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Rover 75. Service Manual - part 5

Load Carrying - Tourer

LOADSPACE COVER

To release the loadspace cover cassette from the car, depress the

two catches (shown in upper inset). When refitting, push the

cassette firmly into position and ensure the catches are fully

engaged.

DO NOT carry luggage on top of the loadspace cover. Loose

items could become dangerous projectiles in the event of an

accident or emergency manoeuvre. For the same reason, it is not wise

to store the loadspace cover cassette loose in the car.

HB0024a

The loadspace cover is a spring-loaded roller blind, which can be

pulled from its cassette and secured to hooks at the rear of the

loadspace (see lower inset).

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Load Carrying - Tourer

STOWAGE SAFETY NET

Using the safety net with the rear seats folded

1

HB0033

HB0032

1. Detach the safety net/loadspace cover cassette from its normal

On some cars, the loadspace cover cassette also incorporates a

position behind the rear seats.

safety net, designed to prevent loose loads and items of luggage

2. Fold the rear seat backrests forward.

from encroaching into the passenger compartment in the event of

3. Turn the cassette round (through 180°) so that the loadspace

an accident or emergency manoeuvre.

cover faces towards the FRONT of the car.

To use the net, pull the central tab towards the roof and hook both

4. Align the base of the cassette with the two mounting blocks

sides of the net into the slots set into the roof lining above, and on

on the seat backs (one of these is shown in the inset below),

both sides of, the rear seat.

noting that the two flat plates on the underside of the cassette

are to engage with the two mounting blocks.

NOTE: There is also a small peg on the underside of the left plate, which

runs in the small channel in the left mounting block, to prevent the cassette

from being fitted the wrong way round.

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Load Carrying - Tourer

5. From the right side of the car, feed the base of the cassette into

ROOF RACKS

the mounting blocks (note the direction arrows moulded into

To ensure absolute safety, only fit accessories that have been

the mounting blocks). The left hand mounting block will

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

engage first; once both blocks have engaged, push the cassette

provide details of approved tow bars and roof racks.

firmly towards the left side of the car.

The total load must NEVER exceed that given in ‘TOWING

WEIGHTS’, page 269, and must include the weight of the roof

rack within the load.

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

particularly when cornering and encountering cross winds. All

loads should be evenly distributed and secured within the periphery

of the roof rack.

HB0042

6. Pull the central tab towards the roof and hook both sides of

the net into the slots set into the roof lining above the cassette

(these are integral with the rear seat passenger grab handles).

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Towing

Towing

TOW BARS

1

Only fit towing accessories that have been approved by MG

Rover, otherwise damage to the car may result. For example,

an unrecommended tow bar electrical connection could damage the

main lighting switch.

To ensure absolute safety, only fit accessories that have been

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

provide details of approved tow bars.

The permissible maximum towing weight, the maximum rear axle

weight and towing hitch downward load and the maximum

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

of safety, these must not be exceeded.

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

H3001

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

Saloon models

is fitted and that it is fitted by qualified personnel.

The illustration shows the bumper assembly removed.

The following information locating the mounting points is for

• The upper inset shows the centre and left-side mounting points

reference only and does not include details of the tow bar

- the right-side mounting points are symmetrically opposite to

installation process. The mounting points shown are for the

those on the left side.

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

• The lower inset shows the additional left-side mounting points

a tow bar should be used.

on the underside of the car (underside mounting points on the

right-side are similar).

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.

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Towing

HB0501

Tourer models

The illustration shows the bumper assembly removed.

• The main picture shows left and right-side mounting points.

• The inset shows the additional mounting points on the

underside of the car (underside mounting points on the right-

side are similar).

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.

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Towing

TOWING A TRAILER

•

For maximum stability, ensure that trailer loads are properly

secured and unable to shift position during transit. Also,

1

DO NOT use the rear lashing point for towing purposes -

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

serious damage to the car may result.

