TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2012 XU40 / 2.G Owners Manual

171
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes
Modes can be changed by pressing the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch with the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
OFF*
The emergency flashers can
be used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber.
IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off
the engine, the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will be
turned to ACCESSORY mode,
not to OFF.

172 2-1. Driving procedures
■Steering lock release
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 113)
■ When the “ENGINE START STOP” s witch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn off.
■ Key battery depletion
P. 4 2
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 497
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 4 0
■ Note for the entry function
P. 4 2
Make sure that the steering wheel lock is
released.
To release the steering wheel lock, gently
turn the wheel left or right while pressing
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch.
When the steering wheel lock is not
released, the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator will flash in green.

173
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
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 the vehicle begins to slide due to engine failure or other circumstances, 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 acci-
dent, 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 START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving
except in an emergency. 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.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods without the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

174
2-1. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart key system)
■Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Changing engine switch position
“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 audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

175
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ Steering lock release
■ If the engine does not start (vehic les with engine immobilizer system)
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 113)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the key is in the “LOCK”
or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the
accelerator 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
key only to the “ACC” position.
Shift the shift lever to P.
(P. 177)
Push in the key and turn to the
“LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2
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 in either
direction.

176 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods if the
engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

177
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles without smart key system
While the engine switch is in
the “ON” position, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.
Vehicles with smart key system
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift
lever.

178 2-1. Driving procedures
■Shift position uses
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable
for the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is
recommended for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of thepossible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents
unnecessary upshifting.
■ Selecting snow mode
Use snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road
surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the “SNOW” switch.
The indicator will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel snow mode.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving (P. 179)*2

179
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Changing shift ranges in S mode
Shift the shift lever to the S position and operate the shift lever. Upshifting
Downshifting
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4”
according to the vehicle speed.
However, the initial shift range may be set to “3” if AI-SHIFT has oper-
ated while the shift lever was in the D position. ( P. 181)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “4”.
However, the initial shift range may be set to “3” if AI-SHIFT has oper-
ated while the shift lever was in the D position. ( P. 181)

180 2-1. Driving procedures
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher
shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.
■When driving with the cruise control system
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Engine braking will not operate in S mode, even when downshifting from “6”
to “5” or “5” to “4”. ( P. 215)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Engine braking will not operate in S mode, even when downshifting from “5”
to “4”. ( P. 215)
■ Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine is turned off after driv-
ing in snow mode.
Shift range
Function
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE)
engine3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
6 Automatically selecting
gears between 1 and 6
according to vehicle speed
and driving conditions. 
5 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 5 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
4 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 4 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
3 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 3 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
2 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 2 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
1 Setting the gear at 1.