oil level TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)

4TABLE OF CONTENTS
HIGHLANDER_U
Emission inspection and mainte-nance (I/M) programs....... 406
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precau-tions ................................. 408
Hood .................................. 410
Positioning a floor jack ....... 411
Engine compartment .......... 412
Tires ................................... 419
Tire inflation pressure......... 431
Wheels ............................... 433
Air conditioning filter ........... 434
Electronic key battery ......... 436
Checking and replacing fuses ......................................... 438
Headlight aim ..................... 440
Light bulbs .......................... 441
7-1. Essential information Emergency flashers ........... 450
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency .............. 450
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water ................................ 451
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed......................................... 453
If you think something is wrong ......................................... 456
Fuel pump shut off system ......................................... 457
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds .... 458
If a warning message is dis- played .............................. 468
If you have a flat tire ........... 472
If the engine will not start ... 486
If you lose your keys .......... 487If the fuel filler door cannot be
opened ............................. 488
If the electronic key does not operate properly............... 489
If the vehicle battery is dis- charged ............................ 491
If your vehicle overheats .... 495
If the vehicle becomes stuck ......................................... 497
8-1. Specifications Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) .................................. 500
Fuel information ................. 509
Tire information .................. 511
8-2. Customization Customizable features ....... 521
8-3. Initialization Items to initialize ................ 533
9-1. For owners Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ............................. 536
Seat belt instructions for Cana- dian owners (in French) ... 536
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners (in French)......................................... 538
Headlight aim instructions for Canadian owners (in French)
........
................................. 545
What to do if... (Troubleshooting) ......................................... 548
Alphabetical Index.............. 551
7When trouble arises
8Vehicle specifications
9For owners
Index

772-1. Instrument cluster
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
HIGHLANDER_U
7-inch display
The units used on the meters and some indicators may differ
depending on the target region.
Warning lights inform the driver
of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems.
Warning lights
(U.S.A.)
Brake system warning
light
*1 (  P.458)
(red)
(Canada)
Brake system warning
light
*1 (  P.458)
(yellow)
Brake system warning
light
*1 ( P.458)
High coolant temperature
warning light
*2 (  P.458)
Charging system warning
light
*1 (  P.459)
Low engine oil pressure
warning light
*2 (  P.459)
(U.S.A.)
Malfunction indicator
lamp
*1 ( P.459)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator
lamp
*1 ( P.459)
SRS warning light
*1
(  P.459)
(U.S.A.)
ABS warning light*1
(  P.460)
(Canada)
ABS warning light*1
(  P.460)
Brake Override System
warning light/Drive-Start
Control warning light
*2
(  P.460)
(red/yel-
low)
Electric power steering
system warning light
( P.460)
Low fuel level warning
light
*1(  P.461)
Driver’s and front passen-
ger’s seat belt reminder
light ( P.461)

