2004 Citroen Xsara Picasso loosing coolant

Car: Citroen Xsara Picasso
Year: 2004
Variant: diesel HDi exclusive - 5 speed manual
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
for a few weeks I have been having to refill the expansion tank every few days but was unable to see any signs of coolant leaking. Three days ago, after a trip on the motorway then around Birmingham the coolant level dropped suddenly after refilling yet again. This happened twice during one day. The day after I left the car run from cold whilst standing on the driveway. When the engine started to heat up, the coolant began to dribble front somewhere at the rear of the engine. It got worse as the engine heated more until it slowed to a dribble again. The water felt cold to the touch but warmed a little as time progressed; the water never got hot. There is no obvious sign of high pressure in the expansion tank and no foreign material in the expansion tank.
Can anyone please help?
Posted: Jul 4, 2011 (12 years ago)
If you cant locate where the leak is coming from a pressure test of cooling system should show up the fault . You might have to check thermostat also if engine has been overheating and may have to bleed cooling system after topping up .If all that fails a block test will check head / gaasket .Could also check for signs of water pump leaking .
Posted Jul 4, 2011 (12 years ago)
possibly a faulty temp sender
Posted Jul 6, 2011 (12 years ago)
thanks for all the info posted. I took the vehicle to a trusted garage and after having a look they said there was a seal leaking at the back of the engine by the bulkhead. They have ordered the seal (have to order the hose to get it) and are fitting tomorrow. Part is £15 and about 1hrs labour.
Thanks
Posted Jul 6, 2011 (12 years ago)
I realize this problem has been solved, but I would offer my experience. Not only was I loosing coolant, but the bleed pipe at the right of the temperature block was blowing out the cap. It was suggested that the problem was the rear seal leaking. This wasn't the problem, but I solved it after buying a new cap for the reservoir (the second before it was solved) and also replacing the temperature gauge as the bleed pipe broke at a later date. Since then there has been no loss of coolant and the temp has remained satisfactory, even when towing.
Posted Oct 27, 2013 (10 years ago)
Hi sorry to bother you but can you remember which part this was as mine is doing exactly the same I have slowed the water leak by running the heating at full wack but whilst in the cold weather its all good I can't imagine it being fun during the summer
Posted Feb 2, 2017 (7 years ago)

This problem is archived

If you're having a similar problem please click below to re-post this problem, you can then customise it to suit your situation.

Join the community
Got a question? Can you answer other questions here? If so please...
More problems with the 2004 model year Citroen Xsara Picasso

We have 94 problems and solutions in our database for this model year of the car.

View all Citroen Xsara Picasso Problems