Lotus Eleven/Elise/Exige. Manual - part 120

Lotus Service Notes Section WD

Page 7

TechCentre Connection

TechCentre connection to the car is made via the Vehicle Communication Device (VCD) and the Data

Link Connector (DLC) located at the front of the passenger footwell. The yellow connector lead is used to
connect the VCD to the car, and a USB lead connects the VCD to the laptop PC.

Power for the VCD is taken from the vehicle battery via the DLC and when powered, a blue tell tale on the

unit will light. Should updated firmware be available for the VCD (usually downloaded as part of an online
update) TechCentre will automatically update the VCD and display a message to confirm.

The VCD, under part number T000T1472F is supplied in a black plastic carry case containing the follow-

ing:
-

VCD

16 Pin Yellow connector lead (VCD to Vehicle)

USB lead (VCD to PC)

USB extension lead (VCD to PC)

Use of TechCentre

Instructions for using the TechCentre are available in the ‘Technical Information’ section displayed on

programme start up.

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WD.6 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, SHIPPING, STORAGE & DISPOSAL

WARNING: The SDM can maintain sufficient voltage to cause an airbag deployment for up to 20
seconds after the battery has been disconnected. Before working on the airbag system, or in close
proximity to an airbag, first take the following precautions to temporarily disable the airbag system:

Turn off the ignition.

Before disconnecting the battery, use the Lotus Scan tool to read any stored trouble codes.

Disconnect the negative (earth) lead from the battery and tape back to ensure that no contact with the
battery negative terminal can be made.

Wait for 30 seconds.

If working on or near the steering wheel, locate the yellow harness connector alongside the steering
column near the column upper fixing. Unplug this connector. Note that the connector is fitted with
'shorting bars' which automatically interconnect the high and low terminals of the airbag to prevent acci-
dental deployment caused by a voltage differential.

When service work has been completed, reconnect the harness plug and secure with its locking feature,

and reconnect the battery. Ensure the airbag tell tale lights for a few seconds with ignition and then goes out.

Storage
-

Airbag modules and SDMs should not be stored at temperatures above 176°F (80°C).

Airbag modules and SDMs should not be stored in damp conditions.

Do not store airbag module or SDM boxes more than two high.

Always store and handle airbag modules and SDMs in an upright position. Never store SDMs upside

down.

Sensor & Diagnostic Module (SDM)

The SDM is calibrated specifically to the Elise/Exige, and is mounted on a dedicated bracket to the scuttle

beam. Never use an SDM from another vehicle, or modify its mounting to the Elise/Exige.

WARNING:

•

Handle the SDM with great care. Never strike or jar the SDM as this could cause airbag deploy-
ment and result in personal injury or improper operation of the SRS.

•

All module and mounting bracket bolts must be correctly installed and tightened to assure proper
security and operation.

•

Never power up the SRS when the SDM is not properly mounted and secured, since the SDM is
easily triggered when not attached, and could result in deployment causing personal injury.

•

Do not use or attempt to repair a damaged SDM.

Inflator Module
Live (Undeployed) Inflator Modules: Special care is necessary when handling and storing a live (undeployed)
inflator module. In the unlikely event of accidental deployment, the rapid gas generation produced during
deployment of the air bag could cause violent movement of the inflator module or surrounding objects, and
result in personal injury.

WARNING:

•

When carrying a live inflator module, make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from
you. In case of an accidental deployment, the bag will then deploy with minimal chance of injury.

•

When placing a live inflator module on a bench or other surface, always face the bag and trim
cover upwards, away from the surface. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow
the air bag to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury
may result.

•

Never carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the underside of the module.

•

Do not use or attempt to repair a damaged inflator module, and NEVER apply any electrical power
to the module except as specified in the diagnostic procedures.

Inflator Module Shipping Procedures for Live (Undeployed) Inflator Modules

The transportation of uninstalled inflator modules is regulated by the Hazardous Materials Regulations of

Lotus Service Notes Section WD

Page 9

the U.S. Dept, of Transportation (DOT) and most state governments. Special procedures are required for
transportation. Lotus recommends that the dealers and repair shops check with the hazardous material section
of their respective state police authority for applicable shipping requirements.

