Target Audience:
Garage owners, service repairers, MOT testers, parts advisors, collectors, and automotive enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Cost-effective, complete, and functional manual designed to save time and facilitate confident DIY repairs and servicing.
Delivery Method:
Instant download, no shipping costs, no waiting for physical media.
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder Head/Valves, Crankcase/Piston/Cylinder, Engine Lubrication and Cooling, Engine Fuel System, Engine Combustion System, Fuel Injection System
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox & Clutch, Crankshaft/Transmission/Balancer, Transmission System, Rear Wheel System, Front Wheel and Steering System
Chassis Suspension Brakes:
Suspension, Braking System, Wheels & Tyres, Chassis, Frame/Body Panels/Exhaust System
Electrical Lighting Ignition:
Electric Starter, Electrical System, Ignition System, Battery/Charging System, Lights/Meters/Switches, Alternator/Starter Clutch
Bodywork And Interior:
Body & Fixtures, Fenders and Exhaust Pipe
Maintenance And Servicing:
Periodic checks & Adjustments, Maintenance, General vehicle maintenance & mechanical information, Fluid levels & grades, Service intervals, Re-setting of service light indicators
Repair And Overhaul:
Disassembling, inspecting, and assembling instructions for various components and systems, Engine Removal and Installation, Problematic technical solutions, Specific torque settings
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting, Fault code diagnostics
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive workshop-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls.
Diagrams And Illustrations
Visual Aids:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring diagrams for clarity in repair and diagnostics.
Searchability:
Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Print Readability:
Readable and printable pages with expandable detail for high-resolution viewing.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Operating Systems:
Windows 95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7, Linux, MAC OS. Compatible with newer versions including Windows 8.
Activation:
No activation codes, encryptions, or passwords required.
Engine Family:
Citroën GS/GSA Flat-Four (Boxer) Engine
Displacement Options:
Available in 1015cc (Type L, 1124cc), 1222cc (Type M), and 1299cc (Type G, 1300cc) variants. GSA primarily featured the 1299cc engine.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 50-60 hp for earlier models, up to 65 hp for later 1300cc variants.
Torque Characteristics:
Known for its torque delivery at lower RPMs, characteristic of air-cooled boxer engines.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Solex, Zenith) for most GS models, with the GSA introducing Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection for some variants.
Cooling Type:
Air-cooled, with a forward-mounted fan driven by a belt from the crankshaft.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 - 4.0 liters, depending on the specific engine variant and filter. Specific grade (e.g., 20W-50) typically recommended.
Gearbox Type:
4-speed manual transaxle (standard on most GS models). Later models and some GSAs offered a 5-speed manual transaxle.
Automatic Transmission:
Less common, but some models may have had semi-automatic options available in certain markets, though not widely publicized.
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch.
Gearbox Oil Type:
Typically SAE 75W-80 or SAE 80 GL-4 gear oil. Manual specifies exact type and capacity.
Body Styles:
Hatchback (3-door), Estate/Break (5-door), GSA (facelifted version with hatchback and estate).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2550 mm (100.4 inches)
Overall Length:
Approximately 4050 mm (159.4 inches) for hatchback, longer for estate.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 900-1000 kg, depending on model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1300-1400 kg.
Crash Test Results:
No formal modern crash test data comparable to current standards. Early 70s safety considerations focused on occupant restraint systems where available.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front inboard discs, rear outboard discs) on many models, a signature feature of the GS/GSA, designed for improved braking performance and reduced unsprung weight.
Suspension System:
Citroën's hydropneumatic suspension (on higher trim levels and later models) provided excellent ride comfort and handling stability, contributing to passive safety.
Seatbelts:
Standard seatbelts (lap belts in front, lap belts in rear on early models; 3-point belts became more common).
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio or cassette player, often optional. Dashboard design prioritised functionality and driver ergonomics over advanced entertainment.
Steering System:
Rack and pinion steering, often with power assistance on higher-spec models or later GSA variants.
Lighting Technology:
Standard halogen headlights. Interior lighting focused on dashboard illumination and cabin light.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually, whichever comes first. Specifics detailed in the manual.
Major Service Interval:
Intervals for spark plug replacement, ignition timing checks, valve clearances, and other tune-up items will be detailed (e.g., every 15,000 - 20,000 km).
Engine Oil Grade:
Commonly recommended: 20W-50 or 10W-40 for gasoline engines, depending on climate. Manual will confirm exact OEM specification.
Coolant Type:
For air-cooled engines, the primary 'fluid' is engine oil. If a hydropneumatic system is present, specific Citroën LDS or equivalent hydraulic fluid is required.
Common Wear Items:
Corrosion on bodywork and sills, wear in suspension spheres/dampers (for hydropneumatic), starter motor issues, electrical gremlins due to aging wiring, exhaust system corrosion, clutch wear.
Specific Gs Issues:
Original Hydropneumatic systems require specific maintenance and fluid changes; early models may have had some teething issues with cooling fan belts.
Citroen Philosophy:
The GS/GSA embodied Citroën's tradition of innovation, comfort, and distinctive design, following in the lineage of cars like the 2CV and DS.
Gs To Gsa Transition:
The GS was launched in 1970 and received a significant facelift in 1980, becoming the GSA. The GSA featured revised styling (plastic bumpers, new dashboard, larger windows), improved aerodynamics, and updated mechanicals, including the option of fuel injection and a 5-speed gearbox.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in France, with some assembly in other countries.
Production Volume:
Over 1.8 million units of the GS and GSA were produced.
European Car Of The Year:
The Citroën GS was awarded the European Car of the Year title in 1971, recognizing its innovative design, comfort, and engineering.
Design Awards:
Widely praised for its aerodynamic and modern styling, which was ahead of its time.
