3261 Jaguar XJ6
12
Chapter 12
Body electrical system
1 General information
The electrical system is a 12-volt, negative
earth type. Power for the lights and all
electrical accessories is supplied by a
lead/acid-type battery which is charged by
the alternator.
This Chapter covers repair and service
procedures for the various electrical
components not associated with the engine.
Information on the battery, alternator,
distributor and starter motor will be found in
Chapter 5.
It should be noted that when portions of the
electrical system are serviced, the cable
should be disconnected from the negative
battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts
and/or fires.
2 Electrical fault finding-
general information
A typical electrical circuit consists of an
electrical component, any switches, relays,
motors, fuses, fusible links, in-line fuses or
circuit breakers related to that component
and the wiring and electrical connectors that
link the component to both the battery andthe chassis. To help you pinpoint an electrical
circuit problem, wiring diagrams are included
at the end of this Chapter.
Before tackling any troublesome electrical
circuit, first study the appropriate wiring
diagrams to get a complete understanding of
what makes up that individual circuit. Trouble
spots, for instance, can often be narrowed
down by noting if other components related to
the circuit are operating properly. If several
components or circuits fail at one time,
chances are the problem is in a fuse or earth
connection, because several circuits are often
routed through the same fuse and earth
connections.
Electrical problems usually stem from
simple causes, such as loose or corroded
connections, a blown fuse, a melted fusible
link or a bad relay. Visually inspect the
condition of all fuses, wires and connections
in a problem circuit before diagnosing it.
If testing instruments are going to be
utilised, use the diagrams to plan ahead of
time where you will make the necessary
connections in order to accurately pinpoint
the trouble spot.
The basic tools needed for electrical fault
finding include a circuit tester or voltmeter (a
12-volt bulb with a set of test leads can also
be used), a continuity tester, which includes a
bulb, battery and set of test leads, and a
jumper wire, preferably with a circuit breaker
incorporated, which can be used to bypasselectrical components. Before attempting to
locate a problem with test instruments,
use the wiring diagram(s) to decide where to
make the connections.
Voltage checks
Voltage checks should be performed if a
circuit is not functioning properly. Connect
one lead of a circuit tester to either the
negative battery terminal or a known good
earth. Connect the other lead to a electrical
connector in the circuit being tested,
preferably nearest to the battery or fuse. If the
bulb of the tester lights, voltage is present,
which means that the part of the circuit
between the electrical connector and the
battery is problem free. Continue checking the
rest of the circuit in the same fashion. When
you reach a point at which no voltage is
present, the problem lies between that point
and the last test point with voltage. Most of
the time the problem can be traced to a loose
connection. Note:Keep in mind that some
circuits receive voltage only when the ignition
key is in the Accessory or Run position.
Finding a short
One method of finding shorts in a circuit is
to remove the fuse and connect a test light or
voltmeter in its place. There should be no
voltage present in the circuit. Move the wiring
harness from side to side while watching the
test light. If the bulb goes on, there is a short Airbag system - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Bulb renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Central locking system - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Circuit breakers - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cruise control system - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Direction indicators/hazard flashers - general information . . . . . . . . 7
Electric aerial - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Electric side view mirrors - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electric sunroof - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Electric window system - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Electrical fault finding - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fuel, oil and temperature gauges - check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fuses - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Headlight housing (1992 to 1994 models) - removal and refitting . . . 19Headlights - adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Headlights - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Heated rear window - check and repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Horn - check and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ignition switch and key lock cylinder - removal and refitting . . . . . . 9
Inertia switch - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
In-line fuses - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Instrument cluster - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Instrument panel switches - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Radio and speakers - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Relays - general information and testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Steering column switches - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Windscreen wiper motor - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wiring diagrams - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
12•1
Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321
wash system, radio memory and the ABS
main feed and pump circuits.
In-line fuses are located through out the
vehicle depending on the year, make and
model. Consult the wiring diagrams at the end
of this Chapter for further information.
In-line fuses also have a blade terminal
design, which allow fingertip removal and
renewal. If an electrical component fails,
always check the fuse first. A blown fuse is
easily identified through the clear plastic
body. Inspect the element for evidence of
damage (see illustration 3.3).
