TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2004 W30 / 3.G Owners Manual

832004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake
Ignition switch with steering lock84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Parking brake 97
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 7

842004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
SB16007
“START”—Starter motor on. The key
will return to the “ON” position when
released.
For starting tips, see page 153 in Section
3.
“ON”—Engine on and all accessories
on.
This is the normal driving position.
“ACC”—Accessories such as the radio
operate, but the engine is off.
If you leave the key in the “ACC” or
“LOCK” position and open the driver’s
door, a buzzer will remind you to remove
the key.“LOCK”—Engine is off and the steering
wheel is locked. The key can be re-
moved only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn it from
“ACC” to the “LOCK” position.
Once you remove the key, the engine im-
mobilizer system is automatically set. (See
“Engine immobilizer system” on page 10
in Section 1−
2.)
When starting the engine, the key may
seem stuck at the “LOCK” position. To
free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key gently.
CAUTION
Never remove the key when the ve-
hicle is moving, as this will lock the
steering wheel and result in loss of
steering control.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the “ON”
position if the engine is not running.
The battery will discharge and the
ignition could be damaged.
Ignition switch with steering
lock

852004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
The sequential manual transmission is a
6−speed forward/reverse transmission.
With the basics of the traditional manual
transmission, the clutch operation and
shifting are controlled electronically. The
system has the following features:
The electronically controlled clutch op-
eration and transmission enables gear
shift by the operation of the selector
lever (or the steering switch) only.
When starting the engine, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “ON” position. While
holding down the brake pedal firmly,
shift the selector lever to the “N” posi-
tion. Make sure that the “N” indicator
in the instrument cluster comes on,
and then start the engine. In case the
selector lever is in a position other
than “N”, or the if the brake pedal is
not held down, the engine cannot be
started.
Sequential manual transmission will
downshift to 2nd or 1st automatically
when the speed is reduced less than
the fixed speed with the shift lever in
“S” position.
To understand this unique system and op-
eration method of the sequential manual
transmission, read this section thoroughly
before driving.
SD16017
The sequential manual transmission has a
shift lock system. This system locks the
selector lever to keep the transmission
gear and the selector lever position in the
same position when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
However, if the selector lever is locked in
the “S” position, the lever can be moved
to the “+” or “ −” direction, but the gear
will not be actually shifted. (a) Selector lever
“R”: Reverse
“N”: Neutral and engine starting
“S”: Sequential driving
(normal driving)
“+”: Upshifting
Pull the selector lever to the “+”
direction and release it. Every
time the lever is operated, the
transmission is upshifted 1 step in
the order of 1st  2nd  3rd 
4th  5th  6th gear.
“”: Downshifting
Push the selector lever to the “− ”
direction and release it. Every
time the lever is operated, the
transmission is downshifted in the
order of 6th  5th  4th  3rd
 2nd  1st gear.
The gear position is displayed on the gear
position indicator. The gear position indica-
tor shows the transmission gear position.
Before starting off, always make sure by
using the gear position indicator that the
gear is engaged in 1st or reverse, then
depress the accelerator pedal.
Sequential manual
transmission

862004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
SB16018
(b) Transmission shift switchesUP:
Upshift switches (Back of the steering
wheel)
Push the upshift switch on the back of the
steering wheel. Every time the switch is
operated, the transmission is shifted up 1
step in the order of 1st  2nd  3rd 
4th  5th  6th gear.
DOWN: Downshift switches (Face of the
steering wheel)
Push the downshift switch on the face of
the steering wheel. Every time the switch
is operated, the transmission is down-
shifted 1 step in the order of 6th  5th
 4th  3rd  2nd  1st gear.
Gear shift from “1st” to “6th” by the steer-
ing switch is possible when the selector
lever is in the “S” position. The gear posi-
tion is displayed on the gear position indi-
cator. The gear position indicator shows
the transmission gear position.
(c) System Operation
When the driver ’s door is opened, the
system is activated, and the motor pump
operates to accumulate pressure. The sys-
tem enters stand −by mode when the accu-
mulated pressure reaches the specified
level. A motor sound may be heard from
the engine compartment at this time, but
it does not indicate malfunction. The motor
will stop after a certain period of time.
SD16018a
Selector lever

