TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual (in English)

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
pushing the shift release button
on the shift knob.: Shift the shift lever normally.
When shifting the shift lever
between P and D, make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped
and the brake pedal is depressed.
*: For the vehicle to be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal
must be depressed before the
shift release button is pushed. If
the shift release button is pushed
first, the shift lock will not be
released.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to
prevent accidental operation of the
shift lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P
only when the power switch is in ON
and the brake pedal is being
depressed.
■If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal
is being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted
with your foot on the brake pedal,
there may be a problem with the
shift lock system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as
an emergency measure to ensure
that the shift lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Turn the power switch to ON and
check that the parking brake is
set. ( P.216, 224)
2 Turn the power switch to off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead
screwdriver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip of the screwdriver with
a rag.
5
Press and hold the shift lock
override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while
both buttons are pressed.
 P.322
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when
releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock
override button, ma ke sure to set
the parking brake and depress the
brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed instead of the
brake pedal when the shift lock
override button is pressed and the
shift lever is shifted out of P, the
vehicle may suddenly start, possi-
bly leading to an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving
mode

2224-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
When the shift lever is in the S
position, the shift lever can be
operated as follows:
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S6, will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
The initial shift ra nge in S mode is
set automatically to S4 or S5
according to vehicle speed.
■S mode
●You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine
braking force.
●A lower shift range will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolu-
tions will also increase.
●To prevent the engine from
over-revving, upshifting may auto-
matically occur when the shift
range is 4 or lower.
●When the shift range is 4 or lower,
holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to 6.
■Downshifting restrictions warn-
ing buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving
performance, downshifting opera-
tion may sometimes be restricted. In
some circumstance s, downshifting
may not be possible even when the
shift lever is oper ated. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)
■If the S indicator does not come
on or the D indicator is dis-
played even after shifting the
shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in
the hybrid transmission system.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. (In this
situation, the hybrid transmission
will operate in the same manner as
when the shift lever is in D.)
Changing shift ranges in
S mode

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
1Right turn
2 Lane change to the right
(move the lever partway and
release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
3Lane change to the left
(move the lever partway and
release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
4Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated
when
The power switch is in ON.
■If the indicator flashes faster
than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or
rear turn signal lights has not burned out.
Tur n signal lever
Operating instructions

2244-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set
and released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
1 Pull the switch to set the
parking brake
The parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light will turn on. Pull and hold the parking brake
switch if an emergency occurs and
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.
2
Push the switch to release
the parking brake
• Operate the parking brake switch
while depressing the brake pedal.
• Parking brake automatic release function ( P.225)
Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake
light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light flashes,
operate the switch again. ( P.473)
■Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped,
pull and hold the parking brake
switch until a “EPB Shift Inter-
lock Function Activated” is
shown on the multi-information
display.
When the automatic mode is
turned on, the parking brake
operates as follows.
 When the shift lever is moved
out of P, the parking brake will
be released, and the parking
brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light turn off.
Parking brake
The parking brake can be
set or released automati-
cally or manually.
In automatic mode, the
parking brake can be set or
released automatically
according to the shift lever
operation. Also, even in
automatic mode, the park-
ing brake can be set or
released manually.
Operating instructions

2254-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
When the shift lever is moved
into P, the parking brake will
be set, and the parking brake
indicator light and parking
brake light turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
■Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped,
press and hold the parking
brake switch until a “EPB Shift
Interlock Function Deactivated”
is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
■Parking brake operation
●When the power switch is not in
ON, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake
switch.
●When the power switch is not in
ON, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not
available.
■Parking brake automatic
release function
The parking brake will be released
automatically when the accelerator
pedal is slowly depressed under the
following conditions:
●The driver’s door is closed
●The driver is wearing the seat belt
●The shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
●The malfunction indicator lamp or
brake system warning light is not
illuminated
If the automatic release function
does not operate, release the park-
ing brake manually.
■If “Parking Brake Temporarily
Unavailable” is displayed on
the multi-info rmation display
If the parking brake is operated
repeatedly over a short period of
time, the system may restrict opera-
tion to prevent overheating. If this
happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will
return after about 1 minute.
■If “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
Operate the parking brake switch. If
the message does not disappear
after operating the switch several
times, the system may be malfunc-
tioning. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light
●Depending on the power switch
mode, the parking brake indicator
light and parking brake light will
turn on and stay on as described
below:
ON: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●When the power switch is turned
off with the parking brake set, the
parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light will stay on for
about 15 seconds. This does not
indicate a malfunction.

2264-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■When the parking brake switch
malfunctions
Automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) will be turned
on automatically.
■Parking the vehicle
 P. 1 9 0
■Parking brake engaged warning
buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is
driven with the parking brake
engaged. “Parking Brake ON” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are
used to indicate a system malfunc-
tion or to inform the driver of the
need for caution. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and
follow the instructions.
■If the brake system warning
light comes on
 P. 4 6 6
■Usage in winter time
 P. 3 3 3
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle
alone. The parking brake may be
released unintentionally and there
is the danger of the vehicle mov-
ing that may lead to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the
parking brake switch. Objects
may interfere with the switch and
may lead the parking brake to
unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift
the shift lever to P, set the parking
brake and make sure that the
vehicle does not move.
■When the system malfunc-
tions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place
and check the warning messages.
■When the parking brake can-
not be released due to a mal-
function
Driving the vehicle with the park-
ing brake set will lead to brake
components overheating, which
may affect braking performance
and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer immediately if
this occurs.

