fuel consumption TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2003 W30 / 3.G Owners Manual

882003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
When the outside temperature is ex-
tremely low, the gear may not down-
shift from 2nd to 1st until the vehicle
stops.
In case the gear jumps out of position
while driving, the system will shift the
gear where it was before it jumps out.
If operating the selector lever to the
“N” position while driving, and operating
it to the “S” position again, the gear
will be shifted to its most proper posi-
tion in accordance with the speed.
In case the transmission cannot be en-
gaged to a certain gear position during
shifting due to mechanical malfunction,
the system will disengage the gear for
a few seconds, and select the next
gear. Therefore, the vehicle may not
accelerate according to the driver’s
intention.Recommended shifting speeds
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at approxi-
mately the following speeds;
gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
5 to 6 or 6 to 5 81 (50)
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging, and possibly ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption.
Minimum allowable speeds
Try to keep speed higher than that shown
below. When the speed comes to de-
crease the speed shown below, do down-
shift. gear km/h (mph)3 30 (19)
4 40 (25)
5 50 (31)
6 56 (35)
NOTICE
If driving at the speed lower than that
shown above at each gear position, it
may cause early wear of the clutch.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear:
gear km/h (mph)
1 53 (33)
2 88 (55)
3 120 (75)
4 163 (101)
03 07.07

962003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
SD16023
“R” indicator blinking
At the same time when turning the igni-
tion switch to the “ON” position and
shifting the selector lever from the “R”
position to the “N” or “S” position.
At the same time when turning the igni-
tion switch to the “OFF” position and
shifting the selector lever from the “R”
to “N” position.
In this case, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position once, then shift the selector
lever again to the “N” position.
Manual transmission
SB16017c
The shift pattern is as shown above.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, and then release it slowly. Do not
rest your foot on the pedal while driving,
because it will cause clutch trouble. And
do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle
when stopped on an uphill grade—use the
parking brake.
Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and
upshifting or downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds: gear
km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40) 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if accel-
eration is needed when you are cruising
below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging, and possibly ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear: gear km/h (mph)
1 53 (33)
2 88 (55)
3 120 (75)
4 163 (101)
03 07.07

1292003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Information before driving your Toyota
Breakin period130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Fuel 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions 133
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Facts about engine oil consumption 134
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridiumtipped spark plugs 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limitedslip differential 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Your Toyota’s identification 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Suspension and chassis 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Tire information 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Vehicle load limits 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Cargo and luggage 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Types of tires 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07
SECTION 2

1342003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-
shield clear of snow, leaves, or oth-
er obstructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open. Have the cause immediately
located and corrected.
FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil
is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-
ton moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when
the vehicle is decelerating sucks some
of this oil into the combustion chamber.
This oil as well as some part of the oil
film left on the cylinder wall is burned
by the high temperature combustion
gases during the combustion process.
Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by highspeed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption:
Max. 1.0 L per 1000
km (1.1 qts./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qts./600
miles)
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds.
03 07.07
Facts about engine oil
consumption

1582003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
SB31004a
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle from the
rear. This may cause serious damage
to your vehicle.
Trailer towing
SB31002
Toyota does not recommend towing a trail-
er with your MR2. It is not designed for
trailer towing.Improving fuel economy is easy—just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure.
Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
211 in Section 72 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
driving—but gently. Remember, howev-
er, that on cold winter days this may
take a little longer.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic,
it is better to turn off the engine and
start again later.
Avoid engine lugging or overrev-
ving. Use a gear position suitable for
the road on which you are travelling.
03 07.07
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too

1592003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
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.
03 07.07

2492003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Economical driving158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Breakin 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel
and repairs 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system Battery 222,223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 69 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of Blown fuse 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 69 . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase the
engine speed 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift the sequential manual transmission
selector lever 181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls
while driving 165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 162 . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 195 . . . . . . .
Engine
Before starting the engine 154 . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 208 . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 132 . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 133 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 132 . . . . .
Engine coolant Temperature gauge 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 74 . . . .
Engine immobilizer system 10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil Winter driving tips 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas cautions 133 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
Facts about engine oil
consumption 134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire After changing wheels 175 . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing tire 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level Brake 209 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 132 . . . . . .
Front box 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light switch 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filler door o pener 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 132 . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 132 . . . . .
Tank cap 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 132 . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses Fuse box 199 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07