872004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
SB16019a
Transmission shift switches
(d) Upshift and downshift
The sequential manual transmission is not
an automatic transmission (A/T), therefore,
the gears are not shifted automatically. To
shift the transmission, the driver must op-
erate the selector lever to the “+” or “−”
direction, or the steering switch with the
selector lever in the “S” position. When
driving, the driver should shift the gear at
the most appropriate timing. As on the
traditional manual transmission vehicles,
releasing the accelerator pedal a little will
help the transmission to upshift smoothly.
Upshift: Pull the selector lever to the “+”
direction and release it (or push the up-
shift switch on the back of the steering
wheel.) Every time the switch or the lever
is operated, the transmission is upshifted
1 step in the order of 1st  2nd  3rd
 4th  5th  6th gear.
Downshift: Push the selector lever to the
“ − ” direction and release it (or push the
downshift switch on the face of the steer-
ing wheel.) Every time the switch or the
lever is operated, the transmission is
downshifted 1 step in the order of 6th 
5th  4th  3rd  2nd  1st gear. In case of operating the selector lever and
switch operation on the steering wheel at
the same time, the selector lever opera-
tion has priority. In case of operating the
two switches of upshifting or downshifting
on the steering wheel at the same time,
it is regarded to operate the switch once.
Also, in case of operating the upshift and
downshift switches on the steering wheel
at the same time, demand is canceled and
no shifting is performed.
To shift down smoothly, the engine
runs fast in some cases. This is done
intentionally by the system and is not
a malfunction.
When the accumulated pressure of the
actuator is consumed due to shifting
operation, and the pressure decreases
to a specified level, the pump motor
starts running again. A motor sound
may be heard from the engine compart-
ment at this time, but it does not indi-
cate malfunction.
When driving down a hill, downshift
and use the engine brakes appropriate-
ly. If necessary, continuous shifting-
down is possible. However, if down-
shifting more than 3 steps continuously,
the gear shifting will take more time.

882004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
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)

892004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
CAUTION
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.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
fail.
Do not place the selector lever in
the “N” position while driving.
Otherwise the engine brake may not
work, and you may get involved in
an unexpected accident.
Do not apply the parking brake
while driving. Otherwise, it could
cause a skid and you may get in-
volved in an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
The system will not allow shifting
up or down to a gear that would
cause engine overrevving or un-
derrevving. When engine overrev-
ving occurs, a warning buzzer
(short pulse sound) will sound. In
either case, the demand will be can-
celled.
 If frequently driving at low speed
using a high gear position, a warn-
ing buzzer (long pulse sound) will
sound. Such driving will cause the
reduction of clutch life.
 Frequent downshifting (more than 3
positions continuously) causes the
reduction of transmission life.
 Do not drive with your foot on the
brake pedal. Otherwise, it will cause
the “Sequential manual
transmission” warning light to come
on.
(e) Starting off
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine—” on page 154 in
Section 3.
CAUTION
The selector lever can become ex-
tremely hot after parking under the
sun.
2. With your foot holding down the brakepedal, shift the selector lever to the “S”
position properly. When the selector le-
ver is shifted to “S” position, the gear
will be shifted to 1st. On a slippery
surface, it is possible to start off with
the gear in 2nd. To start off with the
gear in 2nd, shift the selector lever
from “N” to “S” position, then operate
the lever to “+” direction. The gear will
be shifted to 2nd. Before starting off,
always make sure that the gear is en-
gaged by the gear position indicator,
then depress the accelerator pedal.
If the gear cannot be engaged to 1st
when the selector lever is shifted from
the “N” to “S” position, the “N” indica-
tor will flash and a warning buzzer
(long pulse sound) will sound. In this
case, the system will re −try shifting or
the driver can operate the selector le-
ver to shift, as follows.

902004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
The system will re−try shifting automat-
ically. This will take some time, noise
may be heard from the gears, and shift
shock may occur. However, they do not
indicate malfunction.
The driver may shift the selector lever
to the “N” position once, then shift to
the “S” position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
CAUTION
Unlike automatic transmission mod-
els, the sequential manual transmis-
sion models do not creep.
NOTICE
On a slippery surface, it is possible
to start off with the gear in 2nd,
but to protect the clutch, try to
start using the 1st gear whenever
possible.
 If the gear cannot be engaged to
1st when the selector lever is
shifted from the “N” to “S” posi-
tion, try to shift the selector lever
to the “N” position once, then shift
it to “S” position a few seconds
later.
(f) Starting off on an uphill/downhill
—Uphill
1. Apply the parking brake firmly so that the vehicle does not roll backwards.
2. Shift the selector lever to the “S” posi- tion while holding down the brake pe-
dal. Make sure that the gear position
indicator in the instrumental cluster dis-
plays 1st gear.
3. Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator pedal gradually, and
when the vehicle starts to move, re-
lease the parking brake and depress
the accelerator pedal to start off. —Downhill
1. Hold down the brake pedal and shift the selector lever to the “S” position.
Make sure by using the gear position
indicator that the gear is in 1st.
2. Release the brake pedal, and depress the accelerator pedal slowly. Even
though the accelerator pedal is not de-
pressed, when the vehicle speed in-
creases, the clutch will be engaged
and the engine brake will be applied.
CAUTION
Unlike automatic transmission mod-
els, the sequential manual transmis-
sion models will not creep.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an uphill
with the accelerator pedal applied.
Doing so may damage the clutch. Al-
ways use the brake pedal or parking
brake.

