TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)

2114-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
■Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set
and released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
1 Pull the switch to set the
parking brake
The parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light will turn on. Pull and hold the parking brake
switch if an emergency occurs and
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.
2
Push the switch to release
the parking brake
• Operate the parking brake switch
while depressing the brake pedal.
• Parking brake automatic release function ( P.212)
Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake
light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light flashes,
operate the switch again. ( P.465)
■Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped,
pull and hold the parking brake
switch until a “EPB Shift Inter-
lock Function Activated” is
shown on the multi-information
display.
When the automatic mode is
turned on, the parking brake
operates as follows.
 When the shift lever is moved
out of P, the parking brake will
be released, and the parking
brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light turn off.
Parking brake
The parking brake can be
set or released automati-
cally or manually.
In automatic mode, the
parking brake can be set or
released automatically
according to the shift lever
operation. Also, even in
automatic mode, the park-
ing brake can be set or
released manually.
Operating instructions

2124-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_U
When the shift lever is moved
into P, the parking brake will
be set, and the parking brake
indicator light and parking
brake light turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
■Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped,
press and hold the parking
brake switch until a “EPB Shift
Interlock Function Deactivated”
is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
■Parking brake operation
●When the engine switch is not in
ON, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake
switch.
●When the engine switch is not in
ON, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not
available.
■Parking brake automatic
release function
The parking brake will be released
automatically when the accelerator
pedal is slowly depressed under the
following conditions:
●The driver’s door is closed
●The driver is wearing the seat belt
●The shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
●The malfunction indicator lamp or
brake system warning light is not
illuminated
If the automatic release function
does not operate, release the park-
ing brake manually.
■If “Parking Brake Temporarily
Unavailable” is displayed on
the multi-info rmation display
If the parking brake is operated
repeatedly over a short period of
time, the system may restrict opera-
tion to prevent overheating. If this
happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will
return after about 1 minute.
■If “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
Operate the parking brake switch. If
the message does not disappear
after operating the switch several
times, the system may be malfunc-
tioning. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light
●Depending on the engine switch
mode, the parking brake indicator
light and parking brake light will
turn on and stay on as described
below:
ON: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●When the engine switch is turned
off with the parking brake set, the
parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light will stay on for
about 15 seconds. This does not
indicate a malfunction.

2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
■When the parking brake switch
malfunctions
Automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) will be turned
on automatically.
■Parking the vehicle
 P. 1 7 9
■Parking brake engaged warning
buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is
driven with the parking brake
engaged. “Parking Brake ON” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are
used to indicate a system malfunc-
tion or to inform the driver of the
need for caution. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and
follow the instructions.
■If the brake system warning
light comes on
 P. 4 5 8
■Usage in winter time
 P. 3 2 7
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle
alone. The parking brake may be
released unintentionally and there
is the danger of the vehicle mov-
ing that may lead to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the
parking brake switch. Objects
may interfere with the switch and
may lead the parking brake to
unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift
the shift lever to P, set the parking
brake and make sure that the
vehicle does not move.
■When the system malfunc-
tions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place
and check the warning messages.
■When the parking brake can-
not be released due to a mal-
function
Driving the vehicle with the park-
ing brake set will lead to brake
components overheating, which
may affect braking performance
and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer immediately if
this occurs.

2144-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_U
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the
system is holding the brake, the
brake hold operated indicator (yel-
low) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating
conditions
The brake hold system cannot be
turned on in th e following condi-
tions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat
belt.
●The parking brake is engaged.
If any of the conditions above are
detected when the brake hold sys-
tem is enabled, the system will turn
off and the brake hold standby indi-
cator light will go off. In addition, if
any of the condit ions are detected
while the system is holding the
brake, a warning buzzer will sound
and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display. The park-
ing brake will then be set automati-
cally.
■Brake hold function
●If the brake pedal is left released
for a period of about 3 minutes
after the system has started hold-
ing the brake, the parking brake
will be set automatically. In this
case, a warning buzzer sounds
and a message is shown on the
multi-information display.
●To turn the system off while the
system is holding the brake, firmly
depress the brake pedal and
press the button again.
●The brake hold function may not
hold the vehicle when the vehicle
is on a steep incline. In this situa-
tion, it may be necessary for the
driver to apply the brakes. A warn-
ing buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will
inform the driver of this situation. If
a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions.
■When the parking brake is set
automatically while the system
is holding the brakes
Perform any of the following opera-
tions to release the parking brake.
●Depress the accelerator pedal.
(The parking brake will not be
released automatically if the seat
belt is not fastened.)
●Operate the parking brake switch
with the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the parking brake
Brake Hold
The brake hold system
keeps the brake applied
when the shift lever is in D,
M or N with the system on
and the brake pedal has
been depressed to stop the
vehicle. The system
releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is
depressed with the shift
lever in D or M to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_Uindicator light goes off. (
P.211)
■When an inspection at your
Toyota dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indi-
cator (green) doe s not illuminate
even when the brake hold switch is
pressed with the brake hold system
operating conditions met, the sys-
tem may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected at your Toyota
dealer.
■If “Brake Hold Malfunction
Press Brake to Deactivate Visit
Your Dealer” or “Brake Hold
Malfunction Visit Your Dealer”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are
used to indicate a system malfunc-
tion or to inform the driver of the
need for caution. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and
follow the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indi-
cator flashes
 P. 4 6 5
WARNING
■When the vehicle is on a
steep incline
When using the brake hold sys-
tem on a steep incline, exercise
caution. The brake hold function
may not hold the vehicle in such a
situation.
■When stopped on a slippery
road
The system cannot stop the vehi-
cle when the gripping ability of the
tires has been exceeded. Do not
use the system when stopped on
a slippery road.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not
designed for use when parking
the vehicle for a long period of
time. Turning the engine switch off
while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake,
which would cause the vehicle to
move. When operating the engine
switch, depress the brake pedal,
shift the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake.

