🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Citroën Model: GS / GSA Year: 1978 Codes Platform Code: Type GS/GSA 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Citroën GS/GSA owners, enthusiasts, mechanics, restorers Competitive Analysis Competitor Manuals: Original manufacturer workshop manuals, Haynes, Chilton (if available for this model) Key Features Unique Selling Points: Comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, troubleshooting guides, instant digital access, printable format Manual Philosophy Approach: To provide professional-level repair and maintenance information accessible to a wider audience 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Full Service Repair Manual Specific Coverage: Maintenance, Repair, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration, Diagnostics, Electrical Service Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Drivetrain Chassis: Suspension (Hydropneumatic), Steering, Brakes (Front Discs, Rear Drums), Wheels, Tires Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Charging System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Accessories Body And Frame: Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Chassis Frame Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication Repair: Component removal, overhaul, installation, troubleshooting for all major systems Diagnostics: Fault finding, diagnostic charts, electrical troubleshooting Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics Illustrations Detail Level: Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets Special Procedures Suspension Overhaul: Detailed procedures for servicing and adjusting the hydropneumatic suspension system, including sphere replacement and fluid checks. Engine Rebuild: Includes step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Bodywork Repair: Guidelines for repairing body panels, frame, and addressing corrosion. Wiring Diagrams Diagram Detail: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams with component identification and circuit tracing assistance. Torque Specifications Torque Data: Includes essential torque specifications for engine, chassis, and drivetrain fasteners. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Binding Type Binding Type: Digital Download (Printable PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR Compatibility Operating Systems: All versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Flat-four (Horizontally Opposed), Air-cooled Boxer Engine Displacement Gs: 1015 cc (1.0L) Engine Displacement Gs Bi-Rotor: 1124 cc (1.1L) Engine Displacement Gsa: 1222 cc (1.2L) Performance Horsepower Gs 1015Cc: Approx. 56 hp (DIN) Horsepower Gs 1124Cc: Approx. 60 hp (DIN) Horsepower Gsa 1222Cc: Approx. 65 hp (DIN) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber - specific models vary) Cooling System Cooling Method: Air-cooled Ignition System Ignition Type: Coil and Distributor (typical) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Manual (standard on most models) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-speed Manual (available on some variants) Transmission Type Automatic: Citroën DS-Matic (or similar semi-automatic) may have been offered on earlier GS models, less common for '78 Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, diaphragm spring Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 5-door Hatchback, 3-door Estate (Break/Service) Wheelbase: Approx. 2550 mm (99.8 inches) Length: Approx. 4080 mm (160.6 inches) Width: Approx. 1600 mm (63 inches) Height: Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 970 - 1050 kg (2138 - 2315 lbs), depending on version 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data available for this era and model, focus on structural integrity and occupant protection design principles of the time. Active Features Braking System: Front: Disc Brakes, Rear: Drum Brakes. Often featured Citroën's 'anti-dive' geometry. Passive Features Seatbelts: Provision for seatbelts, likely lap belts in front and rear unless upgraded Chassis Design: Integral body/chassis construction with impact-absorbing zones (for its time) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Likely a basic AM/FM radio, possibly with an optional cassette player. No modern infotainment features. Driver Assistance Features: None by modern standards. Focus is on the hydropneumatic suspension for ride comfort and self-leveling. Connectivity Features: None. Instrumentation Dashboard Layout: Distinctive dashboard design, often with 'spoon' style gauges. GSA introduced a more integrated and modern dashboard. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually, depending on usage. Consult manual for specifics. Major Service Interval: Refer to manual for timing belt (if applicable, though many GS engines were chain-driven or had timing gears), spark plug, and brake service intervals. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50, API SE or SF (consult manual for precise recommendation and capacity). Hydropneumatic Fluid: LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) - Citroën specific hydraulic fluid. Transmission Fluid: Manual transmission gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 (consult manual for capacity). Known Issues Hydropneumatic System: Leaking spheres, worn seals, low fluid levels can affect ride height and comfort. Requires specialized knowledge. Engine Issues: Air-cooled nature can lead to overheating if cooling fins are blocked or airflow is compromised. Carburetor tuning can be critical. Electrical Issues: Wiring harness degradation over time, corrosion in connectors, failure of electrical components like...
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber - specific models vary)
Cooling System
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Coil and Distributor (typical)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (standard on most models)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (available on some variants)
Transmission Type Automatic:
Citroën DS-Matic (or similar semi-automatic) may have been offered on earlier GS models, less common for '78
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
5-door Hatchback, 3-door Estate (Break/Service)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2550 mm (99.8 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4080 mm (160.6 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1600 mm (63 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 970 - 1050 kg (2138 - 2315 lbs), depending on version
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available for this era and model, focus on structural integrity and occupant protection design principles of the time.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front: Disc Brakes, Rear: Drum Brakes. Often featured Citroën's 'anti-dive' geometry.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Provision for seatbelts, likely lap belts in front and rear unless upgraded
Chassis Design:
Integral body/chassis construction with impact-absorbing zones (for its time)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Likely a basic AM/FM radio, possibly with an optional cassette player. No modern infotainment features.
Driver Assistance
Features:
None by modern standards. Focus is on the hydropneumatic suspension for ride comfort and self-leveling.
Connectivity
Features:
None.
Instrumentation
Dashboard Layout:
Distinctive dashboard design, often with 'spoon' style gauges. GSA introduced a more integrated and modern dashboard.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually, depending on usage. Consult manual for specifics.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for timing belt (if applicable, though many GS engines were chain-driven or had timing gears), spark plug, and brake service intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50, API SE or SF (consult manual for precise recommendation and capacity).
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minéral) - Citroën specific hydraulic fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmission gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 (consult manual for capacity).
Known Issues
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking spheres, worn seals, low fluid levels can affect ride height and comfort. Requires specialized knowledge.
Engine Issues:
Air-cooled nature can lead to overheating if cooling fins are blocked or airflow is compromised. Carburetor tuning can be critical.
Electrical Issues:
Wiring harness degradation over time, corrosion in connectors, failure of electrical components like the ignition system.
Body Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Citroen Philosophy:
Known for avant-garde design, hydropneumatic suspension, and aerodynamic innovation.
Model Evolution
Gs Introduction:
Launched in 1970, positioned between the 2CV/Dyane and the DS. Known for its aerodynamic styling and comfortable ride.
Gsa Introduction:
Introduced in 1979 as a facelift/update to the GS, featuring a new dashboard, improved aerodynamics, and revised engines. The 1978 model is the direct precursor to the GSA.
Production
Production Period:
GS: 1970-1980. The 1978 model falls within the latter part of the GS production run.
Manufacturing Location:
France
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism Awards:
The GS was highly praised for its engineering and comfort upon release, often winning awards for 'Car of the Year' or 'Most Innovative' from automotive publications of its era.