Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Family car
Key Competitors:
Simca 1100, Renault 6, Fiat 128, Ford Escort
Design Innovation:
Distinctive aerodynamic styling, innovative hydropneumatic suspension system
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repairs, saving significant costs on maintenance and repair bills for owners.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the Citroën GS
Estimated Page Count:
Likely several hundred pages, typical for a full WSM
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic variants if applicable), clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Hydropneumatic suspension system (front and rear), steering rack, components
Brakes:
Brake system components (hydraulic and mechanical), ABS (if equipped on later models), parking brake
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, instrumentation, auxiliary systems
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, welding procedures
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication schedules
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault identification, diagnostic charts
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls
Installation Adjustment:
Procedures for installing and adjusting various parts and systems
Depth:
In-depth, professional level covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls
Engine Type:
Flat-four (Horizontally Opposed) Air-cooled
Displacement Initial:
1015 cc (GS) / 1222 cc (GSA)
Displacement Later:
1299 cc (GSA Club/Pallas)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 54 hp to 65 hp depending on engine variant and year
Torque Range:
Approx. 70 Nm to 91 Nm depending on engine variant and year
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) across most variants
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Ignition Type:
Contact breaker (points) ignition system, potentially electronic ignition in later years/specific markets.
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed semi-automatic ('transaxle automatique' / C.G.R.) was available as an option on some models.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate diaphragm clutch
Gearbox Location:
Integrated with the final drive and differential (transaxle)
Safety Standards Era:
Designed to early 1970s European safety standards; later models incorporated minor improvements.
Seatbelts:
Lap belts standard, optional inertia reel belts available on later models/trims
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval Engine:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 km (as per original manuals, adjust for modern oils)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions
Engine Oil Type:
API SE/SF, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity based on ambient temperature)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Hydropneumatic Fluid Type:
Citroën LHS 2 (or equivalent mineral-based hydraulic fluid with anti-wear additives)
Hydropneumatic System:
Sphere seals degradation, hydraulic fluid leaks, pump wear, ride height adjustments
Engine Cooling:
Air-cooled system can be susceptible to overheating in prolonged heavy use or if cooling fins are obstructed. Carburetor tuning can be sensitive.
Rust Corrosion:
Common on older vehicles, especially in areas prone to road salt. Check sills, wheel arches, and floor pans.
Electrical System:
Aging wiring harnesses, connectors, and switches can lead to intermittent faults.
Manufacturer Origin:
France
Major Updates:
Introduction of the GSA in 1979 with updated interior, dashboard, bumpers, and improved engines.
Production End Year:
1986 (production ceased shortly after the 1985 model year)
Production Volume:
Over 1 million units produced worldwide
