2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ABS

182 2-2. Instrument cluster
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.

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.

209
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the button while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and Enhanced VSC.
The slip indicator light and VSC
OFF indicator light should come
on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch OFF after
turning off the TRAC and Enhanced VSC systems will automatically re-
enable them.
■ Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
■ Automatic TRAC and Enha nced VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and Enhanced VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not
turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, Enhanced VSC,
brake assist
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

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.

234 2-5. Driving information
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do
so only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel bloc ks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into 3, 2, 1, or the R position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

429
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Adding fluid
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.

459
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4 DEF RLY
10 A Rear window defogger
5 MIR HTR 20 A MIR HTR (15 A)
6 P/OUT 20 A Power outlet
7 DOOR 1 25 A Multiplex communication system
8 EFI NO.2 10 AMultiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
9 EFI NO.3 10 AMultiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
10 INJ NO.1 15 A Starting system
11 INJ NO.2 10 A Starting system
12 HTR 50 A Air conditioning system
13 VSC NO.1 50 A Vehicle stability control
14 FAN MAIN 50 A Electric cooling fan
15 VSC NO.2 30 A Vehicle stability control
16 PTC NO.1 50 A PTC heater
17 PTC NO.2 30 A PTC heater
18 PTC NO.3 30 A PTC heater
19 RR CLR 40 A Air conditioning system
20 RR DEF 30 A Rear window defogger
21 PBD 30 A Power back door
22 ALT 140 AMIR HTR, P/OUT, DOOR 1, HTR,
RR DEF, FAN MAIN, ABS NO.1,
PTC NO.1, RR CLR, PTC NO.2,
PTC NO.3, ABS NO.2, PBD
23 EPS 80 A Electric power steering
24 ST 30 A Starting system
25 CRT 10 A Rear seat entertainment system
FuseAmpereCircuit