🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Years Covered:

1971-1985

Chassis Codes:

GS (Series 1, 2, 3), GSA

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Citroën GS and GSA owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, classic car enthusiasts.

Unique Selling Points:

Official factory service repair manual content, detailed diagrams and schematics, step-by-step repair instructions, comprehensive system coverage, digital accessibility for quick reference.

Competitors:

Haynes manuals, Chilton manuals (for North American market, less relevant here), unofficial workshop guides, manufacturer technical bulletins.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owners Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive coverage for all systems including Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Engine Control, Engine Cooling, Exhaust, Fuel System, Transmission/Transaxle, Clutch, Automatic Transaxle, Manual Transaxle, Driveline/Axle, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Suspension, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Road Wheels & Tyres, Brakes, Brake System, Parking Brake System, Brake Control System, Steering, Power Steering System, Restraints, Seat Belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Body, Body Repair, Lock & Security System, Glasses, Window System, Roof, Exterior & Interior, Instrumental Panel, Seats, Air Conditioning, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Starting & Charging System, Lighting System, Driver Information System, Wiper, Washer & Horn, Body Control System, LAN System, Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System, Power Supply, General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Periodic Lubrication, Chassis/Body, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Control System, Engine Cooling System, Exhaust System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Carburetor/Fuel Injection System.

Drivetrain:

Transmission/Transaxle, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Driveline, Driveshaft, Axles (Front and Rear), Differential.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Suspension System (Front and Rear), Road Wheels & Tyres, Steering System, Power Steering System, Brake System, Parking Brake System, Brake Control System.

Electrical Systems:

Complete Wiring Diagrams, Starting System, Charging System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Driver Information System, Wiper, Washer & Horn, Body Control System, Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System, Power Supply, Restraint System (including SRS).

Body Chassis Systems:

Chassis/Body, Body Repair, Lock & Security System, Glass and Window System, Roof Systems, Exterior and Interior Trim, Instrument Panel, Seats.

Maintenance Procedures:

General Maintenance, Periodic Maintenance, Tune-Up Procedures, Lubrication Points, Fluid Specifications, Troubleshooting Guides, Repair Procedures (step-by-step), Disassembly and Reassembly instructions.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level technical data. Covers basic maintenance to in-depth repair and diagnostics for both novice and experienced mechanics. Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and technical specifications.

Engine Repair Procedures:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft timing, valve adjustment, lubrication system repair, cooling system overhaul, fuel system overhaul (carburetor rebuild/adjustment), ignition system servicing.

Transmission Repair Procedures:

Clutch service and replacement, manual transaxle disassembly/reassembly, gear shift linkage adjustment, automatic transaxle overhaul (if applicable to specific model covered).

Suspension Steering Brake Procedures:

Suspension component replacement (shocks, springs, bushings), wheel bearing service, steering rack and linkage repair, brake pad/shoe replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement, parking brake adjustment.

Electrical Repair Procedures:

Wiring harness repair and tracing, starter motor testing and replacement, alternator/generator service, battery testing, lighting system troubleshooting and repair, fuse and relay identification and replacement, instrument cluster repair, horn and wiper system repair.

Body Repair Procedures:

Door lock and handle repair, window regulator and glass replacement, interior trim panel removal and installation, seat adjustment and repair, dashboard removal and installation, body panel repair and adjustment, glass replacement.

Heating Ac Procedures:

Heater core service, ventilation system cleaning and repair, air conditioning system (if equipped) diagnosis and component replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic fault finding for engine performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults, brake system malfunctions, suspension noise, and other common vehicle issues.

Technical Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing specifications, valve clearance settings, fluid capacities, electrical system resistance values, wheel alignment data, tire pressures, and other critical data points.

📊 Manual Specifications

Page Count:

Hundreds or thousands of pages (estimated, as digital format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

File Format:

PDF (primarily)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content within the PDF.

Print Quality:

Printable from digital source.

