MG ZS Common Problems and Solutions
Whining At High Speed
Problem:
You can hear a whining noise while driving, particularly when in 4th gear.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be due to worn differential bearings, which should be checked and replaced with new ones from our parts list. If your bearings are well lubricated and don't appear worn, then the issue is seized bushes in the clutch release arm. You can remove these easily, so give them a thorough clean and then grease both bushes. Fit them back, and the whining noise will cease.
Difficulty level
Uneven Idling
Problem:
The car feels very rough when idling.
Solution:
It's likely that your inlet manifold gasket O-ring is leaking. These are very affordable in our online store, and ordering a replacement from us ensures quick delivery. Installing it is quick and straightforward.
Difficulty level
Inlet Manifold Gasket
Misfiring Engine
Problem:
The engine regularly misfires, and the performance has declined. There might be a loud ticking sound coming from the engine.
Solution:
These are all signs that your cam belt needs replacing. This is normal wear, and the more miles it has covered, the more likely you will need to order a new cambelt from BreakerYard. However, you might also need to replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time if that hasn't already been done.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Jerky Driving
Problem:
The car jerks forward while driving. It is becoming difficult to start, and the engine performance has deteriorated.
Solution:
This indicates that your fuel pump is beginning to fail and will need replacing. If you ignore these early warning signs, your car may eventually not start at all. The fuel pump could be contaminated, a power contact might be broken, or there might be a damaged line on the pump lever. You can order a new fuel pump directly from our online store, and although it's a fiddly job, it's not a major one.
Difficulty level
Clicking Sound on Ignition
Problem:
You can hear a clicking sound coming from the engine when you turn the ignition key. The car either won't start or takes multiple attempts to turn.
Solution:
This is a simple case of a worn-out starter motor. You will easily find a replacement on our parts page, and installation is very straightforward. In an emergency, you can hit the starter motor with something heavy, but this is only a temporary solution, and you will still need to install a new one.
Difficulty level
Starter Motor
Car Won't Start
Problem:
The car won't start, and you can't figure out why.
Solution:
There are several reasons why your ZS might not start. The most common cause is a dead battery, so check that first. If the battery appears fine, then inspect the contacts for corrosion, which are located beneath the rubber covers over the battery terminals. White or silver/green deposits indicate that you need to clean the contacts rather than replace the battery. If those are fine, then check your key fob battery, as a dead one could cause the immobiliser to activate. The final check is your fuel filter, which might be blocked with dirt. You'll need to find a new filter from our parts list since this isn't something you can simply clean.
Difficulty level
Battery
Boot Not Staying Open
Problem:
The boot isn't staying open.
Solution:
The boot struts for the boot in the ZS are tested heavily due to those heavy rear spoilers. They will eventually break, but replacing them is simple and anyone can do it. Find new boot struts on our parts page and fit them after removing the worn ones.
Difficulty level
Scraping Noise From Front
Problem:
A scraping noise is coming from the front of the car while driving. The steering and brakes might not respond as well, and your tyres could be wearing unevenly.
Solution:
The front suspension on the ZS is prone to quick wear, and the scraping noise is caused by suspension bushes being worn out. Order new bushes from our parts list, and they are quite straightforward to install.
Difficulty level
Head gasket failure
Problem:
The cylinder head gasket on the ZS is prone to blowing. On the Rover K-Series engines, the head gasket is known for failing. If the head gasket blows, the car will overheat. There will also be a mixture of oil and water in the water reservoir and possibly a white, creamy substance when you open the oil filler cap. The video below explains the Rover K-Series head gasket problems.
Solution:
Replacing the cylinder head gasket will resolve the problem.
Difficulty level
Cylinder Head Gasket
ABS warning light
Problem:
Has the ABS warning light appeared on the dashboard? If so, the most likely cause is a cracked ABS reluctor ring. If this problem is left untreated for a long period, it can cause damage to the ABS sensor on that same wheel, as the ring rubs against the sensor.
Solution:
You will need to run a diagnostic check to accurately identify which wheel has the cracked reluctor ring. Once identified, check the sensor to see if it is also damaged. Replacing the ABS reluctor ring and, if necessary, the sensor, will resolve the issue. We can assist you in finding your replacement ABS parts at very low prices.
Difficulty level
Oil leak
Problem:
Have you noticed oil leaking from the four corners of the engine? It is most likely dripping down from these points. This is usually caused by an issue with the torque of the rocker cover.
Solution:
Having the rocker cover re-torqued should solve the issue.
Difficulty level
Rocker Cover
Starting problems
Problem:
Are you having trouble starting your ZS? One of the main reasons for starting issues in this car is a faulty crankshaft sensor.
Solution:
You will need to replace the crankshaft sensor to resolve this issue. We can assist you in finding a replacement crankshaft sensor at a very affordable price.
Difficulty level
Crank Position Sensor