2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

185
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ 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 hybrid system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
(P. 190)
Push in the key and turn to the
“LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2

186 2-1. Driving procedures
■Steering lock release
■ If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 123)
■ 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.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you turn the engine switch
with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your Toyota
dealer immediately.
■ When the ambient temperature is lo w, 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
When starting the hybrid system, the
engine switch may seem stuck in the
“LOCK” position. To free it, turn the key
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.

187
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not
depress the accelerator while starting the hybrid system under any circum-
stances.
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 hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to the “ACC” position.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods without
the hybrid system on.
■ When starting the hybrid system
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race a cold hybrid system.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the
hybrid system checked immediately.

188
2-1. Driving procedures
EV-Drive Mode
■Situations in which EV-Drive Mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV-Drive Mode on in the following situations. If
it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on
the multi-information display.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
● The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in extremely low temperatures for a long period
of time etc.
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
level 3 or lower. ( P. 37)
● Vehicle speed is about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
In EV-Drive Mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the
hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
On/off
When EV-Drive Mode is turned
on, the EV-Drive Mode indica-
tor will come on. Pressing the
switch when in EV-Drive Mode
will return to normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]).

189
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Automatic cancelation of EV-Drive Mode
When driving in EV-Drive Mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV-Drive Mode is canceled, a
buzzer will sound and the EV-Drive Mode indicator will flash and go off.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
level 2 or lower. ( P. 37)
● Vehicle speed becomes more than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode
Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode is up to about 1/2
mile (1 km) if driven at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. (Possible
driving distance depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and
driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
Highlander is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during
normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV-Drive Mode more than necessary may lower fuel
economy.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV-Drive Mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

190
2-1. Driving procedures
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 “POWER” switch is in ON mode, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.

191
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Shift position uses
■ Selecting Eco drive mode
When the vehicle is driven in Eco drive mode, vehicle driving
force and operation of the air conditioning system is controlled to
improve fuel efficiency.
On/off
When Eco drive mode is
turned on, the “ECON” indica-
tor will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel the Eco drive mode.
Eco drive mode helps you to
drive within the scope of Vari-
able Economy Zone.
(P. 170)
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving
BEngine braking

192 2-1. Driving procedures
■When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
■ Eco drive mode
●When the accelerator pedal is depressed in Eco drive mode, it may take
more time to accelerate than usual. This is normal operation.
● Operation of the air conditioning system is controlled when in Eco drive
mode.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 554