ESP LOTUS ELISE 2005 Owner's Manual

5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the car. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6) Your Elise should never be used to tow a trailer
In the case of the Elise:
• The combined cargo and luggage load capacity is 551
lb (250 kg).
• The maximum load in the luggage compartment is 110
lb (50 kg).
• The maximum combined weight of the driver and pas
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senger is 441 lb (200 kg).
WARNING: Exceeding any of the above loadings may cause
unstable handling or car or tire damage which could cause a crash in which you or others could be seri
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ously injured or killed.
Tire Markings Designation:Example; Yokohama Advan A048 195/50 R16 84W
Yokohama = manufacturer. Advan A048 = tire model. 195 = nominal section width in mm. 50 = height of tire cross-section expressed as percentage of width. R =
radial construction. 16 = rim diameter in inches. 84 =
load capacity index, indicating the load in kg the tire can carry at the speed corresponding to the speed rating. W
= speed rating indicating the speed (in this case 168 mph) at which the tire can carry the load corresponding to the load capacity index.
Tire Identification Number: On the left hand sidewall as fitted to the car. Commences with DOT (Department of
Transpor tation) followed by a two digit manufacturing plant code, a two digit tire size code, a three digit tire construction code, and a four digit date code for the week
and year of production.
‘LTS’
: Indicates Lotus specific construction.
Tires & Wheels
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WheelsEnsure that only original equipment, or Lotus approved wheel
and tire combinations are fitted. After the car has been used
on track, or in competition conditions, the wheels should be removed and thoroughly inspected for damage.
WARNING: After striking a pothole or kerb, the wheels should be
removed and the wheel and tire thoroughly inspected for
damage. Renew the wheel and /or tire if necessary. Safety
considerations should always be paramount and new parts
fitted in any cases of doubt.
Wheel Bolts The wheel bolts used on the Elise are of a special design to
suit the small diameter fixing tunnels in the wheel centres. The bolts have a 10 spline socket head, for which a special extension
tool is supplied with the car. A 17mm a/f deep socket and 1/2
inch square drive wrench should be applied to the extension tool,
with a tightening torque of 77 lbf.ft (105 Nm) required. To protect against wheel theft, one of the four bolts securing
each wheel is key coded, and requires a corresponding coded
socket wrench and 1/2 inch square drive extension. Rotate the coded socket until full engagement with the bolt head is ensured and take care to maintain the extension tool perpendicular to
the wheel face before applying release torque.
NOTICE: It is not recommended to use hammer action air tools on the coded bolts - use only manual tools.
Both the standard extension and coded socket tools are
stowed in the car tool kit, and should remain with the car at all
times to ensure that servicing may be performed. The key code
included in the tool kit should be recorded and kept safely with
the car documents, in case a replacement socket tool needs
to be ordered.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your car were aligned and balanced carefully
during the manufacture of your car to give you the longest tire
life and best overall performance.
Tires & Wheels
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v) A spark will occur at the first disconnection of a jumper cable, so it is essential that the first disconnection is made from the
slave car earth. Both batteries (especially the
discharged one) will be ‘gassing’ heavily at this time, and if the first disconnection is made at a battery terminal, there is
a danger that the hydrogen gas may be ignited by the spark
with a resultant explosion.
vi) Have the cause of the flat battery investigated and rectified,
and trickle charge the battery as detailed above.
WARNING:
• Risk of damage and serious personal injury due to

shortcircuit.
• Use only jumper cables of adequate cross-section, fitted
with completely insulated alligator clamps. The cables must be long enough to allow that neither cars nor cables
touch each other.
• Follow all warnings and instructions of the jumper cable
manufacturer.
• When connnecting the jumper cables, keep them away
from engine moving parts.
• The two cars must not contact each other, or current could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
• When the first clamp on each cable is connected, the other clamp on that cable must be held carefully to make sure it does not come into contact with either another cable
clamp or either car.
• Ensure that tools or metal watches or jewellery do not contact the battery terminals or live car parts.
NOTICE:

• Improper jumper cable connection can damage the alternator
and other electrical components.
• Do not attempt to push or tow start the car, as damage to the
catalytic converter or other parts could be caused.
Electrical Accessories Owners should note that the only approved extras and modi
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fications are those which are specified by Lotus and carried out by Lotus or by an authorised dealer. Neither Lotus Cars Ltd. or
Lotus Cars Inc. accept any liability whatsoever for defects which arise from extras or modifications which are not approved by
Lotus Cars Ltd.
Electrical
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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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(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
-
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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c) To the extent required by any Federal or State Law, whether statutory or common law: if an authorized repair facility is not reasonably available, Lotus will provide means for a suitably
competent non-franchised repair facility to perform emission
performance warranty repairs.
d) 1. Lotus will make a final decision on an emission performance warranty claim within a maximum time limit of 30 days from the time at which the car is initially presented for repair or within
the time during which an owner is required by local, state or
federal law to have the car repaired without incurring further
penalties or sanctions (whichever is shorter), unless a delay
i) is requested by the car owner, or
ii) is caused by an event not attributable to Lotus or the

warranty repair facility.
2. If the facility at which the car is initially presented for repair
is unable for any reason to honour the particular claim, then,
unless this requirement is waived in writing by the car owner,
the repair facility shall forward the claim to; Lotus Cars U.S.A.
Inc., 2236 Northmont Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30096, in
order for a decision to be made.
e) Within the time period specified in paragraph (d) of this sec
-
tion, Lotus shall:
1. notify the owner that it will honour the claim; or
2. provide the owner, in writing, with an explanation of the
basis upon which the claim is being denied.
f) Failure to notify an owner within the required time period (as determined under paragraph (d) of this section) for reasons
that are not attributable to the car owner or events which are not beyond the control of Lotus or the repair facility, shall result
in Lotus being responsible for repairing the car free of charge
to the car owner.
g) Lotus shall incur all costs associated with a determination that
an emission performance warranty claim is valid.
Federal Emission Warranty
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OWNER’S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- As the car owner, you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your owner’s manual. Lotus recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance
on your car, but Lotus cannot deny warranty solely for the lack
of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all
scheduled maintenance.
- You are responsible for presenting your car to a Lotus dealer as soon as a problem exists. The warranty repairs should be
completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30
days.
- As the car owner, you should also be aware that Lotus may deny you warranty coverage if your car or a part has failed
due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or unapproved
modifications.
If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights
and responsibilities, you should contact: Lotus Cars U.S.A.
Inc., at 2236 Northmont Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30096, or
the California Air Resources Board at 9528 Telstar Avenue, El Monte CA 91731.
Califo rnia Emission Warranty
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LOTUS CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMWARRANTIES
The Lotus California Emission Control System Warranties
comprise the California Emissions Performance Warranty, and
two levels of the California Emission Control System Defects
Warranty.
Your car may also be eligible for additional warranty coverage
under the Federal Emissions warranty (see previous section).
CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM DEFECTS
WARRANTY
Lotus Cars Ltd. (Lotus) warrants to the owner of any new, USA
specification, Lotus Elise, that the car was designed, built and equipped so as to conform with requirements of the California
Air Resources Board (CARB), and that if the car is maintained and operated in accordance with the written instructions for proper maintenance and use, then:
i) if, during a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever first occurs, any part of the car which could affect emissions is broken or does not function as designed (including adjust
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ments), provided the car does not qualify for an exclusion as described on page 186, Lotus shall be responsible for repair
or replacement of any such part or parts, including diagnosis
and labour charges.
ii) if, during a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever first occurs, one or more of a certain group of emission related parts listed on page 187 is broken or does not function as
designed (including adjustments), provided the car does not
qualify for an exclusion as described on page 186, Lotus shall
be responsible for repair or replacement of any such part or
parts, including diagnosis and labour charges.
The warranty period shall begin on the date the car is deliv
-
ered to the first retail purchaser, or, if the car is first placed in
service as a demonstrator or company car prior to sale at retail,
on the date the car is first placed in such service. The emission control systems of your new, USA specification,
Califo rnia Emission Warranty
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Lotus Elise, were designed, built and tested using genuine Lotus
Service Parts and the car is certified as being in conformity with Federal and California emission control requirements. Accord
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ingly, it is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance, repair or replacement of emission control systems
be Lotus Service Parts or Lotus Authorized Remanufactured
Parts. The owner may elect to have maintenance, replacement or repair of the emission control devices and systems performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual, and may
elect to use parts other than Lotus Service or Authorized Re
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manufactured Parts for such maintenance, replacement or repair
without invalidating this warranty; the cost of such service or
parts, however, will not be covered under the warranty, except
in emergency situations. Use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent qual
-
ity may impair the effectiveness of emission control systems. If other than Lotus Service Parts or Authorised Remanufac
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tured Parts are used for maintenance, replacement or repair of components affecting emission control, the owner should
obtain assurances that such parts are warranted by their manu
-
facturer to be equivalent to genuine Lotus parts in performance and durability. Lotus however, assumes no liability under this
warranty with respect to failure of such parts other than Lotus
Service Parts or Authorized Remanufactured Parts. However, the use of non-Lotus replacement parts does not invalidate the
warranty on other components. If a non-Lotus emission related
part causes damage to other components, then the liability
for the subsequent damage shall not be assumed by Lotus. If however, a Lotus Service Part or Authorised Remanufactured
Part causes damage to a non-Lotus part, such non-Lotus part
will be repaired.
Repairs and service covered by this warranty will be per
-
formed by any authorized Lotus Dealer at his place of business with no charge for parts or labour (including diagnosis), using
Lotus Service or Authorized Remanufactured Parts for any part of the emission control system covered by this warranty. In the
case of an emergency, where an authorized Lotus dealer is not available, or a Lotus part is not available within 30 days; repairs
may be performed at any available service establishment or by
any individual using any replacement part. Lotus will reimburse
the owner for such repairs (including diagnosis) that are covered under this warranty, but such reimbursement will not exceed the
Califo rnia Emission Warranty
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Lotus suggested retail price for all warranted parts replaced, and labour charges based on Lotus’s recommended warranty repair
times, and the geographically appropriate hourly rate. A repair
not being complete within 30 days constitutes an emergency.
Replaced parts and paid invoices must be presented at a Lo
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tus dealership as a condition of reimbursement for emergency repairs not performed at a Lotus dealer.
You are advised to perform all recommended maintenance
or repairs on your new, USA specification, Lotus Elise. You are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance.
Lotus will not deny a warranty claim solely because you have
no record of maintenance; however, Lotus may deny a warranty
claim if your failure to perform required maintenance resulted in the failure of a warranted part. Receipts and maintenance records covering the per formance of regular maintenance
should be retained in the event questions arise concerning
maintenance. The receipts and maintenance records should be
transferred to each subsequent owner of this car.
Califo rnia Emission Warranty
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