Lotus Esprit User guide

~Lotus
CBJ0to~
Owners Handbook
Printed and Published by
Publication Part No. B079T 0324Z
@ Lotus Cars Limited 1977
Federal
Edition
Lotus Cars Limited
Service Department
Norwich
Norfolk NR14 BEZ
England
Telephone: Wymondham (0953) 60'3411
Telegrams: Lotus Norwich Telex 97401

Your ESPRIT Handbook
This handbook has been written for the owner of the Lotus Esprit.
Please read it and keep it in the car. It is not intended to give all the
technical information required and, should any adjustment become
necessary which is not detailed in the handbook, owners are strongly
recommended to contact a Lotus Dealer.
Emission Control Servicing, in order to comply with the Clean Air Act,
must
be undertaken at the mileage stated in the relevant section of the
handbook. Owners must ensure
that all servicing occurs at the correct
interval, otherwise the Warranty could be invalidated and legal require-
ments of the Clean Air Act,contravened.
In line with our policy of continuous product improvement, we
recommend
that you keep in regular contact with your Lotus Dealer,
in order that he may inform you of any technical developments that
have been made to subsequent vehicles, which would improve the
performance
of your own vehicle.
We reserve the right to change prices, specifications and equipment
at any time
without notice.
Safety
The Esprit
has been designed to comply with all applicable safety
regulations
and incorporates built in safety features, which include
door side beams with anti burst locks and collapsible steering column.
Other features are: excellent visibility,
low bonnet line, powerful disc
brakes giving repeated high performance, accurate high
geared steering
requiring the minimum
of movement to change direction, excellent
road holding with very highcornering ability, and vivid acceleration
ensuring rapid overtaking
with the minimum of delay. The driver
should remember that there is a limit, even to the superb Lotus road
holding, and should drive within his own capabilities, particularly on
wet roads.
Vehicle Identification
The
chassis and engine numbers will be found on a plate fixed to the
rear bulkhl;!ad in the
front compartment. The engine number is
duplicated on the right hand rear of the cylinder block, above the
starter motor.
It is essential that these numbers are quoted in all
correspondence.
3

Contents
Air Cleaner
Air Spoiler
Ashtray
Battery
Battery Condition Indicator
Body Care
Bonnet release
Brakes
Brake pads
Brake Fluid
Brake Seals
Brake Warning Lamp
Bulb replacement
Carburetter Adjustment
Choke Control
Clutch Adjustment
Clutch Fluid
Controls Console and key
17
16
6
13
10
25
6
18
19
19
19
11
. Cooling System
23,24,25
21
8
20
18
7
15
9
23
4
Direction Indicators Switch
Distributor
Doors
Engine Cover
Fuel Filter
Fuel Gauge
Fuses
Gear lever
·Handbrake
Hazard Warning Switch
Headlamps
Headlamps Dipswitch
Heater Controls
Horn Switch
Hydraulic Pipes
Ignition/starter Switch & steering lock
Ignition Timing
Ignition Warning Lamp
Instruments
Interior Lamp
Lamps Switch
Lifting Jack
Lubrication Engine Dipstick
Lubrication- Sump Draining
Lubrication -
Oil Filter
Lubrication -Gearbox
Lubrication
--: Drive Shaft
Lubrication - Front Hubs
Oil Pressure Gauge
Panel Lamps Switch
Rear Screen demist Switch
Rear View Mirror
Running in
5
13
22
10
23
11
11
12
23
9
12
9
19.
8
20
9
7
6
9
14
26
26
27
26
27
27
10
11
12
6
13
Seats
Seat Belts
Spare Wheel
Sparking Plugs
Speedometer
Starting procedure
Steering lock
Tachometer
5
5
12
20
11
13
8
11
6
Tailgate
Technical Data
Tyres
Upholstery
Vee Belt Adjustment
28,29,30,31
.15
25
17
Water Temperature Gauge
Wheel Removal/Replacement
Window Switches
Windscreen
Windscreen Wiper/Wash Controls
Windscreen Washer Reservoir
1.0
14
5
25
10
16

