CITROEN XSARA: Questions and answers

Citroen Xsara 2004

My Citroen Xsara`s electric windows work okay most of the time but occasionally will not open . There does not seem to be any pattern to this, it seems to be completely random .Yesterday I had to get out of the car to put the ticket in the car park machine, much to the confusion of the person behind me. Can anyone suggest what might be causing this please? (1.4 5 door Hatch)

Citroen Xsara 2002

Hi. I have a Citroen Xsara that is very erratic when it idles. Even when driving it will surge forward. Sometimes when I`m pulling away I have no acceleration at all. Can anyone shed any light on this problem?

Citroen Xsara 2001

I cannot get the gear box out of my Citroen Xsara. Can anyone advise me please?

Citroen Xsara 2004

Why do the wipers on my Citroen Xsara keep coming on on their own?

Citroen Xsara 2002

I have just bought a complete new exhaust system to fit to my Citroen Xzara 1.6 LX Auto, but the new front section supplied is a couple of inches shorter than the front section fitted to the vehicle. The old front section looks as if it had an extension welded into it, roughly halfway between the manifold and the front box. Any idea what the story is? Thanks. (1.6 LX Auto)

Citroen Xsara 2003

Hi. My battery disconnected on my Citroen Xsara Desire 1.6, so I tightened it. My radio and clock reset themselves and so did my key. I can`t lock or unlock my car now. I tried turning on the ignition and pressing one of the three buttons to activate the key but nothing happened. My key was working fine before the battery came loose. I don`t know what to do, can anyone help? (Desire 1.6)

Citroen Xsara 2001

Hi. Does anybody know how to get a wire from the engine compartment into the cab of my Citroen Xsara please? I have looked round and cannot find an opening anywhere. Thanks for any help.

Citroen Xsara 2003

Whilst diving my Citroen Xsara a light will flash and beep on the dashboard and I have to turn the car off quickly whilst driving and back on. Any ideas please?

Citroen Xsara 2001

My Citroen Xsara`s battery keeps going flat. I have replaced it and now no electrics will work. It turns over but will not start. Any ideas? Also my key fob is broken. Do I need to disconnect the alarm and how?

Citroen Xsara 1999

My Citroen Xsara`s original remote control key started not to open the door or start the car. I changed the whole key and now it seems to be starting but the spare isn`t working. Can anyone help me with starting the car with the new key? (5 door - manual -petrol)

Citroen Xsara 2002

My Citroen Xsara`s heater fan is stuck on full power. Which fuse do I remove to stop it? (SX)

Citroen Xsara 2000

Hey Guys. I hope that somebody can help me. I have a problem with my Citroen Xsara 1.9 D (without turbo). Every time it’s raining my windscreen wiper, indicator light, radiator and speedometer stop working. When I take off the positive pole of the battery and replace it on the pole everything works again untill the next rainy day. I have already replaced the electrical control box but without success. There must be a fault in the software or an error indication. Can anyone help? (1.9 D)

Citroen Xsara 2001

My battery keeped going flat, I have replaced it and now now no electrics will work it turns over but will not start any ideas. also my key fob is broke, do I need to disconnect the alarm and how?

Citroen Xsara 1999

The original remote controlkey started not to open the door and not start the car. I changed the whole key and now seems starting but the startspare is not working. I need help to know what to do starting the car with the new key. Waiting your help soon. Thanks Mohamed. (5 door - manual petrol)

Citroen Xsara 1999

Hi. Recently when I`ve gone out to start my Citroen Xsara the first time I use it in the day I get the stop, oil and temperature lights flashing for the first 5 miles, then for the rest of the journeys that day they don’t come on? It seems to have enough coolant and oil. Any ideas guys? (1.9 Diesel (non turbo)

Citroen Xsara 2000

My Citroen Xsara`s left-side indicator won`t turn off. How can I fix that?

Citroen Xsara 1996

I have taken out all 4 ignition cables on my Citroen Xsara and I don`t know how to put them back in the correct way. Can anyone help please?

