72004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Keys and Doors
Keys8
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Engine immobilizer system 10
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Side doors 11
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Power windows 13
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Trunk lid 15
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Engine hood 16
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Fuel tank cap 18
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Soft top 20
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SECTION 1 2
152004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Trunk lid—
SB12043
To open the trunk lid:1. Open the glove box door, and then pull the trunk lid lock release lever.
The trunk lid will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the trunk
lid is closed and securely locked.
Otherwise, the trunk lid may open un-
expectedly while driving and an acci-
dent may occur.
SB12037a
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up theauxiliary catch l ever and lift the
trunk lid.
SB12068a
Front box cover
3. Hold the trunk lid open by inserting the support rod into the slot.
To insert the support rod into the slot,
move it straight up. If it is moved to the
side or toward the inside of the vehicle,
it may become detached.
Before closing the trunk lid, return the
support rod to its clip—this prevents
rattles. Then lower the trunk lid and make
sure it locks into place. If necessary,
press down gently on the front edge to
lock it.
162004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
CAUTION
After inserting the support rod into
the slot, make sure the rod sup-
ports the trunk lid securely from
falling down on to your head or
body.
Before closing the trunk lid, lock
the front box cover securely.
This prevents the front box from
being damaged.
Keep the trunk lid closed while
driving. This keeps the luggage
from being thrown out.
NOTICE
Be sure to return the support rod to
its clip before closing the trunk lid.
Closing the trunk lid with the support
rod up could cause the trunk lid to
bend.
—Luggage security system
SB12091
If you do not want to activate the trunk
lid lock release lever, insert the master
key to the glove box, and turn it clock-
wise.
Engine hood
SB12086a
To open the engine hood:1. Pull the engine hood lock release lever. The engine hood will spring up
slightly.
The engine hood lock release lever can
be locked by the key.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the en-
gine hood is closed and securely
locked. Otherwise, the engine hood
may open unexpectedly while driving
and an accident may occur.
1232004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
ASHTRAY
To use the ashtray, pull out the lid.
When finished with your cigarette, thor-
oughly extinguish it in the ashtray to pre-
vent other cigarette butts from catching
fire. After using the ashtray, close the lid
completely.
To remove the ashtray, pull the lid and
pull it out.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or sudden stop
while driving, always completely close
the ashtray after use.
Glove box
SB19026
To use the glove box, do this.
To open: Compress the lock release but-
tons.
To lock: Insert the master key and turn it
clockwise.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or a sudden stop,
always keep the glove box door
closed while driving.
Front box
SB41047
To use the front box in the trunk, do
this.1. Open the trunk lid, and pull the lock release lever.
1242004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
SB19031a
2. Fix the cover by hitching the inside clipon the hood.
NOTICE
Do not place valuables in the front
box to prevent robbery.
Do not place anything which weighs
over 5 kg (11 lb.) in the front box.
If something weighs over 5 kg (11
lb.) is placed in the front box while
driving, the front box may be dam-
aged.
Be sure to lock the cover securely
when you close the trunk lid. If the
cover is not securely locked, it may
cause damage to the trunk lid.
SB19018
Front of vehicle
DRAINAGE OF THE FRONT BOX
In case that the water is pooled inside the
front box, remove the grommet on the
bottom of the box to drain the water.
NOTICE
Since the front box is not waterproof
completely, it is possible for the
things stored in the box to the
drenched.
Auxiliary box
SB19019
Instrument panel
To use the box, open it as shown in
the illustration.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or a sudden stop,
always keep the auxiliary box closed
while driving.
1362004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti lock brake system is designed
to automatically help prevent lock up of
the wheels during a sudden braking or
braking on slippery road surfaces. This
assists in providing directional stability
and steering performance of the vehicle
under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake
pedal:
When the anti −lock brake system
function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise.
In this situation, to let the anti −lock
brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not
pump the brake in a panic stop. This
will result in reduced braking
performance.
The anti −lock brake system becomes op-
erative after the vehicle has accelerated
to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery
road surfaces such as on a manhole cov-
er, a steel plate at a construction site,
joints in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day
tends to activate the anti −lock brake sys-
tem.
You may hear a click or motor sound in
the front trunk room for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the anti −lock brake system is in the
self check mode, and does not indicate a
malfunction. When the anti lock brake system is ac-
tivated, the following conditions may
occur. They do not indicate a malfunc-
tion of the system:
You may hear the anti
−lock brake sys-
tem operating and feel the brake pedal
pulsating and the vibrations of the ve-
hicle body and steering wheel. You
may also hear the motor sound in the
front trunk room even after the vehicle
is stopped.
At the end of the anti −lock brake sys-
tem activation, the brake pedal may
move a little forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti lock
brake system: Although the anti lock
brake system assists in providing ve-
hicle control, it is still important to
drive with all due care and maintain
a moderate speed and safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you, be-
cause there are limits to the vehicle
stability and effectiveness of steering
wheel operation even with the anti
lock brake system on.
1702004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
1. Get the tool bag and spare tire.
You will find a jack in the tool bag.
To prepare yourself for an emergency,
you should familiarize yourself with
the use of the jack, each of the tools
and their storage locations.
SB41047
To remove the spare tire: 1. Open the front box cover in the trunk.
SB41061a
2. Remove the spare wheel cover.
1942004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the “HOT” or “COLD”
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 212 in Section 7−2 for addition-
al information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 133 in Section 2.)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise. Seats
Check that all seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. Check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles and retractors operate properly
and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing
is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and trunk lid
Check that both the doors operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the trunk lid secondary latch
secures the lid from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 213 in Section 7
−2
for additional information.
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See page
215 in Section 7 −2 for additional infor-
mation. When checking the tires,
make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.