McLaren Elva Instruments and Warning Lights
The McLaren Elva is a stunning and high-performance sports car, renowned for its exceptional design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled driving experience. Among the many elements that contribute to the Elva’s excellence are its advanced instruments and warning lights, which play a crucial role in ensuring both driver convenience and safety. These instruments and warning lights are meticulously designed to provide vital information and alerts, helping drivers to make informed decisions while enjoying the thrill of driving this exceptional automobile. In this article, we will explore the key instruments and warning lights in the McLaren Elva, shedding light on their functionality and how they enhance the overall driving experience of this remarkable vehicle. Whether you’re a passionate McLaren enthusiast or simply intrigued by automotive technology, this in-depth exploration of Elva’s instruments and warning lights will provide valuable insights into the heart and soul of this extraordinary supercar.
Instruments And Warning Lights
Warning lights can be divided into different categories, according to the colour that they illuminate.
RED or AMBER warning lights indicate that a fault has been detected. A fault indicated by a RED light is more important than one displayed in AMBER.
BLUE or GREEN notification lights indicate that a system or feature is switched on and operating.
Warning Lights
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Before driving the vehicle all tyres should be checked when cold and inflated/deflated to the correct pressure. The tyre pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for each mode of operation is on the vehicle placard or tyre inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tyres of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tyre inflation pressure label, determine the proper inflation pressure for those tyres. In certain circumstances, it is possible that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) pressure warning will display without the loss of air from the tyre. This may be due to temperature variations between the locations where the tyre pressure was set and where the vehicle is driven. For example, setting pressures in an air-conditioned or heated garage and then driving the vehicle outside may induce a tyre pressure warning after a short period of driving. |
|
Seat Belts Seat belts and child restraint systems are the most effective means of restraining vehicle occupants from impact forces, which minimises the danger of injury from interior impacts and the effects of whiplash. WARNING: A seat belt which is not worn, worn incorrectly, or has not been engaged fully in the seat belt buckle cannot perform its intended function. To avoid injuries, ensure that all vehicle occupants wear their seat belt correctly at all times. Ensure that the belt:
fits closely across your pelvis by pulling the shoulder belt upwards WARNING: Do not secure any objects with a seat belt if the seat belt is being used by a vehicle occupant. WARNING: Avoid wearing bulky clothing. Do not route the belt across sharp-edged or fragile objects especially if these are on or in your clothing. The seat belt could be damaged and you could be injured. |
|
Rear Fog Lamp With the headlamps on the Static Adaptive Headlamps adjust the beams when cornering, providing improved illumination in the direction of travel. Motorway Function Lighting The Motorway Function lighting improves the headlamp illumination range when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
|
Supplementary Restraint System Air Bag System Your McLaren is equipped with the following airbags:
WARNING: Airbags are not a substitute for correctly worn seat belts, they enhance the level of occupant protection offered by seat belts. |
|
Electronic Stability Control Electronic stability control (ESC) monitors driving stability and traction between the tyres and the road surface. ESC detects when a wheel starts to spin or the vehicle starts to skid and stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels and/or limiting the engine power output. This also assists when pulling away on wet or slippery road surfaces and stabilises the vehicle when braking. NOTE: Electronic stability control only functions properly if wheels with the recommended specification tyres are used. Electronic stability control is activated automatically as soon as the engine is started. WARNING: If the electronic stability control warning illuminates do not deactivate electronic stability control. Adapt your driving style to suit road and traffic conditions. |
|
Driving WARNING: Never turn the engine off while driving, as there will be no assistance for the steering or the foot brake. You will need more effort to steer and brake and could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. NOTE: Do not drive at high engine speeds until the engine has reached normal operating temperature. NOTE: The doors will lock when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h). Auto lock can be set on the Central Display. See Automatic Door Locking, page 4.12. NOTE: During extensive parking manoeuvres the steering assistance might feel slightly stiffer. This is normal and designed to protect the steering system from overheating. |
Anti-lock Braking System The anti-lock braking system prevents the wheels from locking when you brake. This allows the vehicle to be steered during braking manoeuvres. The anti-lock braking system works from a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) upwards regardless of road surface conditions. It works on slippery surfaces, even when you brake gently. WARNING: Do not depress the brake pedal repeatedly in quick succession (pumping). Depress the brake pedal firmly and evenly. Pumping the brake pedal reduces the braking effect.If the anti-lock braking system operates during braking the warning light flashes and the brake pedal pulses as this happens. When the anti-lock braking system is activated maintain the force on the brake pedal until the braking situation is over. |
|
