🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Xsara

Body Styles Covered:

Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Estate (Break/Wagon), Coupé

Chassis Codes:

Type N1 (Mk1), Type N2 (Mk2)

Engine Codes General:

TU series, EW series, DW series

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact family car, known for its comfortable ride and innovative design.

Key Competitors:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane.

Ride Comfort:

Renowned for its advanced suspension system, particularly the hydractive or hydropneumatic elements in some variants, offering superior ride quality.

Design:

Distinctive styling, often praised for its originality and aerodynamic shape. Interior design also emphasized comfort and ergonomics.

Value Proposition:

Essential for DIY mechanics and professional workshops to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Citroën Xsara efficiently and accurately.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Region Applicability:

Primarily European market models

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), potentially physical print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing belts/chains, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic, Lucas), ignition systems, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, gear shift mechanisms, driveshafts

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission diagnosis, fluid changes, basic troubleshooting (if applicable to covered models)

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering rack, power steering system

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, ABS), hydraulic systems, brake fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems, interior electronics, fuses and relays

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, chassis component repair

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis of climate control issues

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid replacement, coolant checks and changes

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components (e.g., alternator, water pump, clutch, exhaust)

Engine Rebuilding:

Torque specifications, assembly sequences, clearance measurements for engine internal components

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of sensors, actuators, wiring continuity checks, troubleshooting of ECU faults

Bodywork Repair:

Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, rust prevention and repair, interior trim removal

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component replacement, alignment procedures (general information)

Brake System Service:

Pad and disc replacement, caliper servicing, bleeding procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Searchable PDF for easy navigation, printable pages, high-resolution diagrams.

Print Quality Description:

Clear, legible text and diagrams, professional layout (for physical versions).

Binding Type Description:

Durable binding for workshop use (spiral-bound or perfect bound for physical versions).

Paper Type Description:

Heavy-duty, oil-resistant paper suitable for garage environments (for physical versions).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

A wide range of petrol and diesel engines were offered. Common petrol engines include 1.4i (TU3), 1.6i (TU5/NFU), 1.8i (XU7), 1.8i 16V (XU7), 2.0i (XU10), 2.0i 16V (EW10). Common diesel engines include 1.9D (XUD9), 1.9 TD (XUD9TE), 2.0 HDi (DW10).

Example 20I 16V Ew10J4 Power:

135 hp (99 kW) at 6000 rpm

Example 20I 16V Ew10J4 Torque:

190 Nm (140 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm

Example 19 Hdi Dw10Td Power:

90 hp (66 kW) at 4000 rpm

Example 19 Hdi Dw10Td Torque:

205 Nm (151 lb-ft) at 1750 rpm

Petrol Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Injection Type:

Direct Injection (DI) or Common Rail Injection (CRDi) for HDi variants.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (often AL4 type)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4171 mm (Hatchback), 4185 mm (Coupé), 4337 mm (Estate)

Width:

Approx. 1700 mm

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (Hatchback/Coupé), 1480 mm (Estate)

Kerb Weight Range:

1100 kg - 1300 kg (depending on engine and body style)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

3 stars (original testing, later models may have slight improvements or different ratings depending on specification).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional depending on trim level.

Esp:

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) was less common on early models but became available on later variants or higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags, side airbags (optional or standard on higher trims).

Seatbelts:

Pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for front seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with steering wheel controls on higher trims. RDS, seek and scan functions.

Display:

Central digital display for time, temperature, and radio information. Higher trims may have colour screens for navigation on later models or optional units.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models, especially higher engine displacements.

Telematics:

Limited connectivity for the era; typically basic phone integration was not standard but could be added as an accessory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (can vary by engine and oil type used). Diesel variants may have slightly different intervals.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For petrol engines (TU and XU series): typically 90,000 - 120,000 km or 5-6 years. For EW series petrol and DW series diesel, check specific manual for belt or chain replacement intervals.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type: Platinum plugs may last up to 100,000 km, standard plugs typically 30,000 - 60,000 km.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SL/CF or ACEA A3/B3/B4. Viscosity often 5W-40 or 10W-40. Consult manual for specific engine and climate suitability.

Coolant Specification:

Antifreeze/coolant with anti-corrosion additives, typically a long-life ethylene glycol-based coolant. Citroën specific coolant recommended (e.g., Type D or similar).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific gearbox).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

LT 71141 (for AL4 gearbox) or equivalent Dexron III/VI depending on specific variant.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in rear suspension trailing arm bushings is a common issue, particularly with higher mileage vehicles, leading to poor handling and knocking noises.

Electrical Faults:

Intermittent electrical issues can occur, often related to wiring harnesses, earth points, or body control modules. Examples include faulty window regulators or central locking.

Engine Management Hdi:

Early HDi engines can experience issues with turbocharger hoses, EGR valves, and injector seals.

Heater Matrix:

Leaking heater matrix is a known fault on some models, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.

Engine Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Legacy:

Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, particularly in suspension systems (e.g., 2CV, DS, CX) and comfort.

Xsara Generation:

The Xsara was launched in 1997 as the successor to the Citroën ZX. It was based on the PSA PF2 platform, shared with the Peugeot 306.

Xsara Facelift:

A significant facelift occurred in late 1999/early 2000, introducing revised styling, improved interior quality, and updated engines (e.g., EW series petrol engines).

Production Period:

1997-2006 (with facelift in 2000). Manual covers the initial production run up to the end of 2000.

Production Plants:

Primarily manufactured in France (e.g., Rennes-sur-Ille) and other PSA group facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year Nomination:

While not a winner, the Xsara was a strong contender and well-regarded in its class for innovation and comfort.

Consumer Reviews:

Consistently received positive reviews for its ride comfort, handling balance, and practicality, particularly the estate version.