🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Year:

1981

Internal Model Code:

XB7

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY car enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and owners seeking to maintain and repair their Citroën GS/GSA.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential, detailed information for independent repair, saving on mechanic costs and empowering owners with vehicle knowledge.

Benefit 1:

Enables self-sufficiency in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Benefit 2:

Cost savings on labor and parts through informed DIY work.

Benefit 3:

Deeper understanding of vehicle intricacies for better care and emergency response.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Areas:

General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Axle

Additional Areas:

Refurbishment, Renovation, Mend, Fix

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, and timing systems.

Engine Management:

Coverage of fuel injection systems, ignition systems, and emission control systems, including diagnostics and component testing.

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, and differential servicing.

Brakes:

Comprehensive guide to the hydraulic braking system, including disc and drum brake service, hydraulic fluid specifications, and troubleshooting common brake issues.

Suspension Steering:

Detailed information on the unique hydropneumatic suspension system, steering rack overhaul, and wheel alignment procedures.

Electrical:

Includes complete wiring diagrams, component identification, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, and procedures for servicing starting and charging systems, lighting, and accessories.

Chassis Body:

Information on body panel repair, corrosion protection, interior trim removal and installation, and chassis component servicing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, and general inspection guidelines.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical problems.

Component Rebuilds:

Detailed instructions for overhauling major engine and transmission components, as well as suspension and brake assemblies.

Adjustments:

Procedures for adjusting carburetor settings, ignition timing, clutch engagement, and suspension height.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for certain repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Required Software:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Operating Systems:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Quality:

High-resolution, likely scanned from original factory manuals, enabling clear text and diagrams.

Type:

Digital Download (No physical binding)

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Flat-four (Boxer) air-cooled, SOHC

Displacement Gs:

1220 cc (74.5 cu in)

Displacement Gsa:

1299 cc (79.3 cu in) and 1360 cc (83 cu in) depending on specific GSA variant and market

Horsepower Gs:

Approx. 56-60 hp (DIN) for 1220cc engine

Horsepower Gsa:

Approx. 65-70 hp (DIN) for 1299cc and 1360cc engines

Type:

Stromberg or Solex twin-choke downdraft carburettor (specific model varies by engine and market)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended for later models)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual transaxle

Type:

3-speed automatic transaxle (less common, availability varied by market and model year)

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

Transaxle Layout:

Front-wheel drive with engine and gearbox mounted longitudinally ahead of the front axle.

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

5-door hatchback

Length:

Approx. 4030 mm (158.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs), depending on model and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited formal crash test data from modern agencies, but known for its strong safety cell and independent front suspension design for its era.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.

Body Construction:

Unitary body with integrated safety cage and crumple zones.

Seatbelts:

Front seat belts (3-point inertia reel), rear lap belts standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with single speaker typical for the era. Optional higher-fidelity systems may have existed.

Dashboard:

Distinctive and ergonomic dashboard design, especially the GSA's improved layout with rotary controls and integrated warning lights.

Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on advanced mechanical systems like the hydropneumatic suspension for ride comfort and handling.

Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Communication relies on analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on usage and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (API SE/SF), specific viscosity may depend on climate.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Hydropneumatic Fluid:

LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) – Citroën's proprietary mineral-based hydraulic fluid. Critical importance of using the correct fluid type to avoid system damage.

Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmission. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic variants.

Hydropneumatic Suspension:

Leakage from spheres, hydraulic lines, and pump issues can lead to sagging or loss of ride height. Requires specialized knowledge and tools for repair.

Cooling System:

Air-cooled engine design minimizes coolant issues but requires proper airflow management and occasional fan belt checks. Overheating can still occur if airflow is compromised.

Rust:

As with many cars of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older wiring harnesses and connections can become brittle and corroded, leading to intermittent electrical faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Philosophy:

Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive design, particularly with pioneering hydropneumatic suspension systems and aerodynamic styling.

Gs Launch:

The Citroën GS was launched in 1970, designed to slot between the 2CV and the DS.

Gsa Introduction:

The GSA (sometimes referred to as GSX or GS Special) was a significant facelift and improvement introduced in 1980, featuring updated styling, a new dashboard, and minor mechanical enhancements.

Production Period:

1970-1986 (GS/GSA combined)

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily France, with some production also in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

The Citroën GS was awarded European Car of the Year in 1971.

Design Awards:

The GS's innovative design and styling were highly praised by automotive journalists and the public.