TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2012 XU40 / 2.G Owners Manual

5
When trouble arises
521
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehic le's rear wheels and axles must be
in good condition. (P. 525)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

522 5-1. Essential information
Emergency towingIf a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet(s). This should only be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances below 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Towing eyelets
■Emergency towin g procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to “ACC” (hybrid system off) or “ON” (hybrid
system operating) position.
Vehicles with smart key system:
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off)
mode or ON (hybrid system operating) mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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When trouble arises
523
5-1. Essential information
Installing a towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2

524 5-1. Essential information
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
Towing with a sling-type truck
STEP3
■Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
P. 539
CAUTION
■ Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

5
When trouble arises
525
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

526 5-1. Essential information
Using a flat bed truckIf your Toyota is transported by a
flatbed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in
the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
NOTICE
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle with any of the wheels in contact with the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

5
When trouble arises
527
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

528
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a war ning light tur ns on or a war ning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer sounds to indicate that the parking brake is still engaged (with
the vehicle having reached a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).
Electronically controlled brake system warning buzzer:
A buzzer sounds to indicate that a malfunction has occurred that could
lead to a loss of brake effectiveness.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) Brake system warning light
in red (warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released, the system is operating normally.
• Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake system
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn
on or flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.

5
When trouble arises
529
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic transmission control system.
SRS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.

530 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Brake system warning light in yellowIndicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative brake system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
Electric power steering warning light Indicates a malfunction in the EPS.
Slip indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• The TRAC system; or
• The hill-start assist control system
(Flashes) Cruise control indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■ Brake system warning light operation
The following does not indicate a malfunction:
●After the hybrid system is turned on, the red and yellow brake system
warning lights may stay on for about 60 seconds.
● Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the red brake system
warning light and buzzer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details