Toyota 2003 MR2 Spyder Owner's Manual page 265

03 07.07
Does your vehicle need
repairing?
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip–offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
D
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
D
Appreciable loss of power
D
Strange engine noises
D
A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
D
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
D
Flat–looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
D
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
D
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
D
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
D
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Emissions Inspection
Maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission in-
spection programs which include OBD
(On–Board Diagnostics) checks.
The OBD system monitors the operation
of the emission control system. When the
OBD system determines that a problem
exists somewhere in the emission control
system, the malfunction indicator
comes on. In this case, your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test and need to be
repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to
service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp
does not come on, your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set
during ordinary driving. However, when the
battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on
your driving habits, the codes may not be
completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had
come on recently due to temporary mal-
function such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
2003 MR2 from Aug. '03 Prod. (OM17511U)
and
lamp
195