Segment:
Executive/Luxury Car segment (European market)
Key Competitors:
Renault 25, Peugeot 505, Ford Scorpio, Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, BMW E28/E34.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic 'jet-age' design, advanced hydropneumatic suspension offering exceptional ride comfort and self-leveling capabilities, front-wheel drive, and innovative directional lighting.
Intended Users:
Professional automotive technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, and Citroën CX owners seeking to understand and maintain their vehicle.
Value Proposition:
Provides the in-depth knowledge necessary to correctly maintain and repair the complex systems of the Citroën CX, enabling owners to preserve its unique driving characteristics and longevity.
Powertrain:
Engine (incl. petrol and diesel variants), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, clutch, manual and automatic transmissions.
Chassis And Suspension:
Hydropneumatic suspension system (unique to CX), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, front discs, rear discs/drums), wheel bearings, suspension components (springs, dampers, linkages).
Electrical And Body:
Engine management electronics, lighting systems, dashboard instrumentation, power accessories, bodywork repair (including panel replacement, door mechanisms, glass), interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
Fuel System:
Detailed schematics and repair procedures for carbureted and fuel-injected systems, including fuel pumps, injectors, fuel lines, and pressure regulators.
Braking System:
Thorough explanations of the hydraulic braking system, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, and rear drum/disc assemblies. Specific emphasis on the hydraulic booster operation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-up procedures, lubrication points.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Identification of common problems, diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, electrical wiring diagrams.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners across all mechanical systems (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, body).
Diagnostic Charts:
Troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostic guides to aid in identifying and resolving problems efficiently.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts with a good understanding of automotive mechanics and electrics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, component inspection, machining specifications (e.g., cylinder bore, piston clearance), and reassembly for various engine variants.
Suspension Overhaul:
In-depth coverage of the hydropneumatic system, including sphere replacement, fluid flushing and refilling, pressure testing, regulator adjustment, and ride height calibration.
Engine Range:
Primarily 4-cylinder petrol engines: 2.0L (1985cc), 2.2L (2175cc), 2.5L (2500cc, including fuel-injected variants like CX 25 GTI), and 2.5L Turbo-Diesel.
Power Output Range:
Approximately 90-140 hp for naturally aspirated petrol, up to 165-170 hp for injected and turbocharged versions. Diesel variants around 70-80 hp.
Torque Range:
Varies by engine, e.g., ~150-200 Nm for 2.0L, ~170-220 Nm for 2.5L and turbo variants.
Carburetion Injection:
Carbureted (Solex, Weber) and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection systems depending on model and year. Diesel variants feature Bosch mechanical injection.
Engine Layout:
Inline 4-cylinder, transverse front-wheel drive configuration.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 - 4.5 liters (check specific model variant in manual for precise capacity).
Transmission Types:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions, 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., BorgWarner, ZF).
Transmission Options:
Availability of automatic transmission varied by market and trim level.
Transmission Characteristics:
Designed for comfort and smooth engagement, with manual gearboxes often featuring a column-mounted shifter on earlier models. Automatic transmissions provided a relaxed driving experience.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Likely API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 or 80W-90 (specific viscosity and specification should be confirmed in the manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Likely Dexron II or equivalent (specific type is critical for proper operation).
Length:
Approximately 4.7-4.9 meters (varies by body style - Sedan, Estate/Break, Limo).
Width:
Approximately 1.7-1.8 meters.
Height:
Approximately 1.3-1.4 meters (low profile for aerodynamics).
Curb Weight:
Typically in the range of 1300-1500 kg, depending on engine and equipment.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 3.0-3.1 meters.
Historical Safety Standards:
Designed to meet standards of its era; lacks modern active safety features like ABS (on early models) or airbags (standard on many later competitors).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear (or front discs/rear drums on some lower-powered models), often with a high-pressure hydraulic booster for the braking system.
Body Structure:
Advanced crumple zones and a rigid safety cage, though tested against older, less stringent standards.
Lighting:
Some models featured a unique ' DIRASS' (Directional Automatic Road-lights Assistance System) that turned the headlights with the steering wheel.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Major Service:
Key checks and replacements at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 40,000-80,000 km), including spark plugs, belts, timing chain/belt (if applicable), and comprehensive system checks.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50% mix with distilled water), often requiring specific additives for older systems. Consult manual for exact specification.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (critical for safe operation of the highly pressurized braking system).
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) is the proprietary fluid for the hydropneumatic suspension and steering system. Incorrect fluid will cause severe damage.
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking spheres, worn height correctors, pressure regulator issues, hydraulic fluid degradation leading to pump or seal failures. Requires specialized knowledge.
Electrical System:
Corrosion in wiring looms, failing relays, issues with the DIRASS system, and dashboard electrical faults were not uncommon.
Rust And Bodywork:
Susceptible to corrosion, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms. Requires regular inspection and treatment.
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën's legacy of technological innovation, including front-wheel drive, unibody construction, and groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension systems.
Cx Development:
Successor to the iconic DS, the CX aimed to combine its predecessor's comfort and advanced technology with more modern styling and improved practicality. Introduced in 1974 and updated over its production run.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France (Rennes-Vitre) and also in some other plants globally.
Total Production Numbers:
Over 1.1 million CX models produced worldwide.
