Rover 45 Common Problems and Solutions
Engine Runs Too Long
Problem:
When you turn the engine off, it continues to run for a long time and may even start to rev.
Solution:
This is fairly rare on the 45, but it happens enough to be worth mentioning. Have a look at your idle control valve, which may be sticking. Cleaning it out may solve the issue, but you might need to order a new valve from our parts page if it has become damaged. Then, check your throttle body, which might also have started to stick. This is a simple case of giving it a good clean.
Difficulty level
Idle Control Valve
Engine Overheating Quickly (4-Cylinder Petrol Engines)
Problem:
The engine has started to overheat, and there is white smoke coming from the exhaust. Your dipstick may look like it has an oily white coating.
Solution:
Although the Rover is a generally durable car, the four-cylinder petrol engine versions do have a head gasket vulnerability, and it is common for it to blow. A garage will charge you a fair bit of cash to install a replacement. However, due to the quality of the Rover 45, replacing the head gasket is a lot more straightforward than you might think, and we always have them available to order.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Rear suspension problems
Problem:
The rear trailing arm bush is prone to perishing, or even splitting. You can check this by looking under the rear wheel arch.
Solution:
You will need to replace the rear trailing arm bush to rectify the problem.
Difficulty level
Trailing Arm
Window regulator problems
Problem:
There are known issue with the window regulator on this car. If you are having problems with moving the window up or down, then the window regulator is faulty. Before it gets to the stage of a broken window regulator, you should unwind the window half way down and check to see if there is any movement in the window. If there is, you just need to make an adjustment to the window to avoid the regulator getting damaged.
Solution:
As mentioned above, you may only need to make an adjustment to the window regulator, but if the regulator is faulty you will need to fit a replacement one to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Window Regulator Mechanism
Heater problems
Problem:
If you are having problems with the heater not working on settings 1 and 2, then this is an indication of a faulty heater resistor. It is common for this part to fail, and for the heater only to work on the higher third and fourth settings.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement heater resistor pack will fix the problem. Watch the video below for an idea how to sort this problem:
Difficulty level
Heater Resistor
Starting problems
Problem:
There could be two causes of starting problems on the 45. If you are only having difficulty starting the car when the engine is cold, you most likely have an issue with the coolant temperature sensor. If you are having problems starting when the engine is both warm and cold, it will be the crankshaft sensor at fault.
Solution:
Whichever sensor is causing the fault, you will need to fit a replacement one to resolve the issue. You may want to run a diagnostic check to correctly identify exactly which sensor is faulty. We can help you find either sensor at very low prices.
Difficulty level
SRS Light Illuminated
Problem:
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light is lit up on your dash.
Solution:
There is something wrong with your safety measurements. In the vast majority of cases on the Rover 45, the fault will be worn seat belt tensioners. This is an easy fix, and we always have new tensioners available to order. Although easy, it may not resolve the issue, so it might be worth heading to a Rover dealer for a full diagnostic check to ensure that your 45 is safe to drive.
Difficulty level
Seatbelt Pretensioner