MR2 Mk1 Warning Lights

by Nick Challoner

People regularly ask for information on instrument panel warning lights on the imoc-uk mailing list. This is understandable given that all MR2s have some warning lights not found on other cars, and of course with second hand cars often an owner's handbook is not supplied with the vehicle. So here is a photo of my instrument panel complete with each warning light given a label. These are each then listed below with an explanation. The meaning of some of the lights are obvious, but I have included them for completeness.

All the warning lights (except the low fuel level and door open lights) illuminate when the ignition key is turned to 'on' but the engine is not started (if not, check the bulb). Note that my car is an early UK example and therefore will be slightly different to later cars or those supplied in other countries. The strange stub stalk in the bottom left of the picture is the remote control for a Sony minidisc player I have fitted.



  1. Low fuel level. Obviously this light illuminates when the fuel level is low, but it does so well below the 'E' level on the rather conservative guage.
  2. Left indicator.
  3. Headlight main beam on.
  4. Right indicator.
  5. Engine bay cooling fan. If this illuminates then there is a problem with the engine bay cooling fan. The owner's handbook advises not to drive at more than 37mph(60km/h) until the fault is corrected.
  6. Blank.
  7. Brake warning light. This light serves two purposes. It illuminates when the handbrake is applied. If it does not extinguish when the handbrake is released, or it illuminates while you are driving, then the brake fluid level is too low.
  8. Battery discharge. This light indicates that the battery is being discharged. This is usually due to alternator or alternator belt failure.
  9. Engine electrical system. This light indicates there is a problem with the engine electrical system.
  10. Blank.
There is one other warning light: the door open warning light. This is located to the right of the instrument panel low down on the side of the plastic housing and is not shown in the photo above. Obviously it illuminates if one of the doors is not closed properly.

Remember that if a warning light is illuminated and the system to which it relates appears to be working correctly, the problem could lie with the warning light sensors or wiring.