Rover 45. Instruction

Starting & Driving

PETROL MODELS

What to do if the engine fails to start, or starts but will not

continue running:

Never start or leave the engine running in an unventilated

• Press the accelerator pedal half way down while operating the

building - exhaust gases are poisonous and contain carbon

starter. DO NOT operate the starter for more than 15 seconds

monoxide, which can cause unconsciousness and may even be fatal.

and release the accelerator as soon as the engine starts.

Catalytic converters can be damaged if the wrong fuel is used,

• If the engine still fails to start, operate the starter again, this time

or if an engine misfire occurs. Before starting the engine, you

fully depressing the accelerator pedal to clear the engine of

should be aware of the precautions detailed under ‘Catalytic

excess fuel. Ensure the starter motor is not operated for more

converter’.

than 15 seconds and release the accelerator as soon as the engine

starts.

Starting the engine

• DO NOT pump the accelerator pedal during starting.

1. Check that the handbrake is on and that the gear lever is in

neutral (‘N’ or ‘P’ for automatic transmission).

Starting in cold climates

2. Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment (including the

In temperatures of -10° C and below, fully depress the clutch pedal

air conditioning*).

while starting and hold it down until the engine is running. As the

3. Turn the starter key to position ‘III’ and release the key as

starter motor may need to operate for longer, it is essential that all

soon as the engine has started.

unnecessary electrical equipment is switched off while cranking.

NOTE: Continued use of the starter will not only discharge the

NOTE: In cold conditions, engine cranking times will increase (but must

battery, but may damage the starter motor and the catalytic converter.

not be allowed to exceed 15 seconds), and the battery charging and oil

pressure warning lights may take several seconds to extinguish.

DO NOT press the accelerator pedal while starting and DO NOT

operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine

fails to start, switch off and wait for at least 10 seconds before trying

again.

NOTE: When starting instruction transmission cars in freezing conditions or

when the battery is in a low state of charge, depress the clutch before starting

and hold it down until the engine is running.

Starting & Driving

DIESEL MODELS

In temperate climates, DO NOT operate the starter for longer

than 10 seconds; if the engine fails to start, switch off and wait for

Never start, or leave the engine running, in an unventilated

10 seconds before re-using the starter.

building - exhaust gases are poisonous and contain carbon

monoxide, which can cause unconsciousness and may even be fatal.

Precautions

Catalytic converters can be damaged if the wrong fuel is used,

• The diesel engine must not be run above fast idle speed until the

or if an engine misfire occurs. Before starting the engine, you

oil pressure warning light extinguishes. This will ensure that the

should be aware of the precautions detailed under ‘Catalytic

engine and turbo-charger bearings are properly lubricated before

converter’.

being run at speed.

• ALWAYS allow the engine to idle for 10 seconds before switching

Starting the engine

off.

1. Check that the handbrake is applied and that the gear lever is

in neutral.

Starting in cold climates

2. Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment (including the

In temperatures of -10° C and below, partially depress the

air conditioning).

accelerator pedal and fully depress the clutch pedal while starting.

3. Insert the key and turn the starter switch to position ‘II’. Wait

Keep the pedals in this position until the engine is running. As the

until the glow plug warning light extinguishes.

starter motor may need to operate for longer, it is essential that all

4. Turn the key to position ‘III’ to operate the starter motor;

unnecessary electrical equipment is switched off while cranking.

DO NOT press the accelerator pedal during starting and

release the key as soon as the engine is running.

NOTE: In cold conditions, engine cranking times will increase (but must

not be allowed to exceed 10 seconds), and the battery charging and oil

NOTE: Continued use of the starter will not only discharge the

pressure warning lights may take several seconds to extinguish.

battery, but may damage the starter motor and the catalytic converter.

If the engine stalls, you MUST return the starter switch to position

‘0’, then turn the starter switch to position ‘II’ and wait until the

glow plug warning light goes out before attempting to restart; the

engine will not start by turning the starter switch from position ‘II’.

NOTE: When starting cars in freezing conditions or when the battery is

in a low state of charge, depress the clutch before starting and hold it down

until the engine is running.

Starting & Driving

ALL MODELS

RUNNING-IN

Warming up

The engine, gearbox, brakes and tyres need time to ‘bed-in’ and

In the interest of fuel economy, it is advisable to drive the car soon

adjust to the demands of everyday motoring. During the first

after starting. Remember that harsh acceleration, or labouring the

1,000 km, it is essential that you drive with consideration for the

engine before the normal operational temperature has been

running-in process and heed the following advice:

reached, can damage the engine.

