XM SPHERES

topcat · Post by **topcat** » 04 Jul 2005, 23:21

Hi there[:)], new to the forum, good to know that's there's a decent place that can help me out with any problems that I may encounter with my recent purchase a 92 XM 2.0i AUTO.
Just one to start with regarding sports/auto selection....
am permantly in sports mode even when auto is selected. Having looked at the service record I know that the four corner spheres were re-gased 18 months ago, it has been suggested that the problem could be with the two central spheres that regulate the other four. I spoke to a chap who says he can replace both of these spheres (parts & labour) for £114. I don't mind paying this amount if it's going to solve the problem, but this seems quite alot of money to part with without knowing whether it is definitely the cause of the problem.
Is there any way of checking??? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
THANKS TONY

czenda · Post by **czenda** » 04 Jul 2005, 23:30

You can find some information here:
http://www.tramontana.co.hu/citroen/sus ... suspn.html
Unfortunately, I do not have any other pieces of advice - I decided at the very last second to pick up BX instead of XM.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 05 Jul 2005, 01:08

The HA system is kept in "sports" (hard suspension) mode whenever the speed is more than 30mph - maybe even at lower speeds depending on other circumstances. Please note that whatever you select the switch to be - the computer ALWAYS override if necessary.
In other words : the sports mode is not really any different - other than the hard suspension is preferred by computer a bit more often.
In hard mode the center spheres are NOT connected - i.e. not used.
Only at low (cruising) speed the center spheres are connected.
AFAIR the soft mode is maintained approx 1 minute after engine shut-off - then the system automatically reverts to the default hard mode.
As long as the car is at standstill with engine idle the system will maintain the soft mode.
The suspension should then feels softer if there is any pressure left in the center spheres - by the usual jerking test.

Mandrake · Post by **Mandrake** » 05 Jul 2005, 02:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by AndersDK

The HA system is kept in "sports" (hard suspension) mode whenever the speed is more than 30mph - maybe even at lower speeds depending on other circumstances. Please note that whatever you select the switch to be - the computer ALWAYS override if necessary.
In other words : the sports mode is not really any different - other than the hard suspension is preferred by computer a bit more often.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Wouldn't a 92 XM be Hydractive 1 ? In which case the "sports" mode is just an "always firm" button, unlike Hydractive 2 where in either mode the computer still chooses the mode but the thresholds change...
Regards,
Simon

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 05 Jul 2005, 02:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Mandrake

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by AndersDK

The HA system is kept in "sports" (hard suspension) mode whenever the speed is more than 30mph - maybe even at lower speeds depending on other circumstances. Please note that whatever you select the switch to be - the computer ALWAYS override if necessary.
In other words : the sports mode is not really any different - other than the hard suspension is preferred by computer a bit more often.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Wouldn't a 92 XM be Hydractive 1 ? In which case the "sports" mode is just an "always firm" button, unlike Hydractive 2 where in either mode the computer still chooses the mode but the thresholds change...
Regards,
Simon
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Probably ...

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 Jul 2005, 03:39

If the centre spheres are flat it will always feel as if it is in sport mode because even if the solonoid valve opens there is nowhere for the fluid to go.

FrenchLeave · Post by **FrenchLeave** » 05 Jul 2005, 05:08

If it's a Series 1, then the default condition for the hydractive system is Sports mode. In other words, you need to electrically energise the selector valves to obtain Auto. A bad earth will prevent this, as will a blown fuse; suggest you check this before you spend big bucks changing spheres.

topcat · Post by **topcat** » 05 Jul 2005, 15:00

thanks for all replies
would it help me to establish firstly whether i have a series 1 or 2 ???
how do i find out??
TONY

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 Jul 2005, 16:12

'92 would be series 1. Series 2 came out late '94, has chevrons in centre of grill, curved instrument binnacle and 'script' type rear XM badge on right side of tailgate.

topcat · Post by **topcat** » 06 Jul 2005, 00:28

thanks PETER.N.