2005 LOTUS ELISE Owners Manual

Important Safety Information About ModificationsDo not remove any original equipment or modify your car
in any way that would alter its design or operation. This could
make your car unsafe or illegal to drive. For example, do not install wheels and tires with a differ
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ent overall diameter. Such modifications can adversely affect handling, and interfere with the operation of the car’s anti-lock
brakes and other systems. In addition, any modifications that decrease ground clearance
beyond Lotus approval, increase the chance of undercarriage
parts striking a kerb, speed bump, or other raised object, which
could cause your airbags to deploy as well as damaging the
chassis and body underside. Do not modify your steering wheel or any other part of your air
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bag system. Modifications could make the system ineffective.
WARNING: Do not attach or place objects on the airbag covers.
Any object attached to or placed on the covers marked
‘AIRBAG’, in the centre of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. Or, if the airbags inflate, the objects could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone.
Accessories
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Storing Your EliseIf you intend to store your Elise for a prolonged period, con
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sult your Lotus dealer who will be pleased to advise you. We recommend that the car is stored inside a secure garage. The
following guidelines are provided for your information:
• Ensure the engine oil and filter, coolant and brake fluid have recently been renewed. The a.c. system should be in good
working order and fully charged.
• Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the car, including the engine compartment. If necessary, use a ‘jet’ washer to remove dirt and salt deposits from the underside, but do not
use around bearings, hydraulic components, painted surfaces or the soft top roof. Allow to dry completely.
• Chock the road wheels, leave off the parking brake, and engage reverse gear.
• Increase the tire pressures to 60 psi (4 bar). If possible, move the car slightly every month to help avoid flat spots on the
Tires.
• Either leave the battery in the car and connect a battery management (conditioner) type of charger, or remove the battery and trickle charge every two months. Note that with
the battery disconnected or removed, the alarm system is
de-activated.
• Unless the garage is equipped with a de-humidifier, the use of drying agents (Silica-Gel) is recommended in cars with
leather upholstery and in conditions of high humidity.
• The use of unapproved car covers may have a detrimental effect on the car’s paint finish and such damage will not be
covered by your car’s warranty.
In general, the Elise will be kept in best operating condition
by regular use.
Accessories
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RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS
EngineIn order to enhance the longevity and reliability of the car, it
is most important that only the specified lubricants are used. It
is an entirely false economy to try to save money by using lower quality oils, which may break down before the next change in
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terval and provide inadequate protection before the end of the
term. High oil consumption may also result.
For topping up purposes during the running-in period prior to
the First After Sales Service, a top quality mineral or semi-syn
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thetic 5W/40 oil should be used. At the First After Sales Service and completion of the running-in period, a fully synthetic 5W/40
oil such as Texaco Havoline Synthetic should be used. This oil
has been tested in all climatic conditions likely to be encountered,
and offers advantages in ease of cranking, smooth cold running
and fuel economy at low temperatures, in combination with good
wear protection at elevated temperatures and at high engine speeds. If Texaco/Havoline products are not available, an oil meeting the following specification should be used.
NOTICE: Note that Lotus does not recommend the use of any oil additives and use of such additives may invalidate the terms
of your car’s warranty.
Viscosity: 5W/40
Quality Standard: API SJEC; ILSAC; ACEA A3
Capacity - refill inc. filter 4.4 litre
(Cars fitted with front mounted oil coolers contain an additional
3.5 litres, but this oil is not drained during routine servicing) Difference between high & low dipstick marks
1.5 litre
Oil change interval Refer to Maintenance Schedule
‘Severe Service’ Conditions Certain operating conditions can cause rapid degradation of
the oil quality, either by the accumulation of dirt particles, or by
the absorption of water from condensation. If any of the ‘severe
service’ conditions described below apply, it is recommended
that the oil and filter be changed twice as frequently as is listed in the Maintenance Schedule.
Recommended Lubricants
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• Driving in dusty areas (e.g. on unmetalled roads); Change
the oil and filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust
storm.
• Stop/start driving with frequent short trips where the engine
rarely warms up thoroughly (especially in cold weather/cli
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mates); and/or frequent or prolonged idling.
• Track use, with repeated high rpm, wide throttle openings
and high oil temperatures. For appropriate maintenance, dis
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cusswith your Lotus dealer. Note that use of the car off road or in a competitive manner, including timed runs or laps, will
invalidate warranty and require appropriate levels of expert
car preparation and servicing.
Transmission (gearbox & final drive) Viscosity SAE 75W/90
Quality Standard API GL-4 or GL-5
Capacity 2.3 litre (2.4 US qt)
Oil change interval Refer to Maintenance Schedule
Brake & Clutch System
Type Non-mineral (non-petroleum)
hydraulic fluid
Specification DOT 4
Capacity - brake 1.5 litre
- clutch 0.5 litre
Fluid change interval 12 months
Engine Coolant Additive
Only approved product Havoline XLC
Type Ethylene glycol antifreeze with
OAT corrosion inhibitors
Colour Orange
Concentration 50%
Quantity reqd. @ 50% 6 litres
Recommended Lubricants
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TECHNICAL DATA
Tires - Standard
Type - std. Yokohama Neova AD07
- sport option Yokohama A048
Size - front - std. 175/55 R16
- sport option 195/50 R16 84W
- rear 225/45 R17 90W
Pressure (cold) - front - std. 180kPa (26 psi)
- sport option 180kPa (26 psi)
- rear 200kPa (29psi)
Winter Tires
Type - front Pirelli 210 Snowsport
- rear Pirelli 240 Snowsport
Size - front 195/50 R16
- rear 215/45 R17
Pressure (cold) - front 180kPa (26 psi)
- rear 190kPa (27.5 psi)
Wheels
Type - std. Cast alloy, 8 spoke
- sport option Forged alloy, 7 twin-spoke
Size - front - std. 5.5J x 16
- sport option 6.5J x 16
- rear 7.5J x 17
Wheel bolt torque 105 Nm (77 lbf.ft)
Dimensions
Overall length 3785 mm
Overall width - excl. mirrors 1719 mm
- incl. mirrors 1850 mm (approx.)
