🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroen

Model:

Xsara

Model Generation:

First Generation (XN)

Platform Code:

PSA PF2

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Citroen Xsara was positioned as a compact family car, offering a blend of comfort, practicality, and distinct French styling, competing with rivals like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 306.

Competitive Analysis:

The Xsara distinguished itself with its unique PSA platform, comfortable ride (often featuring Citroen's signature supple suspension), and a range of economical and capable engines. Its interior packaging was generally well-regarded for space, especially in the estate variant.

Key Features:

Hydropneumatic rear suspension (optional on some models, particularly earlier ones, though less common in this specific facelifted range), distinctive styling, spacious interior, and efficient engine options.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Body Styles:

Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Coupe (2-door), Estate/Wagon (Break)

Estimated Page Count:

700+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full coverage of all gasoline and diesel engines

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission systems

Brakes:

Hydraulic braking system, ABS, EBD

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition, ECU, sensors

Body And Trim:

Exterior panels, interior trim, seats, dashboard, door mechanisms

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, pump, injectors, fuel lines

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers

Maintenance:

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

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair

Installation:

Component replacement procedures for all major systems

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and fault code interpretation for engine management and ABS systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including lighting, engine management, body electronics, and infotainment.

Torque Specifications:

Specific torque values for all critical fasteners across engine, chassis, and bodywork.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all listed engine variants.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed steps for manual and automatic transmission disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly.

Body Repair:

Procedures for body panel removal, replacement, and repair, including welding information for structural components.

Interior Trim Removal:

Guidance on safely removing and reinstalling interior panels, seats, and dashboard components.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) and adjustment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Print Quality:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

1.4i (TU3JP), 1.6i (TU5JP4), 1.8i (XU7JP), 1.8i 16V (XU7JP4), 2.0i 16V (EW10J4), 1.9D (DW8), 1.9TD (XUD9TE), 2.0 HDi (DW10TD)

Engine 1 4I Power:

75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)

Engine 1 6I Power:

90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)

Engine 2 0I 16V Power:

136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)

Engine 1 9 Hdi Power:

90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)

Fuel System Petrol:

Multi-point electronic fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel System Diesel:

Direct injection (HDI) or Indirect injection with turbo (TD)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual gearbox (e.g., BE gearbox family)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic gearbox (e.g., AL4)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2600 mm (260 cm)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1420 mm (142 cm)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1410 mm (141 cm)

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

Approx. 300-360 liters (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Estate:

Approx. 480-517 liters

Kerb Weight Range:

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

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

3 stars (early models) / 4 stars (later facelifted models with improved safety features)

Active Safety Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Optional Traction Control System (ASR)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, optional side airbags, pretensioner seatbelts, reinforced safety cage, collapsible steering column

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, optional CD changer, basic digital display for clock and radio information.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control (optional on higher trims), parking sensors (rare on this generation).

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity, typically AUX input for aftermarket head units.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Petrol:

Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (may vary with oil type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000 km or 5 years (for engines with timing belts), consult manual for specific engine code

Engine Oil Specification Petrol:

API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate and specific engine)

Engine Oil Specification Diesel:

API CF/CG-4 or ACEA B3/B4, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze coolant, blue or pink (Glaceol RX Type 1 or equivalent), 50% concentration

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified for older components)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-5, SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF LT 71141 (or equivalent like Mobil ATF LT 71141)

Common Issues:

Cracked dashboard (prone to sun damage), rear suspension beam wear (especially on older models without proper maintenance), occasional electrical gremlins (window regulators, central locking), clutch slave cylinder leaks, potential EML light on HDI engines due to sensor issues.

Preventative Maintenance:

Regular replacement of timing belt/chain and water pump, checking rear suspension beam bushes, monitoring exhaust system integrity, ensuring correct fluid levels.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Citroën, a French automotive manufacturer founded in 1919, is renowned for its innovative engineering, comfortable ride quality, and distinctive design, often pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.

Model Evolution:

The Xsara succeeded the Citroën ZX and was part of Citroën's strategy to offer a modern, comfortable, and practical family car. It shared its platform with the Peugeot 306. The Xsara underwent a significant facelift in 2000, introducing updated styling, improved interior, and new engine options, which this manual predominantly covers.

Production Period:

1997 - 2006 (Facelifted model from 2000 onwards)

Assembly Locations:

France (Mulhouse), Spain (Vigo), Egypt, Malaysia, Iran

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of major 'Car of the Year' awards during its production run, the Xsara was generally well-received for its comfort and practicality, particularly in Europe.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction surveys in relevant markets often highlighted its comfortable ride and spaciousness, though some reported average reliability compared to Japanese competitors.

Certifications:

Met all relevant European safety and emissions standards for its respective model years.