McLaren MP4-12C User manual

CONTENTS
BEFORE YOU DRIVE .............................................. 8
DRIVING CONTROLS ............................................50
INSTRUMENTS .................................................... 102
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE .........................132
MAINTAINING YOUR McLAREN .........................154
VEHICLE DATA AND GLOSSARY .................... 202
INDEX .................................................................... 215
Mclaren.book Page 1 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

INTRODUCTION
2
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Please read this information to familiarise
yourself with your McLaren MP4-12C and its
features before you drive. This provides the
necessary information for you to get the
optimum benefit and enjoyment from your
McLaren.
This publication must not be reproduced,
translated or reprinted, in whole or in part,
without written permission from McLaren
Automotive Ltd. The equipment fitted to your
McLaren may vary from that shown depending
on vehicle and market specification.
McLaren is constantly updating its vehicles to
meet and exceed the latest technologies.
McLaren therefore reserves the right to
introduce changes in design, equipment and
technical features at any time.
The documents supplied with your McLaren are
an integral part of the vehicle. Ensure that you
pass them onto the new owner if you sell the
vehicle.
The information is divided into specific
sections, to assist in finding the particular
information you require:
Before you drive
Details the settings you need to make in the
cockpit to ensure you are fully prepared and
have safe and easy access to all controls
before driving.
Driving Controls
This section contains detailed information
regarding the equipment and driving controls
fitted to your McLaren and how to use those
controls to best effect during a journey.
Instruments
This section contains information on the
instrument cluster, including information of how
to view and change vehicle settings.
Mclaren.book Page 2 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

INTRODUCTION
3
Comfort and Convenience
Contains information on those systems and
features which make the cockpit a pleasant
environment in which to spend time.
Maintaining your McLaren
Information on maintaining your McLaren is
here. Also included is advice on using your
McLaren in winter weather and if you choose to
drive your vehicle abroad, what to do if
something should go wrong and how to
manage any possible problems which arise as
a result. Information on fuses, light bulbs and
what to do if you experience a puncture.
Data and Technical glossary
Refer to this section when you need
information regarding the fluids and quantities
that are required for the various systems on
your McLaren, or when you need to know a
specific piece of data relating to your McLaren
or its performance.
The Technical glossary contains a brief
explanation of some of the more complex
systems fitted to your McLaren. A McLaren
Dealer will be able to assist should you need
more information.
Index
The table of contents and the index will help
you find information quickly, when you need it.
Mclaren.book Page 3 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

INTRODUCTION
4
Symbols
You will find the following symbols in this Owner
handbook. These symbols are intended to give
you an instant visual message on what type of
information is being displayed.
Warnings
A warning draws your attention to
activities that could cause injury or
death.
Notes
Notes draw your attention to activities
that contain possible risks to your
McLaren, provide advice that you may
find useful, or give additional
information regarding a particular
subject.
Optional equipment
* Optional equipment is identified with
an asterisk.
The equipment fitted to your McLaren
may vary from that shown depending
on vehicle specification.
Environmental note
Environmental notes give you tips on
minimising the impact of you and your
vehicle on the environment.
Mclaren.book Page 4 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

INTRODUCTION
5
Operating safety
WARNING: The electronic systems
fitted to your McLaren interact with
each other. Tampering with these systems
could cause malfunctions in other
interconnected systems. Such faults could
seriously endanger the operational safety of
your McLaren and your own safety.
Additional work or modifications made to
the vehicle, which have been carried out
incorrectly can also affect its operating
safety.
Vehicle use
Observe the following when using your
McLaren:
the safety notes throughout this information;
road traffic laws and regulations.
WARNING: There are various warning
labels attached to your McLaren. These
are intended to make you and others aware
of various risks. Do not remove any warning
labels from the vehicle.
If you remove these warning labels, you or
others may not then be aware of dangers,
which may result in an injury.
Mclaren.book Page 5 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

