2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID battery

181
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
■ Eco Driving Mode
When the accelerator pedal is depressed in Eco Driving Mode, it may take
more time to accelerate than usual. This is normal operation.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 515
■ Selecting the Eco Driving Mode
Use Eco Driving Mode to help achieve low fuel consumption
driving trips that involve frequent accelerating and braking.
On/off
When Eco Driving Mode is
turned on, the “ECON” indica-
tor will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel the Eco Driving Mode.
Eco Driving Mode helps you to
drive within the variable econ-
omy zone. (P. 166)

185
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When drivingInstrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Brighter
Darker
When the headlight switch is
turned to on, the brightness
will be reduced slightly unless
the control dial is turned fully
up.
Odometer/Trip meterOdometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehi cle has been driven since the
meter was last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to
record and display different distances independently.
■ Power meter “CHARGE” zone
The “CHARGE” zone indicates regeneration* status. Regenerated energy
will be used to charge the battery.
*: When used in this manual, “regeneration” refers to the conversion of
energy created by the movement of the vehicle into electrical energy.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The gasoline engine may be overheating if the temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 523)

203
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
■
Automatic light off system
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after driver’s door is
opened and closed if the “POWER” switch has been turned to ACCESSORY
mode or OFF.
To turn the lights on again, change the “POWER” switch to ON mode, or turn
the headlight switch OFF and then back to or position.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. daytime running light system) can be deactivated.
(Customizable features P. 559)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery from being discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.

224 2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
hybrid battery, hybrid system or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the
hybrid system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.
● Water entering the hybrid transaxle w ill cause deterioration in transmission
quality. The malfunction indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not
be drivable.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the transaxle case, reducing the gear
oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulate d in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

230
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Observe the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

252 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Using the system in recirculated air mode
■ The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Window defogger feature
In order to prevent the windows from fogging up, recirculated air mode may
automatically switch to outside air mode if the ambient temperature drops.
This feature can be cancelled by pushing and holding the air intake mode
switch for longer than 2 seconds. The feature will be reactivated when the
engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or OFF.
■ When outside air temperat ure approaches 32°F (0°C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when is pressed.
■ When
is selected for the air outlets used
For your driving comfort, air flowing to the feet may be warmer than air flow-
ing to the upper body depending on the position of the temperature adjust-
ment dial.
CAUTION
■ To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not set the air outlet selection dial to during cool air operation in
extremely humid weather. The difference between the temperature of the
outside air and that of the windshield can cause the outer surface of the
windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery from being discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.

260 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the wind-
shield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your
vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery from being discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.

263
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
Feet
■ Adjusting the fan speed
Turn the fan speed control dial clockwise (increase) or counter-
clockwise (decrease).
Adjusting the position and openi ng and closing the air outlets
Roof side outlets Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery from being discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.