The pedals are arranged in the conventionel positions.
The brake pedal operates the dual hydaulic braking system applying the brakes on all
four brakes, also when the ignition is switched on, bringing the stop warning lights
into operation.
Previous
MGB Driver's Handbook 1976, part 2.Ignition/Starter
switch and steering lock
Next
The key number appears on the key, on the number tag supplied or on a label attached
to the windscreen on a new car. The steeringcolumn lock(4), if used properly, will
greatly reduce the possibility on the car being stolen.
Gear lever(4)
The gear positions are indicated on the lever knob. To engage reverse gear move the
lever to the left in the neutral position until resistance is felt, apply further side
pressure to overcome the resistance and then pull the lever back to engage the gear.
The reverse lights operate automatically when reverse is selected with the ignition
switched on.
Synchromesh engagement is provided on all forward gears.
Overdrive switch(when fitted)(5)
A slide switch incorporated in the gear lever knob operates the overdrive. To engage
the overdrive move the switch rearward; to disengage, move the switch forward.
The handbrake is one off the pull-up lever type, operating mechanically on the rear
wheels only. To release the handbrake pull the lever up slightly, depress the button on
the end of the lever and push the lever down.
Unlocking
To unlock the steering, insert the key and turn it to position "I". If the steering wheel
has been turned to engage the lock, slight movement of the steering wheel will assist
disengagement of the lock plunger.
To switch on the ignition, turn the key to position to "II". Further movement against
spring resistance to position "III" operates the starter motor. Release the key
immediately the engine starts.
To lock the steering, turn the key anti-clockwise to the position marked "I", press the
button (5), turn the key in the "O" position and withdraw it.
Do not lubricated the steering lock.
Speedometer(1)
In addition to indicating the road speed this instrument also records the total distance
(3) and the distance travelled for any particular trip(2).
This instrument indicates the revolutions per minute of the engine and assists the
driver to use the most effective speed range for maximum performance in any gear.
Wheb the ignition is switched on the fuel gauge indicates approx. the amount of fuel
in the tank.
Oil pressure gauge(7)
The gauge registers the pressure of the oil in the lubricating system.
Clock(8)
To start the clok or reset the hands, press and turn the button until the hands are at the
correct time.
Coolant tempature gauge(9) The gauge indicates the tempature of the coolant as it
leaves the engine cylinder head.
Warning lights and systems
. The warning light serves two separate functions. Firstly, if the brake system
RED
hydraulic pressure fails the lamp glows; secondly, the lamp glows as a brake 'on'
indicator.
The warning light will only operate when the ignition is switched on.
Seat belt(6)
RED. The warning light will glow for eight seconds each time the ignition starter
switch is operated, irrespective of whether the driver's seat belt is fastened.
The hydraulic brake system has two independent circuits. If hydraulic pressure fails in
two wheels and allow the car to be brought to rest by brake pedal application. This
would be accompanied by the warning lamp(5) glowing on the instrument panel.
If the warning lamp(5)at any time except when starting or when the ignition is
switched on and the handbrake is applied, the cause must be investigated
immediately
GREEN
. The warning light flashes when the direction indicators are operating.
Additional warning is also given by the audible 'clicking' of the flasher unit.
BLUE. The light glows when the headlights are switched on with the beams in the
raised position. The light goes out when the beams are dipped.
RED. This light serves the dual purpose of reminding the driver to switch off the
ignition and of being a no-charge indicator.
RED. The warning lights will flash when the hazard warning lights are operating, and
the direction indicator warning lights will flash when the hazard warning lights are
-theft warning buzzer
A combined ignition and steering lock with warning buzzer is fitted in the car. The
warning buzzer will sound if the driver's door is opened while the key is in the lock.
The buzzer will not operate if the key is removed from the lock.
When leaving the car always:
-Set the hand brake
-Lock the steering by removing the key from the ignition steering lock.
-Lock the car doors and remove the key.
Switches
Press the switch lever downwards to the central position to switch on the side and tail
Panel lamps(2)
The panel lamps will function only when the side lamps are switched on. Turning the
Hazard warning(3)
Blower switch and heater controls(4)
Direction indicators, main beam and horn control
Direction indicators
Move the lever to position "A" when turning left and to position "B" when turning
switch knob clockwise switches on the panel lights; further clockwise movement of
the knob increases the light brilliance.
To use the direction indicators as a hazard warning to other road users, press the end
of the switch rocker, when all the direction indicators, their warning lights and the
hazard warning light will operate together, irrespective or whether the ignition key is
on or off.
