check engine TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2002 W30 / 3.G Owner's Manual

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Engine oil level
Check the level by the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See page 188 in Section
72 for additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the “HOT” or “COLD”
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 191 in Section 72 for addition-
al information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 127 in Section 2.)Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tipoffs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flatlooking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normalIf you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

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Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
Take care when filling the brake and
clutch fluid reservoirs because
brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. If fluid
gets in your eyes, flush your eyes
with clean water.
When racing the engine, make sure
that the gear position is in the “N”
position. In case the accelerator is
operated with the gear in any other
positions, the vehicle may move, re-
sulting in an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cables carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
 Do not pry the outer electrode of a
spark plug against the center elec-
trode.
 Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
 Do not reuse iridiumtipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
 When closing the engine hood or
trunk, check to see that you have
not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing doityourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ
“EnergyConserving”, SL
“EnergyConserving” or ILSAC
multigrade having viscosity proper for
your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
See page 189 in Section 72 for de-
tails about coolant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Parts (if level is low):

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DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 190
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 192
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Checking and replacing tires 193
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 195
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 196
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 197
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

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Checking the engine oil level
SB72010
Low levelFull level
Add oil O.K.
To o f u l l
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the f iller cap handtight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.): 1.3 (1.4, 1.1)
NOTICE
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
ENGINE OIL SELECTION
Use API grade SJ “EnergyConserving”,
SL “EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multi-
grade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy, and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W30 engine oil is recommended.

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SOIL13
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum
Institute) designations such as SL. The
center portion of the label shows the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W30.
“EnergyConserving” shown in the lower
portion, indicates that the oil has
fuelsaving capabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-
eneglycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum com-
ponents.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “LOW” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL”
line.
Always use ethyleneglycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. See information in the
next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, drain cock and water
pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the coolant reservoir cap or
air release valve when the engine is
hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system. Your coolant
must contain ethyleneglycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of your
engine that contains aluminum compo-
nents. Use “TOYOTA Long Life Coolant”
or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and sub-
sequent damage to the engine, this type
of coolant will also prevent corrosion. Fur-
ther supplemental inhibitors or additives
are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information
on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-
turer’s directions for how much to mix
with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity
of the cooling system is given on page
215 in Section 8. We recommend to use 50% solution for
your Toyota, to provide protection down to
about 35
C (31 F). When it is extreme-
ly cold, to provide protection down to
about 50 C (58 F), 60% solution is rec-
ommended. Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
If any of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent yourself from burning, be
careful not to touch the radiator or
condenser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator
and condenser, do not perform the
work by yourself.
Checking the radiator and
condenser

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Checking brake fluid
SB72015
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem. If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap back on.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the r
eservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash
it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
SB72002
Open
Close
If hot add
If cold addIf hot
O.K.
If cold
O.K.
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add Toyota P.S fluid
EH or equivalent.
Before checking the power steering
fluid, remove the cover inside the
trunk. (See “Replacing light bulbs” on
page 204 in Section 73.)
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (60
°C—80 °C or 140 °F—175 °F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
10 °C—30 °C or 50 °F—85 °F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.
Checking power steering fluid

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NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all accesso-
ries are off before performing main-
tenance.
 When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negative
terminal (“” mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
—Checking battery c ondition
Z73001
Ty p e A
Ty p e BGreen Dark
Clear or
light yellow
Blue White Red
CHECKING BY INDICATOR
Check the battery condition by the indi-
cator color. Indicator color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e B
GreenBlueGood
DarkWhite
Charging
necessary. Have
battery checked
by your Toyota
dealer.
Clear orlight
yellow
Red
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Battery recharging precautions
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.

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Service specifications
ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):Intake 0.15—0.25 (0.006—0.010)
Exhaust 0.25—0.35 (0.010—0.014)
Spark plug type: DENSO SK16R11
NGK IFR5A11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.): 1.1 (0.043) ENGINE LUBRICATION
  \f\b \b \f
!
" #! $ #%
With filter 3.7 (3.9, 3.3)
Without filter 3.5 (3.7, 3.1)
Oil grade: API grade SJ “EnergyConserving”, SL
“EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multi-
grade engine oil is recommended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 10.4 (11.0, 9.2)
Coolant type: “TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
With ethyleneglycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20 °C (68 °F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.

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A
Adding washer fluid203
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Seats 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 107
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 197 . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 59 . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 76 . . . . . . .
Appearance care Cleaning the interior 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary box 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Trunk lid 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 200 . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 201 . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 138 . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 132 . . . . . .
Brake system 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 70 . . . . . . . . . . Brakes
Fluid level 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 132 . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin tips 124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 93
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 127
. . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 202 . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 188 . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 191 . . . . . . .
Child restraint Child restraint system 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with seat belt 48
. . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of child restraint system 47 . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 116
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather operation 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and condenser 190
. . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 189
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corrosion prevention
166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger, Rear window 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and weight 214
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 62
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance
Parts and tools 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 70 . . . . .
Driving Driving tips 139,140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 77 . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with a manual
transmission 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During Breakin 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .