🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Citroën Model: GS / GSA Year: 1979 Market Segment: Compact/Small Family Car Codes Body Style Codes: Berline (2/4-door), Break (station wagon) 👋 Introduction Market Position Historical Context: The Citroën GS/GSA was a distinctive and innovative family car produced from 1970 to 1986, known for its aerodynamic design, hydropneumatic suspension, and front-wheel drive. It occupied a unique niche between smaller hatchbacks and larger saloons. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Key competitors included the Ford Escort, Vauxhall/Opel Astra/Kadett, Volkswagen Golf, and Renault 12/18. Key Features Design Innovation: Aerodynamic 'Kammback' profile, advanced hydropneumatic suspension offering exceptional ride comfort and self-levelling capabilities. Engine Technology: Air-cooled flat-four engines (initially 1015cc, later 1222cc and 1299cc for GS, and 1299cc and 1580cc for GSA) renowned for their smoothness and reliability. Manual Purpose Value Proposition: Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on their 1979 Citroën GS/GSA, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: All Service and Repair Specific Sections Listed: 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, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Axle Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies (Downloadable format, typically extensive) Manual Type Type: Workshop/Service/Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download File Type Details: Downloadable PDF for instant access and offline use. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (front-wheel drive, axles) Chassis: Suspension (Hydropneumatic, front and rear), Steering (rack and pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Charging System, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories Body And Interior: Chassis/Body Construction, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Body Repair Emission Control: Information on emission control systems relevant to the 1979 model year regulations. Engine Control: Details on the engine management systems, including ignition timing and carburetion adjustments. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement, inspections Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, common problems and their solutions, fault finding guides Overhaul: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement Refurbishment Renovation: Guidance applicable to restoring and renovating components and the vehicle's overall condition. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full mechanical rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Software Requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression utility) Compatibility: All Windows versions, macOS Print Quality Quality: Digital (Optimized for on-screen viewing and printing) Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (flat-four) OHV Displacement 1979: Likely 1222cc or 1299cc for the GS, with 1299cc and 1580cc available for the GSA which began production in 1979. Performance Horsepower Range: Approx. 56-72 hp for 1.2-1.3L variants, up to 75-79 hp for 1.5L variants (GSA). Torque Range: Approx. 90-105 Nm for 1.2-1.3L variants, up to 110-115 Nm for 1.5L variants (GSA). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (e.g., Solex or Weber twin-choke for higher performance variants) Cooling System Type: Air-cooled Engine Type Cooling Method: Forced air circulation via cooling fins and fan. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transaxle (front-wheel drive) Optional Type: Citroën CJ (Cimbron-Joudret) 3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common) Features Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4,150 mm (Berline) Width: Approx. 1,610 mm Height: Approx. 1,370 mm (Berline), 1,400 mm (Break) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 950 - 1050 kg Wheelbase: Approx. 2,675 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Historical Safety Standards: Met European safety standards of the era; lacked modern passive safety features like airbags or ABS. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear drums; servo-assisted. Passive Features Body Structure: Integrated safety cage and crumple zones, designed with safety in mind for its time. Restraint System: Standard seat belts (often lap belts in front, lap belts in rear). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional factory radio (likely AM/FM mono), with basic speaker setup. Driver Assistance ABS Traction Control: Not available. Connectivity Bluetooth Usb: Not available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually. Major Service: Recommended every 20,000 - 30,000 km, including ignition system checks, valve clearances, and general inspection. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (API SE/SF specification). Check manual for specific recommendations. Hydropneumatic Fluid: Citroën LHS 2 (a mineral-based fluid). Never use hydraulic fluid like 'green' fluid (LHM) used in DS/SM/CX models. Transmission Fluid: Gear oil SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 (API GL-4). Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Rust Susceptibility: Common for older vehicles, particularly sills, wheel arches, and floor pans. Hydropneumatic System: Potential leaks from hoses or seals, worn spheres,...
The Citroën GS/GSA was a distinctive and innovative family car produced from 1970 to 1986, known for its aerodynamic design, hydropneumatic suspension, and front-wheel drive. It occupied a unique niche between smaller hatchbacks and larger saloons.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Ford Escort, Vauxhall/Opel Astra/Kadett, Volkswagen Golf, and Renault 12/18.
Air-cooled flat-four engines (initially 1015cc, later 1222cc and 1299cc for GS, and 1299cc and 1580cc for GSA) renowned for their smoothness and reliability.
Manual Purpose
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on their 1979 Citroën GS/GSA, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Digital (Optimized for on-screen viewing and printing)
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (flat-four) OHV
Displacement 1979:
Likely 1222cc or 1299cc for the GS, with 1299cc and 1580cc available for the GSA which began production in 1979.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 56-72 hp for 1.2-1.3L variants, up to 75-79 hp for 1.5L variants (GSA).
Torque Range:
Approx. 90-105 Nm for 1.2-1.3L variants, up to 110-115 Nm for 1.5L variants (GSA).
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex or Weber twin-choke for higher performance variants)
Cooling System
Type:
Air-cooled
Engine Type
Cooling Method:
Forced air circulation via cooling fins and fan.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transaxle (front-wheel drive)
Optional
Type:
Citroën CJ (Cimbron-Joudret) 3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common)
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4,150 mm (Berline)
Width:
Approx. 1,610 mm
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (Berline), 1,400 mm (Break)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950 - 1050 kg
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,675 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Historical Safety Standards:
Met European safety standards of the era; lacked modern passive safety features like airbags or ABS.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums; servo-assisted.
Passive Features
Body Structure:
Integrated safety cage and crumple zones, designed with safety in mind for its time.
Restraint System:
Standard seat belts (often lap belts in front, lap belts in rear).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional factory radio (likely AM/FM mono), with basic speaker setup.
Driver Assistance
ABS Traction Control:
Not available.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually.
Major Service:
Recommended every 20,000 - 30,000 km, including ignition system checks, valve clearances, and general inspection.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (API SE/SF specification). Check manual for specific recommendations.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHS 2 (a mineral-based fluid). Never use hydraulic fluid like 'green' fluid (LHM) used in DS/SM/CX models.
Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 (API GL-4).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Rust Susceptibility:
Common for older vehicles, particularly sills, wheel arches, and floor pans.
Hydropneumatic System:
Potential leaks from hoses or seals, worn spheres, accumulator failures. Requires specialized knowledge.
Ignition System:
Wear in points, condenser, or distributor cap can affect running.
Engine Cooling:
Air-cooled engines are generally robust but require clean cooling fins for efficient operation. Overheating can be an issue if airflow is obstructed.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën is renowned for its engineering innovation, particularly in suspension systems (e.g., 2CV, DS) and aerodynamic design.
Model Evolution
Gs To Gsa:
The GSA was a facelifted and updated version of the GS, introduced in 1979. Key changes included a new front-end design (replacing the original exposed headlights with faired units), revised interior with a distinctive 'asteroid' dashboard, and minor mechanical updates.
Production
Production Years:
GS: 1970-1986; GSA: 1979-1986.
Manufacturing Locations:
France ( 主要生产地), Vigo (Spain), Mangualde (Portugal), and various other international assembly plants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
European Car Of The Year Nominee:
The GS was a finalist for European Car of the Year in 1971.
Ratings
Ride Quality Reputation:
Consistently praised for its superior ride quality, often compared favorably to luxury cars of the era due to its hydropneumatic suspension.