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New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:31 pm
by mixedgas
Good afternoon,
Just a quick introduction, my name is Mike and I'm a geologist living near Portland Oregon, USA. I consider myself a "recreational mechanic" as I restore vehicles as a hobby. I've owned a few Citroen vehicles over the years (Traction, DS, CX) but am new to the XM. I have experience working on Volvo, Renault, Ferrari, Citroen (and Toyota but who cares about those!). I recently (today) purchased a 1991 XM automatic with 12V PRV V6. The car has not run for years, cranks over and almost runs with starting fluid according to the seller. I have the immob code. I'll try all the normal stuff (fluids/filters/grounds ('earths')) but may eventually seek out advice from you fine folks. I'll post up some pictures when I receive the car. I'm planning to source parts from 'Garage80' as they ship to the USA. It is a CXA car (one of maybe 28 imported to the US), black over black leather, with about 80K miles on the clock. Anyway, thanks for the excellent info found on this forum!
-Mike

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2019 2:31 pm
by Dieselman
I would avoid using any starting fluid type products and concentrate on fixing the existing systems on the car.

Start with a compression test and fuel pressure test.
Check for the Immobiliser triggering the relay.
These ECU's use a +12v feed when cranking and switch to an ECU controlled +12v feed for running. Without the ECU controlled feed, the Coil and injectors don't go live. If the ECU doesn't see a starter motor signal it doesn't trigger the +12v feed.
The fuel pump will prime, but will then fail to energise for running.

Build a blink code reader and interrogate the ECU for codes. viewtopic.php?t=7368

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 7:55 pm
by mixedgas
Thank you very much 'Diselman'! I look forward to getting this XM on the road. I have never seen one as they are quite rare in the USA.

Regarding the blinker box code reader, I presume the specified 680 ohm resistor is used to adjust 12 volts down to what the LED can handle? (I'm a bit rusty on my circuit reading). I propose instead to obtain a 12v LED and skip the resistor. Any issues I'm overlooking with that approach?

Thank you again, pictures to follow (promise!)
-Mike

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 2:01 pm
by Dieselman
You are correct regarding the resistor, it is just a current limiter.

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:47 am
by mixedgas
Car being delivered tomorrow, does not run, is there a way to jam wood blocks into the suspension to raise ground clearance temporarily for unloading? Thank you!

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:41 am
by Dieselman
Yes there is...
Rear: jack the car up and push blocks into the rear subframe tube between the "paddles" and the rubber bump stops.
Front: jack up and use 22" x (3" x 1" approx) slipped over the tyre and wedged between the anti-roll bar and the strut top underside. You may have space to fit an additional block in at the top end.
This works very well and allows steering. They will stay in place until the car is next jacked up.

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 6:57 pm
by mixedgas
Thank you again dieselman for your helpful advice! I got the car unloaded with minimal drama, and it is up on jack stands in my garage undergoing evaluation. I'll attempt to upload some photos now.

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 6:59 pm
by mixedgas
Photos of the car as purchased.

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 7:01 pm
by mixedgas
Citroen XM engine bay as purchased.

Re: New XM owner in Oregon USA

Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:08 am
by Dieselman
That appears pretty tidy, no butchered wiring in the engine bay.
Does it have XM headlights re-installed, or are they the ones from the Eagle(?).

For the non running, first check the power to and from the five relays on the front of the ECU box and to the coil and fuel pump.