Rover 45. Service Manual

Automatic Transmission - 2.0 models

USING THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX

Parking

The following information is particularly important for driver's

After bringing the car to a stop, ALWAYS apply the handbrake

who are unfamiliar with the techniques required to drive cars with

and select ‘P’, before releasing the foot brake and switching off the

automatic transmission.

engine.

Starting

Freeing the car from snow or mud

The engine can only be started with the selector lever in the ‘P’

With engine idling, select ‘D’ or ‘R’ and increase engine speed

(Park) or ‘N’ (Neutral) positions.

very slightly making sure the front wheels do not spin. If the

• ALWAYS apply the handbrake and foot brake before starting

wheels do spin, use minimum engine speed to regain grip. If

the engine.

unsuccessful engage ‘D’ or ‘R’ alternately and use minimum

engine speed until grip is regained.

• KEEP BOTH BRAKES APPLIED while moving the selector

to a drive gear position.

Emergency starting

• DO NOT ‘rev’ the engine or allow it to run above normal idle

speed while selecting ‘D’ (Drive) or ‘R’ (Reverse), or while the

Cars fitted with automatic transmission CAN NOT be ‘push’

car is stationary with a drive gear already selected.

or ‘tow’ started.

• ALWAYS keep the brakes applied until you are ready to move

off - remember, once a drive gear has been selected, an

‘automatic’ will tend to creep forward (or backward).

• DO NOT allow the car to remain stationary for any length of

time with a drive gear selected and the engine running (always

select ‘N’ (Neutral), if the engine is to idle for a prolonged

period).

Driving

When driving, the transmission will automatically adjust to the

most appropriate ratio, according to accelerator position, vehicle

speed and terrain (whether the car is travelling uphill, downhill or

on the flat).

Fuel System

TYPE OF FUEL

Diesel engines

Petrol engines

Diesel fuel specification: Good quality diesel fuel to EN 590

Petrol fuel specification: 95 RON unleaded petrol to EN 228

specification.

The quality of diesel fuel can vary in different countries and only

The RON value (octane rating) and type of petroleum (unleaded

clean, good quality fuel should be used. It is important that the

or leaded) available at garage forecourts, will vary in different parts

sulphur content of diesel fuel does not exceed 0.3%. In Europe, all

of the world. For example, in most European countries 95 RON

supplies should be within this limit, but in other parts of the world,

unleaded fuel is readily available, but in other parts of the world

you should check with your supplier.

fuel supplies may be limited to leaded or lower octane fuels only.

Ensure that the fuel filter element is changed at the recommended

Before a new car is delivered to the first owner, the engine is tuned

service intervals.

to suit the fuel supplies commonly available in the market in which

the car is to be purchased. However, if the car is later exported to

SAFETY ON THE FORECOURT

a different country, or is used to travel between different

territories, you should be aware that the available fuel supplies may

Petroleum gases are highly inflammable and, in confined

not be compatible with the engine specification. If in doubt,

spaces, are also extremely explosive.

consult an MG Rover dealer for advice.

Always take care when refuelling:

The RON value quoted above is a MINIMUM requirement for

• Switch off the engine.

the United Kingdom and most European markets and can be safely

• Do not smoke or use a naked flame.

exceeded.

• Do not use a mobile phone.

IN AN EMERGENCY (and only if the correct fuel is

• Avoid spilling fuel.

unavailable), lower octane rated fuel can be used for very limited

• Do not overfill the tank.

periods of moderate, low speed motoring, provided engine

‘knocking’ does not occur.

Fuel System

FUEL FILLER

FUEL FILLING

Use only the recommended fuel! Serious damage to the catalytic

converter will occur if the wrong fuel is used.

Always fill the tank SLOWLY, until the filler nozzle automatically

cuts-off the fuel supply. DO NOT attempt to fill the tank beyond

this point, or spillage could result due to expansion of the fuel.

Petrol engines

The filler tube is designed to accept a narrow filler nozzle, of the

type found on pumps that deliver ONLY unleaded fuel. A flap lies

across the filler neck; insert the nozzle sufficiently to fully open the

flap before filling.

DO NOT fully fill the tank if the vehicle is to be parked in

direct sunlight, or high ambient temperature - expansion of the

fuel could cause spillage.

