2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER traction control

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
145
2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake
Ignition switch with steering lock146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system160 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system161 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1- 7

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
156
2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of front
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to ONº,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against front 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 an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self- check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Traction control system
(two- wheel drive models)

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
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2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
If your wheels get stuck in an ditch
when you are driving on a severe off
road and sand, turn off the traction
control system. This system that con-
trols engine performance interferes with
the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push TRAC OFFº switch.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come
on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off.To turn on: Push TRAC OFFº switch
once again.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will go off.
TRAC OFFº indicator light comes on for
a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to ONº. It will come on again
when you push the TRAC OFFº switch to
turn off the system.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned ONº.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition is turned on.
The indicator light comes on with the
normal driving mode while driving.
VSCº warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
158
2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come
on when the VSCº warning light comes
on even if the TRAC OFFº switch is not
pushed.The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of 4
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to ONº,
the system automatically turns on.CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against 4 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 an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self- check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.
Traction control system
(four- wheel drive models)

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
159
2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
4 wheels. At this time, the slip indica-
tor light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
VSCº warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
160
2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
The vehicle stability control system
helps provide comprehensive control of
the systems such as anti- lock brake
system, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the brakes and engine to help prevent
the vehicle from skidding when corner-
ing on a slippery road surface or oper-
ating steering wheel abruptly.
This system activates when the vehicle
speed is about more than 15 km/h (9
mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the sys-
tem is in the self- check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the system is operating, it cannot
completely eliminate the possibility
of an accident. Always keep safe
driving in mind, as reckless driving
increases the risk of an accident. If
the slip indicator light blinks, spe-
cial care should be taken while
driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacture, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
Checking and replacing tiresº on
page 388 in Section 7- 2.)
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Vehicle stability control
system

'05 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0409)
161
2005 HIGHLANDER from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM48570U)
VSCº warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
Two- wheel drive models onlyÐThe TRAC
OFFº indicator light will come on when the
VSCº warning light comes on even if the
TRAC OFFº switch is not pushed.The tire pressure warning system is de-
signed to provide warning when tire
inflation pressure is critically low while
the vehicle is moving. The low tire
pressure warning light comes on to in-
form you that such low tire pressure
may hamper driving.
This system is not designed to operate
when the vehicle is stopped. Therefore,
check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
The recommended cold tire inflation pres-
sure, tire size and the vehicle capacity
weight are on the tire and loading informa-
tion label. (For instructions, see Checking
tire inflation pressureº on page 385 in
Section 7- 2.)
Installed tires should be of the specified
size. They should be of the same size
and construction. If tires other than the
specified size are used, or if tires of dif-
ferent sizes or constructions are mixed,
the tire pressure warning system will not
function properly.
Tire pressure warning system

2005 HIGHLANDER (EWD592U)
184
VSC and Tire Pressure Warning System
1. ABS Operation
If the brake pedal is depressed suddenly, the ABS controls the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinders for all the four
wheels to automatically avoid wheel locking and ensure the directional and steering stability of the vehicle. If the brake pedal
is depressed suddenly, the skid control ECU with actuator controls the solenoids in the actuators using the signals from the
sensors to move the brake fluid to the reservoir in order to release the braking pressure applied to the wheel cylinder. If the
skid control ECU with actuator detects that the fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder is insufficient, the ECU controls the
solenoids in the actuators to increase the braking pressure.
2. Traction Control Operation
The traction control system controls the engine torque, the hydraulic pressure of the driving wheel cylinders, slipping of the
wheels which may occur at start or acceleration of the vehicle, to ensure an optimal driving power and vehicle stability
corresponding to the road conditions.
3. VSC Operation
Unexpected road conditions, vehicle speed, emergency situation, and any other external factors may cause large under- or
over-steering of the vehicle. If this occurs, the VSC system automatically controls the engine power and wheel brakes to
reduce the under- or over-steering.
To reduce large over-steering :
If the VSC system determines that the over-steering is large, it activates the brakes for the outer front turning wheels
depending on the degree of the over-steering to produce the moment toward the outside of the vehicle and reduce the
over-steering.
To reduce large under-steering :
If the VSC system determines that the under-steering is large, it controls the engine power and activates the rear wheel
brakes to reduce the under-steering.
VSC indicator light
If an mulfunction occurs in the VSC system, the VSC indicator lights up to warn the driver.
4. Mutual System Control
To efficiently operate the VSC system at its optimal level, the VSC system and other control systems are mutually controlled
while the VSC system is being operated.
Engine control
The engine power does not interfere with the VSC brake control by fuel cut controlling and reducing the engine output.
Engine control and electronically controlled transmission control
The strong braking force does not interfere with the braking force control of the VSC system by turning off the accel and
reducing changes in the driving torque at shift-down.
VSC system operation indication
The slip indicator light flashes and the buzzer alarm intermittently to warn the driver that the current road is slippery, while the
VSC system is being operated.
5. Fail Safe Function
If an mulfunction occurs in the skid control ECU with actuator, sensor signals, and/or actuators, the skid control ECU with
actuator inhibits the brake actuator control and inputs the mulfunction signal to the engine control module. According to the
mulfunction signal, the brake actuator turns off the solenoid and the engine control module rejects any electronically
controlled request from the VSC system. As a result, the vehicle functions without the ABS, BA, TRAC, and VSC systems.
A4, A5 ABS Speed Sensor Front LH, RH
1-2 : 1.4-1.8 kW (20°C, 68°F)
A24, A25 ABS Speed Sensor Rear LH, RH
1-2 : 0.9-1.3 kW (25°C, 77°F) (4WD)
1-2 : Max. 1.45 kW (25°C, 77°F) (2WD)
B4 Brake Warning SW
1-2 : Closed with the float down
S27 Skid Control ECU with Actuator
46-Ground : Approx. 12 volts with the ignition SW at ON position
27-Ground : Approx. 12 volts with the stop light SW on (Brake pedal depressed)
31-Ground : Always continuity
S15 Stop Light SW
2-1 : Closed with brake pedal depressed
System Outline
Service Hints