Wow guys thank you so much for all your responses; i got a feeling when we are through anyone who ever experiences the same problem will understand what to do from reading the thread which you have all helped build.
Was your suspension fluid totally empty? I dont mean just in the tank but around the system? Unless the system was flushed i would bet there is still LDS in the system.
I dont think there is a way to know completely, all i know is that when i bought the car. Soon after, when i started the car i used to get the STOP message on the dash everytime and i fought this was just to do with engine warming up etc, since i had just acquired my first ever citroen.
The second reason why i though that is because the message would dissapear after driving for about 5miles. ( Very strange ).
Then once i decided to check the hydraulic fluid level, and although deep down i could almost see the orange shade, it was definately below minimum and i went to halfords to buy a 1ltr bottle of power steering and transmission fluid which is the only thing they had and the halfords man said it goes into my citroen. So i put the whole 1ltr and still it was below minimum, so i got worried that there may be a leak.
by the way, if i remember correctly the halfords fluid was green (at the time had no idea there were different types of fluids).
so, the next morning when i moved car, there was big oil puddle underneath so immediately i done the maths and knew it was leak somewhere. ( so since there were no puddles previously before i put in 1ltr bottle ) . i have come out with the assumption that all the fluid had leaked out.
Surprisingly i remember my citroen still lifting up fine.
so i took to local mechanic, which is no expert on citroens or hydraulic suspension but the type who undertakes everything and anything.
doughnut really (dont use him anymore).
he found a a very small fluid pipe had broken and ordered it from citroen dealer which had to be delivered from FRANCE.
he then changed and refilled.
since he is a mechanic i dont question someone about their job (big mistake).
then about 3 months after ( now ), i have decided to check if any fluid was below minimum and no everything fine no leaks.
BUT liquid is green so i ASSUME LHM.
Even if i ask him he wont remember or tell me. He will say it is the correct one im right your wrong.
by the way car lifts, lowers with no problem.
So guys i know some have suggested to get it changed which seems the most sensible option but since there is not guaranteed damage which is known to be caused,
i am truly lost, the fluid i could probably afford myself cheapest i found was ebay £11 per litre with postage included. So around £60 for 5 litres.
the changing sounds simple to some extent as in lower car, remove right wheel, splash guard remove pipe.
But does the method described in that pdf where you remove the pipe from the reservour completely flush it, or does some get left behind in elsewhere in system and is it a problem?
Because my local will charge alot for draining, refilling, bleeding.
If i was to do it myself, i dont think i could bleed it myself dont have machinery is this important or can be done without doing?
by the way if anyone is interested i called citroen dealer just to get their opinion, and they said cant be sure of damage till checked, best thing to do is drain and replace because lds should be in there.
i asked for price: £300 for labour = drain,refill,bleed + liquid 5 x £14 per litre.
so cant afford that car is only worth around £1000.
So what you guys think?
and so sorry for my essay.
