CITROEN SAXO: Questions and answers

Citroen Saxo 2002

When cold, my Citroen Saxo struggles to hold it’s revs. The car starts and engages, then drops and cuts out. This happens intermittently, about 1 in every 3 times. When warm, it starts fine. However, when the vehicle is warm, on idle it sometimes revs higher than normal. This suggests that there is an issue with the airflow sensor. It could be as simple as cleaning the air filter and airflow system. The car drives absolutely fine, no miss firing, knocking or banging or anything of that nature. It runs through all of the gears as it should with plenty of power. It brakes, turns etc without any problems. Any suggestions?

Citroen Saxo 2003

My Citroen Saxo`s alarm keeps flashing even though all of the doors are locked and the windows are shut. There are no lights on either. Can anyone help?

Citroen Saxo 2003

Hi, my car has recently been playing up when accelerating 3500revs and above, the minute I put my foot flat to the floor it drops in RPM and struggles to move. It almost seems like you’re using the engine to slow down (feel the front end nose dive a bit) what can this be!?

Answers

Could be a number of things from spark plugs, air filter to even the fuel pump start at the basics spark air fuel - David Aberdeen from Aberdeenshire

Citroen Saxo 2000

Hi - I’ve just bought a second hand Saxo with no radio code. It is a Phillips model number 22RC200/65S Product number: FD0401040155959 PHAPMF 10155959 PHM 0155959 TOW313 O29018. I would be very grateful if someone could let me know the code. Many thanks.

Citroen Saxo 1999

Can anyone tell me whether you can put the speedo from a 2002 Citroen Saxo into a 1999 Citroen Saxo?

Citroen Saxo 2002

I have steam coming from the front of my engine. I have checked the oil and water and have topped them up. There is lots of pressure coming from the oil tank and when it starts to steam there is a smell of burning oil. My temperature gauge keeps going up and down but mostly stays right at the top with the red light on. Any info would be great, thanks.

Citroen Saxo 2002

What would happen if the anti roll bar drag link becomes separated from the ball-joint? I am in the process of changing them and need to go and get some tools as nuts won’t come off. If this happens what damage could be caused? (Furio 1.4)

Citroen Saxo 1997

Hi to all, my husband has changed my head gasket today as it had gone and now it won’t start. It’s turning over but will not start, any ideas would be really appreciated, thanks.

Answers

Hi, I am no mechanic but it sounds like you have lost your engine compression. The new gasket has to be a perfect seal "air tight". Did your husband get both faces that the gasket sits on professionally skimmed? You can’t just slap a new gasket in and hope for a quick fix. The head gasket goes when the two metal faces it sits on gets warped due to excess pressure (i.e. freezing your car up due to no anti-freeze during freezing conditions). These faces need to be ground down on a special machine to take out any warp thus being able to achieve a perfect seal. Get someone to listen under the bonnet for an air leak all round the gasket when you are turning the engine over. Good luck. Head skimming usually about £30 per face. You may only need to do one, sometimes just one side warps - Steve from England

Citroen Saxo 2000

Hi, have just bought a Saxo and there is a lot of wiring popping out of both foot wells. There is a face off radio fitted and I think the previous owner did the wiring. Is there supposed to be a cover on both sides as I am worried I will kick the wiring or my passenger will when driving...

Citroen Saxo 2002

When I push my Citroen Saxo’s accelerator down more than halfway, my revs stay at about 3,500 and the car seems to lose power the further I push the pedal. I’ve changed the coilpack, the throttle body may sensor and the spark plugs. Any further suggestions anyone? (VTS)

Citroen Saxo 1984

My Citroen Saxo temperature gauge rises steadily after a short journey and almost overheats. I have no air-fan inside or heat now so I cannot de-mist in this cold weather. I have checked oil etc., topped up water. Also, the steering is hard on occasions and I can have problems when turning but then it is OK. Please help.

Citroen Saxo 2003

The dials and gauges on the dashboard of my Citroen Saxo have stopped working. All the lights are still fine and the digital display still works but the temperature gauge, speedo and rev counter are all stuck on low/zero and the fuel gauge is sat at half way (I know I haven’t got that much fuel in there!!). Any ideas?

Answers

Last answer here - http://www.justanswer.com/car/46k8z-citroen-berlingo-multispace-1-4-petrol-speedometer.html -  has submitted an answer to ID: 7935.

