brakes TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2007 XU40 / 2.G Owners Manual

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Be sure to put the transmission in the
“P” position when parking.
In the “N” position, the hybrid battery
does not recharge, even if the gasoline
engine is operating. Leaving the transmis-
sion in the “N” position for an extended
period of time may discharge the hybrid
battery. The vehicle cannot run if the hy-
brid battery is discharged.
When you leave your vehicle, apply the
parking brake, put the transmission in
the “P” position, be sure to carry the
key with you and lock all the doors.
If you leave the ignition in “ACC” or “ON”,
the 12 volt battery will be discharged and
the hybrid system may not start.
Because the vehicle is powered by
both the gasoline engine and the trac-
tion motor, you may hear a motor
sound coming from the engine compart-
ment. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid battery under the rear
seats. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, or while the vehicle is idling,
you may hear a sound coming from the
transmission. However, this does not
indicate any trouble.
When accelerating rapidly, the engine
noise may rise. However, this does not
indicate any trouble.
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid
battery power, resulting in poor accel-
eration. Battery power can be restored
by driving with the accelerator pedal
slightly released.
When applying brakes, you may hear
a sound coming from the motor genera-
tor. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment when the driver ’s door is
opened or the brake pedal is de-
pressed with the hybrid system turned
off. However, this does not indicate any
trouble.
When the gasoline engine is started or
stopped with the hybrid system on, you
may feel a vibration. However, this
does not indicate any trouble.
If the “READY” light is on, you can
start even when the gasoline engine is
off.
When you put the transmission in the
“B” position and take your foot off the
accelerator pedal, engine braking will
be applied. However, during high speed
driving you may feel that engine brak-
ing is less effective than that of ordi-
nary vehicle.
If the vehicle is parked for a long time,
the hybrid battery will discharge gradually.
To keep the hybrid battery in good condi-
tion, drive the vehicle at least once every
several months for at least 30 minutes or
10 miles. If the hybrid battery becomes
fully discharged and the vehicle will not
start even with a jump start to the 12 volt
battery, contact your Toyota dealership.
High voltage parts and cables on the
hybrid vehicles emit approximately the
same amount of electromagnetic
waves as the conventional gasoline
powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances despite of their electro-
magnetic shieldings.
Unwanted noise may occur in the re-
ception of the mobile twoway radio.
—The characteristics of the
hybrid vehicle

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(a) Brake System Warning Lights
These lights come on in the following
cases when the ignition key is in the “ON”
position.
RED WARNING LIGHT
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on when the ignition is
turned on, even after the parking brake is
released. When the vehicle speed exceeds
5 km/h (3 mph), a message “PARK
BRAKE” appears on the multi −information
display, the master warning light flashes
and a warning tone sounds.
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHT
When the regenerative brake system
or electronically controlled brake
system fails...
When the yellow warning light comes on,
the regenerative brake system and/or elec-
tronically controlled brake system is mal-
functioning. Take your vehicle to your
Toyota dealer.
RED AND YELLOW WARNING LIGHT
When the hydraulic brake system
fails...
If the red and yellow warning lights come
on, it indicates a serious problem and you
can continue driving no longer.
Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following cases:
The lights do not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the hy-
brid system is on.
The lights do not come on when the
ignition is turned on with the parking
brake released.
A red or yellow warning light turning on
briefly during operation does not indicate
a problem.
CAUTION
If any of the following conditions oc-
curs, immediately stop your vehicle at
a safe place and contact your Toyota
dealer.
The red warning light does not turn
off even after the parking brake is
released with the hybrid system
turned on.
The red warning light stays on.
In either case, this can indicate that
the brakes may not work properly and
your stopping distance will become
longer. Depress the brake pedal firmly
and bring the vehicle to an immediate
stop.
The red brake system warning light
remains on together with the “ABS”
warning light and “CHECK VSC
SYSTEM” warning message.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system and vehicle stability
control system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.

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“ABS” warning light
When the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position, the “ABS” warning light
comes on. It will go off when the
“READY” light comes on. If the “ABS”
warning light does not come on when
the ignition is turned on, contact your
Toyota dealer.
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
after the ignition is turned on or if it
comes on while driving, the antilock
brake system function may not operate
properly. Although the brake system op-
erates without the function, drive care-
fully and have your vehicle checked by
a Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
For details, see “Service reminder indi-
cators and warning buzzers” on page
144 in Section 16.
Warning message “CHECK VSC SYSTEM”
If “CHECK VSC SYSTEM” appears on
the multiinformation display, the trac-
tion control and vehicle stability control
functions may not operate properly. Al-
though the brake system operates nor-
mally without these functions, drive
carefully and have your vehicle checked
by a Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
For details, see “—Warning messages”
on page 155 in Section 16.BRAKE ASSIST FUNCTION
The brake assist function is designed to
assist with emergency braking. When the
driver suddenly depresses the brake ped-
al, the device treats it as emergency brak-
ing and adds braking force.
If you slam the brakes on or apply the
brakes more firmly, more powerful braking
will be applied. At this time, you may hear
a sound in the engine compartment and
feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
The brake assist function is not de-
signed to shorten braking distance.
Always drive at a moderate speed and
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Depending on
road conditions, braking distance may
be longer than that of a vehicle with-
out the brake assist device. If tire
chains are used, braking distance
may become longer.

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Compared with vehicles without an
antilock brake device, your vehicle
may require a longer stopping dis-
tance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow
covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the
joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
If tire grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the antilock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION
The traction control function is designed to
help prevent skid of the drive wheels dur-
ing sudden acceleration on slippery road
surfaces.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against drive wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at a moderate speed.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
FUNCTION
The vehicle stability control function is de-
signed to help prevent skid of the wheels
while cornering on slippery road surfaces
or when turning the steering wheel abrupt-
ly.
The system controls the driving and brak-
ing forces on each tire and also controls
the power steering assistance to help the
driver to recover vehicle stability.
CAUTION
Depending on the road conditions,
the vehicle stability control function
may not be able to stabilize your ve-
hicle. Always drive at a moderate
speed.

