Citroen 2.0 VSX auto 1997 suspension

[Barry0allegro]

Hi guys here is one for you. My 1997 VSX when you turn it off after about 1min rises about 1-1.5in. Don't know whether it's related but the switch between the seats doesn't seem to do anything. Thanks for your help on this matter

[Mandrake]

Most likely the Hydractive Electrovalves are not working reliably - probably because of faulty internal diodes. (although there can be other causes)

If the didoes are faulty it causes the suspension to stick in the hard mode 99% of the time - the only time it will switch to soft is for about half a second when the computer is trying to switch from the hard to soft mode, then it will go hard again.

Because it sticks in the hard mode most of the time it doesn't allow the pressure between the middle and strut spheres to equalise when you get out of the car - so after you have got out of the car the pressure in the strut spheres drops with the weight change but the pressure in the centre sphere stays the same. (Higher)

Then over a few minutes the gradual leakage through the valve that isolates the centre sphere allows the pressure from the centre sphere to bleed out to the strut spheres - this causes the suspension to rise an inch or two as the pressure equalises.

Have a look on the forum for the diode modification for the electrovalves, it's well covered. Also do a bounce test with the engine idling versus the engine stopped and doors closed for at least 30 seconds and I bet you'll find they're both the same when it should be obviously softer at both ends with the engine running.

[Barry0allegro]

Thanks for that will try that in the morning

[Barry0allegro]

Hi again. Thank you for your help it was indeed the diode but the previous new where's were normal xantia ones not the one for the hydra-active VSX. They had removed fuse etc from the settings. A trip to Westroen this am in Manchester for 8 new shares and a diode fix and my old girl is back how she should be!

Thank you again for your help