New To The Forum And New Xantia Owner

brmartyn · Post by **brmartyn** » 09 Jan 2010, 20:35

I would just like to introduce myself to the forum as I am now the new owner of a very nice 1998 Citroen Xantia Exclusive as previously owned by both Trooper30 and stevetheskaterboy (Hello to both of you).

I must say I am very impressed with the car and all the extras it has. The ride is excellent and the automatic gearbox changes gear so smoothly you don't even feel it!!

To stevetheskaterboy - on reading your previous posts I am very impressed you took this car all the way to Finland and back I hope you had an enjoyable trip, and sorry to hear about you getting made redundant

Just one little thing I need to sort out is the intermittent speedo problem, other than that the car runs perfectly.

Please reply with any suggestions and opinions about my recent purchase thank you.

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:06

Speed sensor IN THE gearbox output to the Drivers side Drive shaft, behind the engine, is a common failure on S1 cars, so I would have thought it would be on this one too..

Paul

brmartyn · Post by **brmartyn** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:13

Thanks for the reply citroenxm, have you got any idea of the cost of have that repaired?

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:15

Unfortunally, I dont, I had a few spare ones here.. so it was a matter of swapping them over..

Another fourm member could well have one spare.. Sorry I cant help you further.

Paul

brmartyn · Post by **brmartyn** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:18

Can anybody help further too citroenxm's last post?

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:19

Welcome to the forum brmartyn

I saw the car when trooper30 owned it and yes, she's a real beaut. You have a good 'un there!

I'd agree with Paul that the most likely culprit is the speed sensor in the gearbox as I believe the cruise control dos not function when the speedo plays up.

I believe all sensors are pretty much identical across the range so you don't specifically need one from an AL4 gearbox. When swapping it, take care not to drop the speedo drive into the gearbox. Take a look at the last two photos on this webpage and you'll see how the drive and sensor is arranged. The gearbox in the pictures is the 4HP20 autobox from a V6 but the AL4 is very similar.

I would advise two jobs to do on yours. I found the accumulator sphere a tad low on pressure when I looked over the car and i would also advise a gearbox oil change as the oil counter had a fairly high reading when I ran a Lexia diagnostic across the car. Regular oil changes in gearboxes are vital for a long life despite Citroen claiming they're sealed for life and maintenance-free. They're not!

You will be pleased to hear the Lexia diagnostic session picked up no faults apart from the usual intermittent faults that are always found in the Hydractive ECU...

brmartyn · Post by **brmartyn** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:33

A BIG BIG thank you to CitroJim for your post. How easy and costly are the two jobs needed?

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:33

Arrghh, theres that Damm "Hydractive" word again!!

Paul

brmartyn · Post by **brmartyn** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:39

Please advise further citroenxm thank you

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:43

No, its ok... Hydractive is the Electronically controlled Soft and Hard Damping that is fitted to top spec cars..

Theres a button on the dash, wiper stalk side, when you press it the car suspesnion stiffens up for a sportier ride..

However, unfortunally, the "Electro Valves" that set the car in either hard or soft which is controlled by the button are common for causing problems..

Which is a MASSIVE shame really, beucase the theory is the BEST!

Im NOT a fan of the "Sort" suspension because I buy a Citroen for a Soft "Soggy" smooth ride, not a firm ride..

I over come this on the Citroen XM's by fitting Soft Comfort spheres..

Regards
Paul

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:44

I think Paul isnt a big hydractive fan brmartyn

Hope your pleased with your new toy, its very helpfull buying a car previously owned by forum members, especialy since they are a very honest bunch here too.

D

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:49

brmartyn wrote:How easy and costly are the two jobs needed?

The accumulator sphere is pretty straightforward when he correct sphere removal tool is used. An article here explains how, along with all the other spheres. Cost about £25 'ish for the sphere.

The gearbox oil is a bit expensive as you must only use Esso LT71141 and absolutely nothing else. It is expensive and available from Citroen and Peugeot dealers in 2L bottles.

A guide to doing the oil change can be found here.. Note that you need a Lexia diagnostic machine to both reset the oil wear counter and to ensure the 'box is at the right temperature for level checking. A number of us have Lexias and offer a diagnostic service. Tose of us who do can be found here.

citroenxm wrote:Arrghh, theres that Damm "Hydractive" word again!!

Paul

Paul, I really must give you some serious counselling on this Hydractive problem of yours..

Repeat after me..

"Hydractive is good, Hydractive is great, I love Hydractive..."

Repeat 100 times every day for a week.

That'll do the trick

brmartyn · Post by **brmartyn** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:51

Just out of curiosity Deanxm but whereabouts on the Isle of Wight do you live? my parents live in Sandown and I also have family in Ryde. (sorry to be slightly off the subject in hand!!!)

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:51

Cant Jim...

I get as far as "Hydractive is g..... awd its crap..."

PAul

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Jan 2010, 21:52

citroenxm wrote: Im NOT a fan of the "Sort" suspension because I buy a Citroen for a Soft "Soggy" smooth ride, not a firm ride..

I over come this on the Citroen XM's by fitting Soft Comfort spheres..

Ahh but Paul, with Hydractive you have the best of both worlds. Soft and smooth for comfort and firm when you need it to be firm...

And for enhanced comfort, fit non-hydractive spheres....

Easy...

It really is not as bad as you think..

Remember..

"Hydractive is good, Hydractive is great, I love Hydractive..."