2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER tow

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For US ownersReporting safety defects for US owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

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

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
4-2. Maintenance ...................... 404Maintenance requirements ..................... 404
General maintenance.......... 406
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................... 409
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance .................... 410
Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 410
Hood ................................... 414
Positioning a floor jack ........ 416
Engine compartment ........... 419
Tires .................................... 433
Tire inflation pressure ......... 443
Wheels ................................ 447
Air conditioning filter............ 449
Key battery .......................... 452
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 455
Light bulbs........................... 466
5-1. Essential information ....... 478 If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................... 478
If you think something is wrong ............................ 485
Fuel pump shut off system .............................. 486
Event data recorder ............ 487 5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency ...................... 489
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... .......................... 489
If a warning message is displayed (vehicles with
multi-information
display) ............................. 498
If you have a flat tire ........... 499
If the engine will not start .................................. 510
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ................... 512
If you lose your keys/ wireless remote control
transmitter ........................ 513
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with smart
key system) ...................... 514
If the battery is discharged........................ 516
If your vehicle overheats ......................... 520
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................. 523
6-1. Specifications ................... 526 Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ........... 526
Fuel information.................. 539
Tire information .................. 542
6-2. Customization................... 554 Customizable features........ 554
5When trouble arises
6Vehicle specifications

37
1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
■
Operation signals
A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors
have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from
operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 514)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electronic power plant, gas station, radio station, large
display, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or elec-
trical noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key has come into contact with, or is covered by a
metallic object
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following
devices that emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key
• A wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computer
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window
■ Switching the door unlock function
It is possible to set which doors the entry function unlocks.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
When the indicator on the key surface is turned off, push and hold
, , or for approximately 5 seconds while pushing
on the key.
STEP1
STEP2

56 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
■If the wireless remote control does not operate
Vehicles without smart key system
Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the key. ( P. 64)
Vehicles with smart key system
● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. ( P. 514)
● Starting the engine. ( P. 164)
■ Security feature
If a door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is
unlocked, the security feature automatically locks the vehicle again.
■ Alarm
Using the wireless remote control to lock the door will set the alarm sy\
stem.
(P. 116)
■ Conditions affecting operation
Vehicles without smart key system
The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the follow-
ing situations.
● Near a TV tower, radio station, electr ic power plant, airport or other facil-
ity that generates strong radio waves
● When carrying a portable radio, cell ular phone or other wireless commu-
nication device
● When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity
● When the wireless key has come into contact with, or is covered by a
metallic object
● When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby
● When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such as
a personal computer
Vehicles with smart key system
P. 3 7
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. wireless remote control) can be changed. (Customizable fea-
tures P. 554)

80 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
■Getting out of the vehicle (right side only)
Lift the lever on the side of the
seatback and fold down the seat-
back. The seat will slide forward.
Move the seat to the front-most
position
■ After passengers have entered/exited the vehicle
Lift up the seatback and slide the seat backward until it locks.
Folding down the second seat
■ Before folding down the second seat
Stow the rear center seat belt
buckle.
Pass the outer seat belts through
the seat belt hangers and secure
the seat belt plates.
This prevents the shoulder belt
from being damage.
Make sure that the seat belts are
removed from the hangers before
using them.
STEP1
STEP2

82 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
Folding down the third seat (vehicles with third seat)
■ Before folding down the third seat
Stow the third seat belt buckles.
Pass the seat belts through the
seat belt hangers.
This prevents the shoulder belt
from being damage.
Make sure that the seat belts are
removed from the hangers before
using them.
Pull the strap to fold down the
head restraints.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

83
1-3. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
■Folding down the third seat
Pull the strap on the third seat-
back fold-down lever toward you
to fold down the seatback.
Removing the second center seat
■ Before removing the second center seat
Take out the side table from the
console box.
Lower the second center seat head restraint to the lowest
position. ( P. 87)
■ Removing the second center seat
Fold down the second center
seatback while pulling the seat-
back lock release strap.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1