Johndouglas

I think all C5 estates came with the opening rear window and usually it's the first facility that breaks down. Trouble usually starts by the random unlocking of the window when the drivers door is opened or closed. There is a 'blow by blow' repair given on this forum and also on the Yahoo C5 site. Use the 'search' button. Since I've never used the opening window, when mine gave trouble, I just disconnected the solenoid. It should spring open by squeezing the button below the rear wiper spindle.

You should have a reading of 12.5 volts at least to start. I think all the trouble is caused by a 'duff' battery.

Email Citroen UK Technical Dept. Here's the form:- http://info.citroen.co.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries/contact-form/

Does the dash board light up when the key is turned to the first position?

Try your question on http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/ There are some guys on there who know Citroen hydraulics inside out.

Your Xsara isn't the only car where the front light bulbs are inaccessible. I have difficulty with both the Xsara and my C5. The Pug 306 and So are both of an earlier design and therefore dead easy. But as far as the Xsara goes, I find it's possible to change the headlight bulbs from under the bonnet, but the sidelight bulbs are impossible to reach, therefore I remove the bumper and unscrew the unit from the car. A few weeks ago when my daughter was away in the Xsara, she phoned me to say a headlight bulb had gone. I told her to go to Halfords. They changed it immediately and charged her £15 including the bulb.

Check the alignment of the pulleys

There's a guy selling them on ebay. See them here:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Citroen-C5-estate-2008-onwards-BOOT-LINER-2921-/260698882374?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3cb2dd4146

I think it's the same layout as the 1.6 and 2 ltr. If so, look to the left of the engine block and find a black drum shape with a hex head on it. You'll need a close fitting socket to screw it off since the plastic corners are easily damaged. Inside there's a paper filter and it needs a new 'o' ring to ensure good sealing.

That part is right. An HDI engine doesn't generally need glowplugs to start unless the temperature is well below freezing.

And did it include a headlamp washer system? It's worth noting the following taken from a supplier of these kits:- NO XENON H.I.D. lighting system available from any source is DOT / E approved if installed outside of the factory. These kits are not street legal for use on public roads as they are.

Is your car equiped with HID Xenons? If it is you will also have headlamp washers fitted below the light units. The bulb you mention is a normal H1 bulb - maybe filled with xenon gas - but it won't do for xenon headlamps. There are two editions of xenon replacement bulbs used on the C5 but I'm not sure of the change date. Early models require D2R. The spare I carry with me cost around £50 off ebay. As to whether you need to remove the bumper. I've spent hours trying to reach the sidelight bulbs, and in the end I've removed the bumper - three times now. On the other hand - look at Seefive's posts - it seems that it's possible to do the job under the bonnet.

You probably won't find a drain plug on your radiator. You'll have to remove the bottom hose. Unless you know the type of antifreeze that's already in the system, it would be a mistake to put any other in. They may not mix. Your best solution would be to drain it completely, flush it through then refill.

Any immobilizer on it?

On HDI engines glowplugs aren't needed unless the temperature follows below minus, so I doubt that is your problem. Read the voltage of your battery, first when you switch off and then again after 12 hours or so. Battery should still read 12.7 approx. My C5 developed a similar problem to yours. Lexia diagnosed that the starter wasn't turning fast enough to give the correct pressure from cold. A new motor was required.

Which pads did you replace and which oil did you change?

Don't know if it helps - but my power steering went when the battery got too low. Even after recharging it still didn't work. Disconnecting the battery brought it back to life.

Annette12. Got your PM to which I replied - but I got a message saying reply hadn't been sent. I'm having to rely on an internet cafe in Spain at the moment. I changed the sensor in our daughter's Xsara which has a similar engine to the C5. I removed the air filter box for access and the sensor is plugged into the end of the cylinder head. There's a twin wired connector on the end of it. The sensor is held in by a hairpin-syle clip and there's an '0' ring under the sensor. You'll lose some water when its removed.

Why do you want to turn the auto lights off? It's a great feature. About the manual - have a look on ebay - there's usually some.

Surely the dealer should fix this on warranty?

Have a look on ebay for a handbook. Breakers are selling them for a couple of quid a time. For cambelts and tensioners - also water pumps look at GSF or Eurocarparts.

Lucky you! We get done every year.

Crankshaft pulley bolts are b****** to move. When fitted, the thread is coated with Loctite. Best time to remove is when the engine is hot. The starter ring on the flywheel needs to be locked, then use a socket with a long tommy-bar. What I have done in the past is to fit a socket on the bolthead with a breakerbar wedged on a jack - then give the starter a quick turn. Usually it works.

Yes - as far as I know the nose drops slightly more than the rear when you reach a certain speed - 67 rings a bell - but I can't say I've noticed it.

You ought really to have fitted the timing pins before removing the old belt. See the diagram:- http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/Johndug/ZX14timing.jpg There are two pins to go in. Probably an 8mm bolt will go through the hole and screw into the head at 3 o'clock on the cam pulley and at the same time, a 6mm (?) bent rod will go into the back of the flywheel. If you've removed the cambelt without setting up the timing, it might well be out. Remember the camshaft will turn twice while the flywheel turns once.