🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

Xsara

Product Name:

1997-2000 Citroën Xsara Workshop Service Repair Manual

Chassis Codes:

N1, N2, N3 (for Hatchback/Coupe), N4 (for Estate/Break)

Engine Codes:

Relevant codes for TU series petrol and XUD/HDI diesel engines (e.g., XU7JP, XU10J2, XUD7TE, XUD9TE, DW8, DW10TD)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Citroën Xsara was positioned as a family car, often noted for its comfortable ride and practical interior. It competed with models like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Opel Astra of its era.

Competitive Analysis:

Known for its distinctive PSA (Peugeot-Citroën) platform shared with the Peugeot 306, the Xsara offered a comfortable and compliant ride, often prioritizing comfort over sporty handling compared to some rivals. Its distinctive styling, particularly the hatchback and coupe variants, set it apart.

Key Features Vehicle:

Hydractive suspension (on some higher trims), innovative dashboard design, spacious interior for its class, strong safety structure.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Body Styles Covered:

Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Coupe, Estate (Break/Wagon)

Page Count:

Comprehensive, typically over 1000 pages (exact count varies by specific edition, but expected to be substantial)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (WSRM)

Language:

English (standard for workshop manuals of this era, though original factory manuals may exist in other languages)

Format:

Digital (PDF likely), potentially printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor and injection), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable to the covered engines/years), clutch, drive shafts, differentials

Braking Systems:

Hydraulic system, brake components (pads, discs, calipers, drums), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (McPherson struts, wishbones), rear suspension (torsion beam, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering system

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules (BCM), comfort systems

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system

Maintenance Procedures:

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

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repairs

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common faults and symptoms, fault code interpretation (OBD-II if applicable)

Diagnostic Information:

Component testing procedures, electrical circuit analysis, fuel pressure testing, ignition timing checks

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic owner maintenance to advanced mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Likely PDF, ensuring searchability and easy navigation. High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.

Print Quality:

Designed for clarity, with sharp text and legible diagrams. If printed, uses durable paper suitable for workshop environments.

Binding Type:

If printed, typically a robust spiral-bound or perfect-bound format allowing it to lay flat for easy use.

Paper Type:

If printed, durable, possibly coated paper to resist grease and wear.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Range:

Various petrol and diesel engines, including 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L petrol engines (TU and XU series) and 1.9L naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel engines (XUD and DW8 series). Also early 2.0L HDi engines.

Performance Figures:

Horsepower figures varied significantly by engine, ranging from approximately 75 hp (1.4L petrol) to over 160 hp (2.0L VTS performance models). Torque figures similarly varied, with diesels offering higher low-end torque.

Fuel System Types:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, direct injection (DI) for HDi diesel engines, indirect injection (IDI) for earlier XUD diesels. Some early models might have had carbureted engines, though less common for the specified years.

Engine Management Systems:

Electronic engine control units (ECUs) managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. Diagnostic capabilities likely through OBD-II port from 1996 onwards in many markets.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Typically a 5-speed manual transmission for most variants.

Optional Transmission:

A 4-speed automatic transmission was often available as an option on certain engine sizes, particularly the 1.8L and 2.0L petrol engines.

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), with specific clutch types (e.g., single dry plate) and hydraulic actuation. Automatic transmissions would feature torque converters and planetary gear sets.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Length, width, and height varied slightly by body style (Hatchback, Coupe, Estate). Specific dimensions for each variant would be detailed in the manual. Example Hatchback: ~4.15m (L) x ~1.7m (W) x ~1.4m (H).

Interior Space:

Generous interior space for its class, particularly in headroom and legroom for front occupants. Rear seating capacity for 5 adults, though middle rear seat is often tighter.

Cargo Capacity:

Varied by body style. Estate (Break) models offered significantly larger cargo volumes. Hatchbacks had a split-folding rear seat for increased versatility.

Curb Weights:

Curb weights typically ranged from around 1100 kg to 1300 kg depending on engine, transmission, and equipment. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) would also be specified.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Ratings:

The Xsara received generally positive safety ratings for its time. Euro NCAP results would be detailed for specific crash test scenarios (front, side impacts) and occupant protection.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), traction control (on some higher trims/later models), disc brakes all around (front ventilated, rear solid or vented).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags (optional on some models), pre-tensioned seatbelts, reinforced passenger cell, collapsible steering column, impact-absorbing dashboard.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic radio/cassette or CD player systems, with steering wheel controls on higher trims. Speaker configurations varied. The manual covers wiring and component replacement for these systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, optional cruise control on some models. Limited advanced driver assistance systems compared to modern vehicles.

Connectivity Options:

Minimal by modern standards. Some models may have had provisions for external CD changers or early mobile phone integration. The manual details the relevant wiring and interfaces.

🔧 Maintenance

General Service Intervals:

Oil changes typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months. More comprehensive servicing, including belt changes, spark plugs, and fluid flushes, at intervals specified in the manual (e.g., every 40,000-60,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

Depends on engine type and climate. Common specifications include 10W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting PSA specifications (e.g., B71 2294, B71 2296). Capacity typically 3.5-5 liters.

Coolant Specification:

Long-life antifreeze/coolant, typically ethylene glycol based, often pink or orange, meeting PSA standards (e.g., PSA S7D). Capacity around 7-8 liters.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 brake fluid. Recommended replacement every 2 years. Capacity approximately 1 liter.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Manual gearbox oil (e.g., SAE 75W-80 GL-4) and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specific to the automatic gearbox model. Capacities detailed in the manual.

Common Issues Petrol Engines:

Ignition coil failure (especially on 1.8L 16V engines), lambda sensor faults, occasional head gasket issues on higher mileage engines, thermostat housing leaks.

Common Issues Diesel Engines:

Injector seal leaks (especially on early XUD engines), glow plug issues, turbocharger problems (on HDi models if maintenance is neglected), water pump bearing failure.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn front suspension bushes, premature wear of front shock absorbers, power steering fluid leaks, rear axle beam suspension issues (seized torsion bars, bearing wear - particularly on later models but relevant for maintenance).

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty central locking actuators, window regulator failures, intermittent warning lights due to poor earth connections, ABS sensor faults, dashboard illumination issues.

Maintenance Schedule Overview:

The manual will provide a detailed schedule outlining required maintenance tasks at specific mileage or time intervals, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage Citroen:

Citroën has a long history of innovative engineering and comfort-focused vehicles, known for features like hydropneumatic suspension and front-wheel drive. This heritage influenced the Xsara's design and engineering.

Model Evolution Xsara:

The Xsara replaced the Citroën ZX and was part of Citroën's strategy to offer comfortable and distinctive alternatives in the compact family car segment. It underwent a facelift (Phase II) in 2000, introducing updated styling and features, which this manual likely covers.

Production Period:

The Citroën Xsara was produced from 1997 to 2006. This manual covers the initial production years up to the 2000 model year update.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in France, with potential assembly in other PSA facilities across Europe.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognitions:

While specific awards for the Xsara might be less prominent than some competitors, it was generally well-regarded for its comfort and value. It often featured in 'best buy' lists in automotive publications of its era for specific engine/trim combinations.

Safety Ratings Details:

Euro NCAP ratings would be detailed, providing a benchmark for its safety performance compared to contemporary vehicles. A 4-star rating was achievable for good occupant protection.