Market Segment:
Compact family car (C-segment)
Target Audience:
Families, budget-conscious buyers, practical commuters
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Ford Focus Mk1, Opel Astra G, Peugeot 306
Design:
Distinctive Citroën styling, often praised for its aerodynamic shape and comfortable ride.
Ride Comfort:
Renowned for its advanced suspension system, providing exceptional ride comfort and handling for its class.
Practicality:
Available in practical hatchback, sporty coupé, and versatile estate (Break) body styles.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (comprehensive)
Coverage Areas:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Engine:
Detailed coverage for petrol and diesel engines (see engine_specs for specific variants)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, comfort systems
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, interior trim, safety features (airbags)
Climate Control:
Air conditioning and heating systems
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, tank, lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks
Component Replacement:
Engine components, transmission overhaul, brake pad/disc replacement, suspension parts
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing, circuit tracing, ECU diagnostics
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Timing Belt Replacement:
Precise procedures for timing belt and tensioner replacement
Airbag System Service:
Safe handling and replacement procedures for airbag modules
ABS System Repair:
Diagnosis and repair of Anti-lock Braking System components
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes factory diagnostic procedures.
File Format:
Searchable PDF
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document
Interactivity:
Hyperlinked table of contents for easy navigation
Organization:
Organized by system and repair procedure, mirroring factory service manuals
Engine Variants:
XU7JP (1.8L Petrol), XU10J4R (2.0L Petrol - 16V), EW10J4 (2.0L Petrol - 16V), XUD7TE (1.9L TD Diesel), DW8 (1.9L D Diesel), DW10TD (2.0L HDi Diesel)
1.8I (Xu7Jp):
Power: 90 PS (66 kW), Torque: 144 Nm
2.0I 16V (Ew10J4):
Power: 136 PS (100 kW), Torque: 190 Nm
1.9 Td (Xud7Te):
Power: 90 PS (66 kW), Torque: 170 Nm
2.0 Hdi (Dw10Td):
Power: 90 PS (66 kW), Torque: 192 Nm
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol, Direct Injection (HDi) for diesel
ECUs:
Bosch Motronic, Siemens Sagem (specific to engine variant)
Timing Belt:
All petrol and naturally aspirated diesel engines use timing belts. HDi engines typically use timing chains or belts depending on specific variant and year.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (BE series)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (AL4/DP0 for later models, possibly some earlier variants from PSA group)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 (e.g., Total Transmission BV, PSA Part No. 9730.AE)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
LT 71141 specification fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141, PSA Part No. 9980.75)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2605 mm (Hatchback/Coupé), 2669 mm (Estate/Break)
Length:
Approx. 4137 mm (Hatchback), 4194 mm (Coupé), 4355 mm (Estate)
Height:
Approx. 1427 mm (Hatchback), 1401 mm (Coupé), 1471 mm (Estate)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and body style, generally 1150-1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Typically around 1700-1800 kg
Towing Capacity:
Up to 1200 kg (braked trailer, dependent on engine)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x108
Typical Tire Sizes:
175/65 R14, 185/65 R14, 195/55 R15, 205/50 R16 (depending on trim/option)
Euro Ncap Rating:
3 stars (initial tests for this generation - refer to specific crash test reports for detailed analysis)
ABS:
Standard on higher trims, optional on lower trims. Anti-lock Braking System.
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (often paired with ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher-specification models (ASR).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for front seatbelts.
Chassis:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with up to 6 speakers. Wiring for aftermarket head unit upgrades is usually straightforward.
Climate Control Features:
Manual air conditioning or optional climate control systems available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher specification models and certain engine variants.
Central Locking:
Standard on most models, often with remote key fob functionality.
Power Windows:
Front power windows standard; rear power windows optional or standard on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months (petrol), 10,000 km or 12 months (diesel), whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 90,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first. Crucial due to potential for catastrophic engine damage if belt fails.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (standard, platinum, iridium); consult manual. Typically 40,000-80,000 km.
Engine Oil Petrol:
API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific engine and climate recommendations).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CF/CG-4 or ACEA B3/B4, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mix 50/50 with distilled water. PSA specification (e.g., Part No. 9770.67).
Suspension Components:
Wear on rear axle bushes and torsion bars can lead to poor handling and alignment issues. Hydropneumatic suspension (if fitted on certain models) can require specialized maintenance.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many cars of this era, some intermittent electrical issues can arise, often related to earth points, body control modules, or sensor failures. The manual's wiring diagrams are essential for diagnosis.
Engine Management Petrol:
Coil packs, lambda sensors, and EGR valves can be points of failure on petrol engines.
Engine Management Diesel:
Injectors, glow plugs, and turbocharger issues on diesel variants, particularly the HDi models. Timing belt on non-HDi diesels requires strict adherence to replacement schedule.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of exhaust components, especially in regions with road salt.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, particularly with suspension systems and ride comfort (e.g., Citroën DS).
Xsara Predecessor:
The Xsara replaced the Citroën ZX and was based on the PSA PF2 platform, sharing components with the Peugeot 306.
Xsara Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in late 1999/early 2000, introducing updated styling, interior refinements, and new engine options (like the EW series). This manual covers the pre-facelift and early facelift models.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France (e.g., Aulnay-sous-Bois) and Spain (Vigo).
Production Volume:
Significant global production numbers, making it a popular model in Europe.
Model Awards:
While specific awards for the Xsara itself are less publicized than its rivals, it was recognized for its comfort and value within the compact segment during its production run.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally positive owner feedback regarding ride comfort, practicality, and value for money. Reliability perceptions can vary depending on engine choice and maintenance history.