Caterham Seven User guide

OWNERS HANDBOOK

Contents
Using this Handbook .............................................................................................................................................. 7
1. Before taking to the road...........................................................................................................................................8
Explanation of Dashboard...................................................................................................................................... 9
Speedometer .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Digital display within speedometer ................................................................................................................. 9
Trip recorder reset button ............................................................................................................................... 9
Tachometer..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Oil pressure gauge ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Temperature gauge ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Fuel gauge.....................................................................................................................................................10
Warning lights ................................................................................................................................................10
Before you drive away .........................................................................................................................................13
Pedal adjustment facility...............................................................................................................................13
Seats/seat belts/harness ..............................................................................................................................13
Weather equipment assembly .............................................................................................................................14
Security ................................................................................................................................................................15
Keys/key numbers ........................................................................................................................................15
Immobilisation............................................................................................................................................... 15
Vehicle battery disconnection.......................................................................................................................16
Ignition switch and steering lock................................................................................................................... 16
Steering lock .................................................................................................................................................16
Starting the engine ...............................................................................................................................................17
Starting in cold climates................................................................................................................................17
Warming up ..................................................................................................................................................17
Running-In............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Catalytic converter ........................................................................................................................................17
Filling up with fuel: ........................................................................................................................................17
Starting the engine: ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Driving the car:..............................................................................................................................................17
Switching off: ................................................................................................................................................17
Vehicle maintenance: ................................................................................................................................... 18
Gearbox ...............................................................................................................................................................18
Selecting reverse gear..................................................................................................................................18
Precautions while driving..............................................................................................................................18
Sequential Gearbox Operation.....................................................................................................................18
Fuel ......................................................................................................................................................................19
Fuel Filling ....................................................................................................................................................19
Filling difficulties............................................................................................................................................19
Braking System ....................................................................................................................................................19
Brake pads....................................................................................................................................................19
Handbrake ....................................................................................................................................................19
2. Useful information ...................................................................................................................................................20
Technical data......................................................................................................................................................21
Vehicle type ..................................................................................................................................................21
Construction..................................................................................................................................................21
Braking system (All models excluding 170) .................................................................................................22
Braking system (170 only) ............................................................................................................................22
Parking brake................................................................................................................................................22
Suspension –Standard / SV Chassis ..........................................................................................................22

Suspension –CSR Chassis ......................................................................................................................... 22
Steering mechanism..................................................................................................................................... 22
Road wheel nut torque ................................................................................................................................. 22
Electrical ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Manual transmission..................................................................................................................................... 22
Recommended fluid specification ................................................................................................................ 24
Track use ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Enjoying track days and competing in your Caterham Seven. .................................................................... 25
Motorsport..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Track days .................................................................................................................................................... 25
3. Maintenance............................................................................................................................................................ 27
Regular checks:............................................................................................................................................ 34
Weekly checks:............................................................................................................................................. 34
Emission control ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Safety in the garage............................................................................................................................................. 34
Poisonous liquids.......................................................................................................................................... 35
Used engine oil............................................................................................................................................. 35
Checking fluid levels ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Engine oil levels............................................................................................................................................ 35
Engines with standard wet sump arrangement............................................................................................ 35
Engines with dry sump tank - except CSR 200 / 260 .................................................................................. 36
Engines with dry sump bell tank and swirl tower - CSR 200 / 260 Models only.......................................... 36
Supercharger oil level checking and maintenance (For 620 R only) ...........................................................36
Coolant check & top-up ................................................................................................................................ 36
Anti-freeze .................................................................................................................................................... 36
Brake/clutch fluid check & top-up................................................................................................................. 37
Wipers & Washers ............................................................................................................................................... 37
Windscreen washers .................................................................................................................................... 37
Washer jets................................................................................................................................................... 38
Wiper blades................................................................................................................................................. 38
Battery.................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Battery maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 38
Battery removal and replacement ................................................................................................................ 38
Replacement battery .................................................................................................................................... 38
Battery disposal ............................................................................................................................................ 39
Battery charging ........................................................................................................................................... 39
Wheels & Tyres.................................................................................................................................................... 39
Caring for your tyres ..................................................................................................................................... 39
Tyre pressures.............................................................................................................................................. 39
Tyre wear indicators ..................................................................................................................................... 39
Valve caps .................................................................................................................................................... 40
Punctured tyres ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Replacement tyres........................................................................................................................................ 40
Changing a wheel and tyre assembly.................................................................................................................. 40
Tools required............................................................................................................................................... 40
Positioning the jack....................................................................................................................................... 40
Removing and refitting the wheel and tyre assembly .................................................................................. 40
Cleaning and car care.......................................................................................................................................... 42
Washing your car.......................................................................................................................................... 42
Removing tar spots....................................................................................................................................... 42
Body protection............................................................................................................................................. 42
Windscreen................................................................................................................................................... 42
Hood/Sidescreen .......................................................................................................................................... 42

