engine overheat TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 2004 W30 / 3.G Owners Manual

742004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Fuel gauge
SB15009a
Low fuel level
warning light
The gauge indicates the approximate
quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
when the ignition switch is on.
Nearly full—Needle at “F”
Nearly empty—Needle at “E”
It is a good idea to keep the tank over
1/4 full.
The needle moves when braking, acceler-
ating or making turns. This is cause by
the movement of the fuel in the tank.
If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low
fuel level warning light comes on, fill the
fuel tank as soon as possible.On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge
needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Fill
the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
SB15007a
The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature when the ignition switch is
on. The engine operating temperature
will vary with changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle moves to the “H” position,
your engine is too hot. If your vehicle
overheats, stop your vehicle and allow the
engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe
operating conditions, such as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high
speed driving.
Idling for a long period with the air
conditioning on in stop
−and− go traffic.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge

752004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle is not displayed, there may be a
problem in the system. In this case, con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in
the engine cooling system as this
may cause the engine to overheat.
The thermostat is designed to con-
trol the flow of coolant to keep the
temperature of the engine within
the specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an
overheated engine. See “If your
vehicle overheats” on page 166 in
Section 4.
Tachometer
SB15008
The tachometer indicates engine speed
in thousands of rpm (revolutions per
minute). Use it while driving to select
correct shift points and to prevent en-
gine lugging and overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast
causes excessive engine wear and poor
fuel economy. Remember, in most cases
the slower the engine speed, the greater
the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get
into the red zone. This may cause
severe engine damage.
Odometer and two trip meters
SB15005
This meter displays the odometer and
two trip meters.
1. Odometer—Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
2. Two trip meters—Show two different distances independently driven since
the last time each trip meter was set
to zero.
You can use one trip meter to calculate
the fuel economy and the other to
measure the distance on each trip. All
trip meter data is cancelled if the elec-
trical power source is disconnected.

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.

1332004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the threeway catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three
way catalytic converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your
vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while
the vehicle is moving.
 Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel system could cause an ex-
tremely high threeway catalytic
converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a checkup as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
threeway catalytic converter sys-
tem best.
 To ensure that the threeway cata-
lytic converter and the entire emis-
sion control system operate proper-
ly, your vehicle must receive the
periodic inspections required by the
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information,
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual
Supplement”.
Engine exhaust cautions
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.
It contains carbon monoxide, which
is a colorless and odorless gas. It
can cause unconsciousness or even
death.
Make sure the exhaust system has
no holes or loose connections. The
system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something,
or notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust, have the system
checked immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine run-
ning. If it is unavoidable, however,
do so only in an unconfined area
and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the
vehicle.

1552004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
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 162 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, sharp −edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. 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

1592004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and− go 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.

1612004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your vehicle will not start162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase engine speed 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
If you have a flat tire 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 176
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift the sequential manual transmission selector lever .
181
If you lose your keys 182
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
SECTION 4

1622004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Before making these checks, make sure
you have followed the correct starting
procedure given in “How to start the
engine” on page 154 in Section 3 and that
you have sufficient fuel. Also check
whether the other keys will start the
engine. If they work, your key may be
broken. Have the key checked at your
Toyota dealer. If none of your keys work,
there may be a malfunction in the immobi-
lizer system. Call your Toyota dealer. (See
“Keys” on page 8 in Section 1−2.)
If the engine is not turning over or is
turning over too slowly— 1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery
is discharged. You may try jump start-
ing. See “(c) Jump starting” on page
163 for further instructions.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will
not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair
shop.NOTICE
 Sequential manual transmission
only: Your vehicle cannot be pull
or pushstarted.
 Do not pull or pushstart the ve-
hicle. It may damage the vehicle or
cause a collision when the engine
starts. Also the threeway catalytic
converter may overheat and become
a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal
speed but will not start—
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See “(b) Starting a
flooded engine” on page 162 for further
instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota
dealer or qualified repair shop.
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine
may be flooded because of repeated
cranking.
Sequential manual transmission: If this
happens, turn the key to “START” with the
accelerator pedal and brake pedal fully
depressed. Keep the key, accelerator ped-
al and brake pedal in these positions for
15 seconds and release them. Then re-
lease the accelerator pedal, and try crank-
ing the engine with the brake pedal de-
pressed.
Manual transmission: If this happens,
turn the key to “START” with the accelera-
tor pedal fully depressed. Keep the key
and accelerator pedal in these positions
for 15 seconds and release them. Then
try starting the engine with your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, release the key, wait a
few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer
or qualified repair shop for assistance.
If your vehicle will not start—
(a) Simple checks

1662004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
If your engine stalls while driving...1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Sequential manual transmission: Turn
the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”
position. Approximately 5 seconds after,
try starting the engine again.
Manual transmission: Turn the ignition
key to “ACC” or “LOCK”, and try start-
ing the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see “If your
vehicle will not start—” on page 162 in
this Section.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the pow-
er assist for the brakes and steering
will not work so steering and braking
will be much harder than usual.
If engine speed does not increase with the
accelerator pedal depressed down, there
may be a problem somewhere in your
electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, if you depress the accelerator pedal
more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer 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.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
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.
If your engine stalls while
driving If you cannot incr
ease engine
speed

2004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)C
Publication No. OM17518U
Part No. 01999-17518
Printed in Japan 01−0402 −00
MR2(
U
U 7
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 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

 If you have a flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during break −in period 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
 General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
 Complete index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
is recommended.
See page 208 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 213 through 221.
Tire inflation pressure: See page 244.