Fluid In Passenger Footwell

[michaelcarts]

I see several previous topics where a Xsara owner has reported fluid leaking into the passenger footwell. Often sweet and sickly smelling.

I now have a 2002 Xsara with exactly this problem.

 

But none of the previous posts on this topic are conclusive.

Most frequent suggestion seems to be a leak in the heater matrix, but no-one ever seems to have come back and confirmed that this actually was the problem.

What is it that makes the sweet sickly smell ?

Also, if the heater matrix is the problem, exactly how big a job is it to get at it ?

Is it a job for a reasonably competent diy mechanic, or does it have to be Citroen Dealer ?

 

Finally, the only Haynes manual I can find for Citroen Xsara (not Picasso) covers models from 1997 to 2000. I've checked the Haynes catalog, and can't find anything for the 2002 model.

Was there a big change in 2000, or would the 1997-2000 manual be ok ?

Is there a source other than Haynes ?

(I've also covered the Haynes question in a separate post).

 

Thanks in advance

Mike

[techbod]

sweet sticky smell points to the matrix or piping as its coolant/antifreeze you can smell and you should notice lose of coolant

[Johndouglas]

It could well be that around this time Citroen used some poor quality matrix. My daughter's Xsara developed a leak within the first year and had to go in for a replacement. I've since heard of others of a similar age.

[Typhon]

I had the same problem!

 

Solution:

 

- Open the bonnet

- Dismantle the wipers and both of the plastic covers beneath the windshield

- There you have the inlet of air to your ventilation system. This little room has a little hole ehere the water runs when i rains, you wash your car e.t.c.

- Clean up there, and thes by pouring some water to see if it comes out beneath the car.