🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Xsara

Internal Project Code:

Project T

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Family Car (Small Family Car / Lower Medium Segment)

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking practical, comfortable, and stylish transportation with good value.

Key Competitors:

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

Design Philosophy:

Comfort-oriented ride, distinctive French styling, spacious interior for its class, innovative features for its time (e.g., hydropneumatic suspension options on some older models, though less prevalent in Xsara era).

Model Variants:

Known for its comfortable ride quality and practical estate (Break) version, and later the MPV-styled Picasso variant.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Body Styles Covered:

Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Estate (Break/Picasso)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul procedures, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management Electronic:

ECU diagnosis, sensor identification and testing, ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), emissions control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, gearshift linkage, driveshafts, bearings, seals.

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, electronic control module (if applicable), fluid service.

Suspension:

Front suspension (McPherson struts, wishbones), rear suspension (torsion beam, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system (discs, pads, calipers), hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, fluid), ABS system diagnosis and components, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, fluid, rack and pinion), steering column, tie rods, wheel alignment.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses and relays, power windows, central locking.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant checks and changes, brake fluid checks and changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems (engine starting issues, poor performance, electrical faults, braking problems, etc.).

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major components such as the alternator, starter motor, water pump, fuel pump, radiator, clutch kit, brake pads, discs, etc.

Engine Rebuild:

Step-by-step guides for complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly with torque specifications.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for the disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions.

Electrical Diagnosis:

How to read and interpret wiring diagrams, test electrical components, diagnose short circuits and open circuits.

Bodywork Repair:

Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, rust prevention, and painting guidelines.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Searchable PDF, allowing for quick navigation and keyword searching of technical information.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams, ensuring clarity for component identification and procedural steps.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

TU series (TU3JP, TU5JP, TU5JP4), XU series (XU7JP, XU10J2, XU10J4R), EW series (EW10J4, EW10D3)

Displacement Common Petrol:

1.4L (1360cc), 1.6L (1587cc, 1587cc 16V), 1.8L (1761cc), 2.0L (1997cc, 1997cc 16V)

Displacement Common Diesel:

1.9L (1905cc D, 1905cc TD)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 75 HP (1.4i) to 167 HP (2.0i 16V VTS)

Torque Range:

Approx. 118 Nm (1.4i) to 193 Nm (2.0i 16V VTS)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Direct Injection (DI) or Indirect Injection (IDI) for diesel engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (95 RON recommended), Diesel

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (AL4)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate, hydraulically operated.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 specification, SAE 75W-80 or SAE 75W-90 (check specific model).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

LF-3, LT71141, or equivalent (e.g., Mobil ATF LT71141)

📐 Dimensions

Length Hatchback:

Approx. 4138 mm

Width Excluding Mirrors:

Approx. 1706 mm

Height Hatchback:

Approx. 1414 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2609 mm

Cargo Volume Hatchback Seats Up:

Approx. 342 liters

Cargo Volume Estate Seats Up:

Approx. 483 liters

Kerb Weight Range:

Approx. 1100 kg - 1300 kg (depending on engine and trim)

Towing Capacity:

Varies by engine, consult specific vehicle documentation.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating Early:

3 stars (early models), later models improved. Specific ratings vary by test year and equipment.

ABS:

Standard on many models, optional on base trims. Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Optional on higher trims (ASR - Antipatinage).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models. Side airbags optional.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioned seatbelts with force limiters.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, deformable crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with speaker systems, steering wheel mounted controls on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking sensors available on some later models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions may be available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (or every 10,000 km under severe conditions).

Timing Belt Replacement:

120,000 km or 6 years for most engines (consult specific engine for exact interval).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 40,000 - 60,000 km depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Specification:

ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4, API SG/SH/SJ. Viscosity: 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific engine and climate).

Coolant Specification:

OAT (Organic Acid Technology) based coolant, ethylene glycol and demineralized water mix (typically 50/50). Antifreeze/Anticorrosion.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 (e.g., PSA S71 2113)

Common Problems Engine:

Coil pack failure (ignition), lambda sensor issues, injector sealing issues, potential for oil leaks from seals.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn rear axle bushes (leading to poor handling and noise), worn ball joints and drop links.

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty window regulators, central locking issues, intermittent dashboard warning lights, BSI (Body Systems Interface) module issues on later models.

Common Problems Transmission:

Clutch wear, synchronizer issues in manual gearboxes, hydraulic leaks or control valve issues in AL4 automatic transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Legacy:

Citroën has a long history of innovative design and comfort-focused engineering, known for avant-garde features and practical family cars.

Predecessor:

Citroën ZX

Successor:

Citroën C4

Production Period:

1997-2004 (main models), Picasso continued longer.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France (Aulnay-sous-Bois, Rennes-Talbot).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Car Awards:

While the Xsara itself may not have a long list of specific major awards compared to some rivals, it was generally well-regarded for its comfort, practicality, and value in its segment, contributing to strong sales across Europe.

Reliability Perceptions:

Perceptions of reliability can vary. Like many cars of this era, timely maintenance is crucial to avoid common issues.