Elise S2 Rear Lights
Discussion
Finally got the rear lights up and running as originally intended.
For those that don't know, the original version of the design was for both units on each side to function as tail-lights. The car finally went into production with only the outer ones operating due to infringement of a (very obscure) regulation.
Anyone interested in 'restoring' the full function will first have to obtain a very early pair of 'inner' rear-light units (which each have a PAIR of bulb holders, instead of the 'production' versions which have only one). I suggest finding a friendly dealer who might let you swap your later units for the ones on their demonstrator. Having cleared this first hurdle, there are then three options -
1. Persuade someone at CTP Wipac to let you have a wiring harness for the OUTER rear lights (this has the right combination of bulb holders to do the job), or some new bulb-holders - not much chance, I fear.
2. Obtain a wiring harness for the OUTER lights from Lotus - unfortunately, they will only let you have these if your car is off the road for the need of them, and only then if you buy the light units to go with them, at £150.
3. Get to know someone with the right tools and experience to 'remanufacture' the bulb holders that come with the early light units. These will have been 'disabled' by butchery of the wiring associated with them.
After all this, simply install the bulbs, and wire them to the outer tail-light wires using Scotchlok connectors.
It's a right pain - but it's worth it!
JB
For those that don't know, the original version of the design was for both units on each side to function as tail-lights. The car finally went into production with only the outer ones operating due to infringement of a (very obscure) regulation.
Anyone interested in 'restoring' the full function will first have to obtain a very early pair of 'inner' rear-light units (which each have a PAIR of bulb holders, instead of the 'production' versions which have only one). I suggest finding a friendly dealer who might let you swap your later units for the ones on their demonstrator. Having cleared this first hurdle, there are then three options -
1. Persuade someone at CTP Wipac to let you have a wiring harness for the OUTER rear lights (this has the right combination of bulb holders to do the job), or some new bulb-holders - not much chance, I fear.
2. Obtain a wiring harness for the OUTER lights from Lotus - unfortunately, they will only let you have these if your car is off the road for the need of them, and only then if you buy the light units to go with them, at £150.
3. Get to know someone with the right tools and experience to 'remanufacture' the bulb holders that come with the early light units. These will have been 'disabled' by butchery of the wiring associated with them.
After all this, simply install the bulbs, and wire them to the outer tail-light wires using Scotchlok connectors.
It's a right pain - but it's worth it!
JB
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