Owners Handbook – Interactive

There are no door keys with your Chimeara, see the next section on the alarm.

Alarm & Locking
The Alarm System installed in your vehicle has been designed to provide optimum protection at all times. The System uses a Contact key and a Rolling Code Radio key which never uses the same code twice and is therefore code grabber proof. The alarm and the immobiliser systems of the car are linked but run on different circuits to prevent total alarm/immobiliser failure.

Operation of the alarm system
15 seconds after the ignition is switched off the immobiliser will always arm (even if you do not exit the vehicle) but the alarm will not arm. If you wish to drive the vehicle then simply press the button on the radiokey for less than two seconds or insert contact key, to switch off the immobiliser.

Locking & Using your Radiokey
Exit the vehicle, ensuring both doors and windows are closed, Press the button on the radiokey once for two seconds, and release. Your car will acknowledge the signal by flashing its hazards lights four times and activating the central door locking, Your alarm is now armed but will take an additional 30 seconds is required for the motion detector to stabilise and become active. A red warning light mounted in the lower veneer panel will begin to flash to act as a visual deterrent.

Unlocking & Disarming the alarm
As you approach the vehicle, press the button on the radiokey, The vehicle will acknowledge the signal by flashing its hazard warning lights once and unlocking the doors. Once unlocked, to gain entry to the vehicle, press the exterior door release button located under the door mirror. Please note: If you do not turn the ignition on within 15 seconds of disarming the alarm, the immobiliser will become active. Should entry to the vehicle not be possible due to a system malfunction, access can be gained by pulling the emergency door release lever. This lever is located in the boot on the top of the drivers side wheel arch. Pull the red lever towards you to release the drivers door.

Personal Protection
As a measure of personal protection, you may trigger your siren by pressing the button down for six seconds. The siren will sound and the hazard lights will flash for 15 seconds.

Electronic contact key operation
Should you need to disarm the immobiliser without the use of the radio key, this can be achieved by using one of the small contact keys provided. On entering the vehicle, the contact key should be inserted into the override key receptacle mounted next to the ignition key on the column shroud. The small LED will be flashing to show the vehicle is immobilised. On insertion and removal of the contact key, the LED will be extinguished. The vehicle can now be started,

System diagnostics
The alarm system is capable of indicating whether the alarm has been triggered in your absence. The LED mounted at the centre of the dash will flash in one of the following sequences to indicate which circuit triggered the alarm:-

• Door trigger 2 flashes every 6 seconds
• Internal sensor 4 flashes every 6 seconds
• Panic facility 16 flashes every 6 seconds
  

Electronic contact key
Should you need to disarm the immobiliser without the use of the radio key, this can be achieved by using one of the small contact keys supplied. On entering the vehicle, the contact key should be inserted into override key receptacle mounted adjacent to the ignition switch. The small LED will be flashing to show the vehicle is immobilised. On insertion and removal of the contact key, the LED will be extinguished. The vehicle can be started. The alarm will sound for 30 seconds, The facility is for use in emergency situations only. Contact your nearest dealer for full alarm service.

Opening the doors from the outside

Press the button underneath the door mirror, the door will pop open slightly.

Interior door release and interior door locking

Located on the transmission tunnel behind the gear knob. Turn the knob clockwise to open the drivers door and anti-clockwise to open the passenger door, Warning. Take care in high winds as the door will pop open slightly. To lock the doors from the inside, press the button on the top of the knob, The button will illuminate (providing the ignition is on) when the doors are locked. The doors will unlock automatically when the knob is turned to open the doors. This is a peace of mind feature regarding personal security.

Moving forward/back
Move the lever (A) located beneath the seat and slide the seat to the correct position making sure that the locking mechanism has engaged.

Seat Reclining Control
To adjust the angle of the backrest, lift the lever (B)located on the outer edge of the seat by the pivot point, Tilt the backrest to the required angle, Release the lever and ensure that the locking mechanism has engaged,

Lumbar Support (where fitted)
To adjust the lumbar support, squeeze the pump located on the inner edge of the seat, until the required support is attained. To reduce the amount of support press the button located on the pump.

