Chapter 1 Routine maintenance and servicing

1595 Ford Fiesta RemakeMOT test checks REF•11Electrical equipment Switch on the ignition and check theoperation of the horn. Check the windscreen washers and wipers,examining the wiper blades; renew damagedor perished blades. Also check the operationof the stop-lights. Inspect both front brake flexible hoses forcracks or deterioration of the rubber. Turn thesteering from lock to lock, and ensure that thehoses do not contact the wheel, tyre, or anypart of the steering or suspension mechanism.With the brake pedal firmly depressed, checkthe hoses for bulges or leaks under pressure.Seat belts and seatsNote: The following checks are applicable toall seat belts, front and rear. Examine the webbing of all the belts(including rear belts if fitted) for cuts, seriousfraying or deterioration. Fasten and unfasteneach belt to check the buckles. If applicable,check the retracting mechanism. Check thesecurity of all seat belt mountings accessiblefrom inside the vehicle. The front seats themselves must besecurely attached and the backrests mustlock in the upright position.Doors Both front doors must be able to be openedand closed from outside and inside, and mustlatch securely when closed.2 Checks carried outWITH THE VEHICLE ON THEGROUNDVehicle identification Number plates must be in good condition,secure and legible, with letters and numberscorrectly spaced – spacing at (A) should betwice that at (B). Check the operation of the sidelights andnumber plate lights. The lenses and reflectorsmust be secure, clean and undamaged. Check the operation and alignment of theheadlights. The headlight reflectors must notbe tarnished and the lenses must beundamaged. Switch on the ignition and check theoperation of the direction indicators (includingthe instrument panel tell-tale) and the hazardwarning lights. Operation of the sidelights andstop-lights must not affect the indicators - if itdoes, the cause is usually a bad earth at therear light cluster. Check the operation of the rear foglight(s),including the warning light on the instrumentpanel or in the switch.Footbrake Examine the master cylinder, brake pipesand servo unit for leaks, loose mountings,corrosion or other damage.Steering and suspension Have your assistant turn the steering wheelfrom side to side slightly, up to the point wherethe steering gear just begins to transmit thismovement to the roadwheels. Check forexcessive free play between the steeringwheel and the steering gear, indicating wear orinsecurity of the steering column joints, thecolumn-to-steering gear coupling, or thesteering gear itself. Have your assistant turn the steering wheelmore vigorously in each direction, so that theroadwheels just begin to turn. As this is done,examine all the steering joints, linkages,fittings and attachments. Renew anycomponent that shows signs of wear ordamage. On vehicles with power steering,check the security and condition of thesteering pump, drivebelt and hoses. Check that the vehicle is standing level,and at approximately the correct ride height.Shock absorbers Depress each corner of the vehicle in turn,then release it. The vehicle should rise andthen settle in its normal position. If the vehiclecontinues to rise and fall, the shock absorberis defective. A shock absorber which hasseized will also cause the vehicle to fail. The VIN plate and/or homologation platemust be legible. The fluid reservoir must be secure and thefluid level must be between the upper (A) andlower (B) markings.REF