Taking Control
Reference numbers used throughout this book relate to controls, instruments, etc.
shown
in the drawings of the Control Console and Tunnel Top, and listed in the
Key to these drawings.
Doors
To open either door from the outside, use the key to unlock, and lift flap. To open
from the inside, unlock by moving the smaller flap away from the larger flap, and
lift the larger flap. To lock from the inside, move the smaller flap so that it is in
contact with the larger flap.
Each door can be locked from the inside, and unlocked from the outside, and
vice versa.
The doors will open freely up to the check position. Further: pressure actuates the
check link, which will normally hold the door open.
Window,Operating Switches (29)
The door windows are controlled by the switches located on the centre tunnel
behind the gear
lever- left-hand switch for left-hand window, and right-hand
switch for right-hand
window- the switches being energised only with the ignition
key in either position I or II. Press switch front to lower the window, and press rear
to
raise the window, releasing the switch when the window reaches the position
required, or its limit
in either the lower or upper position.
If difficulty is experienced in lowering or raising 1the windows in extreme cold
conditions, this can be remedied by using a de-icmg fluid around the window seals.
DO NOT use radiator anti-freeze solutions as these could have disastrous effects
on the window seals and body finish.
WARNING~ DO NOT leave small children unattended in the car when the ignition
key is in position. Careless window operation could be dangerous.
Seats
The seats are adjustable forward and backward by pushing the adjusting lever which
is situated to the lower right of each seat. After adjustment, ensure catch is re-engaged
Seat Belts
Reel Type lap and diagonal seat belts are fitted. A warning light (28} is illuminated
when the ignition is 'on' and the driver's belt is not fastened .. (Federal only)
The belts are released by pressing the button at the rear of the lock.
Safety Note: DO NOT attempt to adjust the seat belt tension by altering the
mechanism, If any adjustment is required, this should be carried out by a Lotus
Dealer.
5

Tailgate
The release handle for the tailgate is located in the door pillar on the driver's side.
On pulling the handle, lift· the tailgate. This will remain supported by
the gas struts.
To close
the tailgate, pull down, and press firmly on each lower corner until the
catch
is fully engaged.
After lifting tailgate, the tonneau cover can be unbuttoned to reveal luggage
space and engine cover.
Front·Bonnet
To open,-push the release lever located below the facia on the driver's side to release
the bbnnet catches. tift by hand to its fully open position, where it is supported by
an overcentre strut.
sHUT
CAUTION: DO NOT operate the headlamps unless the bonnet is closed. If the
lamps are raised while the bonnet is open, the leading edge of the bonnet and the
rear edge of the lamp pod will be damaged.
To close, release the overcentre catch, lower the bonnet and pull the releast;! lever
to lock.
Interior Lamp (27)
The interior lamp has a2 position switch, which gives tamp On, and lamp Oft
When door opens the lamp is On.
Rear View Mirror
The interior rear view mirror can be dimmed to stop headlamp glare from following
cars when night driving.
Ashtray
Ashtrays are situated between the doors and each seat.
6

Controls Console
The layout of the controls console is as shown in the illustration with the left
hand panel providing lighting control,
the central panel giving drlving information
and
the right hand panel housing heating controls. '
Key to Control Drawings
1 Ignition Switch & Steering Lock
2 Steering Lock
Button
3 Ignition Warning Indicator
4 Lights Switch
5 Turn lndicator/Headlamp Flasher/
Dipswitch/Horn Control
6 Turn Warning Lamp
7 Main Beam-Warning Lamp
8 Windscreen Wiper/Washer Control
9 Panel Illumination Switch
16 Trip Reset Button
17 Tachometer
18 Handbrake Warning Lamp
19 Brake Warning Lamp
20 Hat:ard Switch
21 Hazard Warning Lamp
22 Rear Screen Demist SwitCh
23 Demist Warning Lamp
24 Heat Controls
25 Heater Fan Switch
26 Face Level Vent
10 Side Lights Warning Lamp
11 Oil Pressure Indicator
12 Water Temperature Indicator
27 Interior Light Switch
28 Fasten Belts Warning'(Federal only)
29 Window Control ·
13 Fuel Indicator
14 Battery Condition Indicator
15 Speedometer
30 Choke Control
31 Gear Lever
7

