Toyota MR2 Spyder (2005 year). Manual - part 11
—DOT and Tire Identification
Number (TIN)
7. Uniform tire quality grading—
The “DOT” symbol certifies that the
For details, see “Uniform tire quali-
tire conforms to applicable Federal
ty grading” that follows.
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
8. Tire ply composition and mate-
rials—Plies mean a layer of rub-
ber−coated parallel cords. Cords
mean the strands forming the plies
in the tire.
9.
“TUBELESS”
or
“TUBE
TYPE”—A tubeless tire does not
have a tube inside the tire and air
is directly filled in the tire. A tube
type tire has a tube inside the tire
This illustration indicates typical DOT
and the tube maintains the air
and Tire Identification Number (TIN).
pressure.
1.
“DOT” symbol
10.Radial tires or bias−ply tires—A
2. Tire Identification Number (TIN)
radial tire has
“RADIAL” on the
sidewall. A tire not marked with
3. Tire manufacturer’s identification
“RADIAL” is a bias−ply tire.
mark
11. Summer tire or all season
4. Tire size code
tire—An all season tire has “M+S”
5. Manufacturer’s optional tire type
on the sidewall. The tire not
code
marked with “M+S” is a summer
6. Manufacturing week
tire. For details, see
“Types of
tires” on page 152.
7. Manufacturing year
142
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
—Tire size
—Name of each section of tire
This illustration indicates typical tire
1. Section width
1. Bead
size.
2. Tire height
2. Sidewall
1. Section width (in millimeters)
3. Wheel diameter
3. Shoulder
2. Aspect ratio (tire height to section
4. Tread
width)
5. Belt
3. Tire construction code (R=Radial,
6. Inner liner
D=Diagonal)
7. Reinforcing rubber
4. Wheel diameter (in inches)
8. Carcass
5. Load index (2 digits or 3 digits)
9. Rim lines
6. Speed symbol (alphabet with one
letter)
10.Bead wires
11. Chafer
143
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
—Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared
Treadwear—The tread wear grade is
Warning: The traction grade assigned
in accordance with regulations issued
a comparative rating based on the
to this tire is based on braking
by the National Highway Traffic Safe-
wear rate of the tire when tested un-
(straight ahead) traction tests and
ty Administration of the U.S. Depart-
der controlled conditions on a speci-
does not include cornering (turning)
ment of Transportation. It provides
fied government test course. For ex-
traction.
the purchasers and/or prospective
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear
Temperature A, B, C—The tempera-
purchasers of Toyota vehicles with in-
one and a half (1−1/2) times as well
ture grades are A (the highest), B,
formation on uniform tire quality grad-
on the government course as a tire
and C, representing the tire’s resist-
ing.
graded 100. The relative performance
ance to the generation of heat and its
of tires depends upon the actual con-
Your Toyota dealer will help answer
ability to dissipate heat when tested
ditions of their use, however, and may
any questions you may have as you
under controlled conditions on a spe-
depart significantly from the norm due
read this information.
cified indoor laboratory test wheel.
to variations in driving habits, service
Sustained high temperature can
DOT quality grades—All passenger
practices and differences in road
cause the material of the tire to de-
vehicle tires must conform to Fed-
characteristics and climate.
generate and reduce tire life, and ex-
eral Safety Requirements in addi-
Traction AA, A, B, C—The traction
cessive temperature can lead to sud-
tion to these grades. Quality
grades, from highest to lowest, are
den tire failure. The grade C
grades can be found where appli-
AA, A, B, and C, and they represent
corresponds to a level of performance
cable on the tire sidewall between
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
which all passenger car tires must
tread shoulder and maximum sec-
ment as measured under controlled
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
tion width. For example: Treadwear
conditions on specified government
Safety Standard No.109. Grades B
200 Traction AA Temperature A.
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
and A represent higher levels of per-
A tire marked C may have poor trac-
formance on the laboratory test wheel
tion performance.
than the minimum required by law.
