service TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2003 W30 / 3.G Owners Manual

i2003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of valueconscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and
quality construction of each vehicle we build.
This Owner ’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and troublefree motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS:Toyota Customer Assistance Center Tollfree:18003314331
Please leave this Owner ’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of
continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
©2003 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyo ta
Motor Corporation.
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vi2003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Tires and loading on your Toyota
Underinflated or overinflated tire inflation pres-
sure and the excess load may result in the
deterioration of steering ability and braking abil-
ity, leading to an accident. Check the tire infla-
tion pressure periodically and be sure to keep
the load limits given in this Owner ’s Manual.
For details about tire inflation pressure and
load limits, see pages 211 and 149.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in
your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle
is scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as
they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat
belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by a qualified
service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dis-
pose of your vehicle.
Sequential manual
transmission driving tips
(Models equipped with Sequential Manual
Transmission only)
The sequential manual transmission is a 6speed forward/
reverse transmission. With the basics of the traditional
manual transmission, the clutch operation and transmission
shifting is controlled electronically. Unlike automatic trans-
missions, this system does not upshift automatically at the
time of acceleration.
To understand the unique system and operation method of
the sequential manual transmission, read Section 16 on
page 85 thoroughly before driving. For starting procedures,
see “How to start the engine— ” on page 154 in Section 3.
Please refer to the “Important Information For Your
Sequential Manual Transmission” equipped in your vehicle
as well.
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vii2003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
1 OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLSPage
1 Overview of instruments and controls
1
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2 Keys and Doors7
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3 Occupant restraint systems27
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4 Steering wheel and Mirrors63
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5 Lights, Wipers and Defogger67
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6 Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators73
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7 Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake83
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8 Car audio system101
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9 Air conditioning system11 3
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10 Other equipment121
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2 INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 STARTING AND DRIVING 153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY 161 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPE ARANCE CARE 183. . . . .
6 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
1 Introduction197
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2 Engine and Chassis205
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3 Electrical components221
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8 SPECIFICATIONS 237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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9 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS FOR U.S. OWNERS 245 . . . . . . .
10 INDEX 247 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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Table of contents

42003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Instrument cluster overview
SB11023a
1. Speedometer
2. Service reminder indicators and indica-tor lights
3. Gear position indicators (sequential manual transmission) 4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Low fuel level warning light
6. Fuel gauge
7. Tachometer
8. Trip meter reset knob
9. Odometer and two trip meters
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52003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
SRS warning light∗1Brake system warning light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Antilock brake system warning light∗1
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Power steering system warning light∗1
∗ 1
: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 77 in Section 15.
∗2: If this light flashes, see “Sequential manual transmission” on
page 85 in Section 16.
∗3: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 98 in Sec-
tion 16.
Passenger ’s seat belt reminder light∗1Sequential manual transmission warning light∗1
Cruise control indicator light∗3
Open door warning light∗1
Gear position indicator light∗2
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362003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
When the seat belt pretensioners are acti-
vated, an operating noise may be heard
and a small amount of nontoxic gas may
be released. This does not indicate that
a fire is occurring. This gas is normally
harmless.
Once the seat belt pretensioners have
been activated, the seat belt retractors
remain locked.
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open
the seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
airbag sensor or surrounding area or
wiring. Failure to follow these instruc-
tions may prevent the seat belt pre-
tensioners from activating correctly,
cause sudden operation of the system
or disable the system, which could
result in death or serious injury. Con-
sult your Toyota dealer about any re-
pair and modification.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Repairs on or near the seat belt
retractor assemblies
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repair made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-
sole
SB13102a
This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the seat belt pretensioners are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, warning light, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources. (For details, see
“Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 77.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
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442003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Do not modify or remove any wir-
ing. Do not modify, remove, strike
or open any components such as
the steering wheel pad, steering
wheel, column cover, dashboard
near the passenger airbag, passen-
ger airbag cover, passenger airbag
or airbag sensor assembly. Doing
so may prevent the airbag system
from activating correctly, cause sud-
den activation of the system or dis-
able the system, which could result
in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious injury.
Consult your Toyota dealer about any
repair and modification.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can in-
terfere with proper operation of the
SRS airbag system in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel or dashboard near the pas-
senger airbag
SB13102a
This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS airbags are operating
properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, warning light, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources. (For details, see
“Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 77.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
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732003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge74
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Engine coolant temperature gauge 74
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Tachometer 75
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Odometer and two trip meters 75
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Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 77
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SECTION 1 6

772003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(a)If parking brake is off, stop immediately and contact Toyota dealer.
(b)Fasten driver ’s seat belt.
(c)Fasten passenger ’s seat belt.
(d)Stop and check.
(e)Stop and check.
(f)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(g)Low fuel level warning lightFill up tank. (See “Fuel gauge” on page 74 in this Section.)
(h)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer immediately. If the vehicle cannot be driven, contact your
Toyota dealer.
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802003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
(e) Low Engine Oil Pressure WarningLight
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position and
goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is
operation properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
following.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp will not go off even after sev-
eral trips, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, elec-
tronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warn-
ing light system itself. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with
the accelerator pedal depressed down to
about the middle position, there may be
a problem somewhere in your electronic
throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelera-
tor pedal more firmly and slowly, you can
drive your vehicle at low speeds. Have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota deal-
er as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the ignition key is turned to “ACC” or
“LOCK” position.
Emissions lnspection and Maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emis-
sion inspection if the malfunction indicator
lamp remains on. Contact your Toyota
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission
control system and OBD (OnBoard Diag-
nostics) system before taking your vehicle
for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” in Section 6.
03 07.07