oil change LOTUS ELISE 2005 Owners Manual

10. DRIVING CONTROLS
Foot Pedals .................................................................
66
Footwell Carpets .............................................................
66
Clutch Pedal .................................................................
66
Footbrake .................................................................
67
Anti-Lock Brake System .................................................
67
Parking Brake .................................................................
70
Gear Lever .................................................................
71
11. STARTING PROCEDURE & ENGINE BREAK-IN
Starting a Cold or Warm Engine .....................................
72
Idle Speed .................................................................
73
Engine Break-In ..............................................................
73
Engine Special Features .................................................
74
12. EXTERNAL OPERATIONS
Fuel Requirement ...........................................................
75
Fuel Filling .................................................................
76
Front Service Access Panels ..........................................
78
Engine Cover/Trunk Lid ..................................................
79
Child Entrapment ......................................................
80
Removable Roof Concept ...............................................
81
Soft Top Roof Fitting ..................................................
82
Soft Top Roof Removal .............................................
84
Hard Top Roof Fitting ................................................
85
Hard Top Roof Removal ............................................
90
13. SERVICING & MAINTENANCE
Bodycare .................................................................
93
B
ody Features ...........................................................93
Paint Care .................................................................
94
Ventilation .................................................................
94
Paintwork Polishing ...................................................
95
Washing .................................................................
95
Soft Top Roof ............................................................
96
Windscreen Cleaning ................................................
96
Alloy Road Wheels ....................................................
96
Upholstery Cleaning ..................................................
97
Seat Belts Cleaning ...................................................
97
Footwell Cleaning ......................................................
97
Owner Maintenance ........................................................
98
Engine Oil Level Check .............................................
99
Engine Oil Change ..................................................
100
Oil Filter ...............................................................
102
Used Engine Oil ......................................................
103
Contents
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petrol (LRP), will cause irreversible contamination of the pre-
cious metal catalysts and of the exhaust gas sensor used by the
computer controlled engine management system.
It is important that the Maintenance Schedule (see separate
booklet) is followed at the specified time and distance intervals
(this is a requirement of the warranty), and that the car is kept in proper operating condition. Failure to do so may result not only
in a loss of fuel economy and emission control, but may cause damage to the catalytic converter.
WARNING:
• If the engine malfunctions in any way (e.g by a change in sound) have the fault diagnosed and repaired promptly.
Continuing to drive the car with an engine misfire could cause the catalytic converter to overheat, with possible heat damage to other car components, and an engine bay
fire. Operation of the ‘Malfunction Indicator Lamp’ (MIL)
is fully described later in this handbook on page 49.
• DO NOT park or drive the car in areas where combustible material, such as dry grass or leaves, could come into
contact with the hot exhaust system. Under certain wind and weather conditions a grass fire could be initiated.
• DO NOT tamper with any electrical components with the battery connected. You could receive an electric shock
from the spark plug coils or initiate a car fire.
• DO NOT check or adjust any engine bay equipment with the engine running. Failure to comply with this may result
in you or your clothing becoming trapped.
• DO NOT use the car if a fuel leak is suspected, as may be indicated by a persistent smell of fuel. Have the fault

diagnosed and rectified without delay. A fuel leak may result in a fire or explosion.
• DO NOT touch or approach, any part of a hot exhaust

system. Failure to comply with this may result in you
receiving severe burns.
• DO NOT allow servicing or repairs to be carried out by unskilled persons as this may adversely affect the han
-
dling and safety features on your car. Lotus dealers have
trained staff who are best qualified to maintain your car
to the correct specification.
Safety Information
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When only a single segment remains, representing approxi-
mately 1.3 U.S. gall. (5 litres), the amber low fuel tell tale will
flash. Refuel at the next opportunity.
NOTICE: Do not allow the tank to run completely dry, as this may damage the catalytic converter and fuel pump. This may
affect the terms of your warranty.
Coolant Temperature Display The engine coolant temperature will be displayed at the bot
-
tom right hand corner of the panel as soon as the temperature reaches 162°F. The running temperature will fluctuate a cer
-
tain amount as the operating conditions change, and during periods of idling or in heavy traffic, the temperature may rise to
over 212°F, with the cooling fans switching on at half speed at
approximately 208°F and at full speed at approximately 217°F.
The temperature display will flash at temperatures over 226°F to prompt closer monitoring by the driver of high temperatures.
The pressurised cooling system has a boiling point of over 248°F.

