🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroen

Model:

Berlingo

Year:

1996

Platform:

PSA Platform 1

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV / Leisure Activity Vehicle (LAV)

Key Competitors Circa 1996:

Renault Kangoo, Peugeot Partner, Fiat Multipla (though Fiat launched later, the segment was emerging)

Unique Selling Proposition:

Highly practical, versatile interior space, often with sliding rear doors and a flexible seating arrangement, prioritizing utility and passenger comfort over dynamic driving.

📋 Manual Details

Model Variants Covered:

All styles covered, including passenger and commercial variants

Completeness:

COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual, covering all aspects of repair and maintenance.

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (precise count not specified but indicated as extensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Authenticity:

Actual Genuine Repair Service Factory Manuals (Not 3rd party)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Engine Control System, Differential/Drive, Axle

Chassis And Suspension:

Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body

Electrical And Comfort:

Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Restraint System, Interior

Body And Interior:

Chassis/Body, Interior, Heater/Air Conditioning, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts).

Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Repair And Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting, Step-by-step repair procedures, Advanced troubleshooting guide, Diagnostic and repair procedures in great detail

Repair Detail Level:

Detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings, numbered instructions, and detailed illustrations/drawings/photos.

Diagnostic Tools:

While OBD-II systems were emerging, early diagnostics might rely on visual inspection, electrical testers, and specific fault codes referenced in the manual. The manual likely includes procedures for reading diagnostic codes.

Depth:

Complete official factory information, covering fundamentals to professional technician level repairs and maintenance.

Diagram And Illustration Quality:

Contains all necessary illustrations, diagrams, and photos to guide through procedures, including enlarged insets for detailed part examination.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

Operating Systems Compatibility:

Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.

Storage Options:

Can be saved to hard drive and burned to CD-ROM.

Printability:

Printable without any restriction, individual pages or entire manual

Binding:

Digital Download (Printable format)

Paper Type Equivalent:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1996:

Likely offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines. Common options for early Berlingo included: 1.4L (TU3) petrol, 1.8L (XUD7) diesel, and potentially a 1.9L (XUD9) diesel. Specific engine codes and specifications would be detailed in the manual.

Typical Horsepower Range:

Approximately 75-90 PS (petrol) and 60-70 PS (diesel) for early models.

Torque Specifications:

Torque figures for engines would be detailed in the manual, critical for correct assembly and tuning.

Fuel Injection Type:

Likely a mix of carbureted (for base petrol engines) and multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for higher-spec petrol engines, and mechanical or electronic diesel injection (IDI/TDI) for diesel variants. The manual would detail specific systems.

Engine Codes:

Examples of engine codes covered might include TU3 (1.4L petrol), XUD7 (1.8L diesel), XUD9 (1.9L diesel), though specific codes for all variants would be listed in the manual.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

Automatic transmission may have been available on select higher-spec models, though less common for the initial launch year.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Gearbox Type Details:

Likely a BE-series gearbox for manual transmissions, known for their durability and reliability. The manual will detail internal components and repair procedures.

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

5-door MPV / Van

Seating Capacity:

Typically 5 seats in passenger variants, with flexible configurations and removable seats.

Cargo Volume:

Significant cargo capacity, especially with rear seats folded or removed. Specific volumes would be detailed in the manual.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by configuration, but generally around 1700-1900 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Euro NCAP testing began in 1997. Early Berlingo models would have had less advanced safety features compared to later generations. Specific safety ratings for 1996 may not be readily available or comparable.

Active Safety Features:

Likely included ABS (optional on many early models), power-assisted steering, and effective disc/drum brake systems. Stability control (ESP) was not common in this segment at this time.

Passive Safety Features:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger (potentially optional), crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Seatbelt Types:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts for front and outer rear passengers; lap belts for centre rear passengers in some configurations. Manual details installation and adjustment.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Base:

Basic RDS radio cassette player with 2 or 4 speakers. Optional CD player may have been available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Key features include power-assisted steering and potentially ABS. Cruise control was unlikely for base models.

Connectivity Options:

No modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB. Antennas for radio reception.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Petrol:

Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Manual will specify exact interval and oil type.

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically 7,500-10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, especially for older indirect injection diesels. Manual will specify exact interval and oil type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical maintenance item for both petrol and diesel engines. Intervals vary by engine but are typically around 60,000-90,000 km or 4-5 years. Manual will provide exact interval and procedure.

Engine Oil Specification:

Various grades depending on engine and climate. Common specifications may include API SJ/CF, ACEA A2/B2, or SAE 10W-40, 15W-40, 5W-40. Manual is definitive.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically pink or orange, meeting PSA specifications. Manual will specify exact type and mixture ratio.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual will specify the exact type and replacement interval.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Manual transmission fluid (MTF) typically SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90, meeting GL-4 specifications. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) would be specific to the automatic gearbox if equipped. Manual is definitive.

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Likely a hydraulic mineral oil or ATF compatible with PSA systems. Manual specifies exact type.

Common Early Issues:

Some early models might experience issues with electrical components (especially window regulators and central locking), exhaust system corrosion, and potential wear on suspension components due to its utility nature. The manual's troubleshooting section would be invaluable.

Common Engine Issues:

Diesel engines (XUD series) are generally robust but may require glow plug service, injector checks, and timing belt replacement at specified intervals. Petrol engines may require ignition system checks and occasional valve adjustments. Manual details specific procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Heritage Segment:

Citroën has a long history of innovative and practical vehicle design, particularly with its utilitarian vehicles like the 2CV and various vans. The Berlingo builds on this legacy.

Citroen Innovation Focus:

Citroën's history of hydraulic suspension (like the hydropneumatic system) and innovative body designs is a backdrop, though the Berlingo's suspension is more conventional for its class.

First Generation Launch:

The Citroën Berlingo was launched in 1996 as part of PSA Peugeot Citroën's strategy to create versatile leisure activity vehicles based on their car platforms.

Platform Sharing:

Based on the PSA Group's compact car platform, sharing components with models like the Citroën Xsara and Peugeot 306, but with a distinct body style and chassis modifications for its utilitarian role.

Production Plant:

Primarily manufactured at the PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in Vigo, Spain.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Awards:

While specific 'Car of the Year' awards for the 1996 Berlingo are not widely publicized, the model was highly acclaimed for its practicality and utility, contributing to the rise of the Compact MPV segment in Europe.