Page 1 of 234

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.
Page 4 of 234
01MY MR2 (U) L/O 0008
iv2001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Installation of a mobiletwo−way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two−way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as
multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, cruise control system, anti−lock brake
system, SRS airbag system and seat belt pretensi oner
system, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for
precautionary measures or special instructions regarding
installation.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in
your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle
is scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as
they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat
belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by a qualified
service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dis-
pose of your vehicle.
Page 5 of 234

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
Page 7 of 234
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.
Page 11 of 234
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
Page 12 of 234
01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
52001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
SRS warning light∗
Open door warning light∗Brake system warning light∗
Discharge warning light∗
Low oil pressure warning light∗
Malfunction indicator lamp∗
Anti−lock brake system warning light∗
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light∗
Headlight high beam indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Power steering system warning light∗
∗
: For details, see Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers" on page 70 in Section 1−5.
Passenger ’s seat belt reminder light∗
Page 41 of 234

01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
342001 MR2 (OM17482U)
Seat belt pretensioners
SB13089
The driver and passenger’s seat belt
pretensioners are designed to be acti-
vated in response to a severe frontal
impact.
When the airbag sensor detects the shock
of a severe frontal impact, the seat belts
are quickly drawn back in by the retrac-
tors so that the belts snugly restrain the
occupants.
The seat belt pretensioners are activated
even with no passenger in the seat.
Collisions occurring at certain speeds and
angles may cause the seat belt preten-
sioners and SRS airbags not to operate
all together.
SB13102
This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ON" position.
It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the seat belt pretensioners are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, warning light, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources. (For details, see
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers" on page 70 in Section 1−5.)
SB13091
The seat belt pretensioner system mainly
consists of the following components and
their locations are shown in the illustra-
tion.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. Seat belt pretensioner assemblies
3. Airbag sensor assembly
4. SRS warning light
The seat belt pretensioners are controlled
by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag
sensor assembly consists of a safing sen-
sor and airbag sensor.
Page 42 of 234

01MY MR2(U) L/O 0008
352001 MR2 (OM17482U)
When the seat belt pretensioners are acti-
vated, an operating noise may be heard
and a small amount of smoke−like gas
may be released. This gas is harmless
and does not indicate that a fire is occur-
ring.
Once the seat belt pretensioners have
been activated, the seat belt retractors
remain locked.
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open
the seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
airbag sensor or surrounding area or
wiring. Doing any of these may cause
sudden operation of the seat belt pre-
tensioners or disable the system,
which could result in death or serious
injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious inju-
ries.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile two−way radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
Repairs on or near the seat belt
retractor assemblies
Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
Modification of the front end struc-
ture
Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
Repair made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-
sole
SB13102
This seat belt pretensioner system has a
service reminder indicator to inform the
driver of operating problems. If any of the
following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction of the airbags or
pretensioners. Contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON" posi-
tion, or the light remains on.
The light comes on or flashes while
driving.
If either seat belt does not retract or
cannot be pulled out due to a malfunc-
tion or activation of the relevant seat
belt pretensioner.