Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols Explained

Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso Dashboard Warning Lights

French car manufacturer Citroën first released the 7 seat Grand C4 Picasso in 2006 with the smaller 5 seat version being released in 2007. The C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso second and current generation was released in 2013. These Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso dashboard warning lights covers both generations and models.

A Guide to the Picasso Warning Lights

As part of a self-check, many dashboard warning lights come on temporarily with the ignition switch to ON and/or when the engine has just started. This is normal procedure. A colour scheme is associated with the type of light that comes on your dashboard. Your Picasso warning lights are there to inform something is:

  • in operation – these are blue or green symbols
  • is switched off – these are usually amber or yellow symbols
  • requiring maintenance – these are usually amber or yellow symbols
  • at fault – these will usually be red symbols, possibly flashing and may have an audible alarm

Taking Action

If whilst driving a dashboard warning light comes on in amber / yellow or more importantly in red and you’re unsure what it is, it would be advisable to stop when safe to do so and switch off the engine. Investigate the meaning of the warning to determine what action is required.

Certain warning lights may prevent you from continuing your journey as there may be significant risk of damage to vehicle components and/or potential risk to the safety of vehicle occupants.

Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso Dashboard Warning Lights

You’ll find the majority of the dashboard warning lights for both the Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso along with their meaning and an explanation of what action to take.

Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Automatic Headlight Dipping Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Auto Headlights
Urgency: Low
Description: This symbol indicates that the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand automatic headlight dipping is active. Function is activated / deactivated in the driver assistance menu.
Action: System is managed by a camera located in the door mirrors. If the system fails to operate, ensure the camera is clean and free from dirt.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Diesel Pre-heat Glow plugs Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Glow Plugs
Urgency: Low
Description: On diesel versions of the Picasso only, glow plugs are heating devices that aid in starting the engine. Before attempting to start the engine, switch the key to on and wait for the glow plug pre-heat light to go out. In warmer climates, the glow plugs light may not illuminate whereas in very cold climates, the light may stay on for up to 30 seconds before the engine is ready to start.
Action: If the Picasso glow plugs light doesn’t come on and you’re experiencing trouble starting the engine, or the engine is excessively rough at start-up, have the vehicle checked for faults with a code reader. The likely cause is faulty glow plugs or glow plugs relay, though other more complicated faults such as fuel injectors can also cause this issue.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Electric Parking Brake (P) Dashboard Warning Light Symbol Name: Electric Parking Brake
Urgency: Medium
Description: The electric parking brake red symbol (steady light) illuminates on the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand dashboard indicating that it has been applied.
Action: There are two instances where the electric parking brake flashes:

  1. When driving, the electronic parking brake is not fully released. A quick press on the control lever should release the brake. If the light remains on, contact a Citroën specialist.
  2. When stationary and parked, the light will flash indicating that the electronic parking brake does not guarantee immobilisation of the vehicle. This could be due to being parked on a steep slope for example. To secure the vehicle, leave it in gear for manual or select P with an automatic gearbox.

Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Electric Parking Brake Fault (P / Exclamation Mark) Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Parking Brake Fault
Urgency: Medium
Description: If the electronic parking brake light with an exclamation mark illuminates in amber, it means there’s a malfunction with the system.
Action: Automatic release of the parking brake may not be available. Use the lever to manually release.



Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Electric Parking Brake Deactivation Automatic Functions Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Parking Brake Deactivation
Urgency: Low
Description: This symbol indicates that the automatic functions of the electronic parking brake have been deactivated. It’s advisable that in certain conditions such as very cold weather (risk of freezing) or towing a caravan, that the automatic functions of the electronic parking brake be disabled.
Action: To deactivate the automatic functions of the electronic parking brake:

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Apply the parking brake with the control lever (if it is released).
  3. Take your foot off the brake pedal.
  4. Push and hold the control lever in the release direction for at least 10 seconds but no more than 15 seconds.
  5. Release the control lever.
  6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
  7. Pull the control lever in the apply direction for 2 seconds.

Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Brake (Red Exclamation Mark) Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: BRAKE
Urgency: High
Description: This red exclamation mark is associated with the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand brake system. It indicates brake fluid levels are low.
Action: Stop as soon as possible and check the brake fluid reservoir levels. If required, top up to the MAX. marker. Use Citroën recommended fluids only. IF this fault persists, it may indicates a leak within the sealed brake pipes.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: ABS
Urgency: Medium
Description: ABS or anti-lock braking system became compulsory for all car manufactured in Europe from 2004. In the event of heavy braking, ABS kicks in to prevent the wheels from locking up. This in turn allows the driver to continue to steer.
Action: If the ABS lights up on your Citroën Picasso dash, it means the system has malfunctioned. Standard brakes are not affected, but you will be at higher risk of skidding and a greater loss of control under harsh braking.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: EBFD
Urgency: Medium
Description: The red BRAKE warning light and the ABS amber light illuminating simultaneously indicates a fault with the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD). EBFD is an additional safety feature that works with ABS to control the amount of braking on each individual wheel.
Action: As with ABS, EBFD does not affect your standard brakes but will put your vehicle under greater risk of a loss of control under heavy braking.



Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Electronic Stability Control / Antislip Regulation (DSC/ASR) Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: DSC/ASR
Urgency: Medium
Description: DSC ‘Dynamic Stability Control and ASR ‘Anti-slip Regulation’ and linked to ABS to help maintain stability of your Citroën C4 Picasso. It also allows the directional stability of the vehicle to be improved on acceleration. If the light comes on, it means that the system is in operation.
Action: If the light flashes, it indicates a fault and should be checked by an authorised engineer.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Engine Autodiagnosis System (Engine Warning Light) Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Engine Fault
Urgency: Medium / High
Description: This is commonly referred as the engine management light, or engine fault light. On the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand, it’s the Engine autodiagnosis system. This light should come on for a short time with ignition then go out. This fault light may either flash or stay on constantly to indicate a malfunction.
Action: Constant: Exhaust emission control system has a fault. Flashing: This is more serious than constant as damage may occur to the catalytic converter.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Airbag Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Airbags
Urgency: Medium
Description: The airbag warning light comes on initially with the engine for a short time, then goes out. This is a self-check system. If the light stays on or comes on when driving, there is a fault with one of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioner systems has a fault.
Action: If the front passenger seat gets frequently moved, check wiring under the seat is securely in place as this is where some of the system is located.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Passenger Airbag Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Passenger Airbag
Urgency: Medium
Description: If this passenger airbag light flashes, it means the system has a fault.
Action: It’s advisable to not have a passenger seated if this fault light is flashing. Have system checked as soon as possible.



Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Directional Headlights Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Directional Headlights
Urgency: Low
Description: When full beam or dipped headlights are on, directional lighting allows the light beams to better follow the road. This considerably improves the quality of your lighting round bends.
Action: If this green symbol is flashing on the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand instrument cluster, it indicates that the directional headlights have a fault. Directional lighting can be activated or deactivated in the Driving aids menu, then Vehicle settings.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Battery Charge Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Battery
Urgency: Urgent
Description: The battery warning light comes on with ignition as normal and should go out shortly. If the red symbol illuminates while driving, it indicates a fault with the battery charging system.
Action: Possible faults include:

  • dirty or loose terminals
  • slack or cut alternator belt
  • alternator malfunction
  • faulty battery

Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Engine Coolant Temp Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Coolant
Urgency: Urgent
Description: This is the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand engine coolant light. If it comes on it means your engine is overheating.
Action: Stop as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Wait for the engine to cool and check the levels of coolant. Top up coolant if required. If the problem persists, seek assistance immediately.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Oil Pressure Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Oil Pressure
Urgency: Urgent
Description: The red oil can symbolises low engine oil pressure. High oil pressure is required so that the oil lubricates essential engine components. Significant engine damage can occur.
Action: Stop as soon as you can and turn off the engine. <strong>Do not attempt to restart or continue to drive</strong>. Make arrangements to have your vehicle recovered.



Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Tyre Pressure Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Tyre Pressure
Urgency: Medium
Description: The symbol of a tyre containing an exclamation mark indicates that the pressure in one or more tyres is too low.
Action: Check tyre pressures as soon as possible. You must reinitialise the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) after the adjustment of one or more tyre pressures and after changing one or more wheels.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Tyre Pressure + SERVICE Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: FAULT
Urgency: Medium
Description: The low typre pressure symbol (flashing then constant) + the SERVICE light indicate that the TPMS has malfunctioned and will no longer monitor tyre pressures.
Action: Check tyre pressures as soon as possible and have your Citroën Picasso tyre pressure monitoring system checked.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Foot on Brake Pedal Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Brake Pedal
Urgency: Low
Description: This symbol indicates that you must press the brake pedal. The light may either be on constant or flashing.
Action: Constant: Vehicles with an electronic gearbox, press the brake pedal to
start the engine (lever in position N ). To release the parking brake without pressing the brake pedal, this warning lamp will remain on. With an automatic gearbox, press the brake pedal to move the gear selector out of position P.
Flashing: Vehicles with an electronic gearbox, if you hold the vehicle on an incline using the accelerator for too long, the clutch overheats. Use the brake pedal and/or the parking brake instead to avoid damage.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand Foot on Clutch Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: Foot on Clutch
Urgency: Low
Description: During the stop mode of Stop / Start, changing to start mode is not possible because the clutch pedal has not been depressed fully down.
Action: Fully release the clutch to allow start mode.



Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand STOP Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: STOP
Urgency: Urgent
Description: The red STOP light illuminates in the Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand. It may be associated with another fault light, an audible sound and message. The STOP warning light is due to a serious fault with the braking or power steering systems, the electrical system, or with engine lubrication or cooling or a puncture.
Action: There is a high risk of the engine stopping and cutting out. Stop as soon as safe to do so and switch off the engine. Call for recovery.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand SERVICE Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: SERVICE
Urgency: Medium
Description: The SERVICE light may comes on when associated with another warning light indicating a fault within that system. Alternatively, the light may come on temporarily or constantly.
Action: Fault light either illuminate constantly or temporarily:

Temporarily: A minor fault has occurred but not associated with any specific warning light. Faults will be identified by the messages:

  • opening of a door, the boot or bonnet,
  • low engine oil level,
  • low screenwash/headlamp wash fluid level,
  • discharged remote control battery,
  • low tyre pressures,
  • saturation of the particle emission filter (PEF) on diesel vehicles – see below.

Constantly: A major fault has occurred and can be identified by a message.


Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand SERVICE Dashboard Warning Light SymbolName: SERVICE PEF
Urgency: Medium
Description: SERVICE light in association with the particle emission filter (PEF) on diesel vehicle.
Action: On diesel versions of the Citroën Picasso, the diesel particulate filter may require cleaning. When traffic conditions permit, regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of at least 40 mph (60 km/h) until the warning lamp goes off. If the warning lamp stays on, this indicates a low additive level.


20 thoughts on “Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso Dashboard Warning Lights

  1. C4 picasso comes sighn (defecto anticontaminacion:arranque impossible en 100km) but the adblue is full en car please guide what happen

    1. Hello Mubasher,
      It can on occasions take several miles and a few restarts before the AdBlue warning light goes out. It’s also important that you don’t fill the tank with expired fluid and that you use fluid recommended by Citroën. If the light still remains on, it could be a fault with the tank / sensor.

  2. 2015 C4 GP Executive 1.6HDI The ABS anti skid, tyre pressure and roll back warnings are on all the time. resetting the servicing button does nothing as they come straight back post countdown.
    Anyone got any ideas?
    It just happened yesterday driving along in normal conditions.
    Wierd

    1. Hi Mark,
      The ABS uses wheel speed sensors to detect wheel slip, wheel lock etc. Anti-skid, traction control, roll back and probably on your version of C4, the tyre pressure monitoring system also use these sensors. There’s two types of tyre pressure monitoring system; direct and indirect. Direct uses sensors located in each wheel and indirect uses the ABS wheel speed sensors. Sounds like a fault with a wheel speed sensor, wire or connection.

  3. I have both engine fixed amber and urea. Engine one came first, 2 days later urea. Are they separate issues?

    1. Hi Pedro,
      The engine light is often due to an emissions system fault somewhere and urea / AdBlue is also part of the emissions system, so it’s likely they are related. The fault that caused the engine light to come on has triggered the urea light. Could be blocked injectors due to bad AdBlue or many other things. You’ll need to have fault codes read by diagnostic equipment to localise the problem.

  4. Hi. I;ve done the ‘Parking Brake Deactivation’. I don’t like it manual, would like to go back to Auto mode. How do I do that?

    Thank you

  5. A yellow light came on whilst driving indicating engine fault but has gone off now what do I do????

    Jon

    1. Hi Jon,
      If it’s gone out and stays out, then I shouldn’t worry about it. If it comes on again, it should have stored a fault code that you’ll need to get scanned for.

  6. Hi I just recently imported 2013 citroen c4 Picasso EGS and after I drive some time car shift from automatic to the manual. And message displays on screen gearbox faulty need repair. But when stop car and turn of and on again then car go on normal automatic mode.
    So please advise me what I have to do or repair in car.

  7. I brought a citroen c4 grand picasso a few ago and everytime I brake it beeps at me any idea what this is please its a 08 plate, 1.6 diesel

  8. EML came on intermittently with message saying engine fault took it in for service now 3 weeks later have electrical fault message and EML with engine fault message garage had the car in all day and clalled to say all done. 10 mins later called back dashboard lit up again and having trouble finding issue. Car has has had 2 full regens.

  9. 2014 C4 GP grand picasso The ABS anti skid, tyre pressure and roll back warnings are on all the time. resetting the servicing button does nothing as they come straight back post countdown.
    Anyone got any ideas?

    1. Hi Moinul,
      The engine warning light comes on due to an emissions fault. Usually when there’s an emissions fault, the car will not run as economically as it should, hence the ECO off light. There’s a multitude of reasons for the engine warning light coming on, probably a sensor. The only possible thing to do is to have diagnostic equipment read fault codes that are generated when the engine light comes on. You can either purchase your own equipment (the diagnostic equipment hooks up to your Citroen’s OBD2 port), or you can one that belongs to a garage / auto repair.

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