Thing behind front bumper??

Rich · Post by **Rich** » 21 Oct 2002, 03:11

Hello everyone!
I went outside today before it started wazzing it down with rain, and did the weekly checks on the magic carpet, in my case a Xantia HDi. Anyway, when i had finished i started up the old beast to check the hydraulic fluid and i noticed a very strange noise, at first i thought it was the cooling fans going crazy, but then the air-con being off, and it being a cold start i thought not. I had a look around the front and the fans were not moving, but found that the noise was coming from a "thing" located behind the front bumper on the nearside. I have worked out from the fact that it has an air intake and an exhaust pipe, that it is some kind of heating system which runs on the cars own diesel supply. I think it has coolant pipes going into it too. Is it an engine heater to get the engine up to temperature quicker in cold weather? Has anyone else found one of these lurking on their Xantia? If so, what do you make of it?!! I learn something new about my Xantia everyday!!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>
Regards, Rich.
P.S. The "thing" sounds like a little jet engine!!
Edited by - Rich on 20 Oct 2002 22:15:01

NiSk · Post by **NiSk** » 21 Oct 2002, 13:28

It's an auxilliary heater unit. It's fitted to HDi-engined cars due to the fact that the diesel engine is so efficient that it doesn't produce enough "waste" heat to operate the heating system satisfactorally in cold conditions. I know they are fitted to all HDi's over here in Sweden, bur I'm suprised Citroën though it necessary to fit then to U.K. vehicles.
//NiSk

mbunting · Post by **mbunting** » 21 Oct 2002, 16:00

Very common in direct injection diesels, because they are both fuel and thermally efficient ( esp VAG ), most if not all modern diesels are fitted with this heater booster.
Assists with heating the coolant, providing you with warm air quicker.
My previous car ( an A Class ) had a heater booster, with a switch in the cabin to turn it off.
You knew it was enabled because when you got out of the car, it sounded like someone had a hairdryer under the car
You knew it was disabled because it was bloody cold for approx 10 miles <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Rich · Post by **Rich** » 22 Oct 2002, 05:40

Hello!!
Many thanks guys! That has answered my question brilliantly. I am going to try and find some more mystery goodies on my machine!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle> Regards, Rich.

pwatson · Post by **pwatson** » 26 Oct 2002, 05:18

And I learn more about our HDi every day from your questions and answers! Also wondered what that "hair dryer" noise was when I couldn't see the fans working. Steam came out of the little "exhaust pipe" near the front wheel the other day and we thought the car was on fire! First time we had used the heater on full blast from starting - I presume it was just condensation evaporating?
PhilW
Phil

mbunting · Post by **mbunting** » 28 Oct 2002, 15:21

Well, it could be the heater, unless it's electric of course !
IF it's diesel powered, then it would have to exhaust somewhere, wouldn't it ?
If it's leccy powered, that wouldn't be a problem.
Mat.