2014 Toyota Highlander Owners Manual

Coupler Trailer ball

■Before towing

Check that the following conditions are met: ●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 642) ●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-

dation.

●All trailer lights work as required by law. ●All lights work each time you connect them. ●The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer. ●The trailer is level when it is hitched.

Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

●The trailer cargo is securely loaded. ●The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for tow- ing purposes.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-1. Before driving

221

■Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec- ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km). After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration. ■Maintenance

●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)

●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately

600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

■If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability. ●If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to

reduce speed. Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer should stabilize. ●After the trailer swaying has stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle. • Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer. • Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not shifted. Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination. Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi- cle-trailer increases as speed increases.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

222

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer.

■To avoid accident or injury

●Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR. ●If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device

with sufficient capacity is required.

●If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2268 kg), a weight distributing

hitch with sufficient capacity is required.

●Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads

as close to the trailer axle as possible.

●Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help avoid an accident. If you experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing a certain speed, slow down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the speed of which you experience the instability.

●Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns. ●Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery sur- faces.

●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,

gross axle weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.

●Do not use cruise control when towing. ●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-1. Before driving

223

WARNING

●Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts when descending steep or long downhill grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

●Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do not tow a trailer when the compact

spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.

■When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed- eral and state/provincial regulations. ●If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli- cable federal and state/provincial regulations.

●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-

cle’s braking effectiveness.

●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

NOTICE

■When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

■Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

224

4-1. Before driving

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with 4 wheels on the ground.

■To prevent causing serious damage to the Dynamic Torque Control

AWD system (AWD models) and transmission 2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground. This may cause serious damage to the transmission.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with any of the wheels on the ground. This may cause serious damage the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system and transmission.

to

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-2. Driving procedures

225

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a smart key system)

Starting the engine

Check that the parking brake is set. Check that the shift lever is set in P. Firmly depress the brake pedal. Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start the engine.

Changing the engine switch positions

“LOCK” The steering wheel is locked and the key can be removed. (The key can be removed only when the shift lever is in P.) “ACC” Some electrical components such as the power outlet can be used.

“ON” All electrical components can be used. “START” For starting the engine.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

226

4-2. Driving procedures

■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”

Shift the shift lever to P. (P. 234) Push in the key and turn it to the “LOCK” position.

■If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 80) Contact your Toyota dealer.

■When the steering lock cannot be released

When starting the engine, the engine switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK” position. To free it, turn the key while turn- ing the steering wheel slightly left and right.

■Key reminder function

A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.

WARNING

■When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■Caution when driving

Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the engine. An accident may result if the engine is stopped while driving. (P. 555)

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-2. Driving procedures

227

NOTICE

■To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri- ods of time without the engine running.

■When starting the engine

●Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may

overheat the starter and wiring system.

●Do not race a cold engine. ●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-

cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

228

4-2. Driving procedures

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a smart key system) Performing the following operations when carrying the elec- tronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.

Starting the engine

Check that the parking brake is set. Check that the shift lever is set in P. Firmly depress the brake pedal. Vehicles with monochrome display:

will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started. Vehicles with color display:

and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started. Press the engine switch. The engine will crank until it starts or for up to 30 seconds, whichever is less. Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started. The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-2. Driving procedures

229

Stopping the engine

Stop the vehicle. Shift the shift lever to P. Set the parking brake. (P. 240) Press the engine switch. Release the brake pedal and check that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI- TION ON” on the multi-information display is off.

Changing engine switch modes Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

Off* The emergency flashers can be used. The multi-information display will not be displayed. ACCESSORY mode Some electrical components such as the power outlet can be used. “ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the multi-information display. IGNITION ON mode All electrical components can be used. “IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the multi-information display.

*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine,

the engine switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

230

4-2. Driving procedures

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set. Shift the shift lever to P. Check that “Turn Power OFF” is displayed on the multi-information display and then press the engine switch once. Check that “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-information display is off.

■Message displays

Message illustrations used in this section are intended as examples, and may differ from the image that is actually displayed on the multi-information dis- play.

■Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNI- TION ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long peri- ods of time when the engine is not running.

