2005 LOTUS ELISE light

Gear LeverThe gear lever is spring biased towards the 3rd/4th gear plane,
and must be moved against light spring pressure to the left be
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fore selecting first or second gear, or against similar pressure to the right before selecting 5th or 6th speed.
Engaging Reverse Gear: With the car at a complete standstill
,
pause for a moment with the clutch pedal fully depressed before
moving the lever to the left, raising the lift collar beneath the
knob, and then further to the left over a spring detent before
finally pushing forwards to engage the gear.
When changing gear, it is essential that the transmission is
not abused by ‘power shifting’; the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed during each gear shift, and the throttle pedal eased
during upshifts.
NOTICE: Gearshifting without correct operation of the clutch and
throttle controls can result in severe damage to the transmission
and engine. Any damage caused by driving in this way will not be covered by the Limited Warranty.
Driving Controls
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GEAR CHANGE PATTERN

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NOTICE: The use of wide throttle openings and/or high rpm before the engine has reached normal running temperature will
result in premature wear, and should be avoided.
Idle Speed Engine idle speed is controlled electronically by the engine
management computer, and is normally about 850 rpm. A
raised idle speed is required under certain operating conditions
including the engine warm up phase, when the increased speed helps the catalytic converter to reach operating temperature, as
well as inhibiting engine stall. Idle speed will return to normal automatically when the engine has warmed sufficiently.
Engine Break-In Although the Elise powertrain is built to close tolerances
using modern technology, the progressive and sympathetic
breaking-in (or bedding-in) of a new engine and transmission
remains a major factor in attaining ef ficient operation with
smooth, durable and economic performance to last throughout
the life of the car.
NOTICE: Failure to comply with the following break-in provi
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sions could invalidate the terms of the car warranty:
It is important during the car’s early life to limit the workload on
the engine and thus control the heat generated within it, which is primarily a function of throttle opening and rpm. However, being
too sympathetic on the car will not allow the piston rings to bed in
satisfactorily, so a balance of spirited and gentle use is required.
For the first 600 miles (1,000 km), use no more than moderate
throttle openings (about half of the available accelerator pedal
travel) and do not run the engine continuously at engine speeds over 4,500 rpm. Occasional short bursts at wider throttle and
higher rpm will be beneficial, as will a constantly changing cruis
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ing speed and making full use of the gearbox. Do not allow the
engine to labour in too high a gear ratio, but change down and
let the engine operate in its natural power band. When changing gear, use only a light touch on the gear lever.
Forcing the change will cause unnecessary wear on the system components and result in higher shift efforts being required. Al
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low the brakes to bed-in by avoiding needless heavy braking for
the first 100 miles (160 km). Both gearchange and brake pedal
Starting & Engine Break-In
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EXTERNAL OPERATIONS
Fuel Requirement USE UNLEADED PREMIUM GR ADE GASOLINE.
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specifications.
Use of fuels not meeting ASTM specifications could cause poor performance and increase emissions.
For optimum car performance and fuel economy, the use
of super or premium unleaded gasoline, with a minimum
octane rating of 91 (RON+MON)/2 is recommended. Where
super or premium fuel is not available, the Elise will operate
satisfactorily on unleaded gasoline having a minimum rating
of 87 (RON+MON)/2, but car performance and economy will be reduced. Using fuel with a lower octane rating may cause knocking
(pinking) which, if severe, can cause serious engine damage.
Light knocking may occasionally be heard for short periods when accelerating or driving up hills, and this should cause no concern,
although using a lower gear would be advised. If, however, you hear persistent heavy knocking when using the specified fuel,
consult your dealer without delay.
The use of good quality fuels containing proper detergent ad
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ditives is advised for good performance and emission control.
NOTICE: Do NOT use leaded fuel: damage caused by the use of leaded or other improper fuel is not covered by the New Car
or Emission Control System Warranty. The effectiveness of
the catalytic converter decreases after as little as one tankful
of leaded fuel. Also, the car is fitted with a fuel injection system
which includes an oxygen sensor. Leaded fuel will damage the sensor, and cause emission control to deteriorate.
Gasolines Containing Alcohol - Some gasolines sold at service stations contain alcohol although they may not be so identified.
Use of fuels containing alcohol is not recommended, unless the nature of the blend can be determined as being satisfactory.
Gasohol - A mixture of 10% ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90% unleaded gasoline may be used in the Lotus Elise. If driveabil
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ity problems are experienced as a result of using gasohol, it is recommended that the car is operated on gasoline.
External Operations
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Filler Cap: The fuel filler cap is located in the right hand rear
quarter panel, concealed beneath a spring loaded flap. To remove, pull open the flap and turn the cap anticlockwise.
