GS/GSA Series (specific codes would vary by sub-model and market, e.g., US-market versions might have different designations)
Generation
Generation:
First Generation (GS, introduced 1970), with potential overlap into early GSA development (GSA introduced 1980)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Market Position:
A family car known for its innovative hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic design, and comfortable ride, competing in the compact/medium European car segment.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, and Fiat 128, but differentiated itself with its hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic 'Biépin' (butterfly) styling, and innovative interior. The GSA variant, introduced later, refined the design and introduced improvements.
Key Features
Key Features:
• Groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension system
• Aerodynamic, flowing body design
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Advanced for its time engine technology (e.g., Boxer engines)
• High level of active and passive safety features
• Innovative dashboard and controls (especially in GSA variants)
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
• General Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Engine Service/Repair
• Transmission Service/Repair
• Brake System
• Wiring Diagrams
• Electrical System
• Suspension
• Periodic Lubrication
• Steering
• Cooling System
• Fuel Injection/Fuel System
• Emission System
• Heater/Air Conditioning
• Engine Control System
• Chassis/Body
• Restraint System
• Interior
• Differential/Drive
• Axle
Page Count
Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (comprehensive coverage)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
• Engine (including cooling and lubrication)
• Fuel System (including carburetion and early injection)
• Transmission (manual and automatic)
• Brake System (including LHM integration)
• Suspension System (hydropneumatic)
• Steering System
• Electrical System (including detailed wiring diagrams)
• Chassis and Bodywork
• Interior Systems
• HVAC (Heater/Air Conditioning)
• Emission Control Systems
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
• Step-by-step repair instructions
• Diagnostic procedures
• Maintenance schedules
• Troubleshooting guides
• Component removal and installation
• System adjustments
• Electrical system tracing and repair
• Engine tuning and rebuilding
• Transmission overhauling
• Brake system servicing
• Suspension system maintenance
• LHM system servicing
• Chassis and body repair procedures
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Full factory service repair manual, offering the same information as professional technicians. Includes detailed illustrations, diagrams, and specifications for all repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Printable without restriction. Allows users to print specific pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital Download - Printable
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
Air-cooled, flat-four (Boxer) engine, typically 1015cc or 1220cc for the 1973 model year.
Performance
Performance:
Engines typically range from 55-70 horsepower depending on displacement (1015cc to 1220cc).
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex or Weber). Later models or specific variants might have seen early developments towards fuel injection, though carburetion was prevalent in 1973. The manual covers fuel injection systems.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard:
4-speed manual
Optional
Optional:
3-speed automatic
Features
Features:
The manual covers both manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and potential adjustments.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Exterior:
Length: ~4130 mm, Width: ~1630 mm, Height: ~1350 mm. Wheelbase: ~2550 mm.
Interior
Interior:
Known for its spacious interior for its class, particularly in the front, and a comfortable seating arrangement. The ergonomic design prioritised passenger comfort.
Weights
Weights:
Curb weight typically ranged from 950 kg to 1050 kg, depending on body style and engine. The manual would detail specific weight capacities and vehicle gross weights.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Ratings:
Vehicle safety standards were different in 1973. The GS was designed with a focus on occupant protection for its era, featuring a reinforced safety cage and deformable zones. Modern crash test ratings are not applicable.
Active Features
Active Features:
• Disc brakes front and rear
• Hydropneumatic suspension for improved stability
Passive Features
Passive Features:
• Safety cell construction
• Padded dashboard
• Seat belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment:
Basic radio and speaker system.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
None in the modern sense. The hydropneumatic suspension provided a form of active ride control, and the car's aerodynamic design contributed to stability at speed.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Service Intervals:
The manual provides detailed intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, brake checks, suspension system inspections, and LHM fluid level checks.
Fluid Specifications
Fluid Specifications:
• Engine Oil: SAE 20W-50 recommended for air-cooled Boxer engines.
• Hydraulic Fluid: Citroën LDS fluid (green) for hydropneumatic suspension and braking systems.
Citroën's legacy of advanced and innovative automotive engineering.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The GS was launched in 1970. The GSA, a facelifted version, appeared in 1980. The 1973 model year is part of the original GS series.
Production
Production:
The Citroën GS was produced in various Citroën plants, primarily in France. Over its production run, it achieved significant sales figures, establishing itself as a key model for the brand in the family car segment.