low LOTUS ELISE 2005 Owners Manual

LIFTING AND TOWING
Towing Eye A towing eye is stowed in the car tool kit, located in the battery
cover rear pocket. When required, remove the protective bung (if
fitted), and fit the towing eye to its anchorage point in the radiator air intake aperture, screwing fully into the tapped boss.
The eye is provided to aid car recovery, such as winching
onto a flatbed car transporter, but only when the car is able to roll freely. Only in an emergency should the car be towed, and
for the shortest distance necessary, during which time the fol
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lowing precautions must be taken:
WARNING:
• Use only towing equipment designed specifically for this purpose, or damage to the car may be caused, or you
could be killed or seriously injured.
• Ensure that the key is used to unlock the steering column, and is then left in the lock. Never withdraw the key until
the car is stationary. The steering column will lock when
the key is withdrawn.
• Release the parking brake and ensure that the trans
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mission is in neutral.
• Comply with all local legislation applicable to cars being
towed.
• Under no circumstances is the car to be secured using
the towing eye.
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TOWING EYE FITMENT
Lifting & Towing
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C; Garage use with 4-point lift. Do not use if the diffuser panel is
fitted. Beneath the outboard end of the chassis crossmember ahead of the rear wheelarches. Take care to position the jack
between the fixing screws for the fuel tank bay perforated
undershield. Avoid the fuel tank brackets.
D; Do not use if the diffuser panel is fitted. Beneath the rear
subframe, close to the lower wishbone rearmost mountings.
NOTICE: In order fully to exploit the benefits of light weight, and
to maximise stowage space, the Elise has no provision for spare
wheel carriage or lifting jack. A temporary puncture repair facility is provided in the form of a tire inflator aerosol (see page 124).
Fuel Tank Undershield
WARNING: The perforated panel enclosing the underside of the fuel
tank bay, contributes to the structural rigidity of the chassis
frame. Do not use the car with this panel removed.
Lifting & Towing
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ACCESSORIES
Accessories and ModificationsModifying your car, or installing some non-Lotus accessories,
can make your car unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information
and confer with your dealer:
Accessories:
Your dealer has genuine Lotus accessories that allow you to
personalise your car. These accessories have been designed
and approved for your car, and are covered by warranty.
Non-Lotus accessories may be designed for universal ap
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plication, and although they may fit on your car, they may not
meet factory specifications, and could adversely affect your
car’s handling and stability.
WARNING: Improper accessories or modifications can affect your
car’s handling, stability and per formance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt or killed. Follow all instruc
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tions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.
When properly installed, cellular phones, alarms, two-way
radios, and low powered audio systems should not interfere with
your car’s computer-controlled systems, such as the airbag and anti-lock brake system.
However, if such or similar electronic accessories are im
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properly installed, or exceed your car’s electrical system ca
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pacity, they can interfere with the operation of your car, cause the airbags to deploy, or damage the car.
Before installing any accessory:
• Ensure the accessory does not obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper car operation or performance.
• Ensure electronic accessories do not overload electrical
circuits.
• Have the installer contact your Lotus dealer for assistance
before installing any electronic accessory.
• If possible, have your Lotus dealer inspect the final instal-
lation.
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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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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LIMITED WARRANTYLotus Cars U.S.A. Inc.; 2236 Northmont Parkway, Duluth,
Georgia 30096.
LOTUS CARS U.S.A. Inc., (the Company) warrants each new
Lotus motor car sold by the Company or an authorised Lotus
dealer* in the U.S.A., and each Lotus replacement part supplied by the Company or an authorised Lotus dealer* in the U.S.A., to
be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal
use and service, and subject to the terms and conditions in this Limited Warranty, for the applicable Warranty Period set forth
in Paragraph 1. (*Authorised Lotus dealers are not owned by, or are agents of, the Company) The paragraphs below are the only and exclusive rem
-
edies under the terms of the warranty. The Limited Warranty excludes cer tain par ts and sets of
circumstances which are set out in section 4 below.
1. WARRANTY PERIODS
(a) LIMITED WARRANTY - Cars.
The Company warrants each new car to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of thirty six (36) months or 36,000 miles, whichever first occurs, after the first
occurring of the following dates:
i) date of delivery of the car to the retail original owner;
ii) registration as a dealer demonstrator.
CONSULT YOUR SALES DOCUMENTS TO DETERMINE
THE WARR ANT Y START DATE ON YOUR CAR; SPE AK
TO YOUR DEALER OR LOTUS CARS USA IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT.
(b) LIMITED WARRANTY - Replacement Parts.
Genuine Lotus replacement parts are warranted to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for 12 months
from the date of their installation or until the expiration of the
car’s limited warranty term, whichever occurs last.

Limited Warranty
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(c) LIMITED WARRANTY - Corrosion Perforation.
The Company’s Limited Corrosion Perforation Warranty (as
set forth in Paragraph 4 (c)) runs for a period of 8 years from
the commencement of the Car Limited Warranty as specified
in paragraph 1(a).
2. LIMITATIONS THE COMPANY DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY PERSON
TO CREATE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION IN CONNECTION WITH ITS CARS. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANT
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ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AP
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PLICABLE TO A CAR OR PART IS LIMITED IN DURATION
TO THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 1.
3. EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES THE PERFORMANCE OF REPAIRS AND NEEDED AD
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JUSTMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES UNDER
THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY.
THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY. S O M E S TAT E S D O N OT A L LO W L I M I TAT I O N S O N
HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARR ANT Y L ASTS, OR THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE
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QUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
4. EXTENT OF COMPANY OBLIGATIONS
(a) LIMITED WARRANTY - Car. This warranty extends to
each original and subsequent owner of a Lotus motor car
within the warranty period expressed in Paragraph 1(a). The
obligations of the Company under this warranty are limited
to the repair or, at its option, the replacement with a new or remanufactured unit without charge for labour or part, of any
part or assembly or component determined to be defective
in material or workmanship during the applicable warranty period. All items which are replaced become the property of
the Company to the fullest extent allowed under applicable
law. All Service under this warranty must be performed by a
Lotus Dealer at its place of business.
Limited Warranty
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(b) LIMITED WARRANTY - Replacement Parts.
The obligations of the Company during the warranty term
are limited to the repair or, at its option, the replacement of
any genuine Lotus part determined to be defective in mate
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rial or workmanship during the warranty period expressed in
paragraph 1(b). All replaced parts shall become the property
of the Company.
(c) LIMITED WARRANTY - Corrosion Perforation.
The Company warrants to the original owner and each subse-
quent owner during the warranty period set forth in Paragraph
1(c), that if corrosion perforation occurs on the chassis or com
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posite body structure of a Lotus motor car, within the warranty
period expressed in Paragraph 1(c), the parts or components
affected by such perforation shall be repaired or replaced,
without charge for labour or parts. Provided, however, that:
a) the Lotus car must be brought to an authorised Lotus dealer
for inspection at least one time each year; and
b) the Lotus car has been used and maintained in a normal and reasonable manner.
c) corrosion perforation is not due to any or all of the follow
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ing: an accident; abuse; damage; installation of an accessory;
chemical substance; an act of nature; fire; or salvaged car.
(d) OBTAINING REPAIRS.
All warranted repairs will be effected at Lotus Dealers upon
presentation of suitable evidence of eligibility. A reasonable
time must be allowed for the dealership to perform necessary
repairs, and customers are requested to allow such a reason
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able amount of time. It is not Lotus Cars USA’s responsibility to
provide the customer with a loan car during these repairs. The
provision of a loan car should be discussed with the dealer.
5. EXCLUSIONS FROM WARRANTY COVERAGE (see also section 6)
(a) TIRES. The only provided warranty for tires is the written
warranty issued by the tire supplier and included with the owner literature supplied with your car.
(b) CAR SPECIFICATION. The obligations of the Company
under this Limited Warranty apply only to cars built by the manufacturer to USA specification for road use (i.e. not to
Limited Warranty
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