Brake Pedal WARNING: Do not keep any objects in the driver’s footwell. Ensure that floor mats or carpets are properly secured and do not obstruct the pedals. If objects become trapped between the pedals you may not be able to brake or accelerate and this could lead to an accident. WARNING: The braking system is servo-assisted when the engine is running. The brakes will still function with the engine off but more pressure will be required to operate them. WARNING: Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while travelling as this may overheat the brakes, which will reduce their efficiency and cause excessive wear. WARNING: If the brake warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact your McLaren retailer immediately. Parking Brake NOTE: When parking on steep downhill slopes turn the front wheels towards the kerb. When parking on steep uphill slopes turn the front wheels away from the kerb. Parking Brake Status If the parking brake applied status light is flashing the parking brake has failed to engage/disengage. To resolve this problem engage/disengage the parking brake again. See Parking Brake Operation, page 2.9. To engage the parking brake pull the switch outwards. The red parking brake applied status light on the Driver Display illuminates. NOTE: The parking brake on your vehicle is electronic and only a light application of the icon is required to engage or disengage the parking brake. To disengage the parking brake keep the brake pedal depressed and push the parking brake switch inwards. The red parking brake applied status light on the Driver Display extinguishes. WARNING: If the parking brake is manually released the vehicle may start to move. NOTE: If the parking brake is not manually released it will automatically release as the vehicle is driven off, as long as the following conditions are met: |
|
Low oil pressure warning light. If this illuminates stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact your McLaren retailer immediately. | |
Engine coolant hot warning light. If this illuminates stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact your McLaren retailer immediately. | |
No charge warning light. If this illuminates stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact your McLaren retailer immediately. | |
Electronic stability control system failure warning light. If this illuminates adapt your driving style while the fault exists. Contact your McLaren retailer. | |
Low fuel level warning light If this illuminates refuel your vehicle at the soonest opportunity. WARNING: Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames, smoking and using a mobile telephone are prohibited when handling fuels. Switch off the engine before refuelling. WARNING: Fuel and fuel vapours can damage your health. Do not inhale fuel vapours or allow fuel to come into contact with skin or clothing. NOTE: The fuel filler is located under the tonneau cover behind the left-hand seat. Filling With Fuel
|
Generic failure warning light. A message will be shown on the Driver Display when this is illuminated. Stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact your McLaren retailer immediately. | |
Generic failure caution light. A message will be shown on the Driver Display when this is illuminated. Stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact your McLaren retailer immediately. |
Notification Lights
Direction Indicators
The corresponding notification light on the Driver Display will flash. The stalk returns to its rest position as the steering wheel returns to its central position. |
|
Main Beam Headlamps To switch to main beam push the stalk away from you. The main beam headlamp notification light illuminates on the Driver Display. Pull the stalk towards you to revert to dipped beam. |
|
Light Switch WARNING: The lights do not switch on automatically in foggy conditions. Automatic light control is only an aid and you are responsible for the vehicle’s lighting at all times. The light switch is located between the steering wheel and the driver’s door and has the following positions. At position (0), the lights are off with the exception of daytime running lamps and tail lamps. |
|
Light Switch WARNING: The lights do not switch on automatically in foggy conditions. Automatic light control is only an aid and you are responsible for the vehicle’s lighting at all times. The light switch is located between the steering wheel and the driver’s door and has the following positions. |
|
Direction Indicators Push the direction indicator/main beam stalk downwards to switch on the left-hand direction indicator Push the direction indicator/main beam stalk upwards to switch on the right-hand direction indicator The corresponding notification light on the Driver Display will flash. The stalk returns to its rest position as the steering wheel returns to its central position. Direction indicators – lane change |
Driver Display Overview
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
Driver Display – Left-hand Side
The Driver Display provides important information to the driver and will vary depending on the mode and vehicle settings selected.
- Handling Control
- Outside air temperature
Use the control stalk to navigate through the menus.
FAQs
The check engine light alerts you to potential engine or component problems. If it illuminates, a McLaren technician must inspect the vehicle immediately.
Low oil pressure could result in engine damage, as indicated by the oil pressure warning indicator. It is imperative to promptly turn off the engine and check the oil level or seek assistance.
The temperature gauge allows you to monitor the temperature of the engine. The engine can be damaged by overheating, so it is essential to monitor this gauge.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts you when tire pressure is too low, ensuring optimal tire performance and safety.
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light indicates a system malfunction. When activated, the ABS may not function properly; therefore, it should be inspected.
The fuel gauge indicates the amount of petroleum in the tank. Maintain vigilance to avoid running out of gasoline.
TCS aids in maintaining control during acceleration, particularly in slick conditions. It is made to prevent tire spin.
The red battery warning indicator indicates a problem with the charging system. If this indicator illuminates, the charging system should be inspected immediately.
The speedometer displays the current pace of your vehicle. It is an indispensable tool for adhering to speed limits.
The airbag warning light indicates an airbag system malfunction. Ensure its proper operation for passenger safety.
The oil temperature gauge ensures that the engine’s oil temperature remains within secure operating parameters by monitoring its temperature.
The brake warning light indicates brake system problems. If it illuminates, the brakes should be inspected promptly.
The odometer records the total distance a vehicle has traveled, which is useful for determining maintenance schedules and resale value.
The seat belt warning light serves as a safety reminder to secure your seat belt. Always wear a seat belt before driving.
The warning indicator for low fuel indicates that the fuel level is dangerously low. Typically, there is only a small amount of fuel remaining; therefore, it is imperative to refuel as soon as feasible.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: McLaren Elva User Manual | Auto User Guide
McLaren Elva Lights and Wipers Setup Instructions