Segment:
Compact family car (supermini/small family car)
Citroen Strategy:
Citroën typically aimed for comfort, practicality, and innovative design in this segment.
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, Peugeot 307.
Design Philosophy:
Known for distinctive French styling, comfortable ride quality (often with hydropneumatic-inspired suspension tuning), and practical interior packaging.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, valve train, timing belt/chain replacement, oil pump, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (HDi common rail), glow plug system, ignition timing (diesel), sensor data interpretation, ECU diagnostics, emission control systems (EGR).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear shift mechanism, driveshafts, bearings, seals.
Transmission Automatic:
Not applicable for 1.4 HDi variant.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, disc and pad replacement, ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment procedures, steering system.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Bodywork And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seating, dashboard assembly, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II fault codes interpretation, diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant checks and changes, spark plug (if applicable, though unlikely for HDi) inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step guides for replacing virtually all major and minor components.
Diagnostic Testing:
Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, electrical components, and mechanical systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding major assemblies like the engine and gearbox.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Turbocharged Direct Injection Diesel (HDi)
Displacement:
1398 cc (1.4 Litre)
Bore X Stroke:
73.7 mm x 82 mm
Compression Ratio:
17.9:1 (Typical for DV4TD)
Horsepower:
68 bhp (50 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque:
150 Nm (111 lb-ft) @ 1750 rpm
Injection System:
Bosch Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi)
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G30 or equivalent, typically OAT-based, purple)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Litres
Oil Grade:
ACEA B4 or C2 specification, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil. Check specific manual for exact Citroën approval (e.g., B71 2297).
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 3.5 Litres
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection) for Xsara II (tested 2001 - relevant to 2005 model generation)
ABS:
Standard on most 2005 models, often with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims, known as ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation).
Airbags:
Driver, front passenger, front side airbags (standard on higher trims, optional on base models).
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts with force limiters, three-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats (standard on rear outer seats).
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/CD player with steering wheel controls on higher trims. Standard speaker configuration.
Navigation:
Optional factory fitted satellite navigation system (RT2 system) on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature on some variants.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors available on later models/higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Limited or no factory Bluetooth connectivity on standard 2005 models; aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 20,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (or as per specific market/driving conditions, often 15,000 km in older recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 40,000 km or 2 years.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 60,000 km or 3 years.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 120,000 km or 5 years, then every 60,000 km or 3 years thereafter.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 120,000 km or 6 years (crucial for this HDi engine, non-interference if timing belt fails, but severe damage possible).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified, but DOT 4 is common)
Power Steering Fluid:
PSA S71 2310 (often a mineral-based fluid, check manual)
Egr Valve Clogging:
Common in HDi engines due to soot buildup, leading to reduced power and rough running. Cleaning or replacement is often required.
Diesel Particulate Filter:
If fitted (less common on early 1.4 HDi), DPF regeneration issues can occur if the vehicle is only used for short trips.
Glow Plugs:
Can fail, impacting cold starting. Diagnosis involves checking resistance and voltage.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components (ball joints, drop links, bushings) can wear, leading to knocking noises and poor handling. The rear beam suspension can also require maintenance/reconditioning over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many cars of this era, minor electrical faults (e.g., window regulators, central locking) can occur, often related to wiring or modules.
Fuel Injector Issues:
Can become clogged or fail, affecting performance and fuel economy. Requires specialized diagnostic equipment.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën, a French manufacturer, has a long history of innovative automotive engineering, particularly known for its avant-garde designs and ride comfort (e.g., the DS).
Xsara Lineage:
The Xsara succeeded the Citroën ZX and was part of Citroën's strategy to offer stylish, comfortable, and practical alternatives to more mainstream offerings. It was based on the PSA PF2 platform.
Generation:
The 2005 model falls within the second generation (Xsara II), which received a facelift in 2000, featuring updated styling, interior refinements, and improved safety features.
Production Period:
1997 - 2006 (with Xsara II facelift in 2000)
Manufacturing Sites:
Primarily manufactured at Citroën's plants in France (e.g., Aulnay-sous-Bois) and Spain (Vigo).