TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008 XU40 / 2.G Owners Manual

211
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Rear view monitor system
Vehicles with navigation system
Refer to the “Navigation System Owner's Manual”.
Vehicles without navigation system
The rear view monitor system assists the driver by displaying an
image of the area behind the vehicle. The image is displayed in
reverse on the screen. This reversed im age is a similar image to the
one on the inside rear view mirror.
The rear view image is dis-
played when the shift lever is
in the R position.
If the shift lever is shifted out of
R, the screen returns to the
previous one.

212 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Displayed area
■ Rear view monitor system camera
The area covered by the camera is lim-
ited. Objects that are close to either
corner of the bumper or under the
bumper cannot be seen on the screen.
The area displayed on the screen may
vary according to vehicle orientation or
road conditions.
In the following cases, it may become
difficult to see the images on the
screen, even when the system is func-
tioning correctly.
●The vehicle is in a dark area, such
as at night.
● The temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
● Water droplets are on the camera
lens or humidity is high, such as
when it rains.
● Foreign matter, such as snow or
mud, adheres to the camera lens.
● The sun or headlights are shining
directly into the camera lens.

213
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Smear effect
■ Setting the rear view monitor system displays
P. 197
If a bright light, such as sunlight
reflected off the vehicle body, is picked
up by the camera, a smear effect* char-
acteristic to the camera may occur.
*: Smear effect A phenomenon that
occurs when a bright light is picked
up by the camera; when transmitted
by the camera, the light source
appears to have a vertical streak
above and below it.

214 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monito r system, observe the following pre-
cautions to avoid an accident that coul d result in death or serious inju-
ries.
● Never depend solely on the monitor system when reversing.
● Always check visually and with the mirrors to confirm your intended path is
clear.
● Depicted distances between objects and flat surfaces differ from actual
distances.
● Do not use the system if the back door is open.
■ Conditions which may affect the rear view monitor system
● If the back of the vehicle has been hit, the camera’s position and mounting
angle may have changed. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
● Rapid temperature changes, such as when hot water is poured on the
vehicle in cold weather, may cause the system to function abnormally.
● If the camera lens is dirty, it cannot transmit a clear image. Rinse with
water and wipe with a soft cloth. If extremely dirty, wash with a mild
cleanser and rinse.
● The displayed image may be darker and moving images may be slightly
distorted when the system is cold.

215
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the four wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on incline or
slippery slope.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and
EPS systems.
Maintains vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system output, and the movement of the
four wheels.

216 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, or the four
wheels spin, the indicator flashes
to indicate that the VSC/TRAC/
hill-start assist control systems
have been engaged.
●ABS: The slip indicator light
flashes when ABS is operat-
ing.
● VSC: A buzzer (intermittent)
sounds to indicate that VSC is
operating.
● Hill-start assist control: When
the system is operating, the
stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, VSC and brake
assist
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound
does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these sys-
tems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

217
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
●The system will operate in the following situations:
• The shift lever is in a position other than P
• The parking brake is not applied
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed
To engage the system, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then further
depress the brake pedal. A buzzer beeps once to indicate that hill-start
assist control is ready.
The system operates for a period of approximately 2 seconds after the brake
pedal is released.
● Hill-start assist control will not operate when “Check VSC system” is dis-
played on the multi-information display.
■ If the buzzer does not sound or the indicator does not flash
Slightly reduce the pressure on the brake pedal and then fully depress it
again.
■ Automatic cancellation of hill-start assist control
In the following situations, the buzzer will beep twice and hill-start assist con-
trol will be canceled.
●No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal
● The shift lever is moved to P
● The parking brake is applied
● The brake pedal is re-applied.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

218 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ Hill- start assist control
●The hill start assist control may not operate effectively on steep inclines
and roads covered in ice.
● Do not use hill-start assist control to stop or park the vehicle on an incline.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care
when the indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.

219
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the VDIM, and may cause the system to malfunction.

220
2-5. Driving information
Utility vehicle precautions
Utility vehicle feature● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likel y to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehi-
cles.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than lo w-slung sports cars designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity.