newbie XM owner, L322VCV 2.1 TD

[Dieselman]

I've done a Ford escort engine out, rebuild and back in on the side of the street many years ago and a VW Scirocco head gasket outside in minus 3c.

Neither of which I would recommend...

[Aerodynamica]

Well, in the balmy luxury of my parents' garage at 6˚c I changed the timing belt after a paranoid few weeks. The old belt was looking pretty much fine but you just can't tell for sure anyway. Thanks to Robert Smart for some tips. Changed the centre front sphere too and noticed a major difference in the front ride it is mega soft now and sport mode does go firmer.

No sooner have I fixed one thing then something else goes! I changed the main beam bulbs just there and now the ABS 'out of use' and the warning light are on.... is it coincidence? or could I have disturbed something fragile near the headlights?

It has come on before but after a restart it didn't reappear. This time the ABS light comes on, it flickers a bit and stays on with the message. Where to start?

Also, I looked in the box for the ECUs and notice that one is missing! the middle ECU is just a big gap and there are a number of connectors leading to the gap but obviously nothing to connect to. I do note that they are all fitted with plastic terminal covers though so maybe the middle ECU is for some optional thingy (?) or has somebody stolen one on them! Hyperactive II does do things so I deduce it's not that.

[CitroJim]

Good work on the timing belt Graeme I really must do mine... Weather needs to get a tad better first though...

Yours will have Bendix ABS and luckily, there are several good threads on here to help diagnosis. First thing to do is check the sensor connections and as you've been under the driver's side wheel-arch doing the cambelt then my first check would be on this sensor connector...

I'd almost wager it's just come loose...

Also, the power for the ABS valve block comes from the fusebox mounted in front of the airbox. F1 I think. Maybe that got disturbed but worth a check.

If not then no worries. Have a look at my epic thread on the subject if it's something more complicated than sensors...

The 'missing' ECU is where the engine ECU goes on petrol and EPIC diesel models so as yours has a mechanical Bosch then the gap is quite normal!

The loose connectors are possibly the 2-pin diagnostic connectors. Of interest is the grey one which can be used with a Lexia or ELIT to read the ABS ECU and the blue one that will allow the Lexia/ELIT to do the same for the Hydractive ECU. The Green connector (if present) is for the engine ECU which in yours is not applicable!

[Aerodynamica]

Thanks Jim, I'll have a look at this

[citroenxm]

You wanna see inside the SD ECU Box then!

Mechanical Diesel - No ECU
No ABS - NO ECU

Just the hydractive ECU all on its own... looking sad..

[Aerodynamica]

Haha that seems ironic that it's all simplified yet still has semi active suspension. Quite 'Citroën' that.

[Aerodynamica]

XM in better shape with timing belt done, CX off with its new owner today in the snow

[CitroJim]

Is that Aphrodite gone to a new home then Graeme? I hope it's a good one...

[russ92xmsed]

My favourite looking CX. Love those early versions.

[jonathan_dyane]

Just a line to say that your XM looks gorgeous Graeme, but you're going to have look out for a set of the correct wheels to make her perfect

It have been a sad day to wave goodbye to Aphrodite, but I have to say it is my personal view that in all respects other than steering the XM is a superior car in every way to the CX. (Looks over shoulder, Shane's not still here is he? lol)