Citroen Xsara 2003

I have just bought a Citroen Xsara vtr hdi Coupe and now the engine management light has come on and it will not rev above 3000. It seems like you have hit the rev limiter. It`s a real nuisance when overtaking. I thought it might be the maf or throttle sensor. Can anyone help? (vtr 2.0 hdi Coupe)

Answers

If not too late. you should take the car back. It would seem you purchased a bag of problems. I had my Citreon Relay 2.0 hdi van siiting sitting on my drive for months. I have the same problem, no power. It came up on the lexia as no fault found. I have changed glow plugs, relays, fuel filter, high pressure deiesel pump, airflow meter. 500 quid after it still won’t work. I can’t even start on the key. Soon as I get it going, it’s up for sale and I’ll buy myself a Ford Transit. Get rid of yours while you can. Check the internet, see how problematic these French cars/vans are. If you get yours sorted, let me know what you did? Thanks - Kersley Jason from London

Citroen Xsara 2004

The central locking on my Citroen Xsara is operating when the driver`s door is opened, even though no contact has been made with the key fob. Can anyone advise?

Citroen Xsara 2001

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help. I have replaced my roof aerial three times to get better AM reception. After about 6-9 months it gets crackly and virtually non existent. When I have replaced it, it seems to work fine for 6-9 months and my last one has started to go again. There seems to be no water leaking in or anything like that. Has anyone else come across this and know the cause. Much appreciated, Tej. (1.4 lx petrol)

Citroen Xsara 2001

I have a problem with my Citroen Xsara LX 8V 2001 Y Reg, 1360cc, petrol car - my indicators keep turning on intermittently without me touching them, and stay on unless I hold the stalk, seems to be worse when its cold... I am sure I need to buy a new stalk - any one know which one please? Any help would be appreciated.

Citroen Xsara 2001

I have just replaced maf on my Citroen Xsara. It starts and runs very good but jerks as if missing. This happens randomly when the car starts after cooling say half hour. It gives the impression it is a fuel problem. Car has been serviced recently including all filters including diesel filter.

Answers

I used to own a 106 with a vtr engine in that did that... when you try to accelerate does it seem as if there’s a flat spot at some point? If so, I think it could be the MAP sensor - Joe from Bedfordshire

Citroen Xsara 2002

My Xsara Picasso 2002 windscreen washers front receive no water despite there being a full tank. But water travels through to the rear. There are no apparent blockages on front jets pump - what might the problem be?

Citroen Xsara 2005

The windscreen washer pump on my Citroen Xsara is not working. The fuse is OK, pump checked and OK. Is it a wiring fault? Where could the fault be?

Citroen Xsara 2001

The clock on my Citroen Xsara’s radio has started flashing, I’ve looked through the owners handbook but it doesn’t indicate what this means! Any ideas?

Citroen Xsara 2000

I have a problem with my Citroen Xsara, my indicators won’t go off only when the engine is turned off. Any help would be appreciated.

Citroen Xsara 2006

Does anyone know why the fuse on the screen washer pump circuit keeps blowing on my Citroen Xsara? (SL)

Answers

It will blow if the water in the pipes are frozen, or blocked in the nozzles - Clive from Monmouthshire

Citroen Xsara 2003

Hi. Where is the turbo located on the 2003 Citroen Xsara?

Citroen Xsara 2001

Hi. Citroen 1.4 Xsara 8v 51 reg. Battery light on, has recently had new alternator, and as far as we know battery OK. I have been told to get charging rate checked, if it’s not between 13.2 -14.2 told alternator probably faulty. I have read on the forums that if charging over 14.2 that it could blow the battery, so is dangerous. Not bought car yet, but would like to, could this be an expensive problem to sort if battery and alternator are OK? (1.4 LX 8v)

Citroen Xsara 2003

I have very heavy condensation on inner windows of my Citroen Xsara. No matter what setting I put the blowers at the condensation still returns. Any ideas as to what I might do?

Answers

I had a similar problem, I noticed water dripping from the rear interior light. On investigation, I found the ariel seal was failing so I stiped it down and smeared silocen sealant around it on the outside of the car and refitted it. No more condensation! - Colin Stirrup from Cheshire

Citroen Xsara 1999

I have a series 1 Xsara hatchback. Can anyone tell me if the rear axle from the Xsara Picasso is the same type as fitted to the 5 door 1.4 hatchback car variant please?

