2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Owners Manual

169
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ Steering lock release
■ If the engine does not start (vehic les with engine immobilizer system)
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 110)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
“LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not press the
accelerator while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
key only to the “ACC” position.
Shift the shift lever to P.
(P. 171)
Push in the key and turn to the
“LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.

170 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for a long period if the
engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

171
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Automatic Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch
or the engine switch is
in ON, depress the
brake pedal and move
the shift lever.
■ Shift position uses
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
the “D” position for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of thepossible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents
unnecessary upshifting.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving ( P. 172)*2

172 2-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in S modeShift the shift lever to the S position and operate the shift lever. Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to 4.
■ Selecting the snow mode
Use the snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road
surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the “SNOW” switch.
The indicator will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel the snow mode.

173
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher
shift range.
■Downshifting restrictions
Keep the engine rpm from going into red zone.
The maximum allowable speed is as follows:
mph (km/h)
■ When driving with the cruise control system
The engine brake will not operate in the S mode, even when downshifting
from 5 to 4. ( P. 200)
■ Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine is turned off after driv-
ing in snow mode.
Shift rangeFunction
5 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 5
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
4 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 4
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
3 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 3
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
2 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 2
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
1 Setting the gear at 1.
DownshiftingMaximum speed
4  3 93 (150)
3  2 57 (92)
2  1 24 (39)

174 2-1. Driving procedures
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 512
■ If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to
S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in D.)

175
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is in ON.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Left turn
Right turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

176
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depress the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
U.S.A. Canada