2021 Citroen C3 Lights and Wipers Guidelines
Introduction
The Citroen C3 Lights and Wipers are Here for 2021: Boosting Your Motivation With its cutting-edge lighting and wiper technologies, the 2021 Citroen C3 is here to brighten your driving experience. This compact car’s lighting system uses cutting-edge technology for improved visibility, and its wipers are built to keep your windshield crystal clear even in bad weather.
Both of these features are intended to give safety and style. The 2021 Citroen C3 guarantees you’ll always have a clean vision of the road ahead, so wave goodbye to poorly lit roadways and streaked windshields.
Lighting Control
Never look too closely at the luminous beam of LED lamps: risk of serious eye injury!
In some weather conditions (e.g. low
temperature or humidity), misting on the internal surface of the glass of the headlamps and rear lamps is normal, and will disappear after the lamps have been on for a few minutes.
Travelling abroad
Vehicles equipped with halogen headlamps:
- If planning to use your vehicle in a country that drives on the other side of the road, the headlamp dipped beams must be adjusted to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
- If one or more lamps fails, a message asks you to check the lamp or lamps concerned.
Main lighting
Automatic illumination of lamps/daytime running lamps
Lamps off/daytime running lamps 
Sidelamps only 
Dipped or main beam headlamps
Headlamp Dipping
Pull the stalk to switch between dipped and main beam headlamps.
In the lighting off and sidelamps modes, the driver can switch on the main beam headlamps temporarily (“headlamp flash”) by pulling the stalk.
Display
Illumination of the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument panel confirms that the lighting selected is on.
Foglamp Selection Ring
The foglamps operate with the dipped and main beam headlamps.
Rear foglamp
It only works if the dipped or main beam headlamps are on.
- Rotate the ring forwards/backwards to turn it on/off.
When the lighting is Iwitched off automatically (with AUTO model), the foglamp and the dipped beam headlamps will remain on.
Front foglamps and rear foglamp
Press and rotate the ring:
- forwards a 1st time to switch on the front foglamps.
- forwards a 2nd time to switch on the rear foglamp.
- backwards a 1st time to switch off the rear foglamp.
- backwards a 2nd time to switch off the front foglamps.
When the lamps are switched off automatically (with AUTO model) or when the dipped beam headlamps are switched off manually, the foglamps and sidelamps remain on.
Rotate the ring backwards to switch the foglamps off; the sidelamps will then switch off.
Switching on the foglamps is prohibited in clear weather or in rain, both day and night. In these situations, the power of their beams may dazzle other drivers. They must only be used in fog or falling snow (rules may vary depending on country).
Do not forget to switch off the foglamps when they are no longer necessary.
Switching off of the lamps when the ignition is switched off
When the ignition is switched off, all of the lamps turn off immediately, except for dipped beam headlamps if automatic guide-me-home lighting is activated.
Switching on the lamps after switching off the ignition
To reactivate the lighting control, rotate the ring to the “0” position – lamps off, then to the desired position.
If the driver’s door is opened, a temporary audible signal warns the driver that the lamps are on.
The lamps, with the exception of the sidelamps, switch off automatically after a maximum duration of 30 minutes to prevent discharging of the battery.
Direction Indicators
- Left or right: lower or raise the lighting control stalk, beyond the point of resistance.
If you forget to cancel the direction indicators for more than 20 seconds, the volume of the audible signal will increase if the speed is above 50 mph (80 km/h).
Three flashes
Press briefly upwards or downwards, without going beyond the point of resistance; the direction indicators will flash 3 times.
Parking lamps
Vehicle side marking by illumination of the sidelamps on the traffic side only.
- Depending on version, within one minute of switching off the ignition, operate the lighting control stalk up or down, according to the traffic side (for example, when parking on the left, turn the lighting control stalk upwards; the right-hand sidelamps come on).
This action is confirmed by an audible signal and illumination of the corresponding direction indicator lamp in the instrument panel.
To switch off the parking lamps, return the lighting control stalk to the central position.
Automatic illumination of headlamps
When the ring is at the “AUTO” position and
a low level of ambient light is detected by the rain/sunshine sensor, the number plate lamps, sidelamps and dipped beam headlamps are switched on automatically, without any action on the part of the driver. They may also come on if rain is detected, at the same time as automatic operation of the windscreen wipers.