Overall height (at kerb weight) 1117 mm
Wheelbase 2300 mm
Track - front 1457 mm
- rear 1503 mm
Ground clearance (mid laden)
- std. 135 mm
- sport 130 mm
Front overhang 783 mm
Rear overhang 702 mm
Approach angle (at kerb) (sport) 13.5° Departure angle (at kerb) (sport) 23°
Technical Data
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Unladen weight - total 912 kg ) inc.
(heaviest) - front 344 kg ) full fuel
- rear 568 kg ) tank
Max. weight - total 1162 kg > incl.
- front 441 kg > occupants
- rear 721 kg > & luggage
Trailer towing Not permissible
Capacities Engine oil (refill inc. filter) 4.7 U.S. qt. (4.4 litre)
(+3.7 U.S. qt (3.5) litre if front mounted oil coolers are drained) High/low dipstick mark difference 1.6 U.S. qt. (1.5 litre)
Transmission oil 2.4 U.S. qt. (2.3 litre)
Fuel tank 10.6 U.S. gall. (40 litre)
Cooling system 12.7 U.S. qt. (12 litre)
A.C. refrigerant (R134a) 1.2 lb (0.55 kg)
Front Suspension

T ype Independent. Upper and
lower wishbone co-axial
coil spring/telescopic
damper unit; anti-roll bar
Steering axis inclination 12° nominal
Geometry specification - Standard: Mid-laden ride height (reference height for geometry check)
- front 135 mm below front end
of chassis siderail
- rear 135 mm below rear end
of chassis siderail
Castor - optimum + 3.8°
- tolerance range + 3.5° to + 4.1°;
max. side/side 0.35°
Camber - optimum - 0.1°
- tolerance range + 0.1° to - 0.3°
max. side/side 0.2°
Alignment - optimum Zero - tolerance range 0.5 mm toe-out, to
0.7mm toe-in overall
Technical Data
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Geometry specification - Sport option:Mid-laden ride height (reference height for geometry check)
- front 130 mm below front end
of chassis siderail
- rear 130 mm below rear end
of chassis siderail
Castor - optimum + 3.8°
- tolerance range + 3.5° to + 4.1°;
max. side/side 0.35°
Camber - optimum - 0.3°
- tolerance range - 0.1° to - 0.5°
max. side/side 0.2°
Alignment - optimum Zero - tolerance range 0.5 mm toe-out, to
0.5 mm toe-in overall
Rear Suspension
Type Independent. Upper and
lower wishbone; co-axial
coil spring/telescopic
damper.
Geometry specification - Standard: Mid-laden ride height (reference height for geometry check)
- front 135 mm below front end
of chassis siderail
- rear 135 mm below rear end
of chassis siderail
Camber - optimum - 1.8°
- tolerance range - 1.6° to - 2.0°
max.side/side 0.2°
Alignment - optimum 1.2 mm toe-in each side - tolerance range 1.2 to 1.8mm toe-in each
side
max.side/side 0.3 mm
Geometry specification - Sport option: Mid-laden ride height (reference height for geometry check)
- front 130 mm below front end
of chassis siderail
- rear 130 mm below rear end
of chassis siderail
Technical Data
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Camber - optimum - 1.8°
- tolerance range - 1.6° to - 2.0°
max.side/side 0.2°
Alignment - optimum 1.5 mm toe-in each side - tolerance range 1.2 to 1.8 mm toe-in each
side
max.side/side 0.3 mm
Electrical
Light Bulbs Watt. Type
Headlamps 55 H1 & H7
Front side/parking lamps 5 W5W
Front turn indicators 21 PY21w amber
Rear turn indicators 21 H21
Side repeater lamps 5 W Y5W amber
Stop lamps 21 H21
Tail/stop lamps 4/21 P21/4w
Tail/turn lamps 4/21 P21/4w
High mounted stop lamp 2.5 16 x LED
Reversing lamp 21 H21
Licence plate lamps 5 C5W
Interior lamp 5 W5W
System voltage/polarity 12V negative earth
Alternator 85A
Battery (service replacement)
- type Delco 19001598
- BCI code 26R- 6YR
- cranking power 550 amps @ -18°C
- reserve capacity 80 minutes
Engine
Type designation 2ZZ-GE
Cylinder configuration in-line 4
Capacity 1796 cm
3
Bore 82.0 mm
Stroke 85.0 mm
Camshafts Chain driven DOHC 4VPC
Valve actuation - inlet Variable timing and lift
- exhaust Variable lift
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Firing order 1,3,4,2
Technical Data
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