2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER maintenance

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 . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 66 . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antitheft 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin 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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself 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

2492003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Economical driving158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Breakin 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel
and repairs 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system Battery 222,223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 69 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of Blown fuse 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 69 . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase the
engine speed 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift the sequential manual transmission
selector lever 181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls
while driving 165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 162 . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 195 . . . . . . .
Engine
Before starting the engine 154 . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 208 . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 132 . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 133 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 132 . . . . .
Engine coolant Temperature gauge 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 74 . . . .
Engine immobilizer system 10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil Winter driving tips 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas cautions 133 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
Facts about engine oil
consumption 134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire After changing wheels 175 . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing tire 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level Brake 209 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 132 . . . . . .
Front box 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light switch 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filler door o pener 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 132 . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 132 . . . . .
Tank cap 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 132 . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses Fuse box 199 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07

2502003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
G
GaugeEngine temperature 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice Manual transmission 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H
Hazard switch 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During breakin 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 154
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
Identification
Engine 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel Cigarette lighter and ashtray 122 . . . . . . .
Clock 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 70 . . . . . . . . . Instrument panel overview 2
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridiumtipped spark plugs 135 . . . . . . . . . .
J
Jack
Location 169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the jack 204 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Key reminder buzzer 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 8,182
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Light bulbs
Backup lights 232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog lights 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal lights 231 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker lights 231 . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate lights 233 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking lights 231 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear turn signal lights 232 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear turn signal, stop/tail, stop and backup lights 232 . . . . . . . . .
Light, Interior Interior light 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light bulbs, replacing 226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light reminder buzzer 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limitedslip differential 138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Load limits 149
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Side doors 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low fuel level warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . .
Low engine oil pressure warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage space 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance
Doityourself maintenance 201 . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance requirements 192 . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service 192 . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 77 . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission
Driving with amanual transmission 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed Manual transmission 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission 85 . . . .
Mirror Antiglare inside rear view 66 . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07

2512003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
MirrorsFolding rear view 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle breakin 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Consumption 134
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 210
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 206,239
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil power steering 210
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open door warning light 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 132 . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 166
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine coolant 74
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview Engine compartment 198
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P
Parking brake
Operation 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake reminder light 77 . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passenger airbag manual
onoff switch 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger ’s seat belt reminder light 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 185 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door lock switch 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 65 . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid level 210 . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window lock switch 14 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners (seat belt pretensioners) 35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota
from corrosion 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Radiator
Coolant, Engine 208 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Antiglare inside 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror, Power controlled 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Folding 66 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors, Outside 64 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 71 . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners 246 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Seat adjustment precautions
Front seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seat belts
Cleaning 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 35 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seating capacity 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sequential manual transmission Driving with a sequential manual transmission 85 . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 192 . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators 77 . . . . . . . . . .
Side door locks 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft top 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare fuse 224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs lridiumtipped spark plugs 135 . . . . . . . .
Specifications 237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS driver and passenger airbags 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Cold weather 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Column lock 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 140 . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07

2003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
03 07.07
C
Publication No. OM17511U
Part No. 01999-17511
Printed in Japan 01030800
MR2(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 77 . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your engine stalls while driving 165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

 If you have a flat tire 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during breakin period 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
 General maintenance 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
 Complete index 247 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
See page 130 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
48 L (12.7 gal., 10.6 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil:
API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
is recommended.
See page 206 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 211 through 219.
Tire pressure: See page 242.
U6

2003 MR2 from Aug. '03 Prod. (OM17511U)
03 07.07
You should know as much about the quality and
importance of proper maintenance of your new
vehicle as the people who built it.
The Toyota authorized Repair Manual
tells you how to maintain your vehicle and
enables you to correctly perform your own
maintenance.
The best way to keep your new vehicle in top
running order is to maintain it properly from
the moment you drive it off the showroom
floor.
The Toyota authorized Repair Manual is
packed with literally everything you need to
know to perform your own maintenance in
virtually every area of your new vehicle.

2003 MR2 from Aug. '03 Prod. (OM17511U)
03 07.07
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: 2003 MR2 Repair Manual
Pub. No.: RM967U1 RM967U2
Maintenance procedures for the engine,
chassis, body, electrical 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.