2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER inflation pressure

vi2003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Tires and loading on your Toyota
Underinflated or overinflated tire inflation pres-
sure and the excess load may result in the
deterioration of steering ability and braking abil-
ity, leading to an accident. Check the tire infla-
tion pressure periodically and be sure to keep
the load limits given in this Owner ’s Manual.
For details about tire inflation pressure and
load limits, see pages 211 and 149.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in
your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle
is scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as
they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat
belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by a qualified
service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dis-
pose of your vehicle.
Sequential manual
transmission driving tips
(Models equipped with Sequential Manual
Transmission only)
The sequential manual transmission is a 6speed forward/
reverse transmission. With the basics of the traditional
manual transmission, the clutch operation and transmission
shifting is controlled electronically. Unlike automatic trans-
missions, this system does not upshift automatically at the
time of acceleration.
To understand the unique system and operation method of
the sequential manual transmission, read Section 16 on
page 85 thoroughly before driving. For starting procedures,
see “How to start the engine— ” on page 154 in Section 3.
Please refer to the “Important Information For Your
Sequential Manual Transmission” equipped in your vehicle
as well.
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1412003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
This illustration indicates typical tire
symbols.1. Tire size— For details, see “Tire
size” on page 143.
2. DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)— For details, see
“DOT and Tire Identification Num-
ber (TIN)” on page 142.
3. Maximum cold tire inflation pressure— This means the pres-
sure to which a tire may be in-
flated. For recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, see “Tires” on
page 242.
4. Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure— For details,
see “Checking and replacing tires”
on page 213.
5. Location of tread wear indica- tors— For details, see “Checking
and replacing tires” on page 213.
6. Turning indicator— Some
vehicles are equipped with
directional tires. For details, see
“Rotating tires” on page 216.
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Tire information—
—Tire symbols
SB21020b

1462003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Cold tire inflation pressureTire inflation pressure when the vehicle has been parked at least 3 hours or
more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile under that condition
Maximum inflation pressureThe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and shown
on the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation pressureCold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be re-
placed) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are avail-
able as factoryinstalled equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning and addi-
tional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
T he sum of —
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight;
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second column
of Table 1 that follows
Production options weight
The combined weight of those insta lled regular production options weighing
over 2.3 kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
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—Tire relat ed terms

1582003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
SB31004a
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle from the
rear. This may cause serious damage
to your vehicle.
Trailer towing
SB31002
Toyota does not recommend towing a trail-
er with your MR2. It is not designed for
trailer towing.Improving fuel economy is easy—just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure.
Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
211 in Section 72 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
driving—but gently. Remember, howev-
er, that on cold winter days this may
take a little longer.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic,
it is better to turn off the engine and
start again later.
Avoid engine lugging or overrev-
ving. Use a gear position suitable for
the road on which you are travelling.
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How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too

2052003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 208
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 209
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. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 210
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 211
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 213
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 216
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. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 217
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 218
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. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 219
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03 07.07
SECTION 7 2

2112003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
SB72031
Ty p e A
SB72030
Ty p e BKeep your tire inflation pressures
at the proper level.
The recommended cold tire inflation
pressures, tire
sizes and the com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
(vehicle capacity weight) are de-
scribed on page 238 and 242. They
are also described on the tire and
loading information label. Either type
A or B of the tire and loading informa-
tion label is affixed on your vehicle
as shown.
You should check the tire inflation
pressures every two weeks, or at
least once a month. And do not forget
the spare!
The following instructions for
checking tire inflation pressure
should be observed:
 The pressure s hould be
checked only when the tires are
cold. If your vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours and has
not been driven for more than 1.5
km or 1 mile since, you will get
an accurate cold tire inflation pres-
sure reading.
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Checking tire inflation
pressure

2122003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Always use a tire pressure
gauge. The appearance of a tire
can be misleading. Besides, tire
inflation pressures that are even
just a few pounds off can degrade
ride and handling.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire
inflation pressure after driving.
It is normal for the tire inflation
pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capac-
ity weight. The passenger and
luggage weight should be located
so that the vehicle is balanced.Tire pressure gauge
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE 1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge to the tire valve.
3. Read the pressure using a gradua- tion of the gauge.
4. In case that the tire inflation pres- sure is not within the prescribed
range, insert the compressed air
from the valve. In case of applying
too much air, press the center of
t he valv e and releas e the air to ad-
just. 5. After completing the tire inflation
pressure measurement and ad-
justment, apply soap water to the
valve and check the leakage.
6. Install the tire valve cap.
If the gauge and the air pump are not
available, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve
caps. Without the valve caps, dirt
or moisture could get into the
valve core and cause air leakage.
If the caps have been lost, have
new ones put on as soon as pos-
sible.
Incorrect tire infl ation pressure may
waste fuel, reduce the comfort of driv-
ing, reduce tire life and make your ve-
hicle less safe to drive.
If a tire frequently needs refilling,
have it checked by your Toyota deal-
er.
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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 biasply 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