0•6 Roadside RepairsThe following pages are intended to help in dealing withcommon roadside emergencies and breakdowns. You will findmore detailed fault finding information at the back of themanual, and repair information in the main chapters.If your car won’t start and the starter motordoesn’t turnM If it’s a model with automatic transmission, make sure theselector is in ‘P’ or ‘N’.M Open the bonnet and make sure that the battery terminalsare clean and tight.M Switch on the headlights and try to start the engine. If theheadlights go very dim when you’re trying to start, thebattery is probably flat. Get out of trouble by jump starting(see next page) using a friend’s car.If your car won’t start even though the startermotor turns as normalM Is there fuel in the tank?M Is there moisture on electrical components under thebonnet? Switch off the ignition, then wipe off any obviousdampness with a dry cloth. Spray a water-repellent aerosolproduct (WD-40 or equivalent) on ignition and fuel systemelectrical connectors like those shown in the photos. Pay special attention to the ignition coil wiring connectorand HT leads. (Note that Diesel engines don’t normallysuffer from damp.)Check that the spark plug HT leads(where applicable) are securelyconnected by pushing them home.AThe throttle potentiometer wiring plugmay cause problems if not connectedsecurely.BCheck the idle speed stepper motorwiring plug for security.CCheck the security and condition of thebattery connections.DCheck that the ignition coil wiring plug issecure, and spray with water-dispersantif necessary.ECheck that electrical connections are secure (with the ignition switched off) and spray themwith a water dispersant spray like WD40 if you suspect a problem due to damp
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