🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

CX Series 1

Model Variant:

Various (Sedan, Estate/Break, Prestige, CX20, CX22, CX24, CX25)

Production Start Year:

1974

Manual Applicability Years:

1975 Onwards (Series 1)

Chassis Code:

Y3

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Citroën CX Series 1 represented the pinnacle of French automotive design and engineering in its era, known for its avant-garde styling, hydropneumatic suspension, and distinctive aerodynamic profile. This manual caters to owners and enthusiasts seeking to maintain and repair these unique vehicles.

Uniqueness:

The CX is renowned for its unique engineering, providing a benchmark in ride comfort and handling that few vehicles could match, making it a car for those who appreciate unconventional automotive design and engineering.

Competitive Analysis:

In its time, the CX competed with other large executive sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class, BMW E23 7 Series, and the Peugeot 604. Its unique hydropneumatic system and interior design set it apart, offering a ride quality that was often described as 'flying carpet' like.

Key Features:

Advanced hydropneumatic suspension, front-wheel drive, distinctive 'DIRAVI' speed-sensitive power steering, aerodynamic body design, spacious and futuristic interior.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full workshop repair, maintenance, diagnostics, electrical schematics, service procedures, fluid capacities, troubleshooting, re-wiring, engine rebuilding.

Page Count:

Not Specified (Comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

General Information, Lubrication, Inspection & Adjustment, Fuel System, Engine, Clutch, Gearshift Linkage, Transmission, Crankcase, Crankshaft/Primary Shaft, Front Wheel & Suspension, Rear Wheel & Suspension, Hydraulic Brake System, Battery & Charging System, Ignition System, Electric Starter, Switches, Electrical Diagrams.

Systems Covered Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical diagrams for lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instrumentation, wipers, horn, and ancillary electrical components.

Systems Covered Body:

Includes bodywork repair, panel alignment, door mechanism servicing, and trim component replacement.

Procedures Included:

Engine Removal/Installation, Cylinder Head/Valve Overhaul, Cylinder/Piston Reassembly, Clutch Replacement, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Overhaul, Brake System Maintenance & Repair, Electrical System Diagnosis & Repair, Carburetor/Fuel Injection Servicing, Ignition System Tuning, Routine Maintenance, Troubleshooting.

Procedures Included Engine Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, seals), and reassembly with torque specifications.

Procedures Included Transmission Repair:

Detailed procedures for removing and overhauling manual and automatic transmissions, including gear set inspection, synchromesh repair, clutch replacement, and seal replacements.

Procedures Included Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, including diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based repair recommendations for engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension issues.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical system diagnostics).

Depth Detail Suspension:

In-depth coverage of hydropneumatic system components, including spheres, hydraulic pump, accumulators, height correctors, and fluid replacement procedures.

Depth Detail Steering:

Detailed explanation of the DIRAVI steering system, including its hydraulic operation and adjustment procedures.

Depth Detail Braking:

Specific coverage of the combined hydropneumatic braking system, including brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, disc and pad replacement, and brake pressure regulator adjustments.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing or on-screen viewing.

Binding Type:

Digital (Instant Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital File)

Compatibility:

PC/MAC Compatible

Features:

Zoom In/Out functionality, searchable text (depending on PDF quality), instant delivery.

Features Delivery:

Instant delivery via email with download link after purchase.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Citroën GS/GSA Type 180/181 4-cylinder, air-cooled boxer engine (later models used the Peugeot-Renault V6 engine, but this manual primarily focuses on the Series 1 and its original engine offerings).

Performance Cx20:

1995cc, 90-102 hp (approx.)

Performance Cx22:

2175cc, 112 hp (approx.)

Performance Cx24:

2377cc, 115-126 hp (approx.)

Performance Cx25:

2473cc, 128-136 hp (approx.)

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Weber, Solex) or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection on later models.

Engine Type:

Front-mounted, air-cooled boxer-engine (original Series 1) or water-cooled inline-4 (later Series 1 and Series 2).

Engine Codes Example:

e.g., Typ 180 (2.0L), Typ 180/181 (2.2L), Typ 182 (2.3L), Typ 183 (2.5L) - specific codes vary by engine and year.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transaxle.

Transmission Optional:

3-speed Citroën automatic (often referred to as DS23 or C-Matic type).

Transmission Features:

Integrated with the engine as a transaxle unit. Hydropneumatic clutch control on some automatic variants.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length Sedan:

Approx. 4.64 m (182.7 in)

Exterior Width Sedan:

Approx. 1.77 m (69.7 in)

Exterior Height Sedan:

Approx. 1.37 m (53.9 in)

Exterior Wheelbase:

Approx. 2.85 m (112.2 in)

Weights Curb Approx:

1350 - 1500 kg (2976 - 3307 lbs)

Cargo Capacity Sedan:

Generous boot space typical of a large executive sedan.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not officially rated by modern standards like Euro NCAP or NHTSA, but featured robust construction for its time.

Active Features:

Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, front-wheel drive, powerful disc brakes with front inboard discs, DIRAVI steering.

Passive Features:

Collapsible steering column, reinforced passenger cell, deep dashboard padding, three-point seatbelts (front).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic radio and speaker systems typical of the era. No advanced infotainment features.

Driver Assistance:

DIRAVI speed-sensitive power steering is the primary driver assistance feature. Cruise control was an option on some higher-end models.

Connectivity:

None. Analog systems only.

Electrical Features:

Hydraulic pump for suspension and brakes, integrated electrical system with distinct fuse box and wiring harnesses, central lubrication system (on some models).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals General:

Typical for European cars of the era: Oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km), major services every 15,000-20,000 miles (25,000-30,000 km). Hydropneumatic system fluid changes are critical.

Service Intervals Hydropneumatic:

Hydropneumatic fluid and filter replacement is recommended every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or as specified in the manual for optimal system longevity.

Fluid Spec Hydropneumatic:

Citroën LHS 2 (or equivalent LHM - Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) is crucial for the suspension and braking system.

Fluid Spec Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (check specific engine variant for exact recommendation).

Fluid Spec Transmission Oil:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90.

Known Issues:

Hydropneumatic system leaks (sphere wear, hose degradation), DIRAVI steering component wear, rust on body panels (especially sills, wheel arches), electrical gremlins, carburetor issues, exhaust system corrosion.

Known Issues Suspension Maintenance:

Regular maintenance of the hydropneumatic system, including flushing and refilling the hydraulic fluid and replacing spheres, is vital to prevent costly repairs and maintain ride quality.

Part Number Example Suspension Sphere:

Specific part numbers vary by application (e.g., 527100 for front spheres, 527110 for rear spheres - verify with manual).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Citroën has a long history of innovation, particularly in suspension technology (e.g., the Traction Avant and DS) and avant-garde design.

Model Evolution:

The CX succeeded the iconic Citroën DS in 1974. It retained the hydropneumatic suspension but featured a more modern, aerodynamic design penned by Robert Opron. The Series 1 models were produced from 1974 to 1985, with Series 2 introducing significant styling and technical updates.

Series 1 Distinction:

Series 1 is distinguished by its original dashboard design (with the 'mushroom' toggle switches), single headlight system on early models, and simpler interior appointments compared to the Series 2.

Production Location:

France (Citroën factories, primarily Rennes-La-Janais and Aulnay-sous-Bois).

Production Years Series 1:

1974 - 1985

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of specific 'car of the year' awards in the traditional sense, the CX was widely lauded for its innovation, comfort, and handling, often appearing on 'most technologically advanced' lists of its time. It was named European Car of the Year in 1975.