As soon as the brightness returns to a sufficient level or after the windscreen wipers are switched off, the lamps are switched off automatically.
Switching on/off
- To activate it, turn the ring to the “AUTO” position.
To deactivate it, turn the ring to any other position.
When the function is activated or deactivated, a message is displayed.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction of the rain/sunshine sensor, the vehicle’s lighting comes on and this warning lamp is displayed in the instrument panel, accompanied by an audible signal and/or the display of a message. Contact a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Do not cover the rain/sunshine sensor located at the top centre of the windscreen behind the interior rear view mirror; the associated functions would no longer be controlled.
In fog or snow, the rain/sunshine sensor may detect sufficient light. For this reason, the lighting will not come on automatically.
The inner surface of the windscreen may become misted up and affect the proper operation of the rain/sunshine sensor.
In humid and cold weather, demist the windscreen regularly.
Daytime running lamps/ Sidelamps
These lamps at the front and rear of the vehicle light up automatically when the engine starts. They perform the following functions:
- Daytime running lamps (lighting control stalk at position “0” or “AUTO” with adequate ambient light).
- Sidelamps (lighting control stalk at position “AUTO” with low ambient light or “Sidelamps only” or “Dipped/main beam headlamps”).
In daytime running lamps mode, the diodes are brighter.
Guide-me-home and welcome lighting
Guide-me-home lighting
Automatic
With the ring in the “AUTO” position, when the light is poor, the dipped beam headlamps come on automatically when the ignition is switched off.
You can activate/deactivate this function and adjust the guide-me-home lighting duration in the vehicle configuration menu.
Manual
- With the ignition off, pull the lighting control stalk toward you (“headlamp flash”) to activate/deactivate the function.
Manual guide-me-home lighting goes off automatically after a period of time.
Welcome lighting
With the “Automatic headlamp illumination” function activated, in poor light, the sidelamps and dipped beam headlamps come on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked. Activation, deactivation and the duration of the exterior welcome lighting are set in the vehicle configuration menu.
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 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.
Headlamp beam height adjustment
To avoid causing a nuisance to other road users, the height of the headlamp beams should be adjusted according to the load in the vehicle.
- (Initial adjustment) Driver only or driver + front passenger
- Driver + front passenger + rear passengers
- Driver + front passenger + rear passengers + load in the boot
- Driver + front passenger + rear passengers + load in the boot
- Driver only + maximum authorised load in the boot
Wiper Control Stalk
In wintry conditions, remove snow, ice or frost present on the windscreen, around
the wiper arms and blades and on the windscreen seal, before operating the wipers.
Do not operate the wipers on a dry
windscreen. Under extremely hot or cold conditions, ensure that the wiper blades are not stuck to the windscreen before operating the wipers.
Without AUTO wiping
With AUTO wiping
Windscreen wipers
To select the wiping speed: raise or lower the stalk to the desired position.
Fast wiping (heavy rain) 
Normal wiping (moderate rain) 
Intermittent wiping (proportional to the vehicle’s speed)
Off 
Single wipe (press down and release).
Automatic wiping Refer to the corresponding section.
Single wipe
- Pull the stalk briefly towards you.
Windscreen wash
Pull the wiper control stalk towards you and hold.
The screenwash then the windscreen wipers operate for a pre-determined time.
The screenwash jets are not adjustable. Do not handle them (risk of damage).
To avoid damaging the wiper blades, do not operate the screenwash if the screenwash reservoir is empty.
Only operate the screenwash if there is no risk of the fluid freezing on the windscreen and hindering visibility. During the winter period, use “very cold climate” rated products.
Never top up with water.
Rear wiper
Turn the ring to align the desired symbol with the marking.
Off
Intermittent wipe 
Wash-wipe
Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged, the rear wiper will come into operation automatically if the front windscreen wipers are operating.
This function is set via the Driving / Vehicle touch screen menu.
In the event of accumulation of snow or hard frost or if a bicycle carrier is fitted to a towing device, deactivate the automatic rear wiper via the touch screen’s Driving/ Vehicle menu.
Special Position of the Windscreen Wipers
This maintenance position is used while cleaning or replacing the wiper blades. It can also be useful, in wintry weather (ice, snow), to release the wiper blades from the windscreen.