Mirrors...........................................................................................................................................................42
Wiper blades.................................................................................................................................................42
Looking after the interior...............................................................................................................................42
Laying your vehicle up for long periods ............................................................................................................... 43
Travelling abroad ................................................................................................................................................. 43
4. In an emergency......................................................................................................................................................44
Emergency starting ..............................................................................................................................................44
Emergency towing ...............................................................................................................................................44
Towing for recovery ......................................................................................................................................44
Before being towed:...................................................................................................................................... 44
Fuses and relays..................................................................................................................................................45
Fuses and relays - 170.................................................................................................................................45
Fuses and relays - 270/275/310...................................................................................................................45
Fuses and relays - 360/420/620 ..................................................................................................................46
Fuses and relays - 485 .................................................................................................................................46
Renewing a fuse ...........................................................................................................................................46
Fuse colours .................................................................................................................................................46
Parts & Accessories .............................................................................................................................................47
Service parts & accessories .........................................................................................................................47
Bulb Replacement................................................................................................................................................47
Headlamps....................................................................................................................................................47
Side lamp (front) ...........................................................................................................................................47
Indicators (front)............................................................................................................................................47
Indicator repeaters (front) .............................................................................................................................47
Stop/tail and indicators (rear) .......................................................................................................................47
Rear fog light, reversing light........................................................................................................................ 47
Number plate lamp .......................................................................................................................................47
5. Servicing..................................................................................................................................................................50
Service schedules - 170 Engine Variants ............................................................................................................51
Service schedules - 270/275/310/360/420 Engine Variants ...............................................................................52
Service schedules –485 only ..............................................................................................................................53
Service schedules –620 only ..............................................................................................................................54
Service record .............................................................................................................................................................55
Cambelt replacement .................................................................................................................................................. 58
Factory upgrade record ............................................................................................................................................... 59

6

7
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the ownership of your new Caterham Seven sports car.
Designed for racing and built for living, your Caterham Seven is competition-developed and capable of
performance well in excess of your average supercar. Please take the time to read this manual, get well
acquainted with the controls and understand the maintenance requirements of your car. This will help you
appreciate its capabilities to the full whilst ensuring the appropriate upkeep of your Seven enabling you to derive
maximum pleasure from ownership.
As a high performance car, it is likely that your Caterham Seven will be subjected to the stresses and strains of
enthusiastic driving, particularly on the track. Therefore, it is essential that the maintenance programme of regular
servicing and checks contained within this manual is adhered to. This will ensure that the vehicle is kept in the best
possible condition and performing at its optimum. For all servicing, MOT’s and other vehicle maintenance we
recommend that you return your car to us here at Caterham where the work will be carried out by factory trained
technicians. Alternatively, servicing and maintenance can be carried out by one of the Caterham approved service
agents. Please refer to the Caterham website for up to date contact information www.caterhamcars.com.
Using this Handbook
This handbook has been divided into sections, each dealing with the different aspects of owning and caring for your
Caterham Seven. You will find lots of useful and worthwhile advice and tips to help you get to know and look after
your new car.
•USING YOUR SEVEN
•LOOKING AFTER YOUR SEVEN
•TECHNICAL INFORMATION
•SERVICE SCHEDULES AND RECORDS
•‘Before taking to the road’ –Includes controls, pedal adjustment, seat adjustment, weather equipment
fitting and storage, security and other information that you should know before you drive your new car.
•‘Useful information’ –This section is where you will find all the technical data on your Caterham Seven.
•‘Maintenance’ –Detailed here are all the regular checks you will need to carry out to ensure you continue to
get the best from your Caterham Seven.
•‘In an emergency’–Should an emergency arise then here you will find advice on what you can do, including
jump starting, checking the fuses and changing a bulb.
•‘Servicing’ –This section provides vehicle service information including service schedules. In addition, you
will find pages that can be used to keep a record of when and where a service took place plus an additional
section for any future modifications or upgrades to your vehicle.
WARNING!
Safety warnings are included in this handbook. These indicate either a procedure which must be followed precisely,
or information that should be considered with great care in order to avoid the possibility of personal injury or serious
damage to the vehicle.

