Lotus Elan Central

by **pit_stop** » Sun 26.08.2007, 20:57

Not sure if anyone has ever suffered this, but i kind of hope so so that you can tell me what the problem is !

Now and again my engine drops to about 500rpm at tick over, then it recovers to 1000 OK, then it may drop down again, then recover, then perhaps stay at 1000 without a problem for ages. It seems to do it most when i dip the clutch, but not always.
Also, and i don't know if this is connecetd, but sometimes, and only sometimes, when starting up she ticks over at between 500 and 1000, as if running on two or three cyclinders. Doesn't always last for long, but after a few revs, it usually clears.
Once running she bombs along fine and never misses a beat. Revs out fine, and no engine management lights.

It is odd, and not very confidence inspring. Any ideas please anyone please?

by **JETRO** » Mon 27.08.2007, 09:00

I'm getting a simular problem but engine light is popping on and off and seems to be missing a beat while in motion now and again!
Can you let me know if you find a solution plz?

by **Dave Eds** » Mon 27.08.2007, 09:03

Paperclip tests?

What codes are showing?

by **rip** » Mon 27.08.2007, 15:03

Try Elanscan. If you cannot interpret the results yourself, then post them on this forum and somebody will be able to help.

by **GeoffSmith** » Mon 27.08.2007, 15:59

Dave Eds wrote:Paperclip tests?

What codes are showing?

>>>>>A link>>>>> Read this! <<<<<<click me!<<<<<<<

by **pit_stop** » Mon 27.08.2007, 22:08

Unfortunately i don't have Elan Scan...yes hard to belive i know. This thread looks like turning into a 'how do i get Elan Scan, and cables', please? Help !

By the way Jetro, I would guess that yours is a cam angle sensor problem. I have had the same symptoms previously. My guess is that the light will come on more and more until you change it. However....just a guess. If i recall then you can expect the sensor to cost you £50 and an hours labour.

Have fun.

by **GeoffSmith** » Mon 27.08.2007, 22:10

Follow the link I posted above and do the paperclip test.

by **Dave Eds** » Mon 27.08.2007, 22:10

pit_stop wrote:Unfortunately i don't have Elan Scan...

But you must have a paperclip :roll:

Post the error codes and LEC will give you the answers - as always :wink:

by **JETRO** » Tue 28.08.2007, 05:00

Anyone know where I can purchase a paperclip from? Hope some one will show me how this is done I havent got a clue!

by **Dave Eds** » Tue 28.08.2007, 06:31

Check on the links on the home page :wink:

by **GeoffSmith** » Tue 28.08.2007, 07:48

Dave Eds wrote:Check on the links on the home page

Or even the one I posted above!

by **paulwatkins** » Tue 28.08.2007, 09:05

geoffsmith wrote:
Dave Eds wrote:Paperclip tests?

What codes are showing?

>>>>>A link>>>>> Read this! <<<<<<click me!<<<<<<<

Jethro,

Click on the green 'Read this!' in Geoff's post, it is a link to instructions on how to do the paperclip test.

I've got a special Lotus approved paperclip for £20 if you want it :wink:

But any paperclip will do! :-D

by **dapinky** » Tue 28.08.2007, 09:21

paulwatkins wrote:I've got a special Lotus approved paperclip for £20 if you want it

But any paperclip will do!

And you're only selling the Lotus approved tool number #3825-968 'cos you've got a posh switch set-up :-D

Seriously, it's easy to do, someone will help you out with the results, and a couple of other things, CAS snesors can be had for £20 direct from Lotus and they are a straightforward home fitting job (as many on here will tell you, once you've done it at 3 in the morning in a rainy layby in February - you learn to do it quick!)

Secondly, if you update your profile with your location, there may be someone local who would offer a bit of help, either with the paperclip, elanscan, or whatever.....?

by **pit_stop** » Tue 28.08.2007, 20:10

Found the connection and I have got the message. I shall be raiding the office stationary cupboard for an ALDL connector tomorow.
Question...where will I see the numbers flash up. On the ALDL, on the dash, or do i have to have a copy of elan scan plugged in?
Sorry to sound so dim but this is all new to me !
Thanks for your patience.

by **Dave Eds** » Tue 28.08.2007, 20:13

The engine check light on the dash. :wink:

by **dapinky** » Tue 28.08.2007, 23:52

Where's Dave Specks 'U tube' video when you need it??????

It was posted on here somewhere, but i can't find it at the moment - if you can get to the video file, it gives a full demonstration of what to look for!!!!

Edit:- Found it! :lol:

Just >>>>click this<<<< and it will show you exactly what to do, and how to interpret the results (Unless you like the dodgy taste in background music, turn your volume down first :-D

)

by **GeoffSmith** » Wed 29.08.2007, 07:47

I had trouble finding it Dave, but now it's all together on WikiLEC.

by **pit_stop** » Thu 30.08.2007, 20:15

Test completed curtesy of the stationary cupboard, but alas no easy result. It seems that there is no problem stored. Not a big surprise as i haven't seen the engine management light come on yet. However the eratic tick over problem still plagues me.
Could this just be a tune up is required?
Any advice on carb setting somewhere on the site, or is this a specailist task please?
I had wondered if this is more likely to be a fault on one ignitionm coil?
All help welcome.

by **rip** » Sun 02.09.2007, 22:45

I Scanned Jetro's car this evening and got the folowwing log.
I can see from this that the ECU has reported the CAS as faulty but also the CO sensor and EST monitor. Are these 3 separate faults, or just different symptoms of the same one?
As shown in the logs, JETRO floored it in 3rd from about 35mph but it only got as far as 50 before it shuddered like the rev limiter cut in.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

by **rip** » Sun 02.09.2007, 22:50

pit_stop wrote:Test completed curtesy of the stationary cupboard, but alas no easy result. It seems that there is no problem stored. Not a big surprise as i haven't seen the engine management light come on yet. However the eratic tick over problem still plagues me.
Could this just be a tune up is required?
Any advice on carb setting somewhere on the site, or is this a specailist task please?
I had wondered if this is more likely to be a fault on one ignitionm coil?
All help welcome.

Carb setting? The ECU should adjust the air/fuel ratio depending on what it picks up from the sensors.

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