Positioning:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking to maintain or restore the iconic Citroën GS/GSA
Uniqueness:
Provides specialized, in-depth technical information tailored to the unique engineering of Citroën vehicles, particularly the hydropneumatic suspension and transverse engine layout
Diy Empowerment:
Enables users to perform repairs and maintenance independently, saving costs and ensuring quality control
Emergency Preparedness:
Offers critical knowledge for addressing unexpected issues and maintaining vehicle reliability
Accessibility:
Convenient digital format allows for anytime, anywhere access and immediate use
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the Citroën GS and GSA models
Specific Models Covered:
Citroën GS, Citroën GSA (including all sub-models and engine variants for 1973)
Estimated Page Count:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine:
Complete service, repair, troubleshooting, and overhaul for all engine variants
Transmission:
Service and repair for manual and semi-automatic (Hydraulique) transmissions
Brakes:
Full details on hydraulic brake systems, including components, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of all electrical components, circuits, and troubleshooting
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Suspension:
In-depth information on the hydropneumatic suspension system, including adjustment and repair
Steering:
Service and repair procedures for the power steering system
Cooling System:
Maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the cooling system
Fuel System:
Details on fuel injection and fuel system components, maintenance, and repair
Emission System:
Information related to emission control systems relevant to the 1973 model year
Chassis Body:
Bodywork, chassis, and structural repair information
Restraint System:
Information on seatbelts and any relevant safety restraint features for the era
Axle:
Front and rear axle component service and repair
General Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks, filter replacements, and general upkeep
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Refurbishment Renovation:
Guidance for restoring components and systems
Periodic Lubrication:
Detailed lubrication points and schedules
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic DIY maintenance to advanced mechanical and electrical repairs
Engine Type:
Air-cooled flat-four (boxer)
Displacement Gs 1973:
1015 cc (1.0L)
Displacement Gsa Variant:
Later GSA models offered 1124 cc and 1220 cc variants
Horsepower Gs 1015Cc:
Approx. 56 PS (55 hp) at 6,500 rpm
Torque Gs 1015Cc:
Approx. 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gs:
Single-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Solex 34 PICS or Zenith 36 WI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (though leaded fuel was common in 1973, the manual will likely specify octane requirements)
Layout:
Transverse, air-cooled, flat-four
Ignition System:
Conventional coil and distributor ignition system
Type:
Four-speed manual transaxle
Type:
Citroën's semi-automatic Hydroudrive transmission (often referred to as 'electronic' by Citroën, featuring a torque converter and clutchless shifting controlled by a solenoid)
Layout:
Combined engine, gearbox, and differential in a single unit (transaxle)
Length:
Approx. 4080 mm (160.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1640 mm (64.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950-1000 kg (2094-2205 lbs), depending on specification
Era Context:
Safety standards and testing protocols were less stringent than modern vehicles; specific crash ratings are unlikely to be available in the modern sense.
Brakes:
Inboard front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Hydropneumatic system provides self-leveling and assistance.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelts likely standard; rear seatbelts may be optional or standard depending on market.
Body Structure:
Designed with Citroën's characteristic emphasis on occupant safety for its time, though lacking modern crumple zones and airbags.
Radio:
Optional AM/FM radio, typically housed in the dashboard.
Power Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, a key feature for ease of driving.
Automatic Headlight Leveling:
The hydropneumatic system automatically adjusted headlight aim based on vehicle load.
Era Context:
Connectivity features as we know them today (Bluetooth, USB) were non-existent. Focus was on mechanical and hydraulic systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify.
Air Filter Replacement:
Intervals vary, often checked at oil changes and replaced as needed or at specified mileage intervals (e.g., 15,000-20,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically replaced every 10,000 - 15,000 km.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF service classification, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 recommended for air-cooled engines. Manual will provide precise specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 liters with filter change.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHS 2 (LHM is for later models). Specific type and quantity crucial for suspension operation.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmission: SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil. Hydroudrive (semi-automatic): Specific ATF type, as specified by Citroën.
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking spheres, failing seals in the suspension system, accumulator issues, and fluid contamination. Requires specialized knowledge for repair.
Engine Cooling:
Air-cooled engines can be susceptible to overheating in heavy traffic or hot climates if cooling fins are dirty or if the engine is not properly tuned.
Electrical System:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults. The unique dashboard design with rotating instruments is also a point of potential failure.
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën's legacy of avant-garde design, innovative engineering, and aerodynamic efficiency.
Gs Introduction:
The Citroën GS was launched in 1970 as a more compact, mainstream offering complementing the larger Citroën DS.
Gsa Introduction:
The GSA was a significant facelift and update of the GS, introduced in 1979 with revised styling, interior, and powertrain options.
Production Period Gs:
1970-1986
Designers:
Front-wheel-drive styling by Robert Opron.
