1995 Citroen Xantia SX 2.0i 8v manual

Faults:

Leaking low-pressure hydraulic pipe at rear suspension.

Stalling at idle when air conditioning runnin (new chip fixed this).

ABS sensor mounting damaged (replaced under warranty).

Shuddering front discs after first pad change (fixed by machining).

Minor coolant leak around water pump.

Likes her rear spheres changed every 20,000km.

Only major failure was a high-pressure hydraulic pipe supplying the right front sphere - this was fixed (at my cost as car was 60000km) and modification made to the other side. I note 1997 and later models have different design.

General Comments:

A most delightful motor car, the only weak point is the just-adequate engine. Oleopneumatics are an excellent idea. Citroen's reliability is improving, fortunately. Re tyres: stick to Michelin.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th December, 1999

31st Jan 2002, 06:45

I currently own a '96 1.8 Xantia dimension which has been plagued by a problem with the car intermittently stalling at idle. When it does stall it will continue to do this for a period of time and then suddenly stop and will be okay.

I have taken the car into a Citroen Specialist and they have run a diagnostic test and everything appeared okay. It then cleared up for a while and has suddenly reappeared. I read in the article that you had a problem with the car stalling when you had the Air Conditioning on, but as my car does not have air conditioning I was wondering if it could be the a similar problem. What was the chip that needed replacing?

Have you heard of other similar symptoms being reported.

7th May 2002, 15:02

I also have a Xantia Dimension 1.8i & I have the same problem. I nearly got a new "idle stepper motor" (or some such thing) fitted, but the part alone cost £90 & the Citroen garage said it seems OK, give it another try. It hasn't stopped going wrong though. Does anyone have any ideas?

22nd Oct 2002, 02:52

I have a '94 model 1.8 SX Xantia with the same stalling problem. It sometimes lasts just a morning or two to three days then rectifies itself. The last time this happened I replaced the leads, battery, air filter and spark plugs which sorted the problem for a while. I am now wondering about the chip! The most annoying thing is that when it's moving it's fine, that is until you come to a junction or hit the traffic, and I literally mean that if you are not careful you will hit the traffic.

This is due to everything being tied into the hydraulics system. The car stalls coming up to traffic, the steering becomes exceedingly difficult, the brakes stiffen, so you push the brake pedal as hard as you can, close your eyes and hope for the best. Shame really, because the car is very comfortable and the interior layout nicely thought out.