Positioning:
A comprehensive factory resource for owners and independent workshops seeking authentic repair information.
Value Proposition:
Offers significant cost savings on labor by empowering owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves.
Documentation Type:
Genuine factory manual, not a third-party adaptation.
Illustration Detail:
Includes detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets for clarity.
Navigation:
Numbered table of contents, numbered instructions, and bold figure numbers for efficient information retrieval.
Content Structure:
Features detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings throughout each chapter.
Digital Advantage:
Searchable PDF format allows for targeted printing of specific pages or sections.
Engine Service:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance
Transmission Service:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance
Brake System:
Service, repair, and troubleshooting
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component diagnosis, repair
Suspension:
Service, repair, and adjustment (including Hydractive if applicable to 1986 models)
Steering:
Service, repair, and adjustment
Cooling System:
Maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, carburetion (if applicable), fuel pump, lines
Emission Control:
Component testing and adjustment
HVAC:
Heater and Air Conditioning system service and repair
Engine Control System:
Diagnosis and repair of ECU and sensors
Chassis And Body:
Structural repair, body panels, adjustments
Restraint System:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped)
Interior:
Trim, upholstery, controls
Differential And Drive:
Service, repair, and maintenance
Axles:
Front and rear axle service and repair
Maintenance:
General maintenance, periodic lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Advanced troubleshooting guide for all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical issues
Rebuilding:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Depth:
Factory-level technical detail for professional technicians and knowledgeable owners
Engine Options 1986:
Likely includes 1.6L (XU5), 1.9L (XU9) naturally aspirated petrol engines, and potentially diesel variants (e.g., 1.7L XD2).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70-110 hp, depending on engine variant and carburetion/injection system.
Torque Range:
Approximately 120-160 Nm, depending on engine variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Can include single-point or multi-point fuel injection (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic) and/or carburettors (e.g., Solex, Weber) depending on model and market.
Engine Control Unit:
ECU systems for managing fuel injection and ignition timing are covered.
Transmission Type Standard:
Likely a 5-speed manual transaxle as standard.
Transmission Type Optional:
An automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP14) may have been an option on some variants.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Likely GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Specific part numbers for Citroën transmission fluid will be detailed in the manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
If applicable, Dexron-II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid.
Length Hatchback:
Approx. 4150 mm
Length Estate:
Approx. 4450 mm
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (Hatchback) / 1370 mm (Estate)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1200 kg, depending on body style and engine.
Luggage Capacity:
Significant capacity, especially for the Estate version, with fold-down rear seats.
Crash Test Performance:
Data for 1986 models in specific markets may vary; manual will detail structural integrity and safety component information.
Braking System Type:
Discs front, drums rear; advanced hydraulic system with self-leveling and anti-dive/anti-squat properties.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts.
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones and reinforced passenger cell.
Audio System:
Basic analogue radio/cassette player common for the era. Manual will detail speaker wiring and head unit removal/installation.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional or standard feature on higher trims, details will be covered.
None:
No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB are expected on this model.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, as specified by the manual.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item for interference engines; interval typically around 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years. Specific interval for each engine type will be detailed.
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely API SF/CD or SG quality, viscosity grade 10W-40 or 15W-50, depending on ambient temperature and engine type. Manual will confirm precise spec.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Manual will specify type and mix ratio.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify the exact type and recommended change interval.
Suspension Fluid Citroen:
Citroën LHS 2 (or LHS for earlier models) hydraulic fluid for Hydropneumatic suspension systems. Manual will detail type and bleeding procedures.
Suspension Leaks:
Hydropneumatic suspension spheres and seals can degrade over time, leading to ride height issues or fluid leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and earth points can be prone to corrosion, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Rust Corrosion:
Like many vehicles of this era, rust can affect wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points.
Engine Cooling:
Radiator and coolant hoses can deteriorate, requiring regular inspection.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën is renowned for innovative engineering, particularly in suspension (hydropneumatic) and aerodynamics.
Bx Development:
The BX was designed to succeed the GS/GSA, bridging the gap between the smaller Visa and larger CX. Known for its distinctive wedge-like styling and hydropneumatic suspension (though some base models might have had conventional suspension).
Production Period:
1982-1994. The 1986 model falls into the initial phase of its production run.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France, with some production potentially occurring in other European facilities.