Download Delivery:

Instant digital download, potentially with support for larger files via download link. ISO file support mentioned for program installations.

Refund Policy:

Refund offered if viable solutions cannot be provided and customer satisfaction is not met within reasonable limits.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Types:

Air-cooled flat-twin (GS), Air-cooled flat-four boxer (GSA, 1220cc and 1299cc variants).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 55-65 hp (depending on variant and emissions controls for later models).

Torque Range:

Approximately 90-100 Nm.

Fuel System Type:

Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Zenith) for most models. Early models may have different carburetor setups. GSA models might feature slight updates or variations.

Carburetor Details:

Details on Solex or Zenith downdraft carburetors, including disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, and adjustment procedures. GSA may feature slight variations or emissions controls.

Engine Layout:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (flat-twin for early GS, flat-four boxer for later GS/GSA).

Ignition Timing:

Distributor-based, manual provides detailed setting procedures and specifications.

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled, with fan assist and ducting.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transaxle.

Optional Transmission:

5-speed manual transaxle (available on some later models/trims).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate diaphragm clutch.

Transaxle Layout:

Front-wheel drive with integrated gearbox.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, estate (break).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,550 mm (99.8 in)

Length:

Approx. 4,140 mm (163.0 in) for sedan

Curb Weight:

Approx. 960 - 1,050 kg (2,116 - 2,315 lbs) depending on body style and equipment.

Payload Capacity:

Not specified but typically designed for family use, with a reasonable load capacity for the era.

Towing Capacity:

Not officially rated or recommended by the manufacturer.

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Safety:

Safety standards and ratings from the 1970s and 1980s were less stringent than modern standards. The manual would cover the original safety equipment and design features of the era.

Active Safety:

Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, independent suspension contributing to roadholding.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts (likely lap belts in front for early models, three-point belts became more common), reinforced body structure for the era, laminated windshield.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic radio (optional), often with a single speaker. GSA offered improved dashboard and instrument cluster layout.

Driver Assistance:

None by modern standards. Features would include standard indicators, wipers, etc.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Specific intervals detailed in the manual.

Major Service Interval:

Recommended every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for checks of ignition, valve clearance, brakes, suspension, and drivetrain components. Manual provides detailed schedule.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50 depending on climate and engine wear). Capacity typically around 2.5-3.0 liters for the flat-twin/four.

Coolant:

Water/glycol mixture (50/50). Capacity around 4.5-5.0 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (as specified by manufacturer). Manual will confirm exact type and capacity.

Transmission Fluid:

Manual transmission oil, typically GL-4 specification. Capacity around 1.5-2.0 liters.

Common Problems:

Hydropneumatic suspension leaks (spheres, hydraulic fluid), electrical issues (corrosion, aging wiring), carburetor tuning, engine oil leaks, rust (especially in sills and wheel arches), distributor wear.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check hydraulic fluid levels and sphere pressure. Pay close attention to electrical connections. Keep carburetor clean and adjusted. Prevent rust through underbody protection and regular washing.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Heritage:

Citroën is renowned for its innovation in automotive design and engineering, particularly with hydropneumatic suspension (though the GS/GSA used hydropneumatic suspension for its springing and damping but not for ride height control like the larger DS or CX), front-wheel drive, and aerodynamic styling.

Gs Gsa Evolution:

The GS was introduced in 1970 as a mid-size family car, slotting between the Ami and DS. The GSA was a facelifted and updated version launched in 1979, featuring a new dashboard, improved ergonomics, and styling revisions, including a revised front end with integrated bumpers and a revised rear. The GSA also received minor mechanical updates and improved trim levels.

Gs Series Evolution:

Series 1 (1970-1973), Series 2 (1973-1976), Series 3 (1976-1979), GSA (1979-1986). This manual spans these evolutions.

Production Period:

GS: 1970-1986, GSA: 1979-1986. This manual covers the GS and GSA from 1971 to 1985.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

The Citroën GS was awarded European Car of the Year in 1971.