2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder

INFORMED DEALER OF EXCESSIVE OIL CUNSUMPTION ONLY TWO WEEKS AND 2,000 MILES AFTER OIL CHANGE. CAR SERVICED REGULARLY BY DEALER. TOYOTA TECHNICAL RESPONDS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY BE CAUSING IT, BUT NUMEROUS INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY OWNERS. MOST INCIDENTS LEAD TO TOTAL ENGINE LOCKUP DUE TO ABSENCE OF OIL AS THE MAIN RINGS FAIL AND OIL IS RELEASED INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND ON TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GETS CLOGGED AND BACKPRESSURE RESULTS IN A BLOWN ENGINE. TOYOTA HAS INTRODUCED A MODIFIED SHORTBLOCK THAT ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE REGIONAL DISTRIBUTORSHIPS HAVE TAKEN AN ATTITUDE OF DENIAL OF THE PROBLEM. NUMEROUS COROLLAS AND CELICA GTS VEHICLES, WHICH USE THE SAME 1ZZ-FE ENGINE, HAVE EXPRESSED SIMILAR INCIDENTS.*AK

NHTSA ID

766664

Incident

Sep 1, 2002

PARKED VEHICLE WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE, WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED BACK. *JG

NHTSA ID

8006248

Incident

Mar 18, 2002

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid.