2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers .............................. 192
Headlight switch .................. 192
Fog light switch ................... 196
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 197
Rear window wiper and washer .............................. 199
2-4. Using other driving systems ........................... 200
Cruise control ...................... 200
Rear view monitor system (vehicles with
multi-information
display) ............................. 203
Downhill Assist Control system
(4WD models only) ........... 207
Driving assist systems ........ 209
2-5. Driving information ........... 214 Off-road precautions ........... 214
Cargo and luggage ............. 219
Vehicle load limits ............... 223
Winter driving tips ............... 224
Trailer towing ...................... 228
Dinghy towing ..................... 238 3-1. Using the air
conditioning system
and defogger .................. 242
Front manual air conditioning system.......... 242
Front automatic air conditioning system.......... 247
Rear manual air conditioning system.......... 255
Rear automatic air conditioning system.......... 258
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ......................... 261
Windshield wiper de-icer .............................. 263
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ........................... 264
3-2. Using the audio system ............................. 265
Audio system (without navigation system) ........... 265
Using the radio ................... 268
Using the CD player ........... 274
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 281
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 288
Using the AUX adapter....... 291
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 293
3Interior features

11
A
Power outlet P. 375
Cup holders
Auxiliary box P. 362
P. 367
*: 4WD models
Cup holders P. 362
Shift lever P. 171
“SNOW” switch P. 172“DAC” switch* P. 213
Shift lock
override button
P. 512

When driving2
155
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 156Driving the vehicle............ 156
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smart
key system).................... 164
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart
key system).................... 168
Automatic Transmission... 171
Turn signal lever .............. 175
Parking brake ................... 176
2-2. Instrument cluster.......... 177 Gauges and meters ......... 177
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 179
Multi-information display............................ 183
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers ........................... 192
Headlight switch ............... 192
Fog light switch ................ 196
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 197
Rear window wiper and washer ........................... 199 2-4. Using other driving
systems ........................ 200
Cruise control ................... 200
Rear view monitor system (vehicles with
multi-information
display) .......................... 203
Downhill Assist Control system
(4WD models only) ........ 207
Driving assist systems ..... 209
2-5. Driving information ........ 214 Off-road precautions ........ 214
Cargo and luggage .......... 219
Vehicle load limits ............ 223
Winter driving tips ............ 224
Trailer towing ................... 228
Dinghy towing .................. 238

162 2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
●If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other
vehicles closely and avoid downhills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the
pedal than usual. Braking distance may also increase.
● Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted
brakes.
● The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: If one of the
systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance
becomes longer.
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
■ If the vehicle becomes stu ck or bogged (4WD models)
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or
stuck in sand or mud etc. This may damage the drive system components or
propel the vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.
■ If you hear a squealing or scrapin g noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or that of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 503)

163
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
When driving the vehicle
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals
together to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, tran-
saxle, transfer (4WD models), differential, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (4WD models), bearings and
suspension joints (where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings,
etc.

180 2-2. Instrument cluster
Center panel (vehicles with navigation system)
■ Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(P. 175)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
( P. 192)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 194)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(P. 192)
(4WD models)
Downhill assist control
system indicator
(P. 213)
(if equipped)
Front fog light indicator
( P. 196)
Slip indicator
(P. 208)“SNOW” indicator
( P. 172)
Shift position and shift range indica-
tors ( P. 171)
SRS airbag on-off indi-
cator (P. 134)
*1
*1
*1

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.