Page 116 of 234

01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
1092001 MR2 (OM17482U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR 
TOYOTA
Break−in period11 0
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
 . . . . . . . 
Fuel 11 0
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel pump shut off system 11 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operation in foreign countries 11 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Three−way catalytic converter 11 3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine exhaust cautions 11 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Facts about engine oil consumption 11 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Iridium−tipped spark plugs 11 5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brake system 11 6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . 
Brake pad wear limit indicators 11 8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Luggage stowage precautions 11 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Limited−slip differential 11 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . 
Your Toyota’s identification 120
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Theft prevention labels 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . 
Suspension and chassis 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Types of tires 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . 
SECTION 2 
     
        
        Page 117 of 234

01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
11 02001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Break−in period
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does  not need an elaborate
break−in. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the  future economy  and long  life of
your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Run the engine at moderate speed be-
tween 2000 and 4000 rpm.
Avoid full−throttle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive slowly with the manual
transmission in a high gear.
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Fuel
FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only
unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mix−ups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps  with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum,  the gasoline  you use
should meet specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three−
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc-
tane Number 91) or higher.
Use of  unleaded fuel  with an octane num-
ber or rating lower  than stated above will
cause persistent heavy knocking. If se-
vere, this will lead to engine damage.If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is no need
of concern.
GASOLINES CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends the use of gaso-
lines that contain detergent additives to
avoid build−up of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S con-
tains detergent additives to keep clean
and/or clean intake systems. 
     
        
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01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
11 22001 MR2 (OM17482U)
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than
stated above. It will cause fuel sys-
tem damage or vehicle performance
problems.
 If driveability problems occur ( poor
hot starting, vaporizing, engine
knock, etc.), discontinue the use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol dur-
ing refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
48 L (12.7 gal., 10.6 Imp. gal.)
Fuel pump shut off system
The fuel pump shut off system stops sup-
plying fuel  to the engine to minimize the
risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls
or an airbag inflates upon collision. To
restart the engine after the fuel  pump shut
off system activates, turn the ignition
switch to ACC" or LOCK" once and start
it.
CAUTION
Inspect the ground under the vehicle
before restarting the engine. If you
find that liquid has leaked onto the
ground, it is the fuel system has
been damaged and it  is in need of
repair. In this case, do not restart the
engine.
Operation in foreign countries
If you plan to drive your Toyota in
another country...
First,  comply with the vehicle registration
laws.
Second,  confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel (unleaded and minimum octane
number). 
     
        
        Page 198 of 234

01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
1912001 MR2 (OM17482U)
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the  label  shows  the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum
Institute) designations such as SJ. The
center portion of the label shows the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W−30.
Energy−Conserving" shown in the lower
portion, indicates that the oil has
fuel−saving capabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark  is displayed on the front of
the container. Look at  the see−through coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the FULL" and LOW" lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-
ene−glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum com-
ponents.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the LOW"  line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the FULL"
line.
Always use ethylene−glycol  type coolant
for a proper  corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. See information in the
next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, drain cock and water
pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
Checking the engine coolant
level