Market Position:
The Citroën CX, particularly the Series 2, was positioned as a premium, technologically advanced, and comfort-focused executive car, known for its unique styling and hydropneumatic suspension.
Key Competitors:
Competed with other European executive cars of its era, such as the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, BMW 5 Series (E28/E34), and Audi 100/200, offering a distinct alternative focused on ride comfort and futuristic design.
Unique Selling Points:
Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, distinctive aerodynamic 'Maserati' inspired styling, front-wheel drive, powerful inline-four engines, and a comfortable, innovative interior.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts), fuel injection/carburetion systems, ignition systems, exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch operation, drive shafts, differential.
Chassis Suspension:
Citroën's legendary hydropneumatic suspension (adjustment, component replacement, fluid servicing), steering system (hydraulic power steering), front and rear suspension components, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, discs, parking brake, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), starting and charging systems (alternator, starter motor), instruments and gauges, power windows, central locking.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, corrosion protection.
Fuel System Petrol:
Carburetor adjustment, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, emission control systems (if applicable).
Fuel System Diesel:
Diesel injection pump timing, injector testing and replacement, glow plug system service.
Wheel And Tire:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire pressure recommendations, wheel bolt torque specifications, wheel alignment procedures.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), spark plug replacement, coolant checks and changes, lubrication points, tire rotation and pressure checks.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement (spheres, accumulators, hydraulic pump), brake system overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnosis, testing procedures for electrical and mechanical components.
Drivetrain Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for differential servicing, drive shaft boot replacement, and transmission mounting.
Body And Interior:
Procedures for removing and refitting body panels, door hardware, window regulators, seats, and interior trim.
Diagnostic Charts:
Extensive troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-to-cause diagnosis for all major systems.
Hydropneumatic System Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for draining and refilling the hydraulic system, bleeding the system, replacing spheres, adjusting ride height, and servicing the hydraulic pump.
Engine Timing:
Procedures for setting ignition timing (for petrol engines) and camshaft timing (if applicable, chain or belt driven).
Heating And Ventilation:
Service and repair of the cabin heating system, ventilation ducts, and blower motor.
Depth:
Very High. Covers everything from basic fluid level checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.
Diagnostic Tools:
While electronic diagnostics are limited compared to modern cars, the manual will cover the use of basic electrical testers, pressure gauges, and specialized Citroën tools for hydropneumatic systems.
Assembly And Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for the complete disassembly and reassembly of major components, including detailed diagrams.
Engine Variants Covered:
Likely covers the range of engines offered in the Series 2, including 2.0L, 2.2L, and 2.5L petrol engines (e.g., Douvrin J6, XM-derived units), and potentially the 2.5L Turbodiesel and Turbo-D models.
Typical Horsepower Range:
90 hp (for early 2.0L) to 168 hp (for 2.5L Turbo-D/Turbocharged petrol models, depending on specific market and engine variant).
Fuel Delivery Systems:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) for earlier models or base variants, and Bosch L-Jetronic or similar fuel injection systems for more advanced or later models. Diesel variants feature Bosch inline injection pumps.
Common Engine Codes:
J6P (2.0L), J7T (2.2L), ZDJ (2.5L Diesel), ZDJ/RHY (2.5L Turbo Diesel). Specific codes will be detailed in the manual.
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with an engine-driven fan or thermostatic fan clutch.
Standard Transmission Type:
Typically a 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Citroën gearbox variants).
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed ZF automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22 or similar).
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF fluid.
Infotainment System:
Basic radio/cassette player from the era. Later models might have optional upgraded stereos. No digital infotainment or integrated navigation common in modern vehicles.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on the advanced suspension for ride comfort and handling. Cruise control may be an option on higher-spec models.
Connectivity Features:
None as per modern definition. No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration.
Comfort Features:
Power steering, air conditioning (optional), electric windows (front standard, rear optional), central locking, height-adjustable steering column.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically every 7,500 km or 12 months (whichever comes first). Diesel intervals may differ.
Major Service Intervals:
e.g., Spark plugs every 30,000-40,000 km, timing belt (if applicable for specific engines) every 60,000-80,000 km.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SF, ACEA A2-96 or equivalent. Viscosity: 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate and specific engine. Refer to manual for exact spec.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Citroën specific coolant may be recommended.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Specification:
LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) fluid, a mineral-based hydraulic fluid, typically green in color. Do NOT use LHS or other hydraulic fluids.
Common Wear Items:
Hydropneumatic spheres and accumulators, hydraulic fluid leaks (seals, hoses), electrical connector corrosion, exhaust system corrosion, rear suspension arm bushings.
Potential Electrical Faults:
Corrosion in connectors, issues with the dashboard warning lights, faults in the central locking or power window systems.
Engine Management Issues:
Potential issues with fuel injection control units or sensors on later fuel-injected models, carburation tuning on older models.
Example Oil Filter Part Number:
Manual will list specific part numbers, e.g., Mann-Filter W 910/16, Purflux LS315, or OEM Citroën numbers.
Citroen Innovations:
Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, particularly in suspension technology (e.g., 2CV, DS) and aerodynamic design, which are hallmarks of the CX.
Cx Series 1 To 2 Transition:
The Series 2 (introduced around 1985/1986) featured updated styling, including revised bumpers integrated into the bodywork, new interior trim, improved dashboard ergonomics, and mechanical refinements over the original Series 1 CX.
Production Period:
The CX was produced from 1974 to 1991. The Series 2 covers the latter part of this production run, from approximately 1986 onwards.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily manufactured at Citroën plants in France (e.g., Rennes-La Janais) and also assembled in other countries under license.