As the cap is turned, any slight pressure differential between the tank and atmosphere will be released, and a brief hiss may be heard, which is completely normal. Note that the cap is tethered by a short strap to protect against loss.
To refit, place the cap into the filler neck and turn clockwise
until the ratchet mechanism clicks several times. Push the flap closed.
Filling Procedure:
Insert the pump nozzle fully into the neck, and
fill until the auto-shut off mechanism is triggered. Do not attempt to ‘brim’ the tank to the top of the filler neck, as expansion of the
fuel due to temperature change (cold underground fuel storage) may cause flooding of the fuel tank breather system charcoal
canister, or spillage of fuel. The useable fuel tank capacity is 10.6 U.S. gall. (40 litres).
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FUEL FILLER FLAP & CAP
External Operations
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REMOVING ACCESS PANEL
Front Service Access PanelsThe front body has two removable access panels to allow
servicing of the brake/clutch fluid reservoir and main fusebox.
To remove an access panel:
Use the hexagonal key supplied
in the car tool kit (in the battery cover rear pocket), to release
the single threaded fastener securing the outboard corner of
the panel, and withdraw the panel from the two locating holes in the front body spine. Guard against the lightweight panel being blown away and
damaged by a strong wind.
To refit a panel: Hook the extended lip on the front edge of the panel beneath the rear edge of the louvre panel before engaging
the two locating pegs on the inboard side of the access panel
with the holes in the front body spine. Fit the single screw at
the outboard corner of the panel into the captive nut in the body,
taking care not to cross-thread or overtighten the screw. Re-stow
the hexagonal key in the tool kit.
WARNING: Ensure the access panels are refitted and properly se
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cured before driving.
External Operations
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FRONT SPIGOT BRACKET
Hard Top - Fitting
1. Open both doors, and preferably with the aid of an assistant, lower the roof onto the car holding aside the loose tethered
fixings to avoid their entrapment or their causing paint damage. Position the rear edge of the roof first before locating the front
edge against the windscreen header rail.
2. Locate a front spigot bracket into its latch plate lower slot (lifting the roof slightly to allow this) and retain to the roof with the Torx bolt. Use only the special Torx tool supplied in the car tool kit (stowed in the battery cover pocket), and do not
fully tighten at this stage.
3. Repeat step (2) for the opposite front spigot bracket.
External Operations
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REAR HOOK BRACKET
4. Pull off the trim cover from each rear corner of the roof panel and remove the screw securing the hook bracket to the latch plate at each rear corner.
5. Remove the two front corner bracket fixing screws and lift the
front edge of the roof slightly to release the front brackets
from
their latch plate slots.
6. With the aid of an assistant, lift the roof from the car taking care to restrain the tethered brackets to avoid damaging the
paintwork.
7. If storing the roof vertically, take care to avoid damaging the panel corners by using a protective floor covering.
External Operations
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NOTICE: The Elise is not equipped with conventional separate shock absorbing bumpers, so extra care should be taken when parking to guard against body damage. The Lotus Elise does
not offer the same kind and degree of impact resistance or
energy absorption afforded by conventional U.S. bumper sys
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tems. Care is also required, due to the low ground clearance, to guard against car underside damage caused by ramps, kerbs
and road humps.
Paint Care The acr ylic enamel finish of the Lotus Elise is extremely
resistant to all normal forms of atmospheric attack. Following
the simple maintenance procedure summarised below will help retain the gloss, colour and protective properties of the paint
throughout the life of the car. However, car finishes are not im
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mune to damage and amongst the more common causes of deterioration are:
- Atmospheric contaminants; dust, soot, ash, and acidic or
alkaline aerosol mist can chemically attack paint.
- Abrasion; blowing sand and dust, or a dirty washing cloth.
- Tree sap and insect fluids; can form a water-insoluble polymer
that adheres to the paint.
- Bird excrement; highly acidic or alkaline, they can chemically etch the paint. Wash off immediately.
- Leaves; contain tannic acid which can stain light finishes.
- Impact damage; granite chippings thrown up from poor or recently dressed road surfaces can subject the body to severe
localised impact, and result in paint chips, especially around
the vulnerable frontal panels. Do not follow other cars too closely in such circumstances. For optimum paintwork pro
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tection, Lotus recommends the use of a self adhesive film kit
which your dealer will be pleased to supply and/or fit.
- Moisture entrapment; Long term use of a non-breathable car cover can trap moisture and/or induce condensation and promote water penetration of the paint film.
Ventilation Water lying on the paint surface for a lengthy period will even
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tually penetrate the paint film. Although the effects will not be
visible immediately, a deterioration in the protective properties
of the paint film will ultimately result.
Servicing & Maintenance
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