🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Xsara Picasso

Model Variant:

1.8i 16V

Year:

2005

Engine Code:

EW7J4 (likely)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking practicality, versatility, and comfort.

Competitors:

Renault Scénic, Volkswagen Touran, Ford Focus C-Max, Opel Zafira.

Practicality:

Spacious and flexible interior, numerous storage compartments, comfortable ride.

Design:

Distinctive, modern design for its era, prioritizing cabin space and visibility.

Engine Variant:

Focus on the reliable and relatively potent 1.8L 16-valve petrol engine.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and bodywork repairs for the 2005 Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.8i 16V.

Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 (typical for a full service manual of this era and scope)

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar, often with searchable text)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (mechanical, fuel, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication), Transmission (manual & automatic, clutch, driveshafts).

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, ESP), Wheels & Tires.

Electrical:

Body Electrical Systems (lighting, wipers, windows, locks, seats), Dashboard Instruments, ECU & CAN Bus Systems, Audio System, Air Conditioning.

Bodywork:

Body Panels, Doors, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Sealing, Corrosion Protection.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), electrical system diagnostics, component testing.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine component replacement (pistons, valves, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component renewal, body panel repair.

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components.

Depth:

From basic DIY maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically optimized for viewing and printing, often with bookmark navigation)

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for clear display of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol

Displacement:

1761 cc (1.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 81.4 mm (approximate for EW7J4)

Compression Ratio:

10.8:1 (typical for EW7J4)

Horsepower:

117 PS (approx. 115 bhp or 85 kW) @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

164 Nm (approx. 121 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch or Magneti Marelli system common)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded petrol (RON 95 recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (variable by market), OBD-II compliant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Be-4R)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AL4, common on some variants)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Gear Ratios Manual:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: ~3.45, 2nd: ~1.87, 3rd: ~1.36, 4th: ~1.03, 5th: ~0.82, Final Drive: ~3.87)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-80 (e.g., Total Transmission BV 75W-80 or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

LF/JWS 3309 (e.g., Mobil ATF 3309, Total Fluide AT42)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4252 mm

Width:

1750 mm (excluding mirrors)

Height:

1637 mm

Wheelbase:

2702 mm

Seating Capacity:

5

Luggage Capacity Min:

550 liters (seats in place)

Luggage Capacity Max:

1970 liters (rear seats folded)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1350 kg (depending on equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1900-1950 kg

Towing Capacity:

Refer to vehicle handbook/compliance plate (typically ~750kg unbraked, ~1200-1500kg braked)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

4 Stars (for models tested around this period)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on higher trims

Traction Control:

Often linked with ESP

Airbags:

Driver, front passenger, side airbags (standard or optional based on trim)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Immobilizer:

Standard engine immobilizer

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/CD player, typically with steering wheel controls. Aux input may be present on later models or optional.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control and speed limiter system.

OBD Port:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port (16-pin SAE J1962) for engine management and emissions diagnostics.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (air conditioning).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 20,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 40,000 km or 24 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 km (for standard plugs) or 80,000-100,000 km (for long-life iridium plugs, check specific type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 120,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical for this engine)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (with filter change)

Engine Oil Type:

Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 meeting PSA B71 2294 or B71 2296 specification

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze/Coolant - Type D (Orange/Pink), ethylene glycol based, long-life (PSA S71 10400 specification)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (e.g., PSA S71 1101 specification)

Coil Pack Failure:

Intermittent misfires, rough running due to failing ignition coil packs.

Egr Valve Clogging:

Can lead to rough idling and reduced power, particularly with urban driving.

Rear Axle Torsion Bars:

Wear and sagging of rear torsion bars, leading to a lower rear ride height or unevenness (though less common on early models than some other PSA vehicles).

Window Regulator Failure:

Power window mechanisms can fail, often due to plastic components breaking.

Automatic Transmission Al4 Issues:

The optional AL4 automatic transmission can be prone to issues with solenoid packs, hydraulic pressure, and fluid degradation if not maintained meticulously.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Legacy:

Citroën has a long history of innovation in suspension, comfort, and practical vehicle design, dating back to the 1930s (Traction Avant, 2CV, DS).

Xsara Picasso Launch:

Launched in 1999 as a pioneering compact MPV, building on the success of the larger Evasion.

Facelift Updates:

Received a facelift in 2004, which included updated styling (front grille, headlights, rear lights), interior trim improvements, and enhanced features. The 2005 model falls within this second generation/facelifted phase.

Production Period:

1999 - 2010 (for the original Xsara Picasso model)

Manufacturing Plant:

Primarily manufactured at the PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in Vigo, Spain.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Early Reviews:

The Xsara Picasso was well-received at launch for its innovative interior packaging and comfort, winning numerous European awards for family cars and MPVs.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reasonably reliable, especially with consistent maintenance, though some electrical components can be a weak point.