2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID check engine light

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2006 HIGHLANDER (Hybrid) from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM48530U)
Drive your vehicle with smooth accel-
eration and deceleration.
While driving, energy is recovered
through the regenerative brake as the
vehicle decelerates. However, for effi-
cient use, do not accelerate or deceler-
ate your vehicle more than necessary.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion.
The power of the traction battery can
be checked on the multi−information
display or the navigation system screen
(with navigation system). See “—Trac-
tion battery status” on page 4 for de-
tails. Gradual or non −abrupt accelera-
tion and deceleration will make more
effectively use of the traction motor
without having to use gasoline engine
power. When parking, be sure to put the trans-
mission into the “P” position. While
driving, put the transmission into the
“D” position.
In the “N” position, the gasoline engine
operates but electricity cannot be gen-
erated. The traction battery will be dis-
charged requiring unnecessary engine
power to recharge.
The hybrid system automatically re-
charges the traction battery when the
remaining battery power is reduced.
However, the traction battery cannot be
recharged if the transmission is in the
“N” position.
For detailed information, see “How to save
fuel and make your vehicle last longer” on
page 337 in Section 3.
INFORMATION
The gasoline engine starts and stops
automatically. (It stops during a low
load driving, deceleration or when the
vehicle is stopped.)
As long as the “READY” light remains
on, you can start your vehicle using
the electric motor even with the gaso-
line engine stopped.
The gasoline engine may not stop au-
tomatically in the following condi-
tions:
 During gasoline engine warmup
 During traction battery charging
 During low or high traction battery
temperature
Efficient use of your hybrid
vehicle

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3. Hold the hood open by inserting the
support rod into the slot.
Before closing the hood, check to see that
you have not forgotten any tools, rags,
etc. and return the support rod to its
clip—this prevents rattles. Then lower the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
If necessary, press down gently on the
front edge to lock it.
CAUTION
After inserting the support rod into
the slot, make sure the rod supports
the hood securely from falling down
on to your head or body.
To deter vehicle theft, the system is
designed to sound an alarm if any of
the side doors, back door or hood is
forcibly unlocked or the battery termi-
nal is disconnected and then recon-
nected when the system is set.
The alarm blows the horn intermittently
and flashes the headlights, tail lights and
turn signal lights, and turns on the interior
light.SETTING THE SYSTEM 1. Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position and remove it.
The indicator light will start flashing when
the key is removed from the ignition
switch. (See “Engine immobilizer system”
on page 25 in this Section for details.)
2. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle.
3. Close and lock all the side doors, back door and hood.
The indicator light will remain on when all
the side doors, back door and hood are
closed and locked.
Theft deterrent system

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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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If the message appears, stop the ve-
hicle as soon as possible and check
the engine compartment. For detailed
instructions, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” on page 343.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe
operating conditions, such as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high
speed driving.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in
the cooling system as this may
cause the hybrid system to over-
heat. The thermostat is designed to
control the flow of coolant to keep
the temperature of the engine with-
in the specified operating range.
 Continued driving with the message
displayed could result in the over-
heating of the hybrid system.
(i)
This message is to warn the driver that
the hybrid system is malfunctioning.
If a malfunction of the hybrid system is
detected, the message appears with the
master warning light and warning tone
when the ignition is on.
If the message appears, stop the ve-
hicle as soon as possible and contact
a Toyota dealer.
(j)

(All wheel drive models only)
This message is to warn the driver that
the all wheel drive system is malfunc-
tioning.
If a malfunction of all wheel drive system
is detected, the message appears with the
master warning light and warning tone
when the ignition is on.
If the message appears, have the ve-
hicle checked by a Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. (k)
This message is to remind the driver
that the moonroof is open.
If the moonroof is open with the ignition
off, the message appears with the master
warning light and warning tone when the
driver opens the door.
If the message appears, close the
moonroof.
(l)
This message is to warn the driver that
the transmission is not in the “P” posi-
tion when leaving the vehicle.
If the transmission is not in the “P” posi-
tion with the ignition on, the message ap-
pears with the master warning light and
warning tone when the driver ’s door is
opened.
If the message appears, put the trans-
mission in the “P” position.

