🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Saxo

Year:

1996

Generation Code:

S0

Platform Code:

PSA PF1 Platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Citroën Saxo was positioned as a compact, stylish, and economical city car, competing in the supermini segment. It was known for its distinctive design and agile handling.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles such as the Peugeot 106, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, and Vauxhall/Opel Corsa of the era. Often praised for its ride quality and unique interior ergonomics.

Key Features:

This service and repair manual provides comprehensive, vehicle-specific information equivalent to that used by dealership technicians. Its digital format offers flexibility in printing and access.

Manual Purpose:

To provide Citroën Saxo owners and technicians with detailed, accurate, and comprehensive repair and maintenance information for all models from 1996.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models, all repairs A-Z

Page Count:

Not specified (Digital PDF)

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Software Compatibility:

Windows Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac compatible.

Required Software:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (free online).

Format Features:

Searchable PDF, hyperlinked table of contents for easy navigation. Ability to print specific pages or sections.

Download Speed:

Fast download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Maintenance, Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step instructions for maintenance, diagnosis, servicing, and repair. Includes wiring schematics, diagrams, illustrations, and specifications.

Technical Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and knowledgeable DIYers. Covers basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and component overhauls.

Diagnostics Included:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (where applicable), diagnostic procedures for all major systems.

Repair Procedures Detail:

Comprehensive instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul of engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, and body components.

Electrical Systems Detail:

Comprehensive coverage including battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, audio, power windows, central locking, and SRS systems.

Wiring Schematics Availability:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, aiding in diagnosis and repair.

Body And Trim Coverage:

Includes information on exterior panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, seats, and dashboard components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable on demand. Allows for image enlargement.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1996:

1.0L (TU9M), 1.1L (TU1M), 1.4L (TU3JP), 1.6L (TU5JP/NFZ) petrol engines. Also available with 1.5L (TUD5) diesel engine.

Performance Notes:

Performance varied significantly by engine. The 1.0L and 1.1L were focused on economy, while the 1.4L and 1.6L offered more spirited performance, especially in VTS variants. The diesel offered strong torque and fuel efficiency.

Fuel System Types:

Fuel injection (Multi-point or Single-point depending on engine) and Carbureted (on earlier base models, less common by 1996 for many markets).

Engine Codes Common:

TU9M, TU1M, TU3JP, TU5JP, TUD5

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder, transverse-mounted

Cooling System Type:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with thermostat and fan.

Timing Belt Type:

All petrol and diesel engines use a timing belt. Crucial to follow replacement intervals.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic transmission (available on some petrol engine variants).

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive. Clutch type is dry single-plate diaphragm spring. Manual transmissions are typically MA or ML variants.

Drive Layout:

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions Notes:

Compact hatchback dimensions. Specific length, width, and height vary slightly by body style (3-door vs. 5-door) and trim level.

Interior Dimensions Notes:

Designed for city driving, offering reasonable passenger space for its class. Known for its unique, driver-focused dashboard layout.

Cargo Capacity Notes:

Typical hatchback cargo space, expandable with folding rear seats.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 850 kg to 1000 kg depending on engine and specification.

Wheelbase Mm:

2385 mm

Track Width Front Mm:

1421 mm

Track Width Rear Mm:

1412 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Notes:

Euro NCAP testing for the Saxo indicated mixed results for its era. Early models had less advanced safety features compared to later generations.

Active Safety Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on higher trims or as an option. Power-assisted steering on many models.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (pre-tensioners may be present on some models), front airbags (driver's side standard on many trims, passenger optional or absent on early models), reinforced safety cell construction.

Braking System Description:

Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Drum brakes. ABS optional/market dependent.

Child Seat Anchors Availability:

ISOFIX points may be present on later models or specific markets, but not standard on all 1996 models. Seat belt installation for child seats is the primary method.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic infotainment system for the era, typically featuring an AM/FM radio and cassette player. Optional CD player may be found on higher specifications.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited driver assistance technologies. ABS and power steering were the most advanced options available for 1996.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Some models may have central locking and electric windows as options.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Notes:

Typical intervals for oil changes every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months. Timing belt replacement is critical and typically every 90,000-120,000 km or 5-6 years, depending on engine. Check manual for specific intervals.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for exact viscosity and capacity (approx. 3-4 liters).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Citroën recommends specific OAT or HOAT coolants. Capacity approx. 5-6 liters.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Specification Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 or 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.2 liters.

Transmission Fluid Specification Automatic:

ATF DEXRON III or equivalent. Capacity approx. 3.5-4.0 liters (dependent on torque converter).

Common Issues Notes:

Potential issues include suspension wear (especially rear torsion beams), electrical gremlins (common in older French cars), clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion, and overheating if coolant system is neglected. Timing belt failure is catastrophic. Catalytic converter issues on higher mileage vehicles.

Tire Sizes Common:

145/70 R13, 155/70 R13, 165/70 R13, 175/65 R14 (VTS models). Check owner's manual for exact fitment.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x108

Spark Plug Recommendation Notes:

Specific plugs vary by engine. Typically NGK or Denso. Refer to manual for correct part number and gap.

Battery Specification:

Typically 12V, 44-55 Ah, with standard terminal types. Check manual for exact CCA rating.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter W712/16, Purflux LS315, Bosch 0 986 452 023 (examples, verify for specific engine)

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter C2200, Purflux A1000, Bosch 1 457 433 076 (examples, verify for specific engine)

Fuel Filter Part Number Example:

Purflux EP152, Bosch 0 450 903 038 (examples, verify for specific engine)

Chassis Lubrication Intervals:

Check and lubricate suspension and steering components as per manual recommendations, typically during routine services.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Citroën has a long history of producing innovative and characterful small cars, often prioritizing ride comfort and distinctive design.

Model Evolution:

The Saxo replaced the Citroën AX and was produced from 1996 to 2003. It shared its platform with the Peugeot 106. It received minor styling updates and powertrain revisions during its production run.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in France.

Predecessor Model:

Citroën AX

Successor Model:

Citroën C2

Market Introduction Year:

1996