2021-2022 Citroen C1 Keys Instruction Guide
Introduction
The Citroen C1, a stunning fusion of style, efficiency, and innovation that is intended to change your driving experience, welcomes you to the future of urban mobility. The Citroen C1 is a monument to contemporary urban driving, where tiny dimensions meet intelligent design, as cities change and lives change. This model’s cutting-edge key technology, which perfectly matches the car’s ethos, is one of its striking characteristics. The key on the 2021-2022 Citroen C1 takes center stage as a symbol of ease, security, and connectivity in the constantly changing world of automotive technology. It is a prime example of Citroen’s dedication to breaking down barriers and revolutionizing urban driving. Therefore, experience driving in a new way with the Citroen C1 and its cutting-edge core technologies.
Keys
Electronic key with remote control function and built-in key,
If one of the doors or the boot is still open or if the electronic key for the Keyless Entry and Start system has been left inside the vehicle, central locking will not take place. However, if the vehicle is fitted with an alarm, it will be activated after 45 seconds.
If the vehicle is unlocked but the doors or tailgate are not subsequently opened, the vehicle will automatically lock itself again after about 30 seconds. If the vehicle is fitted with an alarm, it will be reactivated automatically.
Automatic door mirror folding and unfolding can be deactivated by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
As a safety measure, never leave the vehicle, even for a short time, without taking the Keyless Entry and Start system’s electronic key with you. Be aware of the risk of theft of the vehicle if the key is present in one of the defined areas while the vehicle is unlocked.
To preserve the battery charge in the electronic key and the vehicle’s battery, the “hands-free” functions are set to hibernation mode after 21 days without use. To restore these functions, press one of the remote control buttons or start the engine with the electronic key in the reader.
For more information on starting with the Keyless Entry and Start system, refer to the corresponding section.
Electrical interference
The electronic key may not work if it is close to an electronic device (e.g. mobile telephone (switched on or on standby), laptop computer, strong magnetic fields). If this occurs, move the electronic key away from the electronic device.
Remote control key
This allows the central locking or unlocking of the vehicle using the door lock or from a distance. It also allows the vehicle to be located, the fuel filler cap and charging flap to be opened and closed and the engine to be started or switched off, as well as providing protection against theft.
The remote control buttons are not active with the ignition switched on.
Unfolding / Folding the key
- Press this button to unfold or fold the key.
The remote control may be damaged if you do not press the button.
Keyless Entry and Start
This allows the central locking or unlocking of the vehicle from a distance.
It is also used to locate and start the vehicle, as well as providing protection against theft.
Integral key
This is used to lock and unlock the vehicle when the remote control cannot operate:
- remote control battery discharged, vehicle battery discharged or disconnected, etc.
- vehicle located in an area subject to strong electromagnetic interference.
- Keep this button 1 pulled across to remove the key 2 from the device.
If the alarm is activated, the audible signal triggered on opening a door with the key (integral with the remote control) will stop when the ignition is switched on.
Once the built-in key is ejected, always keep it with you to be able to carry out the corresponding back-up procedures.
It allows the unlocking, locking and starting of the vehicle, while carrying the remote control on your person in the recognition zone “A”.
In the ignition on (accessories) position, with the “START/STOP” button, the hands-free function is deactivated and it is impossible to open the doors. For more information on Starting/switching off the engine and in particular the “ignition on” position, refer to the corresponding section.
Locating the vehicle
- This function helps you to spot your vehicle from a distance, with the vehicle locked: – The direction indicators flash for approximately 10 seconds.
- The courtesy lamps come on.
Press this button.
Remote operation of lighting
A short press on this button switches on the lighting remotely (lighting of sidelamps, dipped beam headlamps and number plate lamps).
A second press on the button before the end of the timed period cancels the remote lighting.
Advice
Remote control
The remote control is a sensitive, high-frequency device; avoid handling it in your pocket, due to the risk of unintentionally unlocking the vehicle.
Avoid pressing the remote control buttons while out of range of the vehicle, due to the risk of rendering the remote control inoperative. It would then be necessary to reset it.
The remote control does not work when the key is in the ignition switch, even when the ignition is switched off.
Anti-theft protection
Do not modify the electronic vehicle immobilizer, as this might result in malfunctions.
For vehicles with a key ignition switch, remember to remove the key and turn the steering wheel to engage the steering lock.
Locking the vehicle
Driving with the doors locked could make it more difficult for the emergency services to enter the passenger compartment in an emergency.
As a safety precaution, remove the key from the ignition or take the electronic key with you when leaving the vehicle, even for a short time.
