McLaren Elva Engine Oil and Fluids Operations

The McLaren Elva is a masterpiece of automotive engineering, exemplifying speed and innovation in exquisite fashion. This extraordinary supercar’s engine is a marvel of modern technology that requires the utmost care and attention to maintain optimal performance. In this introduction, we delve into the world of McLaren Elva Engine Oil and Fluids, investigating their crucial role in maintaining the power and precision of this automotive masterpiece. Our excursion into the world of McLaren Elva Engine Oil and Fluids will delve into the meticulous engineering and precise formulations that make these fluids indispensable to the health of your supercar. To ensure that your McLaren Elva continues to provide an unrivalled driving experience, we will delve into their unique properties, how to choose the right products, and appropriate maintenance procedures. Join us as we reveal the mysteries behind the power and accuracy of this exceptional automobile, as well as the vital role that engine oil and fluids play in maintaining its excellence.

Engine Oil

It is normal for your engine to consume oil and the rate of consumption will vary with many factors. The oil consumption may be higher when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
It is important to follow the service schedule for oil and filter changes and to regularly check the level of your oil in between.
You will only be able to estimate the oil consumption after the vehicle has been driven for several thousand miles or kilometres.

NOTE: Lubricant additives could damage the engine or gearbox. Damage caused by such additives is not covered by the vehicle warranty. Further information is available from your McLaren retailer.

NOTE: The oil pressure warning light is not a low oil level indicator.

Checking the engine oil

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1. Ensure the following conditions are met:
   • Vehicle stationary and positioned on a level surface.
   • Neutral selected and the foot brake applied (use left foot).
     NOTE./: The foot brake must be applied for the entire duration of the oil level check.
2. The level is viewed in the Vehicle Info section on the Folding Driver Display, see Oil status.
   Start the engine and hold the engine speed at 2,000 rpm for 120 seconds. Allow the engine oil temperature to reach a temperature of 90°C (194°F).
   NOTE: The throttle pedal can be fully depressed as the engine speed will be electronically limited to 2,000 rpm.
3. When the timer has reached ‘0’, the oil level will be shown on the Folding Driver Display along with a description.
   NOTE: The line on the display indicates the maximum oil level for 19 seconds after the oil level is read.
4.  If the engine oil is below the target level, top up the oil in accordance with the following procedure.

NOTE: Once the oil level check has been completed and returned a value, do not continue to test the system. This may lead to aeration of the oil and return a false value. To end the oil level check, release the throttle pedal and return to the Vehicle info menu by moving the menu stalk back.

Topping up the engine oilWARNING: If the engine is stopped due to the Eco Start-Stop System be aware that the engine may restart without warning.
WARNING: The engine must be switched off before carrying out the engine oil top up process.
WARNING: Do not put more than 8 litres into the oil system. If you have put 8 litres of oil into the vehicle and the oil status on the Driver Display still displays low oil level, contact your McLaren retailer immediately.
WARNING: When topping up do not pour the oil too fast or choke the oil fill tube.
WARNING: The oil filler cap must be fitted correctly.
ENVIRONMENTAL: When topping up take care not to spill any oil. Oil must not be allowed to escape into the soil or waterways.

1. Open the tonneau cover. See Tonneau Cover.
2. Unscrew the engine oil filler cap.
3. Top up with the correct quantity of engine oil. Refer to Top Up Quantity, page 6.5 and Engine Oil Specification.
4. Wait two minutes to allow the oil to flow from the filler tube into the tank. This will ensure an accurate oil level reading.
5. Check the Driver Display to ensure the oil level is correct.
   NOTE: If you have inadvertently overfilled the engine with oil you must have the excess removed at your McLaren retailer. The engine or the catalytic converter could be damaged.
6. Refit the engine oil filler cap.
   NOTE: Ensure the oil filler cap is refitted correctly.
7. Close the tonneau cover. See Tonneau Cover

Top Up Quantity

Based on the oil status displayed on the Folding Driver Display, add the required quantity of oil as shown in the following table, then check the engine oil level again.

