
Seat belts and seats
Note: The following checks are applicable to
all seat belts, front and rear.
MExamine the webbing of all the belts
(including rear belts if fitted) for cuts, serious
fraying or deterioration. Fasten and unfasten
each belt to check the buckles. If applicable,
check the retracting mechanism. Check the
security of all seat belt mountings accessible
from inside the vehicle.
MThe front seats themselves must be
securely attached and the backrests must
lock in the upright position.
Doors
MBoth front doors must be able to be opened
and closed from outside and inside, and must
latch securely when closed.
Vehicle identification
MNumber plates must be in good condition,
secure and legible, with letters and numbers
correctly spaced – spacing at (A) should be
twice that at (B).
MThe VIN plate (A) and homologation plate
(B) must be legible.
Electrical equipment
MSwitch on the ignition and check the
operation of the horn.
MCheck the windscreen washers and wipers,
examining the wiper blades; renew damaged
or perished blades. Also check the operation
of the stop-lights.
MCheck the operation of the sidelights and
number plate lights. The lenses and reflectors
must be secure, clean and undamaged.
MCheck the operation and alignment of the
headlights. The headlight reflectors must not
be tarnished and the lenses must be
undamaged.
MSwitch on the ignition and check the
operation of the direction indicators (including
the instrument panel tell-tale) and the hazard
warning lights. Operation of the sidelights and
stop-lights must not affect the indicators - if it
does, the cause is usually a bad earth at the
rear light cluster.
MCheck the operation of the rear foglight(s),
including the warning light on the instrument
panel or in the switch.
Footbrake
MExamine the master cylinder, brake pipes
and servo unit for leaks, loose mountings,
corrosion or other damage.
MThe fluid reservoir must be secure and the
fluid level must be between the upper (A) and
lower (B) markings.MInspect both front brake flexible hoses for
cracks or deterioration of the rubber. Turn the
steering from lock to lock, and ensure that the
hoses do not contact the wheel, tyre, or any
part of the steering or suspension mechanism.
With the brake pedal firmly depressed, check
the hoses for bulges or leaks under pressure.
Steering and suspension
MHave your assistant turn the steering wheel
from side to side slightly, up to the point where
the steering gear just begins to transmit this
movement to the roadwheels. Check for
excessive free play between the steering
wheel and the steering gear, indicating wear or
insecurity of the steering column joints, the
column-to-steering gear coupling, or the
steering gear itself.
MHave your assistant turn the steering wheel
more vigorously in each direction, so that the
roadwheels just begin to turn. As this is done,
examine all the steering joints, linkages,
fittings and attachments. Renew any
component that shows signs of wear or
damage. On vehicles with power steering,
check the security and condition of the
steering pump, drivebelt and hoses.
MCheck that the vehicle is standing level,
and at approximately the correct ride height.
Shock absorbers
MDepress each corner of the vehicle in turn,
then release it. The vehicle should rise and
then settle in its normal position. If the vehicle
continues to rise and fall, the shock absorber
is defective. A shock absorber which has
seized will also cause the vehicle to fail.
2Checks carried out
WITH THE VEHICLE ON THE
GROUND
0•8MOT Test Checks
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located above the front direction indicator
(see illustration).
11Withdraw the front direction indicator light
unit.
12Rotate the bulbholder anti-clockwise, and
withdraw it from the light unit. Alternatively,
the wiring plug can be disconnected from the
bulbholder, leaving the bulb in position (see
illustration). Remove the light unit.
Foglight (front)
13Unscrew the cross-head screws securing
the front foglight unit to the valance, and
withdraw the light unit from the valance.
14Prise open the plastic clips, and remove
the rear cover from the light unit.
15Release the spring clips and withdraw the
bulb, then pull off the wiring connector.
Remove the foglight unit.
Rear light cluster
16With the tailgate or bootlid open, unhook
the parcel net (where fitted) from the rear of
the luggage compartment.
17On Saloon and Hatchback models,
remove the screws, release the clips, and
remove the trim panel from the rear cross
panel. On Estate models, it is sufficient to
open the flap.
18Remove the screws, and press the rear
light trim cover from the guides (where
applicable).
19Disconnect the wiring multi-plug.
20Unscrew the four mounting nuts, and
withdraw the light unit from the outside of the
vehicle (see illustrations).
Rear number plate light assembly
21Remove both number plate lights as
described in Section 5.
22With the tailgate or bootlid open, remove
the screws and withdraw the inner trim panel.
23Unscrew the nuts, and remove the outer
cover and number plate base from the
tailgate.
24Disconnect the multi-plug and remove the
light assembly.
Refitting
25Refitting of all the external light units is a
reversal of the removal procedure, noting the
following points:(a) When refitting the rubber seal on the
headlight unit, note that it has a tapered
seat.
(b) If one or both headlights have been
disturbed, have the beam alignment
checked as described in the next Section.
(c) When refitting the rear light cluster, check
the condition of the sealer on the body
panel, and if necessary renew it.
1Accurate adjustment of the headlight beam
is only possible using optical beam-setting
equipment. This work should therefore be
carried out by a Ford dealer, or other service
station with the necessary facilities.
2Temporary adjustment can be made after
renewal of a headlight bulb or unit, or as an
emergency measure if the alignment is
incorrect following accident damage. Turn the
adjustment screws on the top of the headlamp
unit to make the adjustment (see illustration).
3Before making any adjustments to the
settings, it is important that the tyre pressures
are correct, and that the vehicle is standing on
level ground. Bounce the front of the vehicle a
few times to settle the suspension. Ideally,
somebody of average size should sit in the
driver’s seat during the adjustment, and the
vehicle should have a full tank of fuel. Where a
vehicle is fitted with an electrical beam
levelling system, set the switch to the “O”
position before making any adjustments.4Whenever temporary adjustments are
made, the settings must be checked and if
necessary reset by a Ford dealer or other
qualified person as soon as possible.
Removal
1Remove the headlight unit as described in
Section 7, then remove the cover.
2Disconnect the wiring multi-plug from the
motor.
3Rotate the motor upwards approximately
60°, then pull it forwards slightly.
4Disconnect the adjustment spindle by
pressing the ball coupling to one side, away
from the socket on the reflector.
5Withdraw the motor from the headlight unit.
Refitting
6Refitting is a reversal of the removal
procedure, but make sure that the motor is
turned down until it engages the stop.
Removal
1Disconnect the battery negative (earth) lead
(refer to Chapter 5, Section 1).
10 Instrument panel -
removal and refitting
9 Headlight levelling motor -
removal and refitting
8 Headlight beam alignment-
checking and adjustment
Body electrical system 12•13
12
7.20B Removing the rear light cluster unit
8.2 Headlight beam setting adjustment
screws
1 Vertical alignment screw
2 Horizontal alignment screw
7.10 Loosen the front direction indicator
retaining screw7.12 Disconnecting the wiring plug from
the indicator bulbholder7.20A Rear light cluster mounting nuts
(arrowed)
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