Citroen Xsara 2003

My Citroen Xsara won’t start, a symbol with a key in a box comes up on dash? Would that be the immobiliser? The car makes a sound like it wants to start but is dead, but the battery is new. Any help would be greatly appreciated. (1.4)

Citroen Xsara 2002

Where is the fog light switch and the jack location on a 2002 Citroen Xsara? I don’t have a handbook. (2.0-litre hdi estate)

Answers

On the left hand side, stalk the inner grip, turn it once and you get the fog lights. Turn it again you get your rear fog light. Turn it back once and again it turns off the front and rear fog lights, it only works when you turn the headlights on, and the icons light up on the dash. Hope this helps - Trevor Garside from Kent

Citroen Xsara 2000

Hi, my Citroen Xsara overheated as the fans do not work and I left engine running for 5 hours (I fell asleep outside my house after a long night drive whilst listening to the end of a radio broadcast) and now I only have cold air blowing from heater even when on high. Any suggestions? Possible other damage (head gasket etc)? I topped water up and engine seems to run OK surprisingly, but is about 10 degrees hotter then normal and water is boiling and belched out of header tank when I ran engine with cap off. (1.6 Forte)

Answers

Sounds like the head gasket has gone. Would have been a few hundred quid cheaper to fix the fans - Steveie from England

Citroen Xsara 2001

Please help. I was driving my Citroen Xsara Picasso when she just cut out and windows wouldn’t work either. Any answers?

Citroen Xsara 2002

My Citroen Xsara keeps cutting out when it should be ticking over. It sounds like all the power is being drained out of it. It’s had a new battery and plugs. I asked an RAC man in the street and he said it sounds like a sensor has gone. What is this, and how much is it to replace? Or has anyone got any other ideas?

Answers

This could be a multitude of things. 1: Coil pack faulty okay on idle, failing under load 2: ECU (the brain) 3: Coolant temp sensor 4: Head gasket (you didn’t put what size and mileage on the engine) 5: Crank position sensor - Simon Hopkins from Lancashire

Citroen Xsara 2000

On my Citroen Xsara’s rocker box cover there are two bolts to hold the cover down. One of these has sheared off. What do I need to do to repair this? (1.4 mk1)

Answers

Get down a scrap yard and get another rocker cover and a new gasket from a local motor factors, cheap to do and simple as well - Simon Hopkins from Lancashire

Citroen Xsara 2002

Recently had the head gasket replaced on my Citroen Xsara. Now, when after travelling for 15 minutes, the oil light flashes on and off when I take my foot off the accelerator. Can anybody tell me what this could be, I do have a slight oil leak also? Thanks.

Answers

Probably low oil level. After the heads are taken off, the whole engine is emptied of water and oil. But when refilled, the oil in the sump has yet to fill the lifters and other areas where oil would sit after engine has stopped. Check oil level and if its low, top up. If it’s at normal, then you have an oil pump problem - Simon Hopkins from Lancashire

Could also be that the gasket was wrongly fitted, so that it is obstructing some oil canals. I’ve seen that before - Søren from Denmark

Citroen Xsara 1997

What can be problem if car consumes double fuel and diagnostics shows only "25 unknown fault". Injector, spark plugs, fuel pump checked and are OK. What else should I check?

Answers

How about the compression? - Søren from Denmark

Citroen Xsara 1997

Is there anybody who can explain why my Citroen Xsara fuel consumption has increased? I took the car to a diagnostic centre, it shows everything OK. I was advised to check LAMBDA SENSOR. Please advise, can a faulty lambda sensor cause more fuel usage? And is it possible to repair the lambda sensor or what is the best simulator of lambda sensor for Citroen Xsara 1.8 (1997 model). Thank you.

Answers

I think your problem is with your valves and springs - Theofilos from Greece

It is probably a coolant temp sensor for the ecu saying to the ecu it’s cold thus overfueling. Everyone always says the o2 sensor first but all that does is lean out a car not make it drink more. Try the coolant temp sensor first, there are two of them - one for the gauge and one for the ecu - that’s the one you want to look at. Check the part number out on eurocarparts.com with your regplate. Hope that helps - Simon Hopkins from Lancashire

Citroen Xsara 2001

The radio / clock light on my Citroen Xsara comes on without the main lights being on. Is this right?

