oil temperature LOTUS ELISE 2005 Owners Manual

8. INSTRUMENTS & SWITCHES
Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ..........................................
44
Engine Start Button .........................................................
45
Warning ‘Tell Tale’ Lamps ...............................................
46
Bulb Check ................................................................
46
Turn Tell Tale .............................................................
46
Seat Belt Tell Tale ......................................................
47
Brake Tell Tale ...........................................................
47
Oil Pressure Tell Tale ................................................
47
Low Fuel Level Tell Tale ............................................
48
ABS Tell Tale ............................................................
48
High Beam Tell Tale ..................................................
48
Airbag Tell Tale ..........................................................
48
Battery Charging Tell Tale .........................................
48
Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...........................
49
Security/RPM Tell Tale ..............................................
49
Instruments .................................................................
51
Speedometer .............................................................
51
Tachometer ...............................................................
51
LCD Display Panel ....................................................
52
Fuel Level Display ...............................................
52
Coolant Temperature Display ..............................
53
Odometer ............................................................
53
Trip Recorder .......................................................
53
Dashboard Switches .......................................................
54
Parking Lamp Switch ................................................
54
Headlamp Switch ......................................................
54
Lights-on Buzzer .......................................................
55
Hazard Warning Lamps Switch .................................
55
Instrument Illumination ..............................................
56
Auxiliary Power Socket .............................................
57
Column Switches & Horn ................................................
58
Headlamp High/Low Beam/Flasher/Turn Indicators .
58
Windscreen Wiper/Washer .......................................
59
Horn .................................................................
60
Audio Equipment ............................................................
60
9. HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING
Air Conditioning ..............................................................
61
Air Re-circulation ............................................................
62
Heater Temperature ........................................................
62
Fan Speed .................................................................
62
Air Distribution ................................................................
63
Engine Bay Ventilation ....................................................
65
Contents
2

oh_croft_InD.indd 220/05/2004 07:58:39ProCarManuals.com

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
53

oh_croft_InD.indd 5320/05/2004 07:58:53ProCarManuals.com

ohs149
OIL FILLER CAPohs131
DIPSTICK
Engine Oil Level Check
WARNING:
• Engine oil is hazardous to your health and may be fatal
if swallowed.
• Use protective gloves to avoid contact with skin as far as possible and wash thoroughly after any contact.
The engine oil level should be checked regularly, such as
every two or three fuel stops, and the oil level maintained near
the top mark on the dipstick. It is especially important to keep a check on the oil level during the car’s first 1,000 miles (1,600
km), as both the fuel and oil consumption will be prone to some
variance until the engine components have bedded in. The best time to check the level is when the oil is warm, such
as during a fuel stop. Ensure that the car is parked on a level
surface and that a few minutes have elapsed since stopping
the engine to allow oil to drain back into the sump. If the engine is stopped before reaching normal running temperature, the oil
will not drain back so readily, and the dipstick will display an artificially low reading.
Dipstick: The dipstick is identifiable by its yellow loop handle,
and is located at the right hand front of the engine. Withdraw
the dipstick, and wipe with a paper towel. Replace the dipstick, if necessary feeding the blade into the tube with the towel, before
Servicing & Maintenance
99

oh_croft_InD.indd 9920/05/2004 07:59:05ProCarManuals.com

Cooling SystemThe engine cooling system uses a header tank to ensure that
the system remains completely filled, and also to accommodate
expansion of the coolant with increasing engine temperature.
The tank is mounted at the left hand side of the engine bay, and is fitted with a 108 kPa (15 psi) pressure cap to raise the boiling point of the coolant to over 120°C (250°F).
WARNING:
• Do NOT attempt to remove the pressure cap or air bleed plug from the header tank when the engine is warm
as serious scalding could result from boiling water

and/or steam.
• Coolant is hazardous to your health and may be fatal

if swallowed.
• Keep coolant out of reach of children.
• Coolant is hazardous to animals and may be fatal if

swallowed. Clean up spilled coolant and do not leave in
open containers.
The level of coolant in the translucent header tank will rise
as the engine warms up, and fall as it cools down, and under
normal circumstances it should not be necessary to add any
coolant to the system between services. If overfilled, the excess
coolant will be ejected when the engine is warm. If under filled, overheating may result.
Servicing & Maintenance
106
ohs130
Air bleed plugCoolant header tank cap

oh_croft_InD.indd 10620/05/2004 07:59:07ProCarManuals.com

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
153

oh_croft_InD.indd 15320/05/2004 07:59:19ProCarManuals.com

• 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
154

oh_croft_InD.indd 15420/05/2004 07:59:19ProCarManuals.com

- fuel vapour pressure sensor
Exhaust System
- exhaust manifold
- catalytic converter, heat shields, gaskets and fasteners*
Engine Emission Control System Sensors
- electronic control module (ECM)*
- engine coolant temperature sensor (ECTS)
- air flow meter
- crankshaft sensor
- idle air control valve (IACV)
- wheel speed sensors
- throttle position sensor (TPS)
- knock sensor
- oxygen sensors
- oil control valves for VVTL-i
- oil pressure switch for VVTL-i
- camshaft position sensor
- coolant thermostat
On Board Diagnostics (OBD)
- malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
- data link connector and harness
Miscellaneous Parts used in the Above Systems
- hoses
- switches, sensors and solenoids
- gaskets and seals
- wires, harnesses and connectors
* major emission control components - see page 171
Federal Emission Warranty
179

oh_croft_InD.indd 17920/05/2004 07:59:24ProCarManuals.com