• Do not allow the engine to exceed 3,000 rev/min in any gear.

• Do not operate at full throttle in any gear.

Parking

• Do not allow the engine to labour in any gear.

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

• Avoid heavy braking where possible.

and select neutral (‘P’ for cars with automatic transmission), before

releasing the foot brake and switching off the engine.

After the running-in distance has been completed, engine speeds

can be gradually increased.

After switching off, cooling fans may continue rotating for

several minutes to prevent the engine from overheating. In

some circumstances, the cooling fan may not start rotating until

after the engine is switched off. If the bonnet is opened, keep clear of

fans whenever the engine is warm.

Towing - switching off

After periods of strenuous towing (particularly at high altitude or

in hot weather), it is good practice to allow the engine to idle for

a few minutes before switching off. This will enable the engine

cooling system to continue operating for a while in order to reduce

underbonnet heat.

Catalytic Converter

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Fuel

• Use ONLY fuel recommended for your car.

Exhaust temperatures can be extremely high, do not park on

• Never allow the car to run out of fuel - this could cause a

ground where combustible materials such as dry grass or leaves

misfire which could damage the catalyst.

could come into contact with the exhaust system - in dry weather a

fire could result.

Starting

• Do not continue to operate the starter after a few failed

attempts, seek qualified assistance.

• Do not operate the starter if an engine misfire is suspected, nor

attempt to clear a misfire by pressing the accelerator pedal.

• Do not attempt to push or tow start the car.

Driving

Any engine misfire, loss of engine performance or engine run-on,

could seriously damage the catalytic converter. For this reason, it

is vital that unqualified persons do not tamper with the engine, and

that regular maintenance is carried out in accordance with the

service interval plan in the ‘Service History’ section.

• Do not overload or excessively ‘rev’ the engine, or turn off the

engine when the car is moving with a drive gear selected.

HB0160

• Consult your dealer if you think your car is burning too much

oil, as this will progressively reduce catalyst efficiency.

The exhaust system on your car incorporates a catalytic converter

• If a misfire is suspected, or the car lacks power, you may drive

which converts poisonous exhaust emissions from the engine into

SLOWLY (at risk of catalyst damage) to a dealer, provided the

environmentally less harmful gases, thereby reducing atmospheric

engine has reached its normal operating temperature.

pollution.

• Do not run the engine with a spark plug or lead removed or use

any device that requires an insert into a spark plug hole.

Catalytic converters are easily damaged through improper use,

particularly if the wrong fuel is used, so be sure to take notice of

• Do not drive on terrain likely to subject the underside of the

the following precautions to minimise the chance of accidental

car to heavy impacts.

damage.

Environmental Driving

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Driving style

Environmental issues are increasingly influencing our lives, and the

The way in which you drive your car has a significant bearing on

motor car is sometimes seen as a major source of air pollution.

environmental pollution, as well as affecting the amount of fuel

you use:

In a great many respects, however, criticism of the car and its

•

Avoid full throttle acceleration

manufacturer is misplaced, for few industries have done more to

reduce pollution than the motor industry. MG Rover is no

Steady, rather than rapid, acceleration uses considerably less

exception. Your car has been designed with the latest technology

fuel, reduces exhaust pollutants and also minimises the wear to

in order to minimise the environmental impact of exhaust

mechanical components.

emissions. Even so, any further reduction in emissions is in

•

Avoid driving at maximum speed

everyone's interest and, to this end, there are a number of ways in

Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all

which you, the owner, can also make a contribution.

increase significantly at high speeds. For example, travelling at

100 km/h uses up to 20 per cent less fuel than driving at

Starting the engine

112 km/h.

Although it is a common perception that cars should be ‘warmed

•

Do not drive in a low gear for longer than necessary

up’ before being driven, this is not the case.

Driving in lower gears uses more fuel and creates more noise.

The majority of poisonous emissions are produced immediately

Change up to a higher gear as soon as possible, provided it does

following a cold start and in the period while the engine is

NOT cause the engine to labour.

warming up. Because the car warms up much faster while it is

•

Drive smoothly

being driven, it is less harmful to the environment to drive away

Anticipating obstructions and slowing down well in advance,

immediately after starting rather than to allow the engine to idle.

avoids the need for unnecessary acceleration and harsh braking.

A smooth driving style not only reduces fuel consumption, but

can reduce the emission of poisonous gases by two thirds or

more.

•

Switch off the engine when waiting in traffic

When it is obvious that the car will be stationary for several

minutes or more, and provided it is safe to do so, switch off the

engine. The impact on the environment of starting the engine

again will be less than the effect of allowing the engine to idle

for 45 seconds or more.

