Triumph TR8 User manual

~~ Published by
~ BL Cars Limited
Puble.tion hrt No. AKM 4335
JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
600 WILLOW TREE ROAD, LEONIA
NEW
JERSEY 07605

In all communIcatIons relallng to Service or Spares. please quote thc CommISSion Number (ChassIs Number Ipaint and lrlm
numbers These arc stamped on aplate allached to the left-hand door rcar closing face The CommISSion Number IS also
stamped
on aplato anached to tho leh-handwindscreen pIllar and IS vIsible through the screen
When L.H. or R.H. is used in the texl. Ihis refers 10 the Left-hand or Right-hand 01 the vehicle. viewed from Ihe driver'sseat.
The Manufacturers reserve the rrght
to vary theIr speCifications wIth Of without nOtice. and at such limes and In such manner as
they thmk fll Major as well as minOt changes may be mvolved maccordance with Ihe Manufacturer's polley of constant produCI
Improvemenl
Whilst every efforl IS made to ensure the accuraey of patllculars contained In thIS Handbook. neIther The Manufacturet nor the
Dealel.
by whom Ihls Handbook IS supplied. shall many CIrcumstances be held liable lor any maccuracy or the consequences
thereof
All IIghlS reserved No parI of Ihls publication may by reproduced. Slored m a retrIeval SVslem or Iransmlued In any 10fm.
clCCltomc. mechamcal. phOtOCOPVrng. recordrng or any other means wllhOut pllor wlIl(en permISSIon ftom lhe ServIce DIVISIon of
Jaguar Rover TrIumph
2

Introduction
Controls,
Instruments and Indicator.
Body Fittings
Seats and Safety Harness
Heating. Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Running Instructions
Towing aCaravan or Trailer
Automatic Transmission
Wheels and Tyres
Cooling
System
Electrical System
Care of Bodywork
CONTENTS
5
7
19
27
31
35
40
45
49
53
57
67
3

IMPORTANT
CATALYTIC CONVERTER SPECIFICATION VEHICLES
The TRa IS designed to operate on UNLEADED fuels of 91 octane
It IS essential that only unleaded fuels are used In this vehicle otherwise seriOUS damage can be caused 10 the CatalytiC
Converter
Do not use oxygenated fuels such as blends
01 methanol/gasoline or ethanol/gasoline (e gGASAHOL)
unEADfD FUEl
ONLY
2335
4

INTRODUCTION
Now that you have taken delivery of your new car, please read this Handbook carefully to familiarIZe yourself with the controls and
other features, which have been designed tor your safety and comfort
The lock key number IS stamped on the tag attatched to the larger key of your key-set. and IS nol shown on the key or lock
Please make arecord of this number as you will need It to obtain a replacement
Servicing
Before receiving your new car It will have undergone an Inspection 10 ensure that all systems are working and the vehicle is
complete to specification,
After completing 1000 miles the vehicle should be returned to the seiling Dealer who will carry out the first Important service
and make whatever adjustments are requl'ed. free of charge except for cost of lubricants
Subsequent to the free serVice, maintenance and servICing of the vehicle IS the responSibility of the owner who IS advised to
make full use
of the planned maintenance operated by all Jaguar Rover-Triumph franchise holders TI,e operations carned out by
your Dealer will be In accordance With current recommendations and may be subject to revIsion from time to time
The 'Passport to Service' which Includes the 'Owners Service Statement' has provISion for the Dealer to certify that the work has
been
performed In accordance With current recommendations Regular use of the 'Passport to Service' at the specified Intervals
IS the best safeguard against the possibility of abnormal repair bills at alater date and would constl\i)te proof of regular serVICing,
thus enhanCing the value of your car to aprospective buyer
Jaguar Rover-Triumph Inc. Dealers are prOVided With the latest Information concerning special tools and workshop
techniques. enablmg them to undertake your service and repairs IfI the most effiCient and-economiC manner
5

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Before entering the vehicle:-
-Check
that the windows are clean and visibility is not impaired.
-Check that light lenses are clean.
-Check tyres for condition and correct pressure.
-Check
that the area around the car is clear of driving hazards before driving off.
-Check that the bonnet and boot are securely closed.
On entering the vehicle:-
- Adjust the seats and head restraints,
-Adjust the interior and exterior (Door) mirrors.
-Fasten seat belts, ensure that passengers do likewise.
-Check the operation of light switches, horn and hazard warning.
- With the ignition switched on, check the operation of all warning lights.
6