2274-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the
system is holding the brake, the
brake hold operated indicator (yel-
low) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating
conditions
The brake hold system cannot be
turned on in th e following condi-
tions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat
belt.
●The parking brake is engaged.
If any of the conditions above are
detected when the brake hold sys-
tem is enabled, the system will turn
off and the brake hold standby indi-
cator light will go off. In addition, if
any of the condit ions are detected
while the system is holding the
brake, a warning buzzer will sound
and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display. The park-
ing brake will then be set automati-
cally.
■Brake hold function
●If the brake pedal is left released
for a period of about 3 minutes
after the system has started hold-
ing the brake, the parking brake
will be set automatically. In this
case, a warning buzzer sounds
and a message is shown on the
multi-information display.
●To turn the system off while the
system is holding the brake, firmly
depress the brake pedal and
press the button again.
●The brake hold function may not
hold the vehicle when the vehicle
is on a steep incline. In this situa-
tion, it may be necessary for the
driver to apply the brakes. A warn-
ing buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will
inform the driver of this situation. If
a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions.
■When the parking brake is set
automatically while the system
is holding the brakes
Perform any of the following opera-
tions to release the parking brake.
●Depress the accelerator pedal.
(The parking brake will not be
released automatically if the seat
belt is not fastened.)
●Operate the parking brake switch
with the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the parking brake
Brake Hold
The brake hold system
keeps the brake applied
when the shift lever is in D,
S or N with the system on
and the brake pedal has
been depressed to stop the
vehicle. The system
releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is
depressed with the shift
lever in D or S to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system

2284-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_Uindicator light goes off. (
P.224)
■When an inspection at your
Toyota dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indi-
cator (green) doe s not illuminate
even when the brake hold switch is
pressed with the brake hold system
operating conditions met, the sys-
tem may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected at your Toyota
dealer.
■If “Brake Hold Malfunction
Press Brake to Deactivate Visit
Your Dealer” or “Brake Hold
Malfunction Visit Your Dealer”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are
used to indicate a system malfunc-
tion or to inform the driver of the
need for caution. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and
follow the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indi-
cator flashes
 P. 4 7 3
WARNING
■When the vehicle is on a
steep incline
When using the brake hold sys-
tem on a steep incline, exercise
caution. The brake hold function
may not hold the vehicle in such a
situation.
■When stopped on a slippery
road
The system cannot stop the vehi-
cle when the gripping ability of the
tires has been exceeded. Do not
use the system when stopped on
a slippery road.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not
designed for use when parking
the vehicle for a long period of
time. Turning the power switch off
while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake,
which would cause the vehicle to
move. When operating the power
switch, depress the brake pedal,
shift the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake.

2294-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Operating the switch
turns on the lights as follows:U.S.A.
Canada
1 The headlights, daytime
running lights ( P.229) and
all the lights listed below turn
on and off automatically.
(When the power switch is in
ON.)
2 The side marker, park-
ing, tail, license plate, instru-
ment panel lights, and
daytime running lights
( P.229) turn on.
3 The headlights and all lights listed above (except
daytime running lights) turn
on.
4 (U.S.A.) Off
■Daytime running light system
●Vehicles without projector head-
lights: The daytime running lights
illuminate using the same lights as
the low beam headlights and illu-
minate dimmer than the low beam
headlights.
●Vehicles with projector head-
lights: The daytime running lights
illuminate using the same lights as
the parking light s and illuminate
brighter than the parking lights.
●To make your vehicle more visible
to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights
turn on automatically when all of
the following conditions are met.
(The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The hybrid system is started
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the
or
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain
on after they illuminate, even if the
parking brake is set again.
●For the U.S.A.: Daytime running
lights can be turned off by operat-
ing the switch.
●Compared to turning on the head-
lights, the daytime running light
system offers gr eater durability
and consumes less electricity, so
it can help improve fuel economy.
Headlight switch
The headlights can be oper-
ated manually or automati-
cally.
Operating instructions

2304-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function prop-
erly if an object is placed on the sen-
sor, or anything that blocks the
sensor is affixed to the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light
and may cause the automatic head-
light system to malfunction.
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights are on: The
headlights and tail lights turn off
30 seconds after a door is opened
and closed if the power switch is
turned to ACC or OFF. (The lights
turn off immediately if on the
key is pressed after all the doors
are closed.)
●When only the tail lights are on:
The tail lights turn off automati-
cally if the power switch is turned
to ACC or OFF and the driver’s
door is opened.
Except for Canada: To turn the lights
on again, turn the power switch to
ON, or turn the light switch off once
and then back to or .
For Canada: To tu rn the lights on
again, turn the powe r switch to ON,
or turn the light switch to once
and then back to or .
■Automatic headlight leveling
system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is auto-
matically adjusted according to the
number of passengers and the load-
ing condition of the vehicle to
ensure that the headlights do not interfere with other road users.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power
switch is turned off or turned to ACC
and the driver’s door is opened
while the lights are turned on.
■Welcome lighting
The parking lights and tail lights
automatically turn on at night when
the doors are unlocked using the
entry function or wireless remote
control if the light switch is in the
position.
■Windshield wiper linked head-
light illumination
When driving during daytime with
the headlight switch turned to , if
the windshield wipers are used, the
headlights will turn on automatically
after several se conds to help
enhance the visibility of your vehi-
cle.
■12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt bat-
tery of the vehicle from discharging,
if the headlights and/or tail lights are
on when the power switch is turned
off the 12-volt battery-saving func-
tion will operate and automatically
turn off all the lights after approxi-
mately 20 minutes. When the power
switch is turned to ON, the 12-volt
battery-saving function will be dis-
abled.
When any of the following are per-
formed, the 12-volt battery-saving
function is canceled once and then
reactivated. All th e lights will turn off
automatically 20 minutes after the
12-volt battery-saving function has
been reactivated:
●When the headlight switch is oper-
ated
●When a door is opened or closed
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.530)