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Rover 45. Service Manual - part 4

Interior Equipment

AUXILIARY POWER SOCKET*

NEVER plug non-approved accessories into a power socket -

damage to the car’s electrical systems could occur.

HB0507

Push the top of the ashtray cover to open (see ‘ASHTRAYS’,

page 48). Remove the power socket cover (as illustrated).

The power socket will operate with the starter switch at position

‘I’ or ‘II’, and can be used to power MG Rover approved

accessories that use a maximum of 180 watts. Always run the

engine during prolonged use of electrical accessories, otherwise the

battery may become discharged.

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Load Carrying

Load Carrying

REAR WINDOW SHELF (5 door models only)

The rear window shelf can be removed, to increase the height of

the luggage area, as follows:

• Release the lifting straps. Then, with the shelf horizontal, hold

the front edge and pull smartly to the rear to disengage the shelf

from the retaining clips on each side.

• To refit, position the shelf with the two locating pins set into

the retaining clips on both sides. Then, push the shelf firmly

towards the front of the car, making sure it is securely clipped

in position before attaching the lifting straps and closing the

taildoor.

HB0220

DO NOT carry hard, heavy, or sharply pointed objects on the

rear window shelf - they could damage the rear window

demisting elements, or become dangerous projectiles in the event of

an accident or emergency braking.

52

Load Carrying

COLLAPSABLE STORAGE BOX*

The box is located in the loadspace and can be used to store loose

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items, to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of

an accident or emergency manoeuvre. The box can also be used

to stow items such as dirty boots, to protect the car interior from

damage.

Erect the box as follows:

HB0599

2. Lift the back of the box and secure the velcro fastenings where

shown.

HB0598

1. Lift the handled sides of the box first.

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Load Carrying

FOLDING THE REAR SEATS

HB0600

3. Lift the front of the box and secure the velcro fastenings. The

box is now ready for use.

HB0282

The backrest is divided into two parts; either, or both of which,

can be folded forward to increase the luggage space. Press the

backrest release buttons (arrowed in illustration) to release the

backrest.

DO NOT carry unsecured equipment, tools or luggage that

could move, causing personal injury in the event of an accident,

or emergency manoeuvre - where possible, use the seat belts to secure

luggage carried on seats.

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Load Carrying

Accommodating long loads

Maximum luggage space (5 door models only)

Remove the head restraint from the front passenger and rear seats

1

(see ‘HEAD RESTRAINTS’, page 16), move the front passenger

seat forwards as far as possible and fully recline the backrest. Finally,

fold the appropriate part of the rear seat backrest fully forward as

shown.

When returning the seat to its normal, upright position, ensure

that the rear seat belts are not trapped behind the backrest and that

the seat retaining catches are securely latched.

DO NOT carry long loads which require driving with the

taildoor open - poisonous fumes will be drawn into the interior

HB0283

of the car!

To create an extra large luggage area; pull the lifting strap

(highlighted in illustration) and tip the rear seat cushion forwards.

Remove both rear head restraints, then release both parts of the

backrest and fold them forwards as shown.

When returning the backrest to the upright position, ensure that

the rear seat belts are not trapped behind the backrest and that the

seat retaining catches are securely latched.

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Load Carrying

ROOF RACKS

TOW BARS

To ensure absolute safety, only fit accessories that have been

Only fit towing accessories that have been approved by MG

designed and tested for your car. Your MG Rover dealer will

Rover, otherwise serious damage to the car may result.

provide details of approved tow bars and roof racks.

The total load must NEVER exceed that given in ‘TOWING

To ensure absolute safety, only fit accessories that have been

WEIGHTS’, page 197, and must include the weight of the roof

designed and tested for your car. Your MG Rover dealer will

rack within the load.

provide details of approved tow bars.

A loaded roof rack can reduce the stability of the car,

The permissible maximum towing weight, the maximum rear axle

particularly when cornering and encountering cross winds. All

weight and towing hitch downward load and the maximum

loads should be evenly distributed and secured within the periphery

towing hitch overhang, are given in ‘Technical Data’. In the interest

of the roof rack.

of safety, these must not be exceeded.

DO NOT use the rear lashing point for towing purposes -

serious damage to the car may result.

Tow bar mounting points

The tow bar is attached to the vehicle body NOT the chassis

and fitment requires specialised skills and knowledge. It is

therefore essential that only a tow bar approved for use with your car

is fitted and that it is fitted by qualified personnel.

The following information locating the mounting points is for

reference only and does not include details of the tow bar

installation process. The mounting points shown are for the

installation of an approved tow bar - no other means of attaching

a tow bar should be used.

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Load Carrying

The illustration shows the bumper assembly and rear trim

removed.

1

• The inset shows the 6 mounting points located on the right

hand side of the luggage compartment - the mounting points

for the left hand side are symmetrically identical.

