Delayed Braking On Engine Start Up

[Guest xantia driver]

Hi im a newbie.

 

Bought a cirteon xantia 2.0L exclusive model in April this year. Just a few things that i would like to ask:

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Sometimes after i start the engine and pull away and then apply the foot brake the brakes don't respond until more pressure is applied (more than I would normal apply) and then the brakes work great after that.

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ticking noise, recently i have heard a ticking noise (similar to the noise you get when you flick the indicator but faster) This seems to happen randomly and I haven't even touched the indicator. Also i have noticed that my left arrow for the indictor (on the dashboard) flashes quicker then goes back to normal speed. Could this be a possible blown fuse or one of the indictor bulbs is about to go and could the random ticking noise be related to the faster indicating arrow on the dashboard.

 

Any help or advice would be very much appreciated.

[kfk]

Delayed braking on startup could be attributed to a failure of the accumulator sphere mounted on the front of the engine. Its purpose in life is accumulate a reserve of pressure that could be used in the event of a belt/pump/suspension failure to allow you to bring your vehicle safely to a stop......it should start charging with pressure as soon as the engine is started, once pressure is achieved it then uses the excess to pump up the suspension, topping itself up as required. This is ussually identified by a clicking noise that occurs when sitting ticking over, the frequency of the click becomes greater as the accumulator looses its efficiency.....if your not sure on hydraulic systems i would suggest you find a citroen specialist to do it for you.

 

with regard to the indicators clicking. It isnt unussual for the springs within the indicator switch to become weak. Sometimes you can simulate the fault you are getting by applying very light pressure to the indicator stalk in either up or downwards direction....if this is the fault then it needs a new switch as there arer no user replaceable parts inside.

[DaveWalling]

Regarding the clicking sound, worth checking that the indicator bulbs are all working as it sounds like (no pun intended)that there might be a bulb gone. You usually find that the fault you describe happens when a bulb has blown, etc. It might just be as simple as that.

[lynneandcrow]

Its a hard thing to find, a good Citroen Specialist today. I had my Xantia Activa Turbo in at my local Citroen Dealer and they have totaly miss diagnosed the problem with my car. Infact Citroen didnt even have a clue as to what an Activa was! Left after being told the car was fine all Spheres were fine then pop!

A pipe burst after all the seals to the rams were tightened. Had a read of this forum diagnosed the prob myself looked under the bonet for the Accumulator Sphere and noticed all the fluid leaking from around it. Totaly misses by a trained mechanic may I add.

This forum and forums like it are a wealth of info on these cars best to read up here on all possibilitys then investigate them yourself. Then if all fails go to a Specialist with a good idea of what is wrong. Well this is my experiance anyway maby I am just a one off but all Citroen Mechanics seem to be to too young to be trained properly on Hydroactive Suspension's. Makes you think is it cheaper to train a younger mechanic and get rid of the more experianced ones. Big companys always trying to keep the costs down just be aware.

Anyway rant over have a good read here as I said these forums are a wealth of information and experiance.

 

Delayed braking on startup could be attributed to a failure of the accumulator sphere mounted on the front of the engine. Its purpose in life is accumulate a reserve of pressure that could be used in the event of a belt/pump/suspension failure to allow you to bring your vehicle safely to a stop......it should start charging with pressure as soon as the engine is started, once pressure is achieved it then uses the excess to pump up the suspension, topping itself up as required. This is ussually identified by a clicking noise that occurs when sitting ticking over, the frequency of the click becomes greater as the accumulator looses its efficiency.....if your not sure on hydraulic systems i would suggest you find a citroen specialist to do it for you.

 

with regard to the indicators clicking. It isnt unussual for the springs within the indicator switch to become weak. Sometimes you can simulate the fault you are getting by applying very light pressure to the indicator stalk in either up or downwards direction....if this is the fault then it needs a new switch as there arer no user replaceable parts inside.

[goddardo]

I too get the delayed breaking after starting up & when you're not expecting it, it takes you by surprise . Is this a top up job or a new sphere ?