🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Model Variants:

GS, GSA

Years Covered:

1971-1985

Chassis Code:

GS (Type 801), GSA (Type 802)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

A vital resource for owners and independent repair shops of the Citroën GS and GSA models, offering dealer-level service information.

Competitive Analysis:

Provides authoritative, vehicle-specific information often surpassing generic repair guides, enabling informed discussion with technicians and facilitating DIY repairs.

Key Features:

Vehicle-specific, manufacturer-based procedures, clear step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams and illustrations, wiring schematics, and comprehensive specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Page Count:

Estimated 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Manual Purpose:

A comprehensive guide for diagnosing, servicing, maintaining, and repairing the Citroën GS and GSA vehicles.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, HVAC, and bodywork.

Engine Mechanical System:

Detailed procedures for cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), and engine assembly/disassembly.

Engine Electrical System:

Ignition system, charging system (alternator/generator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Emission Control System:

Details on emission control devices relevant to the era, including adjustment and servicing procedures.

Fuel System:

Carburetor service (cleaning, adjustment, rebuilding), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank.

Clutch System:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch hydraulics, adjustment, and replacement.

Manual Transaxle System:

Gearbox assembly, disassembly, gear selection, synchronizers, bearings, and shift linkage.

Automatic Transaxle System:

Operation, service, and repair procedures for the optional automatic transmission.

Driveshaft And Axle:

Front drive shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, wheel bearings, hub assemblies.

Suspension System:

Detailed coverage of the hydropneumatic system: spheres, hydraulic fluid, pumps, accumulators, height correctors, suspension arms, shock absorbers, and all related components.

Steering System:

Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering (if equipped), wheel alignment specifications.

Restraint System:

Seat belt maintenance and adjustment procedures.

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brake systems, brake calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Body Interior And Exterior:

Door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, interior trim panels, exterior panels, bumpers, lighting units, seals, and bodywork repairs.

Body Electrical System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, horn, wipers, washers, dashboard instruments, electric windows (if equipped), central locking (if equipped).

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, ventilation controls, refrigerant system (if AC equipped).

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, maintenance schedules, component removal and installation, adjustments, and overhaul procedures.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic fault finding and diagnosis for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed, illustrated instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major components and sub-assemblies.

Maintenance Schedules:

Recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, and component inspections.

Wiring Schematics:

Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for diagnosing electrical faults.

Technical Depth:

Detailed technical information suitable for both home mechanics with basic skills and professional technicians. Includes diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications for accurate repairs.

Technical Specifications:

Torque values for fasteners, clearances, timing settings, fuel pressures, and other critical technical data.

Illustrations Diagrams:

Numerous line drawings, exploded views, and schematics to clearly illustrate component placement and repair processes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Air-cooled flat-twin (GS); Air-cooled flat-four boxer (GSA)

Engine Description:

The GS initially featured sophisticated air-cooled flat-twin engines, while the GSA adopted the more powerful and refined air-cooled flat-four boxer engine.

Engine Variants:

GS: 1015cc (flat-twin), 1222cc (flat-twin); GSA: 1124cc (flat-four), 1299cc (flat-four)

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Solex, Weber), Fuel Injection (later GSA models).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive transaxle design.

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, estate (Break), coupé (GS Birotor)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 950-1150 kg (depending on variant)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings available in modern standards for this era. Focus on mechanical integrity and design.

Active Features:

Disc brakes front and rear, self-adjusting brakes.

Passive Features:

Seat belts (front standard, rear optional on early models), energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic radio with AM/FM reception, often optional. Simple dashboard instrumentation.

Driver Assistance:

None by modern definition; emphasis on the unique hydropneumatic suspension for ride comfort and road holding.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Oil changes: typically 5,000-7,500 km. Grease points: periodic checks. Spark plugs, air filter: as per manual recommendations (often 10,000-20,000 km).

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature). Capacity: approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

Citroën LHS 2 or equivalent (critical for suspension and brake operation).

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Automatic: Dexron III equivalent.

Known Issues:

Hydropneumatic system maintenance (fluid leaks, sphere condition), electrical system reliability, rust in bodywork, carburetor tuning, occasional ignition system issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Citroën, renowned for its innovative and avant-garde automotive designs.

Model Evolution:

The GS was launched in 1970, featuring a distinctive aerodynamic design and hydropneumatic suspension. The GSA, introduced in 1979, was an update with revised styling (including a hatchback and new dashboard) and improved features.

Gsa Updates:

The GSA model featured a redesigned 'fastback' hatchback body, a new dashboard with rocker switches and a single-spoke steering wheel, and typically larger displacement engines.

Production Years:

1970-1986