The green illumination on the face of the switch glows when the panel lights are
switched on. Return the switch to the off position to cancel the warning.
See "Heating and Ventilating".
Courtesy light(5)
The courtesy light is controlled by a switch in the light and by a switch fitted to each
door pillar. With the doors closed the light may be switched on by pressing the front
edge of the lens which acts as a rocker switch.
Press the rear edge of the lens to switch off the light. Opening either door will switch
on the light, and closing the door will extinguish the light.
right. After making a turn the signal is self-cancelled when the steering-wheel is
returned to the straight-ahead position.
The switch lever may be held against spring pressure to select either left or right
indicator and will cancel the indication immediately it is released without movement
of the steering wheel.
A visual warning of a front of rear bulb failure is given when, after switching on a
indicator, the warning lamp and the serviceable bulb on the affected side give a
continuous light.
With the headlamps switched on at the lighting switch, move the lever forward ("C")
to use the main beams; the warning light will glow (BLUE). Return the lever to the
midway position to dip the beams.
Lift the lever towards the steering wheel("D") to flash the headlamps irrespective of
whether they have been switched on a at the lighting switch or not.
Press the end of the lever inwards ("E') to sound the horns.
Windscreen washer and wiper control
Cigar-lighter(6)
To operate, press the knob inwards and release. When the element has become
sufficiently heated the lighter will be partially ejected, and may be withdrawn for use.
The rim of the cigar-lighter il illuminated when the panel lights are switched on.
Column switch
The switch operates the indicators only when the ignition is switched on.
Windscreen washer
Press the end of the lever inwards("F") to operate the washer jets.
In cold weather the washer reservoir should be filled with a mixture of water and a
recommended washer solvent to prevent the water freezing.
Windscreen wiper
Move the lever upwards("G") and then release it to obtain a single wipe. The lever
will return to the 'off'of the wipe.
To operate the wipers at normal speed move the lever down to the first position("H")
and to the second position("J") when a higher speed is required.
NOTE: neither the windscreen wiper nor the washer can operate until the ignition has
been switched on.
Running in
Filling with fuel.
Induction chamber heater(1)
this temperature it is necessary to allow a warning up period of thirty seconds between
switching on the ignition and starting the engine.
Previous
MGB Driver's Handbook 1976, part 3.Starting, running
The following instructions are a guide for starting, running and loading the car, and
includes notes on the use of controls and the indicators of the instruments.
.
The treatment given to the new car will have an important bearing on its subsequent
life, and engine speeds during this early period must be limited.
The following instructions should be strictly adhered to:
During the first 500 miles:
DO NOT exceed 45 m.p.h.
DO NOT operate at full throttle in any gear.
DO NOT allow the engine to labour in any gear.
Choice of fuel.
The engine has been designed to operate only on unleaded fuel. It is essential that
unleaded fuel is used otherwise serious damage can be caused in the catalic convertor.
The filler neck of the fuel tank is designed to accept fuel dispenser nozzles of the type
specified only for unleaded fuel. The dispenser nozzle must be inserted into the filler
neck sufficiently to open the trap door fot fuel to flow into the fuel tank.
Starting.
Sit in the car, then wear and fasten the seat belts; this applies to both driver and
passenger.
Switch on the ignition and check:
-That the ignition warning lights glows.
-That the fuel gauge registers.
-Depress the throttle pedal fully and release.
Operate the starter. Do not depress the throttle pedal while the starter is operated.
As soon as the engine is started check:
-That the oil pressure gauge registers.
-That the ignition warning lights has gone out.
When thirty seconds of starting the engine, quickly depress and release the throttle
pedal to set the automatic choke to its correct position.
engine at rest.
The electrical supply to the fuel pump is switched off by an inertia switch if the car is
subjected to a moderate impact. The switch(1), shown in the off position, is located
under the fascia on the left-hand side. To reset the switch unscrew the three screws(2)
to release the bottom panel(3) push the plunger(4) into the switch and refit the bottom
panel.
Starter
Do not operate the starter for longer than five or six seconds.
To prevent damage the starter cannot be operated while the engine is running.
If the engine fails to start, the ignition key must be returned to the off position before
the starter can be operated again.
If after a reasonable number of attempts the engine should fail to start, switch off the
ignition and investigate the cause. Continued use of the starter when the engine will
not start not only discharges the battery but may also damage the starter.
The light(3) should glow when the engine is switched on, and go out and stay out at
all times when the engine is running above normal idling speed. Failure to do so
indicates a fault in the battery charging system. Check that the alternator drive belt is
correctly tensioned before consulting your authorized Austin MG Dealer.
