🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroen

Model:

AX

Model Code:

Type SA

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Supermini / City Car

Target Audience:

Economical and practical transportation, popular with first-time car buyers and those seeking low running costs.

Key Competitors:

Peugeot 205, Renault 5, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Uno.

Design Philosophy:

Lightweight construction, compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, simple mechanicals, and characterful styling typical of Citroen.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

Page Count Estimated:

Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, rebuild procedures, component diagnostics, timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management Petrol:

Fuel injection systems (MPI/SPI), ignition systems, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, emissions control systems.

Engine Management Diesel:

Injection pump servicing, injector testing and replacement, glow plug system, diesel fuel systems, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation and replacement, gearbox overhaul, gear shift mechanism, driveshafts, differentials.

Transmission Automatic:

If applicable to specific AX models covered, detailed automatic transmission operation, troubleshooting, and overhaul procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake pads, discs, calipers, drums, wheel cylinders, parking brake, ABS (if fitted), bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications, ball joints, steering knuckles.

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, tie rods, wheel alignment.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, fault finding, dashboard instruments, warning lights.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seat removal, bumpers, underbody protection.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, fan motor, heater core, refrigerant system (if AC equipped), controls, diagnostics.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic fault diagnosis procedures, error codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Fuel System Petrol:

Carburettor types (e.g., Solex, Weber), fuel pumps, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank servicing.

Fuel System Diesel:

Diesel injection pumps (e.g., Lucas, Bosch), injectors, glow plugs, fuel filters, bleeding air from the system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, visual inspections.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul Rebuild:

Comprehensive instructions for complete engine, transmission, and component overhauls, including parts replacement and reassembly specifications.

Adjustment:

Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, handbrake, ignition timing (where applicable), and suspension geometry.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines to identify and resolve common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical troubleshooting.

Depth:

Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and in-depth electrical diagnostics. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Diagnostics Tools:

Covers basic OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) if applicable to later models, but primarily relies on symptom-based troubleshooting and multimeter testing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable due to digital format, enabling quick information retrieval.

Printability:

High quality, printable by chapter or in full, allowing for physical use in a workshop environment.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Petrol Engines Offered:

1.0L (TU9), 1.1L (TU1), 1.4L (TU3), 1.6L (TU5 - later models/sport variants).

Diesel Engines Offered:

1.4L (TUD3), 1.5L (TUD5).

Typical Horsepower Range:

Approximately 45 hp to 100 hp depending on engine and trim.

Engine Layout:

Transverse, inline 4-cylinder

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (early models, smaller engines) and Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Single-Point Fuel Injection (SPI) for most models.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition (distributorless or distributor-based depending on year and engine).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Type Optional:

Optional automatic transmission (less common).

Drive Type:

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

3600-3700 mm

Width Approx:

1600 mm

Height Approx:

1350-1400 mm

Kerb Weight Approx:

750-850 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Euro NCAP ratings were not standardized in the same way during the AX's primary production years. Later tests might exist, but early ratings are less comparable.

Standard Safety Features:

Seatbelts (front and rear), collapsible steering column, crumple zones.

Optional Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on higher trims/later models, driver's airbag (late models).

💡 Technology Features

Standard Features:

Basic radio/cassette player, analogue dashboard gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature).

Available Features:

Limited by era; ABS and airbags became more common in later production years as options.

Availability:

N/A for the period; no modern connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 6,000-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on engine and oil used.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Typically 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type Petrol:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate).

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

API CF or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically pink or blue concentrate mixed with distilled water. Check manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90. Capacity typically around 2 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Specific ATF fluid, e.g., Dexron II or equivalent. Capacity varies.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, suspension bushings, driveshaft CV joints, exhaust system corrosion, heater matrix leaks, rust in wheel arches and sills.

Electrical Quirks:

Intermittent dashboard lights, door lock actuator failures, issues with central locking and window regulators on some models.

Engine Specific:

Carbon build-up in smaller engines, potential for cylinder head gasket issues if overheated, diesel engine glow plug reliability.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroen's reputation for innovation in suspension (Hydropneumatic) and aerodynamics, though the AX was a more conventional product for cost-efficiency.

Introduction Year:

1986

Facelifts Updates:

Various minor updates to engines, interior trim, and styling throughout its production run.

Production Period:

1986 - 1998

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France, but also potentially other PSA/Stellantis plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

Not a winner, but competed with cars that often were nominated or won in its class.