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
7

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
CONTROLS INSTRUMENTS ANO INDICATORS
Item Description
Page Ref
Item Description
Page Ref
FasCia side vent
30
10 Glove box lock
20
2 Combination sWitch 13 11
Air conditioning/heater controls
2J-29
3
Instruments and warnmg indicators
11
12
Air conditioning cut-out sWitch
28
4 Wmdscreen wiper and washer control
14 13
Instrument IllUminatIOn rheostat
15
5
Master lightmg sWitch
14 14
Gear selector lever
16
6
Heated Rear Screen SWllch
15 15
Cigar lighter
15
7FasCia central air vent
30
16
Pedals
16
8Fog lamp SWitch 15 17 Bonnet release control
19
9Hazard warnmg switch 15
8

CONTROLS. INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Fig, 1
12345 6 7 8 9
<
10
-. ,,_ ....
1
17
16 11 15 14
13 12
11
2339
9

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Ignition/Starter Switch and Steering Lock (Fig. 2)
oAll electrical Circuits sWitched off mechanical lock pre-set
when key IS removed
1Auxiliary position
2 Ignition
3Start
Unlocking Sequence (clockwlse~ Insert the key and turn 1110
POSition '1" If difficulty IS encountered, turn the steering
wheel slightly to relieve the load on the lock bolt The
steermg wheel should now be free to turn
This operation should be
performed only after the following
requirements have been carried out in the correct
sequence:- 1. OCCUPANTS SEATED; 2. DOORS CLOSED; 3.
SEAT BELTS FASTENED; 4. GEARS NEUTRAL Refer to
'Running Instructions',
To sWitch on the Ignition, turn the key to POSition '2' Further
movement to posItion '3' operates the starter motor The key
will return to POSition '2' when released
Locking
Sequence (anti-clockwise) Turning the key from
POSition
2' to " will SWitch off the Ignition Push the key fully
towards the lock and turn It to POSition '0' Withdraw the key
and move the steenng
wheel slightly to ensure that the lock
bolt IS fully engaged,
WARNING, If for any reason the ignition is switched off
while the car is in motion DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
DEPRESS OR TURN THE KEY TO POSITION '0', as this
constitutes part of the steering lock sequence. The
designed operating sequence prevents the engine being
started with the steering LOCKED, Serious
consequences can result from alterations or substitution
of the ignition start switch which would permit the
engine to be started with the LOCK ENGAGED. Under no
circumstances must the ignition start function be
separated from the steering lock,
B-o
i~~ \
2
Fig.2
2JJJ
10

Speedometer (Fig. 3)
The speedometer indicates the road speed of the vehicle In
miles and kilometres per hour. It also combmes the following
indicators
1 1 ) Trip odometer ~ The figures within the aperture above
the centre of the dial may be used to record the
distance of each journey provided that the figures are
pre-set to zero by
turning clockwise the knob that
extends downwards from behind the Instruments,
( 2 ) Odometer -The figure within the aperture below the
centre of the dial records the lola I mileage 01 the
vehicle and may be used as agUide to periodic
lubrication and maintenance.
Tachometer (Fig, 3l
The tachometer indicates the engme speed In revolutions per
minute and IS calibrated In Increments of 500. extendmg to
7,000 rpm,
Recommendations concerning the speed range are given
under 'Runnmg Instructions'
Warning lights (Fig 3l
( 3) Oxygen Sensor (PI vehicles onlyl
The Oxygen Sensor
Indicator glows when the sensors
require
renewal ThiS will occur at the mileage mterval
stated
In the Maintenance Handbook Consult your
dealer as soon
as convenient after the mdlcator
illuminates
The indicator glows when the starter motor IS operated,
failure 10 do so Indicates bulb failure
CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Fig. 3
61
•
)
)
,,,,' ','"
(4) and (5) Direction indicator monitors -The arrowed
indicator (4) glows green Intermlllently when the
steering column combmatlOn switch IS moved 1O Signal
a
lell-hand turn The Indicator (5) glows Similarly when
the switch IS moved to Signal a right-hand turn
(
6) Not used on USA vehicles
( 7 l
Ignition "T""" The 'Ignition' Indicator glows red when the
Ignition IS SWitched on and IS extinguished when the
engine IS running
(8 IOil pressure -The 'Oil' indicator glows when the
Ignition IS SWitched on and IS extinguished when the
engine IS running
11