Oil pressure gauge
The gauge(1) should register a pressure as soon as the engine is started up. The
pressure may rise above 80 lbf/in2 when the engine is started from cold, and as the oil
normal running speeds and to between 10 and 25 lbf/in2 at idling speed.
Should the gauge fail to register and pressure, stop the engine immediately and
invetigate the cause. Start by checking the oil level.
Temperature gauge
An induction chamber heater is fitted and operates below 4'C. When starting below
may cause serious damage. Should the pointer reach "H'(hot), stop the engine and
investigate the cause. Check the cooling fan operating (see chapter 'Electrical'), the
When the ignition is switched off the needle returns to the 'cold' position.
When maximum acceleration is required upward gear selections should be made when
engine to pull hard at low engine speeds must be avoided as this also has a detrimental
Never allow the needle to enter the red sector.
motion. Keep the hand brake applied while using high
For normal road work, and to obtain the most satisfactory service from your enigine,
select the appropriate gear to maintain engine speeds between 2000 and 4500 rev/min.
On -tow for recovery
Should it become necessary to tow the car, use the towing eyes provided.
For recovery the car should be towed with the key in the ignition/steering lock at
position 'I'. For tow starting the keey should be at position 'II'.
the needle reaches the shaded sector (5500-6500 rev/min). Prolonged or excessive use
of the highest engine speeds will tend to shorten the life of the engine. Allowing the
effect on the engine.
Overdrive
A overdrive switch(5) incorporated in the gear lever knob operates the overdrive and
provides a higher driver ratio for use with the third and fourth gear.
To engage the overdrive move the switch rearward, to disengage, move the slide
switch forward. Accelerator pedal pressure should be maintained and it is not
necessary to depress the clutch pedal during engagement or disengagement.
Overdrive can be engaged at any throttle opening when in third or top gear. In certain
driving conditions, if increased acceleration is required the overdrive can be 'switched
out' without alternation to the throttle setting or manually moving the gear lever.
DO NOT
switch out the overdrive when travelling at speeds exceeding the maximum
obtainable in direct drive in third or fourth gear.
For maximum fuel economy use overdrive in top gear above 40 m.p.h.(64km/u).
If for any reason the overdrive does not disengage, do not reverse the car otherwise
extensive damage may result.
Vehicle loading
Due consideration must be given to the overall weight carried when fully loading the
car. Any loads carried on a luggage rack or downward load from a towing hitch must
also be included in the maximum loading, see 'General Data'.
Towing
The towing weight of 1680 lb (762kg) is the maximum that is permissible.
When using bottom gear a gradient of up to 1 in 8 can be ascended from rest while
towing a weight not exceeding this figure. It may be necessary to adjust the maximum
towing weight to comply with local conditions and regulations.
The recommended downward load of a trailer or caravan on the towing hitch is 75 to
100 lb(34 to 45kg), but this may be reduced or exceeded at the discretion of the driver.
Tyres
The tyre and pressures must comply with regulations where such excist.
Wet brakes
If the car has been washed, driven through water, or over wet roads for prolonged
periods full braking power may not be available.
Dry the brakes by applying the foot brake lightly several times while the car is in
Keys
Three keys and a duplicate set are provided, the large key for the steering lock/ignition
NOTE THE KEY NUMBERS IMMIDEATELY on taking delivery of the car.
Door locks
towards the front of the car, return it to the upright position and withdraw it. Grasp the
towards the rear of the car. To open the door, move the locking latch towards the front
switch, the larger all metal key for the glove box, and the small all metal key for the
door locks and the luggage compartment.
To reduce the possibility of theft, locks are not marked with a number.
Window regulators
To open a door window, turn the handle regulator (1) to obtain the opening required.
Both front doors may be locked from outside the car with the small key provided, and
locked from inside the car with the door locking latch.
To unlock the front doors from the outside, insert the key into the lock and turn it
handle and depress the button(2) to open the door.
To lock the front doors from the outside, turn the key towards the rear of the car,
return it to the upright position an d withdraw it.
To lock the doors from inside the car, close the door and move the locking latch(3)
of the car and pull the release lever(4) rearwards.
The doors can be opened from the outside when the locking latch is in the forward
position. The locking latch cannot be set to the lock position while the door is open.
the lock.
To open, insert the key and turn it anti-clockwise, depress the lock plunger and raise
the lid. When fully raised the support stay will automatically spring into engagement
and the lid will be held in the open position.
Raising the luggage compartment lid automatically switches on the light.
To close, raise the lid slightly, push the catch(1) on the bonnet stay forward to release
the locking mechanism, and lower the lid. To lock insert the key and turn clockwise
(arrowed) and withdraw the key.
