2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER wheel

166 2-1. Driving procedures
■Steering lock release
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 110)
■ When the “ENGINE START STOP” s witch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
If the vehicle is left in ACC mode for more than an hour with the shift lever in
P, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF.
■ Key battery depletion
P. 3 9
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 453
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 3 7
■ Note for the entry function
P. 3 9
Make sure that the steering wheel lock is
released.
To release the steering wheel lock, gently
turn the wheel left or right while pressing
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch.
When the steering wheel lock does not
release, the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator will flash green.

168
2-1. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart key system)
■Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Engine switch
“LOCK” (OFF)
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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.

207
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■BA (Brake Assist)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels (2WD models) or
four wheels (4WD models) from sp inning when starting the vehicle or
accelerating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control
→ P. 212
■Downhill assist control system (4WD models only)
→ P. 213
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

208 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the Enhanced VSC/TRAC systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, or the front
wheels (2WD models) or four
wheels (4WD models) spin, the
indicator flashes to indicate that
the Enhanced VSC/TRAC sys-
tems have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that Enhanced VSC is
operating.
To disable TRAC and/or Enhanced VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and Enhanced
VSC may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The slip indicator light should
come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

210 2-4. Using other driving systems
■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 engine off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

211
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care
when the indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ When TRAC and Enhanced VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRAC and Enhanced VSC unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC systems will not function correctly if different
tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

212
2-4. Using other driving systems
Hill-start assist control
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
The system operates in the following situations:
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
● The brake pedal is not depressed.
■ Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stop light turn on.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
●Hill-start assist control may not operate effectively on extremely steep
inclines or roads covered in ice.
● Do not use hill-start assist control to stop or park the vehicle on an incline.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on incline or slippery slope.
If the vehicle is in danger of
slipping, rolling backwards
when starting on an incline, or
the front wheels (2WD mod-
els) or four wheels (4WD mod-
els) spin, the indicator flashes
to indicate that the hill-start
assist control system have
been engaged.