• The main illustration identifies the exterior rear mounting

points for both 4-door (A) and 5-door (B) models.

If a towing hitch with a detachable tow bar is fitted, always detach

the tow bar when the car is not being used for towing.

A

B

HB0508

A = 4 door models

B = 5 door models

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Towing

Towing

TOWING A TRAILER

•

For maximum stability, ensure that trailer loads are properly

secured and unable to shift position during transit. Also,

NOTE: Towing regulations vary from country to country. It is very

position loads so that most of the weight is placed close to the

important to ensure that national regulations governing towing weights and

floor and, where possible, immediately above or close to the

speed limits are observed (refer to the relevant national motoring

trailer axle(s).

organisation for information). The maximum permissible towed weights

•

After loading the trailer, check that the weight on the tow hitch

quoted in ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 197, refer to the car's design

point (this is also called the draw-bar loading weight, or nose

limitations and NOT to any specific territorial restriction.

weight), does not exceed 70 kg.

•

Where the load weight can be divided between trailer and tow

vehicle, loading more weight into the vehicle will generally

improve the stability of the combination.

•

The car's maximum rear axle weight and maximum gross train

weight (see ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 197) must not be

exceeded, when the trailer is attached and any passengers or

luggage are in place inside the car. For high trailer weights, this

may require passengers and/or luggage to be removed from the

car.

HB0157

Ensure that the maximum vehicle laden weight and maximum

rear axle weight are not exceeded.

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that car and trailer are

loaded and balanced so that the combination is stable when in

motion. When preparing your car for towing, pay careful attention

to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and also follow the

guidelines below:

• Ensure that the car tyre pressures are correct for towing and that

the trailer tyre pressures are as recommended by the trailer

manufacturer.

• Check the operation of trailer brakes and lights.

58

Instruments

Driving Controls

Instruments

3. Speedometer

INSTRUMENT PANEL

Indicates road speed in kilometres per hour.

4. Digital display

H3167

1

2

3 4 5

6

HB0284

The display shows the following:

• Odometer reading (shows the total distance travelled by the

1. Temperature gauge

car). The word ‘ODO’ is also displayed.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant.

• Trip recorder (for recording individual journey distances). The

During normal operation, the pointer will rise from the lower

word ‘TRIP’ is also displayed.

(cold) mark to the middle part of the gauge, where it will remain

while the engine is operating at its normal temperature.

• Automatic gear selector position (‘P’, ‘R’, ‘N’, ‘D’) - automatic

transmission only.

In severe driving conditions, such as very hot weather or extended

• The word ‘SPORT’ confirms the selection of Sport mode -

hill climbing, the pointer may reach the upper WHITE mark. If

automatic transmission only.

the pointer rises to the RED mark, the coolant is too hot and

• Manual mode gear selection information (‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘4’, ‘5’ or

severe engine damage could result; stop the car as soon as safety

‘6’ on 1.8 CVT models and ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘4’ or ‘5’ on 2.0 petrol

permits and seek qualified assistance.

models) - automatic transmission only.

2. Tachometer

Indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute. To protect the

engine from damage, NEVER allow the tachometer pointer to

enter the RED sector. Note that the range of the red sector will

vary according to engine type.

NOTE: Speed restriction limiters will prevent engine speed rising above a

pre-determined level.

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Warning Lights

Warning Lights

WARNING LIGHT POSITION AND OPERATION

Direction indicators - GREEN

The left or right warning light flashes in time with the

left or right direction indicator lights, whenever they are

operated. If either warning light fails to illuminate, or flashes very

rapidly, this means that one of the indicator lights is not operating.

NOTE: If the hazard warning lights are operated, both warning lights

will flash together.

Headlight main beam - BLUE

HB0285

Petrol models

Illuminates when the headlights are switched to main

beam.

NOTE: Some warning lights apply to different petrol models - refer to the

Low oil pressure - RED

description of the relevant warning light for confirmation of applicability.

Illuminates as a bulb check when the starter switch is

turned to position ‘II’ and extinguishes when the engine

is started. If the light remains on, flashes on and off, or illuminates

continuously whilst driving, serious engine damage could occur;

stop the car as soon as safety permits and SWITCH OFF THE

ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. Seek qualified assistance before

driving.

Battery charging - RED

HB0286

The light illuminates as a bulb check when the starter

Diesel models

switch is turned to position ‘II’ and extinguishes as soon

as the engine is running. If it remains on, or illuminates whilst

driving, a fault with the battery charging system is indicated. Seek

qualified assistance urgently.

