🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

CX

Platform:

XM (internal development code shared with some later models)

👋 Introduction

Historical Context:

The Citroën CX was a groundbreaking executive car, renowned for its avant-garde design, hydropneumatic suspension, and front-wheel-drive layout. It represented the pinnacle of Citroën's engineering philosophy in its era.

Era Competitors:

Competed against luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz W123, BMW E28, Peugeot 604, Renault 30, and Jaguar XJ Series. Its unique features, particularly the hydropneumatic suspension, set it apart.

Vehicle Highlights:

Aerodynamic 'fuselage' styling, directional headlamps, hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, powered by various four-cylinder and V6 engines, advanced braking system.

Hydropneumatic Suspension Detail:

Citroën's renowned hydropneumatic system provides self-leveling, variable ride height, and exceptional damping, offering a ride quality often described as 'magic carpet' like.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Cooling, Audio/Video, Engine Systems, Heated Systems, Horn, Ignition Control, Instrument Cluster, Lamps, Power Systems, Restraints, Speed Control, Vehicle Theft Security, Wipers/Washers, Navigation, Wiring, Engine, Exhaust System, Frame & Bumpers, Fuel System, Steering, Transmission/Transaxle, Tires/Wheels, Heating & Air Conditioning, Adjusting Panels, Unlock Bonnet, Special Tools

Estimated Page Count:

Varies significantly by specific model year and engine variant, but factory service manuals for this era typically range from 800 to 1500+ pages.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

Likely English (based on common sales of such manuals, though original French versions exist).

Format:

PDF (Digitally Delivered)

📖 Manual Coverage

Major Systems:

Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Hydraulic systems (suspension, brakes, steering), Electrical system (including wiring diagrams), Fuel system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Braking system, Steering system, Suspension system, Climate control system, Bodywork and interior trim.

Interior And Exterior Accessories:

Includes details on interior trim, seat adjustments, window regulators, door locks, exterior trim pieces, lighting assemblies, and bumper installation/removal.

Repair And Maintenance:

Complete diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, preventative maintenance schedules, fluid and lubricant specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, troubleshooting guides, and component replacement procedures.

Engine Repair And Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft bearing inspection, timing belt/chain replacement (depending on engine variant), valve seat grinding, and engine block machining specifications.

Transmission And Drivetrain Service:

Complete rebuild procedures for manual gearboxes (clutch replacement, gear synchro inspection), automatic transmission overhaul (valve body, clutch packs), differential service, driveshaft and CV joint replacement, and hub bearing service.

Brake System Overhaul:

Disc brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, hydraulic line inspection and replacement, master cylinder and slave cylinder service, brake fluid bleeding procedures, and adjustment of the rear brake pressure regulator.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Detailed steps for hydropneumatic sphere replacement, hydraulic pump and accumulator service, height corrector calibration, strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing renewal, ball joint inspection and replacement, and full steering rack and pinion overhaul.

Electrical System Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults, alternator and starter motor service, ignition system component testing, instrument cluster repair, lighting system diagnosis, and power accessory troubleshooting.

Bodywork And Trim Restoration:

Instructions for unlocking the bonnet (hood), adjusting panels, minor body repair techniques, door and window mechanism adjustment, interior trim panel removal and installation, and component replacement for bumpers and frame components.

Climate Control System Repair:

Service procedures for the heating system, ventilation system, and air conditioning (if equipped), including component testing, refrigerant handling (where applicable), and control unit diagnostics.

Fuel And Exhaust System Maintenance:

Fuel pump testing and replacement, carburetor adjustment and overhaul, fuel injection system diagnostics, fuel line inspection, exhaust manifold and pipe replacement, muffler service, and catalytic converter replacement (where applicable).

Engine Management And Tuning:

Information on ignition timing adjustments, carburetor jetting, fuel injection system calibration, and emissions control system checks, crucial for optimal performance and efficiency.

Level Of Detail:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Equivalent to what official Citroën dealerships used.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues encountered with the CX.

Rebuild Specifications:

Provides critical internal measurements, clearance specifications, and assembly instructions for major engine and transmission components to ensure proper rebuilding.

Special Tool Requirements:

Lists and illustrates the specific tools required for many complex or specialized procedures unique to the CX, such as hydropneumatic system servicing and engine component adjustments.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic diagnostic charts that guide the user through identifying the root cause of a problem based on observed symptoms.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans or professionally created PDFs, typically with searchable text and clear, legible diagrams and illustrations.

Digital Illustrations:

Detailed line drawings, exploded views, and photographic illustrations of components and procedures.

Diagram Clarity:

Engineering-standard clarity in all technical drawings, ensuring precise understanding of component relationships and assembly order.