Radio (when fitted)
Full instructions for operating the particular unit fitted will be found in the radio
manufacturer's booklet.
Choke Control (30)
This is between the two window switches on the tunnel top. Lift to operate the
choke.
Combined ignition/starter switch and steering column lock (1)
Place key into switch at position 0. Turn to 1 to unlock steering column, and to
operate the radio and other auxiliaries without engine running.
8
DO NOT PUSH OR
TOW THE CAR
UNLESS THE KEY
IS
INSERTED INTO THE
LOCK AND
TURNED
TO POSITION I OR II
Mill

Turn key to II to turn on ignition, and to Ill against spring pressure to start engine.
When engine starts, allow key
to return to position II. Turn back to I to stop
engine. To remove key and lock steering column, press the button (2) which is
beneath the steering nacelle, upwards, and turn key to 0.
Ignition Warning Indicator {3)
The ignition warning indicator glows red when the ignition is switched on and will
go out when the engine is started.
If the indicator glows when the engine js above idling speed, this indicates some
fault in
the charging circuit or possibly a broken vee belt.
Investigate the cause and rectify as soon as possible.
Combined side, rear and headlamp switch (4)
Press down to middle position to switch on the side and rear lights, and press to
lower position to raise and switch on headlights.
CAUTION: DO NOT operate the headlamps unless the bonnet is closed. If the
lamps are raised while the bonnet is open, the leading edge of the bonnet and the
rear edge of the lamp pod will be damaged.
Direction indicators/Headlamp Flasher IDip-Switch/Horn (5)
Horn: Push the knob towards the steering column to operate the horn.
Direction Indicators:
Move lever down to indicate a left-hand turn, and up for a·
right-hand turn. Warning lamp (6) flashes when the indicators are operating.
Indicators will self-cancel after turning.
Headlamp Flasher and Dip-Switch: With lighting switch at headlamp position
and switch up, dipped beams are selected. With switch away from the steering
wheel main beams are selected and warning lamp (7) illuminated. ·
Lifting switch against spring pressure flashes the main beams, raising the headlamps
if lights are
not already on.

Windscreen wiper/washer control (8)
Wiper: Move the lever downwards to position 1 for normal wipe, and to position 2
for fast wipe. Only use fast wipe
in heavy rain. Move lever up for off.
To "flick wipe"
the screen press the lever towards the steering wheel against spring
pressure and hold for
duration of wipe.
Do not use wiper on a dry screen.
Washer: Push
the knob towards the steering column and release. A spray of one
second
duration will provide ample water to wash the screen.
•
PaneiiUumm.atlon'Switch (9)
When light switch is "on", rotate the knob to achieve the required brightness of
panel illumination.
Oil pressure indicator ( 11 )
Under normal running conditions the needle should be past the red mark at idle
speed, vertical
at 3,500 r.p.m., and towards the white sector at 6,500 r.p.m.
If the gauge fails to register or fluctuates, the engine mus't be stopped at once and
·the cause sought and rectified before restarting the engine, otherwise serious
damage may result.
Water temperature indicator (12)
The normal position of the pointer should be between the blue mark (cold) and
the red mark (hot).
Fuel indicator (13)
This indicates the approximate amount of fuel in the 15 gall. tank. The red sector
. indicates from zero to approx. 1 Y:z galls.
10
Battery condition indicator (14)
This instrument registers the amount of charge which is being applied to the battery.
On starting, the needle will move to the right, past vertical, then move slowly back
to verticaL If the needle remains to the left, or moves to the left, investigate the
cause and rectify.

Speedometer (15)
This is graduated from 0-160 m.p.h. A total mileage recorder and a trip recorder
are incorporated
in the instrument. The trip recorder may be turned back to zero
by means
of the milled knob (16) protruding from the fascia. This should be turned
clockwise. The trip recorder should not be altered whilst the car is in ·motion.
Tachometer (17)
The tachometer indicates the engine's revolutions per minute. Normal maximum
engine speed is 6.500 r.p.m. ·The distributor has a 'cut-out' type rotor arm to
prevent over-revving the engine. Do not run the engine continually at the cut-out
speed. which is indicated by the Red iine,·at 7.000 r..P.m. on the <;lh1l..
Replacement of the 'cut-out' rotor arm with a conventional one invalidates the
Warranty. ·
Foot controls
The clutch pedal, brake pedal and accelerator pedal, are arranged in the orthodox
position.
Gear Lever
Moving the gear lever to the positions shown, seleCt the appropriate gear. The lever
is spring loaded away from the Overdrive/Reverse sector, and has to be Iifted to
obtain Reverse.
Handbrake
The handbrake is pulled upwards to hold the car stationary. If the rachet clicks
more
than 7 times, have your Lotus dealer adjust it. To release, pull the handbrake
slightly upwards, press the button in the top of the handgrip with the thumb, and
lower
the handbrake. A warning lamp (18) operates when the ignition is 'on' and
the handbrake is applied.
The handbrake operates on the rear wheels only, and is independent of the hydraulic
system in operation. Use the handbrake regularly, as it automatically adjusts the
rear brakes.
Brake Warning Lamp (19)
If the brake warning lamp comes on when the brakes are applied, there is a fluid
leakage in the hydraulic braking system, WHICH MAY MEAN THAT EITHER
FRONT OR REAR BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING
11

12
Hazard warning switch (20)
When the switch is operated, all exterior direction indicators, and the Hazard
Warning Lamp (21) will flash.
As the switch is of the "constant-live" type, it must
NOT be operated unless essential. In certain territories, the hazard warning may
only be legally us.ed on a stationary vehicle, in the event of an emergency.
Rear screen demist switch (22)
Switch is On when pressed down. A warning lamp (23) is illuminated when the
screen demist is on.
Heater Controls (24)
The air temperature is controlled by the lower lever. The amount of heat can be
varied between hot with lever fully back, and external air temperature with lever
fully forward.
Air flow from heater
to screen and footwell is controlled by the upper lever. With
lever fully
to the rear, air flow is off. With lever in the centre, airflow is to the
screen. Moving the lever further forward mixes the airflow to the screen with the
airflow to the footwell. With lever fully forward, all airflow is to the footwells.
The fan switch (25) increases the airflow to medium when pressed to its middle
position, and
to fast when in the lower position. Typical heater control positions
are
as follows:-
To defrost~ place upper lever in central position,lower lever backwards and
switch fan
to fast. Face level vents must be closed for maximum defrost
performance.
Hot air to screen and footwells- position upper lever further forward between
the two arrow marks, and lower lever fully backwards. Fan speed fast, medium
or off,
to suit.
Hot air to footwe/1- position upper lever fully forward and lower lever fully
backwards.
Cold air- external temperature- to footwe/1- position upper lever fully forward
and lower lever fully forward. Fan speed to suit.
Face Level Vents (26)
These pass fresh air as required independently of the heater
STARTING PROCEDURE
USE ONLY UNLEADED GASOLINE
Starting engine when extremely cold (to -20° C)
Pull out the choke control fully. Operate the starter. Depress the accelerator pedal
and increase the engine speed to 2,000 r.p.m. for .. hv·e minutes, to ratse the-engine
coolant temperature and provide adequate defros.t irerformance from the heater.
Push in
the choke control progressively during warm,up.

Starting engine when cold
Pull out choke control all the way. Operate the starter. After the engine starts,
push
in the choke control progressively to maintain 1000 rpm. Return choke fully
as engine reaches operating temperature.
Starting engine when warm
Operate the starter without moving the accelerator pedal. If the engine does not
start. press the accelerator pedal riqht down, operate the starter, and lift the pedal
Immediately the engine starts. Pumping the accelerator pedal
will not aid starting:.
RUNNING IN
The progressive running in of a new car is very important, to ensure that the
vehicle
gives smooth and reliable performance, with economy and durability.
For the first 500 miles, do not exceed 3,000 r.p.m. in any gear and do not use any
more throttle opening than
will sustain 3,000 r.p.m. in 4th. Increase throttle
opening and r.p.m. at the rate of 1,000 r.p.m. per 500 miles, so
that at 1,000 miles
you are using 4,000 r.p.m. and a little more throttle, at 1,50,0miles 5,ooo'r.p.m.
and
at 2,000 trllles 6,000 r.p.m. Thereafter, maximum throttle and r.p.m. can be
used
in short bursts if conditions permit. The r.p.m. and throttle opening should
be gradually anekmoothly increased.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Engine Cover
Raise the tailgate and remove the tonneau cover. l)nclip the elastic straps from
both sides of the engine cover, and lift cover off.
Battery
The battery is located in the right hand side of the rear compartment, and should
be examined weekly to check the electrolyte level. Remove the tonneau cover and
slide
out the shelf from above the battery. Remove the vent chamber cover from
the battery and check
that the electrolyte reaches the bottom of the filler tubes
on the cover. If not, pour distilled water into the filling trough until the level
reaches the tubes. Wipe the battery clean and dry, and check the terminals for
security and cleanliness.
Replace shelf and tonneau cover.
NOTE: The electrical system is negative earth. When using a battery charger,
disconnect
the battery cables.
Spare Wheel
For obvious storage reasons, only a front wheel is carried. Check tyre pressure
at regular intervals, and keep inflated to rear wheel pressure. ·
13.

14
When fitting the spare wheel as a front wheel replacement, reduce to the correct
tyre pressure. The wheel may then be used normally and indefinitely.
When fitting
the spare wheel as a rear wheel replacement, check that the tyre
pressure is correct for the rear. Only use the spare wheel on the rear for the
minimum distance possible before replacing
the original wheel, and drive at a
lower speed
than normal. When carrying the rear wheel in the front compartment
the normal spare wheel location is not possible, and the straps cannot be don& up.
Lifting Jack
The jack and other tools are with the spare wheel in the front compartment. Before
jacking up
the car, pull the handbrake firmly on. If the car is on a gradient, place
chocks against the wheels which are
not being raised.
In use, the jack should be placed beneath the front lower wishbone to raise a front
wheel,
as shown, or forward of the rear wheel arch in the position shown, to raise
a rear wheel.
Wheel removal
Use the wheel nut wrench to slacken the wheel nuts half a turn anti clockwise.
Raise
the •.vheel with the jack, remove the wheel nuts, and remove the wheel from
the studs.

~··• .. ··
Wheel Replacement
Place the wheel on the studs. Fit wheel nuts, ensuring that the dished part of the
-washers are .facing.the wheel, and tighten to a torque loading of 65 lbs.ft (9 kg.m).
lower car from the jack, check the security of wheel nuts at weekly intervals.
Tyres
The complete wheel and tyre assemblies must be balanced at each service.
IMPORTANT: Balancing must be carried out with the wheel locating on the central
spigot,.
not on the studs.
Maintain
the tyres at the pressure recommended in Technical Data. Check pressures
each week,
or every 1,000 miles.
In order to maintain the correct handling feel and minimum steering wheel feed·
back it is very important that radial and lateral run out of the tyre is to the high
standard required by
lotus Cars. If any difficulty is experienced with replacement'
tyres, refer to the tyre manufacturer.
Cooling System
The cooling system is pressurised and the engine should be stopped and allowed
to cool before removing the header tank cap, which is at the right front side of
the engine compartment. It is important that the coolant s.hould contain a corrosion
inhibitor
to protect the aluminium alloy of which the greater part of the Lotus
engine and
the radiator, is made.
15

16
When new, the car has coolant with either "Shell-safe" or Union Carbide "UT814"
inhibitor Anti-freeze to a ratio of 40% for very cold territories and 30% for others.
To drain
the system, set the heater temperature control lever fully forward, remove
the cap from the header tank, and open the drain tap on the radiator. To fill the
system, shut the drain tap, and set the temperature
level to "Def". Fill wi.th coolant
to within 25mm (1 in) of the bottom of the filler neck on the header tank.
Check
that the heater system is free of air locks. If necessary, release the outlet
(upper) hose clip at the back of the engine to expel any air, re-tighten the hose
clip and top up the header tank.
Replace
the header tank cap.
Windscreen Washer
Keep the washer reservoir, situated to the left of the front luggage compartment,
topped up with water and a suitable solvent.
Air spoiler
The spoiler, situated beneath the nose of the car, is essential to the correct function
of the cool·ing system. Check regularly
that no paper, leaves, etc. are covering the
air intake grille. Take care when parking the car nose into the kerb, and on driveway,
ramps, and in multi-storey car parks. If any damage is sustained by the spoiler, it
should be repaired as soon as possible.
If it is necessary to (jrive tbe car with a damaged spoiler, pay particular attention
that the water temperature indicator does not show a serious rise in temperature.

