Rover 45. Instruction

Maintenance

SAFETY IN THE GARAGE

Poisonous fluids

Cooling fans may commence operating up to 4 minutes after

It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses or soil. Use authorised

the engine is switched off, and continue operating for up to 8

waste disposal sites to dispose of used oil and toxic chemicals.

minutes. Keep clear of all fans while working in the engine

compartment.

Fluids used in motor vehicles are poisonous and should not be

consumed or brought into contact with open wounds. These

If you need to carry out maintenance, observe the following safety

include: battery acid, anti-freeze, brake and power steering fluid,

precautions at all times:

petrol, diesel, engine oil and windscreen washer additives.

• Keep your hands and clothing away from drive belts and

For your own safety, ALWAYS read and obey all instructions

pulleys.

printed on labels and containers.

• If the car has been driven recently, DO NOT TOUCH

Used engine oil

exhaust and cooling system components until the engine has

Prolonged contact with engine oil may cause serious skin

cooled.

disorders, including dermatitis and cancer of the skin. Wash

• DO NOT TOUCH electrical leads or components while the

thoroughly after contact.

engine is running, or with the starter switch turned on.

• NEVER leave the engine running in an unventilated area -

exhaust gases are poisonous and extremely dangerous.

• DO NOT work underneath the car with a wheel changing jack

as the only means of support.

• Ensure sparks and naked lights are kept away from the engine

compartment.

• Wear protective clothing, including, where practicable, gloves

made from an impervious material.

• Remove metal wrist bands and jewellery before working in the

engine compartment.

• DO NOT allow tools or metal parts of the car to make contact

with the battery leads or terminals.

130

Bonnet Opening

BONNET OPENING

Closing the bonnet

Replace the support stay in its retaining clip, then lower the

DO NOT drive with the bonnet retained by the safety catch

bonnet, allowing it to drop for the last 150 mm to its closed

alone.

position.

Check that the lock is FULLY engaged by attempting to lift the

front edge of the bonnet. This should be free from all movement.

HB0291

1. From inside the car, pull the bonnet release handle.

2. Move the bonnet safety catch lever to the right.

3. Raise the bonnet and then fit the support stay into the cut-

out in the underside of the bonnet (see inset)

131

Engine Compartment

1.4, 1.6 & 1.8 PETROL ENGINE

1. Engine oil filler (yellow cap)

2. Engine oil dipstick (yellow)

3. Washer reservoir

4. Power steering reservoir

5. Cooling system reservoir

6. Brake fluid reservoir

7. Fusebox - engine compartment

8. Battery

HB0676

While working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety precautions listed

under ‘SAFETY IN THE GARAGE’, page 130.

132

Engine

ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK & TOP-UP

Driving the car with the engine oil level ABOVE the upper

mark, or BELOW the lower mark on the dipstick, will

damage the engine.

Check the oil level weekly, or whenever you fill up with fuel.

Ideally, the oil level should be checked with the engine cold and

the car resting on level ground. However, if the car is in use and

the engine is already warm, then wait for at least two minutes after

switching off before checking the level.

NOTE: Check the engine oil more frequently if the car is driven at high

speeds for prolonged periods.

Oil level check & top-up

HB0169

Take care to avoid spilling engine oil onto a hot engine - a fire

2.0 & 2.5 Petrol engines

may result!

MAX

HB0098

HB0097

Diesel engines

1.4, 1.6 & 1.8 Petrol engines

Withdraw the dipstick and wipe the blade clean, then re-insert the

dipstick and withdraw again to check the level.

135

Engine

To top-up, remove the oil filler cap and add oil to maintain a level

Oil specification

between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. As a general

Oils manufactured to the specifications below, are suitable for use

guide, if the level on the dipstick is:

in temperatures between -20° C to +30° C (if climatic

temperature falls outside these limits, seek advice from your

• nearer to the upper mark than the lower, add no oil.

dealer).

• nearer to the lower mark than the upper, add half a litre of oil.

• at or below the lower mark, add one litre of oil.

To ensure optimum engine life and performance, oils used for

topping-up and refilling the engine must match the minimum

DO NOT fill above the upper mark!

ACEA specifications shown below - oils of a lower numerical

After adding oil, wait for a five minutes and then recheck the level

value must NEVER be used!

and add more oil if necessary. Finally, ensure the dipstick is

NOTE: Mixing oil additives with the engine oil is not recommended and

replaced and the filler cap replaced and fully tightened.

could damage the engine.

Petrol engines: Use any brand of 10W/40 engine oil meeting the

minimum specification: ACEA A2.

