TOYOTA SEQUOIA HYBRID 2023 Owners Manual

2114-1. Before driving
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
4
Driving
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead. Do not try to
control trailer swaying by turning
the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator
pedal immediately but very gradu-
ally to reduce speed. Do not
increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no ext reme correction
with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer should stabilize.
(if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can
also help to stabilize the vehicle and
trailer.)
●After the trailer swaying has
stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occu-
pants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer. Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is
appropriate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is not over-
loaded after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the
speed at which trailer swaying
occurred is beyond the limit of your
particular vehicle- trailer combina-
tion. Drive at a lower speed to pre-
vent instability. Remember that
swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer
increases as speed increases.
Dinghy towing
Your vehicle is not designed
to be dinghy towed (with 4
wheels on the ground)
behind a motor home.
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to
your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the
four wheels on the ground.

2124-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
4-2.Driving procedures
1Pull the parking brake switch
to check that the parking
brake is set. ( P.222)
The parking brake indicator will
come on.
2Check that the shift lever is in
P.
3 Firmly depress the brake
pedal.
and a message will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid sys-
tem cannot be started.
4 Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.
When operating the power switch,
one short, firm press is enough. It is
not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,
the hybrid system will operate nor-
mally.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the “READY” indicator is
illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.
5
Check that the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.
The vehicle cannot be driven if the
“READY” indicator is off.
■If the hybrid system does not
start
●The immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( P. 8 3 )
Contact your Toyota dealer.
●If a message related to start-up is
shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and fol-
low the instructions.
■When the ambient temperature
is low, such as during winter
driving conditions
●When starting th e hybrid system,
the flashing time of the “READY”
indicator may be long. Leave the
vehicle as it is until the “READY”
indicator is steady on, as steady
means the vehicle is able to move.
●When the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is extremely cold (below
approximately -31°F [-35°C])
under the influenc e of the outside
temperature, it ma y not be possi-
ble to start the hybrid system. In
this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the tempera-
ture of the hybrid battery
increases due to the outside tem-
perature increase, etc.
●When the outside temperature is
extremely cold, the hybrid system
may be started by starter motor.
Power (ignition)
switch
Performing the following
operations when carrying
the electronic key on your
person starts the hybrid
system or changes power
switch modes.
Starting the hybrid sys-
tem

2134-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
4
Driving
■Starting the hybrid system by
starter motor
●When the fuel lid is opened and
closed (such as re-fueling)
●When the outside temperature is
extremely cold (th e hybrid system
may be started by starter motor)
■Sounds and vibrations specific
to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
 P. 7 7
■If the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged
The hybrid system cannot be started
using the smart key system. Refer
to P.538 to restart the hybrid sys-
tem.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 1 1 2
■Conditions affecting operation
 P. 1 4 1
■Notes for the entry function
 P. 1 4 2
■If “Smart Key System Malfunc-
tion See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display
The system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-
played on the multi-information
display
 P. 2 4 2
■If the “READY” indicator does
not come on
In the event that the “READY” indi-
cator does not come on even after
performing the proper procedures
for starting the vehicle, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunc-
tioning
 P. 5 1 9
■Electronic key battery
 P.493
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly
and firmly, the power switch mode
may not change o r the hybrid sys-
tem may not start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid
system immediately after turning
the power switch to OFF, the
hybrid system may not start in
some cases. After turning the
power switch to OF F, please wait
a few seconds before restarting
the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart key system has been
deactivated in a customized setting,
refer to P.535.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
Always start the hybrid system
while sitting in the driver’s seat.
Do not depress t he accelerator
pedal while starting the hybrid
system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident
resulting in death o r serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
If the hybrid system becomes diffi-
cult to start, have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

