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Lotus Service Notes Section MR
TELL TALE LAMPS
Tell tale lamps are incorporated into the
instrument panel to provide important informa-
tion about various vehicle systems.
Bulb Check
In order to check that the warning systems are functional, all operative tell tale lamps will light for a few
seconds each time the ignition is switched on - refer to the text below for details of this feature relating to par-
ticular lamps. If the lamp does not light as specified, it is possible that the warning circuit or instrument assembly
maybeatfault;seeyourdealerwithoutdelay,andbeawarethattheremaybenowarningofamalfunction
with that feature.
Turn Tell Tale
(green)
A left turn tell tale is incorporated into the upper face of the tachometer, and a right turn tell tale in the
speedo face. A bulb check will light the lamps for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.
When the left hand or right hand turn indicators are operating, the appropriate green tell tale will flash in
unison together with an audible tone. If the tell tale fails to light, or flashes at an unusual or irregular rate, check
the operation of the turn indicator lamps immediately.
High RPM Tell Tales
(red)
Three red tell tale rings are incorporated into the tachometer face to warn that maximum engine speed is
being approached. No bulb test function applies.
Maximum engine speed is governed for both the continuous and transient (during acceleration) states,
andaredetailedinthelatersection‘Tachometer’.
As the rate of rpm increase is potentially greater in the lower gears, the tell tale trigger points are tailored
to accommodate the reaction time available. As maximum rpm is approached, the tell tales will light in the
following left to right sequence:
-oneredlight;
-tworedlights;
- three rapidly flashing lights with an audible warning.
When exploiting maximum acceleration, gearchange upshifts should be made immediately the three
flashing lights appear.
NOTICE:
- A graduated engine speed limit is imposed on a cold engine to reduce possible damage and wear from a
delinquent driving style.
- Using maximum rpm and the above tell tale facility should be restricted to occasions when maximum ac-
celeration is required. Overuse will compromise powertrain service life.
- The engine is not protected from overspeeding caused by erroneous or premature downchanging. Such
misuse could result in catastrophic failure, not covered by the vehicle warranty.
High Beam Tell Tale
(blue)
This lamp glows blue whenever the headlamp high beams are operating. A bulb check will light the lamp
for about 3 seconds following ignition switch on.
Security Alarm Tell Tale
(red)
For details of the vehicle security alarm and its tell tale, see sub-section MR.1
High engine speed Security
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