2544-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_Udisplay.
Indicates that steering assist of the
lane centering function is operating
by monitoring the position of a pre-
ceding vehicle.
When the follow-up cruising display
is displayed, if the preceding vehi-
cle moves, your vehicle may move
in the same way. Always pay care-
ful attention to your surroundings
and operate the steering wheel as
necessary to correct the path of the
vehicle and ensure safety.
■Operation conditions of each
function
●Lane departure alert function
This function operates when all of
the following conditions are met.
• LTA is turned on.
• Vehicle speed is approximately 32 mph (50 km/h) or more.
*1
• System recognizes white (yellow) lane lines or a course*2. (When a
white [yellow] line or course*2 is
recognized on only one side, the
system will operate only for the
recognized side.)
• Width of traffic lane is approxi- mately 9.8 ft. (3 m) or more.
• Turn signal lever is not operated. (Vehicle with BSM: Except when
another vehicle is in the lane on
the side where the turn signal was
operated)
• Vehicle is not being driven around a sharp curve.
• No system malfunctions are detected. ( P.256)
*1: The function operates even if the
vehicle speed is less than
approximately 32 mph (50 km/h)
when the lane centering function
is operating.
*2: Boundary between asphalt and the side of the road, such as
grass, soil, or a curb
●Steering assist function
This function operates when all of
the following conditions are met in
addition to the operation conditions
for the lane departure alert function.
• Vehicle is not accelerated or decelerated by a fixed amount or
more.
• Steering wheel is not operated with a steering force level suitable
for changing lanes.
• ABS, VSC, TRAC and PCS are not operating.
• TRAC or VSC is not turned off.
●Vehicle sway warning function
This function operates when all of
the following conditions are met.
• Setting for “Sway Warning” in of the multi-information display is
set to “ON”. ( P.89, 98)
• Vehicle speed is approximately 32 mph (50 km/h) or more.
• Width of traffic lane is approxi- mately 9.8 ft. (3 m) or more.
• No system malfunctions are
detected. ( P.256)
●Lane centering function
This function operates when all of
the following conditions are met.
• LTA is turned on.
• Setting for “Lane Center” in of the multi-information display are
set to “ON”. ( P.89, 98)
• This function recognizes white (yellow) lane lines or the position
of a preceding vehicle (except
when the preceding vehicle is
small, such as a motorcycle).
• The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range is operating
in vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode.
• Width of traffic lane is approxi-
mately 10 to 13 ft. (3 to 4 m).
• Turn signal lever is not operated.
• Vehicle is not being driven around a sharp curve.
• No system malfunctions are detected. ( P.256)
• Vehicle does not accelerate or decelerate by a fixed amount or

2554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_Umore.
• Steering wheel is not operated with a steering force level suitable
for changing lanes.
• ABS, VSC, TRAC and PCS are not operating.
• TRAC or VSC is not turned off.
• Hands off steering wheel warning is not displayed. ( P.255)
• The vehicle is being driven in the center of a lane.
• Steering assist function is not
operating.
■Temporary cancelation of func-
tions
●When operation conditions are no
longer met, a function may be
temporarily canceled. However,
when the operation conditions are
met again, operation of the func-
tion is automatically restored.
( P.254)
●If the operation conditions
( P.254) are no longer met while
the lane centering function is
operating, the buzzer may sound
to indicate that the function has
been temporarily canceled.
■Steering assist function/lane
centering function
●Depending on the vehicle speed,
lane departure situation, road con-
ditions, etc., the driver may not
feel the function is operating or
the function may not operate at
all.
●The steering control of the func-
tion is overridden by the driver’s
steering wheel operation.
●Do not attempt to test the opera-
tion of the steering assist function.
■Lane departure alert function
●The warning buzzer may be diffi-
cult to hear due to external noise,
audio playback, etc.
●If the edge of the course* is not
clear or straight, the lane depar-
ture alert function may not oper-
ate.
●Vehicle with BSM: It may not be
possible for the system to deter-
mine if there is a danger of a colli-
sion with a vehicle in an adjacent
lane.
●Do not attempt to test the opera-
tion of the lane departure alert
function.
*: Boundary between asphalt and
the side of the road, such as
grass, soil, or a curb
■Hands off steering wheel warn-
ing
In the following situations, a warning
message urging the driver to hold
the steering wheel and the symbol
shown in the illustration are dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play to warn the driver. The warning
stops when the system determines
that the driver holds the steering
wheel. Always keep your hands on
the steering wheel when using this
system, regardless of warnings.
●When the system determines the
driver is not holding the steering
wheel while the lane centering
function is operating.
If the driver continues to keep their
hands off of the steering wheel, the
buzzer sounds, the driver is warned
and the function is temporarily can-
celed. This warning also operates in
the same way when the driver con-
tinuously operates the steering
wheel only a small amount.
●When the system determines that
the vehicle may deviate from the
lane while driving around a curve
while the lane centering function is

3274-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
4-6.Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate
to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the
battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with
four snow tires or purchase a
set of tire chains for the front
tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same
size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Perform the following according
to the driving conditions:
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary
preparations and inspec-
tions before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always
drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a
loss of vehicle control and cause
death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended
level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75
mph (120 km/h), regardless of
the type of snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just
some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the
vehicle being unable to be driven
safely, and may cause death or
serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the
speed limit specified for the tire
chains being used, or 30 mph
(50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road
surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration,
abrupt steering, sudden brak-
ing and shifting operations that
cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before
entering a curve to ensure that
vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use the LTA (Lane Trac-
ing Assist) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow
tires
Request repairs or replacement of
snow tires from Toyota dealers or
legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and
attachment of snow tires affects
the operation of the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle

4046-2. Maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U
General maintenance
Listed below are the general
maintenance items that
should be performed at the
intervals specified in the
“Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It
is recommended that any
problem you notice should
be brought to the attention
of your Toyota dealer or
qualified service shop for
advice.
WARNING
■If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure
that there is adequate ventilation
before performing maintenance
checks.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connec-
tions. ( P.416)
Brake fluid
Is the brake fluid at
the correct level?
( P.416)
Engine coolant
Is the engine cool-
ant at the correct
level? ( P.415)
Engine oil
Is the engine oil at
the correct level?
( P.412)
Exhaust sys-
temThere should not
be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/con-
denser
The radiator and
condenser should
be free from for-
eign objects.
( P.416)
Washer fluid
Is there sufficient
washer fluid?
( P.418)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator
pedal
• The accelerator
pedal should
move smoothly
(without uneven
pedal effort or
catching).
Automatic
transmission
“Park” mecha-
nism
• When parked on a slope and the
shift lever is in P,
is the vehicle
securely
stopped?
ItemsCheck points

4086-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U
6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice
precautions
If you perform maintenance
by yourself, be sure to fol-
low the correct procedure
as given in these sections.
Maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condi-
tion (P.416)
• Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional
wrench (for ter-
minal clamp
bolts)
Brake fluid
level ( P.416)
• FMVSS No.116
DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
brake fluid)
Engine cool-
ant level
( P.415)
• “Toyota Super
Long Life Cool-
ant” or a similar
high quality eth-
ylene gly-
col-based
non-silicate,
non-amine,
non-nitrite and
non-borate cool-
ant with long-life
hybrid organic
acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super
Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed
with 50% cool-
ant and 50%
deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super
Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed
with 55% cool-
ant and 45%
deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding
coolant)
Engine oil level
( P.412)
• “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine oil)
Fuses
( P.438)• Fuse with same
amperage rating
as original
ItemsParts and tools

4126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U
Engine coolant reservoir (P.415)
Fuse boxes ( P.438)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.413)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.412)
Battery ( P.416)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.416)
Washer fluid tank ( P.418)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P.416)
Radiator ( P.416)
With the engine at operating
temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dip- stick.
■Checking the engine oil
1 Park the vehicle on level
ground. After warming up the
engine and turning it off, wait
Engine compar tment
Components
Checking and adding the
engine oil

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U
more than 5 minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bot-
tom of the engine.
2 Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
3 Wipe the dipstick clean.
4 Reinsert the dipstick fully.
5 Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and
check the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ
depending on the type of vehicle or
engine.
6Wipe the dipstick and reinsert
it fully.
■Checking the oil type and
preparing the item needed
Make sure to check the oil type
and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.
 Engine oil selection
P.502
 Oil quantity (Low  Full)
1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp. qt.)
 Item
Clean funnel
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
1 Remove the oil filler cap by
turning it counterclockwise.
2 Add engine oil slowly, check-
ing the dipstick.
3 Install the oil filler cap by
turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will
be consumed while driving. In the
following situations, oil consump-
tion may increase, and engine oil
may need to be re filled in between
oil maintenance intervals.

4156-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir
when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. ( P.495)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or a similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite, and
non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology. U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within
a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses,
engine coolant reservoir cap, drain
cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your
Toyota dealer test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling sys-
tem.
NOTICE
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil
on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dip-
stick every time you refill the
vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap
is properly tightened.
Checking the coolant
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant
reservoir cap and radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under
pressure and may spray hot cool-
ant if the cap is removed, causing
serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor
straight antifreeze. The correct
mixture of water and antifreeze
must be used to provide proper
lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the
antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to
prevent it from damaging parts or
paint.