Battery terminal check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
Caution: Before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery, read through the precautions given in “Safety first!” at the beginning of this manual.
1 The battery fitted as original equipment is “maintenance-free”, and requires no maintenance apart from having the case kept clean, and the terminals clean and tight.
2 To clean the battery terminals disconnect them, after having first removed the cover (later models) - negative earth first. Use a wire brush or abrasive paper to clean the terminals. Bad corrosion should be treated with a solution of bicarbonate of soda, applied with an old toothbrush. Do not let this solution get inside the battery.
3 Coat the battery terminals with petroleum jelly or a proprietary anti-corrosive compound before reconnecting them. Reconnect and tighten the positive (live) lead first, followed by the negative (earth) lead. Do not overtighten.
4 Keep the top of the battery clean and dry.
Inspect the battery tray for corrosion, and make good as necessary.
See also:
Compression test
1 When engine performance is poor, or if
misfiring occurs which cannot be attributed to
the ignition or fuel system, a compression test
can provide diagnostic clues. If the test is
performed regul ...
Heater unit - removal and refitting
Removal
1 Disconnect the battery negative lead.
2 If the coolant is still hot, release the
pressure in the system by slowly unscrewing
the expansion tank cap. Place a thick rag over
the cap to pr ...
Battery - testing and charging
Note: Refer to the precautions at the end of
Section 1 before proceeding.
Standard and low maintenance
battery - testing
1 If the car covers a small annual mileage it is
worthwhile checking the s ...