Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

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rumo
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Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by rumo »

Hi all

I have recently bought a VTR @ 78,000 kms - very tidy car for a good price - and wanted to check what might be causing what I am experiencing as gears being sometimes difficult to select? Sometimes the gears get selected very easily but sometimes it's quite stubborn. There are no strange noises like grinding or hums etc. There is a fair bit of play in the lever but I am not familiar with the model so not sure what's normal.

Also just wanted to check if the steering on this model is normally quite stiff, as well as ask if there is any diy video or instructions for checking the rear suspension trailing arm bearings?

Many thanks for sharing your experience.


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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by Peter.N. »

Can you select the gears when stationary with the engine off, if so the clutch is not disengaging properly, no difference and you probably have a selector cable problem. Also check the gearbox oil level.

Peter
rumo
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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by rumo »

Thanks a lot Peter,

It looks like the behaviour is the same when stationary with the engine switched off, with or without the clutch pressed. I would suggest that the issue is mostly with the first and second gear.

I believe that the cap for the gearbox fill up is behind the passenger side wheel, is this correct?

Thank you


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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by Peter.N. »

Yep, that's where they always used to be anyway. Its one of the bolts toward the bottom front of the end plate.

Peter
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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by JohnD »

Having removed the wheel, you'll also have to remove the wheel liner. The level plug is just slightly larger than all the other bolts. The car must be perfectly level as well.
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rumo
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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by rumo »

Looks like the gearbox fluid is s bit low. Upon removing the plug there were some powders/metal shavings etc on it however the liquid itself looks nice and clear.

Do you know what fluid goes in there and do I completely drain the existing one or do I just top up? Also is there a filter element somewhere that needs to be changed as well?

Thank you


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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by miked »

I'm sorry, I can't help.

I Used to have a Xsara VTR. It was a petrol 1800 cc model, completely different from the usual 1.6 engine. I also remember that later on you could get a diesel VTR, with an 8v HDi 110 engine.

Can you confirm please, (as you haven't given us much to go on so far). What year, engine type, CC is your car? I'm fairly sure they never did a VTR with an auto box but others might not know that.
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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by chinkostu »

Going to hazard a guess at it being a BE box, so should be running 75W80. if you want to drain it and refill they take about 2 litres, or until you get a steady drip from the filler hole. does it get better when its warmer or colder?
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rumo
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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by rumo »

It seems to be the same, cold or warm as far as i could tell. Just checking that the only way to refill is through the level plug, correct?

The car is a 1.6 VTR from 2001(?) perhaps slightly newer - will double check the year if it makes a difference


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Re: Xsara VTR gears difficult to select

Post by myglaren »

There will be a breather on top with a plastic 'cap' that should pull out.
Filling is easier through that - not that I have done it on any of my Citroëns :(

Alternatively remove the reversing light switch and fill through that hole.
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