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
(9 l Brakes - Should failure 01 the front or rear hydraulic
brake lines occur, the indicator will glow The cause
must be rectified Immediately
The system incorporates a bulb test facility The
Indicator should glow when the starter mOlar 15
operated, failure 10 do so indicates afaulty bulb
110) Belts -The 'Belts' indicator Will glow for approx-
Imately ten seconds when the engine IS started If the
dnver has not fastened hiS seal bell. This will be
accompanied by an audible alarm, If the dnver fastens
hiS seat belt before starting the engme, the indicatOr
will glow without the audible warning Refer to
Runnmg Instructions'
Fig,4
6 1
td:a
)
)
12
9
(11) Park Brake -The park brake Indicator glows when the
handbrake 1$ applied and Ihe Ignition IS sWitched on
(12) Coolant - The 'Coolant" Indicator glows when the
coolant level m the header tank IS tOO low The fault
should be rectified Immediately by toppmg up the
header tank 10 the recommended II1structlon (page 551
A prudent walch should be kept on the coolant
temperature gauge to ensure that the engme does nOI
overheat
The Illdlcator glows for three seconds when the I~""lltlon
IS sWitched on, failure to do so Illdlcates bulb fallu ~
113) Main beam - The 'Seam" Illdicator glows blue when
malll beams are selected and IS extingUished dUfing
dipped beam operations
(141 Fuel - The Fuel mdlcator glows when the quanllty of
fuel In the tank lalls below 6 8 htres (1 5 gallonsl Fuel
surge may cause the Illdlcator to glow Intermittently
before the fuel IS reduced to thiS amount
Warning lights (Fig 4)
The
warnlllg light layout on earlier vehicles IS
(3) Main beam -The 'Beam" Illdlcator glows blue when
malll beams are selected and IS extingUished durlllg
dipped beam operation
(41 and (51 Direction indicator monitors - The arrowed
Indicator 14) glows green Illterml11ently when the
steering column combination SWitch IS moved to signal
a left-hand turn The indicator (5) glows Similarly when
the SWitch IS moved to signal a fight-hand turn

16) Demist -The 'Demist' indicator glows when the rear
screen element 1$ sWitched on
17) Ignition -The 'Ignillon' Indicator glows red when the
Ignition IS sWitched on and is extmguished when the
engine IS running
( 8) Oil pressure -The 'Od' mdlcator glows when the
Ignition 1$ switched on and 1$ extinguished when the
engme 1$ running
(9 lBrakes -Should failure of the front or rear hydraulic
brake Imes occur, or
if the handbrake IS left 'on' the
Indicator
will glow, If the lamp glows. indicating failure
of the hydrauliC system, the cause must be rectified
Immediately
The Indicator should Illuminate when the starter motor
IS operated. failure 10 do so Indicates bulb failure
(101 Belts -The 'Seat
Bell warning light' will glow when
the Ignition IS SWl\ched on and avehicle occupant has
not fastened aseat
belt ThiS will be accompanied by
an audible alarm Refer to 'Runnmg Instructions'
(1 1) Not used on USA vehicles
CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
(12) Fuel -The Fuel mdicator glows when the quantity 01
fuel In the tank falls below 68 litres (1 5gallonsl Fuel
surge may cause the
mdlcator to glow intermittently
before the fuel IS reduced to thiS amount
(131 Fog (optional fltmentl -If the vehicle is eqUipped With
fog lamps, the mdlcalOr Will
glow when the CirCUit IS
operative
(14) Not used on USA vehicles.
13

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS ANO INDICATORS
Fig.5
.=
,·=e
••
"'"
14
Clock (Fig 5)
The hands of the electrically operated clock can be resel by
turning the knob located below the Instrument and extendmg
from the lower fascia rail
Water Temperature Indicator (Fig 5)
The gauge IS marked 'C' (coldl and 'H' (hot), Indicating the
temperature of the coolant as Illeaves the cylinder head. It IS
effective when the Ignition IS sWitched on
When the Ignl\lon IS switched off the needle should return to
zero
Fuel Gauge (Fig, 5)
The gauge indicates the contents of the fuel tank Allow thirty
seconds for the gauge needle to reach asteady readmg after
SWitching on the Ignilion.
When the Ignilion IS sWl1ched off the needle should return to
zero
Voltmeter (Fig, 5)
The voltmeter registers the battery's state 01 charge. If the
gauge registers
In the lower red sector under normal running
conditions. the cause should be Invesllgated,

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Fig, 6
Combination Switch (Fig. 6)
The steenng-column combination SWitch serves the following
purposes
Horns -To operate the horns. press the end of the ccnlrol
Direction indicators -To Indicate aleft-hand turn. move the
lever anll-clockwlse Move It clockwise for a fight-hand turn
This control IS only effective when the Ignillon IS switched on
Headlamp main beam -To operate the main beams. push
the lever fully forward away from the steeflng wheel. Pull the
lever 10 liS neutral (centrall pOSl1lcn for dipped beams This
control IS only effective when the 'master lighting sWitch" IS
moved to the headlamp position
Windscreen Wiper and Washer Control {Fig 7l
The centrollS effective only when the Ignll10n IS sWitched on
o
or :::::J=
2332
Fig. 7
For continuous OperallQn of the two speed Wipers, move the
control upwards to position '" lor slow-speed operation, or
lullv upwards to poSItion '2- for high-speed operatIOn For
brlel use 01 the Wiper, move the control downwards against
spong pressure Wlpmg WIll cease when the contrOl IS
released
To operate lhe windscreen washer, press the knob on Ihe
end ollhe control
""
15