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

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

trailer axle(s).

important to ensure that national regulations governing towing weights and

•

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

speed limits are observed (refer to the relevant national motoring

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

organisation for information). The maximum permissible towed weights

weight), does not exceed the figure quoted in ‘TOWING

quoted in ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 269, refer to the car's design

WEIGHTS’, page 269.

limitations and NOT to any specific territorial restriction.

•

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 ‘WEIGHTS’, page 265) 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.

Ensure that the maximum vehicle laden weight and maximum

rear axle weight are not exceeded.

H2712b

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.

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Instruments

Driving Controls

Instruments

3. Speedometer

INSTRUMENT PANEL

Indicates road speed in kilometres per hour.

1

2

3

4

4. Fuel gauge

The pointer falls to zero when the starter switch is turned off, but

quickly rises to show the level of fuel in the tank when the switch

is turned to the second position.

An indicator light in the fuel gauge will illuminate when the fuel

level is low (approximately 9 litres remaining) - if the light

illuminates, refuel at the earliest opportunity.

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

HB0206

5

6

could damage the catalytic converter.

Petrol model illustrated

5. Total distance and trip recorder (odometer)

The digital display indicates the total distance travelled by the car

1. Temperature gauge

and the trip recorder distance for individual journeys.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. As the

engine warms up, the pointer will rise to the mid-point of the

6. Trip recorder reset button

gauge, where it should remain while the engine is operating at its

Press to return the trip recorder to zero.

normal temperature.

With the starter key removed or turned to the off position, press

If the pointer reaches the RED mark (red indicator light in the

the trip recorder reset button to check the total distance travelled

gauge illuminates), the coolant is too hot and severe engine

and the fuel level. Both the trip recorder and the fuel gauge return

damage could result; stop the car as soon as safety permits and seek

to the ‘off’ state after 30 seconds.

qualified assistance.

2. Tachometer

Indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute (x 1000). To

protect the engine from damage, NEVER allow the tachometer

pointer to remain in the RED sector of the gauge for prolonged

periods.

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Instruments

TRIP RECORDER

Service interval display (3)

This shows the distance remaining before the next oil service or

inspection is due. When the starter switch is initially turned to the

2

4

5

second position, the service type and the distance remaining until

the next service is due are displayed for approximately four

seconds, after which the display reverts to show the odometer, trip

recorder and external temperature readings.

2

NOTE: After the completion of each service, the dealer will reset the

distance display, to commence the countdown to the next service.

H2800

3

1

3

Three types of service information can be notified to the driver:

1. Distance until next oil service is due.

The instrument panel features an LCD display located at the

2. Distance until next inspection is due.

bottom centre which provides information about the following

3. Brake fluid change is due (clock symbol).

functions:

For detailed information about the service interval display, refer to

Digital odometer (1) and trip recorder (2)

‘ROUTINE SERVICING’, page 184.

When the engine is switched off (starter switch in the off position),

the display remains in the stand-by mode. Pressing the trip

Gear display (automatic transmission only) (4)

recorder reset button will cause the total distance travelled by the

This shows the current gear lever position (‘P’, ‘R’, ‘N’, ‘D’, ‘4’,

car and the last recorded trip distance to be displayed for

‘3’ or ‘2’) and the transmission mode. Sport mode is indicated by

approximately 30 seconds. The fuel gauge will also show the

an ‘S’ and snow mode is indicated by a snowflake symbol. An

current level in the fuel tank.

automatic gearbox fault is indicated by the letters ‘EP’ (Emergency

Programme) appearing.

When the starter switch is turned to the first position, the display

illuminates to show the total distance travelled, the last recorded

External temperature display (5)

trip distance and the external temperature.

This is displayed when the starter switch is in the first or second

When the starter switch is turned to the second position, the trip

position (except during the initial four second warm-up period).

recorder can be reset for a new journey by briefly pressing the trip

The external temperature mode can be switched between °C or °F

recorder button.

by waiting until the car is stationary and then pressing and holding

the trip recorder reset button while turning the starter switch off

at the same time.

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Trip Computer

Trip Computer

TRIP COMPUTER - FUNCTION SELECTION*

When the starter switch is turned on, the different trip computer

functions can be selected by pressing the button on the end of the

left-hand column stalk. Repeated pressing of the button causes the

display to scroll through the following possible selections.

• Trip distance 2

• Range (distance to tank empty)

• Average consumption (fuel)

• Average speed

• Limit (overspeed)

By pressing and holding the button for longer than 2 seconds, the

selected display can be reset (not ‘range’).

When a trip computer feature is selected, it will be displayed until

another trip computer feature is selected, or until the trip

computer is switched off. However, note that the message centre

is also used to display warning messages and these will

automatically override the trip computer display (see ‘Warning

messages’, page 77).

Trip distance 2

H2802a

The trip computer has a unique trip recorder facility (‘trip recorder

The trip computer utilises the message centre on the highline

2’), which is separate from the standard trip recorder. The two are

instrument pack only and provides valuable information to assist

not linked.

the driver to calculate fuel stops, journey times and distances.

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Warning Lights

Warning Lights

WARNING LIGHT POSITION AND OPERATION

Direction indicators - GREEN

The left and right direction indicators (3) are represented

by directional arrows located at the top of the instrument

3

2

1

3

panel. The warning lights flash in time with the left or right

direction indicator lights whenever they are operating.

If the hazard warning lights are operated, both warning lights will

flash together.

If either warning light flashes very rapidly, this means that one of

the direction indicator lights is not operating.

H2791a

NOTE: Only failure of the front or rear directional indicator lights will

cause the warning lights to flash more rapidly than for normal operation.

The standard instrument panel features two main clusters of

Failure of a side repeater light will have no effect on the warning light flash

warning lights, one situated in the centre of the pack (1) and the

frequency.

other located at the upper centre of the instrument pack (2).

On cars featuring a message centre, the message centre display

replaces the upper cluster of warning lights (2) and is used to

display relevant warnings, trip computer functions* and navigation

system functions*.

The location of all other warning lights, including directional

indicators (3) and gauge positioned warning lights (low fuel level

and high engine coolant temperature), are the same for both the

standard instrument panel and the panel with message centre

included.

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Warning Lights

CENTRE CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS

Main beam - BLUE

Illuminates when the headlights are switched to main

beam.

Check engine - YELLOW (petrol models only)

This warning light is used to indicate faults detected by

the engine management system. The indicator

2

illuminates as a system check when the starter switch is turned to

H2759

the second position and should extinguish when the engine is

started.

Low oil pressure - RED

Illuminates as a bulb check when the starter switch is

If an engine operation or emissions problem occurs while the car

turned to the second position and extinguishes when the

is being driven, the indicator will illuminate.

engine is started. If the light remains on, or illuminates

If the warning light illuminates and the car drives normally:

continuously when driving, serious engine damage could occur;

Contact your dealer to arrange a service appointment at your

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

earliest convenience - YOU MAY STILL DRIVE THE CAR.

ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. Seek qualified assistance before

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

driving.

Avoid high speeds and seek immediate assistance from your dealer.

ABS - YELLOW

Cruise Control - YELLOW

Illuminates for approximately 2 seconds as a bulb and

Illuminates when cruise control is active and

system check when the starter switch is turned to the

extinguishes when cruise control is cancelled.

second position. If the light does not extinguish, then a fault has

occurred with the ABS system and you should consult your dealer

Airbag SRS - RED

at the earliest opportunity.

The light illuminates when the starter switch is turned to

If an ABS fault occurs while driving, the ABS warning light will

the second position and extinguishes after about four

be illuminated and ABS operation will be suspended, but normal

seconds. If the light illuminates at any other time or fails to

braking will still be available. Consult your dealer at the earliest

extinguish after start up, an airbag restraint system fault has been

opportunity.

detected, seek qualified assistance urgently.