2164-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER_U
4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Operating the switch
turns on the lights as follows:U.S.A.
Canada
1 The headlights, daytime
running lights ( P.216) and
all the lights listed below turn
on and off automatically.
(When the engine switch is in
ON.)
2 The side marker, park-
ing, tail, license plate, instru-
ment panel lights, and
daytime running lights
( P.216) turn on.
3 The headlights and all lights listed above (except
daytime running lights) turn
on.
4 (U.S.A.) Off
■Daytime running light system
●Vehicles without projector head-
lights: The daytime running lights
illuminate using the same lights as
the low beam headlights and illu-
minate dimmer than the low beam
headlights.
●Vehicles with projector head-
lights: The daytime running lights
illuminate using the same lights as
the parking light s and illuminate
brighter than the parking lights.
●To make your vehicle more visible
to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights
turn on automatically when all of
the following conditions are met.
(The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the
or
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain
on after they illuminate, even if the
parking brake is set again.
●For the U.S.A.: Daytime running
lights can be turned off by operat-
ing the switch.
●Compared to turning on the head-
lights, the daytime running light
system offers gr eater durability
and consumes less electricity, so
it can help improve fuel economy.
Headlight switch
The headlights can be oper-
ated manually or automati-
cally.
Operating instructions

2174-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function prop-
erly if an object is placed on the sen-
sor, or anything that blocks the
sensor is affixed to the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light
and may cause the automatic head-
light system to malfunction.
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights are on: The
headlights and tail lights turn off
30 seconds after a door is opened
and closed if the engine switch is
turned to ACC or OFF. (The lights
turn off immediately if on the
key is pressed after all the doors
are closed.)
●When only the tail lights are on:
The tail lights turn off automati-
cally if the engine switch is turned
to ACC or OFF and the driver’s
door is opened.
Except for Canada: To turn the lights
on again, turn the engine switch to
ON, or turn the light switch off once
and then back to or .
For Canada: To tu rn the lights on
again, turn the engine switch to ON,
or turn the light switch to once
and then back to or .
■Automatic headlight leveling
system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is auto-
matically adjusted according to the
number of passengers and the load-
ing condition of the vehicle to
ensure that the headlights do not interfere with other road users.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine
switch is turned off or turned to ACC
and the driver’s door is opened
while the lights are turned on.
■Welcome lighting
The parking lights and tail lights
automatically turn on at night when
the doors are unlocked using the
entry function or wireless remote
control if the light switch is in the
position.
■Windshield wiper linked head-
light illumination
When driving during daytime with
the headlight switch turned to , if
the windshield wipers are used, the
headlights will turn on automatically
after several se conds to help
enhance the visibility of your vehi-
cle.
■Battery-saving function
In order to prevent the battery of the
vehicle from discharging, if the
headlights and/or tail lights are on
when the engine switch is turned off
the battery saving function will oper-
ate and automatically turn off all the
lights after approximately 20 min-
utes. When the engine switch is
turned to ON, the battery-saving
function will be disabled.
When any of the following are per-
formed, the battery-saving function
is canceled once and then reacti-
vated. All the lights will turn off auto-
matically 20 minutes after the
battery-saving function has been
reactivated:
●When the headlight switch is oper-
ated
●When a door is opened or closed
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.521)

