2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

441
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

442 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiators and condenser, and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
If the level is low, take your vehi-
cle to a Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. Do not drive your vehi-
cle if the red brake system warn-
ing light is on. Call a Toyota
dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.
■ When the electric cooling fan is operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
The electric cooling fan may keep rotating for about 3 minutes after the
“POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF when working near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille.

443
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
12-volt battery
■ Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
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 problem.

444 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking 12-volt battery condition
Check the 12-volt battery condition using the indicator color.
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Toyota dealer.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure\
to
disconnect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
In some cases, the hybrid system may not start. Follow one or both of the
following procedures:
●After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt
to start the hybrid system. (If the system does not start first time, repeat
the procedure.)
● With the shift lever in P and the “POWER” switch OFF, open and close
the driver’s door, then attempt to start the hybrid system.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

445
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near 12-volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safety charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery
in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immedi-
ately.

446 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Washer fluidAdd washer fluid in the following
situations.
●Any washer does not work.
● The warning message
appears on the multi-informa-
tion display. ( →P. 509)
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
CAUTION
■When adding the washer fluid
Do not add the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer
fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

447
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
■Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “ ” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Check spare tire condition
and inflation pressure if not
rotated.
■Tire rotation
Vehicles without compact spare tire
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota rec-
ommends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
Front

448 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Vehicles with compact spare tireRotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota rec-
ommends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
■The tire pressure warning system
Your Toyota is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise.
(→ P. 503, 509)
Vehicles with compact spare tire: The compact spare tire is not
equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and transmitters.
Front