WARNING:When the vehicle is being towed the ignition switch must be in position II (steering lock released and warning lights illuminated). Only then will the steering, direction indicators, horn and stop lights be operational.
NOTE:The towing eye has a left-hand thread and must be fully tightened before towing can commence.
When towing is necessary, the vehicle towing eyes should be used. The rope must be securely fastened to the towing eyes and must also be attached to the other vehicle such that the rope will not foul the bodywork.
Alternatively the vehicle can be transported on a low loader or a trailer.
Disconnecting the Battery
Always stop the engine before disconnecting the battery negative lead and ensure the battery positive lead is isolated i.e. wrapped in a suitable cloth.
WARNING:Radio code saving devices must not be used when conducting work on Air Bag or Fuel systems. It must be noted that, when using these devices, the vehicle electrical system is still live albeit with a reduced current flow.
NOTE:Before disconnecting the battery ensure that the radio receiver/cassette player and compact disc player keycodes are known and, that no data is required from the powertrain control module as battery disconnection will erase any fault codes and idle/drive values held in the Keep Alive Memory (KAM). It is not necessary to disconnect or remove electronic control modules.
Always disconnect the battery before commencing repair operations which require:
- The vehicle to be jacked up
- Work on the engine
- Work underneath the vehicle
- Arc welding
Alternatively a Radio Code Saver may be used. With the battery disconnected, a Radio Code Saver will allow sufficient current to pass to maintain the radio receiver/cassette player and compact disc player memory, operate the clock and supply the door operated interior lights while isolating the battery in the event of a short circuit.
Reconnecting the Battery
WARNING:If the battery has been on bench charge the cells may be giving off explosive hydrogen gas. Avoid creating sparks, and if in doubt cover the vent plugs or covers with a damp cloth.
Always ensure that all electrical systems are switched OFF before reconnecting the battery to avoid causing sparks or damage to sensitive electrical equipment.
Always reconnect the battery positive lead first and the negative last, ensuring that there is a good electrical contact and the battery terminals are secure.
Restart the clock (where fitted) and set it to the correct time.
Re-enter the radio receiver/cassette player and compact disc player keycodes and `preset' frequencies, if known.
Following reconnection of the battery, the engine should be allowed to idle for three minutes as the stored idle and drive values contained within the powertrain control module have been lost. This may cause a driveability concern if the following procedure is not carried out. Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the engine speed should be increased to 1200 rev/min and maintained for approximately two minutes. This will allow the powertrain control module to relearn idle values. For the powertrain control module to complete it's learning strategy, the vehicle should be driven for approximately five miles/eight kilometers of varied driving.
Connecting a Slave Battery Using Jump Leads
WARNING:If the slave battery has recently been charged and is gassing, cover the vent plugs or covers with a damp cloth to reduce the risk of explosion should arcing occur when connecting the jump leads.
CAUTION:A flat battery condition may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. If this condition exists there will be an apparently live circuit on the vehicle even when all normal circuits are switched off. This can cause arcing when the jump leads are connected.
CAUTION:Whilst it is not recommended that the vehicle is jump started, it is recognised that this may occasionally be the only practical way to mobilise a vehicle. In such an instance the discharged battery must be recharged immediately after jump starting to avoid permanent damage.
- Always ensure that the jump leads are adequate for the task. Heavy duty cables must be used.
- Always ensure that the slave battery is of the same voltage as the vehicle battery. The batteries must be connected in parallel.
- Always ensure that switchable electric circuits are switched off before connecting jump leads. This reduces the risk of sparks occurring when the final connection is made.
WARNING:Ensure that the ends of the jump leads do not touch each other or ground against the vehicle body at any time while the leads are attached to the battery. A fully charged battery, if shorted through jump leads, can discharge at a rate well above 1000 amps causing violent arcing and very rapid heating of the jump leads and terminals, and can even cause the battery to explode.
Always connect the jump leads in the following sequence.
- Slave battery positive first then vehicle battery positive.
- Slave battery negative next and then vehicle ground at least 12 inches (300 mm) from the battery terminal e.g. engine lifting bracket.
Always reduce the engine speed to idle before disconnecting the jump leads.
Before removing the jump leads from the vehicle that had the discharged battery, switch on the heater blower (high) or the heated rear screen, to reduce the voltage peak when the leads are removed.
Always disconnect the jump leads in the reverse order to the connecting sequence and take great care not to short the ends of the leads.
Do not rely on the alternator to restore a discharged battery. For an alternator to recharge a battery, it would take in excess of 8 hours continuous driving with no additional loads placed on the battery.
Component Cleaning
To prevent ingress of dirt, accumulations of loose dirt and greasy deposits should be removed before disconnecting or dismantling components or assemblies.
Components should be thoroughly cleaned before inspection prior to reassembly.
Cleaning Methods:
- Dry Cleaning
- Removal of loose dirt with soft or wire brushes.
- Scraping dirt off with a piece of metal or wood.
- Wiping off with a rag.
CAUTION:Compressed air is sometimes `wet' so use with caution, especially on hydraulic systems.
- Blowing dirt off with compressed air. (Eye protection should be worn when using this method).
- Removal of dry dust using vacuum equipment. This method should always be used to remove friction lining material dust (asbestos particles).
- Steam Cleaning
WARNING:Most solvents require careful handling and some are harmful. Refer to Health and Safety Precautions and to the manufacturer's literature for safety precautions.
Various solvents are available which are suitable for component cleaning. Some components such as brake hydraulic parts and electrical assemblies should be cleaned only with recommended solvents - refer to Solvents, Sealers and Adhesives or to the section of the manual relevant to the component.
Calibration of Essential Measuring Equipment
WARNING:Failure to comply may result in personal injury or damage to components.
It is of fundamental importance that certain essential equipment e.g. torque wrenches, multimeters, exhaust gas analysers, rolling roads etc., are regularly calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
