traction control TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2001 Service Repair Manual

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2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
ABSº warning light
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the ONº position. If the anti-
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the
system malfunctions, the light comes on
again.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti- lock brake system, the brake assist
system, the traction control system and
the vehicle stability control system do not
operate, but the brake system still oper-
ates conventionally.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti- lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the components moni-
tored by the warning light system. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ONº posi-
tion, or remains on.

The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the ABSº warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the anti- lock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
DRUM- IN- DISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drum- in- disc type
parking brake system. This type of brake
system needs bedding- down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding- down.BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
If you slam the brakes on such as in
an emergency or apply the brakes more
firmly than usual such as when de-
scending the hill with the designated
number of occupants in the vehicle, the
brake assist system provides more
powerful braking.
If you slam the brakes on or apply the
brakes more firmly, more powerful braking
will be applied. At this time, you may hear
a sound in the engine compartment and
feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system's warn-
ing light, see Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzersº on page 135 in Sec-
tion 1- 6.

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This information has been prepared
in accordance with regulations issued
by the National Highway Traffic Safe-
ty Administration of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation. It provides
the purchasers and/or prospective
purchasers of Toyota vehicles with in-
formation on uniform tire quality grad-
ing.
Your Toyota dealer will help answer
any questions you may have as you
read this information.
DOT quality gradesÐAll passenger
vehicle tires must conform to Fed-
eral Safety Requirements in addi-
tion to these grades. Quality
grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum sec-
tion width. For example: Treadwear
200 Traction AA Temperature ATreadwearÐThe treadwear grade is
a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested un-
der controlled conditions on a speci-
fied government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and a half (1- 1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving hab-
its, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B, CÐThe traction
grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, and they represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor trac-
tion performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
ÐUniform tire quality grading

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When stowing cargo and luggage in
the vehicle, observe the following:

Put cargo and luggage in the lug-
gage compartment when at all
possible. Be sure all items are se-
cured in place.

Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain
balance.

For better fuel economy, do not
carry unneeded weight.CAUTION

To prevent cargo and luggage
from sliding forward during
braking, do not stack anything
in the luggage compartment
higher than the seatbacks.
Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as pos-
sible.

Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage compartment. It is
not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats
with their seat belts properly
fastened. Otherwise, they are
much more likely suffer seri-
ous bodily injury, in the event
of sudden braking or a colli-
sion.

Do not place anything on the
f l at t en ed seat , or it may sl i d e
forward during braking.

Do not place anything on the
luggage cover. Such items may
be thrown about and possibly
injure people in the vehicle
during sudden braking or an
accident. Secure all items in a
safe place.

Do not drive with objects left
on top of the instrument panel.
They may interfere with the
driver's field of view. Or they
may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and im-
pair the driver's control of the
vehicle. In an accident they
may injure the vehicle occu-
pants.

Do not put objects in the con-
tainer which can shift, roll out
or be thrown out in the event
of sudden stops or accidents.
Objects which come out of the
container can create a safety
hazard due to interference with
pedal operation or driver dis-
traction.
Cargo and luggageÐ
ÐStowage precautions

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All season tires, however, do not have
adequate traction performance
compared with snow tires in heavy or
loose snow. Also, all season tires fall
short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer
tires in highway driving.
CAUTION

Do not mix summer and all sea-
son tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous han-
dling characteristics, resulting
in loss of control.

Do not use tire other than the
manufacturer's designated
tires, and never mix tires or
wheels of the sizes different
from the originals.

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11. Check the air pressure of the re-
placed tire.
Adjust the air pressure to the specifi-
cation designated on page 410 in
Section 8. If the pressure is lower,
drive slowly to the nearest service
station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire infla-
tion valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and
possibly cause air leakage. If the cap
is missing, have a new one put on as
soon as possible.
12.Restow all the tools, jack and
flat tire securely.
As soon after changing wheels as
possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the
torque specified on page 410 in Sec-
tion 8 with a torque wrench. Have a
technician repair the flat tire and re-
place the spare tire with it.
Initial adjustment of the tire pres-
sure warning system is necessary
after you have replaced your tires
or wheels. See Tire pressure
warning systemº on page 161 in
Section 1- 7.CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the
tools, jack and flat tire are se-
curely in place in their storage
location to reduce the possibility
of personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden braking.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
mud, sand, etc., then you may attempt
to rock the vehicle free by moving it
forward and backward.
Two- wheel drive modelsÐ
Turn off the traction control system to
become unstuck to allow the tires to
spin enough to remove the vehicle from
the obstruction. (For details, see Trac-
tion control system (two- wheel drive
models)º on page 156 in Section 1- 7.)
CAUTION
Do not attempt to rock the vehicle
free by moving it forward and back-
ward if people or objects are any-
where near the vehicle. During the
rocking operation the vehicle may
suddenly move forward or backward
as it becomes unstuck, causing injury
or damage to nearby people or ob-
jects.
ÐAfter changing wheels If your vehicle becomes stuck

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*
1: For details, see Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzersº on page 135 in Section 1- 6.
*
2: If this light flashes, see Cruise controlº on page 165 in
Section 1- 7.Cruise control indicator light
*
2
Overdrive- off indicator light
Slip indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Automatic transmission indicator lights
Snow mode indicator light
Traction control system off indicator light
Headlight high beam indicator light
orEngine oil replacement reminder light
*
1
(for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
AIRBAG ONº indicator light
AIRBAG OFFº indicator light

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CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state
emission inspection if the malfunction
indicator lamp remains on. Contact your
Toyota dealer to check your vehicle's
emission control system and OBD
(On- Board Diagnostics) system before
taking your vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programsº on page 370
in Section 6.
(g) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.(h) ABSº Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the ONº position. If the anti-
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the
system malfunctions, the light comes on
again.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti- lock brake system, the brake assist
system, the traction control system and
the vehicle stability control system do not
operate, but the brake system still oper-
ates conventionally.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti- lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the components moni-
tored by the warning light system. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ONº posi-
tion, or remains on.

The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the ABSº warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the anti- lock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.

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2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
(i) Open Door Warning Light and Buzz-
er
This light remains on until all the side
doors and back door are completely
closed.
If the vehicle speed rises above 5 km/h
(3 mph) with any door open, a buzzer
sounds.
(j) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Temperature Warning Light
(four- wheel drive models)
This light warns that the automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is too high.
If this light comes on while you are driv-
ing, slow down and pull off the road. Stop
the vehicle at a safe place and put the
selector lever in Pº. With the engine id-
ling, wait until the light goes off. If the
light goes off, you can start the vehicle
again. If the light does not go off, call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning
light on may damage the automatic
transmission.
(k) SRS Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ONº position.
After about 6 seconds, the light will go
off. This means the systems of the air-
bag and front seat belt pretensioners
are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er 's seat position sensor, driver 's seat belt
buckle switch, front passenger occupant
classification system, AIRBAG ONº indi-
cator light, AIRBAG OFFº indicator light,
front passenger 's seat belt buckle switch,
seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflat-
ors, warning light, interconnecting wiring
and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ONº posi-
tion or remains on for more than 6
seconds or flashes.

The light comes on or flashes while
driving.If the light stays on, it indicates that the
SRS driver and front passenger airbag
system and/or front passenger occupant
classification system and AIRBAG ONº
and AIRBAG OFFº indicator lights have a
problem. If the light flashes, the SRS side
airbag system and/or curtain shield airbag
system have a problem.
(l) VSCº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº, and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:

The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.

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OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake
Ignition switch with steering lock146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system160 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system161 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1- 7

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The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of front
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to ONº,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self- check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Traction control system
(two- wheel drive models)