Manchester

elti · Post by **elti** » 07 May 2004, 21:17

Hello Everyone
I am a new member. I think this site is doing a great service.[:)][:)]
I own a 94 Citroen Xantia 1.9TD SX. Recently it has been overheating on traffic jams. Now I can't afford to go o a dealer, and was wondering if anyone new of a good Citroen mechanic in Manchester. It is hard to find someone who understands French cars.
Many thanks
Elti
(Manchester)

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 07 May 2004, 21:25

Hi Elti -
You can do some simple diagnostics first, before you go to a garage.
First off, check & top up the coolant level with cold engine.
Start engine and let it tick over on idle. Within approx 5minutes, the cooling fan(s) should cut in at low speed for a couple of minutes, when engine reaches normal working temperaure.
From then on the fan(s) should continue to cut in/cut out at some interval to maintain the normal engine temperature.
Keep an eye on the dash, if you get an overtemp warning, especially if the fan(s) never cuts in, then stop engine immediately.

ditchcrawler · Post by **ditchcrawler** » 07 May 2004, 21:55

There's a Citroen specialist in Stockport, but I can't comment on them as I've not been there. I've used my 'round the corner' garage, White Gates, for the last 7 years: they have no trouble playing with my Xantia and are not too expensive. (phone 0161 456 0000)
Ian (94 Xant SX TD 108k)

elti · Post by **elti** » 07 May 2004, 22:08

Many thanks AndersDK and ditchcrawler
I forgot to mention that the fan doesn't seem to be working at all as I can't hear it spinning.

mikgram · Post by **mikgram** » 08 May 2004, 13:36

if the fan dosn`t come on at all first check that .
it should be wired into a temperature sensor in the radiator,unplug it and connect the cable together by useing a similar piece of wire to connect both sides of the wiring together this bypasses the temperature sensor ,if the fan now runs then the temperature sensor is suspect if it still dosn`t work check the fuse box.

courier · Post by **courier** » 08 May 2004, 18:55

Try Paris Autos at Adswood, Stocport, Tel 01614776030, they are not main agents but they are Cotroen specialists. Ask for Paul I,m sure he will be able to sort any problems.

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 09 May 2004, 23:18

Hi Elti,Sounds to me that your radiator is full of crud. Symtoms are similar to what you say are happening to your car.The fan wont cut in if the rad is blocked up and no water flowing through.
A good idea is to remove the bottom and top hoses, stick a hose pipe in the top hose of the rad and give it a good flush through for about 15 mins, then, put the hosepipe in the bottom hose of the rad and back flush for about 15 mins, and then repeat the top hose to clear the crud.
Re connect and fill the rad through the expansion tank.
Simple job.
Regards
Paul

zxb29 · Post by **zxb29** » 03 Oct 2004, 05:18

Rochdale Lancs
Ann Street Motors
Its owned by my uncle and hes a citroen/peug specialist, sorted my last volcane out current aura out no probs.

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 03 Oct 2004, 12:32

The xantia cooling system is pretty standard and shouldn't be a problem for any garage. Obviously you want to avoid a certain national chain with blue and yellow signage but any competant mechanic should have no problems with it.
Unfortunately there are still some who will hide in a hole at the sight of the double chevron, even if it is on something as simple as a ZX.

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 03 Oct 2004, 21:45

Elti, this is one for the 'just in case' pile of suggestions. From my own experience this year with my Xantia TD. The radiators form a sandwich across the front and debris collects inbetween them. This reduces cooling efficiency in a startling manner.
To check just lift the spring clips either end of the radiator and ease the radiators toward the engine to check the small gap in between them.
Clean it all out with care to avoid damage, I used a hose and flushed it all out.
The other failure may be the temperature sensor on the housing at the front of the engine that switches on the fans.
Both of these jobs can be done in the drive without any real skills at all!. Robin