overheating TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2002 W30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start—” on
page 146 in Section 4.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 sec-
onds at a time. This may overheat
the starter and wiring systems.
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, have the
engine checked immediately.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharpedged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage result-
ing in tire bursts.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy r oad. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “S(1)” or “R” (sequential manual
transmission) or in first or reverse
(manual transmission). If necessary,
block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking on
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
tion or engine braking could cause
the vehicle to spin or skid.
Tips for driving in various
conditions

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Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stopandgo driving
wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal. This causes premature
wear, overheating and poor fuel econo-
my.
Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in
top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp-
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil
and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and con-
tribute to poor fuel economy. For longer
life of all parts and lower operating
costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle
receives more frequent maintenance.
(For scheduled maintenance informa-
tion, please refer to the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” or “Owner ’s
Manual Supplement”).
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast
down hills. Your power steering and
brake booster will not function with-
out the engine running. Also, the
emission control system operates
properly only when the engine is run-
ning.

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If your vehicle overheats
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “N”
(sequential manual transmission) or in
neutral (manual transmission) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the coolant
reservoir cap or air release valve
when the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperaturehas cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You s hould have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.

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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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


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E
Economical drivingSaving money on both fuel
and repairs 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system Battery 200,201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 63 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of Blown fuse 202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 63 . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase the engine speed 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift the sequential manual transmission
selector lever 164 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 164 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 160 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 146 . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 160 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 178 . . . . . . .
Engine Before starting the engine 138 . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 189 . . . . . . . . Emission control device 126
. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 127 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 126 . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 68 . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil Winter driving tips 140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas cautions 127 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
Facts about engine oil
consumption 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 158 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 157 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 155 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 155 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheel nuts 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level Brake 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 126 . . . . . .
Front box 117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filler door o pener 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 126 . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 126 . . . . .
Tank cap 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 126 . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses Fuse box 202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Gauge
Engine temperature 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice Manual transmission 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


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O
Odometer69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Consumption 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 188,215
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil power steering 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open door warning light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 126 . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine coolant 68
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview
Engine compartment 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P
Parking brake
Operation 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 70 . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger airbag manual onoff switch 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger ’s seat belt
reminder light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door lock switch 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 58 . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluied level 191 . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window lock switch 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . Pretensioners
(seat belt pretensioners) 34 . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Radiator
Coolant, Engine 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror,
Antiglare inside 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Power controlled 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Folding 58 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Outside 58 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 65 . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Seat adjustment precautions
Front seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts Cleaning 170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 34 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sequential manual transmission
Driving with a sequential manual transmission 77 . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 174 . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators 70 . . . . . . . . . .
Side door locks 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft top 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare fuse 202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs
lrigiumtipped spark plugs 129 . . . . . . . .
Specifications 213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS driver and
passenger airbags 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting
Cold weather 138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Column lock 76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 135 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch Emergency flasher 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight, dimmer and turn signal 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door lock 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .