Lotus 2004 ELISE Service Notes page 283

Lotus Service Notes
Seat Belt Tell Tale (b)
The red seat belt tell tale is provided as a reminder that both driver and passenger should always wear the
seat belts, no matter how short the journey. The lamp will light for about 8 seconds following ignition switch on,
before being extinguished. On USA market cars, and other markets from December 2005, the lamp will flash
until the driver's seat belt is fastened, accompanied for the first eight seconds by an audible chime.
Brakes Tell Tale (c)
This tell tale will glow red with the ignition switched on whenever the parking brake is applied. Driving
the car with the brake not fully released will cause overheat damage to the rear brakes. Each time the parking
brake is released, check that the tell tale is extinguished.
With the parking brake released, if the tell tale should light at any time after the check period, stop the car
immediately, as the circuit has detected a dangerously low level of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir,
possibly caused by a hydraulic leak in one of the separate front or rear brake circuits. There is a danger that
air may enter the hydraulic system and cause spongy operation and extended pedal travel. The divided brake
circuit should ensure that emergency braking remains, but the car should not be driven until the fault has been
identified and rectified.
Oil Pressure Tell Tale (d)
This red tell tale warns of low engine oil pressure. The lamp will be lit whenever the ignition is on and
the engine is stopped, but should extinguish as soon as the engine is started. If the lamp fails to go out after
engine start up, or comes on when the engine is running, stop the engine immediately and do not restart until
the cause has been investigated and rectified. Continuing to run the engine with little or no oil pressure could
cause major internal damage, possibly resulting in seizure.
Low Fuel Level Tell Tale (e)
When only a single segment of the fuel gauge bar graph remains, representing approximately 5 litres, this
amber tell tale will flash. Refuel at the next opportunity.
ABS Tell Tale (f)
This amber tell tale should light for about four seconds following ignition switch on, and then go out. If
the lamp remains lit, or comes on whilst driving, a fault in the ABS is indicated. The base brake system will
continue to operate normally, but without ABS regulation. The car can be driven but should be checked and
repaired at the earliest opportunity.
Main Beam Tell Tale (g)
This lamp glows blue whenever the headlamp main beams are operating.
Rear Fog Lamps Tell Tale (Euro h)
This lamp glows amber whenever the rear fog lamps are operating (see 'Rear Fog Lamp Switch').
Battery Charging Tell Tale (i)
This red tell tale will light whenever the ignition is on and the engine is stopped. If it lights any time that
the engine is running, the battery is not being charged, which may be due to a broken alternator drive belt, or
an electrical fault. Urgent attention is required, but as the engine coolant pump is independently driven, the
car need not be stranded, subject to battery condition and local circumstances.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (k)
The engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is provided to warn the driver that the engine management
system has detected a fault which may result in increased noxious emissions from the exhaust. In order to mini-
mise emissions and potential engine damage, various operational limitations may automatically be applied.
i) If the MIL lights continuously whilst driving, immediately reduce speed and adopt a moderate driving style.
Seek dealer advice without delay and avoid all unnecessary journeys.
ii) If the MIL flashes, an engine misfire has been detected which is likely to cause overheat damage to the
catalytic converter. Slow down immediately and be prepared to stop.
- If the MIL then stops flashing, and is lit continuously, proceed with caution and seek dealer advice.
- If the MIL continues to flash, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, and switch off the engine. Seek
dealer advice.
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Section MP