2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER check engine

2032003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need to perform 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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent
See page 206 in Section 72 for de-
tails about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or
similar high quality ethylene glycol
based nonsilicate, nonamine, nonni-
trite, and nonborate coolant with long
life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
premixed with 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water.
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant) CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
Parts (if level is low):
Toyota P.S fluid EH or equivalent
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
CHECKING AND REPLACING FUSES
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Toyota fuse or equivalent with
same amperage rating as original ADDING WASHER FLUID
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
Tools:
Funnel
REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
Parts:
Bulb with same number and wattage
rating as original (See charts in
“Replacing light bulbs—” on page 226
in Section 73.)
Tools:
Screwdriver
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2052003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level206
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Checking the engine coolant level 208
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Checking the radiator and condenser 209
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Checking brake fluid 209
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Checking power steering fluid 210
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Checking tire inflation pressure 211
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Checking and replacing tires 213
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Rotating tires 216
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Installing snow tires and chains 217
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Replacing wheels 218
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Aluminum wheel precautions 219
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SECTION 7 2

2062003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
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 ground. After turn-
ing off the engine, wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the bottom
of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it clean.
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 while holding a rag under the
end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop the engine oil
on the vehicle components.
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. We recommend that you use
a funnel when adding oil.
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
 Be careful not to spill the engine
oil on the vehicle components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
ENGINE OIL SELECTION
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is f illed in
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
to satisfy the following grade and viscos-
ity.
Oil grade:
API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
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2082003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Z72109
To ensure excellent lubrication
performance for your engine, “Toyota
Genuine Motor Oil” is available, which has
been specifically tested and approved for
all Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details about “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil”.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 the
coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described be-
low.)
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.
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.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the coolant reservoir cap or
air release valve when the engine is
hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based nonsilicate, nonamine, nonnitrite,
and nonborate coolant with longlife hy-
brid organic acid technology. (Coolant with
longlife hybrid organic acid technology
consists of the combination of low phos-
phates and organic acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-
mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. This coolant provides protec-
tion down to about 35
°C (31 °F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
03 07.07
Checking the engine coolant
level

2092003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Z72109
Toyota recommends “Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” which has been tested to
ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor
result in malfunction of your engine
coolant system with proper usage. “Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant” is formulated
with longlife hybrid organic acid
technology and has been specifically
designed to avoid engine cooling system
malfunction on Toyota vehicles.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details.If any of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to a Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be care-
ful not to touch the radiator or con-
denser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator
and condenser, do not perform the
work by yourself.
Checking brake fluid
SB72015
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent ref
illing, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem.
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Checking the radiator and
condenser

2102003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap back on.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash
it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
SB72002
Open
Close
If hot add
If cold addIf hot
O.K.
If cold
O.K.
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add Toyota P.S fluid
EH or equivalent.
Before checking the power steering
fluid, remove the cover inside the
trunk. (See “Replacing light bulbs” on
page 226 in Section 73.)
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (60
°C—80 °C or 140 °F—175 °F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
10 °C—30 °C or 50 °F—85 °F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours. Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the “COLD”
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the “HOT” range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add
Toyota P.S fluid EH or equivalent to bring
the level within the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it coun-
terclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,
turn it clockwise. After replacing the reser-
voir cap, visually check the steering box
case, vane pump and hose connections
for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
03 07.07
Checking power steering fluid

2232003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all accesso-
ries are off before performing main-
tenance.
 When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negative
terminal (“” mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
—Checking battery c ondition
Z73001
Ty p e A
Ty p e BGreen Dark
Clear or
light yellow
Blue White Red
CHECKING BY INDICATOR
Check the battery condition by the indi-
cator color. Indicator color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e B
GreenBlueGood
DarkWhite
Charging
necessary. Have
battery checked
by your Toyota
dealer.
Clear orlight
yellow
Red
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Battery recharging precautions
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
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2482003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
A
Adding washer fluid225
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Adjustment
Seats 30
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Seat belt 31
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Air conditioning system 113
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Airbags 37
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Aluminum wheel precautions 219 . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 66 . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 77
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Antitheft steering column lock 84 . . . . . . .
Appearance care Cleaning the interior 188
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Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 184
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Washing and waxing 185
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Auxiliary box 124
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Auxiliary catch, Trunk lid 15
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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
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Carbon monoxide caution 133
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Cargo and luggage Capacity 149
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Distribution 150
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Stowage precautions 149
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Cassette player 102
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Checking and replacing fuses 224 . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 213 . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 209
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Checking the engine oil level 206 . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 210 . . . . . . .
Child restraint Child restraint system 47
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Installation with seat belt 49
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Precautions 46
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Types of child restraint system 48 . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtray 122
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Cleaning the interior 188
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Clock 122
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Cold weather operation 156
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Compact disc player 102
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Cooling system Coolant level 208
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166
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Radiator and condenser 209
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Radiator and reservoir 208
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Radiator cap 166
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Winter driving tips 156
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Corrosion prevention 184
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Cruise control 98
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Cup holders 127
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Defogger, Rear window 71
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Dimensions and weight 238
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Dimmer switch, Headlight 68
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Dinghy towing 157
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Directional signals 68
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Discharge warning light 77
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Doityourself maintenance
Parts and tools 203
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Service precautions 201
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Does your vehicle need
repairing? 195
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Driver ’s seat belt light 77
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Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 77 . . . . .
Driving Driving tips 155,156
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Manual transmission 96
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Sequential manual transmission 85 . . . .
Driving tips Driving tips in various
conditions 155
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Driving with a manual transmission 96
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03 07.07