1988 Citroen BX HATCHBACK suspension

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine REPAIRS & OVERHAUL
Engine and Associated Systems
150 engine repair procedures Page2A•1
171 and 159 engine repair procedures Page2B•1
K1G engine repair procedures Page2C•1
D6C engine repair procedures Page2D•1
Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems Page3•1
Fuel and exhaust systems - carburettor models Page4A•1
Fuel and exhaust systems - Bosch LE3 Jetronic injection Page4B•1
Fuel and exhaust systems - Motronic injection Page4C•1
Fuel and exhaust systems - Magneti Marelli injection Page4D•1
Ignition system - carburettor models Page5A•1
Ignition system - fuel injection models Page5B•1
Starting and charging systems Page5C•1
Transmission
ClutchPage6•1
Manual gearboxPage7A•1
Automatic transmission Page7B•1
DriveshaftsPage8•1
Brakes and Suspension
Hydraulic systemPage9•1
Braking systemPage10•1
Suspension and steering Page11•1
Body Equipment
Bodywork and fittingsPage12•1
Body electrical systems Page13•1
Wiring DiagramsPage13•16
REFERENCEDimensions and weights PageREF•1
Conversion factorsPageREF•2
Buying spare partsPageREF•3
Vehicle Identification PageREF•3
General repair procedures PageREF•4
Jacking and vehicle support PageREF•5
Tools and working facilities PageREF•6
MOT test checksPageREF•8
Fault findingPageREF•12
Glossary of technical terms PageREF•19
IndexPageREF•23
Contents

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The Citroën BX was introduced in France in October of 1982 and
became available in the UK in September 1983. The original models
available in the range were the BX, BX 14 E, BX 14 RE, BX 16 RS and BX
16 TRS. The types of engine, transmission and equipment fitted being
dependent on the model and the body design being that of a Hatchback.
For the 1985 model year, the BX 19 GT was made available for the
driver requiring a higher performance model. Also in 1985, the BX
Leader replaced the BX and BX 14 models, the Leader being fitted with
the same engine and transmission as the BX 14. In the second half of
1985 the Estate was introduced, two versions being available, the BX
16 RS Estate and the BX 16 TRS Estate.
Changes for the 1987 model year included the introduction of the BX
16 RE Hatchback, the BX 19 GTi (fuel injection and ABS braking), the
BX 19 GTi 16v (16 valve engine) and the replacement for the BX 19 GT,
the BX 19 TRS. Also, a BX 19 TRS Estate fitted with automatic
transmission became available. The facia and instruments were
modified on all models, with round instruments being used. Other
aesthetic improvements were made to improve the external
appearance of certain models.For the 1988 model year, all BX 14 models were equipped with the
K1G engine with 2CA type 4 or 5-speed manual gearbox.
For the 1989 model year, BX 16 and BX 19 models were equipped
with the BE3 5-speed manual gearbox to replace the earlier BE1 5-
speed type.
In early 1990, BX 19 TZi Hatchback and Estate models became
available, these being equipped with catalytic converters.
In late 1992, BX 16 TXi catalytic converter equipped Hatchback and
Estate models were added to the range.
On all models, the engine and transmission is mounted transversely
and drives the front wheels through two driveshafts. The transmission
available (depending on model type) is a 4 or 5-speed manual gearbox
or a 4-speed automatic unit.
All models are extremely comfortable to ride in, thanks to the
hydropneumatic suspension and luxurious interior trim. The unique
design suspension is self-levelling and the ride height is maintained
automatically over all road conditions. A ground clearance lever inside
the car may be used to adjust the ride height when travelling over
rough ground, this also makes changing a roadwheel much simpler.
Your Citroën BX Manual
The aim of this Manual is to help you get the best value from your
vehicle. It can do so in several ways. It can help you decide what work
must be done (even should you choose to get it done by a garage),
provide information on routine maintenance and servicing, and give a
logical course of action and diagnosis when random faults occur.
However, it is hoped that you will use the Manual by tackling the work
yourself. On simpler jobs it may even be quicker than booking the car
into a garage and going there twice, to leave and collect it. Perhaps
most important, a lot of money can be saved by avoiding the costs a
garage must charge to cover its labour and overheads.
The Manual has drawings and descriptions to show the function of
the various components so that their layout can be understood. Then
the tasks are described and photographed in a clear step-by-step
sequence.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to Champion Spark Plug who supplied the illustrations
showing spark plug conditions, and to Duckhams Oils, who provided
lubrication data. Certain other illustrations are the copyright of Citroën
(UK) Limited and are used with their permission. Thanks are also due to
Sykes-Pickavant Limited, who supplied some of the workshop tools,
and to all those people at Sparkford who helped in the production of
this Manual.
We take great pride in the accuracy of information given in this
manual, but vehicle manufacturers make alterations and design
changes during the production run of a particular vehicle of which
they do not inform us. No liability can be accepted by the authors
or publishers for loss, damage or injury caused by any errors in, or
omissions from the information given.