8
Standard 5 Speed. Standard 6 Speed. Sequential 6 Speed.
Note for 6 speed
sequential: Arrows are
for illustration only:
Upwards arrow = Down
shift 1 gear
Downwards arrow = Up
shift 1 gear
See page 18 for further
details.
Before taking to the road
Dashboard layout for models with standard instruments
Key:
1. Brake fail indicator
(excl. 170/270/275/280/310)
2. Hazard warning light switch
3. Rear fog light switch
4. Heated windscreen switch
5. Heater fan switch
6. Immobiliser warning light
7. Windscreen washers switch
8. Windscreen wipers switch
9. Side lights/head lights switch
10. Indicators switch
11. Main beam switch
12. Headlamp flasher switch
13. Horn
14. Fuel gauge
15. Temperature gauge
16. Oil Pressure gauge
17. Tachometer
18. Speedometer
19. main beam warning light
20. Indicator warning light
21. Ignition warning light, MIL & brake
system warning light
22. Push starter button
23. Trip reset button
24. Heater valve control

9
Explanation of Dashboard
Brake fail indicator
Hazard warning light
Rear fog light
Heated windscreen
Heater fan
Windscreen washers
Windscreen wipers
Indicator switch
Side/Head lights
Main beam
Headlamp flasher
Heater valve control
Starter push button
Horn push button
Single position spring loaded switch, illuminates to indicate low fluid level. Press to test
bulb.
Single position switch activates all indicators.
Single position switch activates rear fog lights when dipped headlights are illuminated.
(spring-loaded switch for Seven 170 & 270/275/280/310, operates when ignition is on
and main or dip beam headlamps are illuminated. The rear fog light will automatically
switch off if the ignition or headlamps are switched off.)
Single position switch activates heating elements to demist front windscreen.
Two position switch provides low and high speed fan control.
Single position spring-loaded switch activates washer jets when depressed.
Two position switch to provide low and high-speed continuous wipe.
Three position switch Left-Off-Right (not self-cancelling)
Two position switch, first position side lights, second position dipped beam headlight.
Two position switch for dip or main beam.
Single position spring-loaded switch to flash headlights.
This is located on the inside of engine compartment bulkhead, above the driver’s knee.
Pull towards driver to increase heat.
Single position spring-loaded push switch, press and hold to start engine
Single position spring-loaded push switch
Speedometer
Indicates road speed in miles per hour and/or kilometres per hour.
Digital display within speedometer
The display shows the following:
•Odometer reading (shows the total distance travelled by the car).
•Trip recorder (for recording individual journey distances). The word trip is also displayed.
Trip recorder reset button
Whenever the ignition switch is turned on, the display shows the odometer reading. By pressing the trip recorder
reset button briefly, the display will change to show the trip recorder reading (a further press of the button returns
the display to the odometer reading). Press and hold the reset button to reset the display to zero.
Tachometer
Indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute.
NOTE: An electronic limiter will prevent engine speed rising above a pre-determined factory set level.
Oil pressure gauge
The needle indicates the oil pressure measured in bar. The needle will quickly rise when the engine is started. If the
needle falls into the red mark during normal running the oil pressure is at a critical level and severe engine damage
could result; switch off the engine immediately (safety permitting) and seek qualified assistance. (Engine pressure
will fluctuate as engine revs change).
WARNING!
Never restart the engine or drive the car with the oil pressure gauge indicating red.
Temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. During normal operation, the needle will rise from the lower (cold)
mark to the middle part of the gauge, where it will remain while the engine is operating at its normal temperature.
In severe driving conditions, such as very hot weather or extended hill climbing, the needle may rise. If the needle
rises to the red mark, the coolant is too hot and severe engine damage could result; stop the car as soon as safety
permits and seek qualified assistance.

10
Fuel gauge
The needle indicates the fuel level. After refuelling, the gauge slowly rises to the new level once the ignition switch
is turned on.
WARNING! NEVER allow the car to run out of fuel (the resultant misfire could destroy the catalytic converter).
Warning lights
Battery charging –Red
The light illuminates as a bulb check when the ignition switch is turned to position ‘II’ and extinguishes as soon as
the engine is running. If it remains on, or illuminates whilst driving, a fault with the battery charging system is
indicated. Seek qualified assistance from Caterham.
Direction indicators –Green
The indicator warning light flashes in time with the left or right direction indicator lights, whenever they are
operated. If the warning light fails to illuminate or flashes very rapidly, this means that one of the indicator lights is
not operating.
Engine warning - Amber
If this lamp illuminates with the engine running it indicates a malfunction within the engine control system. Each
malfunction will have a specific code and description and can be read using an OBD generic scan tool. This should
be carried out as soon as possible. If engine warning light persists, please seek qualified assistance from
Caterham.
Brake system –Red
The light has dual function for ‘low brake fluid’ and ‘hand brake applied’. The light illuminates as a bulb check when
the ignition switch is turned to position ‘II’ and extinguishes soon after. The light will continue to illuminate for as
long as the hand brake is applied. If it remains on when the hand brake is released, a fault with the brake fluid level
is indicated. Seek qualified assistance from Caterham.
Headlight main beam –Blue
Illuminates when the headlights are switched to main beam.
Immobiliser warning light - Red
See section on Immobilisation.

