2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Owners Manual

177
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart key system)
■Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Changing engine switch position
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(The key can be removed only
when the shift lever is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

178 2-1. Driving procedures
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ Steering lock release
■ If the engine does not start (vehic les with engine immobilizer system)
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 115)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the key is in the “LOCK”
or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the
accelerator while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
key only to the “ACC” position.
Shift the shift lever to P.
(P. 180)
Push in the key and turn to the
“LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.

179
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for a long period if the
engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

180
2-1. Driving procedures
Automatic Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles without smart key system
While the engine switch is in
the “ON” position, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.
Vehicles with smart key system
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift
lever.

181
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Shift position uses
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable
for the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to D position is recom-
mended for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of thepossible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents
unnecessary upshifting.
■ Selecting the snow mode
Use the snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road
surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the “SNOW” switch.
The indicator will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel the snow mode.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving (P. 182)*2

182 2-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in S modeShift the shift lever to the S position and operate the shift lever. Upshifting
Downshifting
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to 5 or 4 accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
When the shift range is “5” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+”
sets the shift range to “6”.
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to 4.
When the shift range is “4” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+”
sets the shift range to “5”.

183
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher
shift range.
■Downshifting restrictions
The shift lever cannot be downshifted if the following speeds are exceeded.
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
mph (km/h)
Shift range
Function
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
6 Automatically selecting
gears between 1 and 6
according to vehicle speed
and driving conditions. 
5 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 5 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
4 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 4 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
3 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 3 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
2 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 2 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
1 Setting the gear at 1.
DownshiftingMaximum speed
5  4 98 (158)
4  3 70 (114)
3  2 47 (77)
2  1 21 (34)

184 2-1. Driving procedures
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) enginemph (km/h)
■ When driving with the cruise control system
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Engine braking will not operate in the S mode, even when downshifting from
“6” to “5” or “5” to “4”. ( P. 211)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Engine braking will not operate in the S mode, even when downshifting from
“5” to “4”. ( P. 211)
■ Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine is turned off after driv-
ing in snow mode.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 537
■ If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to
S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in D.)
DownshiftingMaximum speed
4  3 93 (150)
3  2 57 (92)
2  1 24 (39)