■Electronic key battery depletion

P. 118

■Conditions affecting operation

P. 150

■Note for the entry function

P. 151

■If the engine does not start

●The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 80)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the

shift lever is displaced out of P.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-2. Driving procedures

231

■Steering lock

After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

■When the steering lock cannot be released

“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the multi-information display. Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the engine switch while turning the steer- ing wheel left and right.

■Steering lock motor overheating prevention

To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may be suspended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the engine switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.

■When “Check SMART Key System” is displayed on the multi-information

display The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■If the electronic key battery is depleted

P. 532

■Operation of the engine switch

●When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch is pressed improperly, the engine may not start or the engine switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.

●If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.

■If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting

P. 618

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

232

4-2. Driving procedures

WARNING

■When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

■Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. (P. 555) However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emer- gency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-2. Driving procedures

233

NOTICE

■To prevent battery discharge

●Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode

for long periods of time without the engine running.

●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information display while the engine is not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.

●Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehi- cle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.

■When starting the engine ●Do not race a cold engine. ●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-

cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch

If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

234

4-2. Driving procedures

Automatic transmission

Shifting the shift lever

Vehicles without a smart key system: While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever. When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped. Vehicles with a smart key system: While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever. When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-2. Driving procedures

235

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the engine

Reversing Neutral

Normal driving*1

S mode driving*2 (P. 236)

*1: Shifting the shift lever to D allows the system to select a gear suitable for

the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to D is recommended for normal driving.

*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible gear ranges, controls engine braking force, and prevents unnecessary upshifting.

Selecting snow mode Use snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road sur- faces, such as on snow. Press select snow mode.

“SNOW” button

the

to

The “SNOW” indicator will come on*1 or will be displayed on the multi-information display*2. Press the button again to cancel snow mode.

*1: Vehicles with monochrome display *2: Vehicles with color display

*1

*2

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

236

4-2. Driving procedures

Selecting shift ranges in the S position To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by operating the shift lever, allowing you to drive in the shift range of your choosing. The shift range can be selected by the shift lever.

Upshifting Downshifting The selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be displayed on the multi- information display. The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to 5 or 4 accord- ing to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to 3 if AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in D. (P. 238)

*1: Vehicles with monochrome display *2: Vehicles with color display ■ Shift ranges and their functions

*1

*2

● Automatically selecting shift ranges between 1 and 6 according to vehicle speed and driving conditions. But the gear is limited according to selected range.

● You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force. ● A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than

a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-2. Driving procedures

237

■Message displays

Message illustrations used in this section are intended as examples, and may differ from the image that is actually displayed on the multi-information dis- play.

■S mode

●When the shift range is 5 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the

shift range to 6.

●To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that automati-

cally selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too high.

●To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automati-

cally selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.

■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

■Snow mode automatic deactivation

Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine is turned off after driv- ing in snow mode.

■When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control acti-

vated Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate while driving in S mode and down- shifting to 5 or 4 because cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control will not be canceled. (P. 261, 266)

■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

P. 617

■If the S indicator does not come on or the D indicator is displayed even

after shifting the shift lever to S This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. (In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when the shift lever is in D.)

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

238

4-2. Driving procedures

■If the automatic transmission fluid temperature warning message is dis-

played If the automatic transmission fluid temper- ature warning message is displayed while driving, make sure to return to D position driving and reduce speed by easing off the accelerator pedal. Stop the vehicle in a safe place, shift the shift lever to P and let the engine idle until the warning mes- sage goes out. When the warning message goes out, the vehicle can be driven again. If the warning message does not go out after waiting a while, have your vehi- cle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

■AI-SHIFT

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver per- formance and driving conditions. The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever to S cancels the function.)

WARNING

■When driving on slippery road surfaces Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly. Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting in an accident.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-2. Driving procedures

239

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

Right turn Lane change to the right (move the lever partway and release it) The right hand signals will flash 3
times. Lane change to the left (move the lever partway and release it) The left hand signals will flash 3
times. Left turn

■Turn signals can be operated when  Vehicles without a smart key system The engine switch is in the “ON” position.  Vehicles with a smart key system The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.

■Customization

The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be changed. (Customizable feature P. 668)

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

240

4-2. Driving procedures

Parking brake

Operating instructions To set the parking brake, fully depress the parking brake pedal with your left foot while depress- ing the brake pedal with your right foot. (Depressing releases the parking brake.) *1: For U.S.A. *2: For Canada

the pedal again

■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

P. 577

■Usage in winter time

P. 323

NOTICE

■Before driving

*1

*2

Fully release the parking brake. Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

241

Headlight switch

The headlights can be operated manually or automatically.

