2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID cooling

32 1-1. Hybrid system
●To help prevent the 12-volt battery from becoming discharged, drive the
vehicle at least once a month, and operate the accessories only when
the “READY” indicator is on. When parking the vehicle, make sure the
doors is closed and all lights are turned off.
■ After the 12-volt battery has di scharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. Always put the shift lever in P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating, and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds may be heard from the transaxle when the hybrid system starts
or stops, or while the vehicle is idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard from the regenerative brake when you press the
brake pedal.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● You may hear cooling fan sounds coming from the air intake vents below
the second seat.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and
disposal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

34 1-1. Hybrid system
■Hybrid battery air vent
There is an air intake vent under
the second seats to cooling the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If
the vent becomes blocked, the
hybrid battery may overheat,
leading to a reduction in hybrid
battery output.
Emergency shut off system
The emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current
and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage when a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sen-
sor. If the emergency shut off syste m activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
Energy monitor/consumption screen
You can view the status of your
hybrid system on the multi-infor-
mation display (P. 35) and the
navigation system screen ( P.
35, 37). The following images
are examples only, and may vary
slightly from actual conditions.

248
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Front manual air conditioning system (if equipped)
Adjusting the settings
■ Adjusting the temperature setting
Turn the temperature control dial clockwise (warm) or counter-
clockwise (cool).
If is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air or
heated air.
For quick cooling, turn the temperature selector knob to the “MAX A/C”
position. The air conditioning will automatically turn on in (recir-
culated air) mode.
■ Adjusting the fan speed
Turn the fan speed control dial clockwise (increase) or counter-
clockwise (decrease).
Turn the dial to “OFF” to turn the fan off.
Fan speed control dial
Air outlet selection dial
Air conditioning on/off switch
Temperature control dial
Outside air or recirculated air mode
Rear air conditioning
on/off switch*
*: If equipped

418 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY”
indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock
that may result in death or serious injury.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
● Do not touch the engine compartment when the electric cooling fan is
operating.
The electric cooling fan may keep rotating for about 3 minutes even after
the “POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temper-
ature is high. Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF when working near the
electric cooling fan or radiator grille.

424
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank (P. 438)
12-volt battery ( P. 435)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 434)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 427)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 431)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 428)Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 432)
Fuse boxes ( P. 459)
Power control unit coolant
radiator ( P. 434)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 434)
Engine coolant radiator ( P. 434)

432 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power control unit coolant reservoirReservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir cap, drain cock and
water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

433
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

434 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiators and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
If the level is low, take your vehi-
cle to a Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. Do not drive your vehi-
cle if the red brake system warn-
ing light is on. Call a Toyota
dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.
■ When the electric cooling fan is operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
The electric cooling fan may keep rotating for about 3 minutes even after the
“POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF when working near the electric
cooling fan.