Page 369 of 436

’06 HIGHLANDER HB_U (L/O 0503)
357
2006 HIGHLANDER (Hybrid) from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM48530U)
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet;
otherwise your vehicle may be dam-
aged.
Never tow a vehicle from the rear
with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to
the transmission.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard− surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, drive train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing ve-
hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic
driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency
towing eyelet and towing cable or
chain. The eyelet and towing cable or
chain may break and cause serious
injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically
intended for use in towing vehicles.
Securely fasten the cable or chain to
the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in “N”. The key
must be in “ACC” (hybrid system off) or
“ON” (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is off, the
power assist for the brakes and steer-
ing will not work so steering and
braking will be much more difficult
than usual.1. Remove the front towing eyelet cover on the front bumper by pushing the
outside of the cover.
—Installing front towing eyelet
Page 370 of 436
’06 HIGHLANDER HB_U (L/O 0503)
358
2006 HIGHLANDER (Hybrid) from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM48530U)
2. Use the front towing eyelet in the lug-
gage compartment. Secure it to the
hole on the bumper by turning clock-
wise.
For the towing eyelet location, see
“—Required tools and spare tire” on
page 345 in this Section.3. Tighten the front towing eyelet securelyby a wheel nut wrench.
CAUTION
When installing the eyelet on the ve-
hicle, be sure to tighten the front
eyelet securely. If the eyelet is loose,
it may come off when being towed
and result in death or serious injury.
Before emergency towing, check that
the eyelet is not broken or damaged
and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
Fasten the towing cable or chain se-
curely to the eyelet.
Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady
and even force.
To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not
pull from the side or at a vertical
angle. Always pull straight ahead.
—Emergency towing eyelet
precautions
Page 384 of 436

’06 HIGHLANDER HB_U (L/O 0503)
372
2006 HIGHLANDER (Hybrid) from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM48530U)
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 305 in Section 2.)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play.
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise. Seats
Check that all seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. Check that the head re-
straints move up and down smoothly and
that the locks hold securely in any latched
position. For folding
−down rear seatbacks,
check that the latches lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied. Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Transmission “Park” mechanism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in “P” position and all brakes re-
leased.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all side doors and back door
operate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
Page 390 of 436
’06 HIGHLANDER HB_U (L/O 0503)
378
2006 HIGHLANDER (Hybrid) from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM48530U)
Removing clip
Installing clip
Before checking the fuse or replacing
the left front light bulbs, etc. in the
engine compartment, remove the engine
compartment covers as shown in the
illustrations:
1. Push the core of the clips and remove the clips.
2. Remove the cover.
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic
clips.
After checking the items, install the en-
gine compartment covers and insert the
plastic clips in their original positions.
NOTICE
After installing the engine compart-
ment covers, make sure the covers
are securely in their original posi-
tions.
Fuse locations
Page 428 of 436