2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

177
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
If the vehicle becomes stuck or bogged
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or
stuck in sand or mud etc. This may damage the drive system components or
propel the vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
Rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 544)
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake ped-
als together to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.

178 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transaxle, rear motor transaxle, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

179
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Power (ignition) switch (vehicles with smar t key system)
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybr id system or changes “POWER”
switch modes.
■ Starting the hybrid system
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.
The “POWER” switch indicator turns green. If the indicator does
not turn green, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system can be
started from any “POWER”
switch mode.
After a while, the “READY”
indicator comes on with a beep
sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” indicator is on
even if the engine is stopped.
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
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180 2-1. Driving procedures
■Changing “POWER” switch modes
Modes can be changed by pres sing the “POWER” switch with
the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)
OFF*
The emergency flashers can
be used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off
the hybrid system, the
“POWER” switch will be turned
to ACCESSORY mode, not to
OFF.

181
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Steering lock release
■ If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 123)
■ When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER”
switch with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off.
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving
conditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 3 4
■ When the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 529
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 5 3
Make sure that the steering wheel lock is
released.
To release the steering wheel lock, gently
turn the wheel left or right while pressing
the “POWER” switch.
When the steering wheel lock is not
released, the “POWER” switch indicator
will flash in green.

182 2-1. Driving procedures
■When the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 494
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 5 1
■ Note for the entry function
P. 5 3
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any cir-
cumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution while driving
If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activa-
tion of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, push and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
To prevent 12-volt battery from being discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods without the hybrid system on.
■ When starting the hybrid system
●Do not race a cold hybrid system.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have the hybrid system
checked immediately by your Toyota dealer.

184
2-1. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart key system)
■Starting the hybrid system
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.
The hybrid system can be
started from any mode.
After a while, the “READY”
indicator comes on with a beep
sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” indicator is on
even if the engine is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4