Rover 75. Service Manual

Cooling System

COOLANT CHECK & TOP-UP

If the level is below the ‘MAX’ mark, top-up with a 50% mix of

water and ethylene glycol based anti-freeze (containing no

DO NOT remove the reservoir cap when the cooling system is

methanol) with Organic Acid Technology (OAT) corrosion

hot - escaping steam or water could cause serious injury.

inhibitors, meeting BTC coding type 4E.

The coolant level should be checked weekly when the cooling

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

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

will damage painted surfaces.

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

leakage or overheating and arrange for your dealer to examine the

car.

Ensure the cap is tightened fully after topping-up.

H2687

Remove the filler cap to check the level of the coolant. The level

marking can only be viewed through the filler neck.

If it is necessary to remove the filler cap before the system has fully

cooled, loosen the cap slowly, allowing the air pressure to escape

gradually before removing the cap completely.

194

Cooling System

ANTI-FREEZE

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

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

consumption is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

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

If this occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

The anti-freeze content of the coolant must be maintained

between 50% and 60% 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 by your dealer

once a year and the coolant completely renewed every four years,

regardless of distance travelled.

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

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

Coolant specification

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

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

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

corrosion inhibitors, meeting BTC coding type 4E.

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.

195

Brakes

BRAKE FLUID

Check & Top-up

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

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

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

the reach of children. If accidental consumption of brake fluid

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

is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

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

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

is below the minimum mark on the reservoir.

If this occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Contact your dealer immediately if brake pedal travel is

unusually long or if there is any appreciable drop in fluid level.

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

result.

IMPORTANT

The brake fluid must be completely replaced every two years (see

‘Brake fluid replacement’, page 185).

H2835

Remove the detachable mesh panel on the driver’s side of the car

to access the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level can be seen

through the reservoir neck and should be maintained as close to

the ‘MAX’ mark as possible. DO NOT allow the level to drop

below the ‘MIN’ mark.

196

Brakes

Wipe the cap clean to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.

Unscrew the cap and top-up the reservoir to the ‘MAX’ mark

using a recommended fluid.

NOTE: Brake 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.

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

uncapped containers or fluid previously bled from the system will

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

performance).

Brake fluid specification

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

meeting DOT 4 specification.

197

Power Steering

POWER STEERING FLUID

Check & Top-up

Check the fluid level every week. This should be done before the

Power steering fluid is highly toxic - keep containers sealed and

engine is started, when the system is cold and with the front wheels

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

pointing straight ahead.

is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

If power steering fluid should come into contact with the skin

or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Take care not to spill power steering fluid onto a hot engine -

a fire may result.

H2683

Wipe the filler cap clean to prevent dirt from entering the

reservoir. Remove the filler cap and, using a clean lint-free cloth,

wipe the dipstick clean. Refit the cap fully and remove again to

check the fluid level. If necessary, top-up with a fluid meeting

Dexron III specification until the level is between the upper and

lower marks on the dipstick (see illustration). 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.

198

Power Steering

Fluid specification

Use any fluid to Dexron III specification. Fluids manufactured to

this specification are suitable for use in temperatures between -

20°C to +30°C (if climatic temperature falls outside these limits,

seek advice from your dealer).

NOTE: The colour of commercially available power steering fluids may

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

cause for concern.

Emergency operation

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

investigated by a qualified dealer.

Under no circumstances should the car be driven with the fluid

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

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

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.

199

Battery

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

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.

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

H2743

action is taken - seek medical attention urgently.

To access the battery, unclip and remove the battery cover as

Remove any metal wrist bands and jewellery before working in

shown in illustration.

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.

200

Battery

Battery disconnection and removal

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

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

the negative cable).

IMPORTANT

Do not allow the battery terminals or cables to make contact

•

DO NOT reverse the polarity of the battery - the electrical

with tools or metal parts of the car.

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

wrong terminals.

Remove the battery clamping plate retaining bolt; this will release

•

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

the battery retaining strap and enable the clamping plate to be

the battery is tilted more than 45°.

removed (see inset in illustration).

•

NEVER run the engine with the battery disconnected, or

disconnect the battery while the engine is running.

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

the car.

Quick-release battery clamp*

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

quick-release clamp. Unscrew to release the clamp.

Battery replacement

Only fit a replacement battery of the same type and specification

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

different terminal positions, which could cause damage to the

battery, leaking acid, or fire.

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

with the terminal posts facing towards the left side of the car.

Make sure both the battery clamping plate and retaining strap are

H2787

fitted securely; this will prevent the battery from moving in the

Before disconnecting or removing the battery, disarm the alarm,

event of an accident or sudden stop.

and ensure that the starter switch and all electrical equipment is

Finally, ensure the retaining strap does NOT cover the gas vent

turned off.

holes at each end of the battery (the front facing vent hole is

identified with an arrow in the previous illustration).

201

Battery

Battery disposal

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

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

Used batteries are hazardous to the environment, and should be

inflammable hydrogen during and after charging).

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

• The battery will be charged sufficiently once the battery

dealer or your local authority.

condition indicator shows GREEN. When charging is finished,

Battery charging

switch off the battery charger BEFORE disconnecting the leads

from the battery terminals.

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

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

may seriously damage the car's electrical system.

After charging, leave the battery for one hour before reconnection

DO NOT attempt to charge the battery if the battery condition

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

indicator is clear or light yellow.

thereby minimising the risk of fire or explosion.

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

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.

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

battery.

202

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.

H2684

HEADLIGHT WASHERS*

The windscreen washer reservoir supplies both front and rear

The spray jets are set during manufacture and should not need to

screen washer jets and headlight washer jets (where fitted).

be adjusted.

Check the reservoir level every week. To ensure proper cleaning

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

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.

203

Wipers

WIPER BLADES

Replacing windscreen 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

original specification.

H2719

Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen and set the blade at

90° to the arm as shown. Disconnect the blade by pushing in the

locking tab (arrowed in inset), setting the blade at 45° to the arm

and sliding the blade down the arm.

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.

NOTE: The wiper blade on the driver's side is equipped with an anti-lift

airfoil.

204

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

between 0.3 and 0.4 bar. In this circumstance, NEVER let air out

of the tyres in order to match the recommended pressures.

For the recommended pressures for cold tyres, see ‘TYRE

PRESSURES’, page 260.

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.

206

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

H2703a

original equipment specifications may adversely affect the car's

Tyres fitted as original equipment have wear indicators moulded

driving characteristics and should not be fitted.

into the tread pattern at several points around the circumference.

When the tread has worn down to 1.6 mm, the indicators will

Wheel rims and tyres are matched to suit the handling

come to the surface of the tread pattern, producing the effect of a

characteristics of the car. Changing the specification of a wheel or

continuous band of rubber across the width of the tyre.

tyre can adversely affect the car’s handling and, ultimately, your

own safety in emergency road situations.

NOTE: If tyre wear is uneven (on one side of the tyre only) or becomes

abnormally excessive, the wheel alignment should be checked by your

To be safe, ONLY fit replacement tyres that comply with the

dealer.

original specification (see ‘WHEELS & TYRES’, page 259). In

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.

207

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.

208

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, airborne pollutants and deposits from birds and trees can

DO NOT use a high pressure hose to clean the engine

damage the paintwork. In order to preserve the paint finish, wash

compartment - damage to the car's electronic systems may

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

from the bodywork, prior to washing. Then, wash the car using

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.

209

Rover 75. Service Manual - part 13