2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

When trouble arises5
489
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 490
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 491
If you think something is wrong ......................... 497
Event data recorder ......... 498 5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ....................... 500
If a warning message is displayed........................ 509
If you have a flat tire......... 510
If the hybrid system will not start .......................... 522
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P................. 524
If you lose your keys ........ 525
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 526
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ..................... 528
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 532
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 536

490
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
Use the emergency flashers if the vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Vehicles without navigation system
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.
Vehicles with navigation system Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

5
When trouble arises
491
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commercia l towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehic le's rear wheels and axles must be
in good condition. (→P. 495)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

492 5-1. Essential information
Emergency towingIf a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet(s). This should only be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances below 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Towing eyelets
■Emergency towin g procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off)
mode or ON (hybrid system operating) mode.
CAUTION
■ Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains.
● If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
493
5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover while
pushing it.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

494 5-1. Essential information
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
→P. 510
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

5
When trouble arises
495
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

496 5-1. Essential information
From rearUse a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
Using a flat bed truck
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel\
s
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.