service indicator TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2003 W30 / 3.G User Guide

1312003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
QUALITY GASOLINE
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.,
Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for quality fuel named
WorldWide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that
is expected to be applied world wide.
The WWFC consists of three categories
that depend on required emission lev-
els. In the U.S., category 3 has been
adopted. The WWFC improves air quali-
ty by providing for better emissions in
vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction
through better vehicle performance.
CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE
Cleaner burning gasoline, including re-
formulated gasoline that contains oxy-
genates such as ethanol or MTBE is
available in many areas.
Toyota recommends the use of cleaner
burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of
gasoline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im-
prove air quality.OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE
Toyota allows the use of oxygenate
blended gasoline where the oxygenate
content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your
Toyota, be sure that it has an octane
rating no lower than 87.
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline containing methanol.
GASOLINE CONTAINING MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
cropentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-
taining MMT is used, your emission con-
trol system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in-
strument cluster may come on. If this
happens, contact your Toyota dealer for
service.
GASOLINE QUALITY
In a very few cases, you may experience
driveability problems caused by the partic-
ular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If this does
not rectify your problem, then consult your
Toyota dealer.NOTICE

Do not use gasohol other than
stated above. It will cause fuel sys-
tem damage or vehicle performance
problems.
 If driveab ility problems occur (poor
hot starting, vaporizing, engine
knock, etc.), discontinue the use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol dur-
ing refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
48 L (12.7 gal., 10.6 Imp. gal.)
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1382003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
antilock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions
occur, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the components moni-
tored by the warning light system.
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light fuming on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
Brake pad wear limit indicators
SB21015
The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary. Some Toyotas are equipped with a limit-
edslip differential. If one of the rear
wheels begins to spin, the limitedslip dif-
ferential is designed to aid traction by
automatically transmitting driving force to
the other rear wheel. If you are not sure
whether your vehicle is equipped with one,
you can ask your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while
your vehicle is supported by a jack.
The vehicle could be driven off the
jack and could pose a danger or re-
sult in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a compact spare tire of the
same size, construction and load ca-
pacity as the original tires on your
Toyota because damage to the limit-
edslip differential could possibly oc-
cur with another tire type.
03 07.07
Limitedslip differential
(on some models)

1942003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
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 210 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 133 in Section 2.)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.Seats
Check that all seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. Check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles and retractors operate properly
and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing
is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and trunk lid
Check that both the doors operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the trunk lid secondary latch
secures the lid from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 211 in Section 72
for additional information.
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See page
213 in Section 72 for additional infor-
mation. When checking the tires,
make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.
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1952003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
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.
Some states have vehicle emission in-
spection programs which include OBD
(OnBoard Diagnostics) che
cks.
The OBD system monitors the operation
of the emission control system. When the
OBD system determines that a problem
exists somewhere in the emission control
system, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. In this case, your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test and need to be
repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to
service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp
does not come on, your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set
during ordinary driving. However, when the
battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on
your driving habits, the codes may not be
completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had
come on recently due to temporary mal-
function such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
03 07.07
Does your vehicle need
repairing? Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs

2482003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
A
Adding washer fluid225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Seats 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 113
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 219 . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 66 . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 84 . . . . . . .
Appearance care Cleaning the interior 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 185
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary box 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Trunk lid 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 222 . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 223 . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 138 . . . . . .
Brake system 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . Brakes
Fluid level 209 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 138 . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin tips 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 133
. . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo and luggage Capacity 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage precautions 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 224 . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 213 . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 206 . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 210 . . . . . . .
Child restraint Child restraint system 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with seat belt 49
. . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of child restraint system 48 . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 122
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather operation 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system Coolant level 208
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine overheating
166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and condenser 209
. . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 208
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Defogger, Rear window 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and weight 238
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 68
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance
Parts and tools 203
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 201
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need
repairing? 195
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 77 . . . . .
Driving Driving tips 155,156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 85 . . . .
Driving tips Driving tips in various
conditions 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with a manual transmission 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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2502003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
G
GaugeEngine temperature 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice Manual transmission 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H
Hazard switch 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During breakin 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 154
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
Identification
Engine 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel Cigarette lighter and ashtray 122 . . . . . . .
Clock 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 70 . . . . . . . . . Instrument panel overview 2
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridiumtipped spark plugs 135 . . . . . . . . . .
J
Jack
Location 169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the jack 204 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Key reminder buzzer 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 8,182
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Light bulbs
Backup lights 232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog lights 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal lights 231 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker lights 231 . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate lights 233 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking lights 231 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear turn signal lights 232 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear turn signal, stop/tail, stop and backup lights 232 . . . . . . . . .
Light, Interior Interior light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light bulbs, replacing 226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light reminder buzzer 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limitedslip differential 138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Load limits 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Side doors 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low fuel level warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . .
Low engine oil pressure warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage space 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance
Doityourself maintenance 201 . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance requirements 192 . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service 192 . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 77 . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission
Driving with amanual transmission 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed Manual transmission 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 85 . . . .
Mirror Antiglare inside rear view 66 . . . . . . . . .
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2512003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
MirrorsFolding rear view 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle breakin 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Consumption 134
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 210
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 206,239
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil power steering 210
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open door warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 132 . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine coolant 74
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview Engine compartment 198
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P
Parking brake
Operation 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 77 . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passenger airbag manual
onoff switch 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger ’s seat belt reminder light 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 185 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door lock switch 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 65 . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid level 210 . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window lock switch 14 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners (seat belt pretensioners) 35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota
from corrosion 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Radiator
Coolant, Engine 208 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Antiglare inside 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Power controlled 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Folding 66 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Outside 64 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 71 . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners 246 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Seat adjustment precautions
Front seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seat belts
Cleaning 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 35 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seating capacity 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission Driving with a sequential manual transmission 85 . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 192 . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators 77 . . . . . . . . . .
Side door locks 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft top 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare fuse 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs lridiumtipped spark plugs 135 . . . . . . . .
Specifications 237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS driver and passenger airbags 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Cold weather 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Column lock 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 140 . . . . . . . . . . . .
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2003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
03 07.07
C
Publication No. OM17511U
Part No. 01999-17511
Printed in Japan 01030800
MR2(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 77 . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your engine stalls while driving 165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

 If you have a flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during breakin period 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
 General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
 Complete index 247 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
See page 130 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
48 L (12.7 gal., 10.6 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil:
API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
is recommended.
See page 206 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 211 through 219.
Tire pressure: See page 242.
U6