CITROEN XM - Auto Box

Auto and manual gearboxes 103 Auto Box
154 Citroen XM Internet Reference Version 1.0
3/3/99
103 Auto Box
There is some interesting material on the XM auto box on
http://www.jie.com/citrotrans.htm
and ZF also have a Web site, www.zf.com.
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With XM automatic gearboxes it is important to change the fluid often with an occaisional complete
change by removing the filter housing.
These boxes are sensitive to abuse by unsuitable selectin or moving into drive with higher revs than
basic idle, so treat it well, keep the fluid fresh and it will last forever.
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On inspection, it was decided to send the box away to specialists for rebuilding as a lower cost option to
a straight exchange box, and this has been done successfully. In the next issue, I hope to give you a
complete breakdown of what was wrong inside the box and the list of parts which were required to bring
it up to scratch. One factor which delayed return of the car was the discovery that there is a
recommended change to the pipes which lead to the auto box heat exchanger. As fitted, these are made
of a flexible rubber type material. because
the engine/gearbox assembly needs to move-rigid pipes will not do. It has come to light that these pipes
generally behave themselves if left alone. Any movement of the pipes, as, for example, when
disconnecting them, can cause the walls to break up and the rubbish to circulate in the gearbox, with
possibly dire results. Modified pipes are available and were ordered in my case - hence the delay.
Another factor is associated with the air-conditioning system, which has proved reluctant to stay
gas-tight on a union connection with the air receiver. This is a radiator which is situated in front of the
water cooling radiator. It appears that the threads have become distorted and a new receiver will cost
about £350, unless a repair can be effected. I am hoping like anything it can be repaired. Now, the
advantage of using Phil Wells is that he does not give up easily by fitting new parts unless forced so to
do. It may take a little longer his way, but if it saves money it has to be the best way. As I have earlier
remarked, the advantage with Phil is that you can talk to him at any stage of an overhaul and also visit
the workshops while work is in progress. The main dealer workshop managers (understandably) do not
encourage this approach, unless in extreme circumstances.
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Auto-transmission
I drained down by removing the three little bolts that hold a triangular plate in position at the lowest point
of the gearbox. As my box had been expertly set at the correct oil level very important, by the way - by
Philip Wells at Vive le Citroen, Keston, I replaced what came out with fresh DEXTRON 2. Inspecting the
magnet in the drain plate, my heart sank. The remains of a large and very thin 'crinkly' washer was held
fast by the magnet. Has it been loose in the gearbox all the time, or has it come off something
important? You will know the feeling when finding this sort of thing! I began to wish now that I hadn't
changed the oil on an annual basis. Citroen originally recommended a long interval for changing the
auto box fluid - 45,000 miles?—but, I believe that this may have been reduced more recently. Can
anyone comment? However, the gearbox is continuing to function smoothly, so I am doing my best to
put washers out of my mind!
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Some time ago I had a leaflet from a Citroen mechanic who loves French cars and services and repairs
them at very modest rates. He is Philip Wells of Keston, near Bromley in Kent. I popped in to see him a