2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER gas type

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.
03 07.07

1312003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
QUALITY GASOLINE
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.,
Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for quality fuel named
WorldWide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that
is expected to be applied world wide.
The WWFC consists of three categories
that depend on required emission lev-
els. In the U.S., category 3 has been
adopted. The WWFC improves air quali-
ty by providing for better emissions in
vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction
through better vehicle performance.
CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE
Cleaner burning gasoline, including re-
formulated gasoline that contains oxy-
genates such as ethanol or MTBE is
available in many areas.
Toyota recommends the use of cleaner
burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of
gasoline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im-
prove air quality.OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE
Toyota allows the use of oxygenate
blended gasoline where the oxygenate
content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your
Toyota, be sure that it has an octane
rating no lower than 87.
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline containing methanol.
GASOLINE CONTAINING MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
cropentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-
taining MMT is used, your emission con-
trol system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in-
strument cluster may come on. If this
happens, contact your Toyota dealer for
service.
GASOLINE QUALITY
In a very few cases, you may experience
driveability problems caused by the partic-
ular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If this does
not rectify your problem, then consult your
Toyota dealer.NOTICE

Do not use gasohol other than
stated above. It will cause fuel sys-
tem damage or vehicle performance
problems.
 If driveab ility problems occur (poor
hot starting, vaporizing, engine
knock, etc.), discontinue the use.
 Take care not to spill gasohol dur-
ing refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
48 L (12.7 gal., 10.6 Imp. gal.)
03 07.07

1882003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
2. Scrub with a small, soft bristle hand-brush. Add water as needed until the
cleaner becomes soapy. Allow solution
to settle for two to five minutes. Use
a cloth or sponge to remove dirt so it
will not be ground into the top. Be
careful not to allow any cleaner to dry
on the body paint as it may cause
streaks.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
If any dirt is left, repeat the procedure.
After the top has been cleaned, rinse the
vehicle with clean water to remove all the
cleaner.
After cleaning, always make sure the top
is completely dry before you lower it. Low-
ering the top while wet or damp may
cause interior water damage, water stains
or mildew of the top material.
C lean in g th e in t erio r
CAUTION
Do not wash the vehicle floor with
water, or allow water to get onto the
floor when cleaning the vehicle interi-
or or exterior. Water may get into
audio components or other electrical
components above or under the floor
carpet (or mat) and cause a malfunc-
tion; and it may cause body corro-
sion.
Vinyl interior
The vinyl upholstery may be easily
cleaned with a mild soap or detergent
and water.
First vacuum over the upholstery to re-
move loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or
soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the
vinyl. After allowing it to soak in for a few
minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt
and wipe off the soap with a clean damp
cloth. If all the dirt do not come off, re-
peat the procedure. Commercial foaming
type vinyl cleaners are also available
which work well. Follow the manufacturer ’s
instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline
or window cleaner on the interior.
Carpets
Use a good foamtype shampoo to
clean the carpets.
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove
as much dirt as possible. Several types of
foam cleaners are available; some are in
aerosol cans and others are powders or
liquids which you mix with water to pro-
duce a foam. To shampoo the carpets,
use a sponge or brush to apply the foam.
Rub in overlapping circles.
Do not apply water—the best results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as
possible. Read the shampoo instructions
and follow them closely.
Seat belts
The seat belts may be cleaned with
mild soap and water or with lukewarm
water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean-
ing, check the belts for excessive wear,
fraying, or cuts.
03 07.07

2262003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Replacing light bulbs—
The following illustrations show how to
gain access to the bulbs. When replacing
a bulb, make sure the ignition switch and
light switch are off. Use bulbs with the
wattage ratings given in the table.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
replace the light bulbs while they
are hot.
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas
inside and require special handling.
They can burst or shatter if
scratched or dropped. Hold a bulb
only by its plastic or metal case.
Do not touch the glass part of a
bulb with bare hands.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.
The inside of the lens of exterior lights
such as headlights may temporarily fog up
when the lens becomes wet in the rain or
in a car wash. This is not a problem
because the fogging is caused by the
temperature difference between the outside
and inside of the lens, just like the wind-
shield fogged up in the rain. However, if
there is large drop of water on the inside
of the lens, or if there is water pooled
inside the light, contact your Toyota deal-
er.
03 07.07

2382003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Dimensions and weight
Overall length mm (in.) 3885 (153.0)
Overall width mm (in.) 1695 (66.7)
Overall height mm (in.) 1240 (48.8)
∗
Wheelbase mm (in.) 2450 (96.5)
Front tread mm (in.) 1475 (58.1)
Rear tread mm (in.) 1460 (57.5)
Vehicle capacity weight
(occupants + luggage)kg (lb.) 193 (425)
∗: Unladen vehicle
Engine
Model: 1ZZFE
Type: 4 cylinder in line, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke, mm (in.): 79.0  91.5 (3.11  3.60)
Displacement, cm
3 (cu. in.):
1794 (109.5)
Fuel
Fuel type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): 48 (12.7, 10.6)
03 07.07

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

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