🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

CX

Year:

1981

Model Code:

CX 20, CX 22, CX 2400, CX 25 GTI (specific codes may vary by market and trim)

👋 Introduction

Market Positioning:

The Citroën CX was positioned as a large, executive, front-wheel-drive car, known for its innovative hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic design, and futuristic styling, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz W123, BMW 5 Series, and Ford Granada.

Key Competitors 1981:

Mercedes-Benz W123, BMW 5 Series (E28), Audi 100 (C3), Ford Granada (Mk2), Rover SD1

Aerodynamic Design:

Designed by Robert Opron, the CX featured a teardrop shape and covered rear wheels to achieve a low drag coefficient for its era.

Hydropneumatic Suspension:

Citroën's signature self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension provided unparalleled ride comfort and handling, adjusting to load and road conditions.

Directional Headlights:

Many European models featured steerable headlights that turned with the front wheels, improving visibility around corners.

Singular Speaker Dash:

The distinctive single-spoke steering wheel and futuristic dashboard layout were hallmarks of the CX's interior design.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Title:

Citroën CX 1981 All Service Repair Manual

Covered Model Years:

1981 (potentially includes closely related model years with shared components)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service Repair:

Complete overhaul, component replacement, timing, fuel system, ignition, cooling, lubrication

Transmission Service Repair:

Manual and Automatic (where applicable), clutch, gears, seals, hydraulic systems

Brake System:

Hydraulic systems, discs, pads, calipers, lines, fluid, parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays

Suspension:

Hydropneumatic system, spheres, accumulators, pumps, hoses, shock absorbers, alignment

Steering:

Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, linkage

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant, hoses, water pump

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, filters, carburetors (on certain models)

Emission System:

Catalytic converter, exhaust system, emissions control components

Engine Control System:

ECU (Electronic Control Unit) diagnostics, sensors, actuators

Chassis Body:

Frame, body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, rust prevention

Restraint System:

Seat belts, airbags (if applicable for the year)

Axle:

Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts

General Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom analysis

Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Refurbishing Renovation:

Guidance on restoring worn or damaged components

Periodic Lubrication:

Lubrication points and recommended intervals

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams included for all major systems.

Wheel Alignment Specs:

Specifications for front and rear wheel alignment.

Torqu:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners across all systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth repairs and diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Compatibility:

All Windows and Mac versions

Print Quality Recommendation:

High-quality printing recommended for clarity of diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Engine Displacement Liters:

2.0 L (1984 cc) for CX 20, 2.2 L (2175 cc) for CX 22, 2.4 L (2377 cc) for CX 2400, 2.5 L (2487 cc) for CX 25

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 90-120 hp (depending on engine and tuning)

Torque Range:

Approximately 150-190 Nm (depending on engine and tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Weber twin-choke carburetors or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (on later or higher-spec models like CX 25 GTI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic (often ZF or Citroën's own design)

Transmission Features:

Integrated transaxle design, front-wheel drive.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4640 mm (182.7 in) for saloon, 4970 mm (195.7 in) for estate

Width:

Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in) for saloon

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2900 mm (114.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1500 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No standardized NCAP ratings for this era; relied on national homologation standards.

Active Safety:

Hydropneumatic suspension for stable handling, powerful disc brakes (often inboard at the front), optional anti-roll bars.

Passive Safety:

Impact-absorbing steering column, reinforced chassis structure, seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player (optional), analog instrumentation.

Driver Assistance Features:

Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension acts as an active ride control system.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or annually.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Refer to manual, but generally around 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 60,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature)

Hydropneumatic Fluid Type:

LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) - specific Citroën specification

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Hydropneumatic System Leaks:

Common issue with aging seals, hoses, and spheres requiring regular inspection and topping up of LHM.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older wiring can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults.

Rust And Corrosion:

Prone to rust, especially in wheel arches, sills, and around the rear window.

Carburetor Issues:

Weber carburetors can require periodic adjustment and cleaning.

Drive Shaft Boots:

Can wear out and fail, leading to CV joint damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Heritage:

Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, known for pioneering front-wheel drive, hydropneumatic suspension, and aerodynamic design.

Cx Predecessor:

Citroën DS (ID)

Cx Successor:

Citroën XM

Production Period:

1974-1991

Manufacturing Locations:

France (primary), Belgium, Portugal, Uruguay, Yugoslavia

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While not a single named award, the CX's styling and engineering were widely recognized and praised, influencing automotive design for years.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Historical consumer reports would vary; known for excellent ride comfort but sometimes criticized for complexity and potential maintenance costs compared to conventional cars.