Operating instructions Turning the end of the lever turns on the lights as follows:

*2

*1

the

lights

key the

The headlights, day- time running lights and all listed below turn on and off automatically. (Vehicles without smart system: When engine switch is in the “ON” position) (Vehicles with a smart key system: When the engine switch in is IGNITION ON mode) The side marker, parking, tail, license plate, daytime run- ning lights and instrument panel lights turn on. The headlights and all the lights listed above (except day- time running lights) turn on. *1 The daytime running lights turn off. *2 The daytime running lights turn on.

*1: For U.S.A. *2: For Canada

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

242

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Turning on the high beam headlights

With the headlights on, push the lever away from you to turn on the high beams. Pull the lever toward you to the center position to turn the high beams off. Pull the lever toward you and release it to flash the high beams once. You can flash the high beams with the headlights on or off.

■Daytime running light system

●Type A: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night. For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.

●Type B: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the daytime run- ning lights turn on automatically whenever the engine is started and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night. For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.

●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve fuel economy.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

243

■Headlight control sensor

The sensor may not function properly if an object is placed on the sensor, or anything that blocks the sensor is affixed to the windshield. Doing so the sensor detecting the level of ambient light and may cause the automatic headlight sys- tem to malfunction.

interferes with

■Automatic light off system

 Vehicles without a smart key system ●When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec- onds after the engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and any of the doors is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediately if

on the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)

●When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and the driver’s door is opened.

To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to “ON” position, or turn the light switch off once and then back to If any of the doors is kept open, the lights automatically turn off after 20 min- utes.  Vehicles with a smart key system ●When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec- onds after the engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and any of the doors is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediately if

or

on the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)

●When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the driver’s door is opened.

To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the light switch off once and then back to If any of the doors is kept open, the lights automatically turn off after 20 min- utes.

or

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

244

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■Light reminder buzzer

 Vehicles without a smart key system A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” or “ACC” position and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.  Vehicles with a smart key system A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned off or turned to ACCES- SORY mode and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.

■Battery-saving function

In the following conditions, the remaining lights will go off automatically after 20 minutes in order to prevent the vehicle battery from being discharged: ●The headlights and/or tail lights are on. ●Vehicles without a smart key system:

The engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position. Vehicles with a smart key system: The engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.

This function will be canceled in any of the following situations: ●Vehicles without a smart key system:

When the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position. Vehicles with a smart key system: When the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.

●When the light switch is operated. ●When any of the doors is opened or closed.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

245

■Customization

Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed. (Customizable features: P. 669)

NOTICE

■To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

246

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Automatic High Beam

The Automatic High Beam uses an in-vehicle camera sensor to assess the brightness of streetlights, the lights of oncoming and preceding vehicles, etc., and automatically turns the high beam on or off as necessary.

Activating the Automatic High Beam system

Push the lever away from you with the headlight switch in the

or

position.

the Automatic High

Press Beam switch. The Automatic High Beam indica- tor will come on when the head- lights are turned on automatically to is active.

the system

indicate

that

: If equipped

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

247

High beam automatic turning on or off conditions When all of the following conditions are met, the high beam will be automatically turned on (after approximately 1 second): ● Vehicle speed is above approximately 21 mph (34 km/h). ● The area ahead of the vehicle is dark. ● There are no oncoming or preceding vehicles with headlights or tail

lights turned on.

● There are few streetlights on the road ahead. If any of the following conditions are met, the high beam will be auto- matically turned off: ● Vehicle speed drops below approximately 17 mph (27 km/h). ● The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark. ● Oncoming or preceding vehicles have headlights or tail lights

turned on.

● There are many streetlights on the road ahead.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

248

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Turning the high beam on/off manually ■ Switching to low beam

Pull the lever to the original position.

The Automatic High Beam indi- cator will turn off. Push the lever away from you to activate the Automatic High Beam system again.

■ Switching to high beam

the Automatic High

Press Beam switch.

