Page 127 of 224

MR2 U
1242000 MR2 (OM17475U)
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has high−speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are high−speed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a lon-
ger stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes
are applied. Also, the parking brake
will not hold the vehicle securely.
Winter driving tips
Make sure you have a proper freeze
protection of engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene−glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. Use
TOYOTA Long Life Coolant" or equivalent.
See Section 7−2 for details about coolant
type selection.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend
to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to
provide protection down to about −50°C
(−58 °F). Do not use more than 70% solu-
tion for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter start-
ing. Section 7−3 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Section 7−2 for recommended viscos-
ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer
he will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Page 189 of 224

MR2 U
1862000 MR2 (OM17475U)
Checking the engine oil level
SB72010
Low levelFull level
Add oil O.K.
To o f u l l
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstickpush it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the f iller cap hand−tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.): 1.3(1.4,1.1)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
ENGINE OIL SELECTION
Use API grade SJ, Energy−Conserving"
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy, and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W−30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W−30 engine oil is recommended.
Page 214 of 224

MR2 U
2112000 MR2 (OM17475U)
Service specifications
ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):Intake 0.150.25(0.0060.010)
Exhaust 0.250.35(0.0100.014)
Spark plug type: DENSO SK16R11
NGK IFR5A11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.): 1.1 (0.043) ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and ref
ill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
With filter 3.7(3.9,3.3)
Without filter 3.5(3.7,3.1)
Oil grade: API grade SJ, Energy−Conserving" or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): Manual transaxle 10.4(11.0,9.2)
Coolant type: TOYOTA Long Life Coolant" or equiva-
lent
With ethylene−glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20 °C (68 °F):
12.612.8 V Fully charged
12.212.4 V Half charged
11.812.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
Page 215 of 224
MR2 U
2122000 MR2 (OM17475U)
CLUTCH
Pedal free play, mm (in.):515 (0.20.6)
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): Vehicle with limited−slip differential
1.8 (1.9, 1.6)
Vehicle without limited−slip differential 1.9 (2.0, 1.7)
Oil type: Gear oil API GL−4 or GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W−90 BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
85 (3.4)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 16 (0.040.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf): 58 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 STEERING
Wheel free play:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Toyota P.S fluid EH or equivalent
Page 224 of 224

2000 MR2 (OM17475U)
Publication No. OM17475U
Part No. 01999-17475
Printed in Japan 01−9912−00
C
MR2(00U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 68 . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
If your engine stalls while driving 131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving during break−in period 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
General maintenance 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Complete index NO TAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
1ZZ−FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
See page 108 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
48 L (12.7 gal., 10.6 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil:
API grade SJ, Energy−Conserving" or ILSAC multigrade engine oil is
recommended.
See page 186 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 190 through 194.
Tire pressure: See page 213.
00U−1