11
NOTE: For full windscreen option the wiring connection to dashboard buttons for heated screen, wipers etc are
already connected.
Controls 1. Dipped / Side Lights
2. Main Beam switch
3. Left indicator switch
4. Speedometer
5.Rev Counter
6. Sport Mode switch
7. Wiper switch
8. Washer jet switch
9. Hazard switch
10. Right indicator switch
11. Horn switch
12. Start switch
13. Fog light switch
14. Fan control switch
15. Heated screen switch
16. Handbrake indicator
17. Oil pressure gauge
18. Temperature Gauge
19. Fuel Gauge
Dashboard layout for Seven 480/485

12
NOTE: For full windscreen option the wiring connection to dashboard buttons for heated screen, wipers etc are
already connected if specified.
Controls 1. Fuel gauge
2. Temperature gauge
3. Oil pressure gauge
4. Fog light switch
5. Heated Screen switch
6. Screen washer switch
7. Main Beam switch
8. Horn Switch
9. Hazard Switch
10. Heater Fan Switch
11. Wiper Switch
12. Dipped beam / sidelights
13. Start Switch
14. Indicator Switch
15. Rev Counter Display
16. Gear indicator Display
17. Speedometer
18. Flasher Switch for Main
Note: 620 Dashboard with steering wheel removed.
Dashboard Layout for Seven 620

13
Before you drive away
Pedal adjustment facility
On some models the pedals may be adjusted to
suit the driver. Please contact your Caterham
dealer or local agent for details, (Note: not all cars
have this facility).
Seats/seat belts/harness
Forward/backward adjustment
Lift the seat adjustment lever up to release the
catch enabling the seat to slide back or forward.
Ensure the seat is locked in position before driving
off.
It is often much easier to adjust the seat whilst sat
in the vehicle.
WARNING!
DO NOT adjust the seat while the car is in motion.
Head restraints
Head restraints are designed to restrain rearward
movement of the head in the event of an accident
or sudden stop.
WARNING!
Never drive the car with the head restraints
removed.
Seat belt safety
The seat belts supplied with your car are intended
for use by adult sized occupants and must be used
by one occupant ONLY. Seat belts are lifesaving
equipment and are required by law to be worn at all
times whilst in a vehicle. In a collision, unrestrained
passengers can be thrown around inside, or
possibly thrown out of the car, resulting in injury to
themselves and to other occupants.
ENSURE that the passenger is securely
strapped in at all times.
•ALWAYS adjust seat belts to eliminate any
slack in the webbing. DO NOT slacken the
webbing by pulling the belt away from the body
–to be fully effective, the seat belt must remain
in full contact with the body at all times.
•ALWAYS fit the lap strap across the pelvis
(never across the abdomen), and ensure that
the diagonal strap passes across the chest,
without slipping off the shoulder, or pressing
against the neck.
•DO NOT fit more than one person into a belt,
or use a seat belt that is twisted or obstructed
in any way that could impede its smooth
operation.
•DO NOT wear seat belts over hard or fragile
items in clothing, such as pens, keys,
spectacles etc.
•DO NOT allow a baby or infant to be carried on
the lap. The force of a crash can increase
effective body weight by as much as 30 times,
making it impossible to hold on to the child.
•DO NOT allow foreign matter to enter the seat
belt buckles as this can render the buckles
inoperative.
•Pregnant women should ask their doctor for
advice about the safest way to wear seat belts.
Caring for seat belts
Regularly inspect the belt webbing for signs of
fraying, cuts and wear, also paying particular
attention to the condition of the fixing points and
adjusters.
Care should be taken to avoid contamination of the
webbing from the effects of polish, oil and
chemicals (see ‘Cleaning & car care’).
Three tests for checking seat belts
1) With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing
near the buckle a quick upward pull –the buckle
should remain securely locked!
2) With the seat belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to the limit of its travel. Check that
unreeling is free from snatches and snags.
3) With the webbing half unreeled, hold the tongue
plate and give it a quick forward pull –the
mechanism must lock automatically and prevent
any further unreeling!
WARNING!
Always replace a seat belt assembly that has
withstood the strain of a severe vehicle impact, or
one where the webbing shows signs of fraying.
Harnesses
A multi-point harness holds the driver firmly in the
seat at all times (unlike a seatbelt which ‘locks’ on
impact only). Aside from the increased safety
benefit and being held more securely in extreme
circumstances such as a track day driving, a
harness will remove the tendency for the driver to
brace themselves in corners using the steering
wheel, with better control of the car as a result.
The lap strap is engaged first, ensuring that it is
adjusted so that it sits across the lap at the lowest
point. It should tighten enough that it requires effort
to engage. Shoulder straps are then engaged into

14
the appropriate slot and tightened by pulling on the
adjuster strap. A harness should feel tight when
warn and not allow any movement of the
torso. Although this feels restrictive at first, a driver
will quickly get used to and ultimately prefer this
feeling in a Seven.
To exit from the harness, the spring loaded buckle
is rotated 90deg.
Harness adjustment
Slide the tail strap web through the metal three bar
slide to set up the perfect strap length. The
shoulder strap adjusters should sit on the breast
bone, by doing this first you will ensure that the
comfort pads are located in the correct position.
Tighten the lap straps first making sure the release
buckle is in a central position, final adjustment is
taken up by pulling down on the shoulder straps.
WARNINGS!
Always check your harness regularly for chaffing,
stitch damage or hardware corrosion. Pay particular
attention to areas that may not be visible such as
under seat or cowlings.
Petrol, battery acid, bleach or similar solvent must
not spill onto the webbing.
Always wear your harness as tight as comfort will
allow but no tighter as loss of circulation may occur.
Always replaces a harness that has been involved
in an accident or damage has taken place.
Never make any changes to your system either by
cutting and re-sewing webbing or by modifying the
hardware.
Weather equipment assembly
Erecting the hood is relatively straightforward if the
correct procedure is followed. Therefore we
recommend that the following sequence is
adopted:-
i) Erect the hoodsticks slacken the buckles to
allow the front hoodsticks to collapse forwards
over the roll bar.
ii) Unfold the hood and popper it onto the
windscreen first.
iii) Stretch the rear of the hood over the back of
the car and clip it over the poppers situated on
the back panel starting at the outside and
working into the centre.
iv) Attach to the remaining poppers on the sides
of the vehicle.
v) From the inside of the car, tension the hood by
pulling on the loose end of the straps re-
tensioning the buckle (the buckle will
automatically lock in position when released).
The straps should be adjusted until the front
hoodstick is in line with the hood seam. (See
Fig 7).
vi) The Velcro lined strips inside the hood should
now capture the front hoodstick, which
prevents the hood from ballooning at speed.
vii) The tops of the sidescreens tuck under the
flaps on the hood sides in order to make the
hood watertight. At the rear, however, the
sidescreens overlap the hood.
Removal and storage
To remove the hood slacken the buckles and
remove in reverse to the above. (Vii to i)
4-point and 6-point harness
Tensioning the hood

15
It is important that the hood is folded correctly when
removed in order to avoid unsightly creases and to
prevent the clear plastic windows from being
scratched or splitting. We suggest that it is always
folded and then rolled as shown in Fig 7.
To help prevent damage, and free up storage
space, a protective hood bag is available from
Caterham.
NOTE: Never store the hood when wet.
Security
Keys/key numbers
You have been supplied with 4 keys: 2 for the
ignition and 2 for the fuel cap. The numbers for
these can be found on a small tag attached to the
key ring.
You will also have been supplied with 2 coded
transponder tags.
WARNING!
Keep the key tag and spare key in a safe place –
NOT IN THE CAR!
If the key or tag is lost please contact Caterham to
make arrangements for an additional set of keys
and tags.
Immobilisation
Most Caterhams are fitted with an immobiliser as
standard.
Disarming the system
Insert your ignition key with the transponder unit
attached to the same key ring and the reader unit
will automatically recognise the transponder and
disarm your immobiliser. The LED state will change
from fast flashing to off indicating the vehicle can
be started.
Arming the system
When the vehicle’s ignition is switched off and the
keys are removed from the ignition, the immobiliser
will prepare to arm and the red LED will illuminate.
During this period, the ignition can be switched
back on, cancelling the arming and permitting the
vehicle to be started as normal.
If after twenty seconds the ignition has not been
turned on, then the immobiliser will automatically
‘arm’ and the red LED will flash. This ‘auto-arming’
sequence means that it is possible to leave your
vehicle unprotected.
WARNING!
Your system will automatically re-arm within twenty
seconds of disarming if you do not turn the ignition
on.
Programming new transponder tags
If you require a new transponder tag for an
additional user, or as a replacement through loss or
damage, please contact Caterham.
Once you have received your new transponder tag,
you will need to programme it. To do this you must
have an existing transponder tag that already
operates the system.
Hood folding procedure