2144-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake
( P.222), and shift the shift
lever to P.
Check the parking brake indicator
is illuminated.
3 Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.
The hybrid system will stop, and the
meter display will be extinguished.
4Release the brake pedal and
check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” is not shown
on the meter.
■Automatic hybrid system shut
off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a
feature that automatically shuts off
the hybrid system when the shift
lever is in P with the hybrid system
operating for an extended period.
●The hybrid system will automati-
cally shut off after approximately 1
hour if it has been left running
while the shift lever is in P.
●The timer for the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will reset if
the brake pedal is depressed or if
the shift lever is in a position other than P.
●After the vehicle
is parked, if the
door is locked with the door lock
switch ( P.118) from the inside or
the mechanical key ( P.114) from
the outside, the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will be dis-
abled. The timer for the automatic
hybrid syste m shut off feature will
be re-enabled if the driver’s door
is opened.NOTICE
■Symptoms indicating a mal-
function with the power
switch
If the power switch seems to be
operating somewh at differently
than usual, such as the switch
sticking slightly, there may be a
malfunction. Contact your Toyota
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid sys-
temWARNING
■Stopping the hybrid system
in an emergency
●If you want to stop the hybrid
system in an emergency while
driving the vehicle, press and
hold the power s witch for more
than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in suc-
cession. ( P.502)
However, do not touch the
power switch while driving
except in an emergency. Turn-
ing the hybrid s ystem off while
driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, but
the power assist to these sys-
tems will be lost. This will make
it more difficult to steer and
brake, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as
it is safe to do so.
●If the power switch is operated
while the vehicle is running, a
warning message will be shown
on the multi-information display
and a buzzer sounds.
●To restart the hybrid system
after performing an emergency
shutdown, shift the shift lever to
N and then pre ss the power
switch.

2154-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by
pressing the power switch with
the brake pedal released. (The
mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.) “ACCESSORY”
“IGNITION ON”
1 OFF
*
The emergency flashers can be
used.
The multi-information display will
not be displayed.
2ACC
Some electrical components such
as the audio sys tem can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed
on the meter.
3 ON
All electrical components can be
used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on
the meter.
*: If the shift lever is in a position
other than P when turning off the
hybrid system, the power switch
will be remained to ON, not to
OFF.
WARNING
■When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful
carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Observe
the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause
exhaust gases to enter the vehicle
and may lead to an accident
caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious
health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly venti-
lated area or a closed area,
such as a garage, stop the
hybrid system.
●Do not leave the vehicle with
the hybrid system operating for
a long time. If such a situation
cannot be avoided, park the
vehicle in an open space and
ensure that exhaust fumes do
not enter the vehicle interior.
●Do not leave the hybrid system
operating in an area with snow
build-up, or where it is snowing.
If snowbanks build up around
the vehicle while the hybrid sys-
tem is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehi-
cle.
Changing power switch
modes

2164-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is le ft in ACC for more
than 20 minutes or ON (the hybrid
system is not operating) for more
than an hour with the shift lever in P,
the power switch will automatically
turn to OFF. However, this function
cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt
battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle with the power switch in
ACC or ON for long periods of time
when the hybrid system is not oper-
ating.
If the hybrid system is stopped
with the shift lev er in a position
other than P, the power switch
will not be turned to OFF. Per-
form the following procedure to
turn the switch to OFF:
1 Check that the parking brake
is set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “IGNITION ON” is
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display and press the power switch shortly and
firmly.
4 Check that “ACCESSORY”
or “IGNITION ON” on the
multi-information display is
off.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
●Do not leave the power switch
in ACC or ON for long periods of
time without the hybrid system
on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter,
the power switch is not off. Exit
the vehicle after turning the
power switch off.
When stopping the hybrid
system with the shift lever
in a position other than P
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
Do not stop the hybrid system
when the shift lever is in a position
other than P. If the hybrid system
is stopped in another shift lever
position, the power switch will not
be turned OFF and remained to
ON. If the vehicle is left in ON, 12-
volt battery discharge may occur.

