Kevin

The STOP light should flash for a short while after starting, for about ten seconds, indicates that the 'accumulator sphere' at the front of the engine bay is in good health.

Citoren have very handily put a drain plug on the radiator on the Xantia. As you stand in front of the engine, it is down to the right. Connect a bit of hose onto that. Remove the expansion tank cap. There is a vent on the themostat housing. Unscrew that to aid the old anti freeze in draining. Once the system is fully drained, flush it through with hot water preferably. Buy an anti freeze that is ready to pour in and check that it is one suitable for the HDi engine. You need at least -25c liquid. Close the drain plug on the radiator and pour in the fluid carefully into the expansion tank. OPnce you have got around four litres in, start the engine and let it tick over. When you see some of the fresh anit freeze coming out of the thermostate vent, close it. Continue to add the anti freeze bit by bit until the anti freeze is at its correct level in the expansion tank. Put on the cap. Let the engine temperature build up to normal and take the car for a short run, and watch to see that the temperature gauge does not rise into the red, which would indicate an air lock. Leave the car over night and check the level in the expansion tank again.

I managed to change my diesel filter, but it isn't an easy job. There is a special tool for Bosch HDi filter housings to unscrew the top. I used an oil filter wrench, but struggled a bit getting grip. Yes Hayne's is a bit over the top regarding the cleanliness. Just be sensible. The most important thing after the filter is inserted into the housing, is to prime or top up the new filter with diesel fuel before you put the top back on. Further prime the system by turning on the ignition once after attaching the pipe from the tank, which activates the fuel pump. Put a large rag under the filter to catch surplus fuel. Connect the other pipe to the engine and turn the ignition on again draining off a little fuel from the drain plug on the side which is for removing water build up normally. Engine should start straight away after that.

I am afraid you are looking at a new clutch assembly. Get one on EBAY cheap and find a mate who is a good mechanic who can do the job

Yes no handbrake turns with the Xantia. The handbrake works on the front wheels

Thank you very much. The picture is very useful. Just one last question. Where is the hand primer? Cheers

Thanks. Car going in tomorrow morning for the job.

I have a 2000 Xantia 2.0 HDi Forte. I have no idea when the diesel filter was last changed. I have heard that this can be a tricky job and debris can damage the fuel pump if dislodged. Anyone changed theirs? Is it a DIY job?

The handbrake cable to the right front wheel has snapped. Is this a big job and should I replace the LHS at the same time? Thanks

You can have that V6 power now out of your 2.2 HDi's SuperChips knock the power up to 174bhp and 319 llbs torque for £407 inc VAT As far as cheap French rubbish is concerned, I am more than happy if that is the perception amongst the general public. Those of us in the know will benefit from cheap Citroen prices for years to come!

I noticed recently that Rover dealers are advertising a power enhancement for 75 owners who have diesel engined cars. For £400 they will make a software adjustment to the engine management system to give an extra 25 bhp plus torque, but I can't remember how many llbs extra you get though. It doesn't effect a Rover's warranty.......

I own a C5 and the car is huge.... a barge on wheels and the estate version could double as a hearse in the right colour! It does give the impression that it is built like a tank! With the drivers head hitting the steering wheel, it appears that the C5 along with the Picasso has a driver's airbag that is marginal in performance. Shame that something so easily corrected has not been addressed as yet in either car.

Yes Glen and the 'hot' versions look superb, should be a worthy successor to the Saxo VTR. The 110bhp engine is highly rated for refinement and economy. I can't wait to see the VTS version!!

I gave my C5 2.0 HDi estate a birthday a couple of weeks ago and ran it into Halfords for an oil change. The reason for this was that I noticed from 5,500 miles on a discernable change in the amount of noise produced by the engine. It sounded far more 'dieselly' and because my engine is Superchipped, probably the oil is getting more of a workout. So a sumpful of Castrol 10/40 GTD Maganatec now in the engine and boy what a difference. Engine immediately sounded more muted and 'cushioned' and has continued to stay that way after 1,500 miles of fast driving. However there has been a downside. This oil has definately caused more 'drag' in the engine. Top end perfomance is down a bit and the fuel economy reduced by 5%. Averages 38 mpg instead of 40 +. I would say that the 2.0 HDi is better suited to a thin oil like the 5/40 Total 9000. I will specify that oil at the next service and being a full synthetic, I probably will not need to change it in-between services. Cost of oil change at Halfords was £38.00, local dealer in Eastbourne wanted £52!! Here in France, first service is only 85 Euros at local Citroen service centre.

My C5 2.0 HDi LX estate is the most trouble free car I have owned in recent years compared to two Cougars: no:1 New auto gearbox at 6,000 miles. no:2 New manula gearbox at 12 (yes 12) miles and new engine at 8026 miles. New Ford Galaxy 2000 model PD Zetec, Ford had to buy it back!! I have covered 8400 miles since the C5 was new on the 5th March. Nothing has gone wrong with it at all!!! Just a few comments: Performance: Mine has been Superchipped and goes like stink. Performance as good if not better than 2.2 HDi, but still has economy of the 2.0. In fact with sensible driving 45+mpg easily attainable. I average around 40 but it is all 90+mph driving on autoroutes here in France Build Quality: Generally OK, but there are huge gaps, relatively, between the rear doors and bodywork. So much so, that passengers walk away from the car and then think they have not closed the door properly!!! NO wind noise though. In Eastbourne Wilmoths quote £152 all in for a first year 12,500 mile service. My local Citroen dealer in Auxi le Chateau has quoted me 85 Euros. Work that out, are we ripped off or not in the UK? I would recommend the C5 based on owner experience with four of them. My father, his neighbour and a friend of mine also took delivery of new C5's in March . Just a couple of problems: My father's C5 hatch SX 2.0 HDi, no refrigerant found in air con unit. Recharged by Wilmoths now fine. Neighbour's car, perfect. Friends C5 LX 2.0 HDi hatch: New part required on engine management system, now fine. Scratch on offside rear door, currently being resprayed by Sidlows, East Grinstead.