Rover Seventy Five User guide

Owner’s Handbook
Instruktieboekje
Manuel du Conducteur
Betriebsanleitung
Manuale di Istruzioni
Manual del Conductor
Manual do Proprietário

As part of Rover Cars environmental policy, this publication is printed on paper made from chlorine free pulp.
Owner’s Handbook
Publication Part No. RCL 0306ENG - 3rd Edition
Published by Rover Group After Sales - Technical Communication
© Rover Group Limited 1999
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, mechanical,
recording or other means without prior written permission from Rover Group Limited.

2
Congratulations on your choice of a Rover 75
We very much hope that this handbook, together with the other publications
included in the literature pack, will provide the information you need in order to
derive maximum pleasure from owning and driving your new car.
For your convenience, the handbook is divided into sections, each dealing with a
different aspect of driving or caring for the car. Take a little time to read each one
and get to know your new Rover as soon as you possibly can.
•‘Before you drive’ - includes seat adjustment, seat belts and heating controls
and deals with everything you need to know in order to settle comfortably into
the car before you drive.
•‘Driving controls’ - here the functions and operation of the switches,
instruments and driving controls are explained.
•‘Maintenance’ - includes information about the checks that you should carry
out on a regular basis.
•‘Emergency information’ - will help to solve some of those unavoidable
little emergencies that occur from time to time, like replacing bulbs and fuses,
or changing a wheel.
•‘Technical Data’ - includes the technical specification for your car.
This warning symbol identifies procedures that must be followed precisely, or
information that must be considered with great care, in order to reduce the risk
of personal injury or serious damage to the car.
This symbol identifies those features that can be adjusted or disabled/enabled by
a Rover dealer.
An asterisk appearing in the text, identifies features or items of equipment that
are either optional, or are only fitted to some cars in the model range.
IMPORTANT
The specification of each Rover vehicle will vary according to territorial requirements and also
from model to model within the vehicle range. Some of the information published in this
handbook, therefore, may not apply to your vehicle. Contact your dealer if you are in any
doubt.
Rover operate a policy of constant product improvement and therefore reserve the right to change specifications without notice at any time.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure complete accuracy of the information in this handbook, no liabilities for inaccuracies or the consequences
thereof, including loss or damage to property, or injury to persons, can be accepted by the manufacturer or the dealer who supplied the
handbook, except in respect of personal injury caused by the negligence of the manufacturer or dealer.

Contents
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Controls ........................................ 4
Locks & Alarm .............................. 5
Seats ............................................ 17
Seat Belts ..................................... 24
Airbag SRS .................................. 30
Steering Column ......................... 38
Mirrors ........................................ 39
Windows ..................................... 43
Sunroof ....................................... 45
Heating & Ventilation ................. 47
Interior Equipment ...................... 57
Audio System .............................. 65
In-Car Telephones ...................... 66
Load Carrying ............................. 67
Towing ....................................... 71
DRIVING CONTROLS
Instruments .................................. 72
Trip Computer ............................ 76
Warning Lights ............................ 79
Message Centre ........................... 86
Starting & Driving ....................... 95
Environmental Driving ................ 99
Catalytic Converter ................... 101
Automatic Transmission ............. 103
Manual Gearbox ........................ 109
Fuel System ............................... 110
Lights & Indicators ..................... 114
Horn ......................................... 120
Wipers & Washers ..................... 121
Cruise Control .......................... 123
Brakes ........................................ 125
Traction Control ....................... 130
Parking Aid ............................... 132
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance ...............................134
Engine Compartment .................139
Engine ........................................143
Cooling System ..........................145
Brakes ........................................147
Power Steering ...........................148
Battery .......................................150
Washers ......................................154
Wipers ........................................155
Tyres ..........................................156
Cleaning & Vehicle Care ............159
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Wheel Changing ........................163
Emergency Starting ....................168
Vehicle Recovery .......................171
Fuses ..........................................174
Bulb Replacement ......................179
Parts & Accessories .....................191
Identification Numbers ...............192
TECHNICAL DATA
Technical Data ...........................194
Index...........................................205
13
2
4
5

