Lotus Evora. Instruction - part 59

 

 

Lotus Service Notes   

 

 

    Section MR

TELL TALE LAMPS

Tell tale lamps are incorporated into the 

instrument panel to provide important informa-

tion about various vehicle systems.

Bulb Check

In order to check that the warning systems are functional, all operative tell tale lamps will light for a few 

seconds each time the ignition is switched on - refer to the text below for details of this feature relating to par-

ticular lamps.  If the lamp does not light as specified, it is possible that the warning circuit or instrument assembly 

may be at fault; see your dealer without delay, and be aware that there may be no warning of a malfunction

with that feature.

Turn Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

LOTUS

OFF

 (green)

A left turn tell tale is incorporated into the upper face of the tachometer, and a right turn tell tale in the 

speedo face.  A bulb check will light the lamps for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.

When the left hand or right hand turn indicators are operating, the appropriate green tell tale will flash in 

unison together with an audible tone.  If the tell tale fails to light, or flashes at an unusual or irregular rate, check 

the operation of the turn indicator lamps immediately.

High RPM Tell Tales  

LOTUS

OFF

 (red)

Three red tell tale rings are incorporated into the tachometer face to warn that maximum engine speed is 

being approached.  No bulb test function applies.

Maximum engine speed is governed for both the continuous and transient (during acceleration) states, 

and are detailed in the later section ‘Tachometer’.

As the rate of rpm increase is potentially greater in the lower gears, the tell tale trigger points are tailored 

to accommodate the reaction time available.  As maximum rpm is approached, the tell tales will light in the 

following left to right sequence:

- one red light;

- two red lights;

- three rapidly flashing lights with an audible warning.

When  exploiting  maximum  acceleration,  gearchange  upshifts  should  be  made  immediately  the  three 

flashing lights appear.

NOTICE:

- 

A graduated engine speed limit is imposed on a cold engine to reduce possible damage and wear from a 

delinquent driving style.

- 

Using maximum rpm and the above tell tale facility should be restricted to occasions when maximum ac-

celeration is required.  Overuse will compromise powertrain service life.

- 

The engine is not protected from overspeeding caused by erroneous or premature downchanging.  Such 

misuse could  result in catastrophic failure, not covered by the vehicle warranty.

High Beam Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (blue)

This lamp glows blue whenever the headlamp high beams are operating.  A bulb check will light the lamp 

for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.

Security Alarm Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (red)

For details of the vehicle security alarm and its tell tale, see sub-section MR.1

High engine speed                Security

TELL TALE LAMPS                    

ohe3

LOTUS

OFF

 

 

Lotus Service Notes   

 

 

    Section MR

Rear Foglamp Tell Tale  

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

This lamp glows amber whenever the rear fog lamp is operating (see ‘Rear Fog Lamp Switch’). A bulb

check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.

Passenger Airbag Off Switch 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

This amber tell tale will light with ignition on, whenever the passenger airbag has been disabled by the 

key operated switch at the passenger end of the fascia.  A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds 

following ignition switch on. 

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

If the car is so equipped, with ignition on, this amber tell tale, together with an audible alert, warns of low 

pressure in one or more tyres.  Stop the car as soon as it is safe so to do, and take appropriate action.  A bulb 

check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on. 

Scheduled Service Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

The Engine Control Module (ECM) on the Evora is also used to manage various related electrical systems, 

and is able to detect certain types of fault, which may or may not be apparent to the driver.  If such a fault is 

detected, which has no detrimental effect on exhaust emissions (see MIL below), this amber tell tale will light 

for the first 30 seconds after turning on the ignition.  Interrogate using the Lotus TechCentre.

A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on. 

Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

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 

minimise emissions and potential engine damage, various operational limitations may automatically be applied.  

A circuit check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on. 

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 converters. 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 car as soon as it is safe so to do, and switch off the engine. Seek 

dealer advice.

NOTICE:  Continuing to drive the car with a flashing MIL may cause overheat damage to the catalytic convert-

ers, possible engine damage, increased emissions, and impaired fuel economy and driveability.

In order to comply with emissions regulations, data regarding activation of the MIL is recorded in the engine 

electronic controller, and may be downloaded by Lotus dealers using the TechCentre.

Low Fuel Level Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

A circuit check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.  Thereafter, this amber 

tell tale will light, with ignition on, when approximately 5 litres of fuel remain.  Refuel at the next opportunity. 

 

Low Washer Fluid Level Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

This amber tell tale is provided to warn of low fluid level in the reservoir serving the windscreen and head-

lamp powerwash jets.  A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on, but if the 

lamp then remains lit, or lights after washer use, refill the reservoir with a suitable fluid at the first opportunity.

Cruise Control Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

If the car is so equipped, this amber tell tale indicates when the cruise control is enabled.  For full details 

of this system, see later.  A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.

Traction Control Off Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

This amber tell tale reminds the driver that the traction control has been instructionly switched off.  Lotus 

 

 

Lotus Service Notes   

 

 

    Section MR

Traction Control should aways be active when driving on public roads in normal conditions.  To re-activate LTC, 

press momentarily the LTC off switch and check that the tell tale is extinguished.  For LTC details, see later.

A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.

Traction Control Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

This amber tell tale will flicker whenever the Traction Control system is triggered to indicate to the driver 

that the tractive limit is being broached.   

A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on, but if the tell tale lights 

constantly, a fault has been detected, and traction control will not be enabled.  

ABS Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on, but if the lamp then remains 

lit, or comes on whilst driving, a fault in the anti-lock brake system is indicated. The base brake system will 

continue to operate normally, but without the anti-lock feature.  Heavy braking, or braking on slippery surfaces 

may cause one or more wheels to lock and result in reduced steering response and possible loss of control.

The car may continue to be driven with appropriate care and anticipation, but should be checked and 

repaired at the earliest opportunity.

Sport Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (amber)

This tell tale will light up amber to indicate that ‘Sport’ mode has been selected, delivering increased throttle

response and a reduced level of traction control.  This selection will default off when the ignition is next turned 

on.  A bulb check will light the lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.

Brake Tell Tale 

LOTUS

OFF

 (red)

A circuit check will light this lamp for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.  The tell tale will then 

remain lit if the parking brake is applied.  Check that the tell tale is extinguished when the parking brake is re-

leased, as driving the car with the brake not fully disengaged will cause overheat damage to the rear brakes. 

With the parking brake released, if the tell tale should light at any time after the 3 second 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. In the event 

of a leak 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.

Note that in order to inhibit false warnings of low fluid level due to surge effects, this circuit incorporates 

a 10 second delay, requiring that the signal be present for a minimum of this period.

Oil Pressure Tell Tale 

 (red)

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 go out 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.  

WARNING:  Continuing to run the engine with the oil tell tale lit could cause major engine damage or 

seizure, resulting in loss of car control and a crash. You or others could be killed or seriously injured.

Battery Charging Tell Tale 

 (red)

This red tell tale will light whenever the ignition is on and the engine is stopped. If it lights any time when 

the engine is running, it indicates that the battery is not being charged, which may be due to a broken auxiliary 

drive belt, or an electrical fault.  

Stop the car as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine. The auxiliary belt also drives the engine 

water pump, without which function the engine will overheat very quickly.  If it can be determined that the 

auxiliary belt and water pump are functioning correctly, it may be possible in favourable daylight conditions, 

to drive a short distance to a repair facility, but do not, under any circumstances, allow the battery to become 

completely discharged by continuing to drive, as this may result in engine damage and the car being stranded 

in a dangerous position.

 

 

Lotus Service Notes   

 

 

    Section MR

Seat Belt Tell Tale 

 (red)

As a reminder to fasten the seat belts, the seat belt tell tale in the instrument cluster will flash red for about 

six seconds following ignition switch on, accompanied, if the driver’s belt is not fastened, by an intermittent

audible tone. Thereafter, if the driver’s belt remains unfastened, the lamp will light continuously, but if vehicle

speed should exceed 15 mph (20 km/h) the lamp will flash, accompanied by a beeping tone for a period of two 

minutes, unless curtailed by a speed reduction below 10 mph (15 km/h) before this time.

Airbag Tell Tale 

 (red)

The airbag safety system, including the pre-tensioning seat belts, has a self-diagnostic feature which lights 

the red tell tale if a fault is detected.  As a bulb check, the tell tale will light for about six seconds following igni-

tion switch on, and then go out, but if the lamp remains lit, or comes on at any other time, a fault in the airbag 

system is indicated, which should be rectified without delay by your Lotus dealer.

INSTRUMENTS

Speedometer

This analogue display uses an illuminated pointer to indicate road speed in either mph or km/h dependent 

on market.  Each time the ignition is switched on, a re-setting routine will be performed with the pointer sweep-

ing to full scale and back to zero.  The scale backlighting and pointer will be illuminated whenever the ignition 

or sidelamps circuits are active.

Note that a digital speed display in alternative units (mph or km/h) is available in the information panel 

menu (see later).

Tachometer

This analogue display uses an illuminated pointer to indicate engine speed in revolutions per minute.  The 

engine management system graduates the maximum engine speed allowed during the warming up phase, and 

once normal running temperature has been reached, limits continuous engine speed to 6,600 rpm  (or 7,000 

rpm in Sport mode).  During maximum acceleration through the lower gears, very short bursts up to 6,800 rpm 

are allowed (or 7,200 rpm in Sport mode).

Each time the ignition is switched on, a re-setting routine will be performed with the pointer sweeping 

to full scale and back to zero.  The scale backlighting and pointer will be illuminated whenever the ignition or 

sidelamps circuits are active.

Three red tell tale rings are incorporated into the tachometer face to warn that maximum engine speed is 

being approached, but as the rate of rpm increase is potentially greater in the lower gears, the tell tale trigger 

points are tailored to accommodate the reaction time available.  The tell tales will light in the following left to 

right sequence:

-

one red light;

-

two red lights;

- 

three rapidly flashing lights with an audible warning.

When exploiting maximum acceleration, gear upshifts should be made immediately the three flashing 

lights appear.

NOTICE:  

•

The use of wide throttle openings and/or high rpm before normal running temperature has been reached

should be avoided.  A graduated engine speed limit is imposed on a cold engine to reduce possible dam-

age and wear from a delinquent driving style.

•

Do not run the engine continuously at its maximum speed.

•

The engine is not protected from overspeeding caused by erroneous or premature downchanging, the

consequences of which could be catastrophic failure not covered by the vehicle warranty.

•

Use of maximum rpm and the above tell tale facility should be restricted to occasions when maximum 

acceleration is required.  Overuse will compromise powertrain service life.

Odometer

A vehicle total distance travelled indicator, in miles or kilometers, dependent on market, is displayed at 

the centre top of the instrument panel whenever the ignition key is inserted.  See later for the trip distance 

function.