Lotus Elise Service Notes page 374

D Lotus Service Notes
Section JH
MN.6 - BATTERY. BATTERY CABLES & EARTHING POINTS
Battery
WARNING: POISON/DANGER - CAUSES SEVERE BURNS - KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Contains sulphuric acid - avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Antidote: External - flush with
water; Internal - drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately; Eyes - flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away.
Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed space. Always shield eyes when working near batteries.
Battery Access
The 'maintenance free' battery is located in the front services compartment, in the chassis well beneath
the windscreen washer bottle. No routine inspection or topping up of the electrolyte is required, but at intervals
specified in the Maintenance Schedule, the battery terminals should be checked for security and condition, and
protected with petroleum jelly.
For access to the battery, remove the washer
reservoir by pulling upwards from its mounting
bracket. To remove the battery, disconnect both
battery cables (see below), and pull off the breather
pipe from the outboard end of the battery. Release
the three screws securing the battery clamp bracket
to the chassis, remove the clamp bracket, and tilt
the battery to release the lower edge from its retain-
ing channel. Lift out the battery from its well taking
suitable precautions with regard to the battery weight
and difficult access.
Negative terminal
Battery retaining
clamp
Positive
terminal
Refit the battery, with its terminals towards the front, by reversing the above procedure. Ensure that the
breather pipe is connected and routed correctly, or corrosion damage to the chassis is likely to occur. Recon-
nect the battery cables as detailed below.
Battery
vent
Hole at base of
battery well
I m T S S I
Pipe runs through
lower wishbone
chassis channel
Disconnecting the Battery
If the battery is to be disconnected, the following precautions should be taken:
i) If the car is fitted with the Cobra alarm, in order to avoid triggering the alarm when the battery is discon-
nected, first turn off the alarm system using the special override key. Fit the key into the switch on the
Page 374 1 9 9 8 / 03