🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Year:

1980

Chassis Code:

GS/GSA Series

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

A crucial resource for owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain, repair, and restore the iconic Citroën GS and GSA models from 1980. Positions itself as the authoritative, factory-approved guide.

Competitive Analysis:

Directly competes with third-party repair manuals by offering genuine factory data, which is often more accurate and comprehensive. The digital PDF format offers accessibility and cost-effectiveness compared to older, physical manuals.

Key Features:

Genuine factory information, comprehensive system coverage, step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations and diagrams, advanced troubleshooting guide, printable format, digital accessibility, and potential for significant cost savings on labor.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Global (with emphasis on European market models)

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but described as complete)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

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, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle, and more.

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic guides, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting procedures, lubrication specifications, and detailed repair instructions for all covered systems. Includes disassembly, reassembly, adjustment, and inspection procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering fundamentals to advanced diagnostics and repair, mirroring factory-trained technician knowledge. Suitable for owners and professional mechanics.

Chassis Body Repair:

Covers frame repair, body panel replacement, rustproofing, chassis lubrication points, and alignment specifications. The integrated body structure details will be included.

Suspension Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for servicing the hydropneumatic suspension spheres, suspension arms, hub assemblies, and shock absorbers. Includes hydrostatic pressure testing and fluid replacement.

Electrical System Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including starter, charging, lighting, ignition, fuel injection, instrumentation, and accessories. Includes troubleshooting charts for common electrical faults.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete instructions for engine disassembly, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft bearing checks, timing gear adjustment, and engine assembly torques.

Troubleshooting Guide:

An advanced guide to diagnosing and rectifying common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems. Organized by symptom to help pinpoint the root cause.

Heating Ventilation And Ac:

Details on the heater matrix, blower motor, ducting, and controls. Air conditioning was an option and the manual will cover its specific components and servicing if applicable to the 1980 models covered.

Restraint System Details:

Information on seat belt anchor points, adjustment mechanisms, and potential for early airbag systems (though unlikely for 1980). Manual will cover any safety belt system maintenance.

Specifications Data:

Includes torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, valve lash adjustments, and wheel alignment settings.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, fully printable (individual pages, chapters, or entire manual)

Binding Type:

Digital Download (printable on demand)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Flat-four (Boxer) air-cooled engine

Engine Variants:

Likely covers 1220cc and 1299cc (especially for GSA) variants. The manual should detail specific engine codes and configurations for the 1980 model year, including carbureted and potentially early fuel-injected versions for some markets or specific trims.

Performance:

Typically around 56-62 hp for 1220cc and 65-72 hp for 1299cc variants, depending on exact engine tune and market. Manual will contain specific power and torque figures, along with engine rebuild specifications.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (likely Solex or Weber twin-choke), with potential for early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection on some GSA models. Manual covers fuel pump operation, carburetor adjustment, fuel filter replacement, and injection system diagnostics.

Engine Displacement:

Commonly 1220 cc and 1299 cc

Engine Configuration:

Horizontally opposed (flat-four) air-cooled

Cooling System:

Air-cooled with a fan driven by the engine crankshaft. Manual details fan belt tension, cooling fins, and airflow management.

Ignition System:

Distributor-based ignition, typically with breaker points or early electronic ignition modules. Manual covers ignition timing, spark plug specifications, distributor service, and coil testing.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

4-speed manual transaxle

Optional:

5-speed manual transaxle (likely introduced around this period or shortly after), and potentially the semi-automatic 'Citroënmatic' (electronic clutch) on some variants.

Features:

Transaxle design integrating engine and gearbox, with front-wheel drive. Manual covers clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanisms, and differential maintenance.

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch, mechanically operated.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for each of the 4 or 5 speeds and final drive will be detailed in the manual for accurate diagnosis and performance tuning.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 2.0 to 2.5 liters, depending on specific transaxle model. Manual will provide exact capacity and recommended fluid type (e.g., 80W-90 or specific gear oil).

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Detailed dimensions (length, width, height, wheelbase) will be present in the manual, crucial for bodywork and alignment. GS/GSA length: approx. 4120 mm, Width: approx. 1620 mm, Wheelbase: approx. 2550 mm.

Weights:

Curb weight typically around 1000-1100 kg. Manual will provide specific weight figures for different configurations and towing capacities if applicable.