HB0288

Diesel engines

The diesel fuel filling system on garage forecourts is designed to fill

Fuel filler flap

at a maximum of 45 litres per minute. Use of commercial vehicle

The fuel filler is located in the rear left-hand wing. Pull the floor

diesel pumps with a higher fill rate, may result in premature pump

mounted lever adjacent to the driver's seat to release the fuel filler

cut-off and fuel spillage.

flap.

Fuel filler cap

Unscrew slowly to remove. When replacing, tighten clockwise

until the fuel cap ratchet clicks at least three times. Remember to

close the filler flap after refuelling.

Fuel System

Filling difficulties

Diesel engine

The fuel delivery rate of filling station pumps, can vary

significantly from one garage forecourt to another. This, coupled

with the fact that modern pumps are equipped with a sensor which

automatically cuts off the supply as soon as turbulence is detected

in the upper part of the car's filler neck, could result in isolated fuel

filling problems.

If individual owners experience difficulty, the following advice

may be useful:

• Fully insert the filler gun, then withdraw the gun up to the first

ridge on the underside of the nozzle.

• Hold the filler gun with the trigger directly below the nozzle

(at right angles to the ground). Twisting the gun to either side,

is unlikely to ease the filling process.

HB0090

• Fill the tank slowly - DO NOT fully squeeze the trigger.

In the event of the fuel tank running dry, it will be necessary to

EMPTY FUEL TANK

hand-prime the fuel system (after refuelling) by squeezing the

priming bulb in the engine compartment (where shown in

Never allow the car to run out of fuel - the resultant misfire

illustration), until the bulb feels solid.

could destroy the catalytic converter.

Take care to ensure that the primer bulb is not trapped when the

Petrol engines

bonnet is closed. DO NOT attempt to start the engine until the

In the event of the fuel tank running dry, start the engine carefully

system is properly primed.

after refuelling. If the engine runs unevenly, switch off and contact

your dealer before attempting to restart the engine.

Fuel System

FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH (Petrol engine models only)

ALWAYS check for fuel leaks before resetting the fuel cut-off

switch.

HB0163

The fuel cut-off switch is a safety device which, in the event of a

collision or sudden impact, automatically cuts off the fuel supply to

the engine.

The switch is located behind the front ashtray on the driver's side

of the centre console. After the switch has been activated, it must

be reset by pressing the rubber top (arrowed in illustration) before

the engine can be restarted.

NOTE: On diesel models, the fuel cut-off system resets automatically and

therefore, does not need to be reset by the driver.

Lights & Indicators

LIGHTING SWITCH

Direction indicators

Side and headlights

HB0093

HB0602

Turn the control to the first position to illuminate the side, tail and

Move the lever down to indicate a LEFT turn, or up to indicate a

instrument panel lights. Turn the control to the second position to

RIGHT turn. The indicators will cancel automatically once a turn

illuminate the headlights.

has been completed.

Headlight main and dipped beams

Hold the lever half-way up or down against spring pressure to

indicate a lane change.

The appropriate GREEN warning light on the instrument panel

will flash in time with the direction indicators.

‘Lights on’ warning buzzer

HB0094

If the exterior lights are left on after the starter switch is turned off,

a warning buzzer will sound as soon as the driver's door is opened.

Pull the lever fully towards the steering wheel to change headlight

The buzzer will cease as soon as the lights are switched off, or the

beams (the BLUE warning light on the instrument panel

door is closed.

illuminates when the headlights are on main beam).

To briefly flash the main beams on and off, pull the lever part way

towards the steering wheel and then release.

Take care not to dazzle oncoming vehicles when driving using

main beam headlights.

Lights & Indicators

HEADLIGHT BEAM HEIGHT CONTROL

Using the following load conditions as a guide, adjust the height

of the headlight beams by moving the control up or down (see

inset).

• Position ‘0’

Driver, or driver and front seat passenger only (no luggage).

• Position ‘1’

Driver and four passengers (no luggage).

• Position ‘2’

Driver, four passengers and FULL luggage compartment.

• Position ‘3’

Driver, NO passengers and FULL luggage compartment.

NOTE: These loading definitions assume that all loads will be within the

limits of the maximum permissible axle and vehicle weights

The angle of the dipped beams is affected by the distribution of

passenger and luggage weight within the car. It is important that

the headlights are adjusted to ensure that the point at which they

meet the road surface provides adequate illumination ahead of the

vehicle, without dazzling other road users.