NOTE: For 1.4, 1.6 & 1.8 petrol engines, ACEA A1 or A2 oils can

be used - the A1 specification may improve fuel economy.

Diesel engines: Use any brand of 10W/40 or 15W/40 engine oil,

meeting the minimum specification: ACEA B2.

136

Cooling System

COOLANT CHECK & TOP-UP

ANTI-FREEZE

DO NOT remove the reservoir cap when the cooling system is

Anti-freeze is poisonous and can be fatal if swallowed - keep

hot - escaping steam or water could cause serious injury.

containers sealed and out of the reach of children. If accidental

consumption is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

The coolant level should be checked weekly when the cooling

system is cold and with the car resting on level ground.

Prevent anti-freeze coming into contact with the skin or eyes.

If this occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Anti-freeze contains important corrosion inhibitors. The

anti-freeze content of the coolant must be maintained at

50% ± 5% all year round (not just in cold conditions). To ensure

that the anti-corrosion properties of the coolant are retained, the

anti-freeze content should be checked once a year and the coolant

completely renewed every four years, regardless of mileage. Failure

to do so may cause corrosion of the radiator and engine

HB0171

components.

Remove the filler cap, and top-up to the MAX’ mark with a 50%

NOTE: DO NOT add rust inhibitors or other additives to the coolant -

mixture of water and anti-freeze (see ‘Coolant specification’). Ensure

these may not be compatible with the coolant or engine components.

the cap is tightened fully after top-up is completed.

Coolant specification

NOTE: When topping-up, avoid spillage on body panels - anti-freeze

Use ONLY a 50% mix of water and Havoline Extended Life

will damage painted surfaces.

Coolant (XLC), or any ethylene glycol based anti-freeze

If the coolant level falls appreciably during a short period, suspect

(containing no methanol) with Organic Acid Technology (OAT)

leakage or overheating and arrange for your dealer to examine the

corrosion inhibitors, meeting BTC type coding 4E.

car.

In an emergency - and only if this type of anti-freeze is unavailable

- top-up the cooling system with clean water, but be aware of the

resultant reduction in frost protection. DO NOT top-up or refill

with other anti-freeze formulations. If in doubt consult a dealer.

137

Brakes

BRAKE FLUID

Check & Top-up

Brake fluid is highly toxic - keep containers sealed and out of

the reach of children. If accidental consumption of brake fluid

is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevent brake fluid coming into contact with the skin or eyes.

If this occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Take care not to spill brake fluid onto a hot engine - a fire may

result.

The level of fluid in the brake reservoir may fall slightly during use,

as a result of brake pad wear and will need to be topped-up from

time to time. If there is any appreciable drop in level over a short

period, consult your dealer. DO NOT drive if the fluid level

HB0173

is below the ‘MIN’ mark on the reservoir.

Contact your dealer immediately if brake pedal travel is

Wipe the filler cap clean before removing, to prevent dirt from

unusually long or if there is any appreciable drop in brake fluid

entering the reservoir. Unscrew the cap 1/4 turn anti-clockwise

level.

and lift to remove. Top-up the reservoir to the ‘MAX’ mark using

a recommended fluid.

Brake fluid specification

NOTE: Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. Soak up any spillage

Any proprietary brand of brake (or brake and clutch) fluid meeting

with an absorbent cloth immediately and wash the area with a mixture of

DOT 4 specification.

car shampoo and water.

Use only new fluid from a sealed container (old fluid from

IMPORTANT

uncapped containers or fluid previously bled from the system will

Brake fluid must be completely replaced every two years

have absorbed moisture and/or air, and adversely affect braking

regardless of mileage.

performance).

To refit the cap, press down firmly while turning clockwise - this

will ensure the cap is securely locked in position.

138

Power Steering

POWER STEERING FLUID*

Fluid specification

Use any fluid to Dexron IID or III specification.

Power steering fluid is highly toxic - keep containers sealed and

NOTE: The colour of commercially available power steering fluids may

out of the reach of children. If accidental consumption of fluid

differ from that used to fill the system during manufacture. This is not a

is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

cause for concern.

If power steering fluid should come into contact with the skin

or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Emergency operation

Any frequent or regular need to top-up the fluid should be

Check & Top-up

investigated by a qualified dealer.

Check the fluid level every week. The engine should be switched

Under no circumstances should the car be driven with the fluid

off with the system cold. You should also ensure that the steering

level below the lower mark on the reservoir, or if a rapid or

wheel is not turned between stopping the engine and checking the

significant loss of fluid is detected. However, if it can be established

fluid level.

that fluid loss is slow, then the reservoir may be topped-up to the

upper level mark to enable the car to be driven a short distance to

the nearest dealer for examination.