Environmental Driving

Maintenance

• Have the car regularly serviced

Regular servicing from a qualified technician will ensure

optimum fuel economy and minimise exhaust pollutants, as

well as effectively extending the service life of the car.

• Check the tyre pressures regularly

Under-inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance of the car

which, in turn, increases fuel consumption. Over or under-

inflated tyres wear out more rapidly and also have a detrimental

effect on the car's handling characteristics.

• Do not carry unnecessary loads

The additional weight of unnecessary loads wastes fuel,

especially in stop/start conditions where the car is frequently

required to set off from stationary.

• Remove roof racks

The additional air resistance created by roof racks and carriers

increase drag and waste fuel (an unladen roof rack can increase

fuel consumption by as much as 0.3 l/100km.

Instruction Gearbox

GEAR LEVER

Precautions while driving

• Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving - pressure

from your hand may cause premature wear to the gear selector

mechanism.

• Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal when driving -

excessive wear to the clutch will result.

• Do not hold the car stationary on a hill by slipping the clutch.

This will wear out the clutch. Always use the handbrake.

HB0601

The gear positions are indicated on the gear lever knob.

Synchromesh engagement is provided on all forward gears and, in

the neutral position, the gear lever is spring loaded to rest naturally

between 3rd and 4th gears.

Selecting reverse gear

Before selecting reverse gear, ENSURE THE CAR IS

STATIONARY; then, fully depress the clutch pedal and pause

briefly before moving the gear lever into position.

Automatic Transmission - 1.8 models

STEPSPEED CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE

GEAR SELECTOR

TRANSMISSION

The ‘Stepspeed’ transmission system provides both automatic and

instruction operation of the gears.

By default the transmission is naturally in automatic mode. With

the engine started, selection of ‘R’ (Reverse), ‘N’ (Neutral) or ‘D’

(Drive) can be made by moving the selector lever backward or

forward in a similar manner to any other automatic gearbox.

However, this gearbox is of the continuously variable transmission

(CVT) type. This means that the gearbox has an infinite number

of ratios available to provide a continuous and smooth progression

from the lowest to the highest ratio (and vice versa) without the

apparent gear changes associated with a conventional automatic

gearbox.

H3223

Selector release button

The gearbox is fitted with a locking mechanism, designed to

minimise the risk of accidental selection of the ‘P’ (Park) and ‘R’

(Reverse) positions.

The selector release button (arrowed in illustration) must be

pressed while selecting ‘P’ and ‘R’ and also to enable the lever to

be moved out of the ‘P’ and ‘R’ positions.

DO NOT press the selector release button, while selecting ‘N’

(Neutral) from ‘D’ (Drive). This could result in the

mis-selection of ‘R’ (Reverse) and cause an accident.

To prevent transmission wear, keep engine speed as low as

possible while moving the selector between ‘D’ (Drive) and ‘R’

(Reverse).

Automatic Transmission - 1.8 models

Selector lever positions

•

‘D’ - Drive

An indicator light on the selector panel and a number or letter on

Select this position for driving; the transmission will adjust to

the trip recorder display in the instrument panel identify the

the appropriate ratio, according to vehicle speed and accelerator

selected gear position.

position.

DO NOT select 'P' (Park) or 'R' (Reverse) if the car is

DO NOT select ‘D’ (Drive) when the car is moving

moving.

backwards.

•

‘P’ - Park

Sport mode

This position mechanically locks the transmission and should be

In Sport mode the CVT characteristics of the gearbox are retained,

selected before starting the engine and before switching the

with full automatic progression through the gear ratios. By

engine off. To avoid transmission damage, ensure the car is

selecting Sport mode, however, the power transmitted to the road

completely stationary, with the handbrake applied, before

wheels is increased, resulting in improved acceleration. In

selecting ‘P’.

addition, the engine revs are higher in all driving conditions,

The selector release button MUST be pressed, in order to

making the car more responsive to driver demands.

move the selector lever into, or out of, the Park position.

To select Sport mode, move the gear selector lever sideways across

•

‘R’ - Reverse

the gate (from the Drive position towards the RH side of the car)

Before selecting reverse, ensure the car is stationary, with the

- the word ‘SPORT’ will illuminate in the display.

brakes applied.

Press the selector release button in order to move the selector

Sport mode can be deselected at any time by returning the selector

lever into reverse.

lever to the ‘D’ (Drive) position.

•

‘N’ - Neutral

Select neutral when the car is stationary and the engine is

required to idle for a brief period (at traffic lights for example).

