Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.
skog77
Posts: 63
Joined: 29 Dec 2009, 01:46

Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by skog77 »

Hello there,

I parked my 2.0 8v Xantia Automatic one day, and the next day the thing just would'nt start. Starter runs, cam belt is intact, but no spark at all.

I've replaced the brown fuel pump/ecu relay but it didn't help, so now i've ordered a camshaft sensor off ebay. But i can't see where it goes as the cable dissappears behind the distributor.

As anyone changed one of those before?
citroenxm
Fallen Hero
Posts: 8061
Joined: 30 Dec 2004, 23:10
x 70

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by citroenxm »

Sits on top of the Bell House, right next to the block, under all the pipes and cables.. you might need to dig for it.

If that doesnt help, it might be the Ignition Amplifier on the back of the Distributer.. (If it has one)
Sharing a pug 207 1.6 hdi Sw 16v.
M reg Xm 2.1 td auto exclusive S2 269k and rising
L reg XM V6 12v SEi auto .. Light project

A very sad...
1994 XM 2.1 d auto
skog77
Posts: 63
Joined: 29 Dec 2009, 01:46

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by skog77 »

Been busy with easter, going to try again now.

Don't think it has an ignition amplifier, it's a 2.0 8valve.
skog77
Posts: 63
Joined: 29 Dec 2009, 01:46

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by skog77 »

I thought the camshaft sensor was connected directly to the distributor, but i realize it was further down. I was able to find and replace it despite it not really being possible with the hands of an adult.

Still, same thing. Starter runs, but spark at all. A used distributor will cost me 100 pounds in Norway, as car parts are stupidly expensive. Going to have to think about what to do next.
User avatar
CitroJim
A very naughty boy
Posts: 54543
Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
x 8078

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by CitroJim »

Skog,

There is no cam sensor on these engines and no ignition amp. Only the TCT had one of those IIRC. The crank sensor on the bellhousing is the only timing sensor and generally is very reliable.

Does yours have a keypad immobiliser? If so, does the green light come on when unlocked? If you see a red and green on together the car won't start as this shows a loss of comms between the keypad and ECU.

If you can advise me of what Engine ECU the car has (I think it'll be either Bosch MP5 or Magnetti Marelli) I can supply full electrical diagrams to help you resolve the problem.
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
skog77
Posts: 63
Joined: 29 Dec 2009, 01:46

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by skog77 »

Yes it was the crank sensor i replaced.

My car does not have an immobiliser, and i have the Magneti Marelli ECU, Jim :)
User avatar
CitroJim
A very naughty boy
Posts: 54543
Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
x 8078

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by CitroJim »

skog77 wrote: I have the Magneti Marelli ECU, Jim :)
Perfect,

This diagram should help on the electrical side then...
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
skog77
Posts: 63
Joined: 29 Dec 2009, 01:46

Re: Xantia won't run / Camshaft sensor replacement

Unread post by skog77 »

Thank you, CitroJim :) I shall have a look.