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:

    Trailer towing
    Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1,000 lbs.) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at ...

    Speedometer cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery and remove the instrument panel as described in Section 9. 2 Disconnect the cable from the transmission and release it from its clips and grommet. 3 Withdraw the ...

    Front suspension lower arm (forged type) - removal, overhaul and refitting
    1 The forged type suspension arm is fitted to all models except pre-May 1983 1.1 litre versions. Removal 2 Jack up the front of the car and support it on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support” ...