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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
i2001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of  value−conscious people who drive Toyotas. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we
build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it
thoroughly and have all the occupants follow the instructions carefully. Doing
so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble−free motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following
pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality mainte-
nance and any other assistance you may require.
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications  in this manual are current at  the time of printing.
However, because of Toyota’s policy of continual product improvement, we reserve
the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that  this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment
not installed on your vehicle.
©2000 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation. 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
2001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Publication No. OM17482U
Part No. 01999-17482
Printed in Japan 01−0008−00
C
MR2(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 70 . . . . . . . . . . . 
 If your vehicle will not start 132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . 
 If your engine stalls while driving 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
 If your vehicle overheats 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . 
 If you have a flat tire 136 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . 
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 145 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
 Tips for driving during break−in period 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
 How to start the engine 124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . 
 General maintenance 177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . 
 Complete index 227 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gas station information
Fuel type:
1ZZ−FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
See page 110 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 190 for detailed information.
Tire information:  See pages 194 through 199.
Tire pressure:  See page 219.
U 2 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
2001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Where to obtain the Repair Manual
The repair manual for MR2, written in English,
may be purchased as applicable from any Toyota
dealer.
Pub. Name: 2001 MR2 Repair Manual
Pub. No.: RM801U1 (Maintenance, Preparation, Service specifications and Diagnos-
tics)
RM801U2 (Engine, Chassis and Body)
Maintenance procedures for the engine, 
chassis, body, electric al system, and more, 
are clearly explained and illustrated.
Periodic maintenance and tune up
Periodic maintenance and tune up helps to pre-
vent small problems from growing into larger ones lat-
er on. The repair manual outlines exactly what main-
tenance is required and clearly explains how to do the
work yourself step by step.
Areas covered include such things as spark plug re-
placement, valve clearance adjustment and engine oil
and filter replacement. 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
32001 MR2 (OM17482U)
1. Headlight and turn signal switch
2. Wiper and washer switches
3. Clock
4. Rear window defogger switch
5. Emergency flasher switch
6. Auxiliary box
7. Engine immobiliser system indicator light
8. Air conditioning controls
9. Car audio
10. Cup holders
11 . A s h t r a y
12. Cigarette lighter
13. Ignition switch
14. Tilt steering lock release lever
SB11020 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
42001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Instrument cluster overview
SB11016
1. Speedometer
2. Service reminder indicators andindicator lights
3. Engine coolant temperature gauge 4. Low fuel level warning light
5. Fuel gauge
6. Tachometer
7. Trip meter reset knob
8. Odometer and two trip meters 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
72001 MR2 (OM17482U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND 
CONTROLS
Keys and Doors
Keys8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine immobiliser system 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side doors 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Power windows 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . 
Trunk lid 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine hood 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel tank cap 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . 
Soft top 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
SECTION 1− 2 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
82001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Keys
SB12039
Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds
of keys.1. Master key (black)This key works in every lock. Your Toyota dealer will
need it to make you a new key with
built−in transponder chip.
2. Sub key (gray)This key will not work in the glove box and luggage space. A transponder chip for engine immobiliser
system has been filled in the head of the
master and sub keys. These chips are
needed to enable the system to function
correctly, so be careful not to lose these
keys. If you make your own duplicate key,
you will not be able to cancel  the system
or start the engine.
To protect things  locked in the glove box
or luggage space when you have your
vehicle parked, leave the sub key with the
attendant.
Since the doors  can be locked without a
key, you should always carry a spare
master key in case you accidentally lock
your keys inside the vehicle.
SY12001
NOTICE
When using a key containing a trans-
ponder chip, observe the following
precautions:
When starting the engine, do not
use the key with a key ring resting
on the key grip and do not press
the key ring against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts. 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
92001 MR2 (OM17482U)
SY12002a
When starting the engine, do not
use the key with other transponder
keys around (including keys of oth-
er vehicles) and do not press other
key plates against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts. If
this happens, remove the key once
and then insert it again after taking
off other transponder keys (includ-
ing keys of other vehicles) from the
ring or while gripping or covering
them with your hand to start the
engine.
SY12003
Do not bend the key grip.
Do not cover the key grip with any
material that cuts off electromagnet-
ic waves.
 Do not knock the key hard against
other objects.
 Do not leave the key exposed to
high temperatures for a long period,
such as on the dashboard and hood
under the direct sunlight.
 Do not put the key in water or
wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
 Do not use the key with electromag-
netic materials.