Positioning:
Targeted at Citroën CX owners and independent mechanics seeking a definitive guide for maintaining and repairing their vehicle.
Analysis:
Positions itself as an indispensable resource to avoid dealership service costs and empower DIY enthusiasts, offering a level of detail typically found in factory service manuals.
Diy Empowerment:
Enables owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance independently, fostering self-sufficiency and cost savings.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems of the 1986 Citroën CX.
Accessibility:
Available as a digital download, providing immediate access and portability for on-the-go reference.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components and sub-systems.
Hydropneumatic Suspension:
Detailed procedures for servicing, adjustment, bleeding, and component replacement of the legendary Citroën hydropneumatic system.
Transmission Service:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, and drive axle components.
Brake System:
In-depth coverage of the servo-assisted braking system, including brake pressure regulators, calipers, discs, and fluid management.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical circuits, including lighting, ignition, charging, instrumentation, and accessories.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel delivery, injection systems (likely Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic variants for this year), fuel pumps, and lines.
Cooling System:
Procedures for radiator, fan, thermostat, hoses, and coolant management.
Steering System:
Information on power steering components, rack and pinion assembly, and adjustments.
Body And Chassis:
Panel replacement, structural repairs, door mechanisms, interior trim, and glass replacement.
Emission Control:
Details on emission systems and components to meet regulatory requirements.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed lists of all routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon problems, with symptom-based solutions.
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step guides for virtually every repair operation, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Techniques for identifying faulty components and diagnosing system issues, often referencing specific tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive, ranging from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Readability:
Requires Adobe PDF Reader.
Accessibility:
Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick navigation to specific topics.
Quality:
Digital download, print quality dependent on user's printer.
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Codes:
Possible variants include the Douvrin J6T (2.0L) and PRV V6 (2.8L) depending on the specific 1986 CX model (e.g., CX 20, CX 28).
Displacement:
Typically 1995cc (2.0L) or 2849cc (2.8L V6)
Bore X Stroke:
Douvrin J6T: 93.0 mm x 73.0 mm; PRV V6: 90.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.5:1 to 9.5:1 depending on engine variant.
Valve Train:
OHC (Overhead Camshaft) for 4-cylinder, OHV (Overhead Valve) for PRV V6.
Horsepower:
2.0L: Approx. 106-110 PS (80-82 kW); 2.8L V6: Approx. 138-156 PS (103-116 kW)
Torque:
2.0L: Approx. 160-165 Nm; 2.8L V6: Approx. 210-230 Nm
Injection System:
Likely Bosch L-Jetronic (continuous injection) for 2.0L and potentially K-Jetronic (CIS) or early electronic injection for V6 variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended for injection variants)
Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Type:
Likely a 5-speed manual transmission as standard on many CX models.
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF or Renault derivatives) often available as an option.
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch for manual transmissions.
Fluid Type Manual:
Typically SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 gear oil.
Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Length:
Approx. 4640 - 4795 mm (depending on sedan/break and specific body style).
Height:
Approx. 1370 - 1470 mm (sedan/break).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 3000 mm (sedan) / 3200 mm (Break).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300 - 1450 kg, depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Typically around 1800-1950 kg.
Trunk Volume:
Sedan: ~500 liters; Break: Significantly larger due to wagon body style.
Crash Test History:
No standardized crash test ratings from modern agencies (e.g., Euro NCAP, NHTSA) for this era and region. However, designed with advanced safety features for its time.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with hydraulic self-leveling and pressure regulation for consistent performance under varying loads.
Steering Assistance:
Power steering for improved maneuverability and control.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in the front, likely lap belts in the rear (depending on market and specific model).
Body Structure:
Integrated safety cage design with crumple zones to absorb impact energy.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km or annually. Manual will specify exact interval and oil type.
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter checks and replacements at 20,000 - 30,000 km intervals.
Timing Belt Or Chain:
4-cylinder engines likely used a timing belt with replacement recommended every 60,000 - 80,000 km. V6 engines may have used a chain or belt; manual will clarify.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Change:
LHM (Hydraulic Mineral Oil) fluid should be checked regularly and changed every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km to maintain system performance and longevity.
Engine Oil:
Likely SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG or SH specification. Manual will confirm.
Coolant:
Mixture of antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) and distilled water, typically 50/50 ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on system specifications. Crucially, never use LHM in the brake system. Manual will specify.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHM (Hydraulic Mineral Oil), distinct green colored fluid. *Never substitute.*
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaks from spheres, hoses, or seals; failing ride height corrector; wear in pump or regulators. Regular maintenance is key.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many cars of this era, aging wiring and connections can lead to intermittent electrical issues. Thorough diagnosis using wiring diagrams is essential.
Rust:
Depending on climate and care, rust can affect wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and potential leaks in the exhaust system are common with age.
Heritage:
Citroën is renowned for pioneering automotive innovation, particularly with its advanced suspension systems and aerodynamic designs. The CX continued this legacy.
Cx Introduction:
The Citroën CX was introduced in 1974 as the successor to the iconic DS. It featured a radical, aerodynamic design and the advanced hydropneumatic suspension.
Series 2 Update:
The Series 2 update in 1985 brought significant styling changes (including plastic bumpers, revised grille, and improved interior ergonomics) and mechanical refinements.
Production Years:
1974-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France (Rennes-sur-Vilaine and Citroën's main plants).