Head restraints
To adjust the height of the head restraints, pull the restraint up or down to the required position, (the centre of the headrest should be approximately level with the eye line), Please note. It is important that the head restraints are adjusted for individual drivers and passengers to offer full restraint in the event of an accident. Failure to do so could result in injury from the slightest accident.

Located on the left hand side of the steering column. Pull the lever towards you to release the column and adjust to the required position. Release the lever to secure the column. Warning It is not recommended to adjust the steering wheel angle while you are driving.

Located on the drivers side armrest. To adjust the mirror position, first select the mirror to be adjusted with switch A or B. Then adjust with the directional button C, press the top to move the glass up, press the left to move the glass left etc, (for best results press the raised ridge section of the switch).

To prevent the mirror being adjusted by accident there is a lock out feature. To set to lock out press buttons A and B simultaneously.
NOTE. The system will automatically go into lock-out mode each time the ignition is switched on.
To release the system from lock-out press button A or B for longer than 1 second,
The mirrors are heated on an automatic time delay when the engine is started.

Ensure that the seat belt is not obstructed in any way when fitting. When fastening make sure the catch clicks in. When releasing the belt press the red button on the catch, the belt may need to be guided back to assist the reel, make sure the belt is fully retracted before leaving the vehicle.
Clean the seat belt webbing using soapy water. Do not use solvents or abrasives to clean the webbing.

Side lights and dipped headlights
Turn the switch clockwise one click to operate the side lights and instrument illumination. Turn the switch clockwise a second click to operate the headlights. To switch off reverse the procedure. The lights work with the ignition on or off.

Instrument lighting
May be turned off by pressing the switch under the dash to the left of the steering column.

The rear fog light will only work when the dipped headlights are on, the switch surround illuminates amber when the fog light is in use.

Position i. Right hand turn indicator. Position 2. Left hand turn indicator. Position 3. Main beam flash, Operates only when the ignition is on.
Position 4, Main beam. Operates only when the headlamps are on.
If the indicator warning light flashes more frequently than normal a bulb has blown.

Should the vehicle become immobile or present a hazard to other road users, all turn indicators may be operated in unison as a hazard warning. Depress the button to activate the hazard warning lights. Depress the button once again to deactivate the hazard warning lights. The switch surround will illuminate red and flash while the lights are operating.

The interior light is located in the centre of the rear header rail.
Position 1 permanently on
Position 2 permanently off
Position 3 will illuminate when either of the doors are open. After closing the doors the light will remain lit for approximately 20 seconds or until the ignition is switched on.

Position 1 Intermittent wipe.
Position 2 Normal wiper speed.
Position 3 Fast wiper speed.
Position 4 Screen wash and wipe. The wipers will operate, along with the washers, for a few seconds and then stop automatically.

Intermittent wipe speed

Turn the knob to increase or decrease the time between wipes.

Handbrake

To apply, pull the handle upwards while depressing the button at the end of the lever. Release the button at the end , of the levers travel, When the lever is in this position the rear brakes are on and the warning light will illuminate, To release, press the button and lower the lever to its lowest position.

Gear lever

The gear levers natural position in neutral is between 3rd and 4th (marked by the dot).
To engage reverse gear, pull the lever across to the right, and then back to the right hand corner, The reversing light will illuminate providing the ignition is on. Only engage reverse whilst the car is stationary.

Heater dials

Top (A)-temperature control-to set the temperature to hot rotate to the left, for cold rotate to the right, Intermediate settings are available in between. The air can be boosted by the fan.

Bottom(B)-direction control-To demist the screen rotate the control to the right, for the footwells and vents rotate the control to the left, Intermediate settings are available in between, The air can be boosted by the fan.

Fan

The fan operates by pushing the switch in. For low speed operation turn the fan switch anti-clockwise, for high speed operation clockwise. To turn the fan off press the switch again. N.B. The fan will only operate whilst the ignition is on

Positions of vents

All vents can supply both hot or cold air from the heater and can be boosted by the fan. Each vent is directional and can be opened or closed independently, The vents marked A are not visible but are of the type shown below.

Air conditioning (where fitted)
The air conditioning system supplies cooled and dehumidified, fresh or recirculated air to the interior of the vehicle. The volume of conditioned air supplied is controlled by the fan. To activate the air conditioning system, rotate control A all the way over to the right.