To open, move the catch lever(1) upwards and push the window outwards. To close,
pull the catch inwards, and then push it forward until the catch is in the locked
position.
Glovebox
To unlock, insert the key, turn it clockwise, and depress the lock plunger to open the
glovebox.
To raise the bonnet, pull the knob(1) located inside the car on the left hand side below
the fascia panel.
Press up the safety catch(2) under the front of the bonnet. Raise the bonnet and when
fully raised the support stay will automatically spring into engagement and the bonnet
will be held in open position.
To close, raise the bonnet slightly, push the catch(3) on the bonnet stay rearwards to
release the locking mechanism, and lower the bonnet. Apply light pressure with the
palms of the hands at the front cormers and press down quickly; undue force is not
Mirrors
External
open.
Interior
join the two components.
Arm
rest. To empty the ashtray, raise the lid(1) and remove the ashtray by lifting under
: the mirror head may be adjusted from the seat position when the mirrir is
: the mirror stem with anti-dazzle head is designed to break away from the
mounting bracket on impact.
The stem may be refitted in the mounting breakets as follows. Align the stem ball(1)
with the bracket cup(2), ensuring that the small protrusion(3) on the stem aligns with
the indent of the mounting bracket. Give them a smart tap with a soft instrument to
Anti-dazzle: To reduce mirror dazzle, press the lever(4) towards the windsreen.
-rest and ashtray
To gain access to the compartment below the arm-rest, raise the forward end of the
armthe stubber(2).
Do not attempt to remove the ashtray by pulling on the lid.
Spilling fuel on the bumper may causetemporary local swelling of the rubber.
Remove stains by lightly wiping the whole bumper with petrol (gasoline) or warm
water and liquid detergent.
obstruction; use a piece of stiff to probe the apertures. Careless application of
is being applied must be removed immediately the operation is completed. Jacking up
beneath the underfloor may deform the drain apertures; allways use the jacking points
provided.
To ensure trouble-free operation it is essential that the locks, hinges and cathes are
adequately lubricated.
Inject a small quantity of thin oil, through the key slots and around the
Locks
push-buttons.
Do not oil the steering lock.
HingesApply grease or oil to the joints of the hinges.
Bonnet
catches
Apply grease to the moving surfaces of the bonnet release mechanism
and oil to the lever and safety -catch pivot points.
It is most important that the instructions for raising, lowering and folding the hood are
followed.
Do not fold when the hood is wet or damp.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the rear window is zipped in position before attemting
to lower the hood.
1. unclip the sun visors(1) and move them to one side
2. release both windscreen frame toggle catches(2)
3. release the two fasteners(3) on the windscreen rails
4. release the two fasteners(4) on the cant rails
5. release the two fasteners(5) on the hood mounting brackets
6. release the four fasteners from each rear quarter panel(6)
body side panel
Raising the hood
move the seat catch forward and incline the seat back towards the front of the car
4.
release the two retaining straps(14) and unfold the rear window and hood
8. move the seat tilt catch forward and incline the seat backs towards the front of
the car
1. raise the hood header rail until it is poised approx. midway over the door
aperture
2. disengage the hood rear rail from the anchor plates(9) on the tonneau panel
3. fold each quarter-light(10) onto the back-light and continue the fold in the
material forward to the header rail(11).Ensure that the fold is made in the
hood material between the quarter-light and the back -light. Failure to do
this may cause permanent damage to the back -light material.
4. push the header rail(11) rearwards
5. at the same time draw the back-light and hood material(12) out over the luggage
compartment lid ensuring that the hood material does not become trapped
between the hood sticks.
6. fully lower the hood. Fold the two windscreen frame toggle catches(13)
rearwards to prevent them damaging the back -light
7. roll the rear window and hood material forward over the folded hood. Position
and secure the two retaining straps(14)
8. replace the sun visors and return the seat back-rests to their original position
9. fit the hood cover or tonneau cover
1. remove the hood cover or tonneau cover
2.
3. unclip the sun visors and move to one side
material rearwards over the luggage compartment
5. raise the header rail(11) and unfold the hood. Engage the rear rail in the anchor
plates(9). Pull the hood slightly forwards and engage each hook(7) in its socket
(8) on the body side panel. Position the header rail on the windscreen ensuring
the rail seal is forward of the seal flange. Secure the windscreen frame toggle
catchers and fasteners(3), (4), and (5) inside the car.
6. secure the fasteners at each rear quarter
7. reposition the seats and sun visors
in the raised position.
Undo the zip, moving it around the rear window to the left side of the hood. Fold the
window panel down, avoiding creasing or buckling the transparent window material.
1. assemble the hood cover rail(15) and fit it into the hood support sockets with the
cross-rod towards the rear
2. lay the hood cover over the support rail
3. engage the hood cover rear rails in the anchor plates(16) on the tonneau panel
4. pull the cover slightly forwards and engage each side hook in its socket(17) on
the body panel
5. secure the fasteners(18) at each quarter side panel
6. secure the fasteners(19) on the heel board
Reverse the fitting procedure.
Tonneau cover
.
Assemble the hood cover rail(15) and fit it into the hood support socket with the crossrod towards the rear. Lay the tonneau cover over the cockpit.
Engage the tonneau cover rear rails in the anchor plates on the tonneau panel. Place
the pockets in the tonneau cover over the head restraints on the seats; it may be
necessary to adjust the seat back to align the pockets in the cover with the head
restraints.
Secure the tonneau cover to each rear quarter with the four fasteners(18), and the
fastener(20) on the cover at the side zips.
With the centre zip undon, extend the tonneau cover forward, fitting the forward
pocket over the steering -weel and securing to the fasteners(21) on each windscreen
pillar, and the fastener(22) on the fascia panel top. Zip up the cover.
Usage.
both seats. Undo the centre zip, release the press-studs on the fascia(21 and 22), and
Removing
Stowage bags are provided to protect the hood cover an dhood cover rail. The stowage
Hard top
Fitting
Rechech the sealing rubbers, measure gaps between hard top and body. If necessary
the press-stud(20) at the side zips. Fold the cover down and inwards behind the seat.
Move the seat tilt catch forward, and incline the seat back towards the front of the car.
Secure the tonneau cover to the heel board, using the fastener on the flap. Return the
seat back -rests to their original position.
The side zips allow the seat belt to be used.
.
Reverse the fitting procedure.
Stowage
bags together with the tool bag are stowed in the luggage compartment and secured
with the straps provided.
refit and tighten the bolts and clips.
Unlock and release the windscreen toggle fasteners. Remove the side fixing bolts.
Raise the front of the hard top disengage the toggle fastener tongues from the
windscreen sockets, move the hard top to the rear to disengage the anchor plates, then
lift of the car. Remove the side fixing brackets from the hood support sockets.
Assemble the fittings loosely to the hard top to prevent loss.
Remove the hood. Fit the hard top side brackets into the hood support sockets and
secure with the bolts and spring washers.
Position the hard top on the car, engaging the rear securing plates with the slotted
anchor plates on the tonneau panel(inset), ensuring that the sealing rubber does not
foul the slots.
Line up the hard top drip moulding with the rear wing top beading. Push the hard top
fforwards and engage the toggle catch tongues in the sockets on the windscreen frame.
Fit the bolts into the side fixing brackets; screw in but do not tightn.Ensure that the
front sealing rubber is correctly positioned forward on the windscreen frame. Adjust
the toggle catches to give adequate tension , tighten the securing bolts, fasten the
catches and lock them with the securing clips
Adjustable back
Access to rear seats
Head restraint
The 'fasten seatbelts' warning lamp will be switched on for eight seconds each time the
Never attempt to use a seat belt for more than one person, even for small children.
PreviousMGB Driver's Handbook 1976, part 5.SeatsNext
Front seats can be moved forward or backwards if the lever(1) located beneath the
front of each seat is pressed outwards; hold the lever in this position while the seat
position is adjusted.
The locking pin is spring-loaded and will automatically lock the seat in the required
position when the lever is released.
-rest
The angle of the seat back-rest may also be adjusted by easing the body weight from
the seat back-rest, and moving the lever(2) in the direction of the arrow. Release the
lever and ensure that the seat is locked in position by applying back pressure.
Move the seat catch(3) forward, and fold the back of the seat forwards. The catch will
automatically re-engage when the rear of the seat is moved back to the correct driving
position.
The head restraint(4) may be raised or lowered as desired.
To remove, lift the head restraint to its stop and withdraw by rocking it from side to
side whilst pulling upwards.
Seat Belts
Warning system
The seat belt warning system functions when the ignition/starter switch is operated.
ignition/starter switch is operated.
The warning buzzer will sound for eight seconds if the ignition/starter switch is
operated before the driver's seat belt is fastened.
Wearing
Always wear a belt as a complete lap and diagonal assembly and never at any time
wear it loosely, as it reduces its protection. Ensure that the belt is lying flat and is not
twisted . Always stow a seat belt that is not in use.
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