Citroën Braking warning lamp in car: low fluid or EBFD fault

Who: you, as soon as you see the Braking warning lamp. How: check whether the 'Braking' lamp is red or orange and whether STOP and ABS are also lit with a beep. If it is red, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the ignition; if it is orange without STOP, ask for an immediate workshop inspection and call assistance if pedal feel changes. Result that matters: following Citroën's mandatory stop instruction for low brake fluid or an EBFD malfunction. If the lamp is red or accompanied by STOP and ABS: immobilise the vehicle, switch off the ignition and do not drive on. If only the orange Braking lamp is fixed: avoid harsh braking and contact a Citroën dealer or qualified workshop. Evidence to keep: photo of the instrument panel showing the colour of the Braking lamp and any STOP or ABS lamps.

Who: you, with the ignition switched off and taking care under the bonnet. How: switch off the ignition (and on electric versions check that the READY lamp is off and disconnect the charging nozzle if plugged in), open the bonnet carefully away from hot areas and the cooling fan, and look at reservoir 3: the handbook says the level should be close to the 'MAX' mark. Result that matters: confirming whether the red warning matches a noticeable drop in the C4's brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid sits well below the 'MAX' mark: do not drive the car; Citroën links a drop in level to worn brake pads or a circuit leak that needs workshop inspection. If the level is close to 'MAX' while the red lamp remains on: keep the car stationary and contact a Citroën dealer or qualified workshop. Evidence to keep: photo of reservoir 3 showing the 'MAX' mark and the fluid level.

Who: you, before touching the brake fluid reservoir cap. How: the C4 handbook states that you must clean the cap before removing it, use only DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed container, and avoid skin contact because these fluids are harmful and very corrosive; if the problem persists, contact a dealer or workshop. Result that matters: preventing contamination of the C4 braking circuit and not masking pad wear or a hydraulic fault. If you do not have a sealed container of DOT4 or the warning lamp stays lit: leave the cap closed and arrange assistance to a Citroën dealer or workshop. If fluid was topped up from a sealed DOT4 container: still have the workshop check the brake pads for wear and inspect the circuit for leaks. Evidence to keep: photo of the sealed DOT4 container used and a note of the amount added.