Xsara 2002 1.6, GLX. radiator fan stopped working so the engine was overheating whe travelling slow. The temperature indicator was showing in the red, then the warning light and stop sign illuminated. Sometimes the temperature indicator dropped to zero as is the guage had been switched off. Fitted a new fan and was working ok, but now, the temp guage is reading zero, the red lwarning light is on and the stop warning sign is flashing. Also the Air conditioning has stopped working. The engine is running fine with no more over heating. Changed the temp sensor, but no difference citroen isnt on the list so i just put any cat in just to get the question posted

Engine is too hot which is burning oil and road dirt off the engine. Sounds like a bad thermostat or a water pump problem. The radiator may be partially blocked too.

In general, vehicles with electric radiator fans use an electronic temperature control so the fans only run as fast as needed. The energy to drive the fans come from the fuel you burn, so this is supposed to improve fuel economy. The air conditioner load makes the engine run hotter, so the fans should come on then.

Now, here is the real question: is the engine overheating at traffic light stops? Do you see an abnormal temperature rise on the dashboard gauge (assuming you have one)? If so, you may have a problem with the fan motor bearing, check for smooth and easy rotation of the fan when the engine is cold (it's dangerous to do so when the engine hot; the fan may come on even with the engine turned off). On the other hand, if the temperature indication is generally lower than it used to be, the temperature sensor may be going bad and is not calling for the fan to be on when it should be.

The powertrain computer turns the fans on through the cooling fan relays, based on information from the coolant temperature sensor. The fans will only come on when the coolant temp. is pretty high-varies by manufacturer, but it is over 200 degrees, some as much as 230 degrees. So the fans will not come on when engine is started, but they should come on before the engine overheats. You should have them checked. Also find out if the temp. gauge sending unit is separate and different from the coolant temperature sensor-on most cars, they are separate, maybe not on yours?
Free advice from a shadetree-not worth a lot, eh? lol.

first check coolant level in radiator coolant level sound low.if coolant overflow jug empty.coolant sysyem low, when add coolant to coolant overflow jug coolant level should stay at full cold mark.if coolant level okay,engine overheat while sitting or moving in slow traffic either coolant fan relay or fuse could be bad.or engine coolant temperature sensor could be bad. coolant sensor turn on cooling fan at certain temperature.hot wire check to make sure cooling fan motor not bad or short in wires.if all is good have pcm check it controls fan relay to through the coolant temperature sensor signal when coolant get hot.

The most common overlook thing is you got a air pocket, so before you go spend your money turn Heather on full blast, open the radiator cap, car running look for air bubbles, takes patience cause you got to wait for the thermostat to open up, you must refill the coolant really really slow snail pace, some car have a bleeding valve others have two chamber on the overflow bottle,good luck, if that doesn't work change the thermostat first and if that doesn't work I'm afraid you may need to replace water pump. . water pump

Do you think that it's overheating because the temperature light is on? If so, then it's possible that you have a bad temperature sensor and not an overheating engine.
Look for other signs of engine overheating :
1. Sluggish engine operation.
2. Detonation upon acceleration (pinging).
3. Rough, uneven engine idle.
4. Coolant boiling in overflow tank.
If your vehicle is experiencing these symptoms, then overheating is indicated. One of the most common cases of overheating is a bad thermostat. Another common problem is a faulty cooling fan or fan circuit. The cooling fan can be checked by running the engine at operating temperature and turning on the AC control. if the fan does not come on, then a problem with the fan circuit is indicated. The thermostat can be checked by placing a cooking thermometer on the motor near the upper radiator hose where it attaches to the motor. the temperature should not go above 225deg. If it does, then replace the thermostat. If the temperature stays at or below this rating, then replace the temperature sensor. I hope that this information helps you with your problem and thank you for using Fixya.com.

WARNING : Be very careful when working around cooling systems when the engine is at operating temperature. DO NOT open the radiator cap (if equipped) or even the overflow tank cap when the system is hot. Always wear safety glasses. Remember that electric cooling fans can operate at any time, even after the engine is off. Keep hands away from fan when working in the engine compartment.

This probably be a temperature sensor problem in your radiator. If the temperature sensor runs hot and gives out wrong reading to the engine, the car may not start until it really cools down below the safe range. Check the temperature sensor or your radiator and also see if the radiator fans are working when it runs hot

maybe thermostat not opening to allow cold coolant into the engine

sounds to me like the thermostat is sticking and allowing the car to overheat. with the a/c on the fan comes on and runs constantly to keep the engine cool

replace that thermostat again...flush radiator any way...then see how it runs...