0•4Introduction
The Citroën BX Team
Haynes manuals are produced by dedicated and
enthusiastic people working in close co-operation. The
team responsible for the creation of this book included:
Authors Ian Coomber
Christopher Rogers
Sub-editors Sophie Yar
Carole Turk
Editor & Page Make-up Steve Churchill
Bob Jex
Workshop manager Paul Buckland
Photo Scans John Martin
Paul Tanswell
Steve Tanswell
Cover illustration & Line Art Roger Healing
We hope the book will help you to get the maximum
enjoyment from your car. By carrying out routine
maintenance as described you will ensure your car’s
reliability and preserve its resale value.
Citroën BX 19 GTiCitroën BX 16 TRS

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0•12Weekly checks
Hydraulic fluid level
Warning:
l Use only LHM mineral
hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic
system of the Citroën BX. The
use of any other fluid will ruin
the rubber rings and seals. LHM
fluid is green in colour. Keep the
fluid, carefully sealed, in its
original container.
Safety First!
lIf the reservoir requires repeated topping-
up, this is an indication of a fluid leak
somewhere in the hydraulic system, which
should be investigated immediately. The
Citroën BX relies on the main hydraulic
reservoir to supply the hydropneumatic
suspension, the braking system and the
power steering (where fitted).
lIf a leak is suspected, the car should not be
driven until the suspension, braking and
steering systems have been checked. Never
take any risks where any of these systems are
concerned.
• Make sure that your car is
on level ground.
• Cleanliness is of great
importance when dealing
with the hydraulic system, so take care
to clean around the reservoir cap
before topping-up. Use only clean LHM
fluid.
With the engine idling, move the ground
clearance selector lever to the maximum
height position.1The hydraulic fluid reservoir is located on
the front of the right-hand side engine bay
bulkhead. Locate the hydraulic fluid sight
level indicator on the top of the reservoir. The
yellow indicator float (index) must be between
the two red rings on the sight level glass.2
If topping-up is necessary, clean the filler
cap and the surrounding area then
remove the cap.3Using genuine green LHM fluid, top-up
the reservoir until the indicator reaches
the upper red mark, then refit the cap and
switch off the engine. The difference between
the upper and lower red rings is approximately
0.45 litre of fluid.4
Screenwash additives not only keep the
winscreen clean during foul weather, they also
prevent the washer system freezing in coldweather - which is when you are likely to need it
most. Don’t top up using plain water as the
screenwash will become too diluted, and willfreeze during cold weather. On no account use
coolant antifreeze in the washer system -
this could discolour or damage paintwork.
Screen washer fluid level
When topping-up each reservoir, a
screenwash additive should be added in
the quantities recommended on the
bottle.2The reservoirs for the windscreen and rear
window washer systems are located on
either side of the engine compartment, at
the rear.1Check the operation of the windscreen
and rear window washers. Check that the
screenwash supply pipe to each wiper
blade is correctly connected and free from
blockage.3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Weekly checks0•13
Tyre condition and pressure
It is very important that tyres are in good
condition, and at the correct pressure - having
a tyre failure at any speed is highly dangerous.
Tyre wear is influenced by driving style - harsh
braking and acceleration, or fast cornering,
will all produce more rapid tyre wear. As a
general rule, the front tyres wear out faster
than the rears. Interchanging the tyres from
front to rear ("rotating" the tyres) may result in
more even wear. However, if this is
completely effective, you may have the
expense of replacing all four tyres at once!
Remove any nails or stones embedded in the
tread before they penetrate the tyre to cause
deflation. If removal of a nail does reveal thatthe tyre has been punctured, refit the nail so
that its point of penetration is marked. Then
immediately change the wheel, and have the
tyre repaired by a tyre dealer.
Regularly check the tyres for damage in the
form of cuts or bulges, especially in the
sidewalls. Periodically remove the wheels,
and clean any dirt or mud from the inside and
outside surfaces. Examine the wheel rims for
signs of rusting, corrosion or other damage.
Light alloy wheels are easily damaged by
"kerbing" whilst parking; steel wheels may
also become dented or buckled. A new wheel
is very often the only way to overcome severe
damage.New tyres should be balanced when they are
fitted, but it may become necessary to re-
balance them as they wear, or if the balance
weights fitted to the wheel rim should fall off.
Unbalanced tyres will wear more quickly, as
will the steering and suspension components.
Wheel imbalance is normally signified by
vibration, particularly at a certain speed
(typically around 50 mph). If this vibration is
felt only through the steering, then it is likely
that just the front wheels need balancing. If,
however, the vibration is felt through the
whole car, the rear wheels could be out of
balance. Wheel balancing should be carried
out by a tyre dealer or garage.
Tread Depth - visual check
The original tyres have tread wear safety
bands (B), which will appear when the tread
depth reaches approximately 1.6 mm. The
band positions are indicated by a triangular
mark on the tyre sidewall (A).1Tread Depth - manual check
Alternatively, tread wear can be
monitored with a simple, inexpensive device
known as a tread depth indicator gauge.2Tyre Pressure Check
Check the tyre pressures regularly with
the tyres cold. Do not adjust the tyre
pressures immediately after the vehicle has
been used, or an inaccurate setting will result.
