PLEASE READ - MR2ROC – Useful Links for Members old and new.

Started by Anonymous, January 21, 2004, 19:44

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Anonymous

[Mod]Historical opening post merged into Useful links thread, June 2013

Hi and welcome to the Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting section.

The aim of this sticky is to help users better understand certain problems and to benefit from the shared experience of a number of MR2 owners as to probable diagnosis and resolution.

However information can date and users are positively encouraged to use the search function of the board whilst it also prevents repetitive questions. Although the spirit of the section is one of self-help, many of the recommendations are to approach your local Toyota dealer and exercise that 3 year/60,000 mile warranty  s;) ;) s;)  Users are therefore advised to approach an official Toyota dealer in the event of any work being required on their vehicles.

Accessory drive belt tensioner discussion
 l viewtopic.php?t=1294 l
A rattle from the right hand side of the engine, making it sound like a clattering diesel engine and is most commonly heard at idle, but goes away when the throttle is depressed. Easily curable, but Toyota main dealers will only fix it if you tell them about it. The fix involves replacing the tensioner but they may also change the belt as well.
 
Alloy wheel corroding/bubbling discussion
 l viewtopic.php?t=1316 l
This may appear as 'pitting' or small bubbles of the paint finish which will spread over time. Look for it at the edges of the spokes. Draw this to the attention of the dealer and reckon on a 2 week lead time for the dealer to get the wheels in.

Alloy wheel repairs
 l viewtopic.php?t=728 l

Corrosion of brake callipers and disc/hub assemblies
 l viewtopic.php?t=110 l
Brake discs are made of iron and will rust like hell if left unused for a period. That's a fact of life and should be expected. If however, that rust is creeping off the disc and along the hub towards the wheel, it may be corrected under warranty. Toyota dealers used to put on new pads and discs if pressed hard enough on this matter, but the current thinking is to clean away the oxidation from the hub and apply a very hardwearing chemical treatment that prevent further corrosion occurring.

For the brake callipers you may be able to persuade your dealer to paint them for you, but it's a very easy job that you can quite easily do yourself. Suitable caliper paints are available from Halfords in a variety of colours, from subtle black to "look-at-me" yellow.

Headlamp misting
The MR2 has plastic headlights, the clear front polycarbonate lens being bonded to the black plastic base with glue. This joint can leak, allowing small amounts of moisture into the headlight casing. Your Toyota main dealer should replace these under warranty.

Knock/clonking/squeaking on full lock
These make themselves known when parking or any other manoeuvre that requires full steering lock to be applied. This has been fixed in some cases by lubrication of the front suspension mounts or having them replaced either of which is typically offered if done under warranty. Others have reported that a tire change has resolved the issue. Further discussion on the subject can be found below.
 l viewtopic.php?t=2535 l

Pre-catalyst disintegration/engine failures
This sticky makes no recommendation on the pre-cat/engine problems as the idea is to provide (hopefully) resolutions to known issues. As Toyota has not publicly identified such an issue and no-one has a confirmed fix, any information is strictly an educated/uneducated guess/supposition etc.

However a comparable issue appears to occur with the Nissan SE-R which xman over at Spyderchat spotted. More info can be found at  m http://www.nissanusa.com/form/1,,action ... 31,00.html m   and by selecting SE-R and 2004 as the year.

An extract of the Nissan info is quoted below.

QuoteReason for Recall
There is a possibility that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire.

What Nissan Will Do
In order to prevent this incident from occurring, your Nissan dealer will reprogram the electronic control module to prevent any future damage to the pre-catalyst. In addition, the dealer will install heat shields on certain components of the exhaust system on vehicles that do not already have them. This free service should take about three hours to complete, but your dealer may require your vehicle for a longer period of time based upon the dealer's work schedule. The pre-catalyst will be tested to ensure it is working properly and replaced if necessary. If damage is found inside the pre-catalyst, it will be necessary to replace the engine. Nissan anticipates that few engines will need to be replaced. If the engine needs to be replaced, this also will be free of charge and will take several days.

