Hi there, I've looked around for answers to this but I've had no luck.
I have a 1997 V6 Auto XM that's done around 185,000km and already had its gearbox rebuilt. Recently its developed a slight rattling noise. It mostly happens in 2nd gear around 1,900 revs or when I'm turning. I'm pretty sure its the gearbox but a mechanic couldn't pinpoint the problem and the guy who rebuilt the gearbox can't think of a reason for it. Has anyone else experienced this or know what exactly it might be?

My next question is the LCD screen that displays the warnings is 'scrambled'. I can make out some messages but others are unreadable. Does anyone have a list of the messages so I can have a guess at what she's telling me?

Thanks

Hi H&C

The display wording statements are listed in the XM owners manual.
1997 is close to the change over of XM V6 engine and auto box.
So yours could be old type engine with 4HP18 box or new type engine with 4HP20 box.
It would help if you could identify type which your car is.

John

Hi John,

From what I've worked out it's the older engine and gearbox. Mainly because thats what I was told when I brought it. It is the post-facelift model and has newer electronics but the man told me it had the previous models engine. It also has a timing chain which I understand was only on the earlier engines.

Not really sure how to check though.

Hi H&C

There are also coloured picture of different XM engine bays in the owners manual.
There is a grey coloured A3 wallet of booklets supplied with each XM.
If it is still with the car it is stored in the lid of the fuse box under the passenger side dash. If it is missing post up a photo of your engine bay and we will identify.
4HP18 and 4HP20 are very different auto boxes so it is important to be sure.

Regards

John

Hi hatsandclogs,the big giveaway for HP20 is the selector switch panel just forward of the gear selector,sport, norm or snow.The gear selector lever handle is also different,rounded for the HP18 and squared off for the HP20.
robertm

Sounds like the answer is there, he said theres a Timing Chain.. PRV lump there, must be one of the Last PRV's..

Somewhere on this fourm our OZ member DoubleChevron did a LH Display repair guide with excellent pictures... it must be still here somewhere.. Try a search with his username.

** Ive found the posting, but unfortunally the Images are ALL missing :-(

LCD Repair guide, with no pics

Paul

Hey, I took a pic and checked my manual. In the manual it simply says V6 Petrol Injection, a page after the 24v V6 and just before the diesels.

I was also wondering about putting some Lucas transmission fluid to the gearbox. I've used it in the engine before, didn't seem to hurt it, anyone tried that before?

And thanks Paul I'll see if I can find it.


(Sorry about the clarity)

PRV 12v..

OH NOOO no no no NO - ONLY Put DEX II or DEX 2 in these ZF box's..... anything else WILL kill them early...

Remember now - Dex 2. Dex 2. Trans Fluid..

Paul

Hi H&C,

Welcome to club-xm. I see you've got your feet under the table already.

If you PM me your VIN number I should be able to get you the full spec for your car from Citroen Service.

Cheers

noz

Dex 2 you say... Hopefully I can find it, had enough trouble finding LHM
So could the rattle come from simply having dodgy trans fluid? And do you recommend any particular brand?

And thanks noz, I'll send you a pm tomorrow.

Hi H&C,be aware Dex 2 is only applicable to HP18 g/box NOT HP20, but i think it's now clear yours is HP18.If it's cherry coloured fluid it most likely is or you'd be in big trouble by now.I personally only use fluid to ZF spec 11A or 11B for my 2 ZF18's but accept that Dex 2 is an alternate if you can't find the correct fluid.Your handbook defines the citroen approved spec but there are many other fluids out there to the correct spec.Not all Dex 2 spec fluids meet ZF spec 11A.
robertm