Citroen Saxo 2001

Can you use the same wiper blades for the rear windscreen? (Hatchback 1.6 VTR)

Answers

Looks like I have to answer the question myself! No, the fitting is different, although you can upgrade, however so far I haven’t found anything at a reasonable price. The only online one that is cheap is £4 odd, but £7.00 for postage, and they are in the UK - Penelope Welch from England

Citroen Saxo 2002

Hi, my Saxo’s radio is blocked. I have the code but only have 1 chance left on my radio. How do I put the code in and what do I have to press after I’ve entered the code? Thanks!

Citroen Saxo 2000

The footwell of my Citroen Saxo is collecting water (driver’s side). I have had a new plug replaced underneath the car but it is still letting water in when it is raining. Any suggestions?

Answers

Does it have a sunroof? If it does then the outer seal has gone and is leaking down round onto floor - John Clark from Aberdeenshire

Citroen Saxo 2001

The temperature and rev counter have packed up on my 2001 Citroen Saxo. Is it a fuse or something else?

Citroen Saxo 1996

My Citroen Saxo is struggling to start and if it does it blows white smoke and runs rough like its missing, then it might run OK and miss occasionally. Has anyone else experienced this? (1.5 diesel)

Answers

My old 106 1.5D did this. It was one of the glow plugs. They are easy to change but as it still does it when driving along it makes me wonder if it could be fuel related. I’d start with the glow plugs first though - R Webb from England

Citroen Saxo 2000

My Citroen Saxo’s engine misfires sometimes. I have changed the plugs and leads but there has been no improvement... Any further ideas?

Answers

Try the coil pack - William from Yorkshire

Citroen Saxo 2001

Having replaced radiator due to leak in old one I now have noticed the temperature gauge will go up to just under half way and stay there. If I do 56mph and go up slightly at 70 but if I go down to 40 the gauge drops down to quarter as I slow down. Gauge was read correctly before changing the radiator. What is causing it? (1.1i Desire)

Citroen Saxo 2000

Hi. I wonder if anyone can help me as my 2000 Saxo VTS has stated to over rev at between 15 - 25 thousand revs and also bounces up and down when on idle. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

Answers

Sounds like your suspension is going if the car bounces up and down in idle. The best way to check this is push hard on either side of the bonnet and if it bounces once, then they are fine. If it bounces more that once, you need new suspension for one and you will have to take the car to a garage or turn the rev counter screw to get it back into the right time. If you have a Haynes manual, you should be able to do it correctly, if not take it to your local garage and they should be able to do it for a small charge - Sarah Barham from England

That sounds like the idle control valve to me! My car did exactly the same thing! £25 from a scrappy but in my opinion, buy a new BOSCH one - Luke Price from England

Citroen Saxo 2000

Does a new spare key on a Citroen Saxo require coding?

Citroen Saxo 1998

My Citroen Saxo has just failed its MOT for the indicator light not working on the dash. The fog light works. I haven’t got a manual and can’t find a picture of where the light should show and how best to change. Can anyone help?

Citroen Saxo 2001

On my Citroen Saxo doors, near the glass, there is a black panel on both doors where you usually hold when closing the door from the outside. I am unaware of what to call it as its not really a trim. On both doors it has started to wear away and looks a bit odd so want to repair it on both doors. It seems to look like a plastic coating rather than paint. Does anyone happen to know if it can be repaired without replacing the door? Thank you.

Answers

If you go to a local dealer and ask for vinyl pillar trim. If I remember rightly, it’s about £15 - Paul from Durham

I have just replaced this trim, bought some fablon black vinyl for about a fiver, removed the old trim with scraper and hair dryer, replaced with two new pieces. took about an hour, looks as good as new - Tony Bainbridge from Dorset

Citroen Saxo 1995

My Citroen Saxo VTR shakes like hell first thing in the morning and then it’s fine for the rest of day. What could cause this to happen?

Citroen Saxo 2002

I have a Citroen Saxo VTR and, 2 years ago it had a misfiring problem every now and again. I took it to a Citroen garage and they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I’ve put in a new coil pack, spark plugs and fuel filter but the problem is still there. Can anyone help or advise?

Citroen Saxo 2000

My Citroen Saxo failed its MOT on emissions... I’ve been told it could be the lambda sensor or cat... So I’ve had it put onto a machine and the only fault that come up was the ’flow censor valves’. Would this be ’the’ only thing wrong, or when I take it back for its MOT could it possibly fail again and need a new cat and lambda sensor? It’s stressing me out now, as I’ve just spent £200 on a 2 new front tyres, back light, driveshaft and £40 MOT! And the car’s probably only worth £500 now... Thanks.

Citroen Saxo 1998

Hi, I’ve noticed on all Saxo’s that when you use central locking the indicators flash but mine don’t seem to. Is there any reason for this? As I would like them to. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Answers

Check fuse under the bonnet for alarm immobiliser okay - John Clark from Aberdeenshire

Citroen Saxo 2000

About a month ago the radiator gauge was always going up to overheat and the fan stayed on for ages even when I stopped. Was in garage fortnight ago and the mechanic said it was the fan switch and fixed it. Gauge doing same thing again so I put car into garage this morning. Mechanic said it might be a valve so he ordered me one, then told me it probably won’t work as the problem likely to be my cylinder head gasket!! Anyone any idea why he didn’t just fix this the first time round and could anyone give me an idea of the cost?

Citroen Saxo 2003

My Citroen Saxo’s car heater has stopped working - can anyone suggest what the problem would be and how to fix it?

Citroen Saxo 2003

My passenger door clicks and tries to open when I am driving along. Luckily it hasn’t actually opened fully as I’ve always managed to pull over and stop quickly. It is rather worrying as I think it will open and cause an accident. Does anybody else have this problem / had this problem or know what may be causing this to happen so I can fix it without the expense of a garage?! Thanks.

Citroen Saxo 2002

How do I take the rev counter and speedo out from a Citroen Saxo VTR? To change the light colour behind it.

Citroen Saxo 2000

My side lights won’t work but my main and dip beam are working. All the fuses are okay and also my wipers work but not my washers front and back. Once again, I’ve checked the fuses. Anyone have any ideas. Could it be that my stalks are worn? It’s a vtr.

Citroen Saxo 2003

Where does the gear box oil go?

Answers

In the gearbox - Bill from England

Remove the front passenger side wheel and unclip the plastic arch liner where it fastens to the chassis leg and you will see the gearbox. At the left hand side, you will see a filler plug with a square hole in it. Fill the gearbox with 75/90 gear oil until it trickles out - Chris from England

Citroen Saxo 1997

How do you bypass the immobiler keypad?

Citroen Saxo 1998

There is some sort of clicking noise coming from the dashboard (right side). I was told that there is something to do with the air conditioning/heating system. Any ideas?

Answers

Hi, I have the same thing on my Xsara Picasso. It appears to be related to the accelerator position. On tick over, the ticking is there but at a lesser rate than when accelerating. I have had the cover off the fuse box and the clicking is noticeable but I have been unable to find the time to remove anything yet. Maybe someone else has had more time and could let us both know? - Walter Cairns from Scotland

The clicking noise you are able to hear is an electrical switch so it is nothing to worry about :) If anybody needs any other help, just get in touch with me by email (ravendaniel@hotmail.co.uk) or phone (0772 535 5675) - Mechanic Dan Raven from Essex

Citroen Saxo 2001

I can’t open my car windows. There is no handle or button, I don’t even know if it is electric or not. Help! (Desire)

Answers

The buttons are hidden in front of the gear stick on the bit that separates the driver and the passenger seats - Ben from Leicestershire

Citroen Saxo 2000

Do I need to put 4 winter tyres on my vehicle or can it just be 2 at the front?

Citroen Saxo 1999

I have recently had my car put through the MOT and they must have tried the fog light. I cannot locate the switch for this anywhere and the car came without a manual. I have asked five people now, including a mechanic and nobody seems able to find this switch/button. Getting concerned now as darker mornings. Please help if you can. (East Coast)

Answers

Hi, it is on the same stalk as the light switch, a little bit further down the stalk - Pat Slight from Hampshire

Citroen Saxo 1998

Where is the power supply to the Relay for the power steering motor taken from? Not the heavy duty one but small cable.

Citroen Saxo 2002

The radio turns on and off by itself when I hit a bump. Why?

Answers

Loose wire connector at rear of radio - Steve Tompson from England

Not sure why, think it may be electrical but if you move the aeriel around on the car, it will work again. Mine does it too! - Sue Smith from Nottinghamshire

Citroen Saxo 2002

My rev counter, fuel gauge and electric windows have stopped working. I have checked fuses and disconnected the battery for half an hour and still nothing, can anyone help?

Citroen Saxo 1996

I don’t know what it could be but I could be driving around and my battery light would come on and it would stop the car. Do u know what it could be?

Citroen Saxo 2003

When I fill up with petrol, the fuel gauge does not move and the rev counter is not working. Any ideas?

