Run-in/Break-in Procedure

[boisecrawfords]

I just got my i4 and was not given a paper owner's manual, nor advised by my dealer about the proper break-in procedure. I did some digging on Lotus' site and found this in the owner's manual so wanted to share here. The CYA they included about 'downloading engine data' seems a bit odd. Also, note that we are not supposed to use any mode other than 'tour' for the 1st 1000 miles. This is going to be the longest 1000 miles in my life.

 

[Foxy87]

Well I will get a manual. It should arrive within the next 2 weeks… I will ask the dealer if Sport mode really is a NoGo while breaking in.

And AFAIK short periods over 4.5k rpm are not a problem.

 

[Sanguineous]

For me (V6 Auto) the dealer was pretty straightforward; "Enjoy the car but just don't rip it..."

If you drive in automatic mode, do not put it in track/sport mode since the gear change and throttle delivery is more aggressive; keep it in Tour.
Since I always drive it with the paddle I just short shifted for the break-in period with occasional pulls into highway.
I drove the car in Sport/Track mode with the paddle for the sound, but kept RPM relatively low and never floored it.

Dealer said no oil change necessary after break-in, just come back for your annual service in 1 year (no way I would hit the km limit). If you want a oil change they will do it, but it is not a requirement from Lotus Canada.

For the record, not a single problem after 10,000km; never track the car.

 

[DigitalWiz]

V6 auto. Never tracked. 2k miles and no issues. Bought as a new demo with less than 350 miles. No manual/handbook provided. Dealer never mentioned anything about run in do’s or Don’ts. They said to try the modes and “have fun”. I’m naturally a relaxed driver and drove in a normal manner, but I’m sure I tried out the different modes on the drive home. Later that evening I found the handbook on this forum and saw the recommended break in and followed it from then on. If I have an issue, the ecu may tell one side, but I’m not responsible for what may have occurred when it was a demo or before I was provided/found the manual. I would expect reasonable good will from lotus and fidelity as I bought their 6/60k extended warranty.

 

[DigitalWiz]

I decided to call the service manager at my lotus dealer and ask about my scenario and see what he says.I’m going to ask them to pull the ecu history and advise on whether the car experienced problematic out of recommended break in variables. If it has, I’ll call fidelity as well. If they have a problem I’ll cancel the extended warranty.

I thinkI deserve a straight up answer from my dealer and fidelity as there’s the potential for run in issues that might void my factory and extended warranty.

If that’s the case, I’ll cancel the extended warranty and self insure until I find something else shiny.

 

[RoryBellows]

I think you are being overly cautious. If there was an issue, and they used recorded data to say it was not broken in properly it will have the mileage recorded at the time they claim you didn't follow it and you can produce paperwork that shows your mileage at purchase. Plus the language is pretty open to you actually being able to exceed 4k on occasion. When you bought the car new you bought into their warranty on that car and they have to honor it. Also it would be a really hard thing to claim that some problem in the future was due to improper break in. I wouldn't sweat any of this.

As far as break in period goes I followed it on my first one pretty diligently and promptly put it into track mode at 1001 miles. I never had engine issues from the car. Im planning on doing the same with this one. Its only at like 75 miles right now waiting on ppf.

 

[DigitalWiz]

I would normally agree, but there’s a lot of money on the line in the paid for warranty and potential cost of an expensive out of pocket repair. If there’s a chance they’ll make an issue out of it, I want to know now instead of when I need warranty work. If there’s dealer say’s no problemo, fine. Put that in an email and we’re good. Fidelity, will probably be less forgiving, so getting the ecu history will decide whether or not I’m keeping it.

They should be able to look at the data and give a straight answer on warranty coverage.

 

[DigitalWiz]

Following up: I talked with SF Lotus service advisor who said what many have reported. "No break in period they are aware of". I pointed him to the handbook and page. I asked if they can pull the ECU data and advise on prior use as a demo so I could get clear on that concern.

Apparently, they can't see that deep data as they are limited with their tools. Only the mothership can see the relevant ecu data.

I shared my concerns about the unknowns and that I was seeking assurances that the warranty would be valid if I ever needed it. He asked me to email him my detailed concerns and he would forward to their lotus rep for a response. Pending that response.

Also found that their oil service is $500.00 and a major service is $16-1800 and includes oil, brake fluid flush, filters, fuel additive and one more service he couldn't recall.
The other nearest Lotus dealer is Boardwalk. Their oil service is $450.00.

 

[Foxy87]

Hmm its kind of weird to me that you are that worried about that but still bought a demo with 350 miles. I mean there were probably at least 10 different people testdriving that car and each of them wanted to know what the car is capable of… if they handed the car for demos without a sales person on the passenger side, you should have realized that problem beforehand.

That said, I dont think its a problem not following the break in procedure…

 

[RoryBellows]

Following up: I talked with SF Lotus service advisor who said what many have reported. "No break in period they are aware of". I pointed him to the handbook and page. I asked if they can pull the ECU data and advise on prior use as a demo so I could get clear on that concern.

Apparently, they can't see that deep data as they are limited with their tools. Only the mothership can see the relevant ecu data.

I shared my concerns about the unknowns and that I was seeking assurances that the warranty would be valid if I ever needed it. He asked me to email him my detailed concerns and he would forward to their lotus rep for a response. Pending that response.

Also found that their oil service is $500.00 and a major service is $16-1800 and includes oil, brake fluid flush, filters, fuel additive and one more service he couldn't recall.
The other nearest Lotus dealer is Boardwalk. Their oil service is $450.00.

Yeah its best to get an independent or DIY for maintenance items. Only use the dealers for warranty.

 

[DigitalWiz]

Hmm its kind of weird to me that you are that worried about that but still bought a demo with 350 miles. I mean there were probably at least 10 different people testdriving that car and each of them wanted to know what the car is capable of… if they handed the car for demos without a sales person on the passenger side, you should have realized that problem beforehand.

That said, I dont think its a problem not following the break in procedure…

In all fairness, it’s not the prior use I’m concerned about, it’s that I don’t want to be denied a warranty service for any exuberant usage before I purchased the car. There’s nothing to realize as it’s not material. I was sold the vehicle with a full warranty. Full stop. 350 miles is nothing to be concerned about. I’m sure Lotus will cover it no matter what. I just want them to say it out loud.