🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Citroën

Model:

GS / GSA

Year:

1975

Generation Codes:

First Generation (Series 1)

Chassis Code:

VF7GS

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Citroën GS/GSA was positioned as an advanced, aerodynamic, and comfortable family car, often seen as a more accessible alternative to the larger Citroën CX, but with innovative features.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Ford Taunus, Opel Ascona, Renault 12, and Fiat 128 in its class.

Vehicle Innovation:

Aerodynamic 'breadvan' styling, hydropneumatic suspension, front-wheel drive, and a sophisticated interior for its time.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring quality workmanship.

Accessibility:

Provides quick, convenient access to repair information, eliminating the need to search multiple sources or physical locations.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for Citroën GS and GSA models.

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.

Estimated Pages:

Likely several hundred pages, typical for a full service manual.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Depth Of Coverage:

All-encompassing service and repair manual, suitable for both routine maintenance and complex overhauls.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Service, repair, troubleshooting, and overhaul of all engine variants (e.g., GS 1015, 1220, 1300, 1600cc air-cooled flat-twin and flat-four engines).

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, clutch, and drive axle components.

Brakes:

Hydropneumatic brake system diagnostics, repair, fluid replacement, and component servicing (including the unique Citroën brake pedal).

Electrical System:

Complete electrical system diagnosis, component testing, wiring diagrams for lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and auxiliary systems.

Suspension Steering:

Hydropneumatic suspension system service, height adjustment, fluid exchange, accumulator maintenance, steering rack overhaul, and power steering (if equipped).

Cooling Fuel:

Air-cooled engine management, fuel system diagnosis and repair, carburetor or fuel injection servicing.

Chassis Body:

Body panel repair, chassis component servicing, doors, windows, and interior trim.

Emission Control:

Emission system components and adjustments (where applicable for the era).

Wiring Diagram:

Comprehensive and specific wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnostics and repair.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, and inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation of major and minor vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

In-depth diagnostic routines for electrical, mechanical, and hydropneumatic systems.

Refurbish Renovate:

Detailed guidance for component refurbishment and restoration, essential for classic car owners.

Periodic Lubrication:

Specific lubrication points and intervals for chassis components, suspension, and drivetrain.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications and clearances.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Readability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Compatibility:

Compatible with Adobe PDF Reader and usable on Windows and Mac operating systems.

Quality:

Digital download, quality is dependent on the source scan, typically clear and legible.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (flat) engines.

Engine Variants 1975:

Typically the 1015cc (GS 1015) and 1220cc (GS 1220) variants were prominent in 1975. Later models introduced 1300cc and 1600cc engines (GSA).

Engine Displacement Range:

1015cc to 1600cc.

Gs 1015 Hp:

Approximately 50-55 hp (DIN)

Gs 1220 Hp:

Approximately 56-60 hp (DIN)

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (e.g., Solex or Zenith carburetors). Later GSA models introduced fuel injection on some variants.

Ignition System:

Conventional distributor-based ignition system.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual transaxle (front-wheel drive).

Type:

Optional 3-speed 'A' automatic transaxle.

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed within the manual for each engine variant and transmission type.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4.04 meters (159 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1.61 meters (63.4 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1.35 meters (53.1 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 900-1000 kg (1980-2200 lbs), depending on engine and equipment.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2.61 meters (102.8 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

Era Rating:

Safety standards of the 1970s, focusing on passive safety features.

Braking System:

Ventilated front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, with the advanced Citroën hydropneumatic system providing excellent stopping power and stability.

Seatbelts:

Provision for seatbelts, often optional or three-point front belts depending on market and specification.

Chassis Design:

Designed with crumple zones and a strong passenger cell for the era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, often optional. Speaker placement and wiring detailed in electrical section.

Features:

The hydropneumatic suspension system provides a self-leveling and adjustable ride height, which was advanced driver assistance for its time, improving comfort and handling.

Features:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) as per the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Specific intervals detailed in manual.

Spark Plugs:

Replacement at recommended mileage intervals, e.g., 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles).

Suspension Fluid:

Hydropneumatic fluid (LHM – Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) checks and potential replacement or topping up according to manual schedule, often linked to major services.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50, API SF/CD or equivalent. Consult manual for exact viscosity and API rating for specific engine variants.

Cooling System:

Air-cooled; no coolant is used. However, the manual will detail engine casing inspections.

Brake Fluid:

Citroën LHM (mineral-based hydraulic fluid), not standard DOT brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific manual transmission oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-4). Automatic transmission fluid type specified for the 'A' transmission.

Suspension Leaks:

Common potential for hydropneumatic system leaks from spheres, seals, or lines over time.

Engine Wear:

Air-cooled engines can be susceptible to valve guide wear and cylinder head gasket issues if overheated. Oil consumption can be a characteristic.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many cars of this era, wiring loom degradation and intermittent electrical faults can occur.

Rust:

Body panels and sills can be prone to corrosion, especially in damp climates.

Hydropneumatic Pump:

Potential wear and tear on the hydraulic pump (often a DIRIS type) requiring periodic checks and service.

📚 Vehicle History

Citroen Innovation:

Citroën has a long history of automotive innovation, particularly with front-wheel drive, hydropneumatic suspension (starting with the Traction Avant and DS), and aerodynamic design.

Gs Launch:

The GS was launched in 1970, quickly gaining acclaim for its advanced engineering and comfort. The GSA was an updated version introduced in 1979, featuring styling revisions and improved ergonomics.

Production Period:

GS: 1970–1986. GSA: 1979–1986.

Manufacturing:

Primarily manufactured in France.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year:

The Citroën GS was voted European Car of the Year in 1971, a significant recognition of its innovative design and engineering.