Answers

Disconnect the battery for a minute and it will restore settings. It worked okay for my Saxo VTR - Ronnie Bates from England

Pull fuses until it resets :) - Jake Nuttall from England

Citroen Saxo 2002

My partner’s car just cut out and died today as he was driving down the road. It had petrol in it and everything else seems okay. Could this be down to water or oil?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Citroen Saxo 1998

Hi. I have a Citroen Saxo VTR. I had the cambelt, water pump, head gasket and everything changed. I have the part that needs fitting. which is the head. How much do you think it is likely to cost to have the head swapped over? Many thanks.

Citroen Saxo

My battery in my Citroen Saxo West Coast recently died because of the cold weather. And whenever I got the thing charged again the central locking wouldn’t work. Whenever I turned the key to lock it the switch pops straight back up. What is the problem and what can I do to fix it?

Citroen Saxo 1996

My key got stuck in the barrel and the key light started flashing on the dashboard after I had taken it out. I have had a new barrel fitted but the light is still flashing. I have been told that my immobilizer needs to be reset and unlocked. Do I have to take it to a Citroen dealer or can I go to any garage? (East coast)

Citroen Saxo

Why doeas my Saxo make a clicking noise when I accelerate and turn left? It sounds like something is loose on the left side under my car. Any ideas?

Answers

It sounds like your c.v gaiter has come off and the metal clip is now adrift and hitting the drive shaft, or the gaiter has been off for a while and has now dried out which would mean it needs replacing - Shaun from Sussex

Citroen Saxo 1997

I’ve changed the head gasket on my Saxo VTR and now it’s idling all wrong and running like a bag of c**p. Any help would be helpfull!

Answers

Sounds like you’ve got the valve timing wrong; go back and check it... - Pete B from Pembrokeshire

Citroen Saxo 1998

Hi, I was out in my car today and the temp light and oil light came on, then after the car being stopped and started both lights went off again. It has done this twice today, any idea why this would be? Many thanks!

Citroen Saxo 2001

I would like to obtain the radio code as a new battery was installed by the garage and now the radio will not work without the code. Thanks in advance!

Answers

Go to a Citroen dealer with v5 and ID and they should be able to tell you. Telephone first - John Richards from England

Go on Ebay, put in "Radio code" in the seach box. there is a person on there who will email you the radio code for £2. I did this just a few months ago, it was magic, all you need to send them is the VIN number - Dave Fields from England

Citroen Saxo 1997

I already have the part but how much does it usually cost to have a starter motor fitted? (VTR)

Citroen Saxo 2002

The battery light stays on and the power steering and blower are not working on my Citroen Saxo. Does anybody know why this might be?

Citroen Saxo 2002

The temperature last night was -11 and I hadn’t put my car in garage. Today the brake fluid light stayed on, went off a few times, then came back on again. Is it due to extreme cold?

Citroen Saxo 1999

The passenger side brake light is not working. Also, when lights are on, the passenger side light goes out (when brakes applied). Can anyone help?

Citroen Saxo 1998

My Saxo won’t start after been out in the snow? What do you think is wrong with it? Thanks!

Citroen Saxo 1998

When should the cam belt be changed on the Citroen Saxo and is it a belt ora chain?

Answers

It’s a belt and around 55-65,000 miles - Lee from England

Citroen Saxo 1996

I am hearing a knocking noise from the front end of my Saxo. I have just had the brakes replaced and the ball joints done. I do not think it is engine as there is no smoke or smell of burning oil from the engine. Could it be a loose exhaust hitting the floor or is it something more serious? The car is a 1.5 diesel and is used daily by my daughter.

Answers

It could be the anti-roll bar draag link that connects the anti-roll bar to the suspension. I had the same problem and in the middle of changing them. Look on eBay where you can buy the pair for under £10 - Chris Elton from Somerset

Citroen Saxo 1994

Why does the handbrake light keep flashing when driving?

Answers

Aside from a faulty micro-switch on the actual handbrake are you sure you have the hand brake fully down? If not, adjust the switch - Ticker from Hampshire

Citroen Saxo 1998

There is a creaking noise when changing gear - only when car has run for a while not when cold. Why?

Citroen Saxo 1999

Everytime I drive my Saxo it overheats. I can be driving for no longer than 15 mins and I have to pull over as it’s overheated. I’m then sat waiting in my car for about 20 mins before I can drive it again. This happens as a cycle when I’m driving. What can be the problem?

Answers

You could have an air lock in your water system try draining your water then refill it. If that isn’t the problem and if it’s using any water or oil, it will most definitely be your head gasket I’m afraid. Good luck - Graham Easton from England