Lotus Elise Service Notes page 375

Lotus Service Notes Section MN
siren housing in the top of the passsenger footwell, and turn counterclockwise.
ii) Wait for at least ten seconds after switching off the ignition to allow the engine management system to
adjust the setting of some components ready for re-starting.
iii) Ensure that all electrical loads (e.g. lights) are switched off.
iv) If the vehicle is fitted with 'CATS' coded audio equipment, check that the security code is available for
entering on reconnection.
v) Disconnect the negative (earth; black;'-') battery cable first, and re-connect last. If the battery positive
terminal is inadvertently earthed (e.g. when using a spanner) whilst the negative terminal is still con-
nected, the resultant short circuit with heavy sparking and current flow could cause serious burns.
Battery Reconnection
i) Check again that all electrical loads are switched off.
ii) Connect the positive battery cable first, followed by the negative (earth) cable.
iii) Be aware that the vehicle security alarm may be triggered by the action of battery re-connection. Have
the alarm transmitter key ready to disarm the alarm (see 'Vehicle Security Alarm'). If applicable, turn the
alarm system back on at the siren housing.
iv) After reconnection, a change in the engine performance characteristics may be noted for a period whilst
the computer controlled engine management system 're-learns' some of its settings.
v) Where applicable, enter the 'CATS' code into the audio equipment.
Battery Charging
If the state of charge of the battery is in doubt, the specific gravity (s.g.) of the electrolyte should be
checked using a hydrometer. An s.g. of 1.22 is typical of a 65% state of charge, considered to be the minimum
serviceable condition.
If the hydrometer indicates that the battery needs recharging, the battery should first be removed to a well
ventilated area to avoid a build up of fumes in the luggage compartment and to prevent damage to the car's
electrical system. Observe the safety precautions listed above when removing the battery. Take care when
handling the battery to avoid sharp knocks or shocks, and keep as upright as possible. Beware of the consid-
erable weight of a battery, and take necessary precautions against personal injury. Charge the battery follow-
ing the charger manufacturers instructions while observing these basic rules:
If the specific gravity is over 1.22, there is no need to charge the battery and charging attempts will only
increase the possibility of undesirable overcharge effects.
Check that the electrolyte level is between the upper and lower markers on the battery case, and if
necessary add distilled water.
Depending on state of charge, temperature and charger capacity, the battery will accept a charging rate
of between 3 and 50 amps. However, at high rates the battery may eject electrolyte through the vents,
and/or become overheated; Reduce the charging rate and/or stop for a time to allow the battery to cool.
The recommended bench charge rate is 4 amps.
When the battery is fully charged (s.g. approx. 1.28), allow the battery to stand for an hour before refitting
into the battery well and reconnecting the leads; see above.
Battery Leads
The positive battery cable, on both right and left hand drive cars, is routed through the left hand end of the
scuttle baffle panel and down ahead of the door hinge post, to run along the outside of the chassis side rail to
the engine bay, where it connects to the starter motor. The cable run is inaccessible inside of the body sill
panel, and so must be fitted, and secured with its saddle tie wraps, before bonding a new sill panel to the
chassis.
The negative battery lead connects via an M8 thread insert to the inboard side of the chassis rail at the
bottom LH side of the heater/battery well, on both right and left hand drive cars.
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