16
1) Disarm the system using an existing transponder
tag attached to the ignition key.
2) Switch the ignition on and off twice and then turn
the ignition back on, all within 7 seconds (the LED
will flash rapidly).
3) The system will then recognise the transponder
tag on the key ring and re-programme it.
4) The LED will flash once to indicate it recognises
the transponder tag.
5) Remove the ignition key with the transponder tag
attached.
6) Pass a new transponder tag close to the ignition
barrel.
7) The LED will flash twice to indicate that the new
transponder tag is in the memory.
8) Pass any additional transponder tag close to the
ignition barrel.
9) For each transponder tag programmed into the
system the LED will flash a number of times to
indicate how many transponder tags are
programmed into the system.
10) When you have finished, switch the ignition off
and the immobiliser will exit the programming
mode.
Each time you programme a new transponder tag
into the system it will automatically erase all other
transponder tags in the memory therefore all
transponder tags required to operate the system
must be programmed back in.
NOTE: For EU cars the transponder is in the key, if
you require a new transponder as a replacement
through loss or damage please contact your local
dealer.
Deleting lost transponder tags from the system
memory
If you lose one of your transponder tags, your
vehicle is no longer totally secure, as anyone who
finds your lost transponder tag could disarm your
immobiliser. To prevent this from happening you
are able to delete transponder tags from the
system.
Because your immobiliser system will recognise up
to five different transponder tags, you will have to
re-programme all of your existing transponder tags
every time you enter programming mode.
NOTE: The immobiliser is electronic immobiliser
and derives its main power from your car battery.
However, the consumption in the armed state is
such that it should not adversely affect your car
battery.
WARNING!
The tags contain delicate electronic circuits and
must be protected from impact and water damage,
high temperatures and humidity, direct sunlight,
effects of solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners.
Vehicle battery disconnection
If the car battery is disconnected for any reason the
status of the security system prior to disconnection
will be memorised and automatically reset when the
battery is reconnected.
Ignition switch and steering lock
The ignition switch uses the following sequence of
key positions to operate the steering lock, electrical
circuits and starter motor:
‘O’ –Steering locked
With the key removed, the steering column will be
locked and most electrical circuits are non-
operational.
‘I’ –Steering unlocked
Turn the switch to position ‘I’ to unlock the steering.
‘II’ –Electrical circuits on
With the switch in position ‘II’ all electrical circuits
are operational.
‘III’ –Starter motor operates
Turn the switch to position ‘III’ to operate the starter
motor; release the key as soon as the engine starts
(the key will automatically return to position ‘II’).
Steering lock
To unlock the steering:
Insert the key FULLY and turn the ignition switch to
position ‘I’ – a small movement of the steering
wheel may be necessary to disengage the lock.
To lock the steering:
With the ignition switch turned to position ‘O’,
remove the key and turn the steering wheel until
the lock engages.
NOTE: Cars fitted with a quick release steering
wheel do not have a steering lock mechanism.
WARNING!
Once the steering lock is engaged it is impossible
to steer the car.
DO NOT remove the key, or turn the ignition switch
to position ‘O’ while the car is in motion.

17
Starting the engine
WARNING!
Before starting the engine, ensure you are familiar
with the procedures below. Catalytic converters are
easily damaged through improper use, particularly
if the wrong fuel is used or if an engine misfire
occurs –before starting the engine you should be
aware of the precautions detailed in the ‘Catalytic
converter’ section.
Never start or leave the engine running in an
unventilated building –exhaust gases are
poisonous and contain carbon monoxide which can
cause unconsciousness and may even be fatal.
1) Check that the handbrake is on and that the gear
lever is in neutral.
2) Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment.
3) Turn the ignition switch to position ‘II’ and
release the key as soon as the engine has started.
NOTE: For cars fitted with a push button start, turn
the ignition switch to position ‘II’ and press the red
push button and release the button as soon as the
engine starts.
WARNING!
DO NOT press the accelerator pedal while starting
and DO NOT operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start switch
off, wait for at least 10 seconds before trying again.
NOTE: When the battery is in a low state of charge,
depress the clutch before starting and hold it down
until the engine is running.
Starting in cold climates
In freezing conditions, fully depress the clutch pedal
while starting and hold it down until the engine is
running. Note that engine cranking times will
increase and that the battery charging light may
take several seconds to extinguish.
Warming up
In the interest of fuel economy, it is advisable to
drive the car soon after starting, remembering that
harsh acceleration or labouring the engine before
the normal operating temperature has been
reached can damage the engine.
Running-In
The engine, gearbox, brakes and tyres need time to
‘bed-in’ and adjust to the demands of everyday
motoring. During the first 500 miles (1,000 km) it is
essential that you drive with consideration for the
running-in process and heed the following advice:
•DO NOT allow the engine to exceed 4,000
rev/min in any gear.
•DO NOT operate at full throttle in any gear.
•DO NOT allow the engine to labour in any
gear.
•AVOID heavy braking.
After the running-in distance has been completed,
engine speeds may be gradually increased.
Catalytic converter
The exhaust system on your car incorporates a
catalytic converter, which converts poisonous
exhaust emissions from the engine into
environmentally less harmful gases, thereby
reducing atmospheric pollution.
WARNING!
The catalytic converter can be easily damaged
through improper use, particularly if the wrong fuel
is used. For this reason, it is VERY IMPORTANT
that you heed the following precautions:
Filling up with fuel:
Use ONLY fuel recommended for your Caterham
model (see ‘Technical Data’).
Starting the engine:
WARNING!
DO NOT continue operating the starter if the engine
fails to start after a few attempts (unburnt fuel may
be drawn into the exhaust system, thereby
damaging a catalyst) –seek qualified assistance.
If a misfire is suspected when starting, DO NOT
drive the car or attempt to clear the misfire by
pressing the accelerator pedal. DO NOT attempt to
push or tow start the car. Instead, turn the ignition
switch off immediately and seek qualified
assistance from Caterham.
Driving the car:
Provided the engine has reached its normal
operating temperature, if a misfire is suspected or
the car lacks power while driving, it may be driven
SLOWLY (at risk of catalyst damage) to Caterham
for assistance.
Never allow the car to run out of fuel (the resultant
misfire could destroy a catalyst).
An engine burning excessive oil (blue smoke from
the exhaust), will progressively reduce catalyst
efficiency.
Do not overload the engine.
Switching off:
DO NOT switch off the engine whilst the car is in
motion, with a forward or reverse drive gear
selected.