Rattles
A common problem are rattles and there is link below to Toyota Technical Service Bulletins with helpful information on the ones Toyota know about and can fix. One of these is the 'glovebox' rattle which can be caused by a cable that hasn't been secured properly behind the passenger airbag although the glovebox itself can also be a cause. For the 'sunvisor' rattle see
 l viewtopic.php?t=80 l

Recalls
Wiring loom - see  l viewtopic.php?f=31&t=22552 l


Roof 'ears' & straps
 l viewtopic.php?t=192 l
When the hood is folded down, the corners can stick out like "ears" due to an issue with roof straps. There is strap that runs from left to right through the hood lining (directly over your head when the hood is raised), when the hood is folded, it ensures the rearmost corners of the folded hood assembly tuck themselves in so that the hood sits neatly in its well. The strap is usually correctly fastened one side of the hood, and only requires you to copy the installation on the other side by routing the strap around the correct part of the frame and securing a pop stud.

Roof material discussion
 l viewtopic.php?t=109 l

Roof seals/leaks
 l viewtopic.php?t=2219 l
 l viewtopic.php?t=1049 l

Roof gap
 l viewtopic.php?t=486 l

Touch-up paintwork
 l viewtopic.php?t=312 l

Toyota technical support articles
 m http://www.autoshop101.com/autoshop15.html m

Wheel alignment
 l viewtopic.php?t=950 l

Please PM me with any feedback & questions.

"MR2ROC are not responsible for the content or accuracy of the referenced articles or websites. Always approach your local Toyota dealer in the event of any repair or rectification work."

[mod] Removed dead TSB link[/mod]
[mod=simon]Changed links to phpBB3[/mod]

enid_b

MR2ROC – Useful Links for Members old and new.[/u]

This post is designed provide the answer to some of those questions asked by potential owners and new owners alike.  It is broken down into different sections, ranging from Common Faults, How To's, and Where can I get....  Its not an exhaustive list, but will give you a nod in the right direction.  If you have any questions, or cannot find the answer you are looking for, or even if you have a question you don't want to post in public, feel free to PM me and I will do my best to either answer it, or refer you to someone that can.

Common Abbreviations used by Toyota and the MR2ROC
Reference section of the MR2ROC forum
Toyota Workshop Manual for MR2 Roadster

MAINTENANCE, PROBLEMS, AND TROUBLE SHOOTING

Precats – All you need to know


Official MR2ROC thread –
The info -
Official MR2ROC thread

Symptoms –
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
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Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

How to remove them?
Instructions here

Who can remove them for you

VARIOUS COMPANIES
PETERBOROUGH AREA
SURREY AREA
NORTH EAST AREA
SOUTH YORKSHIRE AREA[/quote]

Alternatives to removing the precats – i.e. fitting an aftermarket manifold (header)
The Che Header is considered to be the most popular replacement manifold

Possible removal problems (not the end of the world)
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D


CEL – engine warning light

If your CEL (yellow engine light on speedometer) lights, it is important to have this code read as soon as possible.  Failure to do so could result in damage being caused to the engine.  Toyota will charge you in the region of £40 to read the code.  Code readers are available from many car parts shops or ebay for less than the price of one inspection.  Fault codes on Japanese imports or MR-S are not generally readable using this system, and Toyota can struggle reading them too.

Use the Search Facility here

Code Readers
members who have one you may be able to use
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

List/translation of CEL CODES HERE

How to attach the code reader


In some cases, the ECU for the car will engage a 'limp mode' or 'get me home'  At is not advisable to drive further than necessary as it could potentially cause damage to other components.  Disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes will clear the fault. There is no memory for this system so once its gone it cannot be read retrospectively.  



O2 Sensors – problems

The UK spec MR2 roadster is fitted with 3 O2 sensors, 2 on the manifold and 1 post catalyst (this can be found by looking under the car close to the exhaust pipe)  MR-S or Japanese imports only have 2 in total, those on the manifold.  The O2 sensor measure the content of the gases going through the exhaust, resulting in the ECU adjusting mixtures of fuel and air to optimise combustion.  These sensors can break from time to time, resulting in a CEL (engine warning light on dashboard).  Using a code reader can save a trip to the dealer, and will normally identify the fault immediately.  MOT emissions test failures can often be attributed to dirty or faulty O2 sensors.

