2152003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
This also applies to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use a tire of
the same size and construction,
and the same or greater maximum
load as the originally installed
tires. Also, all the tires must be the
same brand and have the same
tread patterns.
Using any other size or type of tire
may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
ground clearance, and clearance be-
tween the body and tires or snow
chains.Check that the maximum load of the
replaced tire is greater than 1/2 of the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR)
of either the front axle or the rear
axle, whichever greater. As for the
maximum load of the tire, see the load
limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall
of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle
Weight Ratings (GAWR), see the Cer-
tification Label. For details about the
sidewall of the tire and the Certifica-
tion Label, see pages 141 and 139.CAUTION
Observe the following instruc-
tions. Otherwise, an accident
may occur resulting in death or
serious injuries.
Do not mix radial, bias belted,
or bias ply tires on your ve-
hicle, as this may cause dan-
gerous handling characteris-
tics resulting in loss of control.
Do not use tires other than the
manufacturer’s recommended
size, as this may cause danger-
ous handling characteristics
resulting in loss of control.
Do not use tires of different
brands, sizes, construction or
tread patterns, as this may
cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in
loss of control.
03 07.07
2162003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Toyota recommends all four tires,
or at least both front or rear tires
be replaced as a set.
See “If you have a flat tire—” on page
167 in Section 4 for tire change proce-
dure.
When a tire is replaced, the wheel
should always be balanced.
An unbalanced wheel may affect ve-
hicle handling and tire life. Wheels
can get out of balance with regular
use and should therefore be balanced
occasionally.
When replacing a tubeless tire, the
air valve should also be replaced
w i t h a new on e.
Rotating tires
SB72017Tu r ning dir ec t ion
Turning direction indicators
SB72019
Do not rotate the tires as the tire
sizes are different such as with
front to rear, left to right or using
the spare tire. Performing such tire
rotation may result in the tires in-
terfering with the body or in un-
even wear of the tires, so that
steerability of the vehicle is im-
paired.
Tires with turning direction indicator—
The tire is a uni directional type and
cannot be used for tire rotation. Using
the tire on the opposite side to the
designated side will impair the tire
performance.
The spare tire—
The tire is designed for temporary use
only and cannot be used for tire rota-
tion.
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2172003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the originally installed tires.
Do not use tires other than those men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions.
Otherwise, an accident may occur re-
sulting in death or serious injuries.
Do not use snow tires other than the
manufacturer ’s recommended size, as
this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of
control.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear wheels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use the tire chains which are the cor-
rect size for your rear tires.
For 215/45R16 tires, use genuine Toyota
tire chains or equivalent for use on the
MR2.
Regulations regarding the use of tire
chains vary according to location or
type of road, so always check the local
regulations before installing chains.
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and
chain is used, the chains could dam-
age the vehicle body.
MR2 genuine tire chains
(Part No.08325 11020)
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Installing snow tires and
chains
2182003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Install the chains on the rear tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the front tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5—1.0 km
(1/4—1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, care-
fully follow the instructions of the chain
manufacturer.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturer ’s recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which may
cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked wheel
braking, as use of chains may ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.
When driving with chains installed,
be sure to drive carefully. Slow
down before entering curves to
avoid losing control of the vehicle.
Otherwise an accident may occur.
NOTICE
Do not attempt to use a tire chain on
the compact spare tire, as it may re-
sult in damage to the vehicle as well
as the tire.
Replacing wheels
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the
wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel,
the tire may slip off the wheel or cause
loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should be
taken to ensure that the wheels are re-
placed by ones with the same load ca-
pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available
at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may
adversely affect handling, wheel and bear-
ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom-
eter calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear-
ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
wheels which have been straightened may
have structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner
tube in a leaking wheel which is designed
for a tubeless tire.
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2482003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
A
Adding washer fluid225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Seats 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 113
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 219 . . . . . . . .
Anti glare inside rear view mirror 66 . . . . .
Anti lock brake system warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti theft steering column lock 84 . . . . . . .
Appearance care Cleaning the interior 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 185
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary box 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Trunk lid 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 222 . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 223 . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 138 . . . . . .
Brake system 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . Brakes
Fluid level 209 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 138 . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break in tips 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 133
. . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo and luggage Capacity 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage precautions 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 224 . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 213 . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 206 . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 210 . . . . . . .
Child restraint Child restraint system 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with seat belt 49
. . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of child restraint system 48 . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 122
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather operation 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system Coolant level 208
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine overheating
166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and condenser 209
. . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 208
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Defogger, Rear window 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and weight 238
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 68
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do it yourself maintenance
Parts and tools 203
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 201
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need
repairing? 195
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 77 . . . . .
Driving Driving tips 155,156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 85 . . . .
Driving tips Driving tips in various
conditions 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with a manual transmission 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07
2522003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
SwitchEmergency flasher 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight, dimmer and
turn signal 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door lock 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 65 . . . . . .
Power window 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer 71 . . . . . . .
T
Tachometer 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three way catalytic converter 132 . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires Changing 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation pressure 211
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related terms 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing 213
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation 216
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Size 143,242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires and chains 217
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare 169
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Identification Number (TIN) 142 . . . .
Tools 169
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total load capacity 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To w i n g
Capacity 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing 178
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid (front) 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk room (front) overview 199
. . . . . . . . .
Turn signals 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U
Uniform tire quality grading 144
. . . . . . . . . .
V
Vehicle identification
number (VIN) 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning buzzer 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid Adding washer fluid 225
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 185
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels Aluminum wheel 219
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing 218
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switch 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter driving tips
156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07