2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID steering wheel

216 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, or the four
wheels spin, the indicator flashes
to indicate that the VSC/TRAC/
hill-start assist control systems
have been engaged.
●ABS: The slip indicator light
flashes when ABS is operat-
ing.
● VSC: A buzzer (intermittent)
sounds to indicate that VSC is
operating.
● Hill-start assist control: When
the system is operating, the
stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, VSC and brake
assist
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound
does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these sys-
tems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

217
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
●The system will operate in the following situations:
• The shift lever is in a position other than P
• The parking brake is not applied
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed
To engage the system, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then further
depress the brake pedal. A buzzer beeps once to indicate that hill-start
assist control is ready.
The system operates for a period of approximately 2 seconds after the brake
pedal is released.
● Hill-start assist control will not operate when “Check VSC system” is dis-
played on the multi-information display.
■ If the buzzer does not sound or the indicator does not flash
Slightly reduce the pressure on the brake pedal and then fully depress it
again.
■ Automatic cancellation of hill-start assist control
In the following situations, the buzzer will beep twice and hill-start assist con-
trol will be canceled.
●No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal
● The shift lever is moved to P
● The parking brake is applied
● The brake pedal is re-applied.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

223
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

238 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operat or must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
● Reversing with a trailer attached 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 right. (This is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing turns.

239
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's hybrid system
may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C])
when driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates overheati ng, immediately turn off the air
conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a
safe spot. ( P. 523)

246
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger ................ 248
Front manual air conditioning system ....... 248
Front automatic air conditioning system ....... 253
Rear manual air conditioning system ....... 261
Rear automatic air conditioning system ....... 264
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ....................... 267
Windshield wiper de-icer ............................ 269
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ......................... 270
3-2. Using the audio system .......................... 271
Audio system (without navigation system) ......... 271
Using the radio ................. 274
Using the CD player ......... 280
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ..................... 287 Optimal use of the audio
system ........................... 294
Using the AUX adapter .... 297
Using the steering wheel audio switches ............... 299
3-3. Using the rear audio system .......................... 301
Rear seat entertainment system features ............. 301
Using the DVD player (DVD video) ................... 308
Using the DVD player (video CD)...................... 316
Using the DVD player (audio CD/CD text) ........ 318
Using the DVD player (MP3 discs) .................... 319
Using the video mode ...... 321
Changing the initial setting ............................ 323

270
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Using the steering wheel climate remote control switches (if equipped)
Using the automatic modePress .The air conditioning system will operate, and air outlets
and fan speed will be set automatically.
“AUTO” will be displayed on the multi-information display.
Press “” on to increase the temperature and “ ” to
decrease the temperature.
Adjusting the temperature setting
Press “ ” on to increase the temperature and “ ” to decrease
the temperature.
Turning off the fan
Press .
Some air conditioning features can be controlled using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Temperature control
Off
Automatic mode
STEP1
STEP2

272 3-2. Using the audio system
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system's speakers if a cellular
phone is being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio syste\
m is
operating.
Ty p e C
TitlePage
Using the radioP. 274
Using the CD playerP. 280
Playing back MP3 and WMA discsP. 287
Optimal use of the audio systemP. 294
Using the AUX adapterP. 297
Using the steering wheel audio switchesP. 299