1998 Citroen Xsara VTR from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have a Citroen Xsara. When first bought it, it seemed fine nice and comfortable, until I was experiencing problem with the rev counter all of a sudden revving up to about 1500 rev then dying on me. Had that sorted then another problem occurred.

When the car was ticking over OK, the revs would just keep going up and down without me touch the acceleration pedal then constantly cutting out when idle, especially at traffic lights.

Can anyone shed any light on this because it is so annoying?

Have had the same problem with our 1998 Xsara. Seems to be a software problem because it happens randomly and then can be fine the next time.

Have had the software on the car updated a couple of times by a Citroen mechanic and has not improved.

The only way to deal with the problem seems to be turning the car off and letting the software reset! This is annoying.

My Citreon Xsara has exactly the same fault. It started about 6 -12 months ago. The mechanics say it is due to a faulty oxygen sensor, but it costs money to replace and the guys aren't certain. Has anyone replaced the oxygen sensor and cured the problem.

The problem seems to be fixed by replacing the idle step motor.

Hi try taking the motor and plunger out (two) screws and clean the plunger and the seating with some spirit on it and that shoud do the trick. If the fault doe, s not go away drink the restof the spirit.

I have a 98 citroen xsara as well try replacing the idler valve as I have just had mine blown through. the problem kept occurring so I got a new one fitted and its sorted itself out.

I live in Australia and bought my 1998 Xsara in July 2007. I am currently having the exact same idle difficulties. Been back to the Citroen mechanic three times - last about a month and then becomes bad and totaly random again. Have also been told it is a software problem. I shall mention what I have read here. Apart from this I like the car.