Target Audience:
DIY car enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and owners seeking to maintain and repair their Citroën GS/GSA.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed information for independent repair, saving on mechanic costs and empowering owners with vehicle knowledge.
Benefit 1:
Enables self-sufficiency in vehicle maintenance and repair.
Benefit 2:
Cost savings on labor and parts through informed DIY work.
Benefit 3:
Deeper understanding of vehicle intricacies for better care and emergency response.
Primary Areas:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Axle
Additional Areas:
Refurbishment, Renovation, Mend, Fix
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, and timing systems.
Engine Management:
Coverage of fuel injection systems, ignition systems, and emission control systems, including diagnostics and component testing.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, and differential servicing.
Brakes:
Comprehensive guide to the hydraulic braking system, including disc and drum brake service, hydraulic fluid specifications, and troubleshooting common brake issues.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed information on the unique hydropneumatic suspension system, steering rack overhaul, and wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical:
Includes complete wiring diagrams, component identification, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, and procedures for servicing starting and charging systems, lighting, and accessories.
Chassis Body:
Information on body panel repair, corrosion protection, interior trim removal and installation, and chassis component servicing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, and general inspection guidelines.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical problems.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for overhauling major engine and transmission components, as well as suspension and brake assemblies.
Adjustments:
Procedures for adjusting carburetor settings, ignition timing, clutch engagement, and suspension height.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for certain repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.
Type:
Flat-four (Boxer) air-cooled, SOHC
Displacement Gs:
1220 cc (74.5 cu in)
Displacement Gsa:
1299 cc (79.3 cu in) and 1360 cc (83 cu in) depending on specific GSA variant and market
Horsepower Gs:
Approx. 56-60 hp (DIN) for 1220cc engine
Horsepower Gsa:
Approx. 65-70 hp (DIN) for 1299cc and 1360cc engines
Type:
Stromberg or Solex twin-choke downdraft carburettor (specific model varies by engine and market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended for later models)
Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Type:
3-speed automatic transaxle (less common, availability varied by market and model year)
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Transaxle Layout:
Front-wheel drive with engine and gearbox mounted longitudinally ahead of the front axle.
Body Style:
5-door hatchback
Length:
Approx. 4030 mm (158.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs), depending on model and equipment
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash test data from modern agencies, but known for its strong safety cell and independent front suspension design for its era.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Body Construction:
Unitary body with integrated safety cage and crumple zones.
Seatbelts:
Front seat belts (3-point inertia reel), rear lap belts standard.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with single speaker typical for the era. Optional higher-fidelity systems may have existed.
Dashboard:
Distinctive and ergonomic dashboard design, especially the GSA's improved layout with rotary controls and integrated warning lights.
Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on advanced mechanical systems like the hydropneumatic suspension for ride comfort and handling.
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Communication relies on analog systems.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on usage and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (API SE/SF), specific viscosity may depend on climate.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) – Citroën's proprietary mineral-based hydraulic fluid. Critical importance of using the correct fluid type to avoid system damage.
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmission. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic variants.
Hydropneumatic Suspension:
Leakage from spheres, hydraulic lines, and pump issues can lead to sagging or loss of ride height. Requires specialized knowledge and tools for repair.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine design minimizes coolant issues but requires proper airflow management and occasional fan belt checks. Overheating can still occur if airflow is compromised.
Rust:
As with many cars of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and connections can become brittle and corroded, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive design, particularly with pioneering hydropneumatic suspension systems and aerodynamic styling.
Gs Launch:
The Citroën GS was launched in 1970, designed to slot between the 2CV and the DS.
Gsa Introduction:
The GSA (sometimes referred to as GSX or GS Special) was a significant facelift and improvement introduced in 1980, featuring updated styling, a new dashboard, and minor mechanical enhancements.
Production Period:
1970-1986 (GS/GSA combined)
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily France, with some production also in other countries.
