Segment:
Compact Family Car (C-segment)
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking practical, comfortable, and distinctive European motoring.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Ford Escort, Opel Astra F, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane I.
Citroen Zx Unique Selling Points:
Renowned for its comfortable ride quality (hydro-pneumatic suspension elements in some versions, though less pronounced than larger Citroëns), innovative interior packaging, and distinct French styling.
Body Styles:
Offered primarily as a 3-door and 5-door hatchback. Estate (Break) and saloon variants also existed in some markets.
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, comfort, and a touch of avant-garde design, typical of Citroën.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of petrol engines including disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, and troubleshooting for core components.
Fuel System:
Injection systems (K-Jetronic/MPI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines, and troubleshooting.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, distributor (if applicable), spark plugs, HT leads, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnosis and repair.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan operation, and flushing procedures.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter (if fitted), exhaust manifold, muffler, pipes, and mounting.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch assembly, gearbox (gearbox types and ratios), driveshafts, linkages, and repair procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
If applicable, coverage of automatic transmission operation, diagnosis, fluid changes, and basic repair.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut type, wishbones, anti-roll bar, bushings, and steering rack.
Suspension Rear:
Torsion beam axle with trailing arms, shock absorbers, and related components.
Brakes Front:
Disc brake systems, calipers, pads, rotors, and hydraulic lines.
Brakes Rear:
Disc or drum brake systems (depending on variant), shoes/pads, drums/rotors, and hydraulic lines.
Steering:
Power steering system (if equipped), steering column, rack and pinion, linkages, and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and lighting systems.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, and basic chassis structure.
Heating And Ventilation:
HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, control cables, and refrigerant system (if AC equipped).
Climate Control:
Operation and maintenance of air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling (with safety warnings).
Safety Systems:
Seat belt mechanisms, airbag systems (if equipped, diagnosis and precautions), and general safety component checks.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine tune-up, cylinder head removal and overhaul, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, gearbox seal replacement, synchromesh inspection, and gearbox overhaul.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, shock absorbers, and steering rack overhaul.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, brake line bleeding, parking brake adjustment.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, using wiring diagrams to trace circuits.
Bodywork Repair:
Dent removal, panel replacement, door hinge adjustment, glass replacement procedures.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque settings for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications for front and rear wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe) and adjustment procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to major component overhauls and detailed diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Assumed use of standard hand tools and basic automotive diagnostic equipment.
Special Tools:
Details specific Citroën special tools required for certain procedures.
Engine Family:
PSA Group's TU series engines
Common Petrol Engines:
1.1L (TU1), 1.4L (TU3), 1.6L (TU5), 1.8L (XU7), 2.0L (XU10).
Typical Horsepower Range:
Approximately 60 hp (1.1L) to 125 hp (2.0L 16v GTI models).
Typical Torque Range:
Approximately 85 Nm (1.1L) to 175 Nm (2.0L GTI).
Injection Type:
Carburetor (early 1.1L/1.4L) and Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Bosch K-Jetronic/KE-Jetronic on later/higher output models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (95 RON minimum recommended)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, transverse mounted
Cylinder Head:
SOHC or DOHC (depending on engine variant)
Bore X Stroke:
Varies by engine (e.g., TU3: 75mm x 77mm; XU7: 83mm x 83mm)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 km, depending on plug type (standard vs. long-life).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Typically every 80,000-120,000 km or 5-7 years for petrol engines (refer to manual, interference engine risks).
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG, ACEA A1/A2/A3. Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific engine).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixture (50% coolant, 50% distilled water). Specific Citroën coolant types may be recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-80 or 80W-90 (check manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron II or III (if applicable).
Electrical Gremlins:
Common for the era, particularly dashboard lights, door lock actuators, and central locking issues. Corroded ground points are a frequent culprit.
Suspension Wear:
Rear axle beam pivot bearings can wear, leading to 'sagging' and altered handling. Front suspension bushings and ball joints are also prone to wear.
Cooling System Leaks:
Plastic radiator end tanks can degrade and leak. Heater matrix can also develop leaks.
Engine Management:
Issues with idle speed control valves, lambda sensors, and the ECU can occur, often linked to aging wiring or components.
Rust:
Wheel arches, sills, and rear suspension mounting points can be susceptible to corrosion, especially in climates with road salt.