2184-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER_U
1With the headlights on, push
the lever away from you to
turn on the high beams.
Pull the lever towa rd you to the
center position to turn the high
beams off.
2 Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high
beams once.
You can flash the high beams with
the headlights on or off.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting
System) secures excellent visi-
bility at intersections and on
curves by automatically adjust-
ing the direction of the light axis
of the headlights according to
vehicle speed and the degree of
the tire’s angle as controlled by steering input.
AFS operates at speeds of 6 mph
(10 km/h) or higher.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.521)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer
than necessary when the engine
is off.
Turning on the high beam
headlights
AFS (Adaptive Front-light-
ing System) (if equipped)

2194-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
1Press the Automatic High
Beam switch. 2
Push the lever away from
you with the headlight switch
in the or position.
The Automatic High Beam indicator
will come on when the system is
operating.
■Conditions to turn the high
beams on/off automatically
●When all of the following condi-
tions are met, the high beams will
be turned on automatically (after
approximately 1 second):
• The vehicle speed is approxi-
mately 21 mph (34 km/h) or more.
• The area ahead of the vehicle is dark.
• There are no vehicles ahead with headlights or tail lights turned on.
• There are few streetlights on the
road ahead.
●If any of the following conditions is
met, the high beams will turn off
automatically:
• The vehicle speed is below
approximately 17 mph (27 km/h).
• The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark.
• Vehicles ahead have their head- lights or tail lights turned on.
• There are many streetlights on the road ahead.
■Camera sensor detection infor-
mation
●The high beams may not be auto-
matically turned off in the following
situations:
• When a vehicle suddenly appears
Automatic High Beam
The Automatic High Beam
uses a camera sensor
located behind the upper
portion of the windshield to
assess the brightness of the
lights of vehicles ahead,
streetlights, etc., and auto-
matically turns the high
beams on or off as neces-
sary.
WARNING
■Limitations of the Automatic
High Beam
Do not overly rely on the Auto-
matic High Beam. Always drive
safely, taking care to observe your
surroundings and turning the high
beams on or off manually if nec-
essary.
■To prevent incorrect opera-
tion of the Automatic High
Beam system
Do not overload the vehicle.
Activating the Automatic
High Beam

2204-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER_Ufrom around a curve
• When the vehicle is cut in front of by another vehicle
• When vehicles ahead cannot be detected due to repeated curves,
road dividers or roadside trees
• When vehicles ahead appear in a faraway lane on a wide road
• When the lights of vehicles ahead
are not on
●The high beams may be turned off
if a vehicle ahead that is using fog
lights without its headlights turned
on is detected.
●House lights, street lights, traffic
signals, and illumi nated billboards
or signs and other reflective
objects may cause the high
beams to change to the low
beams, or the low beams to
remain on.
●The following factors may affect
the amount of time taken for the
high beams to turn on or off:
• The brightness of the headlights, fog lights, and tail lights of vehi-
cles ahead
• The movement and direction of vehicles ahead
• When a vehicle ahead only has
operational lights on one side
• When a vehicle ahead is a two-wheeled vehicle
• The condition of the road (gradi- ent, curve, condition of the road
surface, etc.)
• The number of passengers and amount of luggage in the vehicle
●The high beams may turn on or off
unexpectedly.
●Bicycles or similar vehicles may
not be detected.
●In the following situations the sys-
tem may not be able to correctly
detect the surrounding brightness
level. This may cause the low
beams to remain on or the high
beams to flash or dazzle pedestri-
ans or vehicles ahead. In such a
case, it is necess ary to manually
switch between the high and low
beams. • When driving in inclement weather
(heavy rain, snow, fog, sand-
storms, etc.)
• When the windshield is obscured by fog, mist, ice, dirt, etc.
• When the windshield is cracked or
damaged
• When the camera sensor is deformed or dirty
• When the temperature of the cam- era sensor is extremely high
• When the surrounding brightness
level is equal to that of headlights,
tail lights or fog lights
• When headlights or tail lights of
vehicles ahead are turned off,
dirty, changing color, or not aimed
properly
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow, dust, etc. from a preceding
vehicle
• When driving through an area of intermittently changing brightness
and darkness
• When frequently and repeatedly driving ascending/descending
roads, or roads with rough, bumpy
or uneven surfaces (such as
stone-paved roads, gravel roads,
etc.)
• When frequently and repeatedly taking curves or driving on a wind-
ing road
• When there is a highly reflective object ahead of the vehicle, such
as a sign or mirror
• When the back of a preceding vehicle is highly reflective, such as
a container on a truck
• When the vehicle’s headlights are damaged or dirty, or are not aimed
properly
• When the vehicle is listing or titling due to a flat tire, a trailer being
towed, etc.
• When the headlights are changed between the high beams and low
beams repeatedly in an abnormal
manner
• When the driver believes that the high beams may be flashing or
dazzling pedestrians or other driv-
ers