Controls
4
BEFORE YOU DRIVE Controls
1. Passenger airbag SRS
2. Audio system
3. Clock
4. Horn
5. Direction indicators
6. Instrument panel
7. Driver airbag SRS
8. Starter switch
9. Wiper/washer controls
10. Front*and rear fog light switches
11. Main lighting switch
12. Bonnet release
13. Mirror controls
14. Window controls
15. Boot release
16. Headlight adjuster
17. Instrument dimmer control
18. Cruise control switches*
19. Steering column adjustment lever
20. Audio controls
21. Heating/air conditioning controls
22. Switch panel
23. Hazard warning light switch
24. Interior door lock switch
25. Gear lever
26. Handbrake
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Locks & Alarm
5
1
Locks & Alarm
ALARM SYSTEM
NOTE: FOR MAXIMUM
SECURITY ALWAYS
SUPERLOCK THE VEHICLE
USING THE REMOTE HANDSET
(except when passengers are to
be left inside the car).
Your car is fitted with a sophisticated electronic anti-theft
alarm and engine immobilisation system. There are also a
number of additional security features, some of which are
selectable options. In order to ensure maximum security and
operating convenience, you are strongly advised to gain a full
understanding of the features and alternatives available, by
thoroughly reading this section of the handbook.
Locking
With the remote handset:
1. Shut the doors, bonnet and luggage compartment.
2. Press the lock (padlock symbol) button once:
•all doors are superlocked (see ‘Superlocking’)
•perimetric alarm activated (protects the doors,
bonnet and boot)
•interior space protection activated*
3. The direction indicator lights flash three times to confirm
that the car is securely locked and the anti-theft alarm
indicator light (in the instrument panel) starts to flash.
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Locks & Alarm
6
With the key:
1. Insert the key and turn the door lock towards the rear of
the car:
Operating tip: Locking with the
key will not activate superlocking.
•all doors locked (not superlocked)
•perimetric alarm activated (protects the doors,
bonnet and boot)
•NO INTERIOR SPACE PROTECTION
2. The direction indicator lights flash three times to confirm
that the car is securely locked and the anti-theft alarm
indicator light (in the instrument panel) starts to flash.
Unlocking
With the remote handset:
•Press the unlock (Rover) button once. This will disarm the
alarm and unlock the driver’s door only (see ‘Single point
entry’).
•Press the unlock button twice to disarm the alarm and
unlock ALL the doors.
In either case, the direction indicator lights flash once and
the interior lights illuminate.
With the key:
•Turn the key in the driver’s door lock towards the front of
the car to disarm the alarm and unlock the driver’s door
only (see ‘Single point entry’).
•Turn the key twice (or press the interior locking button),
to unlock ALL the doors.
Using the remote handset
While it is not necessary to point the handset at the car, the
handset must be within range when the buttons are pressed.
Note that the operating range may vary depending upon
handset battery condition and may sometimes be limited by
physical and geographical factors beyond your control. From
a security point of view, it may not be wise to unlock unless
you are within a few feet of the car.

Locks & Alarm
7
1
Superlocking
For safety, NEVER use
Superlocking if
passengers are to remain inside
the car - in an emergency they
would not be able to escape.
Also, on cars fitted with interior
space protection, any
movement from inside the car
would activate the alarm.
Provided all the doors are fully closed, the superlocking
feature is activated automatically whenever the car is locked
using the remote handset. Superlocking immobilises the
interior door handles, thereby preventing an intruder from
gaining entry by smashing a window and reaching inside the
car to operate the door handles.
Anti-theft alarm indicator light
This light provides information about the status of the alarm
system, as follows:
•When the alarm is armed:
The light flashes RAPIDLY while the alarm is arming
itself. After ten seconds, the light adjusts to a slower
frequency and continues to flash as an anti-theft deterrent
until the alarm is disarmed.
•When the alarm is partially armed: (mislock)
The light flashes SLOWLY for 10 seconds, then flashes as
an anti-theft deterrent (as above) until the alarm is
disarmed.
•When the alarm has been triggered:
If the light flashes after the car is unlocked, this indicates
that the alarm has been triggered during the driver’s
absence. The light will flash for up to one minute or until
the starter switch is turned on.
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Locks & Alarm
8
Mislock
NOTE: If a mislock occurs as a
result of an open door, the
superlocking and interior space
protection features will not be
activated, until the door is closed
and the locking process is
repeated.
If the driver’s door is not fully closed when the handset lock
button is pressed, the alarm sounder or vehicle horn will
sound once, indicating a mislock. In this case, none of the
doors will lock and the alarm system will not be armed.
If a passenger door, bonnet or boot lid is not fully closed when
the handset lock button is pressed, the alarm sounder or
vehicle horn will sound once, indicating a mislock. However,
the ‘partial arming’ attributes of the security system will
enable as much of the system to be armed as possible (all fully
closed door, bonnet or boot apertures will be protected, but
an open door will not!). As soon as the open aperture is
closed, the system will automatically revert to an armed state.
If the alarm sounds
If the alarm is triggered, the alarm sounder or vehicle horn
will sound for 30 seconds before switching off and resetting
itself to the same protection status that existed prior to the
alarm being triggered.To silence the alarm, press either button
on the remote handset, or lock/unlock the door using the
key.
Single point entry
This feature can be
disabled by a Rover dealer.
This is a personal security feature, which enables the driver's
door alone to be unlocked, leaving the other doors in a locked
state. It can be operated by the remote handset as follows:
Press the unlock button once (or turn the key in the driver’s
door lock towards the front of the car) to unlock the driver’s
door. Press the unlock button (or turn the key) a second time
to unlock the remaining doors.

