2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID traction control

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Toyota hybrid system combines the
power of a gasoline engine and a trac-
tion motor to minimize fuel consump-
tion and emissions.
Depending on driving conditions, the ve-
hicle runs optimally on a combination of
the gasoline engine and traction motor.
Since the gasoline engine charges the
traction battery as needed, the battery
does not have to be charged from an
outside source like an electric vehicle.
If you do not use the vehicle for 2
weeks or more, the traction battery and
auxiliary battery will discharge and their
condition is liable to decline. Therefore,
in order to make up for discharging,
charge them once in every 2 weeks for
about 30 minutes by starting the hybrid
system with all electrical com ponents
turned off. If the traction battery is dis-
charged, the hybrid vehicle will not start.
Contact your Toyota dealer. Toyota hybrid system performs various
controls depending on the operating
condition. The condition appears on the
multiinformation display and/or naviga-
tion system screen (with navigation
system) when the display and/or screen
is in “Energy Monitor” mode. See “Mul-
tiinformation display” on page 152 in
Section 16 and “Trip information” on
page 273 in Section 110 for the opera-
tion of the display and screen.
These are representative examples of
energy monitor displays. Depending on
the condition, the energy monitor dis-
plays the graphics different from those
shown below. Depending on conditions,
the graphic does not reflect the actual
motion of the vehicle.
The multi
−information display
The navigation system screen
∗: All wheel drive models only
When the vehicle is powered by the
traction motor.
Toyota hybrid system Energy monitor

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Resetting the system
The system must be reset after the en-
gine oil replacement. Reset the system
by the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position with the odometer reading
shown.
For details, see “—Odometer and two trip
meters” on page 154 in this Section. 2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” posi- tion while holding down the trip meter
reset knob. A message “MAINT REQD
RESET MODE” will appear on the dis-
play.
3. Hold down the knob at least 5 sec- onds. A message “COMPLETE” will ap-
pear and a beep will sound.
(e)
This message is to remind the driver
that the washer fluid level is low.
If the washer fluid level is low, the mes-
sage appears with the master warning
light and warning tone when the ignition
is on. If the message appears, fill the washer
tank as soon as possible. For instruc-
tions, see “Adding washer fluid” on
page 403 in Section 73.
(f)
This message is to warn the driver that
the vehicle stability control (VSC) func-
tion of the vehicle dynamics integrated
management (VDIM) is malfunctioning.
If a malfunction is detected, the message
appears with the master warning light and
warning tone when the ignition is on.
If the message appears, the functions
of VDIM listed below may not work pro-
perly. Have the vehicle checked by a
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
Traction control function
Vehicle stability control function
(g)
This message is to warn the driver that
the engine oil pressure is too low.
If the engine oil pressure is too low, the
message appears with the master warning
light and warning tone when the ignition
is on.
If the message appears, turn the hybrid
system off as soon as possible and
contact a Toyota dealer.
(h)
This message is to warn the driver that
the hybrid system is almost overheat-
ing.
If the coolant temperature is too high, the
message appears with the master warning
light and warning tone when the ignition
is on.

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NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the
parking brake to hold the vehicle on
an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold
the vehicle using the accelerator ped-
al, as this can cause the transmission
to overheat.
(g) If you cannot shift the selector le-
ver out of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the “P” position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If
you cannot shift the transmission selector
lever” on page 359 in Section 4. Vehicle dynamics integrated manage-
ment (VDIM) is designed to control ve-
hicle motion continuously using all pos-
sible functions to stabilize the motion.
It is important to keep the tires in good
condition for the system to properly
control vehicle motion. Refer to the in-
formation for tires on pages 391
through 398 in Section 72.
The system has the functions listed below.
Each function becomes operational when
the vehicle speed exceeds the speeds as
shown below.
Brake assist function
7km/h(4mph)
Anti−lock brake function
7km/h(4mph)
Traction control function 0km/h(0mph)
Vehicle stability control function
15 km/h (9 mph)
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the
VDIM. Even if the system is operat-
ing, you must always drive carefully
and attentively. Reckless driving will
result in an unexpected accident. If
the slip indicator flashes, special
care should be taken.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use any tires other
than specified, or different types or
sizes, the VDIM may not function
correctly. When replacing the tires
or wheels, contact your Toyota deal-
er.
Do not modify the suspensions. If
you modify the suspensions, the
VDIM may not function correctly.
In situations where the road surface
is covered with ice or snow, snow
tires or tire chains should be used.
Vehicle dynamics integrated
management

