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:
Choke control cable - removal, refitting and adjustment
Pre-1986 models
Removal
1 Disconnect the battery earth lead.
2 For improved access, remove the air
cleaner unit (Section 2).
3 At the carburettor end of the cable, loosen
the cable clamp bolt, d ...
Throttle cable - removal, refitting and adjustment
Removal
1 Disconnect the battery negative lead.
2 Working inside the vehicle, remove the
lower facia panel from the driver’s side.
3 Prise off the securing clip and disconnect
the end of the thro ...
Maintenance - bodywork, underside and fittings
The general condition of a vehicle’s
bodywork is the one thing that significantly
affects its value. Maintenance is easy but
needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after
minor damage, can lead ...