Locks & Alarm
9
1
Interior locking switch
NOTE: The locking switch will not
operate the locks if the alarm has
been armed.
This is a personal security feature which allows the driver to
lock (or unlock) all the doors from inside the car (while
driving or with the car stationary). Press the closed padlock
symbol on the switch to lock (the alarm will not be armed),
and the open padlock symbol to unlock.
Interior door handles and door sill locking buttons
From inside the car, each door can be individually locked by
depressing the appropriate door sill button. However, doors
cannot be unlocked by raising the sill button.
Use the door handles to unlock, as follows:
1. First operation of the door handle unlocks the door.
2. Second operation of the door handle opens the door.
Speed-related locking*
Speed related locking can
be selected or deselected
by a Rover dealer.
This security feature locks all the doors automatically when
the road speed exceeds 4 mph (7 km/h).
Note that this feature is not selectable by the driver, and that
operation of the door locks by any other means (interior
locking switch on the centre console, for example) will
disable the speed-related locking function for the remainder
of the journey, or until the starter switch is turned off and on
again.
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Locks & Alarm
10
Interior space protection*
Never activate interior
space protection if
passengers are to be left inside
the car - any movement will
activate the alarm.
NOTE: Interior space protection
cannot be activated if a door,
window or sunroof is open, or if
the starter switch is turned on.
Interior space protection (ultrasonics) is designed to protect
the interior of the car from intrusion (entry by a thief through
a smashed window, for example). A pair of ultrasonic sensors
monitor the interior space and activate the alarm if air
movement is detected in the passenger compartment.
Using the handset: Interior space protection is activated
automatically whenever the remote handset is used to set the
alarm.
Key operation: Using the key will NOT activate interior
space protection.
ENGINE IMMOBILISATION
NOTE: If the handset is lost or
fails to operate, the emergency
key can be used to re-mobilise
and start the engine.
Engine immobilisation is an important aspect of the security
system, it is designed to safeguard the vehicle from theft,
should the driver forget to lock the doors and prevents the
engine from being started unless the GENUINE handset key
is inserted into the starter switch. Engine immobilisation is
automatic whenever any of the following conditions occur.
•Three seconds after the starter switch has been turned off.
•If the key is removed from the starter switch.
The engine will be re-mobilised automatically
whenever the genuine handset key is inserted into the
starter switch and turned to the first position.
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Locks & Alarm
11
1
REMOTE HANDSET BATTERY
The handset contains
delicate electronic
circuits and must be protected
from impact and water damage,
high temperatures and
humidity, direct sunlight and
the effects of solvents, waxes
and abrasive cleaners.
The battery should last for approximately three years
dependent upon use. Always fit a Rover YWK10003 or a
Panasonic CR2032 replacement battery (available from a
Rover dealer).
When the battery needs replacing it will be apparent from a
gradual deterioration in range and performance.
On cars fitted with a message centre, a warning icon and
message will be displayed when the battery needs replacing
(see ‘Message centre’).
Battery renewal
1. Insert the blade of a small flat-bladed screwdriver into the
slot at the rear of the handset (see illustration) and prise
the rear of the back upwards.
2. Insert the screwdriver blade horizontally into the side of
the handset and then slide it towards the key. Lift off the
back of the handset.
3. Use a small flat-bladed screwdriver to prise the battery
from its mounting (see illustration), taking care to avoid
touching the circuit board or the metal battery contacts.
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Locks & Alarm
12
Care point: Finger marks will
adversely affect battery life; if
possible, avoid touching the flat
surfaces of the battery and wipe
them clean before fitting.
4. Fit the new battery, ensuring that correct polarity is
maintained (‘+’ side facing up).
5. Press the two halves of the handset firmly together and
ensure that both halves are fully joined to prevent dirt or
moisture from entering the handset.
6. To resynchronise the handset, operate either button four
times in quick succession. On the fourth press the door
should lock or unlock, confirming resynchronisation.
The handset is now ready for use.