Citroen Xsara 2003

My Citroen Xsara lx hdi auto "sport and snow" warning lamps flash simultaneously or when goes at speed 40mpg. Any help please..?

Citroen Xsara 2003

I recently brought used Citroen Xsara Hatchback 5-Door 1997 cc HDi LX (110 hp) from a private dealer. At the very first it was fine. It’s a really good car to drive and the engine sounds perfect and inside is very comfortable. I didn’t drive the car on a motorway for sometimes. Yesterday, I drove it on the motorway and after 50 miles there was a big noise and Auto gearbox panel S and the Winter sign began flashing. I stopped the car on the hard shoulder. After few minutes I restarted and it seems as normal. Again after 30 miles problem happened again. Once stopped and restarted it seemed normal. Please, can anyone help me to find more about this if anyone has had the same. My mechanic is unable to find any problem as it drives normal in urban routes. Can anyone help please?

Citroen Xsara 1999

Hi, my car is sitting in my local garage. I have a 1999 Citroen Xsara sport 1.9 diesel hatchback. My car needs a load sense valve and my mechanic cant get one anywhere. I have tried eBay and scrap dealers for a second hand one. He has told me the car will have to be scrapped if I can’t get this load sense valve. Please, please, can anyone help?

Answers

Have you tried any motor factors out of your local area? - Jeanette Tattersall from Lancashire

Citroen Xsara 2001

Does anyone else’s Citroen Xsara vtr have a rough idle?

Answers

I cured my rough idle by fitting a new maf (it showed up on the ecu as a fault). Hope this helps - Bill Cowen from Dorset

Citroen Xsara 1998

I can’t find what security devices I have on my Citroen Xsara. Please could someone help me?

Citroen Xsara 1997

I have just changed the battery of my car and now speed pointer always shows 40km (instead of 0km) even when the car has stopped. When I start to drive, it starts from 40km. Please help me. What impact could changing battery have had on this?

Citroen Xsara 2000

My central locking is going crazy, first my boot wouldn’t open until I disconnected / reconnected battery. Now my driver door locks itself every time the door is opened and the only way to open it again is to wind down the window unlock it by key then open it . Any ideas?

Answers

Had a problem with central locking randomly locking all doors on Xsara. It turned out to be frayed wiring in the loom leading to the drivers door. It is easy to remove the wiring cover and check for cracked wiring - John Doe from England

Citroen Xsara 2004

Hi, good morning. I just wanted to ask a question because my car is having transmission problems. I can’t use reverse - my cars has only done 12,000 miles. Can anyone help?

Citroen Xsara 1998

Hi, I have been having a lot of trouble removing the drivers side driveshaft from the gearbox on my Citroen Xsara. I have resorted to the manual several times and done exactly as it says and undone and removed everything I need to and still no joy. So I just wondered if anyone had any hints or tips as to what else I can do to remove it, as it just won’t move at all from the gearbox? (1.4 ls)

Citroen Xsara 2001

What engine oil does a Citroen Xsara use?

Answers

Oil TOTAL 10 40 or 20 40 - Vlatko Ocevski from Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic Of

Multigrade engine oil sae5w/40 to 10w/40 texaco brand - Alex Ross from Cambridgeshire

Citroen Xsara 1998

Hello, I have a 1998 Citroen XSARA 1.6i. Can you tell how much is the work temperature? Some say 90- others say 97-degrees? And the fan on how much degrees is turning ON???

Citroen Xsara 1997

First of all thanks for this site hope that will come to my help. My car Citroen Xsara 1997 1.8 hatchback (212000km). Month before it starts use double fuel and also it gives little black smoke (but I check engine oil remains same) . Unfortunately Citroen cars are not that much popular in Azerbaijan there are couple of this cars and no people to repair it. I show it to some people who repairs French made cars Peugeot and Renault they advise me change fuel pump and air filter. I did it but it does not work. Then they advise the problem on injector but which part, in order to find it I need take car to diagnostics to know what is malfunction (because there is no Citroen car parts I have to order it) in car but again problem there is no software programs of diagnostics for Citroen. Now I have questions to professionals. 1) What is the reasons of car using more fuel oil and gives black smoke? 2) From where I can get (download) software programs of diagnostics for Citroen Xsara? I would highly appreciate if somebody could help me on this.