This will then actuate a microswitch which will turn the air conditioning unit on.

Air recirculation

For fresh air circulation press the forward section of the switch. for internal air recirculation press the rear section of the switch intermediate settings are available between the two positions.

Please note. The air conditioning system operation is more effective when the roof panel is in position, the windows are closed and the air circulation switch is set for full internal air recirculation.
To maintain efficient operation of the system, it should be used at least once every week, summer or winter.

To lower the side window press the forward half of the switch, maintaining the pressure until the desired window height is achieved. To raise the window press the upper half of the switch.

Located on the drivers side armrest. To operate press the button in the centre and release. The button will eject back to its original position when ready for use (approximately ten seconds).

Pull the lever to release the bonnet catch. Lift the rear edge of the bonnet up and forwards. Pull the bonnet stay out of its clip and locate the socket on the ball joint. To lower the bonnet, pull the socket away from the ball joint and return it — to its clip. Lower the bonnet down pressing smartly on the rear edge in front of the windscreen wiper pivot point, to locate it on its latch,

Press the switch (which is not visible but under the dash) to release the boot from its catch.
To close the boot, lower the lid onto the catch and press firmly down on the boot at the rear.
The boot release only operates when the ignition is switched on. Please note. Do not slam the boot lid onto the catch.

The instructions for hood removal and erection are designed for single handed use. However, when possible these operations are made easier if assistance is available.

Removal
Open both doors, release the tension on both over-centre stays, (located inside the car between the header rail and rear parcel shelf). Less force is required if the stay is held near the centre and pulled forwards. Collapse the rear header, the roof panel will support itself, (position 1)

Holding the roof panel at the side and rear tilt the panel up (position 2) and pull back from the windscreen frame. Place the hood panel in its protective cover and store in the boot.

Finally, after releasing the velcro fastening, lower the header down fully.

Please note If the rear header rail is to be left in the collapsed position for a long period, ensure the rear window is not unduly creased.

The vehicle can be driven with the header either fully collapsed or locked in the targa position.

Hood storage

To place the panel in the boot hold it vertically with the windscreen edge up and the roof material facing rear, Place the left hand side into the boot, push over to the left and then lower the right hand side in.

Hood replacement

With the header fully collapsed, open both doors and offer the hood panel up to the windscreen frame ensuring that the panel locates on the central peg, (position 2). Lower the hood panel into position I, it will support itself. Raise the rear header locating the rear edge of the roof panel into the recessed section.

Finally push the over centre stays into position. Less force is required if they are pushed as close to the centre as possible. Please note. The weather seals inside the car at the base of the rear header should be placed overlapping the doorframe.

To gain maximum protection against the elements, smooth the roof material downwards at the base of the rear header onto the velcro strip, where the material meets the body.

Refill with a mixture of clean water and windscreen washer fluid.
Check that the fluid level is up to the MAX line on the reservoir.

Only top up with Mobil Universal Brake and Clutch Fluid SAE J1703.

Located under the cover which is fastened by four screws. Check that the fluid level is up to the MAX line on the reservoir. Only top up with Mobil Universal Brake and Clutch Fluid SAE J1703

Remove the reservoir cap/dipstick. Check the fluid level is between the top mark on the dipstick and the bottom of the dipstick. Only top up with Mobil ATF 220.

The oil should always be checked on level ground with the engine switched off, Pull the dip stick out and wipe clean to ensure a true reading. Re-insert the dip stick and pull it out. The level of oil should read between the min and max marks on the dipstick. Please note. Over filling may cause oil wastage. Running the engine with an oil level below the minimum mark could result in considerable damage being caused.

To remove, unscrew the cap in an anti clockwise direction and top up with TVR recommended oil if required.

Engine oil specification
(up to 1000 miles) Mobil 10W/30 mineral – 5 litres
(up to 6000 miles) Mobil 15W/40 mineral – 5 litres
(after 6000 miles) Mobil 1 SAE 5W/50 synthetic – 5 litres

Used engine oil
Prolonged or repeated contact may cause serious skin disorders. Avoid excessive contact, and wash thoroughly after contact.