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“ABS” warning light
When the ignition is turned on, the
“ABS” warning light comes on. It will
go off when the “READY” light comes
on. If the “ABS” warning light does not
come on when the ignition is turned
on, contact your Toyota dealer.
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
after the ignition is turned on or if it
comes on while driving, the antilock
brake system function may not operate
properly. Although the brake system op-
erates without the function, drive care-
fully and have your vehicle checked by
a Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
For details, see “Service reminder indi-
cators and warning buzzers” on page
144 in Section 16.
Warning message “CHECK VSC SYSTEM”
If “CHECK VSC SYSTEM” appears on
the multiinformation display, the trac-
tion control and vehicle stability control
functions may not operate properly. Al-
though the brake system operates nor-
mally without these functions, drive
carefully and have your vehicle checked
by a Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
For details, see “—Warning messages”
on page 155 in Section 16. BRAKE ASSIST FUNCTION
The brake assist function is designed to
assist with emergency braking. When the
driver suddenly depresses the brake ped-
al, the device treats it as emergency brak-
ing and adds braking force.
If you slam the brakes on or apply the
brakes more firmly, more powerful braking
will be applied. At this time, you may hear
a sound in the engine compartment and
feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
The brake assist function is not de-
signed to shorten braking distance.
Always drive at a moderate speed and
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Depending on
road conditions, braking distance may
be longer than that of a vehicle with-
out the brake assist device. If tire
chains are used, braking distance
may become longer.

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1. Check the area around the vehicle be-
fore getting in.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, seat cushion angle, seat height, head
restraint height and steering wheel
angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all side doors and back door.
5. Fasten seat belts.
When you get in the vehicle, check
whether the “READY” light is on or
not.
CAUTION
Your vehicle does not produce any
noise or vibration when the vehicle is
ready to be driven with the “READY”
indicator light on. Move your foot
carefully from the brake pedal to the
acceleration pedal when driving.
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories.
3. Put the selector lever in “P”.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
As the hybrid system starts only with the
transmission in the “P” position, put the
selector lever in “P” whenever starting the
system.
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before
starting”.
Starting procedure
With your foot off the accelerator pedal,
turn the key to “START” briefly and firmly.
After a few seconds, the “READY” light
will come on and a beep will sound. If the
ambient temperature is low, such as dur-
ing winter driving conditions, it may take
time until the “READY” light comes on.
The engine may not start even with the
“READY” light on.
Before starting the hybrid
system How to start the hybrid
system—
(a) Before starting (b) Starting the hybrid system

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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

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BREAKIN SCHEDULE
Toyota recommends that you do not
tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a
vehicle with any new power train com-
ponent (engine, traction motor, trans-
mission, wheel bearings, etc.) for the
first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
MAINTENANCE
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. For this informa-
tion, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner ’s
Manual Supplement”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately
1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving. PRETOWING SAFETY CHECK
Check that your vehicle remains level
when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has
an abnormal nose
−up or nose −down
condition, and check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely
loaded so that it cannot shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors con-
form to any applicable federal, state/
provincial or local regulations. If not,
install the rear view mirrors required
for towing purposes.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will
handle differently than when not tow-
ing. The three main causes of vehicle
trailer accidents are driver error, exces-
sive speed and improper trailer loading.
Keep these in mind when towing:
Before starting out, check operation of
the lights and all vehicle −trailer connec-
tions. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and con-
nections. Before actually towing a trail-
er, practice turning, stopping and back-
ing with a trailer in an area away from
traffic until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and
requires practice. Grip the bottom of
the steering wheel and move your hand
to the left to move the trailer to the
left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (This pro-
cedure is generally opposite to that
when backing without a trailer.) Also,
just turn the steering wheel a little at
a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged
turning. Have someone guide you when
backing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
Because stopping distance may be in-
creased, vehicle− to−vehicle distance
should be increased when towing a
trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and
trailer length between you and the ve-
hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as
you may skid, resulting in jackknifing
and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-
tion.
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.
The trailer could hit your vehicle in a
tight turn. Slow down before making a
turn to avoid the necessity of sudden
braking.