52004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
SRS warning light∗1Brake system warning light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Anti −lock brake system warning light∗
1
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Power steering system warning light∗1
∗ 1
: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 77 in Section 1 −5.
∗
2: If this light flashes, see “Sequential manual transmission” on
page 85 in Section 1 −6.
∗
3: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 98 in Sec-
tion 1 −6.
Passenger ’s seat belt reminder light∗
1Sequential manual transmission warning light∗1
Cruise control indicator light∗3
Open door warning light∗1
Gear position indicator light∗2
442004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
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 two way 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.
822004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
(k) SRS Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
After about 6 seconds, the light will go
off. This means the systems of the air-
bag and seat belt pretensioners are op-
erating 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.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, or the light remains on.
The light comes on or flashes while
driving.
(l) Power Steering System Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem
in your power steering system.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, have your vehicle checked by your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible. (m) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver’s door with
the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.
(n) Light reminder buzzer
The buzzer will sound if the headlight
switch is left on and the driver’s door is
opened with the key removed from the
ignition switch.
(o) Warning function of the Sequential
Manual Transmission (sequential
manual transmission only)
When driving, if any incorrect operation
that may cause damage to this system is
performed or if the gear is not shifted as
desired by the driver, the warning buzzer
will sound and the gear position indicator
will flash to warn the driver in some
cases. For details, see “(k) Warning
functions” on page 94 in Section 1 −6. CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open either side door. The open door warning light should
come
on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the ignition key to “ON”, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The “ABS” and power steer-
ing system warning lights go off after
a few seconds. The SRS warning light
goes off after about 6 seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.
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.
1462004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
—Glossary of tire terminology
Ti r e relat ed ter mMeaning
Accessory weight
the combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced)
of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, pow-
er seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as
factory−installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Cold tire inflation pressure
tire inflation pressure when the vehicl e has been parked for at leas t 3 hour s
or more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile under that
condition
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
Intended outboard sidewall
(A) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper
than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(B) the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle
Maximum inflation pressurethe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and it is
shown on the sidewall of the tire
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
t he sum of —
(a) curb weight;
(b) accessory weight;
(c) vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) production options weight
1592004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and− go 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 tuned up 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.
1662004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
If your engine stalls while driving...1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Sequential manual transmission: Turn
the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”
position. Approximately 5 seconds after,
try starting the engine again.
Manual transmission: Turn the ignition
key to “ACC” or “LOCK”, and try start-
ing the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see “If your
vehicle will not start—” on page 162 in
this Section.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the pow-
er assist for the brakes and steering
will not work so steering and braking
will be much harder than usual.
If engine speed does not increase with the
accelerator pedal depressed down, there
may be a problem somewhere in your
electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, if you depress the accelerator pedal
more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer 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.
If your engine stalls while
driving If you cannot incr
ease engine
speed
1802004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in “N” (sequential
manual transmission) or in neutral (manual
transmission).
Sequential manual transmission: The
key must be in “ACC”.
Manual transmission: The key must be
in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine run-
ning).
Sequential manual transmission only:
After shifting the selector lever to the “N”
position, always make sure that the gear
is actually disengaged and is in neutral by
pushing the vehicle by hand or other
means. In case the gear can not be put
in neutral, turn the ignition switch from the
“OFF” to “ON” position, and operate the
selector lever once from “N” to “S” or “R”,
then back to “N” again. Then turn the
ignition switch from the ”ON” to “OFF”
position. These procedures may help put
the gear in neutral. If the gear still can
not be put in neutral, you can not tow
with cables or chains.CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the
power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual.
Do not tow with a cable or chain
when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position and/or when the
transmission is not in the neutral
gear position. Otherwise, you may
be involved in an unexpected acci-
dent.
—Installing towing eyelet
SB41065
1. Remove the towing eyelet cover on the bumper, using a flat −bladed screwdriver
which is wrapped with a cloth.