What does it mean when the Citroen SOS light flashes?
2 Answers
When the Citroen SOS light flashes, it indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's self-rescue system, and it is necessary to visit a repair facility for inspection and maintenance. The function of the self-rescue system: When the vehicle encounters a malfunction, an accident, or a dangerous emergency situation, pressing and holding the SOS button for more than 2 seconds will automatically send a distress signal through the vehicle's emergency warning and rescue system. This system actively calls emergency services, and occupants in the vehicle can communicate via the emergency microphone. Components of the self-rescue system: The vehicle's SOS button is usually located near the sunroof controls on the ceiling, typically red in color and labeled with the letters SOS. The onboard SOS system generally includes the SOS button, an emergency horn, a microphone, and an antenna.
When driving a Citroën, I encountered the SOS light flashing. At first, I thought it was an emergency, but later found out it's usually a system self-check or fault signal. It may indicate that the onboard emergency call system failed to connect to the signal tower, commonly due to weak signals in remote areas or antenna issues. Sometimes, it can also be triggered by unstable battery voltage causing false alarms or the need for a software update. I recommend first checking the vehicle manual to confirm the meaning of the warning light, then try restarting the infotainment system by holding the power button for a few seconds. If the flashing persists, don't force driving and visit a 4S shop as soon as possible to scan for fault codes, as long-term neglect may affect safety functions. Keeping the vehicle battery sufficiently charged during daily parking can help reduce such issues.