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Warning Lights

Check engine - AMBER

Glow plugs - AMBER (diesel models only)

The light illuminates as a bulb check when the starter

Illuminates when the starter switch is turned to position

switch is turned to the second position and extinguishes

‘II’. When the engine is cold, wait for the light to

when the engine is started. If the light illuminates while the engine

extinguish before starting.

is running, this indicates the detection of a fault by the engine

Door open - RED

management system.

Illuminates when any of the doors are open. DO NOT

If the light illuminates, and the car drives normally: Contact your

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drive the car with the light illuminated.

local dealer to arrange a service appointment at your earliest

convenience - YOU MAY STILL DRIVE THE CAR.

Luggage compartment open - RED

Illuminates if the taildoor is open. DO NOT drive the

If the light flashes and/or the car does not drive normally: Avoid

car with the light illuminated - poisonous exhaust fumes

high speeds and seek immediate assistance from your dealer.

will enter the car.

Handbrake & brake system - RED

Airbag supplementary restraint system - RED

The light illuminates when the handbrake is applied and

The light illuminates when the starter switch is turned to

extinguishes when it is fully released. If the light

SRS

position ‘II’ and extinguishes within approximately six

illuminates while the handbrake is released, a fault with the braking

seconds. If the light fails to illuminate, or extinguish after six

system is indicated. You should stop the car and seek qualified

seconds, or illuminates once the engine is started, the system is

assistance before continuing.

faulty - seek qualified assistance urgently.

Hazard warning lights - RED*

NOTE: Where a driver's airbag only is fitted, the warning light is located

Illuminates in conjunction with the direction indicator

in the centre of the steering wheel. For driver and passenger twin airbag

warning lights when the hazard warning lights are

installations, the warning light is located on the instrument panel.

operated.

Low Fuel - AMBER

Cruise control - AMBER (2.0 petrol models only)*

The low fuel warning light illuminates when the fuel

The light illuminates when the cruise control master

remaining is 8 litres or less - you should refuel at the first

switch is switched on, and extinguishes when it is

opportunity.

switched off.

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Warning Lights

Anti-lock braking system - AMBER*

Transmission fault - AMBER (2.0 automatic models)

The warning light illuminates briefly when the starter

Illuminates when a fault with the gearbox is detected.

switch is turned on. If the light fails to extinguish, or

When the light illuminates and ‘4’ appears in the trip

illuminates at any other time, there is a fault with the ABS system;

recorder display, the car can still be driven to get you home, but

on completion of your journey seek advice from your dealer

the transmission will attempt to stay in fourth gear as much as

before further vehicle use.

possible, to avoid damage to the gearbox. Avoid driving any long

distances and consult your dealer at the earliest opportunity.

Engine malfunction - AMBER (diesel models only)

The light illuminates when the starter switch is turned

If the light illuminates and ‘4’ does not appear in the trip recorder

to position ‘II’ and extinguishes after approximately six

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

seconds. If it remains on, or illuminates at any other time, the

assistance.

engine management system requires attention. Stop the car and

Snow mode - GREEN (2.0 petrol models only)

switch off the engine for at least 30 seconds; if the light illuminates

Illuminates when Snow mode has been activated (see

again after the engine is restarted, it is permissible to continue

‘Snow mode’, page 79) and extinguishes when Snow

driving, but qualified assistance must be sought as soon as possible

mode is cancelled or if the gear selector lever is moved out of

to prevent potential engine damage.

position ‘D’ (Drive).

Transmission fault - AMBER (1.8 automatic models)

If the light illuminates while driving, a fault with the

automatic gearbox is indicated. In this eventuality,

reduced performance will be evident and engine speeds will be

limited to 3,500 rev/min approx.

You may continue driving but should exercise extreme caution

when carrying out any manoeuvre normally reliant upon the car's

speed and acceleration. On completion of your journey seek

qualified assistance before further vehicle use.

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Starting & Driving

Starting & Driving

STARTER SWITCH

‘II’ - Electrical circuits on

With the switch in position ‘II’, all instruments, lights and

DO NOT remove the key or turn the starter switch to position

electrical circuits are operational.

‘0’, while the car is in motion. This will cause the steering lock

to engage and make it impossible to steer the car.

'III' - Starter motor operates

Turn the switch to position ‘III’ to operate the starter motor;

release the key as soon as the engine starts (the key will

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automatically return to position ‘II’).

Unlocking the steering

After inserting the key, a small movement of the steering wheel

while turning the starter switch to the first position will help to

disengage the steering lock.

Locking the steering

After removing the key, turn the steering wheel towards the kerb

until the lock engages.

The starter switch uses the following sequence of key positions to

operate the steering lock, electrical circuits and starter motor:

‘0’ - Steering locked

With the key removed, the steering column will be locked

and most electrical circuits are non-operational.

‘I’ - Steering unlocked

Turn the switch to position ‘I’ to unlock the steering. The audio

system and cigar lighter can now be operated.

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