If the fluid has dropped below the lower level mark, top-up the

reservoir BEFORE starting the engine, or damage to the steering

pump could result.

Wipe the filler cap clean to prevent dirt from entering the

reservoir. Remove the filler cap and top-up to the ‘UPPER’ level

mark with a fluid meeting Dexron IID or III specification. DO

NOT OVERFILL!

NOTE: Power steering fluid will damage painted surfaces. Soak up any

spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately and wash the area with a

mixture of car shampoo and water.

139

Battery

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Battery safety

Batteries contain sulphuric acid, which is both corrosive and

poisonous. If spillage occurs:

•

On clothing or the skin - remove any contaminated clothing

immediately, flush the skin with large amounts of water, and

seek medical attention urgently.

•

In the eyes - flush with clean water immediately for at least 15

minutes. Seek medical attention urgently.

•

Swallowing battery acid can be fatal unless IMMEDIATE

action is taken - seek medical attention urgently.

HB0134

Remove any metal wrist bands and jewellery before working in

the engine compartment.

The battery is designed to be maintenance free, so topping-up is

unnecessary. On the top of the battery there is a battery condition

indicator (arrowed in illustration). Examine the indicator

periodically to check the battery’s condition. When the indicator

shows:

• GREEN - the battery is in a good state of charge.

• DARK (turning to black) - the battery needs charging.

• CLEAR (or light yellow) - the battery must be replaced. Do

not charge the battery or jump start the car with the battery in

this condition.

NOTE: If necessary, clean the top of the battery to ensure a clear view of

the condition indicator. Use a torch if natural light is poor.

If the indicator shows clear or yellow, tap the indicator with a screwdriver

to disperse any air bubbles - if the indicator colour is unchanged, the battery

must be replaced.

140

Battery

Battery disconnection and removal

Quick release battery clamp*

In some countries, the positive battery terminal is fitted with a

quick-release clamp. Unscrew to release the clamp.

IMPORTANT

• DO NOT reverse the polarity of the battery - the electrical

Battery replacement

system may be damaged if the battery leads are connected to the

Only fit a replacement battery of the same type and specification

wrong terminals.

as the original - other batteries may differ in size and shape or have

• Keep the battery upright at all times - damage will be caused if

different terminal positions, which could cause damage to the

the battery is tilted more than 45°.

battery, leaking acid, or fire.

• NEVER run the engine with the battery disconnected, or

When replacing, ensure the battery is fitted the right way round (if

disconnect the battery while the engine is running.

in doubt, refer to the engine compartment illustrations earlier in

section). Fit the battery clamping plate and tighten the clamping

Before disconnecting or removing the battery, disarm the alarm,

plate bolt until the clamping plate is free from movement; this will

and ensure that the starter switch and all electrical equipment is

prevent the battery from moving in the event of an accident or

turned off.

sudden stop.

Disconnect the negative (‘-’) cable first and then the positive (‘+’)

After disconnection of the vehicle battery, the remote handset may

cable (when reconnecting, connect the positive cable first and then

need to be re-synchronised (see ‘Handset re-synchronisation’,

the negative cable).

page 15).

Do not allow the battery terminals or cables to make contact

with tools or metal parts of the car.

To release the battery from the car, undo the bolt securing the

battery clamping plate and remove the clamping plate.

Use the attached carrying handles (if fitted) to lift the battery from

the car.

141

Battery

Battery disposal

• While charging, shield your eyes, or avoid leaning over the

battery.

Used batteries are hazardous to the environment, and should be

• Keep the area around the top of the battery well ventilated.

recycled. If in doubt seek advice about disposal from an MG Rover

• Do not allow naked lights near the battery (batteries generate

dealer or your local authority.

inflammable hydrogen during and after charging).

Battery charging

• The battery will be charged sufficiently once the battery

condition indicator shows GREEN. When charging is finished,

DO NOT charge the battery if it is connected to the car - this

switch off the battery charger BEFORE disconnecting the leads

may seriously damage the car's electrical system.

from the battery terminals.

DO NOT attempt to charge the battery if the battery condition

NOTE: The battery will take longer to charge in a cold environment.

indicator is clear or light yellow.

After charging, leave the battery for one hour before reconnection

DO NOT charge the battery if it is suspected of being frozen.

to the car - this will allow time for explosive gases to disperse,

thereby minimising the risk of fire or explosion.

As the battery ages, it may not retain its charge as effectively as

when it was new. Cars that are used infrequently, or are used

excessively for short journey motoring, or operation in cold

climates, may need the battery to be charged regularly.

