🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Year:

1982

Country Of Origin:

France

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroën GS/GSA was positioned as a distinctive and technologically advanced compact family car, offering a unique blend of comfort and aerodynamic styling.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Renault 14, and Fiat 128, often differentiating itself with its hydropneumatic suspension and unconventional styling.

Suspension:

The signature hydropneumatic suspension provided unparalleled ride comfort and self-leveling capability, regardless of load.

Aerodynamics:

Sleek, aerodynamic design penned by Robert Opron, contributing to good fuel efficiency and stability.

Cabin Design:

Unique 'asteroid' dashboard in early models and a driver-focused cockpit, with distinctive steering wheel design.

Audience:

Primarily aimed at professional technicians, but also accessible to DIY enthusiasts with a foundational understanding of vehicle mechanics and electronics.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Mechanical:

Full

Engine Electrical:

Full

Transmission Manual:

Full

Transmission Automatic:

Not Applicable (Manual Transmission Only)

Suspension:

Full (Hydropneumatic)

Brakes:

Full (Front Disc, Rear Drum)

Steering:

Full

Fuel System:

Full

Cooling System:

Full

Exhaust System:

Full

Body And Chassis:

Full

Electrical System:

Full (Wiring Diagrams Included)

Interior Trim:

Full

Heating And Ventilation:

Full

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive

Estimated Pages:

Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Digital Delivery:

Instant Download

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

Yes

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Types:

4-cylinder boxer engines (e.g., 1299cc, 1360cc, 1580cc for GS/GSA)

Hydropneumatic Suspension:

Detailed coverage of the unique self-leveling suspension system, including sphere service, hydraulic fluid, pressure regulation, and ride height adjustment.

Body Structure:

Coverage of unibody construction, panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and interior fitting.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Explanation of all dashboard instruments, controls, and indicator lights.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and related electrical circuits.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, and timing procedures.

Carburetion:

Detailed information on Solex carburettors (e.g., 32 DIDTA, 34 PDSIT) and their adjustment.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid level checks.

Engine Overhaul:

Piston and ring replacement, cylinder head removal/installation, valve adjustments, crankshaft and bearing service.

Transmission Service:

Clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear linkage adjustment.

Brake System Repair:

Pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake fluid bleeding, disc/drum machining.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Ball joint, control arm, and shock absorber replacement (where applicable outside hydropneumatic system).

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis and repair of wiring faults, starter motor, alternator, and lighting issues.

Body Repair:

Dent removal, rust repair techniques, panel alignment, and trim fitting.

Heating And Ac Service:

Blower motor, heater core, and ducting service (AC typically optional and may have separate coverage).

Depth:

Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers with basic mechanical/electrical knowledge. Covers from routine maintenance to complete component overhaul.

Diagnostic Information:

Includes diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, and troubleshooting guides for common issues.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and component tolerances for all major assemblies.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Extensive use of diagrams, exploded views, and photographs to illustrate disassembly, assembly, and repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of all text and diagrams.

Type:

Digital Download (not a physical binding)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, flat-four (boxer) engine

Displacement Gs Standard:

1299 cc (1.3 L)

Displacement Gsa Standard:

1360 cc (1.4 L) or 1580 cc (1.6 L)

Horsepower 1.3L:

Approx. 60-65 hp

Horsepower 1.6L:

Approx. 75-85 hp

Torque 1.6L:

Approx. 130-140 Nm

Carburetor Type:

Single or twin-choke Solex downdraft carburetors (e.g., 32 DIDTA, 34 PDSIT)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (depending on market and era of tune)

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

Citroën's semi-automatic 'Reflex' transmission (less common)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate diaphragm clutch

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios are detailed within the manual for both 4 and 5-speed units.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4.1 m (161.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1.6 m (63 in)

Height:

Approx. 1.3 m (51.2 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2.7 m (106.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1000-1100 kg (2200-2425 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Limited formal crash test data available from modern standards for this era of vehicle. Emphasis was on passive safety features of the time.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Often featured the 'DIRAVI' (Direction Assistée par Ressort) steering system providing progressive assistance and a self-centering effect.

Seat Belts:

Standard fitment of front seat belts, with rears optional or market-dependent.

Body Structure:

Designed with a strong safety cage philosophy typical of Citroën's engineering.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory fitted radios were typically AM/FM with manual tuning. Some later models might have cassette players.

Steering System:

The DIRAVI steering provided a form of power assistance and self-centering, enhancing stability at higher speeds.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; focus was on mechanical and hydraulic innovation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific grade (e.g., API SF/SE) and viscosity (e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50) based on climate. Capacity approx. 3.5-4.0 liters.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral), Citroën's specific hydraulic fluid. Capacity for system approx. 3-4 liters. Crucial to use the correct fluid type.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (depending on specific system in later models/modifications). Capacity for brake system (separate from hydropneumatic) approx. 0.5 - 0.75 liters.

Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Hypoid gear oil, viscosity SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.

Suspension Leaks:

Hydraulic fluid leaks from hoses, seals, or the height corrector are common with age. Requires specialized knowledge and parts.

Rust:

Like many cars of this era, susceptible to rust, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, and floor pans.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetors can become gummed up, leading to poor idling or starting problems. Requires careful cleaning and adjustment.

Electrical Gremlins:

Ageing wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Citroën is renowned for its pioneering spirit and avant-garde engineering, particularly in suspension systems (like the DS) and aerodynamic design, a legacy continued by the GS/GSA.

Gs Introduction:

The GS was launched in 1970 as a successor to the Ami 8, aiming to bridge the gap between the basic Ami and the luxury DS.

Gsa Introduction:

The GSA was an updated version of the GS, introduced in 1980, featuring a revised ('integrated') dashboard, improved aerodynamics, and minor mechanical revisions, including the option of the larger 1580cc engine.

Production Years:

GS: 1970-1986; GSA: 1980-1986

Locations:

Primarily France, with some production also in other European countries and South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

The Citroën GS was awarded the European Car of the Year in 1971 for its innovative design and engineering.

Comfort Rating:

Consistently praised for its class-leading ride comfort due to the hydropneumatic suspension.