The Automatic High Beam indi- cator will turn off and the high beam indicator will turn on. Press the switch to activate the Automatic High Beam system again.

■The Automatic High Beam can be operated when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■Camera sensor detection information

●High beam may not be automatically turned off in the following situations:

• When oncoming vehicles suddenly appear from a curve • When the vehicle is cut in front of by another vehicle • When oncoming or preceding vehicles are hidden from sight due to

repeated curves, road dividers or roadside trees

●High beam may be turned off if an oncoming vehicle that is using fog lights

without using the headlights is detected.

●House lights, street lights, red traffic signals, and illuminated billboards or

signs may cause the high beam to turn off.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

249

●The following factors may affect the amount of time taken to turn high beam

on or off: • The brightness of headlights, fog lights, and tail lights of oncoming and

preceding vehicles

• The movement and direction of oncoming and preceding vehicles • When an oncoming or preceding vehicle only has operational lights on

• When an oncoming or preceding vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle • The condition of the road (gradient, curve, condition of the road surface

one side

etc.)

• The number of passengers and amount of luggage

●High beam may be turned on or off when unexpected by the driver. ●Small vehicles, such as bicycles, may not be detected. ●In the situations below, the system may not be able to correctly detect the surrounding brightness levels, and may flash or expose nearby pedestrians to the high beam. Therefore, you should consider turning the high beams on or off manually rather than relying on the Automatic High Beam system. • In bad weather (rain, snow, fog, sandstorms etc.) • The windshield is obscured by fog, mist, ice, dirt etc. • The windshield is cracked or damaged. • The camera sensor is deformed or dirty. • Surrounding brightness levels are equal to those of headlights, tail lights

or fog lights.

darkness.

road.

a mirror.

• Vehicles ahead have headlights or tail lights that are either switched off,

dirty, changing color, or have improperly adjusted aim.

• When driving through an area of intermittently changing brightness and

• When frequently and repeatedly driving ascending/descending roads, or roads with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces (such as stone-paved roads, gravel tracks etc.).

• When frequently and repeatedly taking curves or driving on a winding

• There is a highly reflective object ahead of the vehicle, such as a sign or

• The vehicle’s headlights are damaged or dirty. • The vehicle is listing or titling, due to a flat tire, a trailer being towed etc. • The driver believes that the high beam may be causing problems or dis-

tress to other drivers or pedestrians nearby.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

250

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■Temporarily lowering sensor sensitivity

The sensitivity of the sensor can be temporarily lowered.

or

Turn the engine switch off while the following conditions are met. • The headlight switch is in • The headlight switch lever is in high beam position. • Automatic High Beam switch is on. Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode. , repeat pulling the headlight switch lever to the Within 5 seconds after original position then pushing it to the high beam position quickly 9 times, then leave the lever in high beam position.

Automatic High Beam (headlights) may turn on even the vehicle is stopped.

■If the Automatic High Beam indicator turns to yellow

It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

251

WARNING

■Limitations of the Automatic High Beam

Do not rely on the Automatic High Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings and turning high beam on or off manually if nec- essary.

NOTICE

■Notes when using the Automatic High Beam system

Observe the following to ensure that the Automatic High Beam functions correctly.

●Do not touch the camera sensor. ●Do not subject the camera sensor to a strong impact. ●Do not disassemble the camera sensor. ●Do not spill liquid onto the camera sensor. ●Do not apply window tinting or stickers to the camera sensor or the area of

windshield near the camera sensor.

●Do not install a parking tag or any other accessories near or around the

camera sensor.

●Do not overload the vehicle. ●Do not modify the vehicle. ●Do not replace windshield with non-genuine windshield.

Contact your Toyota dealer.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

252

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Fog light switch

The fog lights secure excellent visibility in difficult driving con- ditions, such as in rain and fog.

*2

*1 or Turns the front fog lights off Turns the front fog lights on *1: For U.S.A. *2: For Canada

■Fog lights can be used when

The headlights are on in low beam.

: If equipped

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

253

Windshield wipers and washer

Operating the wiper lever The wiper operation is selected by moving the lever as follows.

*2

*2

*1 or Intermittent windshield wiper operation *1 or Low speed windshield wiper operation *1 or High speed windshield wiper operation *1 or Temporary operation

*2

*2

*1: For U.S.A. *2: For Canada Wiper intervals can be adjusted when intermittent operation is selected.