In neutral the transmission is not locked, so the handbrake must

be applied whenever ‘N’ is selected. Press the selector release

button to move from neutral to reverse.

Automatic Transmission - 1.8 models

MANUAL GEAR SELECTION

• A single forward movement of the selector lever will change

the transmission to a higher gear, while a rearward movement

of the lever will change down to a lower gear. Repeated

forward or rearward movements of the selector lever can be

made until the desired gear ratio has been selected (the selected

gear will be indicated in the digital display).

• To deselect instruction mode, simply move the selector lever

sideways back to the ‘D’ position. Automatic gear changing

will then resume.

NOTE: The Stepspeed system is able to protect the transmission from

damage by disallowing gear changes that are potentially injurious to the

power unit and, similarly, by preventing gear changes that may be

dangerous (e.g. changing into 1st gear at very high speed). To further

protect the transmission, up-changes occur automatically whenever a

predetermined engine speed is reached. Similar down-changes will also occur

H3222

at low engine speeds to prevent the engine from stalling.

There are six predetermined gear ratios, all of which can be

selected sequentially by a single forward or rearward movement of

the gear selector lever, as follows:

• With ‘D’ (Drive) selected, move the gear selector lever

sideways from the ‘D’ (Drive) position towards the right side of

the car (this is precisely the same as selecting Sport mode).

• The transmission then automatically selects the ratio most

appropriate to the car's road speed and accelerator depression.

Automatic Transmission - 1.8 models

USING THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX

During this delay, the engine should be allowed to idle

The following information is particularly important for driver's

WITHOUT any operation of the throttle; pressing the accelerator

who are unfamiliar with the techniques required to drive cars with

pedal before the gears have engaged will cause an uncomfortable

automatic transmission.

jolt and may even damage the transmission.

Starting

Driving

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

When driving, the transmission will automatically adjust to the

(Park) or ‘N’ (Neutral) positions.

most appropriate ratio, according to accelerator position, vehicle

• ALWAYS apply the handbrake and foot brake before starting

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

the engine.

on the flat).

• KEEP BOTH BRAKES APPLIED while moving the selector

When accelerating, the engine speed will increase above the

to a drive gear position.

equivalent road speed, as the transmission adjusts to the most

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

appropriate ratio. When the accelerator pedal is released, engine

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

speed will drop independently of road speed.

car is stationary with a drive gear already selected.

Parking

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

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

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

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

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

engine.

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

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

Freeing the car from snow or mud

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

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

period).

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

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

Cold weather operation

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

If the car has been standing for a long period (e.g. overnight) in

engine speed until grip is regained.

cold or freezing temperatures, a delay may occur between gear

selection and engagement of the gearbox. This characteristic will

Emergency starting

only be evident when making the initial gear selection after a cold

start, and will disappear once the car is being driven.

Cars fitted with automatic transmission CAN NOT be ‘push’

or ‘tow’ started.

Automatic Transmission - 2.0 models

STEPSPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

GEAR SELECTOR

The ‘Stepspeed’ transmission system provides both automatic and

instruction operation of the gears.

By default the transmission is naturally in automatic mode. With

the engine started, selection of ‘R’ (Reverse), ‘N’ (Neutral) or ‘D’

(Drive) can be made by moving the selector lever backward or

forward in a similar manner to any other automatic gearbox.

HB0328

Selector release button

The gearbox is fitted with a locking mechanism, designed to

minimise the risk of accidental selection of the ‘P’ (Park) and ‘R’

(Reverse) positions.

The selector release button (arrowed in illustration) must be

pressed while selecting ‘P’ and ‘R’ and also to enable the lever to

be moved out of the ‘P’ and ‘R’ positions.

DO NOT press the selector release button, while selecting ‘N’

(Neutral) from ‘D’ (Drive). This could result in the

mis-selection of ‘R’ (Reverse) and cause an accident.

To prevent transmission wear, keep engine speed as low as

possible while moving the selector between ‘D’ (Drive) and ‘R’

(Reverse).

Automatic Transmission - 2.0 models

Selector lever positions

•

‘D’ - Drive

An indicator light on the selector panel and a number or letter on

Select this position for driving; the transmission will adjust to

the trip recorder display in the instrument panel identify the

the appropriate ratio, according to vehicle speed and accelerator

selected gear position.

position.

DO NOT select 'P' (Park) or 'R' (Reverse) if the car is

DO NOT select ‘D’ (Drive) when the car is moving

moving.

backwards.

