🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Xsara

Platform Code:

PSA EW/DW platform (X2)

Chassis Codes:

N1 (Hatchback), N2 (Estate/Break), N4 (Coupe)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and owners seeking to understand and maintain their Citroën Xsara.

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, detailed repair and maintenance information typically found in professional workshop manuals, enabling cost savings and greater vehicle understanding.

Accessibility:

Instant download, accessible anytime, anywhere on compatible devices.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Estimated Page Count:

1000-1500 (estimated, typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, Chassis Frame

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Electrical System Components, Lighting, Instruments, Body Electronics, Engine Management Electronics

Body:

Body Panels, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Glass, Doors, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures for Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Electrical Systems

Repair:

Component Disassembly, Reassembly, Repair, and Replacement Procedures for all covered systems

Depth:

Comprehensive; from basic fluid checks to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics and component-level repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with all Windows and Mac operating systems.

Software Requirements:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (or equivalent decompression software).

Searchability:

Searchable text allows for quick information retrieval.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

TU series (e.g., TU3JP, TU5JP), XU series (e.g., XU7JP, XU10J2), DW series Diesel (e.g., DW8, DW10)

Displacement Range:

1.1L to 2.0L (Petrol); 1.4L to 2.0L (Diesel)

Horsepower Range:

60 hp to 138 hp (depending on engine variant)

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Direct Injection (DI) or Indirect Injection (IDI) for diesel engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (RON 95/98), Diesel Fuel

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (AL4/DP0)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Clutch Actuation

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 5-door Estate (Break), 3-door Coupe

Curb Weight Range:

1070 kg to 1380 kg (depending on body style and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

3 stars (early models), 4 stars (later models with enhanced safety features)

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) (optional/standard depending on trim)

Passive Safety Features:

Front Airbags, Side Airbags (optional), Pyrotechnic Seatbelt Pretensioners, Crumple Zones

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player or CD player with basic RDS functionality. Options for steering wheel controls.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system available on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically available on models from this period; aftermarket solutions may exist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first), refer to manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations.

Timing Belt Interval:

Typically 60,000 km to 120,000 km depending on engine type. Crucial to check manual for specific engine (e.g., TU vs. XU vs. DW).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Commonly 5W-40, 10W-40, 5W-30 (API SH/SJ or ACEA A3/B3/B4 - consult manual for exact specs).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (e.g., PSA approved Type D or similar).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap or manual).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 (e.g., 75W-80 or 75W-90 gear oil - consult manual).

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., AL4 specific fluid - consult manual).

Common Problem 1:

Peugeot/Citroën Gearbox Bearing Failure (often referred to as 'whining' or 'grinding' from gearbox).

Common Problem 2:

Rear Axle Torsion Bar Failure (leading to sagging rear end).

Common Problem 3:

Electrical Gremlins (e.g., intermittent lighting, instrument panel issues, central locking problems).

Common Problem 4:

Engine Management Light (EML) due to various sensors (e.g., Lambda sensor, MAP sensor).

Common Problem 5:

Catalytic Converter failure on some petrol engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Citroën (Part of PSA Peugeot Citroën group)

Generation:

First Generation (Phase 1 and Phase 2 updates)

Production Period:

1995 - 2000 (for this generation and manual coverage)

Manufacturing Locations:

France (Aulnay-sous-Bois, Vigo)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

The Citroën Xsara was not a 'European Car of the Year' winner, but was recognized for its comfortable ride and innovative suspension design (Hydractive III on some variants, though less common in early models).