Increases the intermittent wind- shield wiper frequency Decreases windshield wiper frequency

intermittent

the

Washer/wiper dual operation Wipers will automatically operate a couple of times after the washer squirts.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

254

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when

 Vehicles without a smart key system The engine switch is in the “ON” position.  Vehicles with a smart key system The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■If no windshield washer fluid sprays

Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

WARNING

■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid

When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■When the windshield is dry

Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.

■When the washer fluid tank is empty

Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over- heat.

■When a nozzle becomes blocked

In this case, contact your Toyota dealer. Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

255

Rear window wiper and washer

Operating the wiper lever The wiper operation is selected by moving the lever as follows:

window

*1 or *2
Intermittent wiper operation *1 or Normal window wiper operation

*2

*1: For U.S.A. *2: For Canada

Washer/wiper dual operation The wiper will automatically oper- ate a couple of times after the washer squirts.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

256

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when

●Vehicles without a smart key system:

The engine switch is in the “ON” position. Vehicles with a smart key system: The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

●The glass hatch is closed. ■If no washer fluid sprays

Check that the washer nozzle is not blocked if there is washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir.

NOTICE

■When the rear window is dry

Do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window.

■When the washer fluid tank is empty

Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over- heat.

■When a nozzle becomes blocked

In this case, contact your Toyota dealer. Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-4. Refueling

257

Opening the fuel tank cap

Perform the following steps to open the fuel tank cap:

Before refueling the vehicle ● Close all the doors and windows, and turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehi- cles with a smart key system).

● Confirm the type of fuel.

■Fuel types

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating 87 [Research Octane Number 91] or higher)

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

258

4-4. Refueling

WARNING

■When refueling the vehicle

Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ●After exiting the vehicle and before opening the fuel door, touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge any static electricity. It is important to discharge static electricity before refueling because sparks resulting from static electricity can cause fuel vapors to ignite while refueling.

●Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it. A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened. Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot weather, pressurized fuel may spray out the filler neck and cause injury.

●Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their

body to come close to an open fuel tank.

●Do not inhale vaporized fuel.

Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.

●Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.

Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.

●Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically

charged. This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition hazard.

■When refueling

Observe the following precautions to prevent fuel overflowing from the fuel tank: ●Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the fuel filler neck. ●Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. ●Do not top off the fuel tank.

NOTICE

■Refueling

Do not spill fuel during refueling. Doing so may damage the vehicle, such as causing the emission control system to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the vehicle’s painted surface.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

Opening the fuel tank cap Press the opener switch.

4-4. Refueling

259

Turn the fuel tank cap slowly to remove it and hang it on the back of the fuel filler door.

■When the fuel filler door cannot be opened by pressing the inside switch

Remove the cover inside the luggage compartment and pull the lever.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

260

4-4. Refueling

Closing the fuel tank cap After refueling, turn the fuel tank cap until you hear a click. Once the cap is released, it will turn slightly in the opposite direction.

WARNING

■When replacing the fuel tank cap

Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in death or serious injury.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-5. Using the driving support systems

261

Cruise control

Summary of functions Use the cruise control to maintain a set speed without depressing the accelerator pedal.

Indicators Cruise control switch

*1: Vehicles with monochrome display *2: Vehicles with color display

*1

*2

: If equipped

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

262

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Setting the vehicle speed

Press the “ON-OFF” button to activate the cruise control. Cruise control indicator will come on*1 or will be displayed on the multi-information display*2. Press the button again to deacti- vate the cruise control.

Accelerate or decelerate the vehicle to the desired speed, and push the lever down to set the speed. “SET” indicator will come on*1 or will be displayed on the multi-infor- mation display*2. The vehicle speed at the moment the lever is released becomes the set speed.

*1: Vehicles with monochrome display *2: Vehicles with color display

*1

*1

*2

*2

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-5. Using the driving support systems

263

Adjusting the set speed To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed is obtained.

Increases the speed Decreases the speed Fine adjustment: Momentarily move the lever in the desired direc- tion. Large adjustment: Hold the lever in the desired direction.

The set speed will be increased or decreased as follows: Fine adjustment: By approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time the lever is operated. Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased continu- ally until the lever is released.