Segments on display	Quantity of oil required
½ – underfilled	0.90 litre
1 – min.	0.70 litre
1 ½ – OK	0 litre

Segments on display	Quantity of oil required
2 – OK	0 litre
2 ½ – OK	0 litre
3 – OK	0 litre
3 ½ – max.	0 litre
4 – overfilled	Contact your McLaren retailer

Oil temperature
If the oil temperature is too high, a warning will be displayed on the Folding Driver Display. Reduce the vehicle and engine speed until the warning message disappears.

Gearbox oil level
If you experience oil loss or problems with gear shifts, have the gearbox checked by your McLaren retailer.

NOTE: The clutch and gearbox oil has mileage-related service intervals. This maintenance can only be carried out by your McLaren retailer.

Coolant
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. Only check the coolant when the vehicle is positioned on level ground and the engine is cool.

Topping up the coolant
WARNING: The coolant system is pressurised. Only unscrew the cap when the engine is cool. You could be scalded by hot escaping coolant if you unscrew the cap whilst the engine is warm.
WARNING: Coolant is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibited when handling coolant.
WARNING: Coolant is toxic. Keep containers sealed and away from children. If coolant is accidentally consumed seek medical help straight away.
WARNING: If the engine is stopped due to the Eco Start-Stop System be aware that the engine may restart without warning.
WARNING: The engine must be switched off before carrying out the coolant level check and top up process.
NOTE: The coolant filler valve is located in the tonneau compartment behind the right-hand seat.
ENVIRONMENTAL: When topping up take care not to spill any coolant. Coolant must not be allowed to escape into the soil or waterways.

1. Open the tonneau cover.
2. Slowly unscrew the cap by half a turn anti-clockwise and allow excess pressure to escape.
3. Unscrew the cap fully and remove it.
4. Check the level of coolant. The coolant level is correct when it is at the top of the + marker.
5. Top up the coolant if necessary. See Coolant
   Replace the cap by turning it clockwise to the stop.
   NOTE: Ensure the cap is refitted securely.
6. Close the tonneau cover.

Power Steering Fluid

WARNING: The power steering fluid is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibited when handling power steering fluid.
WARNING: The power steering fluid is toxic. Keep containers sealed and away from children. If fluid is accidentally consumed seek medical help straight away.
WARNING: The vehicle must not be in vehicle lift mode when you check the power steering fluid level.
ENVIRONMENTAL: When topping up take care not to spill any power steering fluid. Power steering fluid must not be allowed to escape into the soil or waterways.+

Checking Fluid Level

1. Switch the ignition on and start the engine.
2. Check that the vehicle lift icon is not illuminated on the Driver Display. See Vehicle Lift
3. Select Comfort Handling Mode. See Handling Control
4. Allow the engine to idle for 20 seconds before checking the fluid level.
5. Open the service cover. See Service Cover
6. Unscrew the cap anti-clockwise and remove it.
7. Measure the distance inside the reservoir down to the fluid level. The maximum fill level is 50 mm and the minimum fill level is 55 mm from the top of the filler neck.
8. Top up if necessary using only Pentosin CHF202 power steering fluid. Contact your McLaren retailer.
9. Replace the cap.
   NOTE: Ensure the cap is refitted securely.
10. Close the service cover. See Service

Brake Fluid
WARNING: Brake fluid is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibited when handling brake fluid.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. Keep containers sealed and away from children. If fluid is accidentally consumed seek medical help straight away.
WARNING: Only use fluid from new airtight containers.
WARNING: The engine must be switched off before carrying out the brake fluid check and top up process.
NOTE: Avoid spilling brake fluid. It is harmful to painted surfaces. Any spillages must be removed immediately with a mixture of car shampoo and water.
ENVIRONMENTAL: When topping up take care not to spill any brake fluid. Brake fluid must not be allowed to escape into the soil or waterways.

Checking Fluid Level

1. Open the service cover. See Service Cover
2. Unscrew the cap anti-clockwise and remove it.
3. Check the level of the brake fluid. The brake fluid is correct if the level just covers the base of the filter in the filler neck.
4. Top up if necessary using only new brake fluid. See Brake Fluid.
5. Replace the cap.
   NOTE: Ensure the cap is refitted securely.
6. Close the service cover. See Service

FAQs

Useful Link

View Full PDF: McLaren Elva User Manual | Auto User Guide
McLaren Elva Interior Features Quick Guide