Mclaren.book Page 6 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

7
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
General ................................................................................ 8
Opening a door .................................................................. 10
Locking a door ................................................................... 11
Mis-lock.............................................................................. 12
Individual settings .............................................................. 12
Locking and unlocking from inside..................................... 12
Opening a door from inside................................................ 13
Closing a door.................................................................... 13
Automatic locking............................................................... 14
Engine cover...................................................................... 15
Luggage compartment....................................................... 16
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
Alarm system..................................................................... 18
Immobiliser......................................................................... 18
Tow-away protection.......................................................... 19
Interior motion sensor ........................................................ 20
SEATS
Safety................................................................................. 21
Manual seats...................................................................... 22
Electric seats...................................................................... 24
STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN
Steering wheel adjustment................................................. 28
Horn ................................................................................... 28
OCCUPANT SAFETY
Seat belts........................................................................... 29
Supplementary Restraint System....................................... 32
Child passengers................................................................ 36
Footwells ............................................................................ 38
MIRRORS
Safety ................................................................................. 39
Interior mirror...................................................................... 39
Exterior mirrors................................................................... 39
LIGHTING
Light switch......................................................................... 41
Main beam headlamps....................................................... 42
Daytime running lamps....................................................... 43
Rear fog lamp..................................................................... 43
Direction indicators............................................................. 44
Hazard warning lamps........................................................ 44
Parking lights...................................................................... 45
WIPER AND WASHERS
Windscreen wiper............................................................... 46
Mclaren.book Page 7 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
8
BEFORE YOU DRIVEOPENING AND CLOSING
General
The vehicle can be unlocked or locked either by
using the keyless entry feature, or by pressing
the appropriate button on the key fob.
Both methods are activated by the key fob.
For your convenience, provided that the engine
is not running, the car can be locked
irrespective of the electrical status, see Vehicle
electrical status, page 50.
Keyless entry
Keyless entry allows the driver to unlock and
disarm the vehicle by simply opening the door
when the key fob is within 1.5 metres (5 feet) of
the vehicle. The key fob needs only to be on
the driver's person or in a non-metallic
container such as a bag. It does not need to be
exposed or handled.
Five sensors detect where the key fob is
around the vehicle.
1. In vehicle sensor
2. Left-hand door sensor
3. Right-hand door sensor
4. Cup holder sensor
5. Luggage compartment sensor
2
5
3
1
4
Mclaren.book Page 8 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
9
Key fob entry
Your McLaren includes two remote control key
fobs. The key fob allows you to remotely lock
and unlock the vehicle.
NOTE: To prevent theft, only use the key
fob in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.
The key fob locks and unlocks the following:
the doors (including fuel filler flap);
the luggage compartment;
To unlock the vehicle, using the key fob, press
the unlock button (arrowed) on the key fob. The
front and rear direction indicators and the side
repeaters flash twice and the anti-theft alarm
system is deactivated.
WARNING: The key fob allows the
engine to be started and is also used to
activate other features on the vehicle.
Take the key fob with you, every time you
leave the vehicle.
NOTE: Do not expose the key fob to high
levels of electromagnetic radiation. Doing
so may cause it to function incorrectly.
Stowing the key fob
For security, it is recommended that the key fob
stays on your person when you are in the car.
If, however, you wish to stow the key fob within
the car, ensure that it is not left in plain view.
NOTE: Do not stow the key fob in the
centre console stowage compartment or
in the cup holders as the system will not detect
its presence and the engine will not start.
Discharged battery
If you are unfortunate enough to experience a
fully discharged battery, the vehicle can still be
opened using the mechanical key, see
Unlocking - discharged battery, page 177.
Car washes
NOTE: To prevent inadvertent opening of
a door when using an automatic car wash,
always lock the doors before entering the
wash. If you intend to remain inside the vehicle,
press the interior central locking button to
ensure the doors do not open. The light in the
button will illuminate to indicate that the doors
are locked.
For more information, see Washing your
McLaren, page 192.
If using a car wash where your car will remain
stationary during the wash cycle and you intend
to exit the vehicle prior to washing, lock it using
the key fob and stand well clear of the vehicle
and the car wash, to ensure that the key fob is
at least 3 metres (9.8 feet) or greater distance
away from the vehicle and car wash.
Mclaren.book Page 9 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
10
Opening a door
WARNING: Always stand to the rear of
the door before opening it, as the
opening action may cause injury. The speed
that the door opens will be affected by
ambient temperature.
NOTE: Because the door opens outwards
and then upwards, ensure sufficient side
and overhead clearance before opening a door,
see Vehicle dimensions, page 206.
1. Touch the underside of the door panel (1)
and slowly move your hand from front to
rear. If keyless entry is used, the front and
rear direction indicators and the side
repeaters flash twice and the anti-theft
alarm system is deactivated.
NOTE: The door needs to sense
movement in the direction described to
release the door latch. The sensor will not
be activated if it is just touched or the hand
is moved from the rear to the front.
2. The door latch will then release, allowing
the door to be partially raised before it
automatically swings outwards and
upwards. The mirrors will unfold if folded.
NOTE: When the door is opened, the
window will lower slightly. It will raise
to the closed position once the door is shut.
If the window does not lower, take care
when opening and closing the door. Do not
force the door during opening or closing, as
this could lead to the door seals or window
becoming damaged.
NOTE: If the vehicle is unlocked using
the key fob but the doors or luggage
compartment are not opened, the vehicle
will re-lock after 30 seconds.
1 2
Mclaren.book Page 10 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
11
Locking a door
1. Close the door.
2. To lock the vehicle using the key fob, press
the lock button (arrowed) on the key fob.
The front and rear direction indicators and
the side repeaters flash in a rapid, circular
sequence around the car. The anti-theft
alarm system is activated.
3. If using the keyless entry feature, touch the
underside of the driver's side air intake
panel (2).
