engine TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2009 XU40 / 2.G Repair Manual

220 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Turning off TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Push and hold the button while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and Enhanced VSC.
The “TRAC OFF” and Enhanced
VSC off indicator light should
come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Vehicles without smart key system
Turning the engine switch to the “OFF” position after turning off the TRAC
and Enhanced VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
Vehicles with smart key system
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF after turning off the
TRAC and Enhanced VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
■ Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
■ Automatic TRAC and Enha nced VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and Enhanced VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not
turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, Enhanced VSC and
brake assist
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

221
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■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 engine off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the Enhanced VSC and TRAC. Contact your
Toyota dealer.
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 operating 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

226 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Conditions in which the downhill assi st control system does not oper-
ate
● In the following situations, the downhill assist control system indicator
flashes and the downhill assist control system does not operate or will
stop operating:
• The shift lever is not in 1 range of S mode or R.
• The vehicle speed is higher than 15 mph (25 km/h).
● If the accelerate or brake pedal is depressed, the downhill assist control
system will stop operating with the downhill assist control system indica-
tor stayed on.
■ If the “DAC” switch is turned off during operat ion of the downhill assist
control system
The downhill assist control system gradually ceases operation. The downhill
assist control system indicator will flash during the canceling operation, and
then go off when the system is fully off.
■ Downhill assist control system operation sound
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment during operation of
the downhill assist control system. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
● If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed during operation of the
downhill assist control system, a sound caused by the release of system
operation may be heard, or you may feel the brake pedal push-back. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■ When the downhill assist contro l system operates continuously
The brake actuator may overheat. In that case, the downhill assist control
system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill assist con-
trol system indicator will start flashing. Refrain from using the system until
the downhill assist control system indicator stays on. (There is no problem
with continuing driving normally.)
■ If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.

231
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spok es when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

237
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (→P. 463)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 1200 lb. (544 kg)
Total load capacity means the combin ed weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 or 7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3 or 5)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■Towing capacity
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Without towing package: 1500 lb. (680 kg)
With towing package: 3500 lb. (1500 kg) 3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Without towing package: 2000 lb. (900 kg)
With towing package: 5000 lb. (2000 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximu m gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

238
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● 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.
■Before driving the vehicle
Observe the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

243
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Weight limits
Confirm that the gross trailer weig ht, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
lb. (kg)
● The gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity
described in the table above.
●The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.
● The gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated the Certifica-
tion Label.
Towing capacity
2.7 L 4-cylinder
(1AR-FE) engine3.5 L V6
(2GR-FE) engine
Without towing package 1500 (680) 2000 (900)
With towing package 3500 (1500) 5000 (2000)

245
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer tongue load
● A recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be di stributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding the following.
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Without towing package: 150 lb. (68 kg)
With towing package: 350 lb. (150 kg)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Without towing package: 200 lb. (90 kg)
With towing package: 500 lb. (200 kg)
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), it is necessary
to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
The gross trailer weight and tongue l oad can be measured with plat-
form scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply
company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load

247
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehi cles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After pass ing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● 2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine: In order to maintain engine brak-
ing efficiency when driving on a long steep downgrade, do not use
overdrive. Transmission shift r ange position must be in 5 in S
mode.
● 3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine: In order to maintain engine braking effi-
ciency when driving on a long st eep downgrade, do not use over-
drive. Transmission shift range position must be in 4 in S mode.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immedi ately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
( → P. 545)

248 2-5. Driving information
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do
so only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel bloc ks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into 3, 2, 1, or the R position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
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