Does the Xantia have life of its own?

atr · Unread post by **atr** » 29 Aug 2011, 06:45

I think that Citroen managed to create a car that has a life and mood of its own. a few day ago I drove the vehicle - Xantia 2001 petrol 2.0l 16v - and every thing was fine. I stopped and went to my business. when I came back, I couldn't start it. I've checked under the hood, everything seemed fine. a few minutes later I've managed to start and drive but was surprised to see that the speedometer pointer "jumped" all the way to the right, stopping at the "240". a short time later it went back to its normal reading. yesterday evening I was getting again the full show all over again. I've also noticed that the remote control doesn't lock/unlock the doors. my suspicion is that it might have a connection with the alarm. is the alarm an original and integral part of the vehicle? is there a way to disable/disconnect it? where can I find the electrical diagram of the alarm?
Thanx.

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 29 Aug 2011, 08:19

The problem is almost certainly down to a flat or very low charge state for the battery as the speedo and rev counter on S2 Xantias are well known for the above condition causing mayhem with the dials. Another cause could be a poor earth or the supply lead connection on the battery, does it get warm when trying to start or when running?

It may be possible to get the remotes going again by following the procedure mentioned in the handbook for when changing their batteries, failing that a Lexia session will be required.

atr · Unread post by **atr** » 29 Aug 2011, 09:58

Thanx for the reply. I've replaced the alternator last week with a refurbished one that was checked prior to the installation (that was an ordeal by itself). maybe that the battery (dated 11/09) is approaching its end, I dont have how to check it. it is a Fiamm and I suspect that its capacity is smaller then needed for the vehicle.

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 29 Aug 2011, 10:53

I agree with DickieG. This is probably a power supply case.

If battery and earth check is OK, then I would suggest also to check the negative terminal cable.
If there is copper corrosion in the threads which would be seen as either white or green powder then
you need a new negative cable. It may also cause this kind of symptoms.

PS: Xantia has a life

Unread post by **Duracell** » 29 Aug 2011, 12:17

sounds very much like the problem I had with my mk2 - Mine turned out to be corroded supply cables in the loom feeding the cabin fusebox - If theres nothing visible as suggested in the previous posts it may be worth checking the supply voltages to the cabin fusebox (mine were intermittantly down to 5/6 volts)

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 29 Aug 2011, 12:45

In answer to the question posted by the OP "Does the Xantia have life of its own?"

The answer is an emphatic YESSSSSSSSSSS....

I very much agree with the diagnosis so far, I've seen it on the MK2 Xantia and on the S2 XM.....

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 29 Aug 2011, 13:04

When this happened to me, I had 12V at the battery post but only 3V at the alternator post.

In my case, I replaced the battery lead right to the alternator, leaving the original "jumper" between alternator and starter. I used aftermarket brass battery terminals that fitted much tighter than the originals and it's been fine since.

Unread post by **daviemck2006** » 29 Aug 2011, 15:23

CitroJim wrote:In answer to the question posted by the OP "Does the Xantia have life of its own?"

The answer is an emphatic YESSSSSSSSSSS....

I very much agree with the diagnosis so far, I've seen it on the MK2 Xantia and on the S2 XM.....

Should it not be do Citroens have a life of their own

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 29 Aug 2011, 23:04

Should it not be do Citroëns have a life of their own

Yeah , they have a life but the poor beggers fixing them all the time don't