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oh33e
Key insert /removeColumn unlocked
Ignition auxilliaries
Position not used
INSTRUMENTS & SWITCHES
Ignition Switch /Steering LockThe switch/lock is located on the right hand side of the steer
-
ing column.
I Insert the key into the slot, and turn clockwise to position ‘I’ to unlock the steering column. If the key is reluctant to turn,
wiggle the steering wheel to ease the load on the steering
lock.
II Turn to position ‘II’ to switch on the ignition and operate aux-
iliary equipment.
III This spring loaded position is not used on the Elise. The engine
start function is controlled by a ‘Start’ button at the left hand
end of the dashboard (see below).
B To remove the key, turn fully counterclockwise to ‘B’ and withdraw. The steering column lock will be activated when the key is withdrawn but may not engage until the steering is
turned and the mechanism is aligned.
NOTICE: DO NOT leave the ignition switched on for long periods
without the engine running. Although the engine ignition system itself draws no current when the engine is stopped, a battery drain will occur through other circuits even when auxiliary equip
-
ment is not being used. For security reasons, and to guard against battery drain,
always remove the key when leaving the car.
Instruments & Switches
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WARNING:
• Do not push or tow the car unless the key is first used to unlock the column and is then left in the lock. With
-
drawing the key will cause the steering to lock.
• Never remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition while the car is moving. Withdrawing the key
will cause the steering to lock and may cause an accident
resulting in serious injury or death.
• To reduce the risk of theft, or danger to a child remaining in the car, always remove the key when leaving a parked
car.
Engine Start Button An engine start button is located at the left hand end of the
dashboard, alongside the lighting switches, and is backlit when
the ignition is turned on. The button is operative only with the ignition on, and engages
the engine starter motor for as long as the button is pressed. Release the button to stop engine cranking.
For the correct engine starting procedure, refer to later sec
-
tion ‘Starting Procedure’.
NOTICE: Pressing the start button when the engine is running may damage the starter mecha
ohs147Engine start button
Instruments & Switches
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STARTING PROCEDURE & ENGINE BREAK-IN
WARNING:CARBON MONOXIDE - Be aware of the danger of carbon
monoxide! Never run the engine in an enclosed space. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly gas
which is particularly dangerous, as being colourless odour
-
less and tasteless, its presence is very difficult to detect.
Before starting the engine, always check that the parking
brake is firmly applied, the transmission is in neutral, and as
an extra precaution, depress the clutch pedal. Switch off any
unnecessary electrical loads.
Starting a Cold or Warm Engine
The fuel injection and engine management system controls fuel delivery and engine settings under all normal operating conditions.
i) Insert the key into the steering lock/ignition switch and turn to
position ‘l’ to unlock the column. Before turning on the igni
-
tion; if the security tell tale in the tachometer face is flashing, mobilise the engine by pressing once, and for a full second,
the larger of the two buttons on the transmitter fob.
ii) Turn the key to position ‘II’ to switch on the ignition, and pause
for a moment to allow the fuel system to prime.
iii) Depress the clutch pedal as a precaution, and without moving
the accelerator, press the ‘Start’ button at the left hand end of
the dashboard to engage the starter motor. Release the button
as soon as the engine starts. Allow a cold engine to idle for
10 seconds before driving off, but if ambient temperatures are below freezing, allow the engine and screen heating systems
to warm up for a few minutes before driving.
iv) If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, stop cranking
and pause for 10 seconds before a second attempt.
v) If further efforts are unsuccessful, contact your dealer or seek
other expert help.
WARNING:
An unattended car with a running engine is potentially
hazardous. Turn off the engine before leaving the car.
Starting & Engine Break-In
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