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Fig. 8
16
Master Lighting Switch (1. Fig 8)
To operate the three-position lighting sWitch
• Move the switch bar to the upper position to extinguIsh all
external and fascIa lamps
- Move the sWllch bar 10 the mid paSHlon to Illummate front
and rear parkmg and marker lamps and the faSCia lamps
• Move the sWItch bar to the lower poSllIon to raIse and
Illummate me headtamps and Illummate the parking, marker
and lascla lamps
If the headlamp lift mechanism fails to raise the headlamps,
refer to 'Electrical System' - Headlamps.
Heated Rear Screen Switch (2. Fig 8)
Move the SWitch bar to the lower POSition 10 operate the
heated reaf screen, which Will operate only when the Ignition
1$ sWllched ·ON·
A lamp Incorporated In [he SWitch Will Iliummate while the
heater IS operating
Do not leave sWitched 'ON' 10f longer than IS necessary
because of heavy current consumption •
To SWitch 'OFF'
move the SWitch bar to the upper pOSlllon
The heater should not be used to remove snow or ice, bUI
may be used periodically to remove condensation or to
prevent ice formation.

Fog Lamp Switch (where fitted} (3, Fig 8)
Move the SWitch bar to the mid POSition 10 Illuminate the rear
fog guard lamps only
Move the SWitch bar \0 the lower position to Illuminate the
front·and rear fog lamps
Move the SWitch bar to the upper POSition 10 extingUish the
lamps
A warning lamp Incorporated In the $wllch will Iliummate
while the lamp CirCUlI 15 SWitched 'ON"
This
CIrCUIt 15 operative only when the Side/tail lamps are
Illummated
The warning light IS Incorporated In the Instrument panel on
earlier vehIcles Reier 10 Warning LIghts
Hazard Warning Switch (4. Fig 8)
If the vehicle IS Immobilized and constitutes ahazard to other
road users. warning may be gIVen by uSing the 'hazard
warmng system' To operate move the SWitch bar to the lower
position
Instrument Illumination Rheostat (1. Fig 91
From the 'OFF poSitIon (fully ani I-clockwise!. turn Ihe swllch
!moh clockwise to Ilium InaIe the Instruments at low intensity.
i1nd further clockWise
10 Increase the intensity
See 'Master l.ghtlng SW!lch'
CONTROLS. INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Cigar.lighter 12, Fig 9)
The
cigar-lighter IS operated by pushing Its knob Inwards 10
heal the element When a predetermined temperature IS
reached, the element .s ejected from the 'heal' position from
whence It may be wl\hdrawn for use A small pilot lamp IS
Incorporated within the element carrier to faCilitate
replacement of the element during darkness
Fig. 9
17

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS
Fig_ 10
Refer to Warning Lights' - page 11
Handbrake lever {Fig 11)
To applv the rear
wheel brakes. pull the handbrake lever
upwards. II 1$ retained by a ratchet and pawl Release the
hand brake by pulling It slightly upwards as the bullon IS
depressed 10 free the pawl. then allow the lever to move
downwards to the off posltlQn
Gear Selector Lever (Fig. 101
The gear poSitions are Indicated on the lever knob Engage
reverse only when the vehicle 1$ stationary
Automatic lransmiSSlon selector details are given In sectIOn
- 'Borg-Warner AutomatiC TransmiSSion"
For optimum fuel economy the recommended gear change
speeds are
lst/2nd-15 mph
2nd/3rd •25 mp,h
3rd/4th - 40 mp,h
4th/5th - 45 mph
Pedals
The pedals are arranged In the convenllonal POSItions The
brake pedal operates the brake hydraulic system to apply
the
brakes on aU four wheels Warning lights at the rear of the
vehicle function automatically when the brake pedal IS
pressed while the igmllon IS sWitched on To aVOid needless
wear of the clutch withdrawal mechanism. do not rest the
toot
on the clutch pedal while driVing
5
4
\\ J
'1
1;\,
. '.~.\j 2073
3
1R
~-'"
Fig_ l'
18

Always remember to lock your car when leaving it.
The lock key number is stamped on the tag
attached to the larger key of your key-set,
and is not shown on the key or lock.
Please make arecord of this
number as you will need it
to obtain areplacement.
BODY FITTINGS
,"