This comprehensive service manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams for maintaining, servicing, diagnosing, and repairing your 1996-2000 Lotus Elise. It covers every aspect of the vehicle, from the engine and transmission to the body and electrical systems. You'll find everything you need to perform a wide range of repairs, from simple maintenance tasks to complex troubleshooting.

The manual includes step-by-step instructions, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications. It is designed to be easy to use and understand, even for those with limited mechanical experience. You'll find detailed information on all models and all repairs, making this manual an essential resource for any Elise owner.

The manual covers a wide range of topics, including:

* **General Information:** This section provides an overview of the Elise, including its history, specifications, and safety features.
* **Engine:** This section covers the engine, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as engine removal and installation, valve adjustment, timing belt replacement, and troubleshooting engine problems.
* **Lubrication System:** This section covers the lubrication system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as oil changes, filter replacement, and troubleshooting lubrication problems.
* **Cooling System:** This section covers the cooling system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as coolant changes, thermostat replacement, and troubleshooting cooling system problems.
* **Fuel and Emission Control System:** This section covers the fuel and emission control system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, and troubleshooting fuel and emission problems.
* **Engine Electrical System:** This section covers the engine electrical system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as starting system, charging system, and troubleshooting electrical problems.
* **Clutch:** This section covers the clutch, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as clutch adjustment, clutch replacement, and troubleshooting clutch problems.
* **Manual & Auto Transaxle:** This section covers the manual and automatic transaxle, including their operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as gear changes, fluid changes, and troubleshooting transmission problems.
* **Front & Rear Axle:** This section covers the front and rear axles, including their operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as wheel bearing replacement, axle shaft replacement, and troubleshooting axle problems.
* **Steering System:** This section covers the steering system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as steering wheel replacement, steering rack replacement, and troubleshooting steering problems.
* **Braking System:** This section covers the braking system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as brake pad replacement, brake rotor replacement, and troubleshooting braking problems.
* **Steering:** This section covers the steering, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as power steering system, steering wheel adjustment, and troubleshooting steering problems.
* **Wheels & Tires:** This section covers the wheels and tires, including their operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as tire inflation, tire rotation, and troubleshooting wheel and tire problems.
* **Suspension:** This section covers the suspension, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as shock absorber replacement, spring replacement, and troubleshooting suspension problems.
* **Body:** This section covers the body, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as body panels, body trim, and troubleshooting body problems.
* **Body Electrical System:** This section covers the body electrical system, including its operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as lighting, door locks, and troubleshooting electrical problems.
* **Heating & Air Conditioning Systems:** This section covers the heating and air conditioning systems, including their operation, maintenance, and repair. You'll find information on topics such as air filter replacement, coolant changes, and troubleshooting heating and air conditioning problems.
* **Technical Data:** This section provides technical specifications for the Elise, including engine data, transmission data, suspension data, and more.
* **Special Tools:** This section lists the special tools that may be required to perform certain repairs.

With this manual, you can save money on expensive repairs by doing them yourself.

The Lotus Elise, a lightweight and agile sports car, was first introduced in 1996 and quickly became a legend in the automotive world. The Elise's design philosophy centered around minimizing weight and maximizing performance, resulting in a car that was both incredibly fun to drive and remarkably efficient. The first generation of the Elise, produced from 1996 to 2000, featured a simple yet effective design with a bonded aluminum chassis, a 1.8-liter Rover K-series engine, and a five-speed manual gearbox. The Elise's low curb weight, around 1,700 pounds, allowed for impressive acceleration and handling characteristics, making it a true driver's car. The car's minimalist interior, featuring a single-piece molded dashboard and simple instrumentation, focused on delivering a raw and engaging driving experience.

Beyond its performance and aesthetics, the Elise's appeal lies in its accessibility as a DIY project. The car's straightforward design and relatively simple mechanics make it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy wrenching on their own vehicles. The 1996-2000 Elise's service manual, which is often available in PDF format, provides comprehensive instructions and diagrams for maintaining and repairing the car. From routine maintenance like oil changes and brake pad replacements to more complex tasks like engine rebuilds and suspension work, the manual serves as an invaluable resource for DIYers. Owning a first-generation Elise allows enthusiasts to delve into the intricacies of a true performance car, learn how it works, and experience the satisfaction of maintaining it themselves. This makes the car not only a thrilling driving experience but also an engaging automotive project that can be enjoyed by both seasoned mechanics and aspiring DIYers alike.