Positioning:
Comprehensive factory service manual for a luxury-class French automobile, catering to enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Competition:
The Citroën CX was a direct competitor to luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and other European manufacturers, known for its advanced technology and comfort.
Unique Selling Points:
Detailed coverage of the unique Hydropneumatic suspension system, advanced aerodynamic design, and sophisticated French engineering of the era.
Aerodynamics:
The CX was renowned for its exceptionally low drag coefficient for its era, contributing to fuel efficiency and high-speed stability.
Powertrain:
Engine diagnostics, repair, maintenance, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials.
Suspension And Steering:
Citroen's legendary Hydropneumatic suspension system (adjustment, repair, components), steering system (power steering, linkages).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting system, charging system, starting system, dashboard instruments, diagnostic procedures.
Body And Chassis:
Bodywork repair, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, corrosion protection, structural components.
Comfort System:
Detailed explanation and repair procedures for the Hydropneumatic suspension, including spheres, accumulators, hydraulic pump, and height correctors.
Climate Control:
Heating system, ventilation, and air conditioning (if factory-fitted).
Fuel System:
Carburetor servicing and tuning, fuel injection system diagnostics and repair.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant hoses, water pump maintenance and replacement.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (on later models) inspection and replacement.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, identifying symptoms, root cause analysis.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components, including complete disassembly and reassembly.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive troubleshooting for electrical faults, including detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, and fuse/relay locations.
Engine Rebuild:
Implied by 'complete disassembly of the machine' and detailed step-by-step instructions for service and repair.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment, crucial for vehicles with advanced suspension systems.
Dashboard And Instruments:
Removal, installation, and troubleshooting of dashboard components, gauges, and warning lights.
Depth:
Complete disassembly to component level, detailed instructions, illustrations, photos, and diagrams.
Illustrations And Photos:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photographs to guide users through repair procedures, including enlarged inset views for specific parts.
Notes Cautions Warnings:
Integrated notes, cautions, and warnings throughout each chapter to highlight critical information.
Illustrations Type:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos.
Engine Variants:
This manual covers the range of engines offered during the CX's production, including 2.0L (M20), 2.2L (M22), and 2.5L (DS-series derived) inline-four gasoline engines, and later turbodiesel variants (e.g., 2.5L Turbo-D).
Engine Displacement Range:
2.0 Liters to 2.5 Liters.
Engine Configuration:
Inline-four cylinder gasoline engines, and inline-four diesel engines (including turbocharged variants).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 HP to 160 HP depending on engine displacement and configuration (e.g., naturally aspirated vs. turbocharged).
Torque Range:
Approximately 150 Nm to 240 Nm (111 lb-ft to 177 lb-ft) depending on engine variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor systems (e.g., Weber, Solex) for earlier models, Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection for later models, including CX GTI models.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually, depending on usage and oil specification.
Hydropneumatic Fluid Check:
Regular checks (visual and level) recommended; fluid change intervals can be extensive (e.g., 30,000 - 60,000 km).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50) and API service classification based on engine type and climate.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën's specific LDS (Low-Density Synthetic) fluid or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid, depending on the specific system requirements.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture, typically 50/50 concentration with distilled water.
Common Problems:
Hydropneumatic suspension leaks (sphere seals, hose wear), electrical gremlins due to age, carburetor issues, rust in critical areas, rear suspension height regulator failures.
Hydropneumatic Pump:
Potential wear and noise issues with the hydraulic pump, requiring specific diagnostic procedures.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën has a long history of innovation and pioneering automotive technology, particularly in suspension systems (e.g., Traction Avant, 2CV, DS).
Cx Development:
The CX was designed as the successor to the iconic DS, inheriting and evolving its advanced features, particularly the Hydropneumatic suspension and aerodynamic styling.
Cx Variants:
Available in sedan (Berline) and estate (Break/Safari) body styles, as well as the sporty CX GTi models.
Facelift And Updates:
The CX underwent minor updates and facelifts throughout its production run, including interior revisions and engine enhancements.
Production Years:
1974-1991 (though this manual covers up to 1987 models).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France (Rennes-sur-Vitre) and Belgium.