2174-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
4
Driving
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suit-
able for the driving conditions.
Setting the shift lever to the D
position is recommended for nor-
mal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of
the possible gear ranges, con-
trols engine brak ing force, and
prevents unnecessary upshifting.
■Driving on a downhill
On declines, there may be case
where the vehicle shifts down auto-
matically to obtain engine braking.
As a result of the downshifting, the engine speed may increase.
■To protect the a
utomatic trans-
mission
●If the tires spin continually when
the vehicle becomes stuck in mud,
dirt or snow, or if the accelerator
pedal is depressed and released
repeatedly while driving, the auto-
matic transmission temperature
may become too high and the
automatic transmission may be
damaged.
To avoid damaging the automatic
transmission, the system may
temporarily lock the gear. If the
automatic transmission tempera-
ture falls, the gear locking is can-
celed and the automatic
transmission is returned to the
normal operation.
●If the automatic tr ansmission fluid
temperature is high, “Transmis-
sion Oil Temp. High Stop in a Safe
Place and See Owner’s Manual”
will be displayed on the multi-
information display. Immediately
stop the vehicle in a safe place,
shift the shift lever to P and wait
until the warning message go off.
If the warning message go off, you
may start the vehicle again. If the
warning message do not go off,
contact your Toyota dealer.
■When driving with dynamic
radar cruise control with full-
speed range activated
Even when perform ing the following
actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will
not activate because dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed range
will not be canceled.
●While driving in S mode, down-
shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4.
(  P.219)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-
Start Control)
 P.193
Automatic transmis-
sion
Select the shift position
depending on your pur-
pose and situation.
Shift position purpose
and functions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
P
Parking the vehi-
cle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
N
Neutral (Condition in
which the po wer is not
transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2
(  P.219)

2184-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects
the suitable gear according to driver
operation and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates
when the shift lever is in D or S.
While the power switch is in
ON and the brake pedal
depressed
*, shift the shift lever
while pushing the shift release
button on the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever while
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.
*: 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, the brake pedal is depressed
and the shift release button is
pushed.
■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
even though the brake pedal is
depressed and the shift release but-
ton is pushed, the re may be a prob-
lem 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 lev er can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Set the parking brake.
2 Turn the power switch 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.
WARNING
■When driving on slippery
road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears
suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine brak-
ing may cause the vehicle to spin
or skid, resulting in an accident.
Shifting the shift lever

2194-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
4
Driving
5 Press and hold the shift lock
override button and then push
the button on the shift knob.
The shift lever can be shifted
while both buttons are pressed.
■Drive mode
 P.366 When the shift lever is in the S
position, the shift lever can be
operated as follows:
1
Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S10 will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
The initial shift range in S mode is
set automatically to 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8
according to vehicle speed.
However, the initial shift range may
be set to 4 if AI-SHIFT has oper-
ated while the shift lever was in the
D position. ( P.218)
■S mode
●You can choose from 10 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 t he engine revolu-
tions will also increase.
●To prevent the engine from over-
revving, upshifting may automati-
cally occur.
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when
releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock
override button, make 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
Changing shift ranges in
S mode

2204-2. Driving procedures
Owners Manual_USA_M0C043_en
●To protect the automatic transmis-
sion, a function is adopted that
automatically select s a h i g h e r s h i f t
range when the fluid temperature
is high.
●When the shift range is 9 or lower,
holding the shift lever toward “+”
sets the shift range to 10.
■Downshifting restriction warn-
ing buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving
performance, downshifting opera-
tion may sometimes b e restricted. In
some circumstances, downshifting
may not be possible even when the
shift lever is opera ted. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)
■If the S indicator does not come
on even after shifting the shift
lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in
the automatic tra nsmission system.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
Use “TOW HAUL” or “TOW+”
mode when pulling a trailer or
hauling a heavy load. Activating
“TOW HAUL” or “TOW+” mode
is changes engine, transmis-
sion, steering, and suspension
(vehicles with AVS [adaptive
variable suspension system]) to
be more suitable when pulling a
trailer. “TOW HAUL” indicator
“TOW+” indicator
“TOW HAUL” switch
Mode select switch
1 Press the “TOW HAUL”
switch
The “TOW HAUL” indicator will
come on.
Press the switch once more to can-
cel the mode.
2Turn the mode select switch
to change between “TOW
HAUL” or “TOW+” modes.
When more towing power is
needed than is available in “TOW
HAUL” mode, use “TOW+” mode.
( P.221)
The “TOW+” indicator will come on.
■Automatic deactivation of
“TOW HAUL” and “TOW+”
mode
“TOW HAUL” and “TOW+” mode is
deactivated the following conditions:
●When the front-wheel drive control
switch is in “4L”
“TOW HAUL” switch