Page 23 of 259
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.
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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.
Page 131 of 259
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.
Page 202 of 259

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.