Always check the battery condition indicator before charging.

Batteries generate explosive gases, contain corrosive acid and

produce levels of electric current sufficient to cause serious injury.

While charging, always heed the following precautions:

• Before charging, disconnect and remove the battery from the

car - charging the battery with the cables connected may

damage the car’s electrical system.

• Make sure the battery charger leads are securely clamped to the

battery terminals BEFORE switching on the battery charger.

Do not move the leads once the charger is switched on.

142

Washers

WINDSCREEN WASHER TOP-UP

Note that body panels may suffer discoloration as a result of

screenwash spillage. Take care to avoid spillage, particularly if an

Some screenwash products are inflammable, particularly if

undiluted or high concentration of screenwash is being used. If

high or undiluted concentrations are exposed to sparks. Do not

spillage occurs, wash the affected area immediately with water.

allow screenwash to come into contact with naked flames or sources

of ignition.

WASHER JETS

Operate the washers periodically to check that the nozzles are clear

and properly directed.

The windscreen washer jets are set during manufacture and should

not need adjusting. However, if adjustment is ever necessary, insert

a needle into the jet orifice and lever gently to position each jet so

that the spray is directed towards the centre of the windscreen.

Should any jet become obstructed, insert a needle or thin strand of

wire into the orifice to clear the blockage.

HEADLIGHT WASHERS*

The headlight washers are supplied by the windscreen washer

Check the reservoir level every week. To ensure proper cleaning

reservoir. The direction of the washer jets is set during

of the windscreen and to prevent freezing in cold weather, top-up

manufacture and should not require adjustment.

with a mixture of water and a proprietary brand of screenwash.

Preferably mix the recommended quantities of water and

screenwash in a separate container before topping-up the system,

and always follow the instructions on the container.

NOTE: DO NOT use an anti-freeze or vinegar/water solution in the

washer reservoir - anti-freeze will damage painted surfaces, while vinegar

can damage the windscreen washer pump.

143

Wipers

WIPER BLADES

Replacing wiper blades

IMPORTANT

• Grease, silicon and petrol based products impair the blade's

wiping capability. Wash the wiper blades in warm soapy water

and periodically check their condition.

• If signs of hardness or cracking in the rubber are found, or if the

wipers leave streaks or unwiped areas on the screen, then the

wiper blades should be replaced.

• Clean the windscreen regularly with an approved glass cleaner

and ensure the screen is thoroughly cleaned before fitting

replacement wiper blades.

• Only fit replacement wiper blades that are identical to the

Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen. With the blade at

original specification.

90° to the arm as shown, disconnect the blade by pushing in the

locking tab (1) and sliding the blade (2) down the arm (3).

Fitting a replacement blade is a reversal of this process; position the

new blade assembly on the wiper arm and slide the blade fully

towards the hooked end of the arm until it locks in place. Check

that the blade is securely locked before returning the wiper

assembly to the windscreen.

144

Tyres

CARING FOR YOUR TYRES

Tyre pressures

Correctly inflated tyres will ensure that you enjoy the best

DEFECTIVE TYRES ARE DANGEROUS! Do not drive

combination of tyre life, ride comfort, fuel economy and road

if any tyre is damaged, is excessively worn, or is inflated to an

handling.

incorrect pressure.

Under-inflated tyres wear more rapidly, can seriously affect the

Always drive with consideration for the condition of the tyres, and

car's road handling characteristics and fuel consumption, as well as

regularly inspect the tread and side walls for any sign of distortion

increasing the risk of tyre failure. Over-inflated tyres give a harsher

(bulges), cuts or wear.

ride, wear unevenly and are more prone to damage.

The most common causes of tyre failure are:

Check the pressures (including the spare wheel*) at least every

week, when the tyres are cold - be aware that it only takes

• Bumping against kerbs

approximately 1.6 km of driving to warm up the tyres sufficiently

• Driving over deep potholes in the road

to affect the tyre pressures.

• Driving with under or over-inflated tyres

Air pressure naturally increases in warm tyres; if it is necessary to

NOTE: If possible, protect tyres from contamination by oil, grease, fuel

check the tyres when they are warm (after the car has been driven

and other automotive fluids.

for a while), you should expect the pressures to have increased. In

this circumstance, NEVER let air out of the tyres in order to

match the recommended pressures.

The recommended pressures for cold tyres, see ‘TYRE

PRESSURES’, page 191.

Valves

Keep the valve caps screwed down firmly - they prevent dirt from

entering the valve. Check the valve for leaks (listen for a tell-tale

hissing) when you check the tyre pressure.

145

Rover 45. Instruction - part 9