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Compared with vehicles without an
antilock brake device, your vehicle
may require a longer stopping dis-
tance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow
covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the
joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
If tire grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the antilock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION
The traction control function is designed to
help prevent skid of the drive wheels dur-
ing sudden acceleration on slippery road
surfaces.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against drive 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 a moderate speed.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
FUNCTION
The vehicle stability control function is de-
signed to help prevent skid of the wheels
while cornering on slippery road surfaces
or when turning the steering wheel abrupt-
ly.
The system controls the driving and brak-
ing forces on each tire and also controls
the power steering assistance to help the
driver to recover vehicle stability.
CAUTION
Depending on the road conditions,
the vehicle stability control function
may not be able to stabilize your ve-
hicle. Always drive at a moderate
speed.

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This information has been prepared
in accordance with regulations issued
by the National Highway Traffic Safe-
ty Administration of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation. It provides
the purchasers and/or prospective
purchasers of Toyota vehicles with in-
formation on uniform tire quality grad-
ing.
Your Toyota dealer will help answer
any questions you may have as you
read this information.
DOT quality grades—All passenger
vehicle tires must conform to Fed-
eral Safety Requirements in addi-
tion to these grades. Quality
grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum sec-
tion width. For example: Treadwear
200 Traction AA Temperature A Treadwear—
The treadwear grade is
a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested un-
der controlled conditions on a speci-
fied government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and a half (1 −1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving hab-
its, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate. Traction AA, A, B, C—
The traction
grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, and they represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor trac-
tion performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
—Uniform tire quality grading

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When stowing cargo and luggage in
the vehicle, observe the following:
 Put cargo and luggage in the lug-
gage compartment when at all
possible. Be sure all items are se-
cured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain
balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not
carry unneeded weight.CAUTION
To prevent cargo and l uggage
from sliding forward during
braking, do not stack anything
in the luggage compartment
higher than the seatbacks.
Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as pos-
sible.
 Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage compartment. It is
not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats
with their seat belts properly
fastened. Otherwise, they are
much more likely suffer seri-
ous bodily injury, in the event
of sudden braking or a colli-
sion.
 Do not place anything on the
flattened seat, or it may slide
forward during braking.
Do not place anything on the
luggage cover. Such items may
be thrown about and possibly
injure people in the vehicle
during sudden braking or an
accident. Secure all items in a
safe place.
 Do not drive with objects left
on top of the instrument panel.
They may interfere with the
driver’s field of view. Or they
may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and im-
pair the driver’s control of the
vehicle. In an accident they
may injure the vehicle occu-
pants.
 Do not put objects in the con-
tainer which can shift, roll out
or be thrown out in the event
of sudden stops or accidents.
Objects which come out of the
container can create a safety
hazard due to interference with
pedal operation or driver dis-
traction.
Cargo and luggage—
—Stowage precautions

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All season tires, however, do not have
adequate traction performance
compared with snow tires in heavy or
loose snow. Also, all season tires fall
short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer
tires in highway driving.
CAUTION
Do not mix summer and all sea-
son tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous han-
dling characteristics, resulting
in loss of control.
 Do not use tire other than the
manufacturer’s designated
tires, and never mix tires or
wheels of the sizes different
from the originals.

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You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is de-
pressed with the hybrid system off. How-
ever, this does not indicate any trouble.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the traction battery under the rear
seats. However, this does not indicate any
trouble.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, or while the vehicle is idling, you
may hear a sound coming from the trans-
mission. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
When applying brakes, you may hear a
sound coming from the regenerative
brakes. However, this does not indicate
any trouble.
When the gasoline engine is started or
stopped with the hybrid system on, you
may feel a vibration. However, this does
not indicate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, “CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM”
warning message will appear on the multi −
information display. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. If the hybrid system will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page
340 in Section 4.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit in the driv-
er seat, then start the system.
NOTICE

If any service reminder indicator
light comes on or warning message
appears on the multiinformation
display (see page 144 and page 155
for details) or the auxiliary battery
is disconnected, the hybrid system
may not start. In that case, turn the
ignition on again. If the “READY”
light does not come on, contact
your Toyota dealer.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lower outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to constant
on.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp− edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “P”. If necessary, block the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
Tips for driving in various
conditions