Locks & Alarm
13
1
KEYS AND HANDSETS
You have been supplied with two remote handsets with
integral keys which operate all locks.
Keep the spare handset
key in a safe place - NOT
IN THE VEHICLE!
The keys supplied with your car are programmed to your
security system - they CANNOT be re-programmed and the
engine cannot be started without a key programmed to your
car. If a key is lost or broken, a replacement can only be
ordered from a Rover dealer.
NOTE:Rover dealers do not stock
spare keys, time has to be
allowed for replacements to be
programmed to your security
system and then delivered to the
dealer.
If you lose a key, contact your Rover dealer; a key reported
lost will be deactivated. If the key is recovered, your Rover
dealer can have it reactivated.

Locks & Alarm
14
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
Do not drive with the
luggage compartment
open, as poisonous exhaust
gases will enter the car.
To open, turn the key clockwise in the lock or, from inside
the car, press the release button in the driver’s footwell. The
luggage compartment and interior lights switch on
automatically when the boot lid is opened.
The luggage compartment is automatically locked when the
boot lid is closed.
Operating tip: The interior
release button is not operational
when the alarm system is armed.
For convenience, with the alarm system armed, the luggage
compartment can be unlocked and opened USING THE
KEY, without activating the alarm (the rest of the car will
remain protected and the engine immobilised during this
process). The alarm will automatically rearm as soon as the
boot lid is closed.
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Locks & Alarm
15
1
CHILD-PROOF LOCKS
NEVER leave children
unsupervised in the
vehicle.
Move the locking levers on the rear doors down to engage
the child locks.
With the child-proof locks engaged, the rear doors cannot be
opened from inside the car, thereby avoiding the risk of a
door being opened accidentally while the car is moving.
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Locks & Alarm
16
DOOR LOCKING CUT-OFF SWITCH
Always check for fuel
leaks before resetting the
switch!
An inertia switch, operational only with the alarm disarmed,
will unlock the doors in the event of an accident or sudden
impact.
When the switch operates, the interior lights illuminate until
the system is reset by pressing the rubber top (arrowed in
illustration). In addition, the hazard warning lights flash until
switched off.
The inertia switch is located behind the glovebox and can be
reached from underneath by releasing the four fixings
securing the access cover.
The inertia switch also cuts off the fuel supply (see ‘Fuel cut-off
switch’).
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Seats
17
1
Seats
MANUALLY OPERATED FRONT SEATS*
Your car is fitted with side
impact airbags. Refer to
the Airbag SRS section of this
handbook before fitting seat
covers, or carrying out any
repair or retrimming operations
to the seat or seat covers.
Forward/rearward adjustment
DO NOT adjust the seats
while the car is moving.
Lift the lever and slide the seat into position. Make sure the
seat is locked in position before driving.
Height adjustment (Driver’s seat only)
Take care when adjusting
the height of the driver’s
seat - a rear seat passenger’s
feet might become trapped
when lowering the seat
rearwards.
Operating tip: While adjusting
the height, grip the steering
wheel to more accurately control
the rate of rise and fall.
Ensure the seat is occupied before adjusting the height. Lift
the lever and apply weight to lower the seat rearwards, or
allow the seat to rise forwards, as required.
H2746
H2745

Seats
18
Backrest adjustment
DO NOT allow front seat
occupants to travel with
the seat backs reclined steeply
rearwards. Optimum benefit is
obtained from the seat belt with
the backrest angle set to
approximately 25° from the
upright (vertical).
Rotate the handwheel to adjust.
Lumbar support adjustment*
Rotate the handwheel to increase or decrease support to the
lumbar region of the back.
H2747
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Seats
19
1
HEAD RESTRAINTS
Head restraints are designed to restrain rearward movement of
the head in the event of an accident or sudden stop - a
properly adjusted head restraint can considerably reduce the
risk of neck and head injuries.
Head restraint adjustment
NOTE:Wherepossible, adjust the
head restraint sothat the cushion
is level with the back of the head
- NOT THE NECK!
Raise or lower the restraint until the cushion is level with the
back of the head.
To lower the restraint, depress the button (arrowed) and push
the restraint downwards. To raise the restraint, pull the
restraint upwards without depressing the button.
On some models the angle of the restraint can be adjusted.
Tilt the restraint to ensure it is as close to the back of the head
as possible.
To remove the head restraint, depress the button on the left
hand mounting and pull the restraint upwards.
H3248