Use the Search Facility Here

Problems
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
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Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

Replacements
Ebay are a good source for these sensors, remember you need a FOUR wire version,  Gendan are a popular choice with some members on this site
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D [link revised 01/07/09 - Ste]

If you are replacing them, you will need a O2 sensor socket removal tool (22mm socket with an open side to protect the wire.  Generally available from eBayClick to Go to Ebay now
Word of WARNING: be very careful with these sensors, and the threads that they screw into, they are delicate.
Read more here


MOT Emissions – some popular posts on failures and cures

The MR2 was designed as an Ultra Low Emissions vehicle, in order for it to be sold in certain states in the USA.  Hence that is why they built precats into them, a 2nd catalyst to remove more of the badness whilst the main cat warmed up.  Removing this does not have a known effect on your emissions in relation to a UK MOT test, but some members have had problems with CO output and other gases.  In general terms, the best way to keep your emissions green is through regular servicing, cleaning your spark plugs, air filter, O2 sensors, and MAF sensor.  The posts below highlight many of the above, and possible solutions.

Search Results
Use the Search Facility Here

Useful posts
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
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Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

MAF sensor – what is it, where is it, how do I clean it?

What is a MAF sensor?

Where is it? – (photos)
link to SPYDERCHAT pictures

Cleaning the MAF
Cleaning the MAF
Cleaning the MAF
Cleaning the MAF


Roof Related Questions

Soft top - Roof Related posts
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
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Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link (first page only)  s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

Cleaning your soft top
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

Hartop – Roof Related posts
Hardtop storage
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Improved Handling
Hardtop Fitting Guide

Tyres, Which Ones, How Much, Wear rates, Pressures
Tyres are a  very subjective subject on this forum, as with most areas of this car.  The crucial thing about this car is its handling.  Most important factors here are to ensure that you have FOUR matching tyres, ie brand and model.  This car does not like having a mixture of treads at each corner.  Second most important factor is the pressure. Toyota recommends that the front are set at 26psi, and the rear at 32psi.  Slight differences to these pressures can cause noticeable changes in the handling of your car.  Toyo Proxes T1R or S appear to be the forum's favourite tyre at present.

Tyre information
Tyre Information
Tyre Information
Tyre Information
Tyre Information
Tyre Information
Tyre Information
Tyre Information


Tyre Pressures
Tyre Pressures
Tyre PressuresTyre Pressures

Tyre Suppliers and costs
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

A guide on how to replace the discs and pads (not 56k friendly)

linky  s:D :D s:D



Posts to focus the mind for new and experienced RWDrivers
Be Careful !   s:D :D s:D
Be Careful !   s:D :D s:D
Be Careful !   s:D :D s:D
Be Very Careful !   s:D :D s:D
Be Super Careful !   s:D :D s:D


Oil

A few posts about which oil is most suitable, synthetic or natural, and so on.

Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D
Click here for the link   s:D :D s:D

The dipstick on this car is not the easiest to read, so here are a few pointers.

How to read the dipstick
How to read the dipstick
How to read the dipstick


Oilman is our resident guru, what he doesn't know about oil, you don't need to know/  He also supplies oil, and has regular special offers featured on this site.
Find oilman here, and some other info

Alloy Wheels

This car as with several others in the Toyota range suffers from bubbling of the alloy wheels.  If you are still within your manufacturers warranty period, take it straight back to them and they will (sometimes after some persuasion) replace them Free of Charge.  Some dealers have been known to change them after this period.  The general rule is to try to keep them as clean as you can, use a good quality wheel cleaner and plenty of polish/preserver.
Alloy Bubbling
How to prevent it - or at least slow it down
How to prevent it - or at least slow it down
How to prevent it - or at least slow it down
How to prevent it - or at least slow it down

Rattles and the like
Rattly noises

Here is a list of other general issues and known problems
more alloy info


This post has not been designed to scare you off, or to worry you, merely to point you along the right way and to help you get a better appreciation of your car, what it likes, what it doesn't like, and so on.  Read this, it will make you feel a bit better,
Make you feel better - promise


If you are feeling all geared up now, and looking for your first project, then have a look here, List of How To's and remember, if you get stuck just search the forums, and ask the members, that's why we are all here.


