TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)

4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
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■Front
■RearPositioning a floor
jack
When using a floor jack, fol-
low the instructions in the
manual provided with the
jack and perform the opera-
tion safely.
When raising your vehicle
with a floor jack, position
the jack correctly. Improper
placement may damage
your vehicle or cause injury.
Location of the jack point

4126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine coolant reservoir (P.415)
Fuse boxes ( P.438)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.413)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.412)
Battery ( P.416)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.416)
Washer fluid tank ( P.418)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P.416)
Radiator ( P.416)
With the engine at operating
temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dip- stick.
■Checking the engine oil
1 Park the vehicle on level
ground. After warming up the
engine and turning it off, wait
Engine compar tment
Components
Checking and adding the
engine oil

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6
Maintenance and care
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more than 5 minutes for the
oil to drain back into the bot-
tom of the engine.
2 Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
3 Wipe the dipstick clean.
4 Reinsert the dipstick fully.
5 Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and
check the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ
depending on the type of vehicle or
engine.
6Wipe the dipstick and reinsert
it fully.
■Checking the oil type and
preparing the item needed
Make sure to check the oil type
and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.
 Engine oil selection
P.502
 Oil quantity (Low  Full)
1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp. qt.)
 Item
Clean funnel
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
1 Remove the oil filler cap by
turning it counterclockwise.
2 Add engine oil slowly, check-
ing the dipstick.
3 Install the oil filler cap by
turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will
be consumed while driving. In the
following situations, oil consump-
tion may increase, and engine oil
may need to be re filled in between
oil maintenance intervals.

4146-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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●When the engine is new, for
example directly after purchasing
the vehicle or after replacing the
engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inap-
propriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine
speeds or with a heavy load,
when towing, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating
frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for
a long time, or when driving fre-
quently through heavy traffic
■If the oil is spilled on the engine
cover
To prevent the engine cover from
being damaged, remove any engine
oil from the engine cover as soon as
possible using a neutral detergent.
Do not use an organic solvent such
as brake cleaner.
■After changing the engine oil
The engine oil maintenance data
should be reset. Perform the follow-
ing procedures:
4.2-inch display
1 Press or of the meter
control switch to select .
2 Press or of the meter
control switch, select and
then press and hold .
3 Press or of the meter
control switch, se lect “Oil Mainte-
nance” and then press .
4 Select “Yes” and press .
5 A message will be displayed on
the multi-information display
when the reset procedure has
been completed.
7-inch display
1 Press or of the meter
control switch to select . 2
Press or of the meter
control switch, select and
then press and hold .
3 Press or of the meter
control switch, select “Oil Mainte-
nance” and then press .
4 Select “Yes” and press .
5 A message will be displayed on
the multi-information display
when the reset procedure has
been completed.
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains poten-
tially harmful contaminants
which may cause skin disorders
such as inflammation and skin
cancer, so care should be taken
to avoid prolonged and
repeated contact. To remove
used engine oil from your skin,
wash thoroughly with soap and
water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters
only in a safe and acceptable
manner. Do not dispose of used
oil and filters in household trash,
in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Toyota dealer, service
station or auto parts store for
information concerning recy-
cling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil
within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine
damage
Check the oil le vel on a regular
basis.

4156-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
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The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir
when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. ( P.495)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or a similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite, and
non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology. U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within
a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses,
engine coolant reservoir cap, drain
cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your
Toyota dealer test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling sys-
tem.
NOTICE
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil
on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dip-
stick every time you refill the
vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap
is properly tightened.
Checking the coolant
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant
reservoir cap and radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under
pressure and may spray hot cool-
ant if the cap is removed, causing
serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor
straight antifreeze. The correct
mixture of water and antifreeze
must be used to provide proper
lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the
antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to
prevent it from damaging parts or
paint.

4166-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Check the radiator and con-
denser and clear away any for-
eign objects. If either of the
above parts is extremely dirty or
you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid
type and prepare the necessary
item.
 Fluid type
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT
3 brake fluid
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT
4 brake fluid
Item
Clean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture
from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid
can cause a dangerous loss of brak-
ing efficiency. Use only newly
opened brake fluid.
Check the battery as follows.
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery termi-
nals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections,
cracks, or loose clamps.
Checking the radiator and
condenser
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or con-
denser as they may be hot and
cause serious injuries, such as
burns.
Checking and adding the
brake fluid
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm
your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in
your eyes, flush the affected area
with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort,
see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level
to go down slightly as the brake
pads wear out or when the fluid
level in the accu mulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent
refilling, there may be a serious
problem.
Battery

4176-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore,
observe the following precautions
before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery
installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on
the charger is off when connecting
and disconnecting the charger
cables to the battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting
the battery
The engine may not start. Follow the
procedure below to initialize the sys-
tem.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the engine.
●Unlocking the doors using the
smart key system may not be pos-
sible immediately after reconnect-
ing the battery. If this happens,
use the wireless remote control or
the mechanical key to lock/unlock
the doors.
●Start the engine with the engine
switch in ACC. The engine may
not start with the engine switch
turned off. However, the engine
will operate normally from the sec-
ond attempt.
●The engine switch mode is
recorded by the vehicle. If the bat-
tery is disconnected and recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the
engine switch mode to the status it
was in before the battery was dis-
connected. Make sure to turn off
the engine before disconnecting
the battery. Take extra care when
connecting the battery if the
engine switch mo de prior to the
battery being disconnected is
unknown.
If the system will no t start even after
multiple attempts, contact your Toy-
ota dealer.
WARNING
■Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. To
reduce the risk of death or serious
injury, take the following precau-
tions while working on or near the
battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touch-
ing the battery terminals with
tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match
near the battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin
and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electro-
lyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses
when working near the battery.
●Keep children away from the
battery.

4186-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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If any washer does not work or
the warning message appears
on the multi-information display,
the washer tank may be empty.
Add washer fluid.
WARNING
■Where to safely charge the
battery
Always charge the battery in an
open area. Do not charge the bat-
tery in a garage or closed room
where there is insu fficient ventila-
tion.
■How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A
or less). The battery may explode
if charged at a quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regard-
ing electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean
water for at least 15 minutes
and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue
to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the near-
est medical facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thor-
oughly. If you feel pain or burn-
ing, get medical attention
immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your
clothes
It can soak through clothing on
to your skin. Immediately take
off the clothing and follow the
procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow elec-
trolyte
Drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Get emergency medical
attention immediately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while
the engine is running. Also, be
sure all accessori es are turned
off.
Washer fluid
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the
engine is hot or running as
washer fluid contains alcohol and
may catch fire if spilled on the
engine, etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other
than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine
antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on
the vehicle’s painted surfaces, as
well as damaging the pump lead-
ing to problems of the washer
fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as
necessary.
Refer to the freezing tempera-
tures listed on the label of the
washer fluid bottle.

4196-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
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Check if the treadwear indica-
tors are showing on the tires.
Also check the tires for uneven
wear, such as excessive wear
on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition
and pressure if not rotated.New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicators
is shown by a “TWI” or “ ” mark, etc., molded into the sidewall of
each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear
indicators are showing on a tire.
■When to replace your vehicle’s
tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are
showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as
cuts, splits, cracks deep enough
to expose the fabric, and bulges
indicating internal damage.
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or can-
not be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other
damage.
If you are not sure, consult with your
Toyota dealer.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be
checked by a qualified technician
even if it has seldom or never been
used or damage is not obvious.
■Proper storage of the spare tire
As an improperly stored spare tire
may cause damage to the wire
cable that holds it, check that the
spare tire is stored properly on a
daily basis.
●If the stored spare tire appears to
be slanted or rattles while driving,
the spare tire may not be properly
stored. Store the spare tire again
by performing the following tire
change procedure correctly:
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in
accordance with mainte-
nance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires

4206-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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If the spare tire is slanted, the
hoist assembly ma y be stuck in
the wheel opening. If the spare
tire rattles while driving, it may
not be fully raised. Lower the
spare tire to the ground and
make sure that the hoist assem-
bly is perpendicular to the wheel
opening.
2 Raise the tire slowly and steadily
until a click is heard and the jack
handle skips.
If the spare tire cannot be lowered,
the wire cable may be severed.
Have the vehicle inspected at your
Toyota dealer.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the number given by
dividing the maximum load by 1.10
of the replacement tire is greater
than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR) of either the front
axle or the rear axle, whichever is
greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification
Label.
For the maximum load of the tire,
see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on
the sidewall of the tire. ( P. 5 1 1 )
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed perfor-
mance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since
summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tires,
summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered or icy
roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow
tires is recommended. When install-
ing snow tires, be sure to replace all
four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most win-
ter conditions as well as for use
year-round. All season tires, how-
ever, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow
tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in accelera-
tion and handling performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway
driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads
or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires,
select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the
originally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original
equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction.
Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels.
(  P.327)
■If the tread on snow tires wears
down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as
snow tires is lost.