2002 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER checking oil

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IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 188 in Section 72.
Iridiumtipped spark plugs
SB21011
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs
and do not adjust gaps for your en-
gine performance and smooth drive-
ability.
Brake system
The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
subsystems. If either subsystem should
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will be longer. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
powerassist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops but no more!

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If you are a skilled doityourself
mechanic, the Toyota service manuals are
recommended. Please be aware that
doityourself maintenance can affect your
warranty coverage. See “Owner ’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner ’s Manual
Supplement” for the details.
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where ade-
quate ventilation can be obtained if
you run the engine.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month. See
page 192 in Section 72 for additional
information.Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See page 193 in Sec-
tion 72 for additional information. When
checking the tires, make sure no nuts are
missing, and check the nuts for loose-
ness. Tighten them if necessary.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and trunk lid
Check that both the doors operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the trunk lid secondary latch
secures the lid from opening when the
primary latch is released.

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Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
Take care when filling the brake and
clutch fluid reservoirs because
brake fluid can harm your eyes and
damage painted surfaces. If fluid
gets in your eyes, flush your eyes
with clean water.
When racing the engine, make sure
that the gear position is in the “N”
position. In case the accelerator is
operated with the gear in any other
positions, the vehicle may move, re-
sulting in an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cables carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
 Do not pry the outer electrode of a
spark plug against the center elec-
trode.
 Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
 Do not reuse iridiumtipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
 When closing the engine hood or
trunk, check to see that you have
not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing doityourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ
“EnergyConserving”, SL
“EnergyConserving” or ILSAC
multigrade having viscosity proper for
your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
See page 189 in Section 72 for de-
tails about coolant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Parts (if level is low):

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DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level188
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Checking the engine coolant level 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 190
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 191
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. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 192
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. .
Checking and replacing tires 193
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Rotating tires 194
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. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 195
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Replacing wheels 196
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. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 197
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SECTION 7 2

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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 dipstick—push 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 handtight.
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 “EnergyConserving”,
SL “EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multi-
grade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy, and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W30 engine oil is recommended.

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SOIL13
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 SL. The
center portion of the label shows the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W30.
“EnergyConserving” shown in the lower
portion, indicates that the oil has
fuelsaving capabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.Look at the seethrough 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-
eneglycol 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 ethyleneglycol 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

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CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and
explosive hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Never ingest electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, con-
tinue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while en route to the medi-
cal office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause can-
cer and reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
—Checking battery exterior
SB73076
TerminalsGround
cable Holddown clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
holddown clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose, tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
c. Tighten the holddown clamp only enough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
Checking battery c ondition—
—Precautions

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A
Adding washer fluid203
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Adjustment
Seats 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 107
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 197 . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 59 . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 76 . . . . . . .
Appearance care Cleaning the interior 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary box 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Trunk lid 14
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B
Battery
Checking battery condition 200 . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 201 . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 138 . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 132 . . . . . .
Brake system 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 70 . . . . . . . . . . Brakes
Fluid level 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 132 . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin tips 124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 93
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 127
. . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 202 . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 188 . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 191 . . . . . . .
Child restraint Child restraint system 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with seat belt 48
. . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of child restraint system 47 . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 116
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Cleaning the interior 170
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Clock 116
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Cold weather operation 140
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Compact disc player 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 189
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Engine overheating 150
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Radiator and condenser 190
. . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 189
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corrosion prevention
166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders 121
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D
Defogger, Rear window 65
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Dimensions and weight 214
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 62
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance
Parts and tools 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt light 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 70 . . . . .
Driving Driving tips 139,140
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Manual transmission 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 77 . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with a manual
transmission 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 140
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During Breakin 124
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