Engine light (ECU?)

[bananamana]

Hi guys,
The orange engine light to the extreme right came on a week before my C service (which was 2 weeks ago). I figured it was an indicator that the car needed a service. It went away a day before I made the trip to get the service done. its been off since.

However, today the light is back on. Maybe the service guy didnt tell the car that it just had a service, or maybe its something else? Does it need to be hooked up to a lotus specific computer or anything? Or are there general ones? its a K-Series S 2 2002 model

Thanks in advance

[RobM77]

No service lights on Elises, that's a fault light for the engine/ecu.

[bananamana]

Hmm... Ok, so I must bring it to a Lotus dealer to get checked? or can any dealer hook it up to a general network system that can check it? I dont want to damage anything by driving it

I was too paranoid about the CAM snapping on me. So got the C service. This is going to make me paranoid again. Lol

Oh well, the joy of it all! Ill never be bored

[RobM77]

I'm afraid I don't know. I'm sure someone will be along soon who's more knowledgeable than me. It certainly isn't a cambelt about to snap or anything like that, warning lights don't pick up mechanical errors like that. Generally the only electronics in an engine that report back to fault lights are temperature, pressure or a fault with the ECU itself. If it was me I'd take it to a garage that knows about Elises asap. It doesn't have to be Lotus, there are plenty of great independants around - I use Plans Motorsport near Guildford for example.

[bananamana]

Thanks for your reply. I noticed that when cool the car always had slightly below minimum for the cooling fluid. I was adv on this forum that that was normal. Since the service the mechanic seems to have topped it up quite a lot and its now sitting about a CM above the minimum line when cold. Maybe theres too much pressure.. hmm

[Hollow Legs]

As Rob says get it checked by a proper Lotus garage as they have the equipment.

As an example mine came on, I got it checked by the garage & it was error fault that was casued by the batter terminals being loose.

So could be nothing or could be something more serious.Either way better to know.

[bananamana]

The reason I am trying to find an alternative way to check it is because the nearest Lotus Dealer is 3.5 hours away, each way

[RobM77]

bananamana said:

The reason I am trying to find an alternative way to check it is because the nearest Lotus Dealer is 3.5 hours away, each way

Hmm. They're not much help on the phone either are they? Mine just say "bring it in", leaving me to problem solve things myself (they're two hours drive away!). Are there any independants near you? Where are you based?

[bananamana]

I am based in the northwest of ireland im afriad

Dublin is my nearest Lotus dealer... 1400 PLUS VAT for the C service Lotus Dealer that is... I have also decided never to do business with them.

[RobM77]

bananamana said:

I am based in the northwest of ireland im afriad

Dublin is my nearest Lotus dealer... 1400 PLUS VAT for the C service Lotus Dealer that is... I have also decided never to do business with them.

Blimey!! Have you tried posting on the SELOC forums? You'll have to be a member I think, but the info on there is quite good - or maybe another more Lotus forum? Failing that, keep bouncing this!

[Phil-CH]

bananamana said:

However, today the light is back on. Maybe the service guy didnt tell the car that it just had a service, or maybe its something else? Does it need to be hooked up to a lotus specific computer or anything? Or are there general ones? its a K-Series S 2 2002 model

Me thinks you should check the manual - everything is explained there about what to do when the engine light comes on.

It states (from the NA Elise 111R manual):

User Manual said:

Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp

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.

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 car as soon as it is safe to do so, 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 converter, 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.

If it's not due to emissions, it may also be a missfire. Get it checked out (takes less than 5 minutes to find out what caused the MIL at a dealer).

[bananamana]

Thank you for your comments. The light went off today by itself.

It wasnt flashing it was solid. I still need to get it check and ill check out seloc