144
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Warning: The temperature grades for
this tire are established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
145
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
—Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related term
Meaning
tire inflation pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours
Cold tire inflation pressure
or more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile under that
condition
the maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and it is
Maximum inflation pressure
shown on the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation pressure
cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
the combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced)
of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, pow-
Accessory weight
er seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as
factory−installed equipment (whether installed or not)
the weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum
Curb weight
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning and addi-
tional weight optional engine
the sum of—
(a) curb weight;
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(b) accessory weight;
(c) vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) production options weight
68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second column
Normal occupant weight
of Table 1 that follows
146
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Tire related term
Meaning
the combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over
2.3 kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not pre-
Production options weight
viously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
Vehicle capacity weight
the rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kg (150 lb.) times the vehicle’s desig-
(Total load capacity)
nated seating capacity
(A) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper
Intended outboard sidewall
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
distribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table
Occupant distribution
1 that follows
a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads
Rim
are seated
Rim diameter (Wheel diameter)
nominal diameter of the bead seat
Rim size designation
rim diameter and width
Rim type designation
the industry of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code
Rim width
nominal distance between rim flanges
the load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two
147
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Tire related term
Meaning
the load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle
Vehicle normal load on the tire
its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight
(distributed in accordance with Table 1 that follows) and dividing by two
Weather side
the surface area of the rim not covered by the inflated tire
Table 1-Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various designated seating capacities
Designated seating capacity, number
Vehicle normal load, number of occu-
Occupant distribution in a normally
of occupants
pants
loaded vehicle
2 through 4
2
2 in front
5 through 10
3
2 in front, 1 in second seat
148
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Cargo and luggage—
Vehicle load limits
—Stowage precautions
Vehicle load limits include total load
Towing capacity
When stowing cargo and luggage in
capacity, seating capacity, towing ca-
the vehicle, observe the following:
Toyota does not recommend towing
pacity and cargo capacity. Follow the
a trailer with your vehicle. Your ve-
D
Put cargo and luggage in the front
load limits shown below.
hicle is not designed for trailer towing.
box or luggage space when at all
Total load capacity:
possible. Be sure all items are se-
Cargo capacity
193 kg (425 lb.)
cured in place.
Cargo capacity may increase or de-
Total load capacity means combined
D
Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
crease depending on the size (weight)
weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
anced. Locating the weight as far
and the number of occupants. For de-
gage. Tongue load is included when
forward as possible helps maintain
tails, see “Capacity and distribution”
trailer towing.
balance.
that follows.
Seating capacity:
D
For better fuel economy, do not
Total 2 (Front 2)
CAUTION
carry unneeded weight.
Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupants whose esti-
Do not apply the load more than
CAUTION
mated average weight is 68 kg (150
each load limit. That may cause
lb.) per person. Depending on the
not only damage to the tires, but
D Never allow anyone to ride in
weight of each person, the seating ca-
also deterioration to the steering
the luggage space. It is not de-
pacity given may exceed the total
ability and braking ability, which
signed for the passenger. The
load capacity.
may cause an accident.
passenger should ride in the
seat with the seat belt properly
NOTICE
fastened. Severe injuries to an
Even if the number of occupants
unrestrained passenger can
are within the seating capacity,
occur during sudden braking
do not exceed the total load ca-
or a collision.
pacity.
149
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
—Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the to-
4.
The resulting figure equals the
D Do not drive with objects left
tal weight of the occupants.
available amount of cargo and lug-
on top of the instrument panel.
gage load capacity. For example,
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
They may interfere with the
if the “XXX” amount equals 1400
ity)
- (Total weight of occupants)
driver’s field of view. Or they
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
may move during sharp vehicle
STEPS FOR DETERMINING
passengers in your vehicle, the
acceleration or turning, and im-
CORRECT LOAD LIMIT
amount of available cargo and lug-
pair the driver’s control of the
1. Locate the statement
“The
gage load capacity is
650 lbs.
vehicle. In an accident they
combined weight of occupants and
(1400-750 (5x150)=650 lbs).
may injure the vehicle occu-
cargo should never exceed XXX
5.
