Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 338

Lotus Service Notes
first gear change is required.
• To disable launch control when variable traction control is still required, reset launch rpm to 8,000.
NOTE
• Do not attempt to slip the clutch during this process, as overheating or damage to the clutch mechanism
may occur. An instant clutch engagement is required to 'break' rear tyre traction and initiate wheelspin.
Note that an hydraulic damper valve is incorporated into the clutch release pipework to protect the driveline
from excessive shock loading when using this technique.
• Do not attempt LC starts in any gear other than first.
• Do not hold the engine at or near maximum rpm for more than a few seconds.
• Under no circumstances should this track feature be employed on the public road.
• Use of Launch Control is an ultimate technique designed to produce the fastest possible race start.
Always allow the clutch to cool and recover before repeating a launch controlled start. The extreme
loads associated with such starts will result in reduced transmission component life cycles.
• At the next key-on, the system will default to full LTC and Launch Control off. Turning on the ignition and
holding the LTC 'off' button pressed for 2 seconds will restore the previous traction and launch settings.
Adjustment Tips
Note that the optimum settings for variable traction and launch control will differ for each set of track sur-
face, tyre and ambient conditions. A suggested adjustment logic follows:
• Set the traction control to a mid position.
• Start with a low launch rpm e.g. 4,000 rpm.
• Trial launch and assess initial wheelspin control and transition into traction control.
• If launch control is set too low, the engine may 'bog down' and fall out of the power band. If set too high,
too much initial wheelspin may result, with poor step off from the line.
• Similar logic applies to traction control adjustment when this system takes over above about 6 mph.
REAR LAMP CLUSTERS
A running change to the LED tail lamp clusters will occur shortly after '08 introduction. The new 'B' level
lamps incorporate features allowing the previously separate radio supression inductor jump harnesses and (for
USA cars) the ballast resistors to be deleted. The new lamps are identified by using a grey moulding for the
lamp rear body instead of the previous black colour. If replacing black body lamps on any car with 'B' level grey
body lamps, the inductor jump harnesses and ballast resistors (as applicable) may be discarded.
CAN BUS DIAGNOSTICS - LOTUS TECHCENTRE
Controller Area Network (CAN) is an electronic standard to allow high speed communication between mod-
ules and controllers, via a serial data bus. The bus is a circuit linking the modules to the controller, consisting
of a pair of cables, twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, and carrying a square wave voltage
signal corresponding to '0's and '1's, coded in such a way as to identify and prioritise the individual systems.
On the Elise/Exige range, CAN based systems include; engine management system, instrument pack and tyre
pressure monitoring system (USA).
All USA market cars from '08 model year are required by legislation to use a CAN compliant on-board
diagnostic system. This has been commonised for all Elise/Exige models. The Lotus Scan 3 tool is replaced
by a 'stand alone' lap top PC loaded with 'Lotus TechCentre' software to allow the CAN based serial data to be
read. The Vehicle Communication Device (T000T1472F) introduced for the Europa model is used to connect
the vehicle to the laptop Lotus TechCentre. Engine programming, live data display, diagnostics of engine, ABS
and airbag systems, and service tell tale lamp resetting are all carried out via the Lotus TechCentre.
The minimum specification of the laptop for installation of the Lotus TechCentre is as follows:
Processer 1.70 Ghz
1 GB RAM
40 GB HDD
CDRW DVD ROM
WIN XP PRO
USB interface
Ethernet or Wireless LAN
Note that this laptop should be dedicated totally to the Lotus TechCentre, with no other software loaded.
Section MP
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