For all shipments on public roads, the DOT has classified the uninstalled inflator module as a flammable

solid under a special exemption process. It should always be shipped and stored in the approved cardboard
container in which it is purchased. The container should be marked with “Flammable Solid , n.o.s., UN1325,
DOT-E8236” and labelled with the specified red and white flammable solid label. Each shipping location must
have a copy of the exemption on file. A shipping paper (e.g., a customer receipt) must accompany each
shipment and identify the module as “Flammable Solid, n.o.s., UN1325, DOT-E8236”. Transportation, storage
and handling of the module should be in accordance with the exemption and the requirements for a DOT
flammable solid. Do not expose the module to heat, open flame, impact, friction, or electrical charge.

Inflator Module Scrapping Procedures

WARNING: Failure to follow proper SRS inflator module disposal procedures can result in airbag
deployment which may cause personal injury. Undeployed inflator modules must not be disposed of
through normal refuse channels. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that can cause
severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is damaged during disposal. Disposal in any
manner inconsistent with proper procedures may be a violation of federal, state and/or local laws.

Reference should be made to the local State authority for the correct disposal procedures for deployed

inflator modules.

Vehicle Scrapping Procedures

Some vehicles equipped with SRS that have live (undeployed) inflator modules may have to be scrapped

because they have completed their useful life, or have been severely damaged in a non-deployment type
accident. The following procedure should be followed when scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed module.

Follow the safety procedure detailed in sub-section WD.6 to turn off the ignition, disconnect the battery
and unplug the yellow 4-way connector to the inflator module, alongside the steering column.

Follow the procedure detailed in sub-section WD.11 to gain access to the passenger airbag module.

At the driver's airbag harness alongside the steering column, cut the harness side of the SRS wiring
approx. 3 to 6 inches from the yellow connector.

Splice 2 wires at least 20 feet long to the red/blue and the red/green coloured cables in this connector
block.

Reconnect the yellow 4-way connector block now equipped with 2 x 20ft long cables.

Check that the inflator module is secured to the steering wheel.

Remove all loose objects from the front seat.

Ensure no one is in the vehicle.

Stretch wires away from car to their full length.

10. Apply 12 volts across the wires to deploy the air bag.
11.

Do not touch the inflator module area for 20 minutes due to the heat generated during deployment.

12.

Wear gloves and safety glasses to handle the deployed air bag. Wash your hands with mild soap and
water afterwards.

13.

Repeat steps 3 to 12 for the passenger airbag, splicing the 20ft cables into the two wires connecting the
SDM to the airbag.

Deployed Inflator Modules

WARNING: Safety precautions must be observed when handling a deployed inflator module. After
deployment, the air bag surface may contain a white packing powder used to ease deployment, to-
gether with a small amount of sodium hydroxide dust, a by-product of the sodium azide reaction
during deployment that can be irritating to the skin if left on for an extended period of time. Always
wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module, and wash your hands with
a mild soap and water afterwards.

Lotus Service Notes Section WD

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Page 6a

Airbag Activation/Disposal Procedure

Items Required
2

People.

2 Pairs

Heat proof gloves.

2 Pairs

Eye protection glasses.

2 Pairs

Ear defenders.

Explosion container – a container to constrain the sudden inflation of the bag, may be mesh e.g. metal stillage,
but requires a lid.
Sandbags, - to keep lid closed.
12 volt power supply.
Various air bag & seat belt wiring connectors / small crocodile clips.
10 meters Detonation wire
Paint marker pen
Dustbin / recycling container.

Weather Conditions.
Calm, clear, dry day with very little wind.
Place power supply upwind of explosion.

Location.
Any isolated area.

Procedure.
·

Circuit diagram as shown.

Make sure the power supply is turned off

and is situated the length of the detona-
tion wires away from the airbag.

Only detonate ONE at a time.

Ensure the detonation wires are discon-

nected from the power supply.

Place 1 airbag into the explosion con-

tainer and connect the detonation wires.
Do not snag wires.

Secure lid with sandbags.

Put on your Eye & Ear protection.

Connect the detonation wires to the power supply, doesn’t matter on polarity.

Turn the power supply on.

AIRBAG WILL DETONATE AND INFLATE.

Turn power supply off and disconnect detonation wires from the power supply.

Put on your heatproof gloves.

Remove the airbag from the explosion container and disconnect the detonation wires.

Mark-up and place the detonated airbag into the recycling container.

Repeat this procedure as many times as required.

Switch

Battery

Airbag

Detonation Wires

Cage

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