Determine the combined weight of
pants.
pounds” on your vehicle’s placard.
luggage and cargo being loaded
2. Determine the combined weight of
on the vehicle. That weight may
the driver and passengers that will
not safely exceed the available
be riding in your vehicle.
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
3. Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
6.
If your vehicle will be towing a
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available car-
go and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
Toyota does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Your ve-
hicle is not designed for trailer towing.
150
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
113 kg - 70 kg = 43 kg.
CAUTION
(249 lb. - 154 lb. = 95 lb.)
As shown in the above example, if the
Even if the total load of occu-
number of occupants increases, the
pant’s weight and the cargo load
cargo and luggage load equaling the
is less than the total load capac-
combined weight of occupants who
ity, do not apply the load uneven-
got on later must be reduced. In other
Cargo
ly. That may cause not only dam-
words, if the increase in the number
capacity
age to the tire but also deteriora-
of occupants causes the excess of
tion to the steering ability due to
the total load capacity
(combined
Total load
unbalance of the vehicle, causing
capacity
weight of occupants plus cargo and
an accident.
luggage load), you have to reduce the
cargo and luggage on your vehicle.
EXAMPLE ON YOUR VEHICLE
For details about total load capacity,
In case that 1 people with the com-
see “Vehicle load limits” on page 149.
bined weight of 80 kg (176 lb.) are
riding in your vehicle with the total
load capacity of 193 kg (425 lb.), the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be as follows:
193 kg - 80 kg = 113 kg.
(425 lb. - 176 lb. = 249 lb.)
From this condition, if 1 more passen-
ger with the combined weight of 70
kg (154 lb.) get on, the available car-
go and luggage load will be reduced
as follows:
151
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Types of tires
Determine what kind of tires your
CAUTION
vehicle is originally equipped with.
1. Summer tires
D Do not mix summer and all sea-
Summer tires are high−speed capabil-
son tires on your vehicle as
ity tires best suited to highway driving
this can cause dangerous han-
under dry conditions.
dling characteristics, resulting
Since summer tires do not have the
in loss of control.
same traction performance as snow
D Do not use tires other than the
tires, summer tires are inadequate for
manufacture’s
designated
driving on snow−covered or icy roads.
tires, and never mix tires or
For driving on snow−covered or icy
wheels of the sizes different
roads, we recommend using snow
from the originals as this can
tires. If installing snow tires, be sure
cause dangerous handling
to replace all four tires.
characteristics, resulting in
2. All season tires
loss of control.
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to be
adequate for driving in most winter
conditions, as well as for use all year
round.
152
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
SECTION 3
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Before starting the engine
154
How to start the engine
154
Tips for driving in various conditions
155
Winter driving tips
156
Dinghy towing
157
Trailer towing
158
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too
158
153
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
How to start the engine—
Before starting the engine
(a) Before cranking
(b) Starting the engine
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-
1.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Before starting the engine, be sure to
fore entering it.
follow the instructions in
“(a) Before
2.
Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
cranking”.
Sequential manual transmission only:
sories.
When the driver’s door is opened, a motor
Normal starting procedure
3.