Wipers & Washers

WIPER CONTROLS

Single wipe

Pull the lever down and release immediately.

NOTE: With the lever held down, the wipers will operate at high speed

until it is released.

Windscreen washer

Pull the lever towards the steering wheel. The windscreen washers

will operate for as long as the lever is held in this position.

NOTE: The wipers operate automatically during windscreen washing.

On cars fitted with heated windscreen washer jets, the heater

HB0095

prevents the jets from being rendered inoperative by freezing, but

does not prevent the water from freezing on the screen; therefore,

The wipers and washers will only operate when the starter switch

a suitable screenwash must still be added to the washer reservoir

is turned to position ‘II’.

(see ‘WINDSCREEN WASHER TOP-UP’, page 143).

Rotate the end of the lever to select different wiper speeds

1. Intermittent wipe

2. Normal speed wipe

3. Fast speed wipe

IMPORTANT

• DO NOT operate the wipers on a dry screen.

• In freezing or very hot conditions, ensure that the blades are not

frozen or stuck to the glass before being operated.

• In winter, remove snow or ice from around the arms and

blades, including the wiped area of the screen.

NOTE: If reverse gear is selected while the front wipers are operating (at

any speed setting), the rear screen wiper will operate automatically for three

wipes.

Wipers & Washers

Rear window wash/wipe

HEADLIGHT WASHERS*

The headlight washers operate automatically with the front

screenwash system, provided the headlights are switched on.

Rotate the switch clockwise to the first position to operate the rear

wiper. After wiping continuously four times, the wiper continues

intermittently until switched off.

Rotate the switch further clockwise, to the second position, to

operate the rear screen washer AND wiper. Hold in this position

for the required duration of the wash.

Rotate the switch anti-clockwise to operate the rear screen washer

alone (without the wiper).

NOTE: If reverse gear is selected while the front wipers are operating (at

any speed setting), the rear screen wiper will operate automatically for three

wipes.

Fascia Switches

Hazard warning lights

Press to operate. All the direction indicators and

Fog lights should ONLY be used when visibility is severely

direction indicator warning lights will flash together.

restricted - other road users could be dazzled in clear

Use ONLY in an emergency to warn other road users when your

conditions.

car is causing an obstruction or is in a hazardous situation.

Remember to switch off before driving away.

Front fog lights*

Press to operate; the indicator light in the switch

illuminates when the fog lights are on and extinguishes

when they are switched off. The fog lights will only operate with

the starter switch in position ‘II’ and with the side or headlights

turned on.

The front fog lights extinguish automatically when the sidelights

or starter switch are turned off but will illuminate again as soon as

the starter switch and sidelights are next switched on, unless

HB0290

deselected manually.

Rear screen demister

NOTE: If the sidelights are left on when the starter switch is turned off,

Press to operate; the indicator light in the switch

the indicator light in the front fog light switch remains on to remind drivers

illuminates whenever the demister is on and extinguishes

to manually deselect the fog lights if they are not needed.

when the demister is turned off.

Rear fog guard lights

The demister will only function with the engine running and will

Press to operate; the indicator light in the switch

switch off automatically after approximately 15 minutes.

illuminates when the rear fog guard lights are on, and

The heating elements on the inside of the rear screen are easily

extinguishes when they are switched off. The rear fog guard lights

damaged. DO NOT scrape or scratch the glass. DO NOT

operate ONLY when the starter switch is at position ‘II’ and when

stick labels over the heating elements.

the headlights or front fog lights are switched on.

NOTE: The rear fog guard lights extinguish automatically when the

Horn

headlights are switched off and will need to be reselected manually.

To operate, press either of the switches set into the

steering wheel pad.

Cruise Control

CRUISE CONTROL

Engaging cruise control

Cruise control enables the driver to maintain a constant road speed

without using the accelerator pedal. This is particularly useful for

motorway cruising, or for any journey where a constant speed can

be maintained for a lengthy period.

The cruise control system has three switches; a master switch on

the fascia panel (highlighted in illustration) and two control

switches, marked ‘SET+’ and ‘RES’, mounted on the steering

wheel.

IMPORTANT

• DO NOT use cruise control on winding or slippery roads, or in

traffic conditions where a constant speed cannot easily be

HB0221

maintained.

• ALWAYS switch off the master switch when you no longer intend

Press the master switch (the warning light in the instrument

to use cruise control.

panel illuminates).

