Rover 45. Service Manual - part 10
Tyres
Tyre wear indicators
Punctured tyres
Your car is fitted with tubeless tyres, which may not leak if
penetrated by a sharp object, provided the object remains in the
tyre. If you are aware of this occurring, reduce speed immediately
and drive with caution until the spare wheel can be fitted or repairs
undertaken.
A puncture of this kind will eventually cause the tyre to lose
pressure, which is why regular (and frequent) checking of tyre
pressures is important. Punctured or damaged tyres must be
permanently repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Replacement tyres
DO NOT replace wheels with any type other than genuine
MG Rover parts. Alternative wheels, which do not meet
HB0067
original equipment specifications may adversely affect the car's
driving characteristics and should not be fitted.
Tyres fitted as original equipment have wear indicators moulded
into the tread pattern at several points around the circumference.
Wheel rims and tyres are matched to suit the handling
When the tread has worn down to 1.6 mm, the indicators will
characteristics of the car. Changing the specification of a wheel or
come to the surface of the tread pattern, producing the effect of a
tyre can adversely affect the car’s handling and, ultimately, your
continuous band of rubber across the width of the tyre.
own safety in emergency road situations.
NOTE: If tyre wear is uneven (on one side of the tyre only) or becomes
To be safe, ONLY fit replacement tyres that comply with the
abnormally excessive, the wheel alignment should be checked by your
original specification (see ‘WHEELS & TYRES’, page 190). In
dealer.
addition, ensure that the load and speed ratings shown on the side
The indicators provide warning that there is insufficient tread
wall of each tyre are the same as (or exceed) those of the original
remaining to provide good traction, particularly on wet roads, and
equipment. Contact your dealer for further information or
that the tyres no longer comply with legislation requiring a
assistance.
minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm.
Always have replacement wheels and tyres balanced before use.
For safety, a tyre MUST be replaced as soon as a wear indicator
becomes visible.
146
Tyres
SNOW CHAINS
DO NOT fit unapproved snow chains - this could damage
brake components.
Unsuitable snow chains could damage the tyres, wheels,
suspension, brakes or bodywork of your car. Only fit chains that
have been recommended by an MG Rover dealer and approved
by MG Rover for use on your car.
In use, always observe the following precautions:
• Fit snow chains to the front wheels only.
• Always adhere to the snow chain fitting and retensioning
instructions and the speed limitations for varying road
conditions.
• DO NOT exceed speeds of 50 km/h.
• Avoid tyre damage and excessive chain wear by removing snow
chains when driving on snow free roads.
4
147
Cleaning & Vehicle Care
Cleaning & Vehicle Care
WASHING YOUR CAR
After washing, rinse the bodywork with clean water and dry off
with a chamois leather.
Some high pressure cleaning systems will penetrate door,
window and sunroof seals, and damage lock mechanisms. DO
Removing tar spots
NOT aim water jets directly at components that might be easily
Use white spirit to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains
damaged.
from the paintwork, then wash the area immediately with soapy
water to remove all traces of the spirit.
Cleaning the underside
From time to time, but particularly during winter months if salt has
been used on the roads, use a hose to wash the underside of the
car. Flush away accumulations of mud and thoroughly clean those
areas where debris can easily collect (wheel arches and panel seams,
for example).
Engine compartment
HB0068
The engine compartment must only be cleaned by steam cleaning.
Road dirt, oil, airborne pollutants and deposits from birds and trees
DO NOT use a high pressure hose to clean the engine
can damage the paintwork. In order to preserve the paint finish,
compartment - damage to the car's electronic systems may
wash the car frequently and observe the following care points:
occur.
• DO NOT use hot water to wash the car.
Automatic car washes
• DO NOT use detergents or washing up liquid.
• In hot weather, DO NOT wash the car in direct sunlight.
Automatic car washes may damage roof and boot mounted
• When using a hose, DO NOT aim the water directly at
spoilers. Avoid using automatic car washes with brushes.
window, door or sunroof seals, or through wheel apertures
Before using any automatic car wash, always check its suitability for
onto the brake components.
your car. If in any doubt seek assistance from the car wash operator.
If the car is particularly dirty, use a hose to flush grime and grit
ALWAYS remove the radio aerial before entering an
from the bodywork, prior to washing. Then, wash the car using
automatic car wash.
cold or lukewarm water containing a good quality wash and wax
shampoo. Always use plenty of water to ensure that grit is flushed
from the surface and not ground into the paintwork.
