Citroen XM Forum

Hi Matt,

1 - LHM fluid level: You are checking it correctly (Highest, gold disc should be between the two red lines), but the simple float mechanism has been known to get stuck. Easily removed and freed up. At correct level, fluid surface should be about 12cm from the top of the tank filler neck. Over-filling by 1-litre+ not a problem; under-filling can result in air getting into the system.

2 - Quite common if car has been stood overnight, or is asked to go to Highest at idle speed. If the warning doesn't come on otherwise, then everything is OK. On a start-up after overnight standing, if the warning/Stop is on for more than 10 secs or so (car left at Normal height), then it is a sign that system would benefit from a flushing: see posts here about Hydraurincage.

4 - Stuttery rise and clunk from rear. What you would expect from a slightly lazy hydraulic system. Struts do get a bit arthritic with age. Regular use and Citrobics will help, as will flushing and new fluid and reservoir filters (if very dirty).

6 - Height lever can be pretty stiff. Check underneath the car, that the control rod is lubricated where it passes through the several supports, which clag up. Oil/grease.

7 - Buzz from sunroof area is the tiny fan ventilating the internal temperature sensor. Drop the light fitting (lens pops out first) and you'll find it. Defluff and WD40/very light oil.
Common fault; lubrication usually leaves them silently working.

Nice clear pix!
Had a friend who would list the things that would persuade him to buy a secondhand car:
1. MoT, 2: decent tyres, 3: Any money behind the back seat.

VSX-Turbo wrote:It appears that it has too much LHM fluid as the little orange disc is about as high as it will go inside the bulb. Yes I had the car fully raised.

I check the fluid level in mine with a very simple system - open the top of the tank, stick my forefinger in and if there's fluid on the end on my finger it's okay, and if there's not . . . well. Not scientific but okay for a quick check. Oh, and the suspension must be set at normal level.

Eddie nuff wrote:. . . open the top of the tank, stick my forefinger in and if there's fluid on the end on my finger it's okay . . .

Aha, the digital method! Can't knock that...

////

Bit difficult to tell from your (slightly scary) photo, but that LHM fluid looks pretty dirty. Extract a sample, and take a look in a clear container. Should be clear and green, with only a slight tinge of dirt. If at all opaque or seriously blackened, then it needs replacing. Let us know.

LHM tank depth is 18cm, measured from tank bottom to top rim of the filler hole. My 12cm is measured from fluid sutface to top rim, when the car is on High, so fluid depth will be at its lowest.

I think you're right about the coolant cap. Brown stuff looks like leak sealant, which has hardened in air contact (the way it's supposed to work). Not good stuff, and best avoided; can sludge, block heater matrix and small apertures. If leak is only a hose, that's easily fixed.

Use only good quality coolant. If history not known, renew it. Avoid OAT 'long life' types, and never mix coolant types or brands. Colour of coolant means nothing, so don't mix different coolants even if the same colour. Citroen's own ready-mixed is fine, and decently priced, but that's only a personal preference. If replacing coolant, drain thoroughly, flush out, and top up and bleed thoroughly with an improvised header bottle (see Haynes or Citroen manual) using specified procedure and all the bleed screws. Don't use tapwater for any coolant dilution - always distilled or demineralised.

The pressure light can sometimes come on at full height. Have you tried raising the revs slightly?

I managed to get spray grease onto the steering U/J in the engine bay on mine. Haven't had any repeat of the notchy steering. Probably well worth trying to do. On my TD, it's just visible behind the engine. A torch may be useful.

Matt,

Just looked again at your photo.
Trying to work out why it's possible to see top edge of the (oval) large white (return) filter...
This is normally attached to the octopus top (which you removed with difficulty) and would come away with it.
Has it come adrift from its mountings?
Shouldn't be able to leak from its top opening, because any returning aerated fluid (and maybe dirt) can escape.
Perhaps the filter became dislodged while you were extracting the top (octopus).

////

Part number for bottom radiator hose is 1351 S2 (2.0i 8v and 16v).
Item is NFP - no longer available from Citroen.
You should be able to find the item on the web though. Be careful with Ebay: pics and descriptions often inaccurate.

Matt - It would help if you could post your RP number, which I don't think you've done so far.
This pins down exact manufacture date for the car.
Number will be painted near the top hinge, front LH door A-post, and will look something like 7165 CJ.
Good idea to add it to your Profile and Signature.

LHM reservoir 'lid' is usually difficult to remove completely unless the hoses are detached from their spigots.
Label each one so refitted in same place.
ONLY use perfectly circular and pliant hose clips if replacing originals, so hoses are a good fit on the plastic spigots. This is particularly important for the suction hose leading off to the HP pump. An air leak here will cause hydraulic problems.

If the large circular sealing washer (#11 below) has become scruffy or split, it's still available from Citroen:
There is also a small retaining hook (#9) for the larger filter, easily lost, but still available too.

////