Positioning:
The Citroën GS/GSA was positioned as a distinctive, technologically advanced compact/medium family car, renowned for its aerodynamic design, unique hydropneumatic suspension, and comfortable ride.
Competitors:
Competed against cars like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Renault 12, and Fiat 128, offering a more sophisticated engineering package.
Design Elements:
Aerodynamic 'breadvan' styling, distinctive Kamm-tail, twin-spoke steering wheel (GSA), and innovative dashboard layout.
Target Audience:
Primarily professional technicians, but also suitable for DIY mechanics with basic mechanical and electrical knowledge.
Benefit:
Provides factory-level information for accurate and efficient maintenance and repair, enabling owners to make informed decisions and perform tasks themselves.
Coverage Years:
Primarily 1979, but often includes related preceding or succeeding model year information due to shared components and evolution.
Regions Covered:
Primarily European specifications, reflecting the primary market for the GS/GSA.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 500-800+ pages, typical for comprehensive factory-level repair manuals.
Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (manual and automatic if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension System (including hydropneumatic system), Steering System, Braking System (including parking brake).
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition, Starting System, Charging System, Instrumentation, Accessories.
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Bumpers, Interior Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning if equipped).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, adjustments.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Technical Data:
Specifications, tolerances, torque values, electrical resistance, component testing procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced component rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
Print Quality:
Full Printable (high-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual).
Zoom Capability:
YES (allows for detailed viewing of diagrams and text).
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF - no physical binding).
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF - no physical paper).
Engine Type:
Air-cooled flat-four (boxer) engine.
Displacement Gs:
1015 cc (1.0L) and 1220 cc (1.2L) initially.
Displacement Gsa:
1220 cc (1.2L) and 1299 cc (1.3L) (introduced with GSA).
Gs Power Output:
Varies by engine size: ~54-60 hp for 1.0L, ~56-65 hp for 1.2L.
Gsa Power Output:
Varies by engine size: ~65 hp for 1.2L, ~60-70 hp for 1.3L.
Induction:
Single or twin-choke downdraft carburettors (e.g., Solex, Weber).
Ignition System:
Contact breaker points (early models) or electronic ignition (later models/upgrades).
Crash Safety:
Limited formal crash test data available by modern standards; designed with a crumple zone philosophy and integrated safety cage.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear. Often featured a brake pressure regulator and potentially front brake bias adjustment.
Seatbelts:
Provision for seatbelts, likely lap belts in front and rear as standard, with optional three-point belts.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column.
Audio System:
Typically a basic analogue radio and cassette player, often with a single speaker or optional dashboard speaker.
Braking Assistance:
The hydropneumatic system provided self-levelling and a unique 'brake feel' through its integration with the braking circuit.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical and ride comfort technology.
Dashboard Design:
The GSA featured a distinctive 'satellite' control stalk system and a unique dashboard layout with prominent instrumentation, moving away from the GS's more conventional (but still unique) design.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, ignition points (if applicable), and air filter replacement typically around 15,000 - 20,000 km.
Engine Oil:
Multi-grade oils such as SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 were common, with specific viscosity recommendations depending on ambient temperature. API SG or equivalent service classification recommended.
Hydraulic Fluid:
Citroën's specific LHS 2 (or later LHS+) hydraulic fluid for the suspension and braking system. Never use mineral-based hydraulic fluids.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant mixture (typically 50/50) for the air-cooled engine's oil cooling system, and radiator if fitted.
Suspension Leaks:
Hydropneumatic system spheres ( Συνεργάτης spheres) can lose pressure, and hydraulic fluid leaks from lines or seals can occur. Regular maintenance of the hydraulic system is crucial.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Air-cooled flat-four engines, particularly with age, can exhibit higher oil consumption. Correct oil level and viscosity are important.
Electrical Reliability:
As with many cars of this era, electrical connections, grounding points, and minor wiring faults can be a source of issues. The GSA's integrated dashboard can also require attention.
Rust:
Common for vehicles of this vintage; susceptible to rust in sills, wheel arches, and around windows.
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën has a long history of innovative engineering, focusing on comfort, aerodynamics, and distinctive design, exemplified by models like the Traction Avant and DS.
Gs Introduction:
The GS was introduced in 1970 to fill the gap between the Ami 8 and the DS, becoming European Car of the Year in 1971.
Gsa Update:
The GSA, launched in 1979, was a significant facelift of the GS, featuring a revised front end with a more integrated bumper and grille, a redesigned dashboard with the characteristic 'satellite' controls and twin-spoke steering wheel, and minor mechanical improvements.
Production Period:
GS: 1970-1986; GSA: 1979-1986.
Production Locations:
Primarily France, but also licensed production in other countries.