Answers

Hiya, sounds like injectors may have failed or possible oil pump had injectors collapse on me while driving with some black smoke. As regards to the program for it, I’m not sure. Hope it helps - Dave Kibbit from England

Citroen Xsara 2002

The side window on my Citroen Xsara has slipped down. Can anyone tell me what tools I need and how to put it back in place? I have a new motor for it. It’s lashing rain here so I need to fix it. Can anyone show me an illustration or a diagram? Thank you.

Citroen Xsara 1999

My Citroen Xsara is a hatchback. It has been continuously giving a "tuk tuk" sound from underneath. I have changed the shock absorbers and other parts but it still continues. Please let me know why. Thanks.

Answers

Try the front anti-roll bar links. Good luck - Mike Sutton from Gloucestershire

Citroen Xsara 2003

Within 5 mins of starting the car (or under 2 miles) the auto box goes into ’limp mode’. I have to stop, turn-off the engine, then I can carry on. On very rare occasions it repeats. I have been to a garage and there are no fault codes on the box or engine. This only happens on the first journey of the day, usually to work, and then again on the way home, some hours later. It does not do it if you stop for an hour and then go out again, only when the car is ’cold’. Any ideas anyone?

Answers

I’m having the same problem but also a random misfire. Did you manage to solve your problem? - Adam from England

Sounds like filter in gear box. I had same problem and that solved it - Ranger Cowhig from Ireland

Citroen Xsara 2004

Can anyone tell me how I would go about changing the fuel filter on a Citroen Xsara 2.0 HDi Coupe?

Citroen Xsara 2000

How do you fill the gear-box oil? (LX)

Citroen Xsara 2001

I’m a mechanic and the problem is after driving with the car for about 10-15 minutes, the gear light alarm lit and the gear shifts stops working properly. After checking the computer, I received 2 fault codes: Regulating pressure. temporary fault. Multifunction Switch in Intermediate Position. temporary fault. Also showed a fault in the speed sensor. What does the fault codes mean and what needs to be done to solve the issue? Thanks.

Citroen Xsara 2001

In the rear of my car, there are two small compartments one on each side held in place with a black plastic clip. Does anyone know the name of this clip or the part number or where I can get one please?

Citroen Xsara 2003

I just bought a Citroen Xsara van 1.9L diesel VTR and the accelerator seems very stiff. Is this normal?

Citroen Xsara 2000

My daughter’s 1.6 Xsara’s speedo works when it wants to. The hazards come on as they please and now the headlighs come on when she turns on the ignition! Help! (1.6)

Citroen Xsara 2006

Good people, please help. Our 2006 Citroen Xsara 1.6 HDi engine cuts out sometimes at around 60mph. I have taken the car to the garage, but the people there can’t find anything wrong with it. My wife drives it most of the time and I don’t like the thought of her overtaking and the engine cutting out. Kindest regards, Lou. (1.6 HDi)

Citroen Xsara 2001

My rear screen wipers have stopped working. Fuse #026 is okay, washer works okay, but no wipe. One thing is I cannot hear the relay click when the rear wiper is switched on, but you can hear it when fronts are on. I think it is the relay, but not sure. I’d appreciate any help out there. By the way, I’m in Cumbria, not Cumberland; no such place anymore. (Estate 2.0HDi 90 ps)

Citroen Xsara 2000

Hi. My Xsara handbrake no longer holds when I’m on a hill. I’ve checked the pads which are fine. I’ve followed the cables back until they disappear into the car and then stripped the centre console. I can’t find an adjuster anywhere. Please can someone tell me how I can adjust the handbrake please. Thanks in advance. (Estate)

Answers

The handbrake adjuster is under the handbrake console - Charlie from Scotland

Hallo Antony! The best way to adjust your rear brakes is to let off the cable tension under the handbrake console. Take off your rear drums one at a time and adjust up at the shoes itself. Adjust up until it’s just catching your drum then let it back a notch. Do the same on the other side. Then adjust your travel at the handbrake. Hope my answer helps you. Good luck! - GD Autos from Ireland