18
Vehicle maintenance:
Any engine misfire, loss of engine performance or
engine run-on, could seriously damage the catalytic
converter. For this reason, it is vital that unqualified
persons do not tamper with the engine and that
regular maintenance is carried out by Caterham, in
accordance with the service interval plan included
in this book.
WARNING!
DO NOT run the engine with a spark plug or lead
removed, or use any device that requires an insert
into a spark plug.
Exhaust temperatures can be extremely high; DO
NOT park on ground where combustible materials,
such as dry grass or leaves, could come in contact
with the exhaust system –in dry weather a fire
could result.
Cooling fans may operate after the engine is
switched off. Keep clear of all fans while working in
the engine compartment.
Before carrying out maintenance checks or working
in the engine compartment, ALWAYS observe the
safety precautions listed under ‘Safety in the
garage’.
Gearbox
The gear positions are indicated on the gear lever
knob. Synchromesh engagement is provided on all
forward gears and in the neutral position the gear
lever is spring loaded to rest naturally between 3rd
and 4th gears.
Selecting reverse gear
Before selecting reverse gear, ENSURE THE CAR
IS STATIONARY; then, fully depress the clutch
pedal and pause briefly before moving the gear
lever into position by pushing the knob downwards
prior to moving the lever fully to left and
forwards/right and backwards (according to the
gearbox in your Caterham model). This is different
for models with a sequential gearbox where you will
be required to lift the collar and move the stick
forwards, release and then repeat which will put the
car into reverse gear.
Precautions while driving
WARNING!
DO NOT rest your hand on the gear lever while
driving; pressure transmitted from your hand, may
cause premature wear to the gear selector
mechanism.
DO NOT rest your foot on the clutch pedal while
driving; excessive wear to the clutch will result!
Sequential Gearbox Operation.
Arrows are for illustration only:
To shift up, pull away from dashboard (downwards
arrow indicated)
To shift down, push towards dashboard (upwards
arrow indicated)
To select neutral and reverse gears, it requires the
gearbox to be in first gear. Lift the ‘detent’ collar at
the base of the gearstick as shown by the diagonal
arrow and push away to select either neutral or
reverse. A ‘half movement’ downshift will select
neutral, as shown by ‘N’ on the display.
A full movement downshift will go through neutral
and select reverse and be shown as ‘R’ on the
display.
Note: If car is in neutral, wait for 5-10 seconds with
clutch up to ensure gearbox is spinning before
selecting reverse/first or the gearbox will fail to
engage a gear.
Standard 6 Speed.
Standard 5 Speed.
6 speed sequential:
5/6 speed and sequential gearbox

19
Fuel
All Caterham Seven models run on unleaded
petrol, 95 RON (minimum). Higher performance
Caterham Sevens in our range require high octane
unleaded petrol. Please refer to the useful
information section for the recommended fuel for
your Caterham model.
WARNING!
USE ONLY UNLEADED PETROL. Serious damage
to the catalytic converter will occur if incorrect fuel
is used.
Fuel Filling
Always fill the tank SLOWLY until the filler nozzle
automatically cuts-off the fuel supply. DO NOT
attempt to fill the tank beyond this point or spillage
could result due to expansion of the fuel.
The filler tube is designed to accept a narrow filler
nozzle of the type found on pumps that deliver
ONLY unleaded fuel. A flap lies across the filler
neck; insert the filler nozzle sufficiently to fully open
the flap before filling.
WARNING!
DO NOT fully fill the tank if the car is to be parked
on a slope in direct sunlight or high ambient
temperature – expansion of the fuel could cause
spillage.
Filling difficulties
The fuel delivery rate of filling station pumps can
vary significantly from one garage forecourt to
another. This coupled with the fact that modern
pumps are equipped with a sensor which
automatically cuts off the supply as soon as
turbulence is detected in the upper part of the car’s
filler neck could result in isolated fuel filling
problems.
If individual owner’s experience difficulty, the
following advice may be useful:
Hold the filler gun with the trigger directly
below the nozzle (at right angles to the
ground). Twisting the gun to either side is
unlikely to ease the filling process.
Fill the tank slowly – DO NOT fully squeeze
the trigger.
Braking System
The hydraulic braking system operates through
dual circuits; if one circuit should fail, the other will
continue to function. However, in the event of a
brake failure where only one circuit is operational,
the car should ONLY be driven with EXTREME
CAUTION to pull off the road.
Brake pads
Brake pads and linings require a period of bedding
in. For the first 500 miles, avoid situations where
heavy braking is required.
Remember that regular servicing is vital to ensure
that the brake components are examined for wear
at the correct intervals and changed whenever
necessary to ensure optimum safety and
performance.
WARNING!
DO NOT rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving; this may overheat the brakes, reducing
their efficiency and causing excessive wear.
Handbrake
The handbrake operates on the rear wheels only
and should not require adjustment. To apply the
handbrake, pull the lever up. Always apply the
handbrake FULLY whenever you park the car. To
release, pull the lever up slightly, depress the
button and fully lower the lever.
WARNING!
DO NOT drive with the handbrake applied; this
could damage the rear brakes.
Fuel Compatibility Identification
Before refuelling, check the symbol (where
provided) adjacent to the filler cap, also shown
below, and compare them with the symbol shown on
the petrol pump (where provided) to ensure
compatibility.
E10E5

20
2. Useful information
Specifications
620
4 cyl-in-line
1999cc
87.5mm
83.1mm
16v DOHC
9.2:1
310bhp@
7800rpm
220lbft@
6100rpm
7800rpm
Supercharged
Dry sump
Unleaded
98 RON
480/485
4 cyl-in-line
1999cc
87.5mm
83.1mm
16v DOHC
13.0:1
237bhp@
8500rpm
152lbft@
6300rpm
8500rpm
Four port
roller barrel
Dry sump
Unleaded
95 RON
420
4 cyl-in-line
1999cc
87.5mm
83.1mm
16v DOHC
10.8:1
210bhp@
7600rpm
150lbft@
6300rpm
7600rpm
Single
butterfly
Dry sump
Unleaded
95 RON
360
4 cyl-in-line
1999cc
87.5mm
83.1mm
16v DOHC
10.8:1
180bhp@
7400rpm
143lbft@
6100rpm
7600rpm
Single
butterfly
Wet sump
Unleaded
95 RON
310
4 cyl-in-line
1596cc
79.0mm
81.4mm
16v DOHC
11.0:1
152bhp@
7000rpm
124lbft@
5600rpm
7500rpm
Single
butterfly
Wet sump
Unleaded
95 RON
270/275/280
4 cyl-in-line
1596cc
79.0mm
81.4mm
16v DOHC
11.0:1
134bhp@
6800rpm
118lbft@
4100rpm
6800rpm
Single
butterfly
Wet sump
Unleaded
95 RON
Academy
4 cyl-in-line
1596cc
79.0mm
81.4mm
16v DOHC
11.0:1
125bhp@
6900rpm
117lbft@
4900rpm
6800rpm
Single
butterfly
Wet sump
Unleaded
95 RON
170
3 cyl-in-line
658cc
64.0mm 68.2mm
12v DOHC
9.1:1
84bhp@
6500rpm
85lbft@
4500rpm 6500rpm
Single
butterfly
Wet sump
Unleaded
95 RON
Engine Type
Capacity
Bore
Stroke
Cylinder Head
Compression Ratio
Maximum Power
Maximum Torque
Maximum RPM
Induction System
Lubrication system
Fuel Type

21
Technical data
Vehicle type
2 Seater, convertible sports car.
Construction
Tubular steel space frame.
Aluminium panels with aluminium honeycomb cockpit side impact protection.
GRP (Glass-reinforced plastic) or Carbon fibre nosecone and wings.
Dimensions
Seven 170
Seven (except 170)
Standard S3 chassis
Road suspension
Seven (except 170)
Standard S3 chassis
Sport and Track suspension
Seven (except 170)
Wide-bodied S5 chassis
CSR
Wheelbase
(mm)
2225
2225
2225
2305
2315
Front Track
(mm)
1220
1270
1336
1446
1505
Rear Track
(mm)
1301
1336
1336
1446
1465
Length
(mm)
3100
3100
3100
3300
3300
Width
(mm)
1480
1575
1575
1685
1685
Height (Hood up) (mm)
1165
1115
1115
1140
1140
Height (Hood down)
(mm)
1040
990
990
1015
1015
Turning Circle (m)
10
10
10
11
11
Internal width (mm)
930
930
930
1110
1110
Seat to roof height
(mm)
838
838
838
865
865
Luggage capacity
(ltr)
120
120
120
130
130