• DO NOT rest your foot under the accelerator pedal while cruise

control is engaged - your foot could be trapped.

Accelerate until the desired speed is reached (this must be

above the systems minimum operational speed of 45 km/h.

Press the ‘SET+’ switch to set the road speed in the cruise

control system's memory. Cruise control will now maintain

that road speed automatically.

With cruise control operating, speed can be increased temporarily,

eg. for overtaking, by normal use of the accelerator. When the

accelerator is released, road speed will return to the selected

cruising speed.

Cruise Control

To increase cruising speed

Disengaging cruise control

Press and hold the ‘SET+’ switch; the car will accelerate

Cruise control will disengage, without cancelling the speed held in

automatically. Release the switch when the desired speed has been

its memory, when:

reached. Alternatively, the speed can be increased incrementally by

• The brake or clutch pedal is pressed.

slowly tapping the ‘SET+’ switch. For each tap the speed will

• Your road speed falls to less than 75% of the set speed (this

increase by 1.6 km/h.

could occur when climbing hills or when towing).

• The ‘RES’ switch is pressed.

To reduce cruising speed

Use one of the following methods:

To re-engage cruise control at the previously set speed, press the

• Use the brake pedal to slow the car until the required speed has

‘RES’ switch.

been reached, then press the ‘SET+’ switch to establish a new

NOTE: The speed held in the cruise control memory will be cancelled

cruising speed (remember that cruise control will not operate at

when either the cruise control master switch, or the starter switch are turned

speeds below 45 km/h.

off.

• Alternatively, press the ‘RES’ switch once. This will cut off

cruise control and, provided the brake pedal is not used, the car

will slow down gradually. When the desired speed has been

reached, press the ‘SET+’ switch to establish the new cruising

speed.

Brakes

FOOT BRAKE

Wet conditions

The hydraulic braking system operates through dual circuits;

Driving through water or even very heavy rain may adversely

if one circuit should fail, the other will continue to function.

affect braking efficiency. Dry the braking surfaces by intermittent

However, in the event of a brake failure where only one circuit is

light application of the foot brake, after first ensuring that you are

operational, the car should ONLY be driven at slow speed to the

at a safe distance from other road users.

nearest dealer. In these circumstances, exercise EXTREME

CAUTION and be aware that much greater pedal effort and

longer stopping distances will be required.

Servo assistance

The braking system is servo assisted, but ONLY while the engine

is running. Without servo assistance greater brake pedal effort is

necessary to safely control the car, resulting in longer stopping

distances. Always be aware of the following:

• NEVER allow the car to freewheel with the engine turned off.

• ALWAYS take particular care when being towed with the

engine turned off.

If the engine should stop for any reason while driving, bring the

car to a halt as quickly as traffic conditions safely allow, and DO

NOT pump the brake pedal lest the braking system lose any

remaining servo-assistance available.

NEVER move the car without the engine running because

brake servo assistance may not be available. The brakes will

still function, but more pedal pressure will be required to operate

them.

Brakes

Brake system warning light

HANDBRAKE

The light illuminates when the handbrake is applied and

DO NOT drive with the handbrake applied, or apply the

extinguishes when it is fully released. If the warning

handbrake while the car is in motion; this could result in loss

light illuminates while driving, or fails to extinguish when the

of control, prevent the anti-lock braking system from functioning

handbrake is fully released, a fault with the braking system is

correctly, and may even cause damage to the rear brakes.

indicated. Check the brake fluid level; if the light continues to

illuminate, seek qualified assistance before continuing.

If the brake warning light illuminates while driving, bring the

car to a halt as quickly as traffic conditions and safety permit

and seek qualified assistance before continuing. Do not drive with

the warning light illuminated.

Brake pads

Brake pads require a period of bedding in. For the first 300 km,

avoid situations where heavy braking is required.

Remember that regular servicing is vital to ensure that all the brake

components are examined for wear at the correct intervals, and

changed when required to ensure long term safety and optimum

performance.

The handbrake operates on the rear wheels only. To apply the

handbrake, pull the lever up. Always apply the handbrake FULLY

DO NOT rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving; this

whenever you park the car.

may overheat the brakes, reduce their efficiency and cause

excessive wear.

To release, pull the lever up slightly, depress the button (arrowed

in illustration) and fully lower the lever.

