1997Cc Hdi Sx Estate (W Reg) - Introduction And Question....s

[wertyuio10]

Hello All,

 

As usual in this digital world, I am only here to ask for help but I do hope to be able to offer some help in return one day....just not sure what that will be.  I've owned a few Citroens beginning in 1990 with a 1984 LNA and culminating in the above.  In between, there has been a BX 16 TRS, AX GT, Visa 17D, Saxo VTS, AX Furio (ha ha), Xantia 1.8i and two C5 estates.

 

Cutting to the chase, had the Xantia estate about six months but do not have manual.  If you have one you want to sell, let me know.

 

Yesterday at about 70mph, the red STOP and adjacent red dot flashed intermittently at a steady pace.  Released the accelerator and after a few seconds, they went out.  Of course, once I applied the pedal, lights were soon on.  Happened three times and I reduced my speed to about sixty and it didn't happen again.  To what do these particular warning lights pertain?  Unsure if this is pertinent, but radiator fan was on when I stopped.  Not heard this in 8,000 miles of use and despite the current warm snap (!), wouldn't have thought it necessary so wondered if it was connected.

 

Oh, and about two months ago, cabin heater fan decided to remain on no matter where slider sits on control.  Previously, fan had only worked on full but did switch off.

 

Enough to say hello with I'd have thought excepting that the car had odd trims (three of one, one of t'other) and if you have any to sell, would consider buying/swapping one....or three!  Photo's to follow if you do.

 

Richard

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

I have not seen a Xantia dash but it could be a high temperature warning. Is there a temperature gauge and if so did that go high at the same time. If it is temperature then you should check the coolant level, look for any leaks if the level is low including the water pump. Also check if the thermostat is working by seeing if the radiator top hose is hot once the engine has warmed up. You can also check the radiator for any external blockages/damage that restricts the air flow. It is also possible and most likely since this is a common thing on Citroens, the temperature sensor on the cylinder head/thermostat housing (not sure yet where it is) is faulty and reading high but you could also check its wiring and connector.

[wertyuio10]

Thanks for the quick response Paul,

 

I have buzzed around locally today and no reccurence which supports your temperature theory.  Temp gauge was at about 110 degrees and now you mention it, I think that is a little higher than normal but it wasn't that close to the red mark to worry me.  Will follow your suggestions as far as my thumbs and small brain power will permit.  Let you know.....cheers.

[paul.h]

Not sure if I have the right engine, but from the Citroen service box procedures for the Xantia 2, 2.0 litre hdi the thermostat should start to open at 83°C, the fan 1st speed starts at 97°C, the 2nd speed at 105°C, the high temp warning at 118°C, the air con cuts out at 115°C. The expansion tank cap is set at 1.4 bar which is equivalent to steam at 126°C, but if the head gasket has failed it can vent based on pressure and not temperature.

 

So if the gauge is showing 110°C and there is not a problem, the sensor may be faulty. Usually the engine fans on cars do not run that often since the temp is usually below the setting, in your case the 97°C.

[wertyuio10]

Thanks paul, will make a brew and digest the above!

[wertyuio10]

You mentioned you weren't familiar with the dash which made me realise neither was I so i had a proper look and the red dot is within the temperature area on the dash so that at least meant i knew what the fault was.  Have topped up the water and checked one or two other things as you suggested so will wait and see what happens on next motorway journey.

 

Thanks again