🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Rover

Model:

400 Series

Model Codes:

Possible codes include RT, XW, and potentially others depending on specific body styles and engine options within the series.

Generation Designation:

Covers the first generation (SD) and potentially the early part of the second generation (HH) depending on precise overlap. The 1990-1999 range captures a significant portion of the first generation and the entirety of its successor before the Rover 45.

Production Period:

1990-1999

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact family car segment. Competed with vehicles like the Ford Escort, Vauxhall Astra/Opel Astra, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 306.

Key Competitors:

Ford Escort, Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 306, Renault 19, Fiat Tipo.

Design Philosophy:

The Rover 400 Series aimed to offer a blend of British comfort, refinement, and modern styling, often positioned as a more premium offering within its class, especially with Honda-derived engineering.

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a reliable, comfortable, and stylish compact car with a reputation for good build quality, partly due to its Honda partnership.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Primarily European markets where the Rover 400 Series was sold. Specific market variations are generally not detailed in such manuals unless they significantly impact repair procedures.

Page Count:

374

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Download Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (disassembly, assembly, overhaul), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor and fuel injection), ignition system, emission control systems, engine management.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (gearbox overhaul, clutch service), automatic transmission (service and troubleshooting, where applicable).

Drivetrain Systems:

Front-wheel drive components, driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts.

Suspension Systems:

Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, steering knuckle.

Braking Systems:

Hydraulic brake system, disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) where fitted, parking brake.

Steering Systems:

Manual steering system, power steering system (components, service, hydraulic troubleshooting).

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays.

Body Systems:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, glass replacement, body repair techniques, rust prevention.

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, and service.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (if applicable to the specified years), other passive safety features.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (for applicable models).

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of all major vehicle components and systems.

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve clearances, brake adjustments, steering alignment, clutch adjustment.

Installation Procedures:

Installation of new or reconditioned components, accessories, and replacement parts.

Special Tool Usage:

Identification and usage of specific factory-recommended tools for specialized repair tasks.

Technical Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions, pictorial diagrams, exploded views, schematics, and technical specifications.

Data Provision:

Includes service data, specifications, tightening torques, wear limits, and diagnostic information.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-quality, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Pages are printable.

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within Adobe Reader, allowing quick location of specific topics.

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, and Linux OS compatible.

Printability:

Yes, all pages are printable for convenient workshop use.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF) - No physical binding.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format).

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader required for viewing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Honda D-Series (e.g., D14, D16) and Rover K-Series (e.g., K16) engines were prominent.

Displacement Range:

Common displacements included 1.4L, 1.6L, and potentially 1.8L or 2.0L diesel variants.

Horsepower Range:

Typically ranging from approximately 75 hp for 1.4L engines to over 100 hp for 1.6L engines, with performance variants like the 420 GSi potentially offering more.

Torque Range:

Corresponding torque figures would vary significantly based on engine size and type.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for most petrol engines. Some earlier models or specific variants might have used carburetors, but EFI became standard.

Engine Management:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) controlled fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Five-speed manual transmission was standard on most models.

Automatic Transmission:

A four-speed automatic transmission was typically an optional upgrade on many variants.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door saloon (sedan) and a 5-door hatchback. Some markets may have had other variants.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2550 mm (100.4 inches), though variations might exist between saloon and hatchback.

Overall Length:

Varied by body style, generally around 4200-4300 mm.

Curb Weight:

Ranged from approximately 1050 kg to 1250 kg depending on engine, transmission, and specification.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

Euro NCAP ratings for this era were less standardized. Early models would likely have had basic safety features. Later models may have incorporated improvements.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often an optional extra or standard on higher trim levels.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts (pre-tensioners may have been present on later models), collapsible steering column, reinforced safety cell. Airbags were typically optional or standard on top trims.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette players were common, with CD players becoming available on higher trims or as options during the later years of production. Basic speaker systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS was the primary advanced driver assistance system available, usually as an option. Parking sensors and advanced stability control were not common.

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity by modern standards. Basic remote central locking and alarm systems might have been available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Specific interval for Rover K-series engines might be tighter. Check manual for precise recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For Rover K-series engines, timing belt replacement is critical, usually around 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Honda D-series engines might use timing chains or belts with different intervals.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or ACEA A1/A2/A3. Viscosity typically 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for precise grades.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific OAT or HOAT coolant compatibility.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil. Viscosity typically 75W-80 or 75W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Typically Dexron II or equivalent for the automatic transmission.

Cooling System K Series:

Head gasket failures are a known potential issue with Rover K-series engines, often exacerbated by coolant loss or incorrect bleeding procedures. The 'dog leg' hose and coolant leak issues are particularly noted.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion on electrical connectors, particularly in older models, can lead to intermittent faults in lighting, ignition, and engine management systems.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and anti-roll bar links can wear over time, leading to knocking noises and degraded handling.

Rust:

Like many vehicles of this era, rust can be an issue in common areas such as wheel arches, sills, and around window seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Rover Heritage:

Rover, a historic British marque, was known for its blend of comfort, luxury, and durability. The 400 Series continued this tradition, albeit within the compact segment.

First Generation:

Launched in 1990, the first generation Rover 400 (SD) was a significant departure, featuring extensive Honda collaboration, particularly in its platform and powertrains. It was available in saloon and hatchback forms.

Second Generation:

The second generation (HH) arrived around 1995, introducing revised styling, updated interiors, and further refined powertrains. It continued the Honda partnership with shared platforms and engines.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Production End Year:

The 400 Series was succeeded by the Rover 45 in 1999, although production overlap may have occurred.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

While specific awards are not widely documented, the Rover 400 Series was generally well-received for its comfort and refinement, particularly benefiting from the Honda engineering influence. It was a solid contender in its segment.