🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Citroën Model: GS/GSA Year: 1971 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A vital resource for owners and mechanics of the innovative Citroën GS/GSA, a car renowned for its advanced engineering and unique design. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Ford Escort, Opel Kadett, and Volkswagen Golf, but stood out with its hydropneumatic suspension and aerodynamic styling. Key Features Design Philosophy: Focus on aerodynamic efficiency, passenger comfort via hydropneumatic suspension, and innovative engineering. Target Audience: Professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts with a foundational understanding of automotive mechanics and electrics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine: Included Transmission: Included Electrical System: Included Chassis: Included Bodywork: Included Suspension: Included Brakes: Included Steering: Included Fuel System: Included Cooling System: Included Exhaust System: Included Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed breakdown, assembly, and overhaul of the air-cooled flat-twin and flat-four engines. Engine Management: Ignition system, carburetion (Zenith, Solex, Stromberg), and fuel delivery systems. Transmission System: Manual gearbox, clutch operation, and drive shafts. Hydropneumatic Suspension: Operation, maintenance, and repair of Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension system, including fluid checks and sphere replacement. Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, handbrake mechanism, and hydraulic system. Steering System: Rack and pinion steering, steering column adjustments. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, lighting, starter motor, alternator, battery, fuses, and dashboard instruments. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim. Heating And Ventilation: System operation and common maintenance points. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, fluid level checks, and lubrication points. Tune Up Procedures: Ignition timing adjustments, carburetor adjustments, and general engine tuning. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic guides for common problems across all vehicle systems. Disassembly And Assembly: Step-by-step instructions for major component removal, repair, and reinstallation. Engine Rebuilding: Complete engine overhaul procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing services, and cylinder head work. Suspension Repair: Detailed instructions for servicing suspension spheres, hydraulic fluid replacement, and general component checks. Brake System Service: Brake pad and shoe replacement, caliper and cylinder servicing, brake fluid bleeding. Electrical Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common electrical faults using wiring diagrams and testing procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers full rebuilds and complex diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: Full Printable (High resolution for clear reproduction) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Zoom Functionality Zoom In Out: YES Software Requirements PDF Reader: Adobe PDF Reader Unzipping Software: WinZip or equivalent Compatibility Operating Systems: All Versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type 1971: Air-cooled flat-twin (Boxer) engine Displacement 1971: 1015 cc (approx. 62 cu in) Bore Stroke 1971: 90 mm x 79 mm (approx.) Horsepower 1971: Approximately 54 hp SAE Torque 1971: Approximately 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm Fuel System Carburetor Type: Typically a twin-choke Zenith 35 NDIX or similar Engine Variants Later Engine Types: Later models (GSA) featured a 1220 cc and 1300 cc flat-four engine. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transaxle Optional Automatic Transmission: None for 1971 models; later models offered an automatic option. Features Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive with integrated gearbox and differential. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2.55 m (100.4 in) Length: Approx. 4.09 m (161 in) Width: Approx. 1.64 m (64.6 in) Height: Approx. 1.33 m (52.4 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 970 kg (2138 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety: Designed with a focus on crumple zones and occupant protection within the standards of its era. Specific crash test ratings from this period are scarce but it was considered a safe vehicle for its time. Active Features Braking System Type: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: Optional radio fitted from the factory, typically basic AM/FM. Driver Assistance Headlights: Halogen headlights. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None by modern standards. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, depending on usage. Tune Up Interval: Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles), including ignition and carburetion checks. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Grade: SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (depending on climate, consult manual for exact specification) Hydraulic Fluid: LHM (Citroën's Green Hydraulic Fluid) - specific type for hydropneumatic systems. Coolant Type: Air-cooled, no coolant required. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for precise recommendation) Known Issues Hydropneumatic System: Leaking suspension spheres, failing hydraulic pumps, or fluid degradation can affect ride height and comfort. Engine Carburetion: Carburetor tuning and sealing issues are common maintenance points....