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Warning Lights

Seat belt warning - RED

UPPER CENTRE CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS -

The light illuminates for approximately five seconds

(standard instrument panel only)

when the engine is started as a reminder to the driver to

ensure that all occupied seat belts are securely fastened.

NOTE: In some markets the light will fail to extinguish until the seat

belts are fastened.

Handbrake & brake system - RED

This warning light will illuminate for approximately 3

seconds as a bulb check whenever the starter switch is

turned to the second position. Subsequent illumination may

H3253

indicate a fault with the braking system such as brake fluid loss,

handbrake on or electronic brake force distribution failure.

Front fog lights - GREEN*

For handbrake operation, the light illuminates when the

The front fog warning light is illuminated whenever the

handbrake is applied and extinguishes when it is fully released. If

front fog lights are switched on.

the warning light remains illuminated five seconds after the

Door open - RED

handbrake has been released, a fault with the braking system is

Illuminates when any of the doors (including the boot

indicated - check the brake fluid level (see ‘BRAKE FLUID’,

or tailgate and bonnet) are not fully closed. DO NOT

page 196). If the light continues to illuminate, stop the car as soon

drive the vehicle with the light illuminated.

as safety permits and seek qualified assistance urgently.

Brake pad wear - YELLOW

Battery charging - RED

This warning light is illuminated to alert the driver that

The light illuminates as a bulb check when the starter

the brake pads are worn and need to be serviced.

switch is turned to the second position and extinguishes

as soon as the engine is running. If the light remains on, or

Low engine coolant - RED (diesel models only)

illuminates when driving, a fault with the battery charging system

This warning light illuminates for 20 seconds if the

is indicated. Seek qualified assistance urgently.

engine coolant drops below a pre-determined level. If

this occurs, top-up the coolant at the earliest opportunity. If the

light illuminates again within a short period of time, seek qualified

assistance.

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Warning Lights

Trailer light failure - YELLOW*

Traction control - YELLOW*

This warning light only functions when a trailer has

On cars equipped with the standard instrument panel

been electrically connected to the car’s exterior lighting

(no message centre), the light flashes while the traction

circuit using the dedicated socket. The warning light will

control system is operating (cars equipped with a message centre,

illuminate if a bulb failure has been detected on the trailer.

feature a traction control message, which appears for a minimum

of 4 seconds).

Bulb failure - YELLOW

The light also illuminates for approximately 3 seconds as a bulb

2

This warning light illuminates if a bulb failure is detected

check when the starter switch is turned on and illuminates

on an exterior light whenever the relevant circuit has

continuously whenever traction control is manually disabled. If

been switched on (e.g. brake lights, headlights, sidelights etc.).

there is a fault with the system, the warning light will remain

Check which light is not operating and replace the bulb.

illuminated even when the car is stationary. In this case you should

Note that failure of the following lights will not be detected:

seek qualified assistance at the earliest opportunity.

• High mounted stop light

Rear fog guard light - YELLOW

• Front fog lights*

Illuminates when the rear fog guard lights are switched

• Reversing lights

on.

• Side repeater lights

Low washer fluid - YELLOW*

Glow plugs - YELLOW (diesel models only)

Illuminates when the washer fluid level in the washer

Illuminates when the starter switch is turned to the

reservoir is low. Top up washer reservoir.

second position. When the engine is cold, wait for the

light to extinguish before starting.

Overspeed - RED (market option)

Illuminates when the car’s road speed exceeds 120

Engine malfunction - YELLOW (diesel models only)

km/h.

Illuminates as a bulb check when the starter switch is

turned to the second position. Also illuminates as a

warning while driving if an engine malfunction is detected. If this

occurs, the car can still be driven, but engine power will be

reduced. Drive with extra care (e.g. when overtaking). Seek

qualified assistance as soon as possible.

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