Citroen Xsara Picasso lack of brakes when starting engine?

The fault is caused by a worn vacuum pump. I've just had this exact problem, replaced the pump (£25 from a breakers or about £110 new) & it operates fine now. Very easy job, just three bolts & the hose to unclip, new pump on & fasten up. Easier if you have little hands. I don't!

Dave R
July 2011

Yes. Pumping noise over by the glove box, rock hard brake pedal. Only happens when starting the engine for thefirst time that day. It happened to me several times but the worst for me is when I once had my son in the car and it happened as I was going up my road, luckily it's up hill. The brake pedal went rock hard and offered very little braking. Had to pull over, turn the engine off and restart keeping my foot on the brake pedal, as the engine re started I kept pressure on the pedal and the resistance diminished and the pedal depressed. This was 2 months ago and the I have not had the problem again.......it hasn't done it since

Papillon
January 2011

I've had mine doing this for about a week. Took it to the dealer today and got no answers; said they'd need it for a couple of days to see if it would do it for them. It's only first thing on a morning and since our drive is very steep the car hurtles down the drive until I stamp on the brakes. After a few yards the brakes work perfectly but on first starting there's no servo at all.

Di
February 2010

I have the same problem...very scary.Went into main dealer today who told me that the brake vacuum pump is faulty....£250 to fix

chelsie
September 2009

I had same problem on 2005 xsara picasso 2.0 hdi, lasted 60 sec then fine told it was sticking brake vacuum pump, day before it was due to go in for replacement it cured itself and fine since (could it have been grit between diaphram and pump wall?)

Martin
May 2009

I have this problem too on my 2000/51 HDi SX...and (whcih may or may not be related) if I depress the brake pedal without the engine running I get a sound like a pair of old bellows coming from the general direction of the glove box, which I guess is located just behine the brake servo unit???

Anybody come across a solution yet?

Neil
March 2009

I have encountered the same thing today, taking car back to garage. does anyone know the resolution of this problem

dave s
January 2009

Our picasso is exactly the same. Its an 2002 2.0D and happens occasionaly at start up and feels ok once driven and pedal begins to depress. My wife drives this car and I am worried this will happen during a journey!
My guess on this is that a relay to start the passage of servo assisted vacuum is working intermitently.
If you find what it is please let me know. I will do the same also if I find the issue.

Rob
December 2008