2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER lights

207
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
Fog light switch∗
The fog lights improve visibility in difficult driving conditions, such
as in rain or fog. They can be turn ed on only when the headlights are
on in low beam.
Off
Front fog lights on
: If equipped

208
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Windshield wipers and washer
Wiper intervals can be adjusted for intermittent operation.
Intermittent windshield
wiper operation
Low speed windshield wiper
operation
High speed windshield
wiper operation
Temporary operation
Increases the intermittent
windshield wiper frequency
Decreases the intermittent
windshield wiper frequency

209
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
■
The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in
the“ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked and if there is washer fluid in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle is blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers operate automatically.

210
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Rear window wiper and washer
■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in
the“ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
NOTICE
■ When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the rear window.
Intermittent window wiper
operation
Normal window wiper oper-
ation
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion

215
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Displayed area
■ Rear view monitor system camera
The area covered by the camera is lim-
ited. Objects that are close to either
corner of the bumper or under the
bumper cannot be seen on the screen.
The area displayed on the screen may
vary according to vehicle orientation or
road conditions.
In the following cases, it may become
difficult to see the images on the
screen, even when the system is func-
tioning correctly.
●The vehicle is in a dark area, such
as at night.
● The temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
● Water droplets are on the camera
lens or humidity is high, such as
when it rains.
● Foreign matter, such as snow or
mud, adheres to the camera lens.
● The sun or headlights are shining
directly into the camera lens.

223
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Hill-start assist control
■Hill-start assist cont rol operating conditions
The system operates in the following situations:
• The shift lever is in a position other than P.
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
■ Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stoplight turn on.
● Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal
is released.
● If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when
the brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal (do not allow the vehicl e to roll backward) and then firmly
depress it again. If the system still does not operate, check that the oper-
ating conditions explained above have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is acti-
vated. The slip indicator will
also start flashing.

225
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Downhill assist control system (4WD models only)
While the downhill assist control system is operating
The slip indicator will flash to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is operating, and
the stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.
With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to
descend a steep hill, maintaining a constant low speed of about 3
mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.
■ Activating the downhill assist control system
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.
Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.

246 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have diff erent weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accident s are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
● Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the traile r to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing turns.