Historical Significance:
The Citroën CX, successor to the iconic DS, was a pioneering luxury executive car known for its avant-garde design, advanced engineering (particularly its hydropneumatic suspension and DIRAVI steering), and distinctive aerodynamic styling. It represented Citroën's commitment to innovation and comfort.
Competitors:
Competed with other premium European executive cars of its era, such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, and Peugeot 604, but differentiated itself with its unique ride quality and technological advancements.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on aerodynamic efficiency, comfort, and technological sophistication. Features a distinctive teardrop-shaped body and a unique interior layout with a single-spoke steering wheel and centrally mounted controls.
Ride Comfort:
Renowned for its unparalleled ride comfort due to the hydropneumatic suspension, offering a 'magic carpet' sensation.
Engine:
All engine variants, including carburetor and fuel-injected gasoline engines (e.g., CX 20, CX 22, CX 24, CX 25 GTI), and diesel engines (e.g., CX 22 Diesel).
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, including clutch operation, gearbox disassembly/assembly, and torque converter systems.
Suspension:
Citroën's hydropneumatic suspension system (front and rear), sphere replacement, fluid pressure checks, height corrector adjustments, and shock absorber service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, including brake booster (DIRAVI or vacuum assisted), brake pressure regulator, caliper servicing, disc replacement, brake fluid flushing, and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, ignition system, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, and auxiliary electrical components.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack overhaul, column adjustments, and linkage components.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, hood and trunk latches, seat adjustments, interior trim, and chassis structural components.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, air conditioning compressor, refrigerant circuits, and controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, hydropneumatic fluid), filter replacements, ignition system tune-ups, and general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault identification, and systematic approaches to problem-solving across all vehicle systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, and suspension component replacement.
Adjustments:
Precise instructions for adjusting brakes, clutch, ignition timing, carburetor settings, idle speed, suspension height, and steering alignment.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific Citroën CX repair procedures, including hydropneumatic system tools.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complex engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and detailed diagnostics of the unique hydropneumatic system. Includes factory specifications, tolerances, and torque values.
Illustrations:
Features detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos to guide users through repair procedures.
Service Data:
Includes service data, special notes, important points, precautions, and allowable limits for various adjustments and repairs.
Engine Options:
Various inline-4 gasoline engines: 1985cc (CX 20), 2175cc (CX 22), 2377cc (CX 24, later 2500cc CX 25), and a 2175cc diesel engine. Later Series 2 models offered fuel-injected variants and a 2.5L turbo-diesel.
Typical Horsepower:
Ranges from approximately 90 hp (diesel) to 120-140 hp for gasoline variants, with performance models like the CX GTI reaching up to 165 hp.
Typical Torque:
Varies significantly with engine size, typically ranging from 140 Nm to 200+ Nm.
Fuel Delivery:
Primarily carburetor-fed (e.g., Solex, Weber) for most models, with later CX 2400 and CX 25 models introducing Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection for improved performance and economy.
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV) for earlier models, transitioning to Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) for later, larger displacement engines.
Material:
Typically cast iron block.
Crash Test Performance:
While formal crash test ratings as we know them today were less standardized in the 1970s and 1980s, the CX's advanced safety features (like crumple zones and a robust chassis) were considered state-of-the-art for its time.
Braking System:
Power-assisted disc brakes (front and rear), often with ventilated front discs. The hydropneumatic system also provided anti-dive and anti-squat characteristics, indirectly contributing to stability under braking.
Steering System:
DIRAVI (Direction Assistée par Rationnel à Inversion) variable-ratio power steering, offering lighter steering at low speeds and firmer resistance at higher speeds for enhanced stability.
Seatbelts:
Standard three-point inertia reel seatbelts for front occupants.
Chassis Design:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones to absorb impact energy.
Interior Design Safety:
The unique dashboard layout and steering wheel were designed with occupant safety in mind, minimizing sharp edges and potential impact points.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Service:
Recommended inspection and potential fluid replacement or filter cleaning every 20,000-30,000 km, or as per manufacturer's recommendations. This is critical for maintaining ride quality and system longevity.
Timing Belt Replacement:
ForOHC engines, timing belt replacement is typically recommended every 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years.
Engine Oil:
Refer to specific engine requirements; generally SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate and engine type (e.g., API SF/CD or SG/CE).
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHS 2 (Liquide Hydraulique de Suspension 2) or equivalent mineral-based hydraulic fluid specifically designed for hydropneumatic systems. DO NOT use LHM (Citroën's later green fluid) or ATF.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid.
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking spheres, loss of ride height, pump issues, hose degradation, and accumulator failures are common with age and mileage.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion in connectors, and failing relays can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
Body Corrosion:
Rust can affect the sills, wheel arches, and floor pans, especially in areas with road salt.
Engine And Transmission Mounts:
Wear and tear on rubber mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
Diravi System:
Potential for fluid leaks or variable assistance issues in the DIRAVI steering system over time.
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, dating back to André-Gustave Citroën's mass production techniques and early adoption of front-wheel drive and monocoque construction. The CX embodies this spirit, building upon the DS's legacy.
Series 1 To Series 2 Transition:
The CX underwent a significant facelift in 1985 (Series 2), featuring updated bumpers, revised interior dashboard, improved aerodynamics, and the introduction of new engine options. This manual covers the transition period and the majority of Series 1 production.
Production Numbers:
Over 1.2 million Citroën CX models were produced between 1974 and 1991.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France, with some assembly also occurring in other countries.