If the temperature approaches this level then the driver should be concerned. If this should occur, allow the engine to idle for a
few minutes whilst monitoring the temperature, and if it continues to rise, switch off and seek qualified assistance.
NOTICE: After a heavy snowfall, ensure that the radiator cooling
outlet grilles in the front body are cleared of snow before driving
the car, or overheating may occur.
Odometer An odometer (total distance recorder) reading is displayed at
the bottom left hand corner of the panel.
Trip Recorder A trip distance recorder is provided at the top left hand corner
of the panel. In order to zero the trip display, switch on the ignition, and
press for a moment (less than 1 second), the small button
on the steering column shroud ahead of the ignition switch.

This dual function button also controls the panel illumination
- see ‘Instrument & Switch Illumination’.
Instruments & Switches
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pressing firmly to ensure that the handle is fully seated. With-
draw the dipstick again to inspect the oil level, which should lie between the two dimples on the end of the stick. The oil level
should be maintained at the upper of these two marks in order
to provide optimum engine protection.
Topping Up
: If topping up is necessary, unscrew the oil filler cap
from the left hand end of the cam cover. Add a suitable quantity of the recommended engine oil (see ‘Recommended Lubricants’)
taking care not to spill any oil onto engine or electrical compo
-
nents; use a funnel if necessary. The difference between high and low dipstick marks is equiv
-
alent to 1.6 U.S. quarts (1.5 litre). Allow several minutes for the oil to drain through to the sump before re-checking the oil level.
Do NOT over fill, or lubrication will be degraded and consump
-
tion increased as the oil becomes aerated. Refit the filler cap,
turning clockwise until secure.
Engine Oil Change The use of high quality oil, renewed at the specified intervals,
is the key to engine longevity and sustained performance. Ad
-
here strictly to the engine oil and filter change intervals specified
in the Maintenance Schedule.
For access to the engine sump and filter, the engine bay
undertray must first be removed. This is most easily achieved
with the car raised on a garage hydraulic lift, or alternatively, parked over an inspection pit.
The drain plug is located at the rear of the sump, and should
be removed to drain the sump immediately after a run when
the oil is warm and the impurities are still held in suspension.
On cars fitted with front mounted oil coolers, it is not necessary routinely to attempt to drain the cooler circuit. Servicing & Maintenance
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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
-
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
-
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
-
mates); and/or frequent or prolonged idling.
• Track use, with repeated high rpm, wide throttle openings
and high oil temperatures. For appropriate maintenance, dis
-
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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Headlamp Flasher .................................................................58
Heating & Ventilation .............................................................. 61
Horn ...................................................................................... 60
Idle Speed ............................................................................. 73
Ignition Switch ....................................................................... 44
Immobiliser, engine ................................................................ 31
Inertia Switch ...................................................................... 135
Instrument Illumination .......................................................... 56
Interior Lamp .......................................................................... 41
Jacking Points, lifting you car .............................................. 148
‘Jump’ Starting ..................................................................... 133
Keys ...................................................................................... 29
Lighting Switches .................................................................. 54
Lights On Buzzer .............................................................. 40,55
Lubrication - Dipstick, engine oil level check ....................................... 99
- Engine Oil Change ........................................................ 100
- Oil Filter ......................................................................... 102
- Recommended Lubricants ............................................ 153
- Tran smission Oil ............................................................ 103
Mirrors ................................................................................... 40
Odometer .............................................................................. 53
Parking Brake ........................................................................ 70
Pedals ................................................................................... 66
Queen’s Award ..................................................................... 191
Roof, Hard Top ...................................................................... 85
Roof, Soft Top ....................................................................... 82
Safety Information ....................................................................
7
Seat Be lts .............................................................................. 18
Seats ...................................................................................... 17
Servicing ............... see separate Maintenance Record booklet
Sparking Plugs ..................................................................... 114
Speedometer .......................................................................... 51
Start Button, engine .............................................................. 45
Starting Procedure ................................................................ 72
Index
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