🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Production Years:

1971-1985

Chassis Code:

XC

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroën GS/GSA was positioned as a sophisticated, comfortable, and innovative family car, often competing with models like the Ford Cortina, Opel Ascona, and Volkswagen Passat, but offering a unique French flair and advanced technology.

Competitors:

Ford Cortina, Opel Ascona, Volkswagen Passat, Renault 12, Fiat 128.

Innovations:

Hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic 'breadvan' styling, unique dashboard layout, front-wheel drive.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985

Covered Models:

Citroën GS, Citroën GSA

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 800 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, troubleshooting, diagnosis, fuel system, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission control.

Transmission:

Service, repair, adjustments for manual and Hydropneumatic (DS-derived) transmissions, clutch.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, disc/drum configurations, parking brake, fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, lighting, ignition system, dashboard instruments.

Suspension Steering:

Hydropneumatic suspension system (height control, spheres, fluid), power steering (if equipped), steering rack, wheel alignment.

Bodywork Chassis:

Body panel repair, rust prevention, door mechanisms, glass, seals, structural components.

Fuel Injection Carburetion:

Details on Solex, Weber carburetors, and early fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic on some models).

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant types, flushing and filling procedures.

Exhaust System:

Component replacement, gasket installation, emission control devices.

Restraint System:

Seat belts, potential airbag systems (later models or specific markets, though rare for this era).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, ignition timing, carburetor adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and their solutions, symptom-based repair guidance.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds, suspension component replacement.

Refurbishment Renovation:

Guidance on restoring various vehicle components and systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostic information and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF, requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Searchable text is likely present but dependent on the original scan quality.

Quality:

Variable, depending on original source material. Typically good for technical diagrams and text, but photographic content may vary.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled flat-four (boxer)

Displacement Gs:

1015 cc, 1129 cc, 1222 cc

Displacement Gsa:

1222 cc, 1299 cc

Horsepower Range:

55 PS (40 kW) to 75 PS (55 kW), depending on engine and year.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (Solex, Weber) or early fuel injection (Bosch).

Recommended Oil:

Likely SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual

Type:

3-speed automatic (optional on some models)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated.

Fluid Type:

Manual: GL-4 gear oil; Automatic: ATF (Dexron II equivalent). Check manual for exact specifications.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4120-4200 mm (162.2-165.4 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1610-1630 mm (63.4-64.2 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1340-1370 mm (52.8-53.9 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1020-1100 kg (2249-2425 lbs)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

Limited modern crash test data available for this era. Design prioritized structural integrity through crumple zones and robust construction.

Braking System:

Discs front, drums rear (standard). Some models featured discs all around. Inboard front discs on some early models.

Seatbelts:

Standard lap belts, optional three-point front belts on later models.

Body Structure:

Integral body structure with engineered crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Original System:

Basic radio, often with mechanical push-button tuning. Cassette players became available later.

Features:

No modern driver assistance systems. Focus on active safety through hydropneumatic suspension for stable ride and handling.

Features:

None by modern standards. Some models featured Cibié or Hella auxiliary lighting.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Major Service:

Spark plugs, ignition timing, valve clearance checks at around 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles). Hydropneumatic fluid change as per manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (confirm with manual).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (50/50 with distilled water).

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) – specific Citroën fluid.

Hydropneumatic Suspension:

Leaking spheres, pump wear, fluid contamination, height corrector issues. Requires specialized knowledge.

Rust:

Common in wheel arches, sills, and floor pans due to age and materials used.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring looms, connector corrosion can lead to intermittent faults.

Engine Cooling:

Air-cooled engines can overheat if cooling fins are blocked or cooling fan fails.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Philosophy:

Citroën's legacy is defined by innovation, aerodynamic design, and advanced engineering, particularly in suspension systems (DS, SM, GS) and comfort.

Gs To Gsa:

The GS, launched in 1970, was a revolutionary car. The GSA, introduced in 1980, was a significant facelift featuring a new dashboard, improved aerodynamics, and updated mechanicals, including electronic ignition and optional fuel injection.

Manufacturing Locations:

France (primarily Rennes-la-Janais), also assembled in other countries.

Total Production:

Over 1.8 million units (GS and GSA combined).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

Citroën GS awarded European Car of the Year in 1971.

Design Awards:

The GS was highly praised for its innovative design and aerodynamic styling, earning it numerous accolades.