2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER overheating

1552003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start—” on
page 162 in Section 4.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 sec-
onds at a time. This may overheat
the starter and wiring systems.
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, have the
engine checked immediately.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharpedged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy r oad. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “S(1)” or “R” (sequential manual
transmission) or in first or reverse
(manual transmission). If necessary,
block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking on
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
tion or engine braking could cause
the vehicle to spin or skid.
03 07.07
Tips for driving in various
conditions

1592003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stopandgo driving
wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal. This causes premature
wear, overheating and poor fuel econo-
my.
Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in
top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp-
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil
and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and con-
tribute to poor fuel economy. For longer
life of all parts and lower operating
costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle
receives more frequent maintenance.
(For scheduled maintenance informa-
tion, please refer to the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” or “Owner ’s
Manual Supplement”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast
down hills. Your power steering and
brake booster will not function with-
out the engine running. Also, the
emission control system operates
properly only when the engine is run-
ning.
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1662003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
If the engine speed does not increase with
the accelerator pedal depressed down to
about the middle position, there may be
a problem somewhere in your electronic
throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelera-
tor pedal more firmly and slowly, you can
drive you vehicle at low speeds. Have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota deal-
er as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the ignition key is turned to ”ACC” or
”LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “N”
(sequential manual transmission) or in
neutral (manual transmission) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the coolant
reservoir cap or air release valve
when the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
03 07.07
If you cannot incr ease the
engine speed

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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