ivesy123

thanks for the reply. Citroen have said it was the alternator. The mechanic couldn't believe the other garages could not come to the same conclusion. So the good news is the nosie has gone (not steering pump though this has now been replaced and fluid). The next problem I've had is they told me the coil pack needs replacing and the spark plugs. I was a bit shocked at this as it was only replaced in August 2012 and my car's (petrol) has only done 18k since then. I asked if this is a problem with the car but I was told no it's the coil pack. I'm begining to wonder what else can go wrong with this %$&^%&(& car!

yes sorry it was the auxilliary belt. Have to admit the car has cut out more over the last couple of weeks than it has for a while. Did it twice on the way to work today both times when I had to stop reasonably sharply. or is that just my driving?

Hi thanks for the reply. Ok when the car is started you can hear the noise staright away. When the revs increase it gets louder. No lights on dash board but the car has 'cut out' about three times now over the last 3 weeks. Always in the morning within say 5 minutes of driving. The noise has been there about 6 months or so and it's difficult to say if it's getting louder or not. The RAC thought it was the powersteering, as did my garage Croxdales as did Halfords and also Kwik fit (long story about the amount of garages!). Kwik fit said the p/s pump was failing so they put a new one in and the noise is still there. They said they disconnected something (timing belt?) and the noise went. So it can be anyone of 6 things less p/s. They also said bring the car back when this other thing fails so atleast they'll know what it is!

It's not the power steering but when the car is started and is idling you can hear it and also when driving. Does anyone have any ideas? 07 Xsara Picasso 1.6

Thanks for the replies. i think it's been topped or replaced before I bought it in that case. Anyway garage have rang the new pump made no difference. They suspect it's the alternator. How can three garages get it so wrong?

Thanks for the reply, I should have been a bit clearer I'm actually wanting to know what was the fluid in the car from new. The reason I'm asking is becasue what's in now is a honey coloured liquid, relatively thin (say compared to oil) and odour less. Halfords think because it's not red and thick it must be the wrong fluid. I've never topped it up so I'm assuming it's what's alays been there. My Garage says it is possible the fluid can be what I have. My garage won't help me deal with the warranty company and Halfords are basically saying wrong fluid + failing pump = not covered by warranty! Halfords have now drained the fluid and replaced it but I don't think it needed doing in the first place. As i'm being told if it was the wrong fluid it would be more than the pump that was failing!

Does anyone know whatmake of fluid Citroen would have used in the power steering for an 07 1.6 Xsara Picasso?

I should have said it's a 1.6 Petrol Xsara Picasso 07 Reg with 66k miles.

hello My car has been making a whining noise for a few months now. It turns out the power steering pump is failing. The car is covered for the pump in my warranty but the garage I've taken to have said they they think the problem is down to the wrong steering fluid. They say it should be a red colour and quite thick or certainly thicker than the one they found in my car. Mine is thinner and an amber colour. The car is 7 years old and I've had three years and to my knowledge the fluid has never been replaced or topped up. The garage I usually use (they don't touch warranty companies..) say it is possible to have a mineral based fluid that is amber in colour. I have a sample of the fluid (the new garage have replaced it with the red stuff) and need to find out exactly what it is. The second garage haev suggested it lookslike brake fluid has been added! But my garage have said of that was the case then not just the pump would be going... Aghhh! any ideas or help would be appreciated what was in my car?