Be sure to renew blown fuses with the
correct type. Fuses are usually colour-coded
to indicate their rating. Fuses of different
ratings are physically interchangeable, but
only fuses of the proper rating should be
used. Replacing a fuse with one of a different
value than specified is not recommended.
Each electrical circuit needs a specific
amount of protection. The amperage value of
each fuse is moulded into the fuse body.If the renewal fuse immediately fails, don’t
renew it again until the cause of the problem
is isolated and corrected. Don’t substitute
anything else for the fuse. In most cases, this
will be a short circuit in the wiring caused by a
broken or deteriorated wire.
5 Circuit breakers-
general information
Circuit breakers generally protect
components such as electric windows, central
locking and headlights. On some models the
circuit breaker resets itself automatically, so
an electrical overload in the circuit will cause it
to fail momentarily, then come back on. If the
circuit doesn’t come back on, check it
immediately. Once the condition is corrected,
the circuit breaker will resume its normal
function. Some circuit breakers have a button
on top and must be reset manually.To test a circuit breaker, use an ohmmeter
to check continuity between the terminals. A
reading of zero to 1.0 ohms indicates a good
circuit breaker. An open circuit reading on the
meter indicates a bad circuit breaker.
6 Relays- general information
and testing
2
General information
Several electrical accessories in the vehicle,
such as the fuel injection system, electric
windows, central locking, etc, use relays to
transmit the electrical signal to the component.
Relays use a low-current circuit (the control
circuit) to open and close a high-current circuit
(the power circuit). If the relay is defective, that
component will not operate properly. The
relays are mounted throughout the vehicle (see
illustrations). If a faulty relay is suspected, it
Body electrical system 12•3
12
3261 Jaguar XJ6 1988 to 1989 relay location details
6If the voltage is 6 volts, the element is okay
(there is no break). If the voltage is 12 volts,
the element is broken between the centre
of the element and the positive end. If the
voltage is 0 volts the element is broken
between the centre of the element and earth.
7To find the break, place the voltmeter
positive lead against the defogger positive
terminal. Place the voltmeter negative lead
with the foil strip against the heating element
at the positive terminal end and slide it toward
the negative terminal end. The point at which
the voltmeter deflects from zero to several
volts is the point at which the heating element
is broken (see illustration).
Repair
8Repair the break in the element using a
repair kit specifically recommended for this
purpose.
9Prior to repairing a break, turn off the system
and allow it to cool off for a few minutes.
10Lightly buff the element area with fine
steel wool, then clean it thoroughly with
rubbing alcohol.
11Use masking tape to mask off the area
being repaired.
12Thoroughly mix the epoxy, following the
instructions provided with the repair kit.
13Apply the epoxy material to the slit in the
masking tape, overlapping the undamaged
area about 3/4-inch on either end (see
illustration).
14Allow the repair to cure for 24 hours before
removing the tape and using the system.
17 Headlights- renewal
1
Warning: Later models are
equipped with halogen gas-filled
headlight bulbs which are underpressure and may shatter if the surface is
damaged or the bulb is dropped. Wear eye
protection and handle the bulbs carefully,
grasping only the base whenever possible.
Do not touch the surface of the bulb with
your fingers because the oil from your skin
could cause it to overheat and fail
prematurely. If you do touch the bulb
surface, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
Sealed beam units
1Remove the radiator grille (see Chapter 11).
2Detach the headlight bezel trim cover (see
illustration).
3Remove the headlight bezel (see
illustrations).
4Remove the screws which secure the
retaining ring and withdraw the ring. Support
the light as this is done (see illustration).
Body electrical system 12•9
12
16.13 Apply masking tape to the inside of
the window at the damaged area, then
brush on the special conductive coating17.2 Remove the screws (arrowed) and
detach the headlight bezel trim cover
17.3a Remove the two retaining screws
at the top and the one in the grille opening
(arrowed)17.3b The retaining screw at the
outside lower corner can be accessed
from under the bumper
3261 Jaguar XJ6 16.5 To determine if a heating element has broken, check the
voltage at the centre of each element. If the voltage is 6-volts, the
element is unbroken; if the voltage is 12-volts, the element is
broken between the centre and the positive end. If there is no
voltage, the element is broken between the centre and earth
16.7 To find the break, place the voltmeter positive lead against
the heated window positive terminal, place the voltmeter negative
lead with the foil strip against the heating element at the positive
terminal end and slide it toward the negative terminal end -
the point at which the voltmeter reading changes abruptly is the
point at which the element is broken
5Pull the headlight out slightly and
disconnect the electrical connector from the
rear of the light, then remove the light from the
vehicle.
