Citroën Traction Avant: the handbook

MODELS TRACTION AVANT 7, 11 & 15 CV

Technique, Maintenance, Operation, DIY tips, Buyers Guide, Trouble Shooting
French and Slough built models

By Daniel Eberli

The new book in English, which sees itself as a link between the operating instructions and the official workshop manual for professionals, has been revised and expanded once again and now comprises more than 150 pages! The first edition in German was published in 1987 and was just 14 pages long! The last version in English was from 2012 and was called “Citroën Traction Avant for Beginners”.
The new book offers both the novice who ‘just wants to ride’ as well as the experienced hobby mechanic a wealth of important information that helps to avoid trouble and increase enjoyment.

Knowledge
How do brakes, clutch, carburettor, ignition and synchronisation function?

Colour
Important sketches and pictures are in colours.

Details
Descriptions of maintenance jobs, tricks and tips, purchase advice, technical data, damage symptoms

Avoiding damage
Prevention and avoidance (Do and don't…)

Service
Keyword index, flow chart for breakdown diagnosis.

Safety
How do I avoid maintenance errors on the brakes? Installation of seat belts. Safety at work.

Minor repairs
Stop switch, windscreen wipers etc.

Tinkering aids
Description of the installation of additional instruments, heating, conversion to 12 volts, use of LEDs, details of the multi-disc clutch, etc.

Tips for careful handling
Shifting gears with intermediate gas (gas blimping), tips to avoid damage when stationary, etc.

Tools
The correct and best tools for the job.

Tricks!
How can you remove the door handles? And - and - and...

In short - an indispensable manual for every Traction owner!

Prices:

Within Switzerland:
Against invoice: CHF 53.- (shipping included)
collected: CHF 45.-

Within Europe:
Prices EU
Prepayment
Paypal: + charges CHF / € 3.50
Or bank transfer
Bank transfer charges to be paid by the buyer
Bank account details on request or when ordering at eberlid@swissonline.ch
Outside Europe:
Prices non-EU plus postage
Prepayment
Paypal: + charges CHF / € 3.50
Bank transfer charges to be paid by the buyer
Bank account details on request or when ordering at eberlid@swissonline.ch

Latest German edition (more than 150 pages):
EU: CHF 56.- oder € 57.- (Shipping included)
Non-EU: CHF 47.- or € 48  plus postage

English Version:
Citroën Traction Avant for Beginners
Edition 2012               95 pages          > only remaining stock!
EU: CHF 47.- oder € 48.- (Shipping included)
Non-EU: CHF 40.- or € 41.-  plus postage

New: Citroën Traction Avant for Beginners and Advanced
Version November 2024        more than 150 pages
EU: CHF 56.- or € 57.- (shipping included)
Non-EU: CHF 47.- or € 48.-  plus postage

Schwedish version: (licensed translation)
Citroën Traction Avant för Nybörjare och Avancerade Användare, edition 2022
Request to medlemsservice.b11@gmail.com

Dutch version: (licensed translation)
Citroën Traction Avant 11 & 15 CV voor Beginners
Contact secretaris@traction-avant.nl for details.
Only a few copies left 2005 edition on request at eberlid@swissonline.ch

Translated Comments on the German Version of the Repair and Service Booklet

Hannes Kölblinger from Austria writes:
Dear Daniel
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart to your great book! I am really glad that I have it - it is very informative, professional, entertaining and easy to understand - in short, it is simply sensational and a great help!
It's clear from every line that you like TA! We obviously have something in common - I'm also taken with the car: I often sit in my garage, just staring at this French masterpiece and can't believe my luck. The shape of the front wings alone is pure art.
So far, your book has been an important source of moral support for me - as I realise that it's not all that bad and that there is a solution for everything. (I also really want to cut a grease nipple into the steering gear) In spring or summer I want to get to work and make it suitable for everyday use - it should become a ‘daily driver’.
Today I received a very pleasant email from you - you are also offering 2025 courses for the TA. I have 1000 and one questions and would love to book a 3 day course with you! ...


Aleksander Grah, Alkmaar, writes:
"For me, your book is the best I have ever read on this subject. It is not only a great working manual based on a lifetime of experience - it is also very lovingly, cleverly and sympathetically written and I read it not only to learn but occasionally just to enjoy it. Many Traction enthusiasts probably don't know at all how much work has gone into it and how generously you share your knowledge with everyone.

Franz Kreiter writes:
The CITROEN Traction Avant repair book for beginners and advanced mechanics has not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them. It not only deals with all aspects of the TA, but it also gives an insight into the function and the and working methods in the field of motor vehicle technology. The layout and presentation and the quality of the book are also excellent. I can therefore only recommend the purchase of this book.