Coolant temperature gauge. Xantia.

[Stepto1]

Ooops. Spoke to soon. On the way back from Plymouth the temperature gauge went mad. Started at midpoint where it should be, then flicked to max, dropped a bit, then normal, then max where it has remained since. I'm guessing it's going to be the sender. My question is, on a 1.8 16v, where is it? Can't see it on the rad or hoses.

[CitroJim]

I've a feeling the temperature gauge is driven by the engine ECU on these.

Can you please let us know the year and of the car and the RP number so can check fully. Is it a series 1 or series 2

[Stepto1]

Sorry, not used to ECUs! It's a 1995 Series 1 1.8 16V SX.

VIN VFX16C00016C2855.

Engine no. KJC42021928.

TVM.

[Stepto1]

Ok, had a few thoughts. Even if the gauge is run off the ECU,the ECU must still need a sender/sensor for its readings.

Also, when the gauge reads maximum, the red high temp warning led does not come on. Makes me wonder if the gauge itself may be suspect.

Oh, the BOL is of no use at all, except maybe as loo roll. Why can't Haynes make decent workshop manuals anymore, they used to be good?

[VertVega]

... Started at midpoint where it should be, then flicked to max, dropped a bit, then normal, then max where it has remained since...

I had same symptoms which was caused by battery negative cable. It was filled with dander kind of stuff
Solution: Replaced negative cable (and cleaned ground point over the gear box).

This was my experience and I hope it would help your case as well.
Also worth checking the battery health/condition.

[Stepto1]

Now it's funny you should say that, I flattened my battery last weekend by accident when I was working on the car, (I was using an electric jack that plugs into the lighter socket, rubbish but handy). The problem with the temperature gauge started after that! I'll check the battery tomorrow. Ta for that.

[VertVega]

If I continue with my experience; I bought a new battery after about two weeks and used it for next 8 years

Temperature gauge "feature" was solved after negative cable replacement.

[citroenxm]

For your information the senders and switches are hidden on the end of the head gearbox end at the back.. Remove the air cleaner and look at the back of the head above the gearbox you should see the three sensors scrwed in there...

Paul

[Stepto1]

Ooops. Confession time. Negative lead wasn't that tight so I think that may have been the problem. It reads 12.5v at rest and over 14v when running so think alternator and battery are ok. Cleaned terminals and clamps so fingers crossed for the winter. Good spot though, I'd have never have checked.