2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID warning

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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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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 ATreadwear—
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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Temperature A, B, C—T he tem per a-
ture grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C cor-
responds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No.109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades for
this tire are established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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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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Jumper cableBooster
battery
Discharged
battery
Negative terminal
(“− ”mark)
c. Connect the clamp of the negative
(black) jumper cable to the negative ( −)
terminal of the booster battery.
d. Connect the clamp at the other end
of the negative (black) cable to a solid,
stationary, unpainted metallic point
away from the 12 volt battery (such as
shown in the illustration). Do not con-
nect it to or near any part that may
move when the hybrid system is star-
ted.The recommended connecting points
are shown in the illustration.
CAUTION
When making the connections, to
avoid serious injury, do not lean over
the battery or accidentally let the
jumper cables or clamps touch any-
thing except the correct battery termi-
nals or the ground.
5. Start the hybrid system. Make sure the “READY” light is on.
If the “READY” light will not come on
and the hybrid system will not start
after you recharge the battery, perform
the following procedure. Turn the hybrid
system off. Open and close the driver’s
door. Then start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid battery warning light
comes on in the meter cluster, the hy-
brid battery is also discharged. In this
condition, the hybrid system will not
start. Contact your Toyota dealer.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable
and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths—they may now contain sulfuric
acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of the 12 volt battery dis-
charging is not apparent (for example,
lights left on), have the battery checked
by your Toyota dealer.

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If the first start attempt is not success-
ful...
Check that the clamp on the jumper
cables are tight. Recharge the discharged
battery with the jumper cables connected
for several minutes and restart the hybrid
system in the normal way.
If the another attempt is not successful,
the battery may be depleted. Have it ch-
ecked at your Toyota dealer.If your hybrid system stalls while driv-
ing...
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Turn the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”, and try starting the hybrid
system again.
If the hybrid system will not start, see “If
your vehicle will not start”.
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is not oper-
ating, the power assist for the brakes
and steering will not work, so steer-
ing and braking will be much more
difficult than usual.
Any of the following may indicate that
the hybrid system has overheated:
The engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating.
A “WATER TEMP” warning message
appears on the multiinformation
display.
A loss of power is experienced.
A loud knocking or pinging noise is
heard.
If the hybrid system overheats, follow
the procedures below: 1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the hybrid transmission in
“P” and apply the parking brake. Turn
off the air conditioning if it is being
used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the hybrid
system. Wait until the steam subsides
before opening the hood. If there is no
coolant boiling over or steam, leave the
ignition turned on and make sure the
electric cooling fan is operating. If it is
not, turn the ignition off.
If your hybrid system stalls
while driving If your vehicle overheats

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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 303 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.

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To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is
high.
If the level is low, take your vehicle to
a Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Do
not drive your vehicle if the red brake
system warning light is on. Call a
Toyota dealer for assistance.If the fluid level goes down soon after
your vehicle is serviced, it may indicate
a serious mechanical problem. Have
your vehicle checked by a Toyota deal-
er.
CAUTION
Brake fluid can harm your hands or
eyes. If fluid gets on your hands or
in your eyes, flush the affected area
with clean water immediately. If you
still feel uncomfortable with your
hands or eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle,
be sure to wipe it off to prevent dam-
age to parts or paint.
Ty p e A
Checking brake fluid
Checking tire inflation
pressure