Petrol Models - MG ZR Series Owner's Manual

PETROL MODELS

Never start or leave the engine running in an unventilated
building - exhaust gases are poisonous and contain carbon
monoxide, which can cause unconsciousness and may even be fatal.
Catalytic converters can be damaged if the wrong fuel is used,
or if an engine misfire occurs. Before starting the engine, you
should be aware of the precautions detailed under 'Catalytic
converter'.
Starting the engine
1. Check that the handbrake is on and that the gear lever is in
neutral ('P' for automatic transmission).
2. Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment (including the
* ).
air conditioning
3. Turn the starter key to position 'III' and release the key as
soon as the engine has started.
NOTE: Continued use of the starter will not only discharge the
battery, but may damage the starter motor and the catalytic converter.
DO NOT press the accelerator pedal while starting and DO NOT
operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
fails to start, switch off and wait for at least 10 seconds before trying
again.
NOTE: When starting manual transmission cars in freezing conditions or
when the battery is in a low state of charge, depress the clutch before starting
and hold it down until the engine is running.
62
Starting & Driving
What to do if the engine fails to start, or starts but will not
continue running:
• Press the accelerator pedal half way down while operating the
starter. DO NOT operate the starter for more than 15 seconds
and release the accelerator as soon as the engine starts.
• If the engine still fails to start, operate the starter again, this time
fully depressing the accelerator pedal to clear the engine of
excess fuel. Ensure the starter motor is not operated for more
than 15 seconds and release the accelerator as soon as the engine
starts.
• DO NOT pump the accelerator pedal during starting.
Starting in cold climates
In temperatures of -10° C and below, fully depress the clutch pedal
while starting and hold it down until the engine is running. As the
starter motor may need to operate for longer, it is essential that all
unnecessary electrical equipment is switched off while cranking.
NOTE: In cold conditions, engine cranking times will increase (but must
not be allowed to exceed 15 seconds), and the battery charging and oil
pressure warning lights may take several seconds to extinguish.