Market Position:
The Citroën GS was positioned as a mid-size family car, notable for its advanced technology and distinctive styling, competing with models like the Ford Cortina and Volkswagen Passat of its era.
Key Competitors:
Ford Cortina Mk3/Mk4, Volkswagen Passat B1, Fiat 128, Renault 12
Innovation:
Hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic body design, comfortable interior, and innovative engine options (including the Wankel rotary in the Birotor).
Target Audience:
Owners and independent repair shops seeking detailed technical information for maintenance, repair, and restoration of the Citroën GS and GSA models.
Engine Variants Covered:
1015cc (G10/630), 1124cc (G11/630), 1220cc (G12/630), 1299cc (GSX/GSX2), 1300cc (GSA), 1075cc Wankel Rotary (GS Birotor)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, typically 500+ pages for a comprehensive factory manual
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (all variants including Wankel), cooling system, fuel system (carburetor and injection for Birotor), exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic options), drive shafts, differential
Suspension Steering:
Hydropneumatic suspension (front and rear), steering system (rack and pinion)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system
Electrical System:
Battery, starting system, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, dashboard, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components
Body And Trim:
Interior trim removal and installation, exterior trim, bumpers, glass and seals.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems
Diagnostics:
Fault finding for electrical and mechanical systems, engine performance diagnostics
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values
Rebuilds:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, gearbox overhaul, suspension component rebuilds.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all major systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, specific wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting and repairs.
Special Tools:
Identifies specific tools required for specialized procedures, particularly for the hydropneumatic system and Wankel engine.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality:
High resolution, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Includes clear diagrams and illustrations.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential compressed files)
Operating Systems:
Windows and macOS compatible
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, flat-four (boxer) engines (except Birotor)
Bore X Stroke 1015Cc:
74 mm x 59 mm
Bore X Stroke 1124Cc:
77 mm x 61 mm
Bore X Stroke 1220Cc:
77 mm x 66 mm
Bore X Stroke 1299Cc:
80 mm x 64 mm
Horsepower 1015Cc:
56 PS (55 hp / 41 kW)
Horsepower 1124Cc:
55 PS (54 hp / 40 kW) or 60 PS (59 hp / 44 kW) depending on tune
Horsepower 1220Cc:
60 PS (59 hp / 44 kW) or 66 PS (65 hp / 48 kW) depending on tune
Horsepower 1299Cc:
67 PS (66 hp / 49 kW) or 75 PS (74 hp / 55 kW) depending on tune
Horsepower Birotor:
107 PS (106 hp / 79 kW) for the 1.3L twin-rotor
Carburetion:
Single or twin Solex/Zenith downdraft carburetors (depending on engine)
Birotor Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Top Speed Typical:
Approx. 140-160 km/h (87-99 mph) depending on engine
Acceleration 0 100Kmh Typical:
Approx. 15-20 seconds depending on engine
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2600 mm (102.4 inches)
Length Hatchback:
Approx. 4050 mm (159.4 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1600 mm (63 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 inches)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 950-1100 kg (2094-2425 lbs) depending on model and engine
Cargo Volume:
Significant for its class due to hatchback design and fold-down rear seats
Safety Ratings Era:
Era-appropriate safety standards. Advanced for its time in terms of crash energy management due to its body structure.
Active Safety:
Excellent roadholding and stability due to hydropneumatic suspension and front-wheel drive. Powerful front disc brakes.
Passive Safety:
Strong, integrated safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard and interior.
Infotainment System:
Basic dashboard instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights.
Driver Assistance:
No modern driver assistance systems. Focus is on active safety through chassis design.
Connectivity Features:
None.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition points (if applicable), and carburetor adjustment usually every 15,000-20,000 km (9,000-12,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 is common for air-cooled engines. Specific API service category may be required (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5-4.0 liters (3.7-4.2 US quarts) depending on engine variant.
Coolant Type:
Glycol-based antifreeze/coolant suitable for liquid-cooled systems (if applicable, though most GS were air-cooled). Consult manual for specific cooling systems.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification and hydraulic system fluid).
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LDS fluid or equivalent (highly specific fluid for hydropneumatic suspension).
Rust Corrosion:
Common issue on older vehicles, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points. Bodywork requires diligent inspection.
Hydropneumatic Suspension Leaks:
Leaking spheres or hydraulic lines can lead to a sagging ride height. Requires specialized knowledge and tools for repair.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring looms and connections can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults. Comprehensive wiring diagrams in the manual are essential.
Wankel Engine Specifics:
Apex seals and housing wear are potential issues for the Birotor engine, requiring specialized expertise for rebuilding.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Varies by engine, e.g., Mann-Filter W 914, Purflux LS164 (verify with manual).
Air Filter Part Number:
Varies by engine, e.g., Mann-Filter C 23410, Purflux A116 (verify with manual).
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, focusing on comfort, aerodynamics, and unique engineering solutions.
Gs Development:
Developed as a successor to the Ami 8 and positioned below the larger DS, the GS was designed by Robert Opron and launched in 1970.
Gsa Update:
The GSA variant was introduced in 1979 with updated styling (including a revised dashboard with the 'satellite' controls) and improved mechanics.
Birotor Variant:
The GS Birotor (GZ) was a limited-production model featuring a twin-rotor Wankel engine, offering smoother performance but facing higher fuel consumption and development costs.
Production Period:
1970-1986
Manufacturing Locations:
France (primarily Rennes-La Janais), also produced in other countries under license.
Car Of The Year Award:
European Car of the Year in 1971.
