheels turned to full lock).

► With a petrol engine, operate the starter motor by turning the key to position 3 without pressing the accelerator pedal, until the engine starts. Once the engine has started, release the key and allow it to return to position 2.

Petrol engines

After a cold start, preheating the catalytic converter can cause noticeable engine vibrations, for anything up to 2 minutes (accelerated idle speed).

Hybrid engines

The vehicle always starts with the petrol engine to ensure the efficiency of the catalytic converter and the availability of the brake assist.

After a few moments, the petrol engine may stop if the operating conditions allow (state of charge of the traction battery, external temperature, torque demand, selected driving mode).

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

Wait until this warning lamp goes off on the instrument panel, then turn the key to position 3 without pressing the accelerator pedal, to operate the starter motor. Once the engine has started, release the key and allow it to return to position 2.

In wintry conditions, the warning lamp may stay on for a longer period. When the engine is hot, the warning lamp does not come on.

In mild conditions, do not leave the engine to warm up while stationary, but move off straight away and drive at moderate speed.

If the engine does not start straight away, switch off the ignition. Wait a few seconds before operating the starter motor again. If the engine does not start after a few attempts, do not keep trying - risk of damaging the starter motor and the engine! Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.

Switching off the engine

► Immobilise the vehicle.

► With the engine at idle, 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 facilitate unlocking of the steering column, it is recommended that the wheels be returned to the straight ahead position before switching off the engine.

Never switch off the ignition before the complete immobilisation of the vehicle. With the engine off, the braking and steering assistance systems are also cut off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!

Check that the parking brake is correctly applied, particularly on sloping ground.

When leaving the vehicle, keep the key in your possession and lock the vehicle.

Energy economy mode

After the engine has stopped (position 1. Stop), for a maximum combined duration of 30 minutes, you can still use functions such as the audio and telematics system, courtesy lamps or dipped beam headlamps.

For more information on Energy economy mode, refer to the corresponding section.

Key left in

When the driver's door is opened, a message is displayed, accompanied by an audible signal, if the key has been left in the ignition switch in position 1.

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

Driving recommendationsStarting/Switching off the engine with Keyless Entry and Start