tow TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2012 XU40 / 2.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before driving
Information on the hybrid system and adjusting and op-
erating features such as door locks, mirrors, and steer-
ing column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
2-2. Instrument clusterGauges and meters ............ 196
Indicators and warning lights ................................. 198
Multi-information display ..... 203
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch .................. 213
Fog light switch ................... 219
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 221
Rear window wiper and washer .............................. 224
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control ...................... 226
Rear view monitor system .............................. 230
Driving assist systems ........ 234
Hill-start assist control ......... 239
2-5. Driving information Utility vehicle precautions ....................... 241
Cargo and luggage ............. 246
Vehicle load limits ............... 250
Winter driving tips ............... 251
Trailer towing ...................... 255
Dinghy towing ..................... 274 3-1. Using the air
conditioning system
and defogger
Front manual air conditioning system.......... 278
Front automatic air conditioning system.......... 284
Rear manual air conditioning system.......... 293
Rear automatic air conditioning system.......... 296
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ......................... 300
Windshield wiper de-icer .............................. 302
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ........................... 303
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types ............ 304
Using the radio ................... 308
Using the CD player ........... 315
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 322
Operating an iPod .............. 329
Operating a USB memory ............................ 336
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 344
Using the AUX port............. 347
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 349
3Interior features

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............ 442
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior............. 445
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ..................... 448
General maintenance.......... 450
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................... 453
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 454
Hood ................................... 458
Positioning a floor jack ........ 460
Engine compartment ........... 462
12-volt battery ..................... 473
Tires .................................... 477
Tire inflation pressure ......... 485
Wheels ................................ 488
Air conditioning filter............ 491
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ........ 494
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 497
Light bulbs........................... 510 5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers............ 520
If your vehicle needs to be towed........................... 521
If you think something is wrong ............................ 527
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... .......................... 528
If a warning message is displayed .......................... 538
If you have a flat tire ........... 539
If the hybrid system will not start ............................ 552
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ................... 554
If you lose your keys/ wireless remote control
transmitter ........................ 555
If the electronic key does not operate properly ......... 556
If the 12-volt battery is discharged........................ 558
If your vehicle overheats .... 562
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................. 566
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ....................... 567
4Maintenance and care5When trouble arises

42 1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in P, apply the parking
brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte
from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if pos-
sible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the four wheels raised. If the
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an
electricity leakage leading to a fire.(
P. 521)
■ Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel- metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■ Emergency shut off system
●Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
Never touch the parts or cables. (
P. 35)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.

51
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
■
Operation signals
A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors
have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from
operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 556)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic
object
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following
devices that emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key
• A wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computer
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window
■ Switching the door unlock function
It is possible to set which doors the entry function unlocks.
Turn the “POWER” switch OFF.
When the indicator on the key surface is turned off, push and hold
, or for approximately 5 seconds while pushing
on the key.
STEP1
STEP2

63
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
■
Conditions affecting operation
Vehicles without smart key system
The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the follow-
ing situations.
● Near a TV tower, radio station, electr ic power plant, airport or other facil-
ity that generates strong radio waves
● When carrying a portable radio, cell ular phone or other wireless commu-
nication device
● When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity
● When the wireless key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic
object
● When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby
● When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such as
a personal computer
Vehicles with smart key system
P. 5 1
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. wireless remote control) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 599)
■ Reversing the operation of the power back door
Pressing the wireless remote control switch again while the power back door
is operating will cause the operation to reverse.
■ When riding in an aircraft (vehicle without smart key system)
When bringing a wireless remote control onto an aircraft, make sure you do
not press any buttons on the wireless remote control while inside the aircraft
cabin. If you are carrying a wireless remote control in your bag etc., ensure
that the buttons are not likely to be pressed accidentally. Pressing a button
may cause the wireless remote control to emit radio waves that could inter-
fere with the operation of the aircraft.

87
1-4. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
■Getting out of the vehicle (right side only)
Lift the lever on the side of the
seatback and fold down the seat-
back. The seat will slide forward.
Move the seat to the front-most
position.
■ After passengers have entered/exited the vehicle
Lift up the seatback and slide th e seat backward until it locks.
Folding down the second seats
■ Before folding down the second seats
Stow the rear center seat belt
buckle.
Pass the outer seat belts through
the seat belt hangers and secure
the seat belt plates.
This prevents the shoulder belt
from being damaged.
Make sure that the seat belts are
removed from the hangers before
using them.
STEP1
STEP2

89
1-4. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
Folding down the third seats
■ Before folding down the third seats
Stow the third seat belt buckles.
Pass the seat belts through the
seat belt hangers.
This helps to prevent the shoulder
belts from being damaged.
Make sure that the seat belts are
removed from the hangers before
using them.
■Folding down the third seats
While pulling the straps, fold
down the seatbacks.
The head restraints will fold down
automatically when the straps are
pulled.
STEP1
STEP2

91
1-4. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
■Removing the second center seat
Fold down the second center
seatback while pulling the seat-
back lock release strap.
Pull the lock release lever to
remove the second center seat.
Stow the second center seat in
the console box.
Make sure that the seat is securely locked in position and
close the console box door.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

92 1-4. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
Installing the second center seat
■ Before installing the second center seat
Take out the second center seat
from the console box.
Remove the side table, if used, from the second seat.
(  P. 415)
■ Installing the second center seat
Fully engage the front pins
with the hooks, and swing the
second center seat downward.
Push down on the second
center seat to engage the rear
pin locks.
Unfold the seatback and lock it.
Stow the side table in the console
box.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1
STEP2