An idiots guide to known problems for the S2 Exige

The Oily Bits S2 Specific Topics
21

LED lights always failing and Lotus out of stock
AO48s also out of stock so make sure there’s tread aplenty left

22

I’ve had virtually no problems with my 54 Exige and its done 34,500 miles (daily driver)
Issues so far:

  • Passenger window dropped a few cm’s (fixed in 10 minutes)
  • Boot Lid keeps popping open (fixed in 10 minutes)

I’m quite surprised by how relaible its been, people knock the S2 coz its heavy and got a toyota engine. I’ve done two 2,000 mile round trip journeys to Barcelona and Bordeaux and its never put a foot wrong.

23

You don’t need to modify it to get twin oil coolers. They came as standard on the performance kit car.

Thanks, I didn’t know that, I’m still learning.

So… problems are as follows;
A/C heat exchanger freezes,
Squeaky roof,
Central locking,
Damage to the rear clam from object in the boot,
Worn cams,
Heater matrix unit and motor,
Steering racks,
Sports exhaust, stages 1&2, brackets breaking.

Any more for any more?

engine mount went
2nd gear crunching badly on downchanges (to be investigated)
my rack is now knocking
clutch and plate after 12000m miles (�1000+)
also had the exhaust bracket
heater fan failed

current mileage: 23500

Update:

2nd gear crunch was due to worn gears and synchro - box sent by Lotus to gearbox specialists for repair done under warranty, save for a few sunndries, even though it was just out of warranty strictly speaking, so thank you Strattons and Lotus for using discretion and being very reasonable.

Getting upgraded LotusSport clutch put in at the same time as my second standard clutch is on its last legs…

Apart from that the car is fine, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything, all things considered.

24

Thanks, I didn’t know that, I’m still learning.

So… problems are as follows;
A/C heat exchanger freezes,
Squeaky roof,
Central locking,
Damage to the rear clam from object in the boot,
Worn cams,
Heater matrix unit and motor,
Steering racks,
Sports exhaust, stages 1&2, brackets breaking.

Any more for any more?

engine mount went
2nd gear crunching badly on downchanges (to be investigated)
my rack is now knocking
clutch and plate after 12000m miles (�1000+)
also had the exhaust bracket
heater fan failed

current mileage: 23500

Update:

2nd gear crunch was due to worn gears and synchro - box sent by Lotus to gearbox specialists for repair done under warranty, save for a few sunndries, even though it was just out of warranty strictly speaking, so thank you Strattons and Lotus for using discretion and being very reasonable.

Getting upgraded LotusSport clutch put in at the same time as my second standard clutch is on its last legs…

Apart from that the car is fine, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything, all things considered.

Just out of interest, how much does a standard clutch cost to be fitted at lotus? compared to an uprated one?
cheers

25

Not very much as a percentage to the labour, I would always fit an uprated one if you are paying to have it changed

26

Issues so far:

  • Passenger window dropped a few cm’s (fixed in 10 minutes)
  • Boot Lid keeps popping open (fixed in 10 minutes)

54 plate too and only had them also…running lean was down to me but I do get a knocking in the steering rack?

27

Squeaky roof here too

28

I have a very slight knock in the steering. Hoping for just track rod ends though. I havent checked yet. :-s

29

The knuckle joint at the bottom of the column can cause this give it a good nip up :wink:

30

cheers fella…Will put it on the ramp later and have a browse. Is it accessable fairly easily?

31

Its under the dash jnear the bulkhead just follow the column no need for a ramp :wink:

32

Ahh ok…even better. Thanks fella.

33

Wait until you get your bonce down there, before saying that :wink:

34

lol…Makes sense…and now i’ve just said that, its a garanteed head ache. Ah well…such is life eh. :slight_smile:

35

After getting a gearstick stuck in my back…Ouch may i add. Joint seems very tight. So gues the problem is elsewhere. Now wishing i purcahsed the snap off steering wheel first though…would have my the upside down gymnastics alot easier. :slight_smile:

36

It can be considered as unpleasant trying to stand on your head under the dash :frowning:

37

Jay,

You might remember @ Llandow mine had a similar knocking through the wheel. Since having the geo redone the knocking has gone. Can only assume it was something too loose or too tight or out of place on the suspension side.

38

I felt you knocking fella. Mine was a fair bit worse. I think iv established now it only comes in warm weather etc or when the car gets very hot. Since its been cold i’ve not felt it since. Very odd.