Model Generation:
First Generation (X1/N1, N2, N6)
Production Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Chassis Codes:
N1 (Hatchback), N2 (Estate/Break), N6 (Coupe)
Vehicle Segment:
Compact Family Car
Competitors:
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, Fiat Bravo
Design Philosophy:
Known for its comfortable ride, distinctive PSA platform shared with Peugeot 306, and spacious interior for its class.
Manual Utility:
Essential for DIY mechanics and professional technicians to accurately diagnose, repair, and maintain the Citroën Xsara.
Powertrain:
Engine (Petrol & Diesel), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable), Clutch, Driveshafts, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Antitheft Systems
Bodywork And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-based Fault Finding, Electrical Troubleshooting
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Engine Rebuild, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement
Adjustments:
Valve Clearances, Parking Brake, Clutch Adjustment, Wheel Alignment Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, Step-by-step, Detailed Explanations, Pictorial Diagrams, Exploded Views, Torque Specifications, Wear Limits
Petrol Engines:
1.4L TU3 (KFX/KFY), 1.6L TU5 (NFZ), 1.8L XU7 (LFZ), 2.0L XU10 (RFS/RFY/RGX - including 16v variants)
Diesel Engines:
1.9L DW8 (WJZ/WJY), 1.9L TD DW8 Turbo (DHW)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 75 hp (1.4i) to 135 hp (2.0i 16v VTS)
Torque Range:
Approx. 110 Nm (1.4i) to 190 Nm (2.0i 16v VTS)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for petrol, Direct Injection (DI) or Indirect Injection (IDI) for diesel
Manual:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., BE4/BE3)
Automatic:
4-speed automatic transmission (AL4/DP0 for later models/engines, potentially earlier auto variants)
Gear Ratios:
Detailed gear ratios for all applicable transmissions are covered within the manual.
Euro Ncap:
3-star Euro NCAP rating for early models, with improvements in later iterations.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most trims and engines.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (ASR) available on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models, side airbags optional.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on engine and driving conditions.
Timing Belt:
For relevant engines (e.g., TU series, XU series), replacement usually recommended between 80,000-120,000 km or 5-7 years.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific grade (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-40) and API/ACEA specifications based on engine type.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically orange or pink in colour, meeting specific PSA standards.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-80 or 75W-90.
Transmission Oil Auto:
Specific ATF fluid (e.g., LT 71141 for AL4).
Common Problems:
Rear axle beam suspension issues (though less prevalent than on the ZX), electrical gremlins, starter motor failures, heater matrix leaks, clutch slave cylinder failures.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën has a long history of innovative and comfort-focused vehicles, including the Traction Avant, DS, and GS series.
Xsara Replacement:
Replaced the Citroën ZX, served as a precursor to the Citroën C4.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in France (Aulnay-sous-Bois, Poissy).