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REGENERATIVE BRAKE
When the brake is applied, the motor gen-
erator converts kinetic energy into electric
energy.
The regenerative brake works in the fol-
lowing operations.1. When the accelerator pedal is released, the reduced speed equal to engine
braking in a gasoline −fueled vehicle is
obtained in accordance with the running
mode position of the selector lever.
2. When the brake pedal is depressed with the selector lever in “D” or “B”,
the regenerative brake works.
HYDRAULIC BRAKE
This brake system has 3 independent hy-
draulic circuits. If any circuit should fail,
the other will still work. However, the ped-
al will be harder to press, and your stop-
ping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle if any hy-
draulic circuit has failed. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE ACTUATOR
The brake actuator uses brake fluid pres-
surized by the pump to power −assist the
brakes. If the brake actuator fails during
driving, the brake system warning light
comes on and the buzzer sounds continu-
ously. In this case, the brakes may not
work properly. If they do not work well,
depress the brake pedal firmly. If the
brake system warning light comes on, im-
mediately stop your vehicle and contact
your Toyota dealer.
The red and yellow brake system warning
lights may stay on for about 60 seconds
after the ignition is turned on. It is normal
if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the red warning light. It is
normal if the light turns off after a few
seconds.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment after the hybrid system is
started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating
sound of the brake system, and it is not
a malfunction. In the following conditions, you may hear
a motor sound in the engine compartment.
The brake pedal is depressed when the
hybrid system is turned off.
The driver ’s door is opened.
For a few seconds after the hybrid sys-
tem is off and about 90 seconds have
passed.
The brake pedal stroke may be short
when you turn the ignition on with the
brake pedal depressed.
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
hybrid system is not operating.
Each push on the pedal uses up
your reserved brake fluid pressure.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
Brake system

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DRUMINDISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drum−in −disc type
parking brake system. This type of brake
system n eeds bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding− down.
The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary. Driving conditions where the steering
wheel must be turned frequently may
cause an overload to the electric power
steering system. The system will reduce
assistance for sometime to prevent the
power steering from overheating. In this
case, you may feel some resistance when
turning the steering wheel though it is not
a malfunction.
CAUTION
If the “P/S” warning light comes on,
take your vehicle to the Toyota dealer
as soon as possible. In this case, you
may feel the heavy steering wheel
maneuvering. Drive your vehicle while
gripping the steering wheel firmly.
Brake pad wear limit
indicators
Electric power steering system

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Ti r e relat ed ter mMeaning
Accessory weight
the combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be
replaced) of transaxle, power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available
as factory−installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Cold tire inflation pressure
tire inflation pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least 3
hours or more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
under that condition
Curb weight
the weight of a motor vehicle wi th standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine
Intended outboard sidewall
(A) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on th e other sidewall of the tire, or
(B) the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle
Maximum inflation pressurethe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and it
is shown on the sidewall of the tire
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
t he sum of —
(a) curb weight;
(b) accessory weight;
(c) vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) production options weight
—Glossary of tire terminology

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Ti r e relat ed ter mMeaning
Normal occupant weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second
column of Table 1 that follows
Occupant distributiondistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table
1 that follows
Production options weight
the combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing
over 2.3 kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace,
not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including
heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special
trim
Recommended inflation pressurecold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
Rima metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated
Rim diameter (Wheel diameter)nominal diameter of the bead seat
Rim size designationrim diameter and width
Rim type designationthe industry of manufacturer ’s designation for a rim by style or code
Rim widt hnominal distance between rim flanges
Vehicle capacity weight
(Total load capacity)the rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kg (150 lb.) times the vehicle’s desig-
nated seating capacity
Vehicle maximum load on the tirethe load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two

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You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is de-
pressed with the hybrid system off. How-
ever, this does not indicate any trouble.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid battery under the rear
seats. However, this does not indicate any
trouble.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, or while the vehicle is idling, you
may hear a sound coming from the trans-
mission. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
When applying brakes, you may hear a
sound coming from the regenerative
brakes. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
When the gasoline engine is started or
stopped with the hybrid system on, you
may feel a vibration. However, this does
not indicate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, “CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM”
warning message will appear on the multi−
information display. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. If the hybrid system will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page
338 in Section 4.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit in the driv-
er seat, then start the system.
NOTICE

If any service reminder indicator
light comes on or warning message
appears on the multiinformation
display (see page 144 and page 155
for details) or the 12 volt battery is
disconnected, the hybrid system
may not start. In that case, turn the
ignition on again. If the “READY”
light does not come on, contact
your Toyota dealer.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lower outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to constant
on.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp− edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “P”. If necessary, block the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
Tips for driving in various
conditions

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CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the hybrid system is
on.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, down-
shifting or braking on a slippery
surface. Sudden acceleration or en-
gine braking, could cause the ve-
hicle to skid or spin.
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are highspeed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
Your vehicle is not designed to be driv-
en offroad
However, in the event that off−road driving
cannot be avoided, please observe the
following precautions to help avoid the
areas prohibited to vehicles.
a. Drive your vehicle only in areas where off−road vehicles are permitted to trav-
el.
b. Respect private property. Get owner ’s permission before entering private prop-
erty.
c. Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that re-
strict travel.
d. Stay on established roads. When condi- tions are wet, driving techniques should
be changed or travel delayed to pre-
vent damage to roads.
Offroad driving precautions