🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

AX

Year:

1989

Market Segment:

Supermini / Economy Car

Country Of Origin:

France

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroën AX was positioned as a lightweight, fuel-efficient, and economical city car, competing with rivals like the Peugeot 205 and Renault 5.

Competitors:

Peugeot 205, Renault 5, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and simple, robust mechanicals.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, factory-level knowledge for effective maintenance and repair.

Diy Usability:

Balances professional-level detail with sufficient clarity for skilled DIY enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

All petrol and diesel engines for the 1989 AX model

Transmission Coverage:

Manual and automatic transmissions

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, steering, brakes, body structure

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, accessories

Body And Trim Coverage:

Interior and exterior components, panels, glass

Estimated Pages:

N/A (Digital PDF - varies with zoom/print settings, but comprehensive)

Type:

Repair and Service Manual

Primary Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Mechanics

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Print Capability:

Full Printable

Viewing Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

File Compression:

May require WinZip or equivalent for extraction

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic, Weber), ignition systems, emission controls

Transmission Mechanical:

Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch system service, automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable to 1989 models)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam suspension, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars

Steering:

Rack and pinion steering system, steering column, power steering (if equipped)

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, instrument panel, ignition switch

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburettor or injection system components

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if fitted), muffler, exhaust pipes

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation (air conditioning may be limited for this era/model)

Bodywork:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt adjustments

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems

Disassembly:

Detailed instructions for component removal and disassembly

Assembly:

Reassembly procedures with torque specifications

Cleaning:

Component cleaning and preparation for reassembly

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures and common fault identification

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical schematics for all circuits

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul)

Illustrations:

Includes illustrations, diagrams, and pictures for clarity

Factory Equivalence:

Aims to mirror content found in factory service manuals

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (dependent on PDF creation)

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing sections or the entire manual

Zoom Capability:

Yes, allows for detailed examination of diagrams and text

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital file)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital file)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

Likely covers TU series engines (e.g., TU9, TU1, TU3) and potentially the diesel XW engine variants. Displacement commonly 954cc, 1124cc, 1360cc petrol, and 1360cc diesel.

Horsepower Range:

Typically ranging from 40-55 HP for petrol engines and around 45-53 HP for diesel engines, depending on specific variant.

Torque Range:

Varies by engine, but generally modest figures suited for economy driving.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (single or twin-point) and early multi-point fuel injection systems depending on engine and trim level.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded petrol (95 RON and higher), Diesel fuel

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission

Type:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (less common)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 3640 mm (143.3 in)

Width:

Approximately 1620 mm (63.8 in)

Height:

Approximately 1340 mm (52.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Starting from approx. 740 kg (1631 lbs) for base models

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model, typically around 1200-1300 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

Limited official Euro NCAP data for this era. Generally considered basic safety for its time. Manual would cover any factory safety systems.

Braking System:

Front disc, rear drum. ABS was not a common feature in 1989 for this class.

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts; rear seatbelts often optional or lap belts.

Body Structure:

Designed with crumple zones, though basic by modern standards.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic radio cassette player often standard or optional. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Features:

Very limited by modern standards. Focus was on essential driving controls and basic comfort.

Features:

None by modern definition. Primarily mechanical and electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial interval, typically 60,000 - 90,000 km (37,000 - 56,000 miles) or 4-5 years, depending on engine. Manual will specify exact interval and procedure.

Engine Oil Grade:

Likely 10W-40 or 5W-40, API SF or SG specification. Refer to manual for precise viscosity and API rating.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a pink or orange mix. Manual will specify Citroën or PSA specific coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual transmission oil (e.g., SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 GL-4). Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatics.

Common Problems:

Early models could have issues with carburettor performance, exhaust manifold cracks, rust in certain areas (wheel arches, sills), and aging electrical components. Clutch wear is also common.

Timing Belt Risk:

Most TU engines are interference engines; timing belt failure can cause severe engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is vital.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Philosophy:

Citroën has a long history of innovative design, advanced engineering (especially in suspension), and practical, economical vehicles.

Ax Introduction:

The AX was launched in 1986 as a successor to the Citroën Visa and Axel. It was designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic.

1989 Updates:

While 1989 is mid-cycle, minor revisions to engines, trim, and features may have occurred. This manual covers the specifications relevant to the 1989 model year.

Production Period:

1986–1998 (facelift in 1991)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France, also produced in other PSA facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The AX was generally well-regarded for its economy, low running costs, and surprisingly agile handling due to its light weight and compact dimensions. It was a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers and urban commuting.