•

‘P’ - Park

Sport mode

This position mechanically locks the transmission and should be

In Sport mode, full automatic progression through the gear ratios.

selected before starting the engine and before switching the

By selecting Sport mode, however, the power transmitted to the

engine off. To avoid transmission damage, ensure the car is

road wheels is increased, resulting in improved acceleration. In

completely stationary, with the handbrake applied, before

addition, the engine revs are higher in all driving conditions,

selecting ‘P’.

making the car more responsive to driver demands.

The selector release button MUST be pressed, in order to

To select Sport mode, move the gear selector lever sideways across

move the selector lever into, or out of the Park position.

the gate (from the Drive position towards the RH side of the car)

•

‘R’ - Reverse

- the word ‘SPORT’ will illuminate in the display.

Before selecting reverse, ensure the car is stationary, with the

brakes applied.

Sport mode can be deselected at any time by returning the selector

Press the selector release button in order to move the selector

lever to the ‘D’ (Drive) position.

lever into reverse.

•

‘N’ - Neutral

Select neutral when the car is stationary and the engine is

required to idle for a brief period (at traffic lights for example).

In neutral the transmission is not locked, so the handbrake must

be applied whenever ‘N’ is selected. Press the selector release

button to move from neutral to reverse.

Automatic Transmission - 2.0 models

MANUAL GEAR SELECTION

• To deselect instruction mode, simply move the selector lever

sideways back to the ‘D’ position. Automatic gear changing

will then resume.

NOTE: The Stepspeed system is able to protect the transmission from

damage by disallowing gear changes that are potentially injurious to the

power unit and, similarly, by preventing gear changes that may be

dangerous (e.g. changing into 1st gear at very high speed). To further

protect the transmission, up-changes occur automatically whenever a

predetermined engine speed is reached. Similar down-changes will also occur

at low engine speeds to prevent the engine from stalling.

HB0329

There are five predetermined gear ratios, all of which can be

selected sequentially by a single forward or rearward movement of

the gear selector lever, as follows:

• With ‘D’ (Drive) selected, move the gear selector lever

sideways from the ‘D’ (Drive) position towards the right side of

the car (this is precisely the same as selecting Sport mode).

• The transmission then automatically selects the ratio most

appropriate to the car's road speed and accelerator depression.

• A single forward movement of the selector lever will change

the transmission to a higher gear, while a rearward movement

of the lever will change down to a lower gear. Repeated

forward or rearward movements of the selector lever can be

made until the desired gear ratio has been selected (the selected

gear will be indicated in the digital display).

Automatic Transmission - 2.0 models

AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED MODES

Stop/Go mode

The transmission control system automatically selects different gear

When driving in slow traffic, the 1st gear is inhibited, preventing

change modes, listed below, designed to suit a variety of driving

constant gear changes between 1st and 2nd gear. The car will

conditions.

move off using the 2nd gear, helping to create a smoother ride.

NOTE: Automatically selected modes cannot be selected by the driver and

Cruise control mode

will not operate if Sport or Snow mode have already been selected.

When cruise control is activated, a suitable gear change pattern is

selected which is less sensitive to throttle changes. This reduces the

Hill ascent, trailer and high altitude mode

amount and frequency of gear changes, providing a smoother ride.

A suitable gear change pattern is selected to counter momentum

loss, caused by the more frequent gear changing which can occur

Cold start mode

when climbing hills, or when towing a trailer or caravan. This gear

In very cold conditions, the automatic transmission will stay in the

change pattern is also selected at high altitudes to combat low

lower gears for longer, to help the engine reach its normal

engine torque.

operating temperature more quickly. This will help to improve

overall fuel economy and driveability, and reduce emissions.

Hill descent control

Unless some form of braking is applied, vehicles will naturally

High coolant temperature mode

increase speed while travelling downhill. On most automatic

In high ambient temperatures during extreme load conditions, it is

vehicles, this results in the highest gear being selected, thereby

possible for the engine and the gearbox to overheat. At a certain

reducing engine braking to a minimum.

temperature, the transmission will select a gear change pattern

However on your vehicle, the hill descent mode provides engine

designed to aid the cooling process, whilst enabling the gearbox to

braking by causing the transmission to automatically change to a

continue performing normally in high temperatures.

lower gear on steep downhill gradients, provided the following

Smooth change mode

criteria occur:

Engine torque is reduced during gear changes, creating a much

• Road speed exceeds 30 km/h.

smoother ride.

• The foot brake is applied for at least one second.

• The accelerator pedal is fully released.

NOTE: Hill descent mode is cancelled when the throttle is reapplied.

Rover 45. Instruction - part 5