🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Citroën Model: GS / GSA Year: 1972 Codes Chassis Code: GS (pre-GSA) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts seeking to maintain and repair their Citroën GS/GSA. Key Features Manual Purpose: To provide authoritative guidance on repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Citroën GS/GSA. Content Comparison: Covers topics typically found in factory service manuals and owner's manuals, offering a holistic approach to vehicle care. Value Proposition Digital Advantage: Instant download availability allows for immediate access to repair information, bridging the gap between paper and digital. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Coverage: Citroën GS and GSA models Year Coverage: Primarily focused on the 1972 model year, with general applicability to the early GS/GSA production run. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific edition, but generally comprehensive for a factory service manual, often exceeding 500 pages. Manual Type Manual Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or similar unzipping utility) Compatibility Operating System Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, timing, lubrication, cooling), fuel system (carburetion, fuel pump, lines), ignition system, exhaust system. Transmission Drivetrain: Manual transmission (operation, overhaul), clutch, driveshafts, wheel bearings. Suspension Steering: Hydropneumatic suspension (design, maintenance, component replacement, fluid service), steering system (rack and pinion, column, linkages). Brakes: Brake system (hydraulic circuits, master cylinder, calipers, drums, parking brake, fluid service, bleeding procedures). Electrical: 12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition switch, wiring diagrams, dashboard instruments, horn, wipers, washers. Bodywork Chassis: Body structure, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, bumpers, paint and finish. Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning: Heater system, ventilation controls. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points, spark plug checks, tire rotation. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all covered systems. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic guidance for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, identifying causes of malfunctions. Disassembly Assembly: Detailed instructions for taking apart and putting back together major vehicle components and systems. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians, with accessible explanations for DIY mechanics possessing basic mechanical and electrical knowledge. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Zoom Functionality: YES (Zoom IN/OUT) Binding Type Binding Type: Digital (Downloadable PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air-cooled, flat-four (boxer) engine. Engine Variants Engine Displacement Early: 1015 cc (for 1972 models). Engine Displacement Later: 1124 cc and 1220 cc (introduced later in GS production, and standard in GSA). Performance Horsepower 1015Cc: Approx. 56-60 hp (DIN). Fuel System Carburetor Type: Zenith or Solex downdraft carburetor(s). Cooling System Cooling Method: Forced air cooling. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transaxle. Optional Transmission Automatic Transmission Availability: Automatic transmission (Citroën's own system, often referred to as 'semi-automatic' due to torque converter and manual shifting) became available on later GS models and was an option on GSA, but not typically for the 1972 model year. Features Drivetrain Layout: Front-wheel drive. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Early Gs: Approx. 2550 mm (100.4 inches). Overall Length Early Gs: Approx. 4100 mm (161.4 inches). Overall Width Early Gs: Approx. 1630 mm (64.2 inches). Overall Height Early Gs: Approx. 1270 mm (50 inches). Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 970 - 1050 kg (2138 - 2315 lbs), depending on specification. 🛡️ Safety Features Active Features Braking System Type: Hydraulically operated disc brakes front, drum brakes rear (typical for early models). Later models and specific trims might have rear discs. Parking Brake System: Mechanical handbrake acting on rear wheels. Passive Features Body Construction: Unibody construction with significant use of anti-corrosion treatments and safety crumple zones integrated into the design. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio System: Optional factory radio and speaker systems, typically AM/FM. Driver Assistance Aerodynamic Design: Highly aerodynamic, 'fuselage' design contributing to fuel efficiency and stability. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Typically every 5,000 km (approx. 3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions). Suspension Fluid Check: Regular checks for leaks and fluid levels in the hydropneumatic system are critical, often recommended at every service. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type Early: API SE/SF, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate). Suspension Fluid Type: LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) – specific Citroën green mineral hydraulic fluid. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (ensure compatibility with system seals). Known Issues Hydropneumatic Suspension Issues: Potential for suspension height control issues, leaks in spheres or lines, and pump problems if...
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all covered systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guidance for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, identifying causes of malfunctions.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for taking apart and putting back together major vehicle components and systems.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians, with accessible explanations for DIY mechanics possessing basic mechanical and electrical knowledge.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom Functionality:
YES (Zoom IN/OUT)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, flat-four (boxer) engine.
Engine Variants
Engine Displacement Early:
1015 cc (for 1972 models).
Engine Displacement Later:
1124 cc and 1220 cc (introduced later in GS production, and standard in GSA).
Performance
Horsepower 1015Cc:
Approx. 56-60 hp (DIN).
Fuel System
Carburetor Type:
Zenith or Solex downdraft carburetor(s).
Cooling System
Cooling Method:
Forced air cooling.
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transaxle.
Optional Transmission
Automatic Transmission Availability:
Automatic transmission (Citroën's own system, often referred to as 'semi-automatic' due to torque converter and manual shifting) became available on later GS models and was an option on GSA, but not typically for the 1972 model year.
Features
Drivetrain Layout:
Front-wheel drive.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Early Gs:
Approx. 2550 mm (100.4 inches).
Overall Length Early Gs:
Approx. 4100 mm (161.4 inches).
Overall Width Early Gs:
Approx. 1630 mm (64.2 inches).
Overall Height Early Gs:
Approx. 1270 mm (50 inches).
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 970 - 1050 kg (2138 - 2315 lbs), depending on specification.
🛡️ Safety Features
Active Features
Braking System Type:
Hydraulically operated disc brakes front, drum brakes rear (typical for early models). Later models and specific trims might have rear discs.
Parking Brake System:
Mechanical handbrake acting on rear wheels.
Passive Features
Body Construction:
Unibody construction with significant use of anti-corrosion treatments and safety crumple zones integrated into the design.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio System:
Optional factory radio and speaker systems, typically AM/FM.
Driver Assistance
Aerodynamic Design:
Highly aerodynamic, 'fuselage' design contributing to fuel efficiency and stability.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 km (approx. 3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions).
Suspension Fluid Check:
Regular checks for leaks and fluid levels in the hydropneumatic system are critical, often recommended at every service.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Early:
API SE/SF, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Suspension Fluid Type:
LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) – specific Citroën green mineral hydraulic fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (ensure compatibility with system seals).
Known Issues
Hydropneumatic Suspension Issues:
Potential for suspension height control issues, leaks in spheres or lines, and pump problems if not properly maintained. Requires specialized knowledge.
Rust And Corrosion:
Like many cars of this era, susceptible to rust, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms. The manual will detail rust prevention and repair.
Electrical System Reliability:
Older wiring can become brittle, leading to intermittent faults. Wiring diagrams in the manual are essential for diagnosis.
Engine Cooling Efficiency:
Air-cooled engines can be susceptible to overheating in extreme conditions or if the cooling fins are blocked with debris. Proper cleaning and airflow are crucial.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën's long history of automotive innovation, particularly in suspension and aerodynamic design.
Model Evolution
Gs Introduction:
The Citroën GS was launched in 1970 as a compact family car, designed to slot between the Dyane/Ami 8 and the larger DS.
Gsa Introduction:
The GSA was a significant facelift and update of the GS, introduced in 1980, featuring revised styling, interior, and the addition of a hatchback tailgate.
Production
Production Period Gs:
1970-1986.
Designer:
Designed by Robert Opron, also known for the DS and SM.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car Of The Year:
The Citroën GS was awarded 'European Car of the Year' in 1971 for its innovative design and engineering.
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