A vital resource for owners and mechanics of the innovative Citroën GS/GSA, a car renowned for its advanced engineering and unique design.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Escort, Opel Kadett, and Volkswagen Golf, but stood out with its hydropneumatic suspension and aerodynamic styling.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Focus on aerodynamic efficiency, passenger comfort via hydropneumatic suspension, and innovative engineering.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts with a foundational understanding of automotive mechanics and electrics.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine:
Included
Transmission:
Included
Electrical System:
Included
Chassis:
Included
Bodywork:
Included
Suspension:
Included
Brakes:
Included
Steering:
Included
Fuel System:
Included
Cooling System:
Included
Exhaust System:
Included
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
File Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed breakdown, assembly, and overhaul of the air-cooled flat-twin and flat-four engines.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, carburetion (Zenith, Solex, Stromberg), and fuel delivery systems.
Transmission System:
Manual gearbox, clutch operation, and drive shafts.
Hydropneumatic Suspension:
Operation, maintenance, and repair of Citroën's signature hydropneumatic suspension system, including fluid checks and sphere replacement.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, handbrake mechanism, and hydraulic system.
Steering System:
Rack and pinion steering, steering column adjustments.
Ignition timing adjustments, carburetor adjustments, and general engine tuning.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common problems across all vehicle systems.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for major component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Engine Rebuilding:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing services, and cylinder head work.
Suspension Repair:
Detailed instructions for servicing suspension spheres, hydraulic fluid replacement, and general component checks.
Brake System Service:
Brake pad and shoe replacement, caliper and cylinder servicing, brake fluid bleeding.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common electrical faults using wiring diagrams and testing procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers full rebuilds and complex diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Full Printable (High resolution for clear reproduction)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Zoom Functionality
Zoom In Out:
YES
Software Requirements
PDF Reader:
Adobe PDF Reader
Unzipping Software:
WinZip or equivalent
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type 1971:
Air-cooled flat-twin (Boxer) engine
Displacement 1971:
1015 cc (approx. 62 cu in)
Bore Stroke 1971:
90 mm x 79 mm (approx.)
Horsepower 1971:
Approximately 54 hp SAE
Torque 1971:
Approximately 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm
Fuel System
Carburetor Type:
Typically a twin-choke Zenith 35 NDIX or similar
Engine Variants
Later Engine Types:
Later models (GSA) featured a 1220 cc and 1300 cc flat-four engine.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
None for 1971 models; later models offered an automatic option.
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive with integrated gearbox and differential.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2.55 m (100.4 in)
Length:
Approx. 4.09 m (161 in)
Width:
Approx. 1.64 m (64.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1.33 m (52.4 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 970 kg (2138 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety:
Designed with a focus on crumple zones and occupant protection within the standards of its era. Specific crash test ratings from this period are scarce but it was considered a safe vehicle for its time.
Active Features
Braking System Type:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio:
Optional radio fitted from the factory, typically basic AM/FM.
Driver Assistance
Headlights:
Halogen headlights.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, depending on usage.
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles), including ignition and carburetion checks.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (depending on climate, consult manual for exact specification)
Hydraulic Fluid:
LHM (Citroën's Green Hydraulic Fluid) - specific type for hydropneumatic systems.
Coolant Type:
Air-cooled, no coolant required.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for precise recommendation)
Known Issues
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking suspension spheres, failing hydraulic pumps, or fluid degradation can affect ride height and comfort.
Engine Carburetion:
Carburetor tuning and sealing issues are common maintenance points.
Electrical Wiring:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation and connectors can lead to electrical faults.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën's legacy of automotive innovation, particularly in suspension and aerodynamics, is embodied in the GS/GSA.
Model Evolution
Gs Introduction:
The Citroën GS was launched in 1970 and quickly became a popular model, known for its distinctive styling and advanced technology.
Gsa Introduction:
The GSA, an updated version with revised styling and interior, was introduced in 1980.
Production
Production Period:
1970-1986 (GS and GSA combined)
Production Locations
Manufacturing Sites:
Primarily manufactured in France, with some assembly in other countries.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
European Car Of The Year:
The Citroën GS was awarded the European Car of the Year in 1971, a testament to its innovative design and engineering.