2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER catalytic converter

1292003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Information before driving your Toyota
Breakin period130
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Fuel 130
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Fuel pump shut off system 132
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Operation in foreign countries 132
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Threeway catalytic converter 132
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Engine exhaust cautions 133
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Facts about engine oil consumption 134
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Iridiumtipped spark plugs 135
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Brake system 135
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 138
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Limitedslip differential 138
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Your Toyota’s identification 139
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Theft prevention labels 140
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Suspension and chassis 140
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Tire information 141
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Vehicle load limits 149
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Cargo and luggage 149
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Types of tires 152
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SECTION 2

1302003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Breakin period
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
breakin. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Avoid full throttle acceleration when
starting and driving.
Avoid racing the engine.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive slowly with the transmis-
sion in a high gear.
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Fuel
FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only
unleaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc-
tane Number 91) or higher.
Use of unleaded fuel with an octane num-
ber or rating lower than stated above will
cause persistent heavy knocking. If se-
vere, this will lead to engine damage.If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
GASOLINES CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends the use of gaso-
lines that contain detergent additives to
avoid buildup of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S con-
tains detergent additives to keep clean
and/or clean intake systems.
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1322003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Fuel pump shut off system
The fuel pump shut off system stops sup-
plying fuel to the engine to minimize the
risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls
or an airbag inflates upon collision. To
restart the engine after the fuel pump shut
off system activates, turn the ignition
switch to “ACC” or “LOCK” once and start
it.
CAUTION
Inspect the ground under the vehicle
before restarting the engine. If you
find that liquid has leaked onto the
ground, it is the fuel system has
been damaged and it is in need of
repair. In this case, do not restart the
engine.
Operation in foreign countries
If you plan to drive your Toyota in
another country...
First, comply with the vehicle registration
laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel (unleaded and minimum octane
number).
Threeway catalytic converter
SB21013a
The threeway catalytic converter is an
emission control device installed in the
exhaust system.
Its purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible mate-
rials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
Do not drive, idle or park your ve-
hicle over anything that might burn
easily such as grass, leaves, paper
or rags.
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1332003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the threeway catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three
way catalytic converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your
vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while
the vehicle is moving.
 Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel system could cause an ex-
tremely high threeway catalytic
converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a checkup as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
threeway catalytic converter sys-
tem best.
 To ensure that the threeway cata-
lytic converter and the entire emis-
sion control system operate proper-
ly, your vehicle must receive the
periodic inspections required by the
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information,
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual
Supplement”.
Engine exhaust cautions
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.
It contains carbon monoxide, which
is a colorless and odorless gas. It
can cause unconsciousness or even
death.
Make sure the exhaust system has
no holes or loose connections. The
system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something,
or notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust, have the system
checked immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine run-
ning. If it is unavoidable, however,
do so only in an unconfined area
and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the
vehicle.
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1622003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Before making these checks, make sure
you have followed the correct starting
procedure given in “How to start the
engine” on page 154 in Section 3 and that
you have sufficient fuel. Also check
whether the other keys will start the
engine. If they work, your key may be
broken. Have the key checked at your
Toyota dealer. If none of your keys work,
there may be a malfunction in the immobi-
lizer system. Call your Toyota dealer. (See
“Keys” on page 8 in Section 12.)
If the engine is not turning over or is
turning over too slowly—1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery
is discharged. You may try jump start-
ing. See “(c) Jump starting” on page
163 for further instructions.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will
not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair
shop.NOTICE
 Sequential manual transmission
only: Your vehicle cannot be pull
or pushstarted.
 Do not pull or pushstart the ve-
hicle. It may damage the vehicle or
cause a collision when the engine
starts. Also the threeway catalytic
converter may overheat and become
a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal
speed but will not start—
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See “(b) Starting a
flooded engine” on page 162 for further
instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota
dealer or qualified repair shop.
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine
may be flooded because of repeated
cranking.
Sequential manual transmission: If this
happens, turn the key to “START” with the
accelerator pedal and brake pedal fully
depressed. Keep the key, accelerator ped-
al and brake pedal in these positions for
15 seconds and release them. Then re-
lease the accelerator pedal, and try crank-
ing the engine with the brake pedal de-
pressed.
Manual transmission: If this happens,
turn the key to “START” with the accelera-
tor pedal fully depressed. Keep the key
and accelerator pedal in these positions
for 15 seconds and release them. Then
try starting the engine with your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 15 sec-
onds of cranking, release the key, wait a
few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer
or qualified repair shop for assistance.
03 07.07
If your vehicle will not start—
(a) Simple checks

2492003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Economical driving158
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Good driving practice 96
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Winter driving tips 156
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During
Breakin 130
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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
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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
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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 . . . . . . .
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Tachometer 75
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Theft prevention labels 140
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Threeway catalytic converter 132 . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 64
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Tires Changing 173
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Flat tire 167
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Inflation pressure 211
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Related terms 146
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Replacing 213
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Rotation 216
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Size 143,242
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Snow tires and chains 217
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Spare 169
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Symbols 141
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Tire Identification Number (TIN) 142 . . . .
Tools 169
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Total load capacity 149
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Capacity 149
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Dinghy 157
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Emergency towing 178
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If your vehicle needs to be towed 177
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Trailer 158
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Trailer towing 158
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Trip meter 75
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Trunk lid (front) 15
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Trunk room (front) overview 199
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Turn signals 69
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Types of tires 152
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Uniform tire quality grading 144
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V
Vehicle identification
number (VIN) 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning buzzer 77
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Washer fluid Adding washer fluid 225
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Washing and waxing 185
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Wheels Aluminum wheel 219
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Replacing 218
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Windshield wiper and washer switch 71
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156
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03 07.07