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1370 mm

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1270 mm

Ground Clearance:

Variable due to hydropneumatic suspension, but generally good for its class. Manual will detail suspension adjustment procedures to set ride height.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2550 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

Specific crash test ratings for the 1980 model year would be based on contemporary European standards. The manual will detail the construction and material specifications relevant to safety.

Active Features:

Excellent hydraulic self-leveling suspension system, powerful disc brakes (often with Dunlop-style brake calipers), and responsive steering contributing to active safety. Manual details maintenance and troubleshooting for these systems.

Passive Features:

Integral body construction, impact-absorbing zones, and early use of safety glass. The manual will cover seatbelt installation and adjustment (if factory fitted), and interior trim safety considerations.

Brake System Type:

Hydraulically operated, typically with front discs and rear drums. Advanced versions may feature self-adjusting or even four-wheel disc brakes on performance variants. Manual will specify caliper types, master cylinder, and bleeding procedures.

Parking Brake:

Mechanical handbrake acting on the rear wheels. Manual covers adjustment and cable replacement.

Steering Wheel Type:

Usually a three-spoke steering wheel. The GSA might have a more ergonomic design than the original GS. Manual details steering column components and adjustments.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic for its era. Likely features an AM/FM radio with manual tuning. The manual will cover the electrical aspects of the radio and speaker system. The GSA introduced a revised dashboard with more integrated controls.

Driver Assistance:

Primarily the advanced self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system which maintained a constant ride height regardless of load, providing superior ride comfort and handling. The manual provides in-depth coverage of this system's hydraulics and pneumatics.

Connectivity:

Not applicable in the modern sense. Connectivity would refer to mechanical linkages and the electrical wiring harness as detailed in the manual.

Dashboard Design:

Original GS featured a distinctive 'cyclops eye' speedometer. The GSA revised dashboard incorporated more conventional gauges and integrated controls, including the 'DIRASS' (Direction Assistée) system if fitted. Manual details instrumentation and switchgear functionality.

Lighting System:

Standard halogen headlights, with manual specifying bulb types and aiming procedures. The manual will also cover indicator, brake, and interior lighting systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

The manual will detail factory recommended service intervals for oil changes (engine and transmission), filter replacements, brake inspections, suspension checks, and general lubrication. Expect intervals like 5,000-7,500 km for oil changes.

Fluid Specifications:

Crucial details on engine oil viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 20W-50), transmission fluid type (likely specific Citroën or GL-4 gear oil), brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4), coolant type, and hydraulic fluid (LHM – Citroën's own mineral-based hydraulic fluid) for suspension and brakes.

Known Issues:

The manual will indirectly address common issues by providing correct repair procedures. For the GS/GSA, this includes typical concerns with older hydraulic systems (leaks, pump wear), ignition system reliability, carburetor tuning, and corrosion. The troubleshooting section is key here.

Engine Oil Type:

Typically SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50. Manual will list API service classifications and specific Citroën recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 to 3.5 liters, including the oil filter. Manual specifies exact capacity and filter part numbers (e.g., Fram PH series, or original Citroën part numbers).

Spark Plug Type:

Specific NGK or Champion part numbers and heat ranges for the 1220cc and 1299cc engines. Manual will provide gap specifications (e.g., 0.7 mm).

Tire Size:

Common sizes include 165 SR 15 or 185/65 HR 15, depending on model and trim. Manual will specify recommended tire pressures and sizes for various conditions.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual will detail replacement intervals and bleeding procedures.

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Specific pressure for carbureted or fuel-injected systems will be listed. For carburetors, typically low pressure (e.g., 0.2-0.4 bar).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Citroën has a long history of innovation in automotive design and engineering, known for avant-garde styling and advanced technology like hydropneumatic suspension. The GS/GSA embodies this heritage.

Model Evolution:

The GS was launched in 1970, evolving into the GSA in 1980 with updated styling (especially the GSA's plastic bumpers and dashboard) and improved features. The manual covers this transitional period and specific 1980 model year changes.

Production:

Produced from 1970 to 1986. The 1980 model represents a significant facelift and technological update to the original GS design.

Designer:

Original GS designed by Robert Opron; GSA facelift by Citroën's design studio.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily France (Rennes-sur-Vilaine factory).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The original GS was named European Car of the Year in 1971. While the 1980 GSA revision might not have received specific awards, it was recognized for its continued innovative design and comfort for its class and era.