Alternator Belt
The belt is correctly tensioned when a total of .5in (12mm) movement can be
obtained on
the longest run of the belt.
To adjust the tension, slacken
the bolt on the slotted adjusting arm, move the
alternator until the correct tension is achieved, then tighten the bolt. Run engine
briefly, switch off, and re-check belt tension.
Air cleaner
The intervals at which the air cleaner will require a new filter element vary. In areas
where the roads are dust free, the intervals given
in the Service Schedule should be
adhered
to, but where the roads are dusty, or the atmosphere foggy or polluted,
attention
will be needed at more frequent intervals.
To renew element
Unhook the latches which hold the cover to the air cleaner body, leave the hoses
attached
to the cover and pull open. Remove the cleaner element, take off the
rubber seal and discard the element. Ensure the seal is in good condition (replace
17

If necessary) and fit in position on the new element. Clean the inside of the air
cleaner body and cover, keeping
dust out of the carburettor intakes. Fit new
~lement with its metal face towards the carburettors. Replace cover and secure
with its bolts.
Brakes
Hydraulically operated disc brakes are used, divided into separate front and rear
systems, operated from
the tandem master cylinder. In the unlikely event of a
failure in the braking system, the driver will still have either the front or the rear
brakes operating.
Any failure will be signalled by
the BRAKES WARNING LAMP glowing RED.
See page,
The handbrake is mechanically operated through a cable linkage and operates on
the rear brakes only. ·
Brake adjustment, to compensate for pad wear, is automatic.
Brake fluid reservoir
Every week, check the level of fluid in the dual reservoir, making sure that both
front and rear sections are full. If necessary, remove the cap and top up with the
specified fluid. ·
Clutch fluid reservoir
Every week, remove the cap and check the level of fluid in the reservoir. Top up
with the spr.cified fluid,
if necessary.
18

Hydraulic pipes
It is of vital importance that there are no leaks in the hydraulic system. Check at
every service.
Every six months inspect
all brake pipes for corrosion .. Renew where necessary.
Brake seals, hoses and fluid
· The brake manufacturers recommend that at 40,000 miles or three years, which-
ever is reached first, the braking system be completely overhauled by your Lotus
Dealer, and
all washers seals and hoses renewed. Hydraulic servo units should be
stripped,
all old seals and air filters discarded, component parts cleaned and
examined and, if in good condition, the unit rebuilt with the appropriate service
kit.
It is also recommended that the brake fluid is renewed every 12 months.
Brake pads
Examine these at every service. If brakes are in very frequent use, as when driving
in mountainous conditions, it is advisable to examine at intervals of 1,000 miles.
A metallic hiss may be heard from
the disc brakes when the car is moving. This is
quite normal, but if it develops into a metallic squeal when the brakes are applied,
the pads are almost certainly due for renewal. In the interests of safety see your
Lotus Dealer without delay. Always use genuine Lotus parts on replacement. Under
no circumstances allow
the pads to wear below 2.5 mm (or .1 in) thickness.
Carburettor Adjustment
Idling adjustment is by screw 2.
The engine speed
at idling should be
950- 1,000 r.p.m.
Throttle balance between
front and
rear carburetters
is adjusted by
screw 3.
The choke limiting pin should
be
turned to the Winter position
for improved starting in very cold
weather.
Adjustments, other
than to idling
speed, should only be made by a
Lotus· Dealer.
IMPORTANT: Note that exhaust
emission regulations must always be
complied with.
19
I

Clutch adjustment
The clutch is correctly adjusted when a clearance of 3mm (.12in) can be felt at
Lever.
If Adjustment is required, turn the adjusting nut in r~quired direction.
Ignition timing
Every Band C service, check that the ignition timing is correct. Refer to Technical
Data.
Spark Plugs
Every B and C service, renew the sparking plugs. Set the plug point gap as specified
in technical
data. ·
Fuel Filter
Every Band C service, fit a new fuel filter into the fuel line, after lifting the floor
board along the right side of the engine compartment.
20