Segment:
Large Family Car / Executive Car
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, independent repair shops, and professional mechanics.
Competitors 2005:
Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna, Toyota Avensis, Mazda6.
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Comfort-oriented, spacious interior, advanced (for its time) suspension technology (Hydractive 3+), distinctive French design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive coverage, professional-grade information, step-by-step instructions with diagrams, enabling cost savings on repairs and maintenance.
Engine:
Complete engine mechanicals, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (common rail), turbocharger, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, gearbox components, torque converter, hydraulic control systems.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, drive shafts, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Hydractive 3+ suspension system (front and rear), shock absorbers, springs, hydraulic accumulators, pressure regulators, control arms, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake discs, pads, calipers, brake lines, parking brake, electronic brake booster.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, steering column, linkage.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter motor), ignition system, lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, sound deadening, chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, climate control unit, blower motor, refrigerant circuit, cabin filter.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration and maintenance.
Emission Control:
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF) system, catalytic converter.
Diagnostic Systems:
Fault codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, sensor data interpretation, troubleshooting guides.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, fuel, air, cabin), spark plug replacement (if applicable, though unlikely for HDi), coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, service interval reset.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common problems, step-by-step fault finding, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues, transmission problems, suspension noises.
Repair:
Complete overhaul procedures for engine and transmission, component replacement (e.g., turbocharger, injectors, water pump, alternator), suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, bodywork repairs.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed procedures for dismantling and reassembling all major components and systems, including exploded views and torque specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 20,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (check manual for exact specification).
Fuel Filter Interval:
Often around 60,000 km or 3 years (vital for diesel engines).
Air Filter Interval:
Typically 40,000 km or 2 years.
Cabin Filter Interval:
Annually or every 20,000 km.
Engine Oil Spec:
ACEA C3 (or similar low SAPS specification), viscosity typically 5W-30.
Coolant Spec:
Antifreeze/coolant with anti-corrosion additives, typically purple or blue. Refer to PSA S71 2103 spec.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 (check manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
LHM Plus or equivalent hydraulic fluid (specific to Hydractive system).
Suspension:
Hydractive system leaks (spheres, pumps, pipes), ride height sensor issues, premature wear of suspension arms.
Engine:
DPF clogging (if short trips are common), turbocharger issues, injector problems, swirl flap issues in intake manifold, glow plug failure.
Electrical:
BSI (Body Style Interface) module issues, wiper motor failure, sensor faults (e.g., park sensors, ABS sensors).
Comfort Features:
Automatic gearbox behaviour (AL4 can be prone to issues), climate control blower motor issues.