Purchasing a second-hand vehicle
Have the key codes memorized by a CITROËN dealer, to ensure that the keys in your possession are the only ones able to start the vehicle.
Accumulations (water, dust, grime, salt, etc.) on the inner surface of the door handle may affect detection.
If cleaning the inner surface of the door handle using a cloth does not restore detection, contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
A sudden splash of water (stream of water, high pressure jet washer, etc.) may be identified by the system as the desire to open the vehicle.
Total or Selective Unlocking
Complete unlocking unlocks all the vehicle’s doors (front, side and rear).
Selective unlocking unlocks either the cabin doors, or the doors of the loading area (side and rear).
The separation of the cabin and loading area unlocking is a security measure. It is used to lock out access to the part of the vehicle in which you are not present.
Activation/Deactivation
With button
To activate selective unlocking between the cab and the loading area or to deactivate selective unlocking and return to total unlocking mode, switch on the ignition and press this button for more than two seconds.
An audible signal and, depending on equipment, a display message, confirm that the request has been acknowledged.
Without button
The selectivity between the driver’s door and the other doors and the boot is activated or deactivated via the vehicle configuration menu.
Complete Unlocking
With the key
- To completely unlock the vehicle, insert the key in the lock then turn it towards the front of the vehicle.
- Then pull the handle to open the door.
If fitted to your vehicle, the alarm is not deactivated. Opening a door will trigger the alarm, which can be stopped by switching the ignition on.
Using the remote control
Press one of these buttons to unlock the vehicle.
Unlocking is confirmed by rapid flashing of the direction indicators for around 2 seconds.
At the same time, depending on your version, the door mirrors unfold.
With Keyless Entry and Start on your person
- To unlock the vehicle, with the remote control on your person in recognition zone A, pass your hand behind one of the door handles (front door(s), manual sliding side door(s) or side-hinged doors).
- Pull the handle to open the corresponding door.
With side-hinged doors
- To unlock the vehicle, remote control in the recognition zone A, run a hand behind the handle of the side-hinged door.
- Then pull the handle to open it.
With tailgate
- To unlock the vehicle, with the remote control in recognition zone A, press the tailgate release control.
- Raise the tailgate.
Selective Unlocking
Using the remote control
To unlock just the passenger compartment doors, press this button once.
To unlock the side and rear doors in the loading area, press this button a second time. or
Press this button on the remote control to unlock only the loading area.
Unlocking is confirmed by rapid flashing of the direction indicators for around 2 seconds.
At the same time, depending on your version, the door mirrors unfold.
- With Keyless Entry and Start on your person
To unlock the cabin alone, with the remote control on your person in recognition zone A, pass your hand behind the handle of the driver’s door.- To unlock the cabin alone, with the remote control on your person in recognition zone B, pass your hand behind the handle of the driver’s door.
- Then pull the handle to open the cabin. The door locking state of the loading area remains unchanged.
- To unlock the loading area alone, with the remote control on your person in the recognition zone A, B or C, pass your hand behind a handle of the left side door, right side door or the rear door (the left-hand hinged door or the tailgate).
- Then pull the handle to open the loading area.
Depending on version, the door mirrors unfold only when the cabin is unlocked, the alarm is deactivated.
Unlocking
Unlocking is signaled by rapid flashing of the direction indicators for a few seconds.
Depending on version, the door mirrors unfold and the alarm is deactivated.
With the key
- To completely unlock the vehicle, insert the key in the lock then turn it towards the front of the vehicle.
- Then pull the handle to open the door.
If fitted to your vehicle, the alarm is not deactivated. Opening a door will trigger the alarm, which can be stopped by switching the ignition on.
Using the remote control
Press this button to unlock the vehicle.
With Keyless Entry and Start on your person
- To unlock the vehicle, with the remote control on your person in recognition zone A, pass your hand behind one of the door handles (front door(s), manual sliding side door(s) or side-hinged doors).
- To unlock the vehicle, with the remote control on your person in recognition zone A, pass your hand behind one of the door handles (front door(s)).
Pull the handle to open the corresponding door.
With side-hinged doors/tailgate
To unlock the vehicle, with the remote control in the recognition zone A, pass your hand behind the side-hinged door handle or press the tailgate unlocking control.
- Pull the side-hinged door handle or raise the tailgate.
With the Keyless Entry and Start on your person, to unlock the vehicle, press the tailgate opening rear screen unlocking control. The screen will open slightly; then, lift it up to open it.
Locking
Ensure that no person or object prevents the correct closing of the windows. Be particularly aware of children when operating the windows.
The locking/deadlocking is signalled by the fixed illumination of the direction indicators for about two seconds. Depending on your version, the door mirrors fold at the same time.
If your vehicle is so equipped, pressing and holding the locking button closes the windows. The window stops in position when you release the button.
With the key
To lock the vehicle, insert the key in the lock then turn it towards the rear of the vehicle.
With the remote control
To lock the vehicle, press this button.
- With Keyless Entry and Start on your person
To lock the vehicle, with the remote control in recognition zone A, press the markings on one of the front or rear door handles. - To lock the vehicle, with the remote control in recognition zone A, press the markings on one of the front door handles.
With side-hinged doors
- To lock the vehicle, with the remote control in recognition zone A, press the left-hand door locking control.
Driving with the doors locked could make it more difficult for the emergency services to enter the vehicle in an emergency. As a safety measure, never leave the vehicle, even for a short time, without taking the remote control with you.
If a door is not properly closed (except the right-hand door with side-hinged rear doors):
- when the vehicle is stationary and engine running, this warning lamp comes on, accompanied by a warning message for a few seconds,
- when the vehicle is moving (at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h)), this warning lamp comes on, accompanied by an audible signal and a warning message for a few seconds.
Deadlocking
Deadlocking renders the exterior and interior door controls inoperative. It also deactivate the manual central control button. The horn remains operational.
Never leave anyone inside the vehicle when it is deadlocked.
With the key
- To deadlock the vehicle, turn the key in the driver’s door lock towards the rear of the vehicle.
- Then within five seconds, turn the key towards the rear again.
With the remote control
- To deadlock the vehicle, press this button.
- Then press this button again within five seconds after locking.
With Keyless Entry and Start on your person
- To lock the vehicle, with the remote control in recognition zone A, press the markings on one of the front or rear door handles.
- To deadlock the vehicle, press the markings again within five seconds.
With side-hinged doors
- To lock the vehicle, with the remote control in recognition zone A, press the left-hand door locking control.
- To deadlock the vehicle, press the control again within five seconds.
Back-up procedures
Lost keys, remote control, electronic key
Go to a CITROËN dealer with the vehicle’s registration certificate, your personal identification documents and if possible, the label bearing the key code.
The CITROËN dealer will be able to retrieve the key code and the transponder code, enabling a new key to be ordered.
Complete unlocking/locking of the vehicle with the key
Use this procedure in the following situations:
- Remote control battery discharged.
- Remote control malfunction.
- Vehicle battery discharged.
- Vehicle in an area subject to strong electromagnetic interference.
In the first case, change the remote control battery.
In the second case, reinitialise the remote control.
Refer to the corresponding sections. - Insert the key into the front left-hand door lock.
- Turn the key towards the front/rear to unlock/lock the vehicle.
- Turn the key towards the rear again within 5 seconds to deadlock the vehicle.
If the vehicle is fitted with an alarm, it will not be activated when locking with the key.
If the alarm is activated, the siren sounds when the door is opened; switch on the ignition to stop it.
If the vehicle is unlocked with the key in the lock after locking it with the remote control or the Keyless Entry and Start system, all doors and the boot are unlocked.
If the vehicle is unlocked with the key in the lock after locking it with the key, only the doors (front door and sliding side door(s)) are unlocked. The side-hinged doors and tailgate are not unlocked. Switching on the ignition unlocks them.
Central locking not functioning
Use these procedures in the following cases:
- Central locking malfunction.
- Battery disconnected or discharged.
In the event of a malfunction of the
central locking system, the battery must be disconnected to ensure that the vehicle is locked fully.
Locking part of the vehicle (front door/sliding side door/side-hinged doors)
If a sliding side door or side-hinged doors are fitted to your vehicle, check that the electric child lock is not activated.
- Open the door
Front door
Sliding side door
Side-hinged doors
Remove the cap located on the edge of the door.
- Insert the built-in key into the latch (without forcing it) and then turn the assembly.
- Remove the key and refit the cap.
- Close the door(s) and check from the outside that the vehicle is locked correctly.
Unlocking of one part of the vehicle (front passenger door/sliding side door/side-hinged doors)
- Use the interior opening control. or
- With side-hinged doors, insert the built-in key into the (left-hand) door lock, then turn it.
For more information on the Child lock on a sliding side door or side-hinged doors, refer to the corresponding section.
Unlocking the tailgate
- From inside the vehicle, insert a small screwdriver into hole A on the lock to unlock the tailgate.
