Citroen C3 Owners' Guide

The Citroen C3 is a small hatchback that first went on sale in 2002 and quickly cemented its reputation as an excellent city car. Almost six million C3s have been sold since then, with the most recent generation launched in 2024. 

This owners' guide compiles key information about your C3 in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Citroen C3 generations

Citroen C3 Mk1 2002-2009 

The first-generation C3 was a successor to the five-door Saxo, though there were a few years of overlap between the two. It had a rounded shape and a surprisingly spacious interior.  

 In response to the rise in popularity of crossover vehicles, Citroen introduced the C3 X-TR in 2005, a wannabe off-road model with higher ground clearance and a set of roof rails. Inside, it was the same as the regular C3.  

 A facelift in 2005 resulted in a redesigned interior, a new dashboard, and an improved audio system. All engines were upgraded to meet Euro 4 emissions standards. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Two-door convertible (known as the C3 Pluriel) 

Key engine options: 

• 1.1-litre 61bhp 5MT petrol 

• 1.4-litre 75bhp 4AT petrol 

• 1.6-litre 110bhp 5MT petrol 

• 1.4-litre 60bhp 5MT diesel 

Citroen C3 Mk2 2009-2016 

The second iteration of the C3 was built on the same platform as its predecessor but looked like an entirely new car. A theme of flowing lines and curves determined the exterior and interior design.  

 A facelift in 2013 brought essential upgrades and fixed various issues. LED daytime running lights were added, and the engine options were upgraded. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.0-litre 68bhp PureTech petrol 

• 1.2-litre 82bhp PureTech petrol 

• 1.6-litre 120bhp petrol 

• 1.4-litre 70bhp e-HDi diesel 

• 1.6-litre 92bhp e-HDi diesel 

Citroen C3 Mk3 2016-2024 

Though the third generation of the C3 wasn’t a class leader, it was economical, and it came with a decent level of equipment, including an infotainment system with a 7” touchscreen display and a screen-mounted dash cam.  

A mid-cycle facelift in 2019 brought new LED headlights, alloy wheels, 11 active-safety systems and a new infotainment system. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 83bhp PureTech petrol 

• 1.2-litre 110bhp PureTech petrol 

• 1.5-litre 110bhp BlueHDi diesel 

Citroen e-C3 Mk4 2024- 

Citroen responded to the increased demand for electric crossover vehicles by creating the e-C3, which is built on the Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ platform and features Progressive Hydraulic Cushions to drastically enhance comfort. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Engine options: 

• 83kW 113bhp electric engine 

Service intervals

Record in the MyCitroen app. The app also allows you to view any upcoming maintenance work for your C3. Arrange an appointment with your local Citroen dealer to get started. 

Benefits of using the Digital Service Record: 

• Always available – You can access the record anywhere, at any time. 

• Up to date – Information is filled out after each servicing visit. 

• No paperwork – It's easier to keep track of everything in one place. 

• Higher resale value – A complete, easy to access record will give your car a higher resale value. 

Alternatively, your owner’s manual will provide guidance about the optimal service intervals for your C3. If you don’t have access to it, the table below provides general guidelines suitable for most cars. 

Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides: 

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service? 

• How much should a full service cost? 

• How much should an interim service cost? 

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Tyre pressure

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the C3 on TyrePressures.com. 

However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your model: 

• In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information. 

How to check Citroen C3 tyre pressure 

There are three ways to check your car’s tyre pressure: 

• At home using a hand-held gauge. 

• At a petrol station forecourt with an air machine. 

• Using the car’s onboard pressure monitoring system, if applicable. 

If you opt for one of the first two options, you’ll need to unscrew the tyre valve cap and attach the nozzle of the gauge or air machine to get a pressure reading.  

How to reset a Citroen C3 tyre pressure warning light 

Here’s how to reset the warning light in a Mk3 C3. 

• Ensure the pressure in all four tyres is correct. 

• Switch the engine on. 

• Press the car button at the side of the central infotainment screen. 

• Press ‘under-inflation initialisation’. 

• You will see a message asking if you want to reset the pressure warning. Press ‘Yes’. 

Engine oil

What is the best oil for a Citroen C3? 

