Lotus 2004 ELISE Service Notes page 292

Lotus Service Notes
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').
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) If necessary, enter the security code into audio equipment.
Battery Charging
Under conditions of normal daily use, it should not be necessary to use external battery charging equip-
ment. In a low usage regime, however, it is important to maintain the charge state of the battery using a trickle
charger, or an automatic battery management charger such as that available through Lotus After Sales. Such
devices, when connected to a vehicle battery, continuously monitor battery charge state and switch on and
off automatically in order to maintain the battery in a fully charged state without danger of damage through
overcharging.
If the battery becomes discharged to the extent that the vehicle cannot be started, the recommended
course of action is to fit a substitute battery whilst the original battery is trickle charged. If, in an emergency,
the vehicle has to be 'jump' started, the subsequent conditions of vehicle use may not allow for sufficient alter-
nator charging of the battery to achieve a fully charged state. The battery should be trickle charged until 12.8
volts is recorded, which process may take 24 hours or longer. Putting the battery into service at a lower state
of charge will reduce the time period for which the vehicle can be parked. A battery left in a fully discharged
state for a prolonged period, may not be recoverable to its original condition.
Unless using an automatic battery management charger, the battery should be removed from the car for
recharging, 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 bat-
tery and take care to avoid sharp knocks or shocks, keeping the battery as upright as possible. Beware of the
considerable weight of a battery, and take necessary precautions against personal injury.
Check that the electrolyte level is between the upper and lower markers on the battery case, and if neces-
sary add distilled water. The recommended bench charge rate is 4 amps. When the battery is fully charged
(12.8 volts), allow the battery to stand for an hour before refitting into the battery well and reconnecting the
leads - see above.
Quiescent Drain
With a fully charged battery, the current drain with all electrical equipment switched off (no radio fitted)
should be as follows;
Immobiliser active
Alarm set
If current drain is found to be significantly in excess of these figures, the cause must be established by
isolating components (e.g. at fusebox) and rectifying faults as necessary.
Battery Cables
The main battery positive cable runs from the battery to a binding post mounted on the engine ECU plate,
itself fixed to the engine bay bulkhead. From this post, one cable loops to the starter motor and then to the
alternator, and another is routed through the LH sill, fixed to the outside of the chassis LH side rail together with
the heater return pipe, clutch hydraulic hose and servo vacuum hose, and penetrates the scuttle baffle panel
to a second positive post mounted on the top of the scuttle beam. This post is used to distribute power to the
main fusebox and other front end circuits.
The battery earth cable connects to a chassis earth point on the inside surface of the LH chassis rail at the
side of the engine bay, accessible from beneath. From here, an earth braid connects with the ECU plate and
also with the transmission casing. A second earth point is used at the front of the chassis to provide for front
mounted components, and is located within the front services compartment on the inside surface of the chassis
LH siderail. Each chassis earth point uses an M8 threaded insert and on some cars, a special stepped washer
which must be fitted the correct way round in order to contact the chassis (anodisation removed around insert).
The chassis and cable earth terminals should be coated with petroleum jelly to protect from corrosion.
On the Exige, positive and negative posts are provided on the passenger side in the front services com-
partment in order to allow for jumper cable connection on a car with a flat battery, when release of the engine
cover is not available.
15 mA
20 mA
Section MP
Page 17