912004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
SD16019
(g) Backing up
While holding down the brake pedal, shift
the selector lever to the “R” position. The
reverse warning buzzer will sound at this
time. Depress the accelerator pedal slow-
ly, as when starting off. Before driving off,
make sure by using the gear position indi-
cator that the gear is in reverse.
When the gear will not engage even
though the selector lever is shifted to the
“R” from “N” position, the “N” indicator will
flash and a warning buzzer (long pulse
sound) will sound. In this case, the sys-
tem will re−try shifting, or the driver can
operate the selector lever to shift, as fol-
lows.
The system will re −try shifting automat-
ically. This will take some time, noise
may be heard from the gears, and shift
shock may occur. However, they do not
indicate malfunction.
The driver can shift the selector lever
to the “N” position once, then shift to
the “R” position.
NOTICE
 The system will not allow shifting
to the “R” position if the vehicle
speed is over 3 km/h (2 mph). In
case the selector lever is operated
under this condition, the “N” indica-
tor in the instrument cluster will
flash. However, when the vehicle
speed drops below 3 km/h (2 mph),
the gear is shifted to reverse. Make
sure that the vehicle has stopped
completely before shifting to the
“R” position.
 Do not hold the vehicle on an uphill
with the accelerator pedal applied.
Doing so may damage the clutch.
Always use the brake pedal or park-
ing brake.
If the gear cannot be engaged to
reverse when the selector lever is
shifted from the “N” to “R” posi-
tion, try to shift the selector lever
to the “N” position once, then shift
it to “R” position a few seconds
later.
(h) Stopping
The vehicle can be stopped by depressing
the brake pedal regardless of the gear
position. This is because the clutch is
automatically disengaged to prevent the
engine from stopping. If the selector lever
is in the “S” position, the gear will be
downshifted to 1st when the vehicle stops.
However, if you do not drive the vehicle
over 40 km/h (24 mph) or convert the
drive position after starting with the gear
in 2nd, the gear will not be downshifted
to 1st when the vehicle stops the next
time and the gear is left in 2nd.
When stopping, for example, at a traffic
light, be sure to shift the selector lever to
the “N” position, and depress the brake
pedal firmly. For your safety, apply parking
brake, too, when stopping on a hill.

922004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
If you stop for more than 90 seconds with
the selector lever in the “S” position with-
out holding down the brake pedal while
the engine is running, a warning buzzer
(long pulse sound) will sound, and the “N”
indicator in the instrument cluster will
flash, and the system will automatically
shift the transmission gear to the neutral
gear position.
If the driver ’s door is opened with the
selector lever in the “S” position without
depressing the brake pedal, warning buzz-
er (long pulse sound) will also sound. 10
seconds later, the “N” indicator in the in-
strument cluster will also flash, and the
system will automatically shift the trans-
mission gear to the neutral gear position.
The gear will resume to 1st or 2nd when
the system is operated as follows:
Brake pedal “ON”: The gear position
before the system selected the “N”
position is resumed.
Operate the selector lever to the “+”
direction: Resume to 2nd gear.
Operate the selector lever to the “−”
direction: Resume to 1st gear.
Push upshift switch on the steering
wheel: Resume to 2nd gear.
Push downshift switch on the steering
wheel.: Resume to 1st gear.
“S” “N” “S”: Resume to 1st gear.
When starting off again, always confirm
the gear position by the gear position indi-
cator.
CAUTION
Unlike automatic transmission mod-
els, the sequential manual transmis-
sion models do not creep.
When racing the engine, make sure
that the gear position is in the “N”
position by the gear position indica-
tor. In case the accelerator is oper-
ated with the gear in any other
position, the vehicle may move re-
sulting in an unexpected accident.
When you stop the vehicle, hold the
brake pedal down or shift the selec-
tor lever to the “N” position. If the
selector lever is left in the “S”
position without depressing the
brake pedal for more than 90 sec-
onds while stopping, a warning
buzzer (long pulse sound) will
sound, and the “N” position indica-
tor in the instrument cluster will
flash, and the system will automati-
cally shift the transmission gear to
the neutral gear position. If this
happens on a hill, when starting off
the vehicle, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly and cause an acci-
dent.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.