- Move the latch to the left.
If the battery is discharged and your vehicle is equipped with a tailgate and an Extenso Cab, you will not be able to access the loading area.
Replace the battery to regain access.
For more information on the 12 V battery, refer to the corresponding section.
In the event of a malfunction or if you experience difficulty opening or closing the tailgate, have it checked by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop without delay, to avoid the issue deteriorating and prevent any risk of the tailgate dropping, potentially causing serious injury.
Changing the battery
If the battery is flat, this warning lamp comes on, accompanied by an audible signal and the display of a message.
Battery type: CR2032/3 volts. Without Keyless Entry and Start
With Keyless Entry and Start
- Unclip the cover by inserting a small screwdriver in the slot and lift the cover.
- Remove the flat battery from its housing.
- Put the new battery in place, respecting the polarity. Start by inserting it into the contacts
located in the corner, then clip the cover onto the unit. - Reinitialise the remote control.
For more information on Reinitializing the remote control, refer to the corresponding section.
Do not throw remote control batteries away, as they contain metals that are harmful to the environment. Take them to an approved disposal point.
This equipment contains a button type battery.
Do not swallow the battery. Risk of chemical burns!
Swallowing the battery can cause serious internal burning in only 2 hours and can be fatal.
If batteries have been swallowed or inserted into a part of the body, seek immediate medical advice.
Keep new and used batteries out of the reach of children.
If the battery compartment does not close properly, stop using the product and keep it out of the reach of children.
Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type!
Replace the battery with the same type.
Do not use in/store in/place in an environment where the temperature is extremely high or where the pressure is extremely low due to very high altitude.
Do not try to burn, crush or cut a used battery.
Reinitialising the remote control
Following replacement of the battery or in the event of a fault, it may be necessary to reinitialise the remote control.
- Without Keyless Entry and Start
Switch the ignition off. - Turn the key to position 2 (Ignition on).
- Immediately press the closed padlock button for a few seconds.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the ignition switch.
The remote control is now fully operational again.
- Insert the mechanical key (incorporated into the remote control) into the lock to open the vehicle.
- Place the electronic key against the back-up reader on the steering column and hold it there until the ignition is switched on.
- With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
- With an automatic gearbox, while in mode P, depress the brake pedal.
Switch on the ignition by pressing the “START/STOP” button. - If the fault persists after Reinitialisation, contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop without delay.
Central locking / unlocking
This function enables the doors to be locked or unlocked simultaneously from inside the vehicle.
When locking/deadlocking from the outside
When the vehicle is locked or deadlocked from the outside, the indicator lamp flashes and the button is deactivated.
- After normal locking, pull one of the interior door controls to unlock the vehicle.
- After deadlocking, you must use the remote control, the “Keyless Entry and Start” system or the built-in key to unlock the vehicle.
Automatic mode
This is the automatic central locking of the vehicle when driving, also called anti-intrusion security.
For more information on Anti-intrusion security, refer to the corresponding section.
Locking/unlocking the loading area 
This button is unavailable if the vehicle
has been locked or deadlocked from outside (using the key, remote control or Keyless Entry and Start, depending on equipment) or if any of the doors are still open.
For more information on the Key, and, in particular, on programming selective locking for the loading area, refer to the corresponding section.
FAQs
Yes, the Citroen C1 may be started by just pressing the engine start button while the key is inside the car.
Yes, the Citroen C1 key has keyless access, enabling you to enter and lock the doors while you are close to the vehicle with the touch of a button.
In most cases, you can program more than one key to function with your Citroen C1. For detailed instructions, refer to your vehicle’s manual or get in touch with a Citroen dealership.
A dashboard alert will normally appear if the battery in your key is low. If possible, change the key’s battery to guarantee continuous operation.
You can change the key’s battery on your own. Instructions on how to accomplish this can be found in the owner’s manual of your car.
In most situations, the key fob has an emergency key slot that can be used to manually start the car if the key’s battery dies.
For your Citroen C1, a spare key is available. To learn more about obtaining an extra key, get in touch with a Citroen dealership.
Reprogramming the key can need specialist tools and information. For key reprogramming, it is advised to go to a Citroen dealership or a licensed auto locksmith.
In some cars, you can choose to turn off the keyless entry option. The manual for your car should provide instructions on how to do this.
The loss of your key can cause issues. Ask about receiving a replacement key as soon as you can by getting in touch with a Citroen shop.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: Citroen C1 2021-2022 User Manual| Auto User Guide
Alarm System : 2021-2022 Citroen C1 Alarm System Instructions