Citroen Xsara 2001

The fuel gauge on my Citroen Xsara does not work. I replaced the fuel pump but still no joy. Anybody got any ideas as I’m stuck. Thanks. (1.4)

Answers

There is a float inside the fuel tank, if it is stuck the gauge won’t register. The fuel pump won’t have anything to do with the gauge not working, it sends fuel from the tank to the fuel injectors. The float is more than likely to be stuck, or you have a blown fuse. Try these and let us know how you get on - Jim Donohoe from Lanarkshire

Citroen Xsara 2003

When driving, my steering wheel sounds very creaky and the power steering seems very hard. The steering pump has recently been replaced but this has not solved the problem. Don’t know what else could be making the noise and neither does the garage I use.

Answers

It is possible that the steering system has not been bled properly. Is there fluid in the pump? Silly question, I know. Sometimes it is the simple thing - James Donohoe from Lanarkshire

I agree. First, you have to check the level of oil the steering wheel - Theofilos from Greece

Citroen Xsara 2004

Hi, I have a Citroen Xsara 1.4 lx petrol. Recently, everytime I switch on the ignition, the headlights become active. So I have to switch to sidelights and drive with them on. Would be grateful for any advice.

Answers

Just had the exact problem, you need to replace the stalk - Kevin Jacobs from England

Citroen Xsara 2002

I’m having trouble with the car temperature meter in the car. I have topped up the water and checked all water pipes but still when travelling around 4 miles, the temp read will go to three quarters and the stop sign comes up on the digital screen then the fan system will kick in and bring the needle down. Should this happen after such a short journey?

Answers

Simple answer: no. There is something else going wrong here, probably the seperate coolant temp sensor going direct to the ecu has gone out of spec. Get it checked out otherwise it could be new head gasket time - Simon Hopkins from Lancashire

Citroen Xsara 2004

My wipers come on by themselves for a few minutes then stop and it keeps doing that. Has anyone encountered this problem before? Thanks.

Citroen Xsara 2002

My electric windows are not working. It’s not the fuses or the switches. Any suggestions please. (2000 hdi)

Answers

Try checking the wiring loom from the doors to the dash, I’ve seen the wires broken in these looms, so a simple fix - Darren Pen from Wiltshire

Citroen Xsara 1998

Hi, I need a radio code please. Any help?

Answers

Hello. I had the same problem and I asked the Citroen dealer in my area. He opened the bonnet of the car and took the numbers of the record plate and then entered them into his computer and gave me the radio code in two minutes. Hope this helps - George from Devon

Citroen Xsara 2001

My Citroen Xsara does not turn off when I turn the key and take it out. I have been stalling it for a while instead of getting it fixed but I really need to get it done now. Anyone have any idea what the problem could be and how much roughly it would cost to fix? Thanks. (2.0 HDI)

Answers

99% chance it’s the fuel cut off soleniod. Get it checked as stalling your engine with it still supplying fuel could cause problems like hydraulicing - Simon Hopkins from Lancashire

Citroen Xsara 2002

Why do my gear selector cables come off at irregular intervals? But when I put them on, you cannot physically pull them off?

Citroen Xsara 2001

Hi, I need to replace the rear axle on my car. Can you tell me if an axle from a VTR saloon will fit? Thanks. (HDI estate)

Citroen Xsara

The petrol gauge is sticking when it is nearly empty! Is this a normal problem or have I a problem? Bearing in mind it’s been -10 for the last 4 days leading up to the problem... Thanks!

Citroen Xsara 2000

I had new alternator fitted but battery light stays on, you have to press gas to put it out before electric’s work. Can anyone please help or advise?

Citroen Xsara 2001

I purchased my car today and the display for the radio and built in sat nav isn’t very clear, in fact it’s quite distorted. So I was wondering if there was a quick fix for this at all or would it cost a lot of money?

Citroen Xsara 2001

Where is the idle control valve on a Xsara 1.6 vtr?

Citroen Xsara 2001

Car is hard to start - takes 2 or 3 heat ups and still struggles with lots of white smoke initially. Heater plugs are fine, voltage is fine and a non return valve has been fitted - all to no avail. Next steps please... (1.9 diesel)