Xantia after 3 years.....................

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 24 May 2009, 07:56

I live in France and 3 years ago bought a 1998 Xantia 1.8 16V saloon, 130000km with one owner, well looked after and regularly serviced.

I'm so pleased with the car. Three years, 75000 km later:
39mpg average
changed spheres twice

That's all! Nothing else failed or fallen off. Did have a minor bump when someone shot out of a side street and hit the passenger side.

There are a few things I'd like to know, however:

1. How do I 'reset' the service interval indicator? I watched a guy do this - he seemed to just turn the ignition on-and-off lots of times while grunting (in French!). But I can't repeat what he did.

2. The car sinks after engine is switched off. No big problem, is it difficult to fix?

3. I haven't changed the fluid. It was done immediately before I got the car, however (75000km ago). Would changing this help with the smoothness of the ride? At the moment I can't say it's 'magic carpet' quality (biggest complaint is bumping over potholes).

4. If I get another, I fancy an Activa model. Is the roadholding even better? Is the cornering exhilarating?

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 24 May 2009, 08:35

You have a very well preserved piece of art

I have almost 300000 km in mine

and very happy with it.
All spheres are original and once re-gassed. There are still quite many original parts like clutch but that's because I usually have long distance drives.

1. In order to reset the service interval, press the trip meter on the instrument panel. While holding the button down start the engine. After a short while you will see numbers on the indicator like 15, 1500 and so on. Release the button when you see 15000.
2. Car might sink just a liitle and not a problem.
3. Try to change LHM every 60000 km (max). That will keep the system in good shape. With a brownish LHM you will not have a smooth suspension.

I guess the drive belt (also water pump) is already changed (120k but 100k is better or max 5 years).

Unread post by **myglaren** » 24 May 2009, 11:30

3. I haven't changed the fluid. It was done immediately before I got the car, however (75000km ago). Would changing this help with the smoothness of the ride? At the moment I can't say it's 'magic carpet' quality (biggest complaint is bumping over potholes).

Bleed the brakes, drain the LHM and fill it up with Hydrorincage after cleaning the filters in the reservoir. Drain that after 1,000~2,000km, clean the filters again and refill with fresh LHM.

Koukku · Unread post by **Koukku** » 24 May 2009, 15:20

roger.munns wrote: 4. If I get another, I fancy an Activa model. Is the roadholding even better? Is the cornering exhilarating?

Yes. 8)

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 27 May 2009, 07:54

Thanks for those replies.

I should have mentioned that I did get the cambelt (and water pump) changed early this year. That was the second change for the car (at 95000 and 197000km).

Particular to VertVega for the tip about resetting service indicator. This was annoying me, now perfectly sorted.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 27 May 2009, 08:06

the only thing i will add regarding the service counter reset, is i dont belive you have to start the engine (just switch on ignirtion)with trip couinter button held in, hold in till you get a count down of 10 countting down to 0 then release the trip button,

there is/was an ACTIVA for sale on here the other day, check the for sales and wanted add's

regards malcolm

French Car Forum

Xantia after 3 years.....................

Xantia after 3 years.....................

Re: Xantia after 3 years.....................