6To refit, position the new unit close enough
to connect the electrical connector. Make
sure that the numbers moulded into the lens
are at the top.
7Refit and tighten the retaining ring. Test the
headlight operation.
8The remainder of the refitting is the reverse
of removal.
Halogen gas-filled bulbs
9Disconnect the electrical connector from
the bulb assembly. Rotate the headlight bulb
connector 1/4-turn anti-clockwise (viewed
from the rear) (see illustration).
10Withdraw the bulb assembly from the
headlight housing.
11Without touching the glass with your bare
fingers (see the Warningat the start of the
Section), insert the new bulb assembly into
the headlight housing and rotate the bulb
socket 1/4-turn clockwise to refit it.
12Plug in the electrical connector and test
headlight operation.
18 Headlights- adjustment
5
Note:The following procedure is intended for
emergency use only, and we strongly
recommend that the headlight aim is only
checked using optical beam-setting
equipment. It is important that the headlights
are aimed correctly. If adjusted incorrectly
they could blind the driver of an oncoming
vehicle and cause a serious accident or
seriously reduce your ability to see the road.
The headlights should be checked for proper
aim every 12 months and any time a new
headlight is installed or front end body work is
performed.
1Adjustment should be made with the
vehicle sitting level, the petrol tank half-full
and no unusually heavy load in the vehicle.2Early models with sealed beam headlights
have four adjusting knobs protruding through
the backside of the radiator support. The
vertical (up and down) adjustment knobs are
located above the headlight and the horizontal
(left to right) adjusting knobs are located
below the headlight (see illustration).
3On later models with halogen bulbs,
adjustments are made in the same manner as
described in the previous step, except there
are only two adjusting knobs which tilt the
headlight housing to the desired angle.
4If the headlight housing has been replacedor the vehicle has suffered front-end damage,
refer to following procedure.
5This method requires a blank wall, masking
tape and a level floor.
6Position masking tape vertically on the wall
in reference to the vehicle centreline and the
centrelines of both headlights (see
illustration).
7Position a horizontal tape line in reference
to the centreline of all the headlights. Note:It
may be easier to position the tape on the wall
with the vehicle parked only a few inches
away.
12•10 Body electrical system
3261 Jaguar XJ618.2 The headlight horizontal
adjustment knob (A) is located at the
top of the headlight and the vertical
adjustment knob (B) is below the headlight
17.4 Loosen the retaining ring screws
(arrowed) a few turns - rotate the retaining
ring anti-clockwise to remove it17.9 Disconnect the electrical connector
and rotate the bulb assembly 1/4-turn
anti-clockwise
18.6 Headlight
adjustment details
8Adjustment should be made with the
vehicle parked 25 feet from the wall, sitting
level, the petrol tank half-full and no unusually
heavy load in the vehicle.
9Starting with the low beam adjustment,
position the high intensity zone so it is two
inches below the horizontal line and two
inches to the right of the headlight vertical
line. Adjustments are made by turning the
knobs located behind the headlight housings
(see illustration 18.2).
10With the high beams on, the high intensity
zone should be vertically centred with the
exact centre just below the horizontal line.
Note:It may not be possible to position the
headlight aim exactly for both high and low
beams. If a compromise must be made, keep
in mind that the low beams are the most used
and have the greatest effect on safety.
11Have the headlights adjusted by a dealer
service department or service station at the
earliest opportunity.
19 Headlight housing
(1992 to 1994 models)-
removal and refitting
1
Warning: These vehicles are
equipped with halogen gas-filled
headlight bulbs which are under
pressure and may shatter if the
surface is damaged or the bulb is dropped.
Wear eye protection and handle the bulbs
carefully, grasping only the base whenever
possible. Do not touch the surface of the
bulb with your fingers because the oil from
your skin could cause it to overheat and
fail prematurely. If you do touch the bulb
surface, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
1Remove the headlight bulb (Section 17).
