Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Elise Generation:
Series 1 (1996–2001) and early Series 2 (2001–2004)
Exige Generation:
Series 1 (2000–2001) and early Series 2 (2001–2004)
Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, high-performance sports car, renowned for handling and driver engagement.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, track day participants, and owners seeking in-depth DIY maintenance and repair capabilities.
Competitors Era:
Competed against cars like Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000, and BMW Z3/Z4 in its class.
Chassis Design:
Innovative extruded and bonded aluminum monocoque chassis, providing exceptional rigidity and low weight.
Aerodynamics:
Designed for downforce and stability, particularly the Exige variant with its larger rear wing and splitter.
Driving Dynamics:
Focus on raw, analog driving experience, precise steering, and excellent feedback.
Cost Savings:
Enables significant savings on dealership servicing and repair costs.
Diy Empowerment:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, fostering a deeper understanding of their vehicle.
Engine:
Detailed coverage including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all engine variants.
Transmission:
Manual transmission repair, clutch replacement, and drivetrain components.
Chassis Suspension:
Aluminum chassis, bonded construction, suspension systems (wishbones, dampers, springs), steering.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, fluid changes, pad/rotor replacement, ABS (where applicable).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ECU diagnosis, lighting, instruments, starter, alternator, battery.
Bodywork:
GRP body panel repair, alignment, seals, doors, hood, and convertible top mechanisms.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fans, hoses, thermostat, coolant specifications.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure testing.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler replacement and repair.
Estimated Pages:
Extensive, likely exceeding 1000 pages based on typical workshop manual depth.
Type:
Digital Workshop Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF or proprietary executable for older systems)
Engine Management:
Includes detailed engine control unit (ECU) parameters, sensor diagnostics, and ignition/fuel control strategies.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, diagnosis, and repair (though often basic in these models).
Lighting And Indicators:
Front/rear lights, turn signals, brake lights, interior lighting, and associated wiring.
Instrumentation And Gauges:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure, temperature gauges, warning lights, and their diagnostics.
Security And Immobilizer:
Key coding, alarm system operation, and immobilizer troubleshooting (where applicable).
Wheel And Tire:
Wheel torque specifications, tire pressure recommendations, and alignment procedures.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks, filter replacements, belt inspections.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding guides, symptom-based diagnostics, and error code interpretation.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Rebuilding Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension component refurbishment.
Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque settings for fasteners across all major assemblies (engine, chassis, suspension).
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to complete engine and chassis rebuilds, mirroring factory workshop manuals.
Compatibility:
Windows (95, 98, 98SE, 2000, NT, ME, XP, Vista, 7) and Mac OS compatible.
Printing Capability:
Printable for offline use, allowing users to print specific procedures as needed.
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital format)
Paper:
Not applicable (Digital format)
Searchability:
Likely includes searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Media Quality:
High Quality Photos, Illustrations, and Diagrams are explicitly mentioned.
Engine Type Elise:
Rover K-Series (later Toyota 2ZZ-GE for some Series 2 models, not explicitly covered by the 1996-2004 range unless specified within the manual's scope for early S2).
Engine Codes Elise:
18K4K (1.8L DOHC 16V MPi)
Engine Type Exige:
Rover K-Series (Supercharged for many models in this range)
Engine Codes Exige:
18K4K (Supercharged)
Displacement Elise:
1796 cc (1.8 L)
Horsepower Elise Mpi:
Approx. 118-120 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Elise Mpi:
Approx. 120 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Horsepower Exige Sc:
Approx. 177-190 bhp @ 6000 rpm (depending on tune)
Torque Exige Sc:
Approx. 150-160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (depending on tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI). Supercharged models utilize a different management system and potentially larger injectors.
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Timing Drive:
Camshafts driven by timing belt (K-Series).
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Gearbox Model:
Lotus Type 47 (based on Rover PG1 gearbox)
Optional Gearbox:
None offered in this period.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be detailed within the manual for optimal performance tuning.
Final Drive:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) often standard on Exige, optional on Elise.
Length:
Approx. 3700-3790 mm (Elise), 3730-3870 mm (Exige) - varies slightly by year/variant
Width:
Approx. 1700-1705 mm
Height:
Approx. 1135-1150 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 720 kg (Elise), 790-850 kg (Exige)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Detailed in manual, typically around 1000-1100 kg
Cargo Capacity:
Minimal, primarily limited to a small rear luggage compartment.
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data due to low volume production, but designed with safety cell principles.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes. ABS was optional or standard on later models.
Traction Control:
Not typically fitted to Elise S1/early S2. May be present on some Exige variants or later S2 models beyond the scope.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard. Passenger airbag often omitted for weight saving. Early models might not have airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll cage within the aluminium chassis structure, with optional external roll bar for track use.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Always verify with manual.
Timing Belt Interval:
Critical item. Generally around 60,000 miles or 5 years. Manual will specify exact interval and replacement procedure.
Brake Fluid Change:
Annually or every 12,000 miles, especially for spirited driving or track use.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or as specified for the coolant type used.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity often 10W-40 or 10W-50, depending on climate and driving conditions. Check manual for precise recommendation.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Higher performance fluid recommended for track use.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically silicate-free. Manual will specify type and mixture ratio.
Gearbox Oil Specification:
GL4 or GL5 rated gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Check manual for precise recommendation and capacity.
K Series Head Gasket:
Infamous for head gasket failures if overheated or not maintained properly. Manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.
Chassis Corrosion:
While aluminum is resistant, bonded joints and specific areas can be susceptible to corrosion if moisture ingress occurs. Manual may have inspection points.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older British sports cars can sometimes exhibit minor electrical issues; the manual's wiring diagrams are invaluable.
Lotus Philosophy:
Founded by Colin Chapman, emphasizing 'lightweight and handling' ('Add lightness').
Elise Introduction:
Launched in 1996 as a spiritual successor to the Lotus Elan, focusing on minimalist design and driver involvement.
Exige Introduction:
Introduced in 2000 as a more track-focused, harder-edged derivative of the Elise, featuring a fixed roof and aerodynamic enhancements.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom.
Series 1 Production Years:
Elise S1: 1996-2001, Exige S1: 2000-2001.
Series 2 Introduction Period:
Elise S2: 2001 onwards, Exige S2: 2001 onwards. This manual covers the early phase of S2.
Handling Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists and publications for its class-leading handling and steering feel.
Car Of The Year Awards:
While not winning major 'Car of the Year' awards, it was highly recognized in its niche sports car segment.
Performance Car Rankings:
Frequently appeared in 'best handling' and 'pure sports car' categories in period reviews.