Happy Motoring


Enid_b
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

rtbiscuit

#2
nice thought enid, good work, be interesting to see if its used.

might be best placed as stickies at the top of a special noob thread.   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

here is some questions off the top of my head

"will these wheels fit thread ?"

"whats the offset, pcd etc ?"

"what tyres ?"

"what oil should i use ?"

"what does everybodies car look like ?"

"what body kit is this, what kits are available ?"

"what NA mods are there ?"

"what other performance mods are there ?"

"turbos, Superchargers etc ?"

hows that for off the top of my head
current car: Jaguar XKR

Previous cars:

Honda S2000 - Nissan 350Z - Honda CTR - Toyota MR2 roadster - Peugeot 306 GTi6

Proud owner of 2 Enid stars!!!

RacingSnake

#3
A link to the already sticky Glossary thread would be a must for the 'what does this stand for & what is that acronym' type questions:
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11538

How about covering the 'where can I find a workshop manual' question, maybe using http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/

Good work on your list so far as well

kanujunkie

#4
[MOD] Stickied   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  [/MOD]
[size=100]Stu[/size]
[size=80]rip - C2 chargecooled roadster
now Subaru Impreza WRX STi with PPP
ex committee 2004-2009[/size]

enid_b

#5
thanks rich.

im concentrating on the maintenance, problems and trouble shooting side at the moment, so whilst the questions you raised are brilliant examples, im not gonna get round to them for a while (or even someone else might take this one on)

so, its open to the floor again, just post your 'noobish questions' like we all did when we first joined, so that i can get a feel for whats needed in here.

Ta

E
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

rtbiscuit

#6
not a problem, how about these

where is the maf sensor, how do you clean it?

how do you remove the airbox?

how do you change a manifold?

how do you take off/change the badge at the front?
current car: Jaguar XKR

Previous cars:

Honda S2000 - Nissan 350Z - Honda CTR - Toyota MR2 roadster - Peugeot 306 GTi6

Proud owner of 2 Enid stars!!!

enid_b

#7
updated but not finished.


Dan, when its finished, are you going to lock it, and remove all this discussion or shall i just copy n paste it onto a new thread?

ta
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

enid_b

#8
Quote from: "rtbiscuit"might be best placed as stickies at the top of a special noob thread.   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  



lol
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

Chris_h

#9
Great effort Jason.

Thinking back to some of things that foxed me...

1) That ackermann / skipping on full lock which some peeps say is caused by dead top mounts, but seems to be a feature of the steering geometry. ISTR there being quite a bit posted on this...



2) errr, guess I've been lucky as that is the only thing which concerned me on either of my 2's
ex 02 Black, 00 Silver, 53 Black, 03 in silver - then s2000, civic type r, mini jcw, civic type r, Alfa Brera, z4 si coupe, now m135i. Still miss the 2 and will have another one someday....

enid_b

#10
Quote from: "Chris_h"1) That ackermann / skipping on full lock which some peeps say is caused by dead top mounts, but seems to be a feature of the steering geometry. ISTR there being quite a bit posted on this...



?   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

filcee

#11
Quote from: "enid_b"
Quote from: "Chris_h"1) That ackermann / skipping on full lock which some peeps say is caused by dead top mounts, but seems to be a feature of the steering geometry. ISTR there being quite a bit posted on this...



?   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:

Here's one thread about this:

http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2088&highlight=front+clonking
(I searched for "front clonking", and turned up 64 pages!!  I think this was nearly 10 pages in, so a better search term might be required :-/ )

It boils down to an odd 'clonk' when manoeuvring at low speed - usually in reverse.  After a few feet, or even inches, of tyre rotation, there would be a loud 'clonk' from the front of the car.  The noise would be reminiscent of something winding up a spring, or flexing some metal, which would then suddenly let go "clonk" returning to its previous state.  Occasionally it was possible to feel the front of the car 'skip' slightly along with the clonk.  I had the top mounts replaced under warranty on my '01 model, which fixed the problem for a few months, and it then came back.  I've not had anything similar on my '03.  Other theories are based around tyre wear causing a lack of grip at the front, with the "clonk" being the result of tyre slip at low speed.

