Market Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan
Unique Selling Proposition:
Groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension, distinctive aerodynamic design, advanced technology for its era.
Key Competitors:
Renault 20/30, Peugeot 504/604, Mercedes-Benz W123, BMW E12.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic efficiency, driver comfort, advanced engineering.
Innovations:
Hydropneumatic suspension providing a unique ride quality and self-leveling capability, steerable rear wheels (DIRAVI system on some models), directional headlamps.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (CX 20, CX 2200 Diesel, CX 2400), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor and early injection), exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), automatic transmission (BorgWarner BW 65/BW 66), clutch system.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Hydropneumatic suspension (front and rear), sphere replacement and pressurization, hydraulic fluid (LHM), self-leveling system.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, steering column, power steering fluid.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations.
Bodywork And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, seats, sound deadening.
HVAC:
Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning (if equipped), refrigerant types and procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (for applicable engines).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault finding charts, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic trees for electrical and mechanical issues.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, pressure readings.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth component overhaul and system diagnostics, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Options:
1985cc OHV Inline-4 (CX 20), 2175cc OHV Inline-4 Diesel (CX 2200 Diesel), 2377cc OHV Inline-4 (CX 2400).
Engine Code Cx20:
Type 487
Engine Code Cx2200 Diesel:
Type XD2
Engine Code Cx2400:
Type 501
Cx20 Power Output:
Approx. 102 PS (101 hp / 75 kW)
Cx2400 Power Output:
Approx. 120 PS (118 hp / 88 kW)
Cx20 Fuel System:
Weber twin-choke carburetor (e.g., 36 DCOM)
Cx2400 Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (on GTi models)
Crash Test Performance:
No standardized crash test ratings available for this era, but designed with a crumple zone and integrated safety cage.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with a dual-circuit hydraulic system and front-to-rear bias valve.
Steering Assist:
Hydraulic power steering (variable assistance on some models - DIRAVI).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts.
Dashboard Design:
Soft-padded dashboard and steering wheel for impact absorption.
Audio System:
Optional factory-fitted radio and speaker system (typically analog tuning).
Directional Headlights:
Swiveling headlights that turn with the steering wheel on some models.
Diravi:
Dynamic Integral Reverse Assistance Directional Control, a variable-ratio power steering system that stiffens at higher speeds.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Primarily analogue systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Change:
Recommended flushing and refilling of LHM (Citroën LHS 2) every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 3-4 years.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 API SE/SF specification (check manual for exact grade).
Transmission Oil Manual:
GL-4 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Oil Automatic:
Dexron II automatic transmission fluid.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHS 2 (now often replaced by LHM Plus, conform to specification FQS 114)
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking spheres, worn hydraulic lines, pump wear, DIRAVI steering centering issues.
Electrical System:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, intermittent failures of ancillary electrics.
Engine Cooling:
Radiator leaks, thermostat issues, potential for head gasket failure if overheating occurs.
Citroen Legacy:
Renowned for innovation, avant-garde design, and advanced suspension technology (e.g., Traction Avant, DS).
Cx Introduction:
Launched in 1974 as the successor to the iconic Citroën DS, incorporating advanced aerodynamic and hydropneumatic principles.
Cx 1976 Features:
Introduction of the CX 2400 GTi, representing the pinnacle of performance for the early Series 1 models.
Production Period:
Series 1: 1974-1985 (1976 model falls within this period).
