2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER suspension

362003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
When the seat belt pretensioners are acti-
vated, an operating noise may be heard
and a small amount of nontoxic gas may
be released. This does not indicate that
a fire is occurring. This gas is normally
harmless.
Once the seat belt pretensioners have
been activated, the seat belt retractors
remain locked.
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open
the seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
airbag sensor or surrounding area or
wiring. Failure to follow these instruc-
tions may prevent the seat belt pre-
tensioners from activating correctly,
cause sudden operation of the system
or disable the system, which could
result in death or serious injury. Con-
sult your Toyota dealer about any re-
pair and modification.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Repairs on or near the seat belt
retractor assemblies
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repair made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-
sole
SB13102a
This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the seat belt pretensioners are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, warning light, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources. (For details, see
“Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 77.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
03 07.07

442003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Do not modify or remove any wir-
ing. Do not modify, remove, strike
or open any components such as
the steering wheel pad, steering
wheel, column cover, dashboard
near the passenger airbag, passen-
ger airbag cover, passenger airbag
or airbag sensor assembly. Doing
so may prevent the airbag system
from activating correctly, cause sud-
den activation of the system or dis-
able the system, which could result
in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious injury.
Consult your Toyota dealer about any
repair and modification.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can in-
terfere with proper operation of the
SRS airbag system in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel or dashboard near the pas-
senger airbag
SB13102a
This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS airbags are operating
properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, warning light, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources. (For details, see
“Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 77.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
03 07.07

1292003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Information before driving your Toyota
Breakin period130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Fuel 130
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions 133
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Facts about engine oil consumption 134
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridiumtipped spark plugs 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 135
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. . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limitedslip differential 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Your Toyota’s identification 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 140
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. .
Suspension and chassis 140
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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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03 07.07
SECTION 2

1402003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Theft prevention labels
Your new vehicle carries theft preven-
tion labels which are approximately 56
mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.).
The purpose of these labels is to reduce
the incidence of vehicle thefts by facilitat-
ing the tracing and recovery of parts from
stolen vehicles. The label is designed so
that once it is applied to a surface, any
attempt to remove it will result in destroy-
ing the integrity of the label. Transferring
these labels intact from one part to anoth-
er, will be impossible.
NOTICE
You should not attempt to remove the
theft prevention labels as it may vio-
late certain state or federal laws.
Suspension and chassis
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis
with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It
can cause dangerous handling charac-
teristics, resulting in loss of control.
03 07.07

1952003 MR2 from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM17511U)
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tipoffs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flatlooking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normalIf you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Some states have vehicle emission in-
spection programs which include OBD
(OnBoard Diagnostics) che
cks.
The OBD system monitors the operation
of the emission control system. When the
OBD system determines that a problem
exists somewhere in the emission control
system, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. In this case, your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test and need to be
repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to
service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp
does not come on, your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set
during ordinary driving. However, when the
battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on
your driving habits, the codes may not be
completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had
come on recently due to temporary mal-
function such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
03 07.07
Does your vehicle need
repairing? Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs

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
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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