Lotus Evora, Service Notes

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Lotus Service Notes Section WF
Page 11
5. When all service work is complete, connect the harness plugs to the rotary connector sockets and refit
the column shrouds. Reconnect the battery, turn on the ignition and check that the airbag tell tale lights
for a few seconds and then goes out.
WF.10 - ROTARY CONNECTOR
WARNING: The rotary connector MUST be replaced after SRS deployment even if there is no visible
damage.
The rotary connector is a device which fits between the steering wheel and column, and allows the steering
wheel to turn whilst maintaining electrical continuity to the airbag module and horn buttons. The assembly con-
sists of an annular housing fitted over the top end of the steering column, and containing a coil of wires providing
feed and return circuits for the first and second stage airbag initiators, horn buttons and cruise controls.
The steering column side of the device is fitted with a connector block into which is plugged a branch of
the main vehicle harness. The steering wheel side of the device has a divided connector block for the cruise
control jump harness, and the airbag/horn jump harness. The coil housing is constructed in two parts, with the
outer part fixed to the outer (stationary) column, and the inner part keyed to the steering wheel. The two parts
of the coil housing slide inside of each other in such a way as to allow the steering wheel to be rotated through
its full travel, lock to lock, whilst maintaining an unbroken feed to each of the circuits in the steering wheel hub,
via the continuous wires in the coils.
In order to help prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the steering column or other
SIR components, a shorting bar is incorporated into the rotary connector column side connector socket. This
shorting bar operates when the connector is unplugged, to short across the feed and return connections to the
inflator module. Thus, if a positive feed, or earth is inadvertently applied to the connector terminals, both sides
of the inflator module will be subject to the same potential, and no deployment will occur.
When servicing the rotary connector, it is most important that the correct orientation of the connector is
maintained on refitment, or the connector will run out of travel and be broken.
To replace the rotary connector
1. Remove the airbag module from the steering wheel (see sub-section WF.8).
2. Disconnect the cruise control harness plug.
3. Ensure the wheels are pointing straight ahead, match mark the wheel to the column, and remove the
steering wheel retaining bolt. Note that the wheel is located on a steep angle hexagonal taper on the
column.
CAUTION: If excessive force is applied to either the steering wheel or column, the break-out in-
serts securing the column to the fascia bracket may be disturbed, necessitating replacement of
the complete column. If necessary, use an appropriate puller.
4. Unplug the harness from the two column lever switches and unclip each switch from the carrier.
5. Unplug the harness from the column side of the rotary connector, unclip the carrier from the outer column,
and slide the the rotary connector from the steering column.
6. Refit in reverse order to removal, but before fitting the steering wheel, it is essential to centralise the rotary
connector, or the unit will be broken when lock is applied. Turn the connector fully clockwise until it tightens,
and then turn back just over two turns until the red marker appears in the square window. Note that this
instruction is printed on the rotary connector. Ensure the road wheels are pointing straight ahead and fit
the steering wheel with the match marks aligned. Tighten the steering wheel retaining bolt to 50 Nm.
When fitting the jump harness for the cruise controls, ensure the cable is routed through the channel
provided in the steering wheel carrier.
7. After re-assembly, check that the airbag tell tale lights for a few seconds with ignition, and then goes
out.