air condition TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2023 Owner's Manual

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
wheel
■Dynamic Torque Control
AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically controls the drive
system such as to front-wheel
drive or AWD (all wheel drive)
according to various running
conditions including normal driv-
ing, during cornering, on a
uphill, when starting off, during
acceleration, on a slippery roads
due to snow or rain, thus con-
tributing to stable operability and
driving stability.
■Dynamic Torque Vectoring
AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically controls the drive
system such as to front-wheel
drive or AWD (all wheel drive)
according to various running
conditions including normal driv-
ing, during cornering, on a
uphill, when starting off, during
acceleration, on a slippery roads
due to snow or rain, thus con-
tributing to stable operability and
driving stability.
Also, drive torque distribution is
precisely controlled during cor-
nering, contributing to improve-
ments in operability and stability.
■The Secondary Collision
Brake
When the SRS airbag sensor
detects a collision and the sys-
tem operates, the brakes and
brake lights are automatically
controlled to reduce the vehicle speed and help reduce the pos-
sibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems are oper-
ating
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.
■Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt
or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the
wheels. Pressing the switch to
turn the system off may make it eas-
ier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release the switch.
The “Traction Cont rol Turned OFF”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.

3104-5. Using the driving support systems
■AWD system operation sounds
and vibrations when switching
between AWD and front wheel
drive (if equipped)
When the vehicle switches from
AWD to front wheel drive and vice
versa, operation sounds and vibra-
tions may be generated, but this is
not a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the
EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem is reduced to prevent the sys-
tem from overheating when there is
frequent steering input over an
extended period of time. The steer-
ing 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 EPS syst em should return
to normal within 10 minutes.
■Automatic reactivation of
TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer
Sway Control and VSC systems off,
the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situa-
tions:
●When the engine switch is turned
OFF
●If only the TRAC system is turned
off, the TRAC will turn on when
vehicle speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems are turned off, automatic
re-enabling will not occur when
vehicle speed increases.
■Operating conditions of Active
Cornering Assist
The system operates when the fol-
lowing occurs.
●TRAC/VSC can operate
●The driver is at tempting to accel-
erate while turning
●The system detects that the vehi-
cle is drifting to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■If a message about AWD is
shown on the multi-information
display (AWD models)
Perform the following actions.
●“AWD System Over-heated
Switching to 2WD Mode.” AWD
system is overheated. Stop the
vehicle in a safe place with the
engine running.
*
If the message disappears after a
while, there is no problem. If the
message remains, have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.
●“AWD System Over-heated 2WD
Mode Engaged.” AWD system
has been temporarily released
and switched to front-wheel drive
due to overheating. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place with the engine
running.
*
If the message disappears after a
while, AWD system will automati-
cally recover. If the message
remains, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
●“AWD system Malfunction 2WD
Mode Engaged Visit Your Dealer.”
A malfunction occurs in the AWD
system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
*: When stopping the vehicle, do not stop the engine until the display
message has turned off.
■Secondary Collision Brake
operating conditions
The system operates when the SRS
airbag sensor de tects a collision
while the vehicle is in motion.
However, the system does not oper-
ate when the components are dam-
aged.

3144-6. Driving tips
4-6.Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate
to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the
battery.
 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.
Perform the following according
to the driving conditions:
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary
preparations and inspec-
tions before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always
drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so m ay result in a
loss of vehicle control and cause
death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended
level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75
mph (120 km/h), regardless of
the type of snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just
some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the
vehicle being unable to be driven
safely, and may cause death or
serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the
speed limit specifi ed for the tire
chains being used, or 30 mph
(50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road
surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration,
abrupt steering, sudden brak-
ing and shifting operations that
cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before
entering a curve to ensure that
vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use the LTA (Lane Trac-
ing Assist) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow
tires
Request repairs or replacement of
snow tires from Toyota dealers or
legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and
attachment of snow tires affects
the operation of the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle

3154-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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
the climate control system
fan, remove any snow that
has accumulated on the air
inlet vents in front of the wind-
shield.
 Check for and remove any
excess ice or snow that may
have accumulated on the
exterior lights, vehicle’s roof,
chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
 Remove any snow or mud
from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly,
keep a safe distance between
you and the vehicle ahead, and
drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
 Park the vehicle and move
the shift lever to P without set-
ting the parking brake. The
parking brake may freeze up,
preventing it from being
released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the
parking brake, make sure to
block the wheels. Failure to
do so may be dangerous
because it may cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly,
possibly leading to an acci-
dent.
When the parking
brake is in auto-
matic mode, release the parking
brake after shifting the shift lever to
P. ( P.205)
 If the vehicle is parked without
setting the parking brake,
confirm that the shift lever
cannot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is
attempted to be sh ifted from P to
any other position without
depressing the brake pedal. If the
shift lever can be shifted from P,
there may be a problem with the
shift lock system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.
Use the correct tire chain size
when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each
tire size.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains

321
5
5
Interior features
Interior features
.5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Front automatic air condi- tioning system ........... 322
Rear automatic air condi- tioning system ........... 331
Heated steering wheel/seat heaters/seat ventilators.................................. 335
5-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list .......... 337
5-3. Using the storage features List of storage features.................................. 340
Luggage compartment fea- tures .......................... 344
5-4. Using the other interior features
Other interior features . 349
Garage door opener.... 360

3225-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5-1.Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic mode switch (P.328)
Left-hand side temperature control switch
“OFF” switch
Windshield defogger switch
Rear air conditioning system on/off switch ( P.332)
S-FLOW mode switch ( P.328)
Right-hand side temperature control switch
“A/C” switch
Outside/recirculated air mode switch
“REAR CLIMATE” switch ( P.332)
Rear seat temperature control knob ( P.332)
Airflow mode control knob
Fan speed control knob
“SYNC” control knob
Rear window defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers
switch
Windshield wiper de-icer switch
Front automatic ai r conditioning system
Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted accord-
ing to the temperature setting.
The air conditioning system can be displayed and operated on
the audio system screen.
Air conditioning controls

3235-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
■Adjusting the temperature
setting
Turn driver’s side temperature
control switch clockwise to
increases the temperature and
turn the switch counterclockwise
to decreases the temperature.
If “A/C” switch is not pressed, the
system will blow a mbient tempera-
ture air or heated air.
The temperature for the driver,
front passenger and rear seats
can be adjusted separately
when:
 “SYNC” control knob is
moved upward or downward.
(The “PASS” and “REAR” dis-
plays disappear)
 The passenger’s side tem-
perature control switch is
turned. (The “PASS” display
disappears)
 The rear seat temperature
control knob is moved upward
or downward. (The “REAR”
display disappears)
To switch the air c onditioning sys-
tem between individual and simul-
taneous modes, move “SYNC”
control knob upward or downward.
■Setting the fan speed
To set the fan speed, move the
fan speed control knob upward
or downward.
Upward: Increases the fan speed
Downward: Decreases the fan
speed
Pressing the “OFF” switch turns off the fan.
■Change the airflow mode
To change the airflow mode,
move the airflow mode control
knob upward or downward.
1 Upper body
2 Upper body and feet
3 Feet
4 Feet and the windshield
defogger operates
■Switching between outside
air and recirculated air
modes
Press the outside/recirculated
air mode switch.
The mode switches between out-
side air mode and recirculated air
mode each time the switch is oper-
ated.
When recirculated air mode is
selected, the indicator illuminates
on the outside/recirculated air
mode switch.

3245-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Set cooling and dehumidifi-
cation function
Press the “A/C” switch.
When the function i s on, the indica-
tor illuminates on th e “A/C” switch.
■Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the
windshield and front side win-
dows.
Press the windshield defogger
switch.
Set the outside/recirculated air
mode switch to outside air mode if
t h e r e c i r c u l a t e d a i r m o d e i s u s e d . ( I t
may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the
side windows quickly, turn the air
flow and temperature up.
To return to the previous mode,
press the windshield defogger
switch again when the windshield is
defogged.
When the windshield defogger
switch is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the windshield defogger
switch.
■Defogging the rear window
and outside rear view mir-
rors
Defoggers are used to defog the
rear window and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the
outside rear view mirrors.
Press the rear window defogger
and outside rear view mirror
defoggers switch.
When the rear window defogger
and outside rear view mirror defog- gers switch is on, the indicator illu-
minates on the rear window
defogger and outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers switch.
The defoggers will automatically
turn off afte
r a while.
■Windshield wiper de-icer
This feature is used to prevent
ice from building up on the wind-
shield and wiper blades.
Press the windshield wiper
de-icer switch.
When the windshield wiper de-icer
switch is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the windshield wiper
de-icer switch.
The windshield wiper de-icer will
automatically turn off after a period
of time.
■When the outside temperature
exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air
conditioning system is on
●In order to reduce the air condi-
tioning power consumption, the air
conditioning system may switch to
recirculated air mode automati-
cally. This may also reduce fuel
consumption.
●Recirculated air mode is selected
as a default mode when the
engine switch is turned to ON.
●It is possible to switch to outside
air mode at any time by pressing
the outside air mode switch.
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up
when the humidity in the vehicle is
high. Turning “A/C” on will dehu-
midify the air from the outlets and
defog the windshield effectively.
●If you turn “A/C” off, the windows
may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the

3255-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
recirculated air mode is used.
■When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up
by the vehicle is still drawn into the
vehicle after closing the windows, it
is recommended that the air intake
mode be set to outside air mode and
the fan speed to any setting except
off.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●Setting to the r ecirculated air
mode temporarily is recom-
mended in preventing dirty air
from entering the vehicle interior
and helping to c ool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature
is high.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may
automatically switch depending on
the temperature setting or the
inside temperature.
■Operation of the air condition-
ing system in Eco drive mode
●In Eco drive mode, the air condi-
tioning system is controlled as fol-
lows to prioritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict
heating/cooling capacity
• Fan speed restr icted when auto-
matic mode is selected
●To improve air co nditioning perfor-
mance, perform the following
operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode ( P.300)
■When the outside temperature
is low
The dehumidification function may
not operate even when the “A/C”
switch is pressed.
■Ventilation and air conditioning
odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air condi-
tioning system to the outside air
mode.
●During use, various odors from
inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accumulate in the
air conditioning system. This may
then cause odor
to be emitted
from the vents.
●To reduce potential odors from
occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to out-
side air mode prior to turning the
vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may
be delayed for a short period of
time immediately after the air con-
ditioning system is started in auto-
matic mode.
●When parking, the system auto-
matically switches to outside air
mode to encourage better air cir-
culation throughout the vehicle,
helping to reduce odors that occur
when starting the vehicle.
■Air conditioning system opera-
tions when the engine is
stopped due to the Stop & Start
system (vehicles with Stop &
Start system)
When the engine is stopped due to
Stop & Start system operations, the
automatic air conditioning cooling,
heating and dehumidification func-
tions turn off and the fan speed is
decreased according to the outside
temperature etc. or air blowing
stops. To stop the air conditioning
system from turning off, press the
Stop & Start cancel switch and
refrain from using the Stop & Start
system.
■When the windshield is fogged
up and the engine is stopped
due to the Stop & Start system
(vehicles with Stop & Start sys-
tem)
Press the windshield defogger
switch to restart the engine and
defog the windshield.
If the windshield continuously fogs
up, press the Stop & Start cancel
switch and refrain from using the
Stop & Start system.

3265-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■When an odor comes from the
air conditioning system while
the engine is stopped due to the
Stop & Start system (vehicles
with Stop & Start system)
Press the Stop & Start cancel switch
to restart the engine.
■Air conditioning filter
 P. 4 0 8
■Air conditioning system refrig-
erant
●A label regarding the refrigerant of
the air conditioning system is
attached to the location shown in
the following illustration.
●The meaning of each symbol on
the label are as follows:
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.494)
Caution
Air conditioning sys-
tem
Air conditioning sys-
tem lubricant type
Requires registered
technician to service
air conditioning sys-
tem
Flammable refrigerant
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield
from fogging up
Do not use the windshield defog-
ger switch during cool air opera-
tion in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the tem-
perature of the outside air and
that of the windshield can cause
the outer surface of the wind-
shield to fog up, blocking your
vision.
■When the outside rear view
mirror defoggers are operat-
ing
Do not touch the rear view mirror
surfaces when the outside rear
view mirror def oggers are on.
■When the windshield wiper
de-icer is operating
Do not touch the glass at lower
part of the windshield or to the
side of the front p illars when the
windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning
system on longer than necessary
when the engine is off.
■When repairing/replacing
parts of the air conditioning
system
Have repair/replacement per-
formed by your Toyota dealer.
When a part of the air conditioning
system, such as the evaporator, is
to be replaced, it must be
replaced with a new one.