148
Cleaning & Vehicle Care
Body protection
Windows and mirrors
After washing, examine the paintwork for damage. Treat paint
Regularly clean all windows, inside and out, using an approved
chips and scratches with an MG Rover paint touch-up pencil. If
glass cleaner.
the damage has revealed bare metal, use a coloured primer first,
Windscreen: In particular, clean the outside of the screen with glass
then apply the correct colour base coat and finish off with a lacquer
cleaner after washing the car with wash and wax products, and
pencil, if appropriate. Carry out this treatment after washing but
before fitting new wiper blades.
before polishing or waxing.
Rear screen: Clean the inside with a soft cloth, using a side to side
More extensive damage to paint or bodywork must be repaired in
motion to avoid damaging the heating elements. DO NOT scrape
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to
the glass or use abrasive cleaning compounds - this will damage the
do this will invalidate the Anti-Corrosion Warranty. If in doubt,
heating elements.
ask your MG Rover dealer for advice.
Mirrors: Mirror glass is particularly susceptible to damage; DO
Polishing the paintwork
NOT use abrasive cleaning compounds or metal scrapers.
Occasionally treat the paint surface with an approved polish
containing the following properties:
• Very mild abrasives that will remove surface contamination
without removing or damaging the paint.
• Filling compounds that will fill scratches and reduce their
4
visibility.
• Wax to provide a protective coating between the paint and the
elements.
NOTE: If possible, avoid applying polish or wax products to window
glass and rubber seals.
Wiper blades
Wash in warm soapy water. DO NOT use spirit or petrol based
cleaners.
149
Cleaning & Vehicle Care
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
Airbag module covers
Plastic materials
To prevent damage to the airbag SRS, the steering wheel centre
Clean plastic-faced materials with diluted upholstery cleaner, then
pad and the area of the dashboard containing the passenger airbag
wipe with a damp cloth.
should ONLY be cleaned sparingly with a damp cloth and
upholstery cleaner.
NOTE: DO NOT polish dashboard components - these should remain
non-reflective.
DO NOT allow these areas to be flooded with liquid and DO
NOT use petrol, detergent, furniture cream or polishes.
Carpet and fabrics
Clean with diluted upholstery cleaner - test a concealed area first.
Seat belts
Extend the belts, then use warm water and a non-detergent soap
Leather
to clean. Allow the belts to dry naturally; DO NOT retract them
Clean leather trim with warm water and a non-detergent soap.
or use the car until they are completely dry.
Dry and polish the leather with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth.
DO NOT use bleaches, dyes or cleaning solvents on seat belts.
NOTE: DO NOT use petrol, detergents, furniture creams or polishes as
cleaning agents.
Instrument pack, clock and audio system displays
Clean with a dry cloth only. DO NOT use cleaning fluids or
sprays.
Audio system detachable control panel
Periodically clean the electrical contacts on the back of the control
panel and the matching contacts on the audio unit with a clean,
dry, lint-free cloth. Use methylated spirits if available.
150
Identification Numbers
Identification Numbers
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
When communicating with your dealer, always quote the Vehicle
1
1
Identification Number (VIN). If your communication concerns
the engine or gearbox, it may be necessary to quote these numbers
too.
Identification number locations
3
1
1
2
HB0227
Diesel models
1.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
3
2.
Engine number
1.4, 1.6 & 1.8 Petrol engines: Stamped into the front face on
2
the gearbox side of the cylinder block.
HB0226
2.0 & 2.5 Petrol engines: Stamped into the front face of the
4
1.4, 1.6 & 1.8 Petrol models
engine block.
Diesel engines: Stamped into the front face on the engine
block, where shown.
1
1
3.
Gearbox number
Except 2.0 & 2.5 petrol models: On a label attached to the upper
face of the gearbox housing.
2.0 & 2.5 petrol models: Stamped on a label attached to the
upper face of the gearbox housing
2
3
Body number
Stamped on a plate inside the luggage compartment, adjacent to
HB0176a
the spare wheel well.
2.0 & 2.5 Petrol models
151
Identification Numbers
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The VIN (and recommended maximum vehicle weights) is
stamped on a plate at the foot of the left hand door pillar and also
stamped into the centre of the bulkhead at the top, inside the
A
engine compartment. In addition, as a deterrent to car thieves and
B
to help the police, the VIN is stamped into a plate, visible through
the bottom left hand corner of the windscreen.
C
NOTE: The body colour and trim codes are also stamped on the VIN
D
plate and must be quoted if paint or trim items are required.
E
F
G
H
HB0002
The VIN plate on the door pillar contains the following
information:
A. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
B. Type approval
C. Gross vehicle weight (where required)
D. Gross train weight (where required)
E. Maximum front axle load (where required)
F. Maximum rear axle load (where required)
G. Derivative name
H. Smoke coefficient number (where required)
152
Parts & Accessories
Parts & Accessories
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
A full list and description of all accessories is available from your
MG Rover dealer.
The fitting of parts and accessories that have not been approved
by MG Rover, or the carrying out of non-approved alterations
Travelling abroad
or conversions, may be dangerous and could affect the safety of the
In some countries, it is illegal to fit parts which have not been made
car and occupants, and also invalidate the terms and conditions of
to the vehicle manufacturer's specification.
the car's warranty.
Owners should ensure that any parts or accessories fitted to the car
To ensure your future driving pleasure and safety, we strongly
while travelling abroad, will also conform to the legal requirements
recommend that only MG Rover approved parts are fitted to your
of their home country.
car. Genuine MG Rover parts and accessories are the only
components approved by MG Rover to meet rigorous original
equipment standards for fitment and performance.
To enhance your motoring pleasure, a comprehensive and
versatile range of quality accessories is available. This wide range of
genuine MG Rover products is an integral part of the car's design
and development programme and will help to guarantee
continued reliability, safety and performance.
4
An airbag SRS is fitted to your car, ALWAYS consult an MG
Rover dealer before fitting any accessory.
Genuine MG Rover parts are the ONLY parts built to original
equipment specifications AND approved by MG Rover designers;
this means that every single part and accessory has been thoroughly
tested by the same engineering team that designed and built the
car. As a result, all genuine MG Rover parts and accessories are
guaranteed for twelve months with unlimited mileage.
It is extremely hazardous to fit parts or accessories where
installation requires the dismantling of, or addition to, either
the electrical or fuel systems.
153
Emergency Information
156
Emergency Starting
158
Vehicle Recovery
160
Puncture Repair & Wheel Changing
168
Fuse Replacement
174
Bulb Replacement
5
Emergency Starting
Emergency Information
Emergency Starting
Recommended earth points for your car
USING BOOSTER CABLES
During normal use, batteries emit explosive hydrogen gas,
A
sufficient to cause severe explosions capable of causing serious
personal injury - ensure sparks and naked lights are kept well away
from the engine compartment.
Using booster cables (jump leads) from a donor battery, or a
battery fitted to a donor vehicle, is the only approved method of
starting a car with a flat battery. Push or tow starting is NOT
recommended!
DO NOT disconnect the discharged battery. Make sure that
BOTH batteries are of the same voltage (12 volts), and that the
booster cables are approved for use with 12 volt car batteries.
If the battery from a donor vehicle is to be used, the vehicles
should be parked with their battery locations adjacent to one
B
C
another. Ensure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Apply the handbrakes and ensure that the gear levers on both
vehicles are in neutral (‘P’ for cars with automatic transmission).
IMPORTANT
If the battery has become discharged, while the alarm system is armed,
HB0179
you should be aware that the alarm may start sounding as soon as
battery power is restored (when a replacement battery is installed, or
A - 1.4, 1.6 & 1.8 petrol models
booster cables are connected). If the alarm starts sounding, disarm the
B - Diesel models
alarm by pressing the handset LOCK button four times in quick
C - 2.0 petrol models
succession and then pressing the unlock button once.
156
Emergency Starting
Starting the car
2.
Connect the BLACK booster cable from the negative (-)
Turn off the starter switch and ALL electrical equipment of
terminal of the donor battery, to a good earth point (e.g. an
BOTH vehicles, then follow the instructions that follow:
engine mounting, chassis member or other unpainted
surface), at least 0.5 m from the battery and well away from
Ensure that each booster cable connection is securely made and
fuel and brake lines on the disabled vehicle (see illustration).
that there is no risk of the clips accidentally slipping from the
battery terminals (as a result of engine vibration, for example); this
DO NOT connect a booster cable to the negative (-) terminal
could cause sparking, which could lead to fire or explosion.
of the discharged battery!
3.
Check that the cables are clear of moving parts of both
engines, then start the engine of the donor vehicle and allow
it to idle for a few minutes.