2Remove the retaining nuts, detach the
housing and withdraw it from the vehicle (see
illustration).
3Refitting is the reverse of removal.
20 Horn- check and renewal
2
Check
Note:Check the fuses before beginning
electrical diagnosis.
1Disconnect the electrical connector from
the horn.
2To test the horn, connect battery voltage to
the two terminals with a pair of jumper wires.
If the horn doesn’t sound, renew it.
3If the horn does sound, check for voltage at
the terminal when the horn button is
depressed (see illustration). If there’s voltage
at the terminal, check for a bad earth at the
horn.
4If there’s no voltage at the horn, check the
relay (see Section 6). Note that most horn
relays are either the four-terminal or externally
earthed three-terminal type.
5If the relay is OK, check for voltage to the
relay power and control circuits. If either of the
circuits are not receiving voltage, inspect the
wiring between the relay and the fuse panel.
6If both relay circuits are receiving voltage,
depress the horn button and check the circuit
from the relay to the horn button for continuityto earth. If there’s no continuity, check the
circuit for an open. If the circuit is good, renew
the horn button.
7If there’s continuity to earth through the
horn button, check for an open or short in the
circuit from the relay to the horn.Renewal
8Remove the radiator grille inserts (see
Chapter 11).
9Disconnect the electrical connector and
remove the retaining nuts securing the horn
brackets (see illustration).
10Refitting is the reverse of removal.
21 Bulb renewal
1
Front direction indicator/rear
parking and side marker lights
1Remove the lens retaining screws and the
lens (see illustration).
2Push inward and rotate the bulb anti-
clockwise to remove it from the holder.
3Renew the bulb, refit the lamp lens and test
the bulb operation.
Body electrical system 12•11
12
20.9 Disconnect the electrical connector,
remove the retaining nuts (arrowed) - then
detach the horn(s)21.1 The front direction indicator/rear
parking and side marker light bulbs are
accessible after removing the lens screws
3261 Jaguar XJ6 19.2 Remove the headlight housing retaining nuts (arrowed) from
the backside of the radiator support
20.3 Check for power at the horn terminal with the horn button
depressed
Rear direction indicator,
brake, tail and reversing lights
4Open the boot and remove the plastic
knobs securing the tail light housing trim
cover (see illustration).
5Remove two more plastic knobs and
detach the tail light bulb cluster from the rear
tail light housing. The defective bulb can then
be pulled out of the socket and replaced (see
illustration).
Number plate light
6Remove the lens retaining screws (see
illustration).
7Detach the lens and renew the defective
bulb.
High-mounted brake light
8The brake light cover is retained by screws.
Remove the cover and renew the bulb.
Interior lights
9Remove the overhead console (Chapter 11).
Detach the bulb from the retaining clips and
renew the bulb (see illustration).
Instrument cluster illumination
10To gain access to the instrument cluster
illumination lights, the instrument cluster
housing will have to be removed (Chapter 11).
The bulbs can then be removed and replaced
from the rear of the cluster (see illustration).
22 Inertia switch-
description and check
1
1The inertia switch is a safety mechanism
which governs various electrical circuits such
as the central locking, electric window and
ignition circuits. In the event of a crash, the
inertia switch will automatically unlock the
doors, shut off power to all ignition circuits,
and lock the boot lid and the fuel filler cap.
2To test the inertia switch, turn the ignition
key to the ON position, then lock the driver
and passenger side doors and unlock the
boot lid. Then simply pull upward on the
trip/reset button located on top of the inertiaswitch. All ignition circuits should shut off, the
doors should unlock and the boot lid should
lock. To reset the inertia switch, simply push
downward on the trip/reset button (see
illustration).