The tyre pressures are shown on page 0•15.3
Tyre tread wear patterns
Shoulder Wear
Underinflation (wear on both sides)
Under-inflation will cause overheating of the
tyre, because the tyre will flex too much, and
the tread will not sit correctly on the road
surface. This will cause a loss of grip and
excessive wear, not to mention the danger of
sudden tyre failure due to heat build-up.
Check and adjust pressures
Incorrect wheel camber (wear on one side)
Repair or renew suspension parts
Hard cornering
Reduce speed!
Centre Wear
Overinflation
Over-inflation will cause rapid wear of the
centre part of the tyre tread, coupled with
reduced grip, harsher ride, and the danger of
shock damage occurring in the tyre casing.
Check and adjust pressures
If you sometimes have to inflate your car’s
tyres to the higher pressures specified for
maximum load or sustained high speed, don’t
forget to reduce the pressures to normal
afterwards.
Uneven Wear
Front tyres may wear unevenly as a result of
wheel misalignment. Most tyre dealers and
garages can check and adjust the wheel
alignment (or "tracking") for a modest charge.
Incorrect camber or castor
Repair or renew suspension parts
Malfunctioning suspension
Repair or renew suspension parts
Unbalanced wheel
Balance tyres
Incorrect toe setting
Adjust front wheel alignment
Note: The feathered edge of the tread which
typifies toe wear is best checked by feel.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0•16Lubricants, fluids and capacities
Component or system Lubricant or fluid Capacity
Engine:
BX and BX14 (with gearbox) Multigrade engine oil, viscosity 150A engine - 4.5 litres (oil change)
pre-August 1988 SAE 15W/40 or 20W/50, 150C engine - 5.0 litres (oil change)
(Duckhams QXR, QS,Hypergrade
Plus or Hypergrade)
BX (from August 88) As above K1G engine - 3.5 litres (with filter)
BX16 and BX19 As above171/159 engine 5.0 litres (oil change)
BX19 GTi 16v As above D6C engine - 5.3 litres (with filter)
Cooling systemEthylene - glycol based antifreeze D6A/C/D engine - 7.1 litres
(Duckhams Antifreeze and Summer Others - 6.5 litres
Coolant). Mixture in temperate climate
- 25% antifreeze to 75% water
Manual gearbox:
BX and BX14 pre-Aug. 88 N/A With engine
Later BX 14 (MA type) Gear oil, viscosity 75W/80W 2 litres
(Duckhams PT75W/80 Gear Oil)
BX16 and BX19 (Type BE1) As above 2 litres
BX16 and BX19 (Type BE3/5) As above Up to serial No. 2445106 - 2.2 litres
From serial No. 2445106 - 1.8 litres
Automatic transmissionDexron IID type ATF From dry - 6.5 litres
(Duckhams Uni-Matic) Drain and refill - 2.5 litres
Hydraulic systemGreen LHM fluid -
(Duckhams LHM fluid)
Fuel system97 to 99 RON leaded or 95 RON BX/BX14 - 44 or 52 litres
unleaded * BX16/BX19 - 52 or 66 litres
* Note: Models fitted with catalytic converters MUSTuse unleaded fuel at all times
Oils perform vital tasks in all engines. The
higher the engine’s performance, the greater
the demand on lubricants to minimise wear as
well as optimise power and economy.
Duckhams tailors lubricants to the highest
technical standards, meeting and exceeding
the demands of all modern engines.
HOW ENGINE OIL WORKS
• Beating friction
Without oil, the surfaces inside your engine
which rub together will heat, fuse and quickly
cause engine seizure. Oil, and its special
additives, forms a molecular barrier between
moving parts, to stop wear and minimise heat
build-up.
• Cooling hot spots
Oil cools parts that the engine’s water-based
coolant cannot reach, bathing the combustion
chamber and pistons, where temperatures
may exceed 1000°C. The oil assists intransferring the heat to the engine cooling
system. Heat in the oil is also lost by air flow
over the sump, and via any auxiliary oil cooler.
• Cleaning the inner engine
Oil washes away combustion by-products
(mainly carbon) on pistons and cylinders,
transporting them to the oil filter, and holding
the smallest particles in suspension until they
are flushed out by an oil change. Duckhams
oils undergo extensive tests in the laboratory,
and on the road.
Engine oil types
Mineral oilsare the “traditional” oils,
generally suited to older engines and cars not
used in harsh conditions. Duckhams
Hypergrade Plus and Hypergradeare well
suited for use in most popular family cars.
Diesel oilssuch as Duckhams Dieselare
specially formulated for Diesel engines,
including turbocharged models and 4x4s.
Synthetic oilsare the state-of-the-art in
lubricants, offering ultimate protection, but at
a fairly high price. One such is Duckhams QS,
for use in ultra-high performance engines.
Semi-synthetic oilsoffer high performance
engine protection, but at less cost than full
synthetic oils. Duckhams QXRis an ideal choice
for hot hatches and hard-driven cars.
For help with technical
queries on lubricants,
call Duckhams Oils
on 0181 290 8207
Choosing your engine oil
Note: It is
antisocial and
illegal to dump oil
down the drain.
To find the
location of your
local oil recycling
bank, call this
number free.