Page 7 of 259
vii2004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Sequential manual
transmission driving tips
(Models equipped with Sequential Manual
Transmission only)
The sequential manual transmission is a 6 −speed 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 1 −6 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.
Page 10 of 259
22004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Instrument panel overview
1. Side vents
2. Instrument cluster
3. Center vents
4. Interior light
5. Glove box
6. Manual transmission gear shift lever orsequential manual transmission selector
lever
7. Parking brake lever
8. Power window switches
9. Power rear view mirror control switches
10. Power window lock switch 11. Power door lock switch
12. Front fog light switch
13. Instrument panel light control switch
SB11025b
Page 11 of 259
32004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
1. Headlight and turn signal switches
2. Transmission shift switches (with sequential manual transmission)
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Clock
5. Rear window defogger switch
6. Emergency flasher switch
7. Auxiliary box
8. Engine immobilizer system indicator light
9. Air conditioning controls
10. Car audio 11. Cup holders
12. Ashtray
13. Cigarette lighter
14. Cruise control switch (sequential manual transmission)
15. Ignition switch
16. Tilt steering lock release lever
SB11022a
Page 12 of 259
42004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
Instrument cluster overview
SB11023a
1. Speedometer
2. Service reminder indicators and indica-tor lights
3. Gear position indicators (sequential manual transmission) 4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Low fuel level warning light
6. Fuel gauge
7. Tachometer
8. Trip meter reset knob
9. Odometer and two trip meters
Page 13 of 259
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
Page 28 of 259

202004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
SB12087
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH FUEL
TANK CAP
To lock: Turn the key clockwise.
The fuel filler door opener lever can be
locked by the key.
When leaving the vehicle with the soft top
lowered, make sure to lock the fuel filler
door opener lever with the key.
The engine hood lock release lever is
locked at the same time. Sequential manual transmission:
Before
raising or lowering the soft top, lower both
side windows, apply the parking brake, put
the selector lever in the “S(1)” position
and stop the engine.
Manual transmission: Before raising or
lowering the soft top, lower both side win-
dows, apply the parking brake, stop the
engine and put the transmission lever in
the first position.
CAUTION
When raising or lowering the soft
top, keep hands off from the hinges
of the top side rails and any part
of the top linkage.
To prevent personal injury, do not
raise or lower the soft top when the
wind is strong.
The vehicle should never be driven
with the soft top partially lowered.
Make sure the top has been either
fully latched to the windshield
frame or fully lowered before driv-
ing.
NOTICE
Make sure there are no items or
packages in the folding board when
lowering in the soft top. Even small
items may interfere with the soft
top operation and can cause dam-
age.
Do not sit or place excessive
weight on the soft top when the top
is up or down. Damage to the top
may occur.
Do not raise or lower the soft top
when the temperature is below 5 C
(41 F). Damage to the top or rear
window may result. If necessary to
do so, warm the vehicle in a heated
garage prior to operating the soft
top mechanism.
Do not lower the soft top if the top
is damp or wet. Possible interior
water damage, water stains or mil-
dew on the top material may result.
Soft top—
—Soft top precautions
Page 86 of 259
782004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(h)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer immediately. If the vehicle cannot be driven, contact your
Toyota dealer.
(i)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(j)Close both the doors.
(k)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer immediately.
(l)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(m)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
(n)Light reminder buzzerTurn off lights.
(o)Warning function of the
sequential manual transmissionSee “Sequential manual transmission” on page 85 in Section 1−6.
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802004 MR2 from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM17518U)
(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being
discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, there
is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to oper-
ate, however, until the battery is dis-
charged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to
the nearest Toyota dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
(e) Low Engine Oil Pressure WarningLight
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly. The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position and
goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is
operation properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
following.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips. If the lamp does not go off even after
several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, elec-
tronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warn-
ing light system itself.
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
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.