🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Xsara

Years Covered:

1997-2000

Platform Code:

PSA EW/DW

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact family car, hatchback and estate variants.

Competitors:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, Peugeot 306.

Design Philosophy:

Comfort-oriented ride, distinctive French styling, practicality, emphasis on safety for its era.

Unique Selling Points:

Advanced hydropneumatic suspension options (on some variants, though less common in the Xsara range compared to the Xantia), spacious interior for its class, fuel-efficient engines.

📋 Manual Details

Languages:

English

Geographic Focus:

Primarily European market, applicable to global variants with noted regional differences.

Estimated Pages:

500-800 (typical for comprehensive repair manuals of this era, exact count not specified but inferred from scope)

Type:

Repair and Service Manual

Format:

Likely PDF or Digital Download (common for modern sales, original might have been print)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission:

Manual gearbox, automatic gearbox, clutch system, drive axles, CV joints.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear, including torsion beam/anti-roll bar), steering system (hydraulic power steering), braking system (ABS, EBD, disc/drum configurations), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, body control modules, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor systems, wiring diagrams.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repairs.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearances, alignment procedures, diagnostic specifications.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation for petrol engines, specialized diagnostic procedures for diesel engines and ABS systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Searchable, Printable)

Quality:

High-resolution scans or professionally produced digital content, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (for digital format)

Paper:

N/A (for digital format)

Scope Coverage:

Full repair and service manual, including diagnostic procedures, component testing, and overhaul instructions for all major vehicle systems.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Common:

TU series (e.g., TU3JP 1.4L, TU5JP 1.6L), XU series (e.g., XU7JP 1.8L, XU10J4R 2.0L), DW series diesel (e.g., DW8 1.9L D, DW10TD 2.0L HDi).

Power Range Petrol:

75 PS (1.4L) to 167 PS (2.0L VTS)

Power Range Diesel:

70 PS (1.9 D) to 90 PS (2.0 HDi)

Petrol Injection:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPi)

Diesel Injection:

Direct Injection (HDi), Indirect Injection (D)

Emission Standards:

Euro 2, Euro 3 (depending on model year and engine)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Gearbox:

5-speed manual transmission (e.g., BE series)

Automatic Gearbox:

4-speed automatic transmission (AL4, also known as DP0)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, dry single plate clutch

Drive Layout:

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate (Break)

Length Typical Hatch:

4.16 meters

Width Typical:

1.71 meters

Height Typical:

1.41 meters

Curb Weight Range:

1050 kg - 1250 kg (depending on engine and body style)

Boot Capacity Hatch:

Approx. 320-350 liters

Boot Capacity Estate:

Approx. 470-510 liters

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Score Pre 2000:

3.5 stars (early models, subsequent tests might vary based on equipment)

ABS:

Optional or standard on higher trims, typically Bosch or Teves ABS systems.

Traction Control:

Rare, typically not available on standard models of this era.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models by 2000, side airbags optional.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts, load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, optional CD player. Limited digital integration by modern standards.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trims and larger engine variants.

Bluetooth:

Not available on models within this year range.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Petrol:

Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months (non-HDi), 15,000 km or 12 months (HDi).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000 km or 5 years for petrol engines (TU/XU), varies for diesel (DW8 120,000km, DW10TD 60,000km or 4 years).

Engine Oil Petrol:

API SL/CF or ACEA A3/B3, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (depending on climate).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CF/CG-4 or ACEA B3/B4, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40.

Coolant:

OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange, Citroën recommends Type 'G30' or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

LHM Plus (Hydraulic Mineral Oil) for earlier models or specific systems, or ATF Dexron II/III for standard hydraulic power steering.

Common Faults:

Electrical gremlins (especially sensor issues), rear axle beam bearings failure (requiring rebuild), aging rubber components (hoses, bushes), occasional clutch master cylinder issues, water ingress into cabin on older units.

Hdi Specific:

Potential injector issues, EGR valve clogging, turbocharger wear over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Philosophy:

Known for innovation, comfort, and distinctive design, with a legacy of pioneering hydraulic suspension systems.

Predecessor:

Citroën ZX

Successor:

Citroën C4

Production Years Model Range:

1997 - 2004

Manufacturing Locations:

France, Spain, United Kingdom, Iran (and others).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Received generally positive reviews for ride comfort and practicality from automotive journalists of its time. Specific awards are difficult to pinpoint without detailed historical data, but it was a solid contender in its segment.