12•12 Body electrical system
21.6 Detach the lens retaining screws
(arrowed) and the lens to access the
number plate light bulbs21.9 The interior light bulbs can be
accessed after lowering the overhead
console21.10 To remove an instrument cluster
bulb, depress the bulbholder and rotate it
anti-clockwise
3261 Jaguar XJ6 21.4 The Rear direction indicator, brake, tail and reversing light
bulbs are accessible from the boot compartment after removing
the plastic knobs (arrowed) securing the bulb housing covers
21.5 Remove the bulb cluster from the tail light housing - The
bulb is removed by pushing in and turning the bulb anti-clockwise
22.2 The inertia switch is located behind
the passengers side kick panel - pull
upward on the button to trip the switch -
push downward on the button
to reset the switch
23 Cruise control system-
description and check
5
1The cruise control system maintains vehicle
speed with an independently operated vacuum
motor located on the passenger’s side inner
wing in the engine compartment. When the
cruise control switch is turned on, a vacuum
actuator (connected the throttle linkage) is
activated by vacuum from the vacuum motor.
The system consists of the vacuum motor,
vacuum actuator, brake switch, control
switches, a relay and associated vacuum
hoses. Some features of the system require
special testers and diagnostic procedures
which are beyond the scope of this manual.
Listed below are some general procedures that
may be used to locate common problems.
2Locate and check the fuse (see Section 3).
3Have an assistant operate the brake lights
while you check their operation (voltage from
the brake light switch deactivates the cruise
control).
4If the brake lights don’t come on or don’t
shut off, correct the problem and re-test the
cruise control.
5Visually inspect the vacuum hose
connected to the vacuum motor and vacuum
actuator. Check the freeplay between the
vacuum actuator stop and the throttle link slot
(see illustration).
6Test drive the vehicle to determine if the
cruise control is now working. If it isn’t, take it
to a dealer service department or an
automotive electrical specialist for further
diagnosis and repair.
24 Electric window system-
description and check
2
1The electric window system operates
electric motors, mounted in the doors, which
lower and raise the windows. The system
consists of the control switches, relays, the
motors, regulators, glass mechanisms and
associated wiring.
2The electric windows can be lowered and
raised from the master control switch by the
driver or by remote switches located at the
individual windows. Each window has a
separate motor which is reversible. The
position of the control switch determines the
polarity and therefore the direction of
operation.
3The circuit is protected by a fuse. Each
motor is also equipped with an internal circuit
breaker, this prevents one stuck window from
disabling the whole system.
4The electric window system will only
operate when the ignition switch is ON. In
addition, many models have a window lockout
switch at the master control switch which,
when activated, disables the switches at the
rear windows and, sometimes, the switch at
the passenger’s window also. Always check
these items before diagnosing a window
problem.
5These procedures are general in nature, so
if you can’t find the problem using them, take
the vehicle to a dealer service department or
other properly equipped repair facility.
6If the electric windows won’t operate,
always check the fuse first.
7If only the rear windows are inoperative, or
if the windows only operate from the master
control switch, check the rear window lockout
switch for continuity in the unlocked position.
Renew it if it doesn’t have continuity.
8Check the wiring between the switches andfuse panel for continuity. Repair the wiring, if
necessary.
9If only one window is inoperative from the
master control switch, try the other control
switch at the window. Note:This doesn’t
apply to the driver’s door window.
10If the same window works from one
switch, but not the other, check the switch for
continuity.
11If the switch tests OK, check for a short or
open in the circuit between the affected
switch and the window motor.
12If one window is inoperative from both
switches, remove the trim panel from the
affected door and check for voltage at the
switch and at the motor while the switch is
operated (see illustration).
13If voltage is reaching the motor,
disconnect the glass from the regulator (see
Chapter 11). Move the window up and down
by hand while checking for binding and
damage. Also check for binding and damage
to the regulator. If the regulator is not
damaged and the window moves up and
down smoothly, renew the motor. If there’s
binding or damage, lubricate, repair or renew
parts, as necessary.
14If voltage isn’t reaching the motor, check
the wiring in the circuit for continuity between
the switches and motors. You’ll need to
consult the wiring diagram for the vehicle.
If the circuit is equipped with a relay, check
that the relay is earthed properly and receiving
voltage.
15Test the windows after you are done to
confirm proper repairs.
25 Central locking system-
description and check
5
The central locking system operates the
door lock actuators mounted in each door.
The system consists of the switches, relays,
Body electrical system 12•13
12
3261 Jaguar XJ6 23.5 Check the cruise control throttle linkage for binding
24.12 If no voltage is present at the motor with the switch
depressed, check for voltage at the switch
3261 Jaguar XJ6
MOT test checksREF•9
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 and/or homologation plate
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