Citroen Saxo Common Problems and Solutions
Excess Brake Pedal Pressure
Problem:
You have to push extremely hard on the brake pedal.
Solution:
It's likely that the glued-on brake linings have fallen apart, which is locking the rear drums. You can find new linings available to order on our parts list for the Saxo.
Difficulty level
Non-Starting From Cold
Problem:
When the engine is warm, then it starts the first time. However, cold starts are taking multiple attempts before the engine turns.
Solution:
Your glow plugs have likely failed. The problem is that these can be very tricky to remove if they've been in for too long. Get the hard work of removal out of the way, and then install your new glow plugs from our online store.
Difficulty level
Glow Plug
Car Alarm Going Off
Problem:
Your car alarm has started going off for no apparent reason.
Solution:
Commonly reported on the Saxo, this will usually be faulty car alarm sensors that are sending the incorrect signal to the control module. Find replacement sensors on our parts list and easily slot them into place.
Difficulty level
Car Not Starting
Problem:
Your car isn't starting. You've checked the battery and the starter motor, and everything looks fine and is fully charged.
Solution:
Have a look at your coolant temperature sensor. It's likely that this has worn out, and you're going to have to replace it. The good news is that this is very easy to do and it's a very inexpensive part when you order through us.
Difficulty level
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Loose Gearstick
Problem:
The gear stick is very wobbly and moves in all directions.
Solution:
This is very common on the Saxo and is being caused by badly worn gear linkages. This is a fiddly installation job, but you can order new linkages from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Grinding Noise
Problem:
You can hear grinding noise coming from somewhere.
Solution:
Get the engine running and then walk around the car listening for the source of the grinding. It could be the driveshaft, or the CV joints have reached their end of life and need to be replaced. If the grinding noise only occurs when you are driving, then check your wheel bearings for wear. If you hear the grinding when you apply the clutch, then you have a worn-out clutch friction plate. All of these are fairly easy to install, and replacements are always available when you order from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Erratic Idling
Problem:
The engine idles erratically, often dropping and increasing in revs.
Solution:
This will either be a worn-out idle control valve or a broken upstream oxygen tester. Inspect both parts for signs of obvious wear or damage. Fortunately, these are both very low-cost parts from our online store and relatively simple to install.
Difficulty level
Excess Play on Clutch Pedal
Problem:
The clutch pedal needs to be pressed down further and may not spring back into place. Changing gears has become much harder.
Solution:
This will be a worn-out clutch. The quicker that you order a replacement and install it, the less likely it is that you will cause damage to your gearbox.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Overheating Engine
Problem:
Your engine has started to overheat quickly, and there is white smoke coming from your exhaust.
Solution:
Have a quick look under the oil filler gap. If you can see thick gunk, then your head gasket has blown and will need to be replaced. We always have head gaskets in stock for the Saxo, so delivery is very quick.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Knocking Suspension
Problem:
There is a noticeable knocking sound when you are driving over speed bumps or on rough roads.
Solution:
The suspension on the Saxo is very durable, but the sway bar and ball joints can wear thin after a while. You can order both of these parts directly from BreakerYard and install them yourself to save being handed a hefty mechanic's bill.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
The Saxo is known for having problems with the rear radius arm bearings and the lower arm bushes. When you drive over speed bumps or rough surfaces and hear a knocking noise or/and notice that the rear wheels are not straight then it is likely that you are suffering from this issue.
Solution:
Changing the rear radius arm bearings and the lower arm bushes will help solve the problem. Breakeryard.com can help you to find your Citroen Saxo replacement suspension parts at very competitive prices.
Difficulty level
Lower Suspension Arm
Gearbox issues
Problem:
If you are driving along and hear a whining noise coming from the gearbox the most likely cause of this are is faulty gearbox bearings.
Solution:
To test if it is the gearbox bearings causing the whining noise, the best thing to do is to put your foot on the clutch pedal and push it all the way to the floor. If this causes the noise to stop, then it is the gearbox bearings that are at fault. You will need to have the bearings replaced to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Gearbox Transmission Manual
Seat belt pre-tensioner failure
Problem:
This is an issue that is not noticeable apart from when the vehicle is in an accident. It might appear that the seat belt pre-tensioner is working, but an internal fault means that it they will not work properly if involved in an accident.
Solution:
You will need to take the car to a garage and have the seat belt pre-tensioners tested to ensure that they are working properly. This is not only in your best interest but in the interests of your passengers as well. all of your passengers interests as well.
Difficulty level
Airbag warning light
Problem:
If the airbag warning light is lit up on the dashboard the most common cause of this is a faulty wire underneath the drivers seat, although there could be an issue with your airbag - so this is not a fault to take lightly. The video below shows a wiring problem:
Solution:
Replacing the faulty wire should resolve the issue. Otherwise have a diagnostic check done to identify the exact cause of the problem.
Difficulty level
Airbag Sensor
