Citroen C3: Practical information / AdBlue® (BlueHDi)

To respect the environment and ensure compliance with the Euro 6 standard, without adversely affecting the performance or fuel consumption of its Diesel engines, CITROËN has taken the decision to equip its vehicles with a system that associates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with a Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) for the treatment of exhaust gases.

SCR System

Using a liquid called AdBlue® that contains urea, a catalytic converter turns up to 85% of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and water, which are harmless to health and the environment.

The AdBlue® is contained in a special tank holding about 15 litres. Its capacity allows a driving range of approximately 11,200 miles (18,000 km), which may vary considerably depending on your driving style.

An alert system is triggered once the reserve level is reached: it is then possible to drive for a further 1,500 miles (2,400 km) before the tank is empty and the vehicle blocked.

For more information on the Warning and indicator lamps and the associated alerts, or the Indicators, please refer to the corresponding sections.

Once the AdBlue® tank is empty, a system required by legislation prevents starting of the engine.

If the SCR system is faulty, the level of emissions from the vehicle will no longer meet the Euro 6 standard: the vehicle becomes polluting.

In the event of a confirmed SCR system malfunction, it is essential to visit a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop. After 680 miles (1,100 km), a device is automatically activated to prevent the engine from starting. In both cases, a range indicator indicates the distance that can be travelled before the vehicle is stopped.

Freezing of the AdBlue®

AdBlue® freezes at temperatures below around -11°C.

The SCR system includes a heater for the AdBlue® tank, allowing you to continue driving in very cold conditions.

Supply of AdBlue®

It is recommended that the AdBlue® be topped up as soon as the first alert is issued indicating that the reserve level has been reached.

For the correct operation of the SCR system:

Use only AdBlue® fluid that meets the ISO 22241 standard.

Never transfer AdBlue® to another container as it would lose its purity.

Never dilute AdBlue® with water.

It is possible to obtain AdBlue® from a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop.

Never top up from an AdBlue® dispenser reserved for heavy goods vehicles.

Recommendations on storage

AdBlue® freezes at about -11°C and deteriorates above +25°C. Containers should be stored in a cool area and protected from direct sunlight.

Under these conditions, the fluid can be kept for at least a year.

If the fluid has frozen, it can be used once it has completely thawed out at room temperature.

Never store AdBlue® containers in your vehicle.

Precautions for use

AdBlue® is a urea-based solution. This fluid is non-flammable, colourless and odourless (when kept in a cool place).

In the event of contact with the skin, wash the affected area with soap and running water. In the event of contact with the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with large amounts of water or with an eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if you feel a persistent burning sensation or irritation.

If swallowed, immediately wash out the mouth with clean water and then drink plenty of water. In certain conditions (high temperature, for example), the risk of release of ammonia cannot be excluded: do not inhale the fluid. Ammonia vapours have an irritant effect on mucous membranes (eyes, nose and throat).

Store AdBlue® out of the reach of children, in its original container.

Procedure

Before starting the top-up procedure, ensure that the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface. In wintry conditions, ensure that the temperature of the vehicle is above -11 °C. Otherwise, the AdBlue® may be frozen and therefore cannot be poured into its tank. Park your vehicle in a warmer area for a few hours to allow the top-up to be carried out.

Never pour AdBlue® into the Diesel fuel tank.

If any AdBlue® is splashed, or if there are any spillages on the bodywork, rinse immediately with cold water or wipe with a damp cloth.

If the fluid has crystallised, clean it off using a sponge and hot water.

Important: in the event of a top-up after a breakdown because of a lack of AdBlue, it is essential to wait around 5 minutes before switching on the ignition, without opening the driver’s door, unlocking the vehicle, introducing the key into the ignition switch, or introducing the key of the “Keyless Entry and Starting ” system into the passenger compartment. Switch on the ignition, then wait for 10 seconds before starting the engine.

• Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the switch to switch off the engine.

or

• With Keyless Entry and Starting, press the "START/STOP" button to switch off the engine.

• With the vehicle unlocked and the fuel filler flap open, turn the blue cap of the AdBlue® tank a quarter turn anti-clockwise.

Filling up

• With a bottle or container of AdBlue®: after checking the expiry date, read carefully the instructions on the label before pouring the contents of the bottle or container into the vehicle's AdBlue tank.
• With an AdBlue® pump: introduce the nozzle and fill the tank until the automatic cut-off of the nozzle.

In order not to overfill the AdBlue® tank:

• Add between 10 and 13 litres using AdBlue® containers.
• Stop after the nozzle’s first automatic cutout, if you are refilling at a service station.

If the AdBlue® tank is completely empty

which is confirmed by the “Top up AdBlue: Starting impossible” message – it is essential to add at least 5 litres.

After refilling

• Refit the blue cap to the tank filler and turn it clockwise as far as it will go (one sixth of a turn).
•  Close the fuel filler flap.

Do not dispose of AdBlue® bottles or containers in the household waste. Place them in a container reserved for this purpose or take them back to where you purchased them.