2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID parking brake

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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 transmission selector le-
ver” on page 358 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 390
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 system function
7km/h(4mph)
Traction control function 0km/h(0mph)
Vehicle stability control function15 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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Ty p e A
Ty p e B
When parking, firmly apply the parking
brake to avoid inadvertent creeping.
To set: Fully depress the parking brake
pedal. For better holding power, first de-
press the brake pedal and hold it while
setting the parking brake.
To release: Depress the parking brake
pedal once again.
To remind you that the parking brake is
set, the parking brake reminder light (red
brake system warning light) in the instru-
ment panel remains on until you release
the parking brake.
A warning message “PARK BRAKE” ap-
pears on the multi−information display and
a warning tone sounds to remind you to
release the parking brake when the ve-
hicle speed rises above 5 km/h (3 mph)
with the parking brake is applied.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure the parking
brake is fully released and the park-
ing brake reminder light is off.
The cruise control is designed to main-
tain a set cruising speed without requir-
ing the driver to operate the accelera-
tor. Cruising speed can be set to any
speed above 40 km/h (25 mph).
Within the limits of the vehicle capabili-
ties, cruising speed can be maintained up
or down grades. However, changes in ve-
hicle speed may occur on steeper grades.
CAUTION
To help maintain maximum control
of your vehicle, do not use the
cruise control when driving in
heavy or varying traffic, or on slip-
pery (rainy, icy or snowcovered) or
winding roads.
Avoid vehicle speed increases when
driving downhill. If the vehicle
speed is too fast in relation to the
cruise control set speed, cancel the
cruise control then downshift the
transmission to use engine braking
to slow down.
Parking brake Cruise control

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DRUMINDISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drum−in −disc type
parking brake system. This type of brake
system n eeds bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding− down.
The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary. Driving conditions where the steering
wheel must be turned frequently may
cause an overload to the electric power
steering system. The system will reduce
assistance for sometime to prevent the
power steering from overheating. In this
case, you may feel some resistance when
turning the steering wheel though it is not
a malfunction.
CAUTION
If the “P/S” warning light comes on,
take your vehicle to the Toyota dealer
as soon as possible. In this case, you
may feel the heavy steering wheel
maneuvering. Drive your vehicle while
gripping the steering wheel firmly.
Brake pad wear limit
indicators
Electric power steering system

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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 hybrid 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
338 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 12 volt 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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CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the hybrid system is
on.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, down-
shifting or braking on a slippery
surface. Sudden acceleration or en-
gine braking, could cause the ve-
hicle to skid or spin.
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are highspeed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
Your vehicle is not designed to be driv-
en offroad
However, in the event that off−road driving
cannot be avoided, please observe the
following precautions to help avoid the
areas prohibited to vehicles.
a. Drive your vehicle only in areas where off−road vehicles are permitted to trav-
el.
b. Respect private property. Get owner ’s permission before entering private prop-
erty.
c. Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that re-
strict travel.
d. Stay on established roads. When condi- tions are wet, driving techniques should
be changed or travel delayed to pre-
vent damage to roads.
Offroad driving precautions

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Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the rear wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accu-
mulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Dinghy towing

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Remember that when making a turn,
the trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Therefore, compensate for this by
making a larger than normal turning
radius with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention
to the rear from time to time to pre-
pare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying
happens, firmly grip the steering wheel
and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. Steer
straight ahead. If you make no extreme
correction with the steering or brakes,
the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other ve-
hicles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer and
be sure you have plenty of room be-
fore changing lanes.
Because of the added load of the trail-
er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or
steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air
conditioning (if in use), pull off the road
and stop in a safe spot. Refer to “If
your vehicle overheats” on page 341 in
Section 4.
Always place wheel blocks under both
the vehicle and trailer wheels when
parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.
Put the transmission in “P”. Avoid park-
ing on a slope with a trailer, but if it
cannot be avoided, do so only after
performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and hold.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks un- der both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the hybrid system. When restarting out after parking on a
slope:
1. With the transmission in the “P” posi- tion, start the hybrid system. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away
from the wheel blo cks. Stop and apply
your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blo cks.