Digital Delivery Method:

Instant Download via a digital link.

Digital Paper Simulation:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

Various inline-four cylinder engines (e.g., 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.5L) and later V6 engines (e.g., 2.5L PRV V6). Specifics depend on the model year and market.

Engine Code Examples:

Examples include the Douvrin 'type 653' 2.0L, 'type 751' 2.2L, and the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) V6 'ES9' family.

Power And Torque:

Horsepower figures typically ranged from approximately 90 hp for early 2.0L models to over 130 hp for later 2.5L versions and V6 variants. Torque figures also varied accordingly.

Injection And Carburetion:

Early models utilized carburetion (e.g., Solex or Weber), while later models, particularly higher-spec versions and diesel variants, incorporated Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection. Diesel variants featured Bosch injection pumps.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Options:

Likely a 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission as standard on many models, often featuring a semi-automatic 'Henri-Tessier' clutchless manual on some European versions.

Automatic Transmission:

A 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22 or a proprietary Citroën design) was a common optional upgrade.

Drive System:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with a typically integrated transaxle unit.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles And Length:

Available as a 4-door saloon and a 5-door estate (Break). Lengths generally ranged from approximately 4.6 to 4.8 meters (181 to 189 inches) depending on the variant.

Cabin Space And Features:

Known for its spacious and futuristic interior, with a distinctive single-spoke steering wheel, 'DIRAVI' speed-sensitive power steering, and comfortable seating.

Luggage Capacity:

Decent for its class, particularly in the estate (Break) version, with a focus on usability for touring.

Curb Weight:

Curb weight typically ranged from 1300 kg to 1500 kg (approximately 2866 lbs to 3307 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

While formal crash test ratings from modern organizations like Euro NCAP were not common for vehicles of this era, the CX featured a robust unibody construction and passive safety features for its time.

Braking And Handling:

Four-wheel disc brakes with a high-pressure hydraulic system for consistent braking effort and feel. The hydropneumatic suspension contributed to excellent stability and ride comfort, aiding active safety.

Occupant Protection:

Seatbelts (often inertia-reel), padded dashboard and interior surfaces, deformable steering column, and a strong safety cell.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Features:

Basic AM/FM radio and cassette player, often with integrated speakers. Some higher-end models may have offered optional multi-speaker systems or upgraded Blaupunkt or Clarion units.

Steering And Cruise Control:

DIRAVI (Direction Assistée par Inflexion) speed-sensitive power steering, which stiffens at higher speeds for improved stability. Optional cruise control on some models.

Historical Connectivity:

Limited by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical and hydraulic systems rather than digital connectivity. Ancillary features included power windows, central locking (on later models), and heated rear screens.

🔧 Maintenance

Recommended Schedule:

Typically: Oil changes every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles), filter changes with oil changes, gearbox oil checks annually, brake fluid checks every 2 years, and comprehensive checks of the hydropneumatic system at longer intervals (e.g., 20,000-30,000 km).

Lubricants And Coolant:

Engine Oil: API SF/SG classification, viscosity dependent on ambient temperature (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50). Transmission Fluid: GL-4 manual transmission fluid, Dexron II for automatic transmissions. Hydraulic Fluid: Citroën LHS 2 (or equivalent LHM Plus, though LHS 2 is correct for original spec). Coolant: Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Hydraulic Fluid Type:

LHS 2 (Liquide Hydraulique Synthétique 2), a mineral oil-based hydraulic fluid. LHM Plus (a green mineral oil) is used in later Citroën models but LHS 2 is critical for original CX systems. The manual will specify the correct type and quantity.

Common Wear And Tear:

Hydropneumatic system leaks (especially the spheres and hydraulic lines), wear on suspension arms and bushings, corrosion, wear of the dashboard top (especially the soft-touch coating), early ignition system components (coils, distributors), exhaust system corrosion, and potential wear in the DIRAVI steering system.

Electrical System Quirks:

Corrosion in connectors, degradation of wiring insulation over time, issues with the ignition control unit (Citroën's own electronic ignition on some models), and failures in the dashboard warning light circuitry.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, exemplified by the Traction Avant, 2CV, DS, and SM. The CX continued this legacy with its advanced suspension and aerodynamic design.

Cx Generations And Facelifts:

Produced from 1974 to 1991. Key updates included the introduction of the 'Series 2' in 1986 with updated interior and exterior styling, and the availability of the V6 engine.

Cx Gte And Turbo Variants:

The CX GTi and Turbo models offered significantly increased performance with turbocharged engines, requiring specific tuning and maintenance procedures detailed in the manual.

Manufacturing Locations And Volume:

Primarily manufactured in France (Rennes-la-Janais). Approximately 1.17 million units were produced across all variants.