4.
Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged
battery - DO NOT crank the engine for more than 15
seconds at a time.
5.
Once both engines are running normally, allow them to idle
for two minutes, before switching off the engine of the donor
vehicle and disconnecting the booster cables. DO NOT
switch on any electrical circuits on the previously disabled
HB0655
vehicle, until AFTER the booster cables have been removed.
Positive battery terminal connection with quick release clamp fitted.
6.
Disconnecting the booster cables must be an exact reversal of
1. Connect the RED booster cable between the positive (+)
the procedure used to connect them, i.e. disconnect the
terminals of both batteries.
BLACK cable from the earth point on the disabled vehicle
FIRST.
NOTE: On cars fitted with a quick-release battery clamp, it may
5
not be possible to connect the booster cable securely to the terminal. In
this case, attach the booster cable to the head of the bolt provided
(arrowed in illustration).
157
Vehicle Recovery
Vehicle Recovery
TOWING FOR RECOVERY
Models with automatic transmission
If your car is to be towed, most qualified recovery specialists will
Ideally, cars fitted with an automatic transmission should only be
use wheel lift equipment to suspend the front wheels, while the
moved by trailer/transporter. If these facilities are unavailable,
rear wheels remain on the ground. However, if it is necessary for
move the vehicle on suspended tow (with the front wheels raised)
the car (except 1.8 models with automatic transmission) to be
with ‘N’ selected in the gearbox.
towed with all four wheels on the ground, abide by the following
1.8 models with automatic transmission MUST NOT under
procedure.
any circumstances be towed on all four wheels. Without the
engine running the gearbox is not adequately lubricated.
Before being towed:
DO NOT remove the starter key or turn the starter switch off
It is acceptable (if it is ESSENTIAL for the car to be moved and
while the car is being towed on four wheels - this will prevent
no other option is available) for 2.0 models with automatic
the steering wheel from being turned.
transmission to be towed on all four wheels providing you adhere
strictly to the following:
1. Turn the starter key to the first position to unlock the steering
• DO NOT allow the car to be towed further than 50 km.
and then to the second position to enable the brake lights,
• Restrict the towing speed to a maximum of 50 km/h.
wipers and direction indicators to be operated if necessary.
If, due to an accident or electrical fault, it is considered unsafe
to turn the starter switch to the first position, disconnect the
battery before turning the switch.
2. Place the gear lever in neutral (‘N’ for cars with automatic
transmission).
3. Release the handbrake.
While being towed observe the following:
• Without the engine running, greater effort will be required to
operate the brake pedal and turn the steering wheel. Longer
stopping distances will also be experienced.
• While towing for recovery, the towing vehicle should never
exceed 50 km/h.
158
Vehicle Recovery
TRANSPORTER OR TRAILER LASHING
DO NOT use the lashing points to tow your car behind
another vehicle, or use the lashing points to tow a trailer or
caravan.
HB0180
If your car is to be transported on the back of a trailer or
transporter, use the recommended lashing points at the front and
rear of the car only. DO NOT secure lashing hooks, ‘T’ bars or
5
trailer fixings to any other part of the car.
159
Puncture Repair & Wheel Changing
Puncture Repair & Wheel Changing
INSTANT TYRE REPAIR (ITR) COMPONENTS*
1. Tyre sealant canister.
2. Safety goggles.
4
3. Wheel nut cover removal tool*.
4. Locking wheel nut removal tool*.
1
NOTE: ITR is standard equipment for most
cars and is designed to provide a temporary repair
solution for most tyre tread punctures.
3
For information on how to use ITR, please refer
to ‘INSTANT TYRE REPAIR (ITR)*’,
page 162.
2
HB0603
ALWAYS read and obey all instructions and warnings printed on the tyre sealant
canister.
160
Puncture Repair & Wheel Changing
SPARE WHEEL & TOOLS*
1. Spare wheel.
2. Spare wheel clamp.
4
3
3. Wheel nut spanner.
7
4. Jack.
5. Jack handle.
6. Wheel nut cover removal tool*.
7. Locking wheel nut removal tool*.
2
6
NOTE: The fitment of a space saver or full size
spare wheel and associated tools is available as an
option at the time of manufacture and replaces the
5
Instant Tyre Repair (ITR) system.
For information on how to change the wheel,
please refer to ‘CHANGING A WHEEL’,
page 164.
1
5
HB0614
161