HTH.
Phil
2003 6-sp SMT in Sable
x-2001 5-sp SMT in Lagoon Blue

spit

#12
Jason, splendid work dear chap  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Heatshield (cat and manifold) rattles might be worth pulling together with a series of links. In fact, I was planning a whole rattle diagnostic thread a while back but it never happened. Perhaps this is the place for it, and we could include some belt tensioner stuff too.

Here's a heatshield link to start you off .... Clicky

Quote from: "enid_b"Dan, when its finished, are you going to lock it, and remove all this discussion or shall i just copy n paste it onto a new thread?

I suggest we keep this open as I have with the Glossary thread. Eventually the additions will tail off but we can stay open in case any new themes come along. As and when issues have been picked up and put into your opening post, we can delete the post that raised it. I'm happy to work alongside you with this Jason.
1999 MR-S with added C2 POWΣR

Humbled recipient of the Perry Byrnes memorial trophy (2007 & 2011)

enid_b

#13
sweet, like lemons lol.

will keep chipping away at it. got a few (relatively) busy days ahead... but work is in progress.

keep the suggestions coming gang


E
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

enid_b

#14
anymore for anymore?
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

Anonymous

#15
Hi all i have just joined and picking her up this saturday!
just wanted to say great site and superb advice keep em coming!

Anonymous

#16
Just seen this (Quick ain't I?  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:  )

Just a thought would it be a bit more helpful if instead of "click here for the link" you could have something like this?

Who can remove them for you

VARIOUS COMPANIES
PETERBOROUGH AREA
SURREY AREA
NORTH EAST AREA
SOUTH YORKSHIRE AREA

enid_b

#17
ta les,

i ran out of steam on this to be honest, what with the boy arriving etc.

but i may give it a tune up in the next few months when im back on night shifts.

J
Ex \'51 Roadster, now  Verso SR !!! the official MR2ROC support vehicle.
Quote from: \"markiii to deej\"the difference will be because your old plugs were fubared

a bloke with a flint would likely have been an improvement

spuddy333

hi,thought ,mmm good thread ,so sat down with a cuppa for a read through only to find most of the links are dead...
is it listed elsewhere on the site or am just being dumb lol
thanks

nathanMR2

This threads pretty old now to be fair. We havent really got an updated version as present but this is some we could perhaps look at doing. The only issue I see is that things change so fast these days that its hard to keep up.

If theres anything in particular your looking for you should find this in the how to's, reference, the stickys at the top of the pages or a simple search.
MR2 Roadster TTE Turbo - now sold and 2less but forever an enthusiast

spit

We were lucky to have Jason (enid_b) step up and put some time in to gather these threads together.

If its a popular idea, I'm sure Committee and Moderators would welcome a volunteer to review and update things.   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Or.... pick a topic that you're researching on ROC, post up some useful links on this thread and one of the Mods will merge them into the opening narrative.
1999 MR-S with added C2 POWΣR

Humbled recipient of the Perry Byrnes memorial trophy (2007 & 2011)

nirurin

Sorry to post on a sticky, but it seems a lot of these links are now dead? Which seems odd as they are internal links...
Edit: should have read the end page first, seems everyone already knows  s:) :) s:)
If and when I buy a car, I may sit down and sort out a new index, as a way of saying thanks :p

roger

Quote from: "nirurin"Sorry to post on a sticky, but it seems a lot of these links are now dead? Which seems odd as they are internal links...
Edit: should have read the end page first, seems everyone already knows  s:) :) s:)
If and when I buy a car, I may sit down and sort out a new index, as a way of saying thanks :p

The links are all referenced to phpBB2, whereas it seems they should be phpBB3 (probably caused by an update).

Unless other mods can start the edit (I've done a few to test it) I'll finish off tomorrow sometime.
Roger

EX: \'04 Sable + PE Turbo and many other things
NOW: MR2 on steroids - \'12 Merc SLK200 AMG125

Use Spydersearch if you are stuck for information. Please.
Check my fuel consumption

nathanMR2

All changed to BBC3
MR2 Roadster TTE Turbo - now sold and 2less but forever an enthusiast

ad_car_08

Some of the "Click here for the link" links referring to the Che Header are broken. Kept saying topic doesn't exist?
[size=85]2004 Sable MR2 Roadster - Track toy
Honda Civic EX 1.0T - Company Car
[/size]

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