5W-30 fully synthetic engine oil is often used in C3 models. However, the recommended oil grade can vary between different fuel types and configurations, so it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for information specific to your model. 

Find out how to check your car’s engine oil level here. 

What is the oil capacity of a Citroen C3? 

Depending on the engine, a Citroen C3 oil change requires between 3.3 and 4.25 litres.  

Battery

If your car uses start-stop technology, it will need a different battery compared to a vehicle that doesn’t have this tech.  

Learn about different types of car batteries in this guide. 

What battery do I need for my Citroen C3? 

The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. 

Things to consider when buying a battery for your C3 

• Start-Stop Systems: Models equipped with start-stop technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) due to their enhanced charge cycles and durability.  

• Battery Dimensions: It's crucial to match the battery dimensions and hold-down type (commonly B13 for Citroen C3) to ensure proper fitment.  

• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Higher CCA values are beneficial for cold starts, especially in diesel engines.  

• Battery Brands: Reputable brands like Bosch, Varta, Exide, and Halfords offer batteries compatible with Citroen C3 models. 

Want to make your battery last longer? Here are our top tips. 

What to do if your Citroen C3 battery dies 

If the battery dies due to old age and general wear and you can’t drive your car to a garage, you’ll need to book a mobile battery replacement.  

However, if it dies because it has been drained by the electrical system – for example, if you’ve left the lights on overnight – you should be able to get it going again with a jump start. Find out how in this guide. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Citroen C3? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Citroen C3 warning lights you might not know 

Citroen service spanner warning light 

A spanner-shaped warning light on the dashboard usually signals that the car requires a service. However, the meaning changes if it appears with another warning light, signalling a minor fault. You’ll need diagnostic equipment to determine the fault code.  

Citroen AdBlue warning (diesel models)  

A yellow AdBlue warning light comes on early in Citroens, about 1,500 miles before the tank is empty. As the fluid level gets lower, the light will turn red and a “starting impossible in [number] miles” countdown will begin on the screen (in newer C3 models).  

 When an unfamiliar dashboard warning light appears, the best thing to do is book a diagnostic test to determine what triggered the light and what repair is required.    

Common problems

Here, we look at two common problems encountered by C3 owners. 

1. Faulty electronic thermostat 

The electronic thermostat in some Mk3 petrol C3s can fail, resulting in the heater blowing cold air even when the engine has warmed up. Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to diagnose and fix – the thermostat needs replacing. 

2. Squeaky suspension 

Squeaky suspension is an issue commonly experienced by owners of Mk2 C3 models and is especially noticeable at slow speeds. It’s caused by a front shock absorber bump stop that isn’t sufficiently lubricated.   

The front strut needs removing, and the bump stop either needs re-lubricating or replacing to fix this problem. 

Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Citroen C3 questions and topics

How to change a Citroen C3 headlight bulb 

The method of changing a headlight bulb can vary between different model generations – if you’re unsure, check your owner’s manual.  

• Ensure the engine is switched off and the handbrake is engaged.  

• Pull the bonnet release lever and open the bonnet.   

• Locate the back of the lights and remove the cover.  

• To replace the H1 full beam bulb, pull on the black power terminal.  

• Undo the bulb by moving it towards the outside of the holding stud clips.  

• Pivot the hook downwards and remove the bulb.  

• Fit the new bulb, taking into consideration its orientation. If possible, avoid touching the new bulbs with your bare fingers, as this will decrease their lifespan.  

• Push the metal clips back up.  

• Reattach the connector. 

How much is car tax for a Citroen C3? 

The cost of road tax depends on when your car was registered, as discussed in this guide. C3 models registered after 1st April 2017 typically sit at the standard £195 rate.  

 Models registered before 2017 will likely be the cheapest to tax. The Touch PureTech 68 and 82 models cost just £20 per year. 

How to open the bonnet on a Citroen C3 

Mk1 C3 models 

• Pull the red bonnet release lever beneath the glove box on the passenger side. 

• Use the bonnet latch towards the front of the engine bay to release the bonnet fully. 

• Open and secure the bonnet. 

Later C3 models 

Follow the same steps as described above. The bonnet release lever is still on the passenger side, but it is no longer red and is located near the door frame rather than under the glove box. 

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