Sequential manual transmission: Turn
sound may be heard from the engine
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
the ignition switch to
“ON” position.
compartment, but it is not a malfunction.
tial multiport fuel injection system in your
Hold down the brake pedal firmly, and
The motor will stop after a certain period
engine automatically controls the proper
place the selector lever to the “N” posi-
of time.
air−fuel mixture for starting. You can start
tion. Make sure that the
“N” indicator
a cold or hot engine as follows:
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle,
in the instrument cluster comes on. A
seat cushion angle and steering wheel
starter safety device will prevent the
Sequential manual transmission: With
angle.
starter from operating if the selector
your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
lever is in a position except “N” or the
the ignition key to the ”START” position
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view
brake pedal is not depressed.
and crank the engine while depressing
mirrors.
the brake pedal. Release the key when
Manual transmission: Press the clutch
4. Lock both the doors.
the engine starts.
pedal to the floor and shift the trans-
5. Fasten seat belts.
The engine cannot be cranked if the
mission into neutral. Hold the clutch
selector lever is in a position except
pedal to the floor until the engine is
”N” or the brake pedal is not de-
started. A starter safety device will pre-
pressed.
vent the starter from operating if the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
Manual transmission: With your foot
off the accelerator pedal, crank the en-
gine by turning the key to the “START”
position. Release the key when the en-
gine starts.
Engine should be warmed up by driving,
not in idle. For warming up drive with
smoothly turning engine until engine cool-
ant temperature is within normal range.
154
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Tips for driving in various
conditions
If the engine stalls...
D Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
CAUTION
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
D Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
D Before driving off, make sure that
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
If the engine will not start...
the parking brake is fully released
onto high, sharp−edged objects and
See
“If your vehicle will not start—” on
and the parking brake reminder
other road hazards. Failure to do so
page 162 in Section 4.
light is off.
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
D Do not leave your vehicle unat-
NOTICE
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
tended while the engine is running.
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
z Do not crank for more than 30 sec-
D Do not rest your foot on the brake
wise, the impact could cause severe
onds at a time. This may overheat
pedal while driving. It can cause
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
the starter and wiring systems.
dangerous overheating, needless
D When parking on a hill, turn the front
z Do not race a cold engine.
wear, and poor fuel economy.
wheels until they touch the curb so
z If the engine becomes difficult to
D To drive down a long or steep hill,
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
start or stalls frequently, have the
reduce your speed and downshift.
parking brake, and place the transmis-
engine checked immediately.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
sion in “S(1)” or “R”
(sequential manual
transmission) or in first or reverse
excessively, they may overheat and
(manual transmission). If necessary,
not work properly.
block the wheels.
D Be careful when accelerating, up-
D Washing your vehicle or driving through
shifting, downshifting or braking on
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
see whether they are wet, check that
tion or engine braking could cause
there is no traffic near you, and then
the vehicle to skid or spin.
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
155
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)
Winter driving tips
Make sure your coolant is properly pro-
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
D Do not drive in excess of the speed
tected against freezing.
any battery, so it must be in top shape
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
to provide enough power for winter start-
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
permits it, do not drive over
140
ing. Section 7−3 tells you how to visually
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
based non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite,
has high−speed capability tires.
and most service stations will be pleased
and non−borate coolant with long−life hy-
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
to check the level of charge.
brid organic acid technology.
(Coolant with
result in tire failure, loss of control
long−life hybrid organic acid technology is
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
a combination of low phosphates and or-
suitable for the cold weather.
sult a tire dealer to determine
ganic acids.)
whether the tires on your vehicle
See page 208 in Section 7−2 for recom-
are high−speed capability tires or
See “Checking the engine coolant level” in
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
not before driving at such speeds.
Section
7−2 for details of coolant type
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
selection.
months may cause harder starting. If you
D Do not continue normal driving
are not sure about which oil to use, call
when the brakes are wet. If they are
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
your Toyota dealer—they will be pleased
wet, your vehicle will require a lon-
ture of
50% coolant and
50% deionized
to help.
ger stopping distance, and it may
water. This coolant provides protection
Keep the door locks from freezing.
pull to one side when the brakes
down to about −35_C (−31_F).
are applied. Also, the parking brake
Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the
will not hold the vehicle securely.
NOTICE
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
Do not use plain water alone.
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
Check the condition of the battery and
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
cables.
the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
156
2005 MR2 from Aug. ’04Prod. (OM17527U)