Canceling and resuming the constant speed control

Pulling the lever toward you cancels the constant speed control. The speed setting is also canceled when the brakes are applied. Pushing the lever up resumes the constant speed control. Resuming is available when the vehicle speed is more than approx- imately 25 mph (40 km/h).

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

264

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■Cruise control can be set when

●The shift lever is in the D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected. ●Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).

■Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed

●The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed

resumes.

●Even without canceling the cruise control, the set speed can be increased by first accelerating the vehicle to the desired speed and then pushing the lever down to set the new speed.

■Automatic cruise control cancelation

Cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in any of the following situations. ●Actual vehicle speed falls more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h) below

the preset vehicle speed. At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.

●Actual vehicle speed is below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h). ●Enhanced VSC is activated. ●VSC is activated.

■If the warning message for the cruise control is shown on the multi-

information display Press the “ON-OFF” button once to deactivate the system, and then press the button again to reactivate the system. If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels imme- diately after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise control system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-5. Using the driving support systems

265

WARNING

■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake

Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.

■Situations unsuitable for cruise control

Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations. Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. ●In heavy traffic ●On roads with sharp bends ●On winding roads ●On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow ●On steep hills

Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.

●When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

266

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Dynamic radar cruise control

Summary of functions Dynamic radar cruise control supplements conventional cruise control with a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. In vehicle-to-vehicle dis- tance control mode, the vehicle automatically accelerates or deceler- ates in order to maintain a set following distance from vehicles ahead.

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance but- ton Display Set speed Indicators Cruise control switch

: If equipped

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-5. Using the driving support systems

267

Setting the vehicle speed (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

Press the “ON-OFF” button to activate the cruise control. Radar cruise control indicator will be displayed. Press the button again to deacti- vate the cruise control.

Accelerate or decelerate the vehicle to the desired speed, and push the lever down to set the speed. “SET” indicator will be displayed. The vehicle speed at the moment the lever is released becomes the set speed.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

268

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Adjusting the set speed To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed is displayed.

Increases the speed Decreases the speed Fine adjustment: Momentarily move the lever in the desired direc- tion. Large adjustment: Hold the lever in the desired direction.

In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the set speed will be increased or decreased as follows: • When the set speed is shown in “MPH”

Fine adjustment: By approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time the lever is operated Large adjustment: By approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) for each 0.75 sec- onds the lever is held

• When the set speed is shown in “km/h”

Fine adjustment: By approximately 0.6 mph (1 km/h) each time the lever is operated Large adjustment: By approximately 3.1 mph (5 km/h) for each 0.75
seconds the lever is held

In the constant speed control mode (P. 273), the set speed will be increased or decreased as follows: Fine adjustment: By approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time the lever is operated Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased continu- ally until the lever is released.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4

4-5. Using the driving support systems

269

Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance Pressing the button changes the vehicle-to-vehicle distance as fol- lows:

Preceding vehicle mark

Long Medium Short The vehicle-to-vehicle distance is set automatically to long mode when the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode. If a vehicle is running ahead of you, the preceding vehicle mark will also be displayed.

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.

Distance options

Long Medium Short

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance Approximately 160 ft. (50 m) Approximately 130 ft. (40 m) Approximately 100 ft. (30 m)

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

270

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Canceling and resuming the speed control

Pulling the lever toward you cancels the cruise control. The speed setting is also canceled when the brakes are applied. Pushing the lever up resumes the cruise control and returns vehicle speed to the set speed. Resuming is available when the vehicle speed is more than approx- imately 25 mph (40 km/h).

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

4-5. Using the driving support systems

271

Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit- able following distance from the vehicle ahead.

Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill slopes.

Example of constant speed cruising When there are no vehicles ahead The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to- vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis- tance control. Example of deceleration cruising When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from clos- ing in on the vehicle ahead.

HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)

272

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Example of follow-up cruising When following a vehicle driving slower than the set speed The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis- tance set by the driver. Example of acceleration When there are no longer any vehicles ahead driving slower than the set speed The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to constant speed cruising.

Approach warning When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient auto- matic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the display will flash and the buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An example of this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are follow- ing a vehicle. Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehicle-to- vehicle distance. ■ Warnings may not occur when

In the following instances, there is a possibility that the warnings will