🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Year:

1977

Chassis Code:

VF7XZ

Engine Code Typical:

G129 (1220cc), G142 (1440cc)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Primarily professional technicians, but also suitable for experienced DIY enthusiasts with a basic understanding of automotive mechanics and electrics.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential factory-level repair and maintenance information that may be difficult to source elsewhere for this classic Citroën model, enabling owners to perform complex tasks confidently and accurately.

Features:

Step-by-step procedures, critical specifications, illustrations/pictures, maintenance schedules, disassembly/assembly instructions, troubleshooting guides. Offers the convenience of instant download and digital accessibility.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

Citroën GS and GSA models, specifically the 1977 model year, including various engine and trim configurations.

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 300-500+ pages for comprehensive factory-level coverage.

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, and fuel system (carburetor or early injection).

Transmission:

Manual and possible semi-automatic transmissions (Citroën Dyane-style), including clutch, gearbox overhaul, driveshafts, and differential.

Suspension:

Advanced hydropneumatic suspension system (front and rear), including hydraulic fluid, spheres, pumps, regulators, and leveling.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic fluid, bleeding procedures, and component replacement.

Steering:

Rack and pinion steering system, steering column, and related components.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instruments, dashboard controls, fuses, and relays.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, and underbody components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, lubrication points, and tune-up procedures.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical systems, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, and diagnostic procedures for common issues.

Technical Specifications:

Detailed specifications for all components, including torque values, clearances, measurements, and tolerances.

Depth:

Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including the complex hydropneumatic suspension system.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, allowing for clear viewing and printing.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on original scan quality).

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Software:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for unzipping if applicable)

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely covers the 1220cc (G129) and 1440cc (G142) flat-four boxer engines (air-cooled).

Power Output 1220Cc:

Approximately 55-60 hp

Power Output 1440Cc:

Approximately 65-70 hp

Fuel Delivery:

Typically single or twin Zenith or Solex carburetors. Some later models or variants might have had early fuel injection.

Cooling Type:

Air-cooled, with a fan and ducting system.

Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40, depending on climate and year). Often a ZDDP additive was recommended for older flat-four engines.

Engine Codes:

Various G1xx designations denoting displacement and revision.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transaxle.

Semi Automatic:

Possible availability of a semi-automatic (hydraulically actuated clutch with torque converter) on some variants, though less common than the manual.

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate diaphragm clutch.

Gearbox Oil:

Refer to manual for specific GL specification (e.g., GL-4) and viscosity (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

5-door hatchback, later 3-door estate (break). GSA introduced a revised front end and hatchback configuration.

Length:

Approximately 4000-4150 mm (157.5-163.4 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1600-1650 mm (63.0-65.0 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2500 mm (98.4 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs), depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era:

Late 1970s safety standards, generally less stringent than modern vehicles. Specific crash test ratings from this era are often unavailable or not directly comparable.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc front, drum rear. The hydropneumatic system provided self-leveling which could influence braking dynamics.

Seatbelts:

Front seatbelts standard; rear seatbelts may have been optional or absent depending on market and specific build date.

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction with integral safety cage structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, potentially with a single speaker. Cassette players were an option on later models.

Driver Aids:

None by modern standards. Features like power steering were optional or present on higher trims, and the hydropneumatic suspension provided self-leveling and variable ride height.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to the manual for precise intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 20,000 - 40,000 km (12,000 - 25,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.

Hydropneumatic Fluid Service:

Regular checks and topping up of LHM (Citroën hydraulic fluid) are crucial. Fluid changes or filter servicing may be recommended at intervals like 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.5 - 4.0 liters (3.7 - 4.2 US quarts) depending on engine variant. Specific filter part numbers would be found in the manual.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroën LHM (Green fluid). NEVER use any other type of hydraulic fluid. Capacity is significant for the entire system.

Hydropneumatic System:

Leaks, loss of ride height, worn spheres, pump wear. Requires specialized knowledge for repair.

Engine Cooling:

Air-cooled engines can be susceptible to overheating in very hot climates or heavy traffic if the cooling fan or ducting is compromised.

Electrical System:

Corrosion in wiring connectors, aging insulation, and intermittent faults are common in vehicles of this age.

Rust Corrosion:

Typical for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas prone to road salt or moisture. Floor pans, sills, and wheel arches are common areas.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroën is renowned for its pioneering engineering, particularly its advancements in suspension systems (hydropneumatic) and aerodynamic design, influencing many vehicles.

Gs Development:

The GS was introduced in 1970 as a 'small family car' with advanced features for its class. It was praised for its comfort, handling, and aerodynamic styling.

Gsa Introduction:

The GSA was launched in 1980 as a significant facelift of the GS, featuring a new dashboard, improved aerodynamics (distinctive 'GSA' front end), and updated styling. The 1977 model falls under the GS lineage preceding the GSA facelift.

Production Period:

GS: 1970–1986. GSA: 1980–1986.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily France, but also licensed production in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

The Citroën GS was awarded the European Car of the Year in 1971.

Design Awards:

Widely recognized for its advanced and aerodynamic design, considered a benchmark for its era.