Brake wear indicators

When parking on a steep slope, do not rely on the handbrake alone

All disc brakes are fitted with audible brake wear indicators. When

to hold the car. On manual gearbox models, leave the car parked

the brake pads need replacing, a distinctive metallic ‘screeching’

with the gearbox in a low forward gear when facing uphill and in

sound will be heard (this is not to be confused with the sound of

reverse gear when facing downhill. On automatic gearbox models,

brakes squeaking, which sometimes occurs during light braking

selection of ‘P’ (park) will lock the transmission and, together with

and is usually caused by dust on the braking surfaces).

the handbrake, prevent the car from rolling away.

Brakes

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS)

Electronic brake force distribution

Your car is equipped with Electronic Brake force Distribution

ABS cannot overcome the physical limitations of stopping the

(EBD), which, in order to maintain braking efficiency,

car in too short a distance, cornering at too high a speed, or the

automatically proportions the distribution of braking forces

danger of aquaplaning, i.e. where a layer of water prevents adequate

between front and rear axles, under all load conditions.

contact between the tyres and the road surface.

For example; under light loads EBD applies less effort to the rear

The fact that a car is fitted with ABS must never tempt the driver

brakes in order to maintain vehicle stability; however if the car is

into taking risks that could affect his/her safety or that of other road

heavily laden or towing, then more effort will be applied to the

users. In all cases, it remains the driver's responsibility to drive

rear brakes.

within normal safety margins, having due consideration for

The EBD system incorporates a monitoring system, which checks

prevailing weather and traffic conditions.

that all electrical components are in working order when the

starter switch is turned on and also at frequent intervals while the

The purpose of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is to prevent

car is being driven. The EBD monitoring system is linked to the

the wheels from locking while braking, thereby enabling the

brake system warning light on the instrument panel. If this light

driver to retain steering control of the car.

illuminates while driving, or remains illuminated for more than

Under normal braking conditions, (where sufficient road surface

three seconds after the starter switch is turned on, there is a fault

friction exists to reliably bring the car to a halt without the wheels

with the braking system, and EBD may not be available. If this

locking), ABS will not be activated. However, should the braking

occurs, stop the car as soon as safety permits and seek qualified

force exceed the available adhesion between the tyres and the road

assistance immediately. DO NOT drive the car with the brake

surface causing the wheels to lock (on slippery roads, for example),

system warning light illuminated.

then ABS will automatically come into operation.

This will be recognisable by a rapid pulsation felt through the

brake pedal.

Brakes

Braking in an emergency

ABS Warning light

The ABS incorporates a monitoring system, which

DO NOT pump the brake pedal at any time; this will

checks that all the electrical components are in working

interrupt operation of the ABS and may increase braking

order as soon as the starter switch is turned on, and also at frequent

distance.

intervals during a journey.

If an emergency situation occurs, the driver should apply full

The warning light on the instrument panel is an important part of

braking effort even when the road surface is slippery. The anti-

this system. The light should illuminate for approximately 2

lock braking system will constantly monitor the rotational speed of

seconds when the starter switch is turned to the second position

the wheels and vary braking pressure to each according to the

and then extinguish.

amount of traction available. This will ensure that the wheels do

If the warning light fails to extinguish or illuminates while driving,

not lock and that the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible

a fault has been detected by the self-monitoring system and full

distance for the prevailing road surface conditions.

ABS control may not be available. If this occurs, consult your

NOTE: On soft surfaces such as powdery snow, sand or gravel, the

dealer at the earliest opportunity.

braking distance required by the anti-lock braking system may be greater

In addition, when starting the engine, a single ‘knock’ may be

than for non-ABS braking, even though improved steering would be

heard coming from the engine compartment. Very slight

experienced. This is because the natural action of locked wheels on soft

movement may also be felt at the brake pedal. Both are normal

surfaces is to build up a wedge of surface material in front which assists the

symptoms of the anti-lock braking system self-checking process.

car to stop.

NOTE: The normal (non-ABS) braking system remains fully operational

No matter how hard you brake, you should be able to continue

and is not affected by partial or full loss of the ABS. However, braking

steering the vehicle as NORMAL.

distances may increase.

However, always remember that anti-lock braking operates only

AFTER the driver has already lost control. ABS cannot reliably

compensate for driver error or inexperience.

Rover 45. Service Manual - part 6