Market Position:
The Citroen Xsara was a popular family hatchback and estate car in its segment, known for its comfortable ride and distinctive styling. This manual targets owners and independent repairers seeking to maintain and repair this specific model.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent garages, and vehicle owners who want to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Mégane, and Peugeot 307. This manual provides dealership-level information to compete with manufacturer service offerings.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage, step-by-step instructions, exploded views, electrical schematics, troubleshooting guides, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complex repairs.
Unique Selling Points:
Contains specific information for the 1.6i 16V engine variant, which might be more detailed than generic manuals. 'Complete and intact as should be without any missing / corrupt part or pages' assurance.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, Engine management (EFI), Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable to variant), Driveshafts, Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Braking system (including ABS), Wheels and Tires, Bodywork (exterior and interior), Electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories), Climate control (HVAC), Safety systems (SRS airbags, seatbelts)
Bodywork And Interior:
Detailed procedures for body panel alignment, door mechanism repair, interior trim removal and fitting, seat adjustment, and dashboard disassembly.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant), Troubleshooting and diagnostics, Component removal and installation, Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Suspension repair, Brake caliper and disc replacement, Steering rack replacement, Electrical system troubleshooting, Wiring harness repair, Body panel repair, Interior trim removal and installation, Air conditioning system servicing
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, and audio. Fault finding charts and component testing procedures are provided.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Detailed steps for replacing shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering rack bushes. Wheel alignment specifications are also typically included.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagnostic charts, electrical schematics, torque specifications, repair procedures)
Engine Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the engine management system, procedures for checking sensors (e.g., MAP, coolant temperature, O2 sensors), actuators, and ECU functions.
Brake System Overhaul:
Procedures for caliper overhaul, brake disc and pad replacement, bleeding the brake system, and servicing ABS components.
Primary Engine:
1.6i 16V (TU5JP4 or similar variant)
Horsepower:
Approximately 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp)
Torque:
Approximately 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Layout:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1587 cc (1.6 Liters)
Bore Stroke:
78.5 mm x 82.0 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, driven by a timing belt.
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic or Siemens EMS31xx series ECU (typical).
Euroncap Rating:
4 Stars (for the Xsara Picasso, similar safety architecture for Xsara hatchback/estate)
Active Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist
Passive Features:
Front airbags, Side airbags (optional), Seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors
Service Intervals:
Typically: Engine oil and filter every 15,000 km or 12 months. Air filter every 30,000 km. Spark plugs every 60,000 km. Coolant replacement every 4 years or 120,000 km. Brake fluid every 2 years. Timing belt replacement is critical and usually around 120,000 km or 5 years (consult manual for specific interval).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30, meeting PSA (Peugeot-Citroën) specifications (e.g., B71 2296 or ACEA A3/B4, A5/B5). Oil capacity approx. 3.5 liters.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, meeting PSA standard (e.g., Type G).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 75W-80 or 75W-90 API specification.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF LT 71141 (for AL4 transmission).
Power Steering Fluid:
Citroën recommended fluid, typically PSA S71 2710 specification or equivalent.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 (shared with brake fluid system).
Known Issues:
Ignition coil failures, ABS sensor faults, premature wear of suspension components (wishbone bushes), occasional electrical gremlins, temperature sensor issues, and potential for gearbox synchro wear on manual transmissions. The AL4 automatic transmission can be prone to issues if fluid is not maintained.
Brand Heritage:
Citroën, a French automotive manufacturer, has a long history of innovation and comfort-focused vehicles, often characterized by distinctive styling and advanced suspension systems.
Model Evolution:
The Xsara was launched in 1997 as a successor to the Citroën ZX. It was available as a hatchback (3 and 5-door) and estate. A facelift occurred in 2000. The 1.6i 16V engine was a popular choice for a balance of performance and economy.
Production Years:
1997-2006 (for the Xsara range)
