Historical Context:
The Citroën GS/GSA represented a unique offering in the compact family car segment, emphasizing advanced technology, comfort, and aerodynamic styling.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 304/305, and Renault 12, but distinguished itself with its hydropneumatic suspension.
Aerodynamics:
Sleek, low-drag coefficient 'Kamm-tail' design, a significant achievement for its era.
Interior Design:
Futuristic dashboard with 'spaceship' instrument binnacle, single-spoke steering wheel, and innovative controls.
Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians, classic car restorers, and dedicated DIY enthusiasts of the Citroën GS/GSA.
Engine:
All gasoline engine variants, including boxer-twin and inline-four configurations.
Transmission:
Manual and Hydropneumatic (Citroën's semi-automatic) transmission systems.
Suspension:
Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system, sphere renewal, pressure regulation.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing, lighting, ignition, charging system.
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, door mechanisms, rust prevention and repair.
Heating And Ventilation:
HVAC system components and operation.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, lubrication schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding charts.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, suspension component overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Electrical diagnostics, mechanical diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics.
Depth:
Professional-level detail suitable for experienced mechanics, with adequate data for advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Printability:
Full printable pages, allowing for hard copy use.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download).
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital download).
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR (or equivalent unarchiving software).
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac OS.
Gs Engine Type:
Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder (flat-four).
Gs Engine Displacement:
1015 cc (earlier models), 1124 cc, 1222 cc (later GS and GSA models).
Gsa Engine Variants:
1222 cc (GSA), 1299 cc (GSA X3).
Gs Power Output:
Approximately 50-65 hp depending on engine variant and tuning.
Gsa Power Output:
Approximately 65-75 hp depending on engine variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Solex or Zenith), with possible fuel injection on some later GSA variants (less common).
Cooling Type:
Air-cooled.
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed manual gearbox.
Transmission Type Optional:
Citroën's semi-automatic transmission (often referred to as 'Hydropneumatic gearbox' or 'transaxle'), featuring a clutch pedal that automatically actuates a clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios provided for each model and transmission type in the manual.
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch (manual), automatic clutch actuation (semi-automatic).
Length:
Approximately 4000-4200 mm (157-165 inches).
Width:
Approximately 1600-1650 mm (63-65 inches).
Height:
Approximately 1350-1400 mm (53-55 inches).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2600 mm (102 inches).
Historical Safety Standards:
Designed to meet contemporary European safety standards of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, proportioning valve.
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts.
Body Construction:
Unibody construction with integrated safety crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, as detailed in the manual.
Tune Up Interval:
Periodic tune-ups recommended every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles), including spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, and carburetor tuning.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) fluid change intervals specified, typically every 2 years or as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil:
API SE/SF grade oil, viscosity typically 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate (manual provides specific recommendations).
Cooling System Fluid:
Air-cooled, no coolant fluid required.
Transmission Oil:
GL-4 specification gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 (manual to confirm).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (for brake system, separate from hydropneumatic system).
Suspension Wear:
Wear in the hydropneumatic spheres and seals, leading to height adjustment issues or 'sagging'.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults, particularly with the complex GSA dashboard.
Rust:
Prone to rust in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans due to age and design.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors may require frequent adjustment or rebuilding due to wear and deposits.
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën's legacy of innovative automotive engineering, particularly its pioneering work with hydropneumatic suspension.
Gs Introduction:
Introduced in 1970 as a successor to the Ami 8, bridging the gap between the smaller Ami and the larger DS.
Gsa Introduction:
The GSA, launched in 1979, was a significant facelift of the GS, featuring revised styling, a new dashboard, and improved engine options.
Production Years:
GS: 1970-1986; GSA: 1979-1986.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France, with some assembly in other countries.
