De Lorean DMC-12 Owner's Manual

Introduction
We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for selecting a De Lorean motor car and to wish you many years of happy and trouble free motoring. This handbook should be considered s permanent part of the vehicle. Please read it carefully as it contains important operating, maintenance and safety information. The first part of the book tells you how to operate the controls, switches and accessories and gives the necessary information on driving and operating your car.

Part Two gives a full summary of the maintenance required by your car. We strongly recommend that this is entrusted to your dealer who has the necessary expertise and specialised equipment. Part Three gives details on emissions applicable to the North American Market and part Four contains useful information on emergency operating procedures. Finally Part five is the General Information section covering vehicle specification, capacities, etc.

• Part 1 - Controls and Operating
• Part 2 - Maintenance
• Part 3 - Emissions Control System (North America)
• Part 4 - Emergency Operating Procedures
• Part 5 - General Information

Note: The specifications and descriptions contained in this manual were accurate at the time they were approved for printing. De Lorean Motor Cars (1982) Ltd., reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

DOORS AND LOCKS
The De Lorean is equipped with a central locking system which locks or unlocks both doors simultaneously. The locking or unlocking of one door will automatically lock or unlock the other. To unlock, insert the key and turn it to the rear of the car, return it to vertical position and withdraw. Lift the external release handle and raise door to its maximum height. Due to the gull-wing design, caution should be exercised when entering or exiting the vehicle.

To close, pull the door down and continue to close the door by placing a hand on the window sill directly below the power window glass. Do not attempt to close the door by exerting pressure at the front edge as this could result in a ‘sprung’ door requiring adjustment and possible repair.

To unlock door from the inside press the front of the door lock switch in the armrest, lift the lever also located in the armrest and raise the door to the fully open position. To close from inside pull the door firmly downwards with the assist bar located in the lower portion of the armrest.

Controls and Operating
Starting
Check that the gear lever is in neutral position (manual gearbox) or in ‘P’ or ‘N’ (automatic gearbox). Check that the handbrake is on. Press accelerator pedal down approximately one quarter of its travel. Insert ignition key and turn to staring position (III) and as soon as engine starts release key and accelerator pedal. The red ignition and oil pressure warning lights will go out when engine is running. Note: one automatic gearbox cars the starter will only operate with the gear lever in ‘P’ or ‘N’ position. Do not operate the starter for longer than 5 or 6 seconds. If the engine does not start wait until the engine has stopped rotating before trying to restart.

Selector Positions – Manual – Fig. 22
Moving the gears to the positions shown select the appropriate gear ratio. The elver is spring biased toward the third – fourth position therefore, selection of first, second, fifth and reverse is made by moving the gear lever against spring pressure. To select reverse, it is necessary to LIFT UP on the gear lever knob whilst moving lever to its position.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Do not use the ‘P’ position in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake, shift in ‘P’ and turn off the ignition when you leave the vehicle unattended. For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from NEUTRAL or PARK to REVERSE or a forward gear.

Notice: Shift into ‘R’ and ‘P’ only when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. When stopped on an upgrade do not hold vehicle with engine, use brake. Do not shift from ‘N’ or ‘P’ into any gear selection when the engine is above idle speed. Lift the button located under the front of the selector lever when engaging ‘R’ and ‘P’.