Environment protection
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses or soil. Use authorised waste disposal facilities to dispose of used engine oil, If in doubt, contact your local authority for advice.
Please note. Under no circumstances should mineral and synthetic oils be mixed. Ensure that the same oil specification is used when topping up. It is recommended to always have oil changes performed by your TVR dealer.

The cooling system has an aluminium header tank , which has a brass screw on the top, and an aluminium expansion tank with a blue pressure cap which is situated at the front right of the engine bay.

After any work involving replacement of the coolant, check all hoses and clips are secure and turn the heater control to the full hot position.

Fill the cooling system from the header tank with a mixture of 50% Glycol antifreeze and water.

Remove the bleed plug from the top right hand corner of the radiator and allow the coolant to escape until no bubbles are present. This should take between 15-30 seconds to complete, and it is worth gently tapping the top of the radiator to dislodge small air bubbles. Replace the bleed plug whilst an assistant is topping up the coolant in the header tank. If the level in the header tank falls below the top of the outlet to the top hose, air will be drawn into the radiator and the whole process must be repeated. Fill the header tank to the top. Half fill the expansion tank and fit the brass screw to the header tank and the blue pressure cap to the expansion tank. Start the engine and run it until the cooling fans cut in. Ensure that they cut out again. Check that the heater is blowing hot air. Turn off the heater and check that the air starts to become cooler. Stop engine, allow to cool and check water level.

Please note. Do not remove the radiator bleed screw, the brass screw or blue pressure cap whilst the engine is running, in an attempt to bleed air from the system. This will usually draw air into the system.

Located at the bottom of the passenger footwell behind the kick panel.

Starting with a flat battery
If your vehicle has a flat battery, it can be started with the assistance of a second battery. To jump start the vehicle:-

1. Switch off all unnecessary electrical loads,
2. Connect one end of the jump lead to the positive (+) terminal on the booster battery and the other end to the positive terminal on the flat battery.
3. Connect one end of the other lead to the negative terminal on the booster battery and the other end to the negative terminal on the flat battery. Please note, Ensure that one lead does not touch the clamp on the other ‘— lead when connecting to the terminals.
4. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster battery, allow it to run for a few minutes.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle with the flat battery. If it starts and runs smoothly, carefully disconnect the jump leads in reverse order.

Towing eyes are provided on the front of the vehicle for tow rope attachment. When the vehicle is being towed, the ignition switch should be switched on (steering lock released and ignition warning light illuminated), The indicators, horn and brake lights will also be operational. Assistance from the brake servo will be lost after the first two or three applications of the foot brake, this will increase the force required to depress the brake pedal.

Jacking
The jack and wheel brace are located in the boot within a protective cover. Warning: Do not attempt to jack up the vehicle if it is on uneven or soft ground, Do not attempt to work under the vehicle if it is supported only by the jack, always use axle stands.

Spare wheel
The narrow section space saver spare wheel is supplied as standard and is located in the boot, and is for temporary use only. When fitted, the vehicle must not be driven at speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 kph), In addition to the speed restriction the vehicle must not be subjected to fast cornering, fierce acceleration or heavy braking, unless it is necessary to do so in an emergency, If the tread depth is less than the legal requirement or the tyre is damaged in any way, it must be replaced. If the temporary spare wheel is used on the front of the vehicle, there may be a tendency under braking for the vehicle to pull to the side that the spare wheel is fitted, TVR recommend that the original wheel and tyre be repaired as soon as possible and refitted to the vehicle thus prolonging the life of the spare wheel. Only one spare wheel should be used at any one time.
Before attempting to change a road wheel, first apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in 1st or reverse gear. If the vehicle needs to be jacked up whilst on a slope, ensure that the two opposite wheels are securely chocked.

1. Place the jack beneath one of the chassis tubes and raise until the jack is tight against the tube. Please note. The jack should only be placed under one of the chassis tubes and not under any part of the floor pan.
2. Remove the nut cover plate where fitted. (The key is located in the jack bag in the boot.)
3. Loosen the four wheel nuts.
4. Raise the jack until the appropriate wheel is off the ground,
5. Remove the wheel nuts and take away the wheel.
6. Replace the wheel with the spare and reverse the removal procedures.
7. Re-tighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle is lowered to the ground. As soon as it is practical check the wheel nuts with a torque wrench, the correct torque is 74 lbs/in, The above procedures also apply if a full size wheel is fitted as an optional extra.
8. Replace the wheel nut cover, (where fitted).

The fuse and relay panel is located on the passenger side bulkhead beneath the dashboard, To gain access pull away the footwell kick panel.

Please note. Before attempting to replace any faulty bulbs on the vehicle, the ignition should be switched off.

Interior light – 5 watt bulb
Insert a screwdriver behind the lens of the interior light, position a rag behind the screwdriver to safeguard against marking the trim surround, Lever the unit out to reveal the bulb. Replace the bulb place the assembly back into the aperture and push back into position.

Sidelight and headlight

Sidelight – 5 watt bulb
Headlight – 55/65 watt bulb
Remove the access panel located in the front wheel arch. Remove the rubber boot on the back of the headlamp unit. Unhook the spring clip and remove the bulb. Replace the bulb and refit the clip, rubber boot and access panel.

Indicator – front 21 watt bulb
Remove the access panel located in the front wheel arch. Reach through the access hole to the rear of the indicator assembly. Unscrew the indicator housing. Change the bulb and refit the housing.

Indicator – side markers 5 watt cap less bulb
Prise the rear of the unit from the wing slightly (be careful not to mark the paintwork) to expose a small spring clip, press the spring in and remove the unit. Replace the bulb and refit the indicator putting the front edge in first.

Rear light cluster

1. rear light / brake light – 5/21 watt bulb
2. indicator – 21 watt bulb
3. (passenger side) reversing light – 21 watt bulb
4. (driver side) fog light – 21 watt bulb

Press the tab levers and open the back of the unit, this gives access to all the bulbs, Replace the faulty bulb and close the back of the unit until it “snaps” shut.

Rear number plate lights – 5 watt bulbs
There are 2 number plate lights located behind the number plate. Undo the 2 screws and remove the lights. Replace the faulty bulb.

Exterior
By Hand.
The body work can be washed using a mild detergent or specialist car shampoo, A low pressure hose pipe should be used to rinse the vehicle. Specialised cleaners should not be used when cleaning the road wheels, Using a power wash.
Power washing the bodywork is quite acceptable However, do not spray the high pressure jet directly at the paintwork, or the roof/door seals, Do not power wash the door release button or the engine bay, Automatic car wash
The use of automatic car washes is not recommended as the roof/door seals are not designed to withstand the direct force of high pressure water jets. Also the detergents used and the cleaning action of the brushes may damage the paintwork.

Interior
Vinyl/Leather
Vinyl and leather should be cleaned with a damp cloth. However, a little mild detergent or proprietary upholstery cleaner may be required to remove ingrained marks. Leather upholstery will benefit from a periodical application of Hide Food. Carpets
Carpets should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt. Mild detergents and warm water may be required to remove any difficult marks or stains.

De-icing
Any approved de-icing fluid may be used on the rear window without causing damage to the plastic surface,-Please note. Make sure no de-icer gets on to the roof material. Do not scrape ice off the rear window, as this will almost certainly cause surface scratching.

Recommended Weekly Checks,
1 All exterior lights,
2 Oil level,
3 Coolant level,
4 Brake fluid level,
5 Clutch fluid level.
6 Power steering fluid.
7 Windscreen washer bottle.
8 Tyre pressure.
9 Spare tyre pressure.
10 Visual check for any fluid leaks.

If for any reason the vehicle is grounded or an object strikes the chassis from below, it is advisable to visually inspect the — chassis for signs of damage. If there is damage, the vehicle should be taken to your local dealer for a thorough inspection.

Service intervals
The following are recommended service intervals for the vehicle.
1000 miles
6000 miles
12000 miles
18000 miles
24000 miles
30000 miles
and every 6000 miles thereafter or every twelve months, which ever is reached first.

Please note All service work should be carried out either at the TVR Factory Service Department, or by a Factory approved service centre. A comprehensive list of service requirements is located within the Service Schedule Section. For further information contact your local dealer.