NOTE: Ensure the key is within a 1.5m
(5 feet) range when using the keyless
entry feature.
NOTE: The sensor will recognise a
single touch.
4. The indicators flash to indicate that the anti-
theft alarm system is activated and the
mirrors will fold.
NOTE: An audible 'mis-lock' signal will
sound if there is an attempt to lock the
vehicle when the key fob is inside the
vehicle, see Mis-lock, page 12.
1 2
Mclaren.book Page 11 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
12
Mis-lock
If either the door, the luggage compartment lid
or the engine cover is left open or the key fob is
still inside the vehicle and the lock button
(arrowed) is pressed, there will be a momentary
sounding of the alarm horn to alert you.
Check that the doors, the luggage
compartment lid or the engine cover are all
closed and re-lock the vehicle.
Individual settings
If you frequently travel without passengers, you
can change the locking system so that only the
driver's door is unlocked, see Auto Door Lock,
page 112.
If only the driver's door has been configured to
unlock, the passenger’s door can only be
unlocked by either touching the underside of
the door panel for a second time, pressing the
unlock button on the key fob again or by
pressing the central locking button on the
centre console.
Locking and unlocking from inside
1. Press the central locking button (arrowed)
to lock the vehicle, the light in the button will
illuminate to indicate that the vehicle is
locked.
2. Press the central locking button again to
unlock the vehicle and the light in the button
will extinguish.
D
R
P
Mclaren.book Page 12 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
13
Opening a door from inside
A door can be opened from inside the vehicle
at any time, even if it has been locked. Open
the doors only if the vehicle is stationary and
road and traffic conditions permit.
NOTE: Because the door opens outwards
and then upwards, ensure sufficient side
and overhead clearance before opening a door.
1. Pull door handle upwards, in direction of
arrow, and push the door outwards until the
opening mechanism takes over. The door
will then swing outwards and upwards
automatically.
NOTE: When the door is opened, the
window will lower slightly. It will raise
to the closed position once the door is shut.
If the window does not lower, take care
when opening and closing the door. Do not
force the door during opening or closing, as
this could lead to the door seals or window
becoming damaged.
Closing a door
1. Exit the vehicle.
2. Push the door downwards and ensure that
it latches securely.
WARNING: Ensure no-one can be
trapped as the door closes.
NOTE: If window does not close, this may
be due to an anti-trap event. To resolve
this, please try one of the below options:
Reopen and close door;
Press lock button on key fob to request
window close;
Lock vehicle using the sensor on the
underside of the air intake panel.
In the event of continuous anti-trap events, you
can revert the window to manual mode. This is
done by placing your hand on the exterior lock
sensor for a period of time. The window will
continue to rise until you remove your hand
from the sensor. This will only be available if
the above three methods do not resolve the
anti-trap event.
NOTE: Do not force the door closed, the
door seals or window could be damaged.
1
AUTO
20.0
C
0
MONO AC AUTO
Mclaren.book Page 13 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
14
Automatic locking
The doors and the luggage compartment lock
automatically after the vehicle has driven away.
NOTE: The doors unlock automatically in
an accident if the force of the impact
exceeds a predetermined level.
The automatic locking function can be switched
off, see Auto Door Lock, page 112.
Mclaren.book Page 14 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
15
Engine cover
Opening
WARNING: The exhaust tail pipes can
be very hot and there is a risk of severe
burns. Only open the engine cover from the
side of the vehicle.
WARNING: There is a risk of injury if
the engine cover is open, even when
the engine is not running.
Engine components become very hot and
there is a risk of severe burns.
The engine ignition system carries a high
voltage. Never touch ignition system
components; ignition coil, ignition cables,
(spark plug connections).
1. Press the release button (arrowed) on the
rear face of the driver's door, the engine
cover will open slightly.
2. From the side of the vehicle, grasp the
lower edge and lift the engine cover. The
gas struts will support it in the raised
position.
Closing
WARNING: The exhaust tail pipes can
be very hot and there is a risk of severe
burns. Only close the engine cover from the
side of the vehicle.
Pull the engine cover down squarely from the
side of the vehicle and ensure that the cover
latches securely on both sides.
AUTO
20.0
C
0
MONO AC AUTO
Mclaren.book Page 15 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
16
Luggage compartment
Opening
1. Press the button (arrowed) on the key fob
the luggage compartment will unlock and
open slightly.
NOTE: The luggage compartment is
located at the front of the vehicle.
2. Alternatively, press the button (arrowed) to
unlock and open the luggage compartment.
NOTE: The luggage compartment will
only open if the vehicle is stationary.
3. Release the safety latch and open the
luggage compartment.
D
R
P
Mclaren.book Page 16 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
OPENING AND CLOSING
17
Closing
WARNING: Ensure that no-one can be
trapped as you close the luggage
compartment.
1. Pull the luggage compartment lid down
firmly and ensure that it is latched securely.
NOTE: Do not leave the key fob in the
luggage compartment, as the vehicle
will lock, and you may be locked out of the
car.
NOTE: If the vehicle had previously
been locked, it will still be locked and
the indicators will flash as the lid closes.
Mclaren.book Page 17 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
18
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
Alarm system
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and any of the following
are opened.
a door;
the engine cover;
the luggage compartment.
NOTE: The alarm remains triggered even
if you close the open aperture. To silence
the alarm, unlock the vehicle.
The alarm system also incorporates the
following features:
tow-away protection;
interior motion sensor.
Arming the alarm system
1. Lock the vehicle (using the keyless system
or the key fob). The anti-theft alarm system
will be armed after approximately 15
seconds.
2. The light in the central locking button
(arrowed) will illuminate for a period of time
and will begin flashing to indicate that the
alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarm system
1. Unlock the vehicle (using the keyless
system or the key fob), the alarm will disarm
and the light in central locking button will
stop flashing.
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your McLaren from
being started by an unauthorised person.
The vehicle is automatically immobilised when
it senses that there is no key fob present in the
vehicle.
Remobilisation occurs when a key fob is
sensed inside the vehicle.
D
R
P
Mclaren.book Page 18 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
19
Tow-away protection
Tow-away protection is designed to prevent any
attempt to steal the vehicle by suspended tow
or by lifting onto a trailer.
The alarm is triggered if the vehicle is raised or
tilted in any way.
Tow-away protection is armed approximately
30 seconds after the vehicle has been locked
and is disarmed when the vehicle is unlocked.
Disabling tow-away protection
Disable tow-away protection manually if your
vehicle is being transported, e.g. loaded onto a
ferry or vehicle transporter or is parked on a
movable surface, e.g. in a split-level garage. 1. To disable tow-away protection, switch off
the ignition, open the driver's door and
press the button (arrowed) on the rear edge
of the driver's door. The light in the switch
will illuminate to indicate that tow-away
protection has been disabled.
NOTE: You cannot disable tow-away
protection if the ignition is switched on.
2. Close the driver's door and lock the vehicle
(using the keyless system or the key fob).
Tow-away protection remains disabled until
you unlock the vehicle.
AUTO
20.0
C
0
MONO AC AUTO
Mclaren.book Page 19 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM

BEFORE YOU DRIVE
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
20
Interior motion sensor
The alarm is triggered if your vehicle is locked
and movement is detected inside, e.g. if
someone breaks a window or reaches into the
vehicle through an open window.
The interior motion sensor is armed
approximately 30 seconds after the vehicle has
been locked and is disarmed when the vehicle
is unlocked.
NOTE: To prevent false alarms close the
windows when leaving the vehicle and do
not hang anything on the interior mirror.
Disabling the interior motion sensor
Disable the interior motion sensor if people or
animals are to remain in the locked vehicle.
1. To disable the interior motion sensor, switch
off the ignition, open the driver's door and
press the button (arrowed) on the rear edge
of the driver's door. The light in the switch
will illuminate to indicate that the interior
motion sensor has been disabled.
NOTE: You cannot disable the interior
motion sensor if the ignition is
switched on.
2. Close the driver's door and lock the vehicle
(using the keyless system or the key fob).
The interior motion sensor remains disabled
until you unlock the vehicle.
AUTO
20.0
C
0
MONO AC AUTO
Mclaren.book Page 20 Monday, July 18, 2011 8:57 AM
Other manuals for MP4-12C
1
Table of contents
Other McLaren Automobile manuals

McLaren
McLaren 620R User guide

McLaren
McLaren 570SGT4 User manual

McLaren
McLaren 540C User manual

McLaren
McLaren P13 User manual

McLaren
McLaren Elva User guide

McLaren
McLaren SUPER SERIES User guide

McLaren
McLaren P1 User guide

McLaren
McLaren MP4-12C User manual

McLaren
McLaren Sports Series User guide

McLaren
McLaren SUPER SERIES User guide