To maintain the effectiveness of the flat wiper blades, it is advisable to:
- handle them with care.
- clean them regularly using soapy water.
- avoid using them to hold cardboard on the windscreen.
- replace them at the first signs of wear.
Before removing a windscreen wiper blade
Operating the wiper control stalk within one minute after switching off the ignition will place the wiper blades in a vertical position.
Proceed with the desired operation or the replacement of the wiper blades.
After refitting a windscreen wiper blade
To return the wiper blades to their initial position, switch on the ignition and operate the wiper control stalk.
Automatic windscreen wipers
In AUTO mode, the windscreen wipers operate automatically, without any action on the part of the driver. If rain is detected, the wiping adapts to the intensity of the rainfall automatically. Detection of rainfall is by means of a rain/sunshine sensor at the top centre of the windscreen, behind the rear view mirror.
Do not cover the rain/sunshine sensor.
When using an automatic car wash, switch off the automatic wipers and the ignition. In winter, wait until the windscreen is completely clear of ice before activating the automatic wipers.
Switching on
Give a short downwards push to the control stalk.
A wiping cycle confirms that the instruction has been accepted.
This indicator lamp appears in the instrument panel display, accompanied by a message.This indicator lamp disappears from the instrument panel display, accompanied by a message.If the ignition has been off for more than one minute, the automatic wipers must be reactivated by pushing the control stalk downwards.
If a fault occurs with the automatic wipers, the wipers operate in intermittent mode.
Have them checked by a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.
Changing a wiper blade
- Carry out these wiper blade replacement operations from the driver’s side.
- Starting with the wiper blade farthest from you, hold each arm by the rigid section and raise it as far as possible.
Take care not to hold the arms at the jet locations.
Do not touch the wiper blades. Risk of irreparable deformation.
Do not release them while moving them. Risk of damaging the windscreen!
Clean the windscreen using screenwash fluid.
Do not apply “Rain X” type water-repellent products.
- Unclip the worn wiper blade closest to you and remove it.
- Install the new wiper blade and clip it to the arm.
- Repeat the procedure for the other wiper blade.
Starting with the wiper blade closest to you, once again hold each arm by the rigid section, then guide it carefully onto the windscreen.
Removing/refitting at the rear
Hold the arm by the rigid section and raise it as far as possible.
- Clean the rear screen using screenwash fluid.
- Unclip the worn wiper blade and remove it.
- Install the new wiper blade and clip it to the arm.
- Once again hold the arm by the rigid section, then guide it carefully onto the rear screen.
FAQs
Simply turn the headlight control knob on the dashboard to the right to turn them on.
Halogen headlights are normally standard on 2021 Citroen C3 models, while LED headlights may be available on select.
Push the turn signal lever outward to turn on the high beams. To turn them off, pull it back in your direction.
The headlight beam adjustment dial, which is positioned on the dashboard, can be used to change the height of the headlight beam. If necessary, turn it to raise or lower the beam.
Headlights that flicker or stop working could be a sign of an electrical or bulb problem. It is advised to have a qualified technician examine your car.
Utilize the wiper control stalk, which is situated on the steering column’s right side. If installed, push it up to operate the front wipers and down to operate the rear wiper.
Typically, the wiper control stalk has three different wiper speed settings: intermittent, low, and high. To choose the preferred speed, rotate the control.
While the wipers are running, push the control stalk in the direction of the steering wheel to spray windshield washer fluid. To stop the spray, let go.
Make sure the wiper blades are in good shape and frequently clean the windshield.
It’s advisable to follow the owner’s manual’s advice and use windshield washer fluid that is appropriate for your particular car.
What should I do if my windshield wipers freeze to the windshield in cold weather?
In prevent damage, warm up your car and carefully de-ice the wipers before trying to use them.
Consult your owner’s manual for detailed replacement instructions as the procedure may differ significantly depending on the blade design.
It’s a good idea to check that the wiper arms are correctly positioned and aren’t blocking your view after changing the wiper blades.
Check the motor and blade condition if the rear wiper isn’t working. Consult a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repairs if the problem continues.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: Citroen C3 2021 User’s Manual | Auto User Guide