Two Problems- Engine and Trans 06 Elise

LW Elise · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 12:41 AM

Car has 300 miles. It has shifted from 4th gear to neutral under load, going uphill three times. The first time I figured I hadn't pushed the shift lever in place. Today it was clear that the car did it. Any ideas?

Also, 2nd gear, air conditioning on, going uphill on the freeway the temperature on the car was suddenly 236 and was flashing. Over the crest and coming down hill in fourth, with the air conditioning turned off, the car returned to 195 quickley.

Any ideas on the cause of either of these on my 06 Elise with no options other than touring package.

goelise · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 07:41 AM

Please check the coolant level on your car, and by all means if your not handy - bring the car to the dealership if it's overheating like you described. Frequent visits to high temps like that can result in a warped head. It may just be a air bubble that needs to be bled out.

Not sure what's causing your car to pop out of 4th gear but it sounds like an adjustment is necessary.

Both are reasons to go to the dealership, especially the first one. I hope you find the cause of the problems.

Pork Rind · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 12:22 PM

The transmission thing sounds like a mis-adjusted shifter cable. If the length is slightly off, it's the same effect as not putting the lever all the way into place. A quick fix for the dealer.

stringbean · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2006, 07:41 PM

LW: Just curious what RPM you were turning when the coolant reached 236. Second gear on the freeway? My coolant temp has never exceeded 209 and that was on the racetrack during a drivers ed event in hot and steamy Savannah, Georgia. It normally runs 186-190 at normal speeds and RPM's. Also, high revs for long periods of time on a new engine are exactly the wrong way to 'break' in a new engine! Good Luck

LW Elise · #5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stringbean

LW: Just curious what RPM you were turning when the coolant reached 236. Second gear on the freeway? My coolant temp has never exceeded 209 and that was on the racetrack during a drivers ed event in hot and steamy Savannah, Georgia. It normally runs 186-190 at normal speeds and RPM's. Also, high revs for long periods of time on a new engine are exactly the wrong way to 'break' in a new engine! Good Luck

Second gear, going uphill on a freeway in slow traffic, probably around 4K rpm with the air conditioning on. Had my wife in the car as well. Combined weight about 330 lbs (and yes, I'm about 200 of that) My mechanic says not to use the air conditioning when it is hot............ not quite sure what the value of air conditioning is if you can't use it when it's hot out.

He did the same run, with the air conditioning on but in 75 degree weather, and was running 204, with the B flash (download). Mine seems to run at 195 at normal speeds and RPMs with the air conditioning off.

stringbean · #6 (**permalink**) 09-19-2006, 08:39 PM

Interesting. In most cars, turning the AC on kicks on cooling fans automatically. The Elise has two stages of fans that kick on - perhaps one didn't or as another reader said, you were low on coolant. Even in stop and go driving - with the AC off - mine has never risen above 209 and cools rapidly as soon as speeds pick up. If the coolant is OK, it might be dealer time I'm afraid!

LARRY22331 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2006, 10:30 AM

Don't FREAK OUT about the temperature gauge. Keep coolant in the radiator topped off and enjoy the car.