2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

281
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
■Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode (indicator off) and recircu-
lated air mode (indicator on) modes each time is pressed.
Defogging the windshield
Set the air outlet selection dial to position.
The air conditioning system oper-
ates automatically.
Recirculated air mode may auto-
matically switch to outside air
mode.
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air outlets
Front center outlets Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.

282 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Front side outlets
Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down.
Turn the knob to open or close
the vent.
■Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Window defogger feature
Vehicles without smart key system
In order to prevent the windows from fogging up, recirculated air mode may
automatically switch to outside air mode if the ambient temperature drops.
This feature can be canceled by pushing and holding the air intake mode
switch for longer than 2 seconds. The feature will be reactivated when the
engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
In order to prevent the windows from fogging up, recirculated air mode may
automatically switch to outside air mode if the ambient temperature drops.
This feature can be canceled by pushing and holding the air intake mode
switch for longer than 2 seconds. The feature will be reactivated when the
“POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or OFF.

283
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
■When outside air temperature approaches 32°F (0°C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when is pressed.
■ When
is selected for the air outlets used
For your driving comfort, air flowing to the feet may be warmer than air flow-
ing to the upper body depending on the position of the temperature adjust-
ment dial.
■ Air conditioning odors
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter
into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause
odor to be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
■ When driving in Eco drive mode
Operation of the air conditioning system is controlled when in Eco drive
mode. Turning off Eco drive mode enhances comfort.
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not set the air outlet selection dial to during cool air operation in
extremely humid weather. The difference between the temperature of the
outside air and that of the windshield can cause the outer surface of the
windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery from being discharged
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.

284
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Front automatic air conditioning system
Airflow and outlets are automatically adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
Control panel
Fan speed
Front passenger’s side
temperature control dial
Air conditioning
on/ off switch
Simultaneous
mode Rear air conditioning
on/off switch
Temperature control
for rear passengers
Changes the air outlets used Off
Driver's side
temperature
control dial
Automatic mode Windshield defogger
Outside air or
recirculated
air mode

: If equipped

285
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
Multi-information display
Front passenger’s side tem-
perature setting display Fan speed
display
Airflow display
Driver’s side
temperature
setting dis-
play Temperature setting dis-
play for rear passengers

286 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Using the automatic mode
Press .The air conditioning system b egins to operate. Air outlets
and fan speed are automatically adjusted according to the
temperature setting.
“AUTO” will be displayed on the multi-information display.
Turn the temperature control dial clockwise (warm) or coun-
terclockwise (cool).
Air outlets and fan speed for the right-hand and left-hand seats may
be set separately depending on the temperature setting.
STEP1
STEP2

287
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
Adjusting the settings
■ Adjusting the temperature setting
Turn the temperature control dial clockwise (warm) or counter-
clockwise (cool).
The air conditioning system sw itches between individual and
simultaneous modes each time is pressed.
Simultaneous mode: Only the driver’s side temperature control dial
can be used to adjust the temperature for all seats.
The indicator will be
(on).
Individual mode: The temperatur e for the driver’s, front passen-
ger’s and rear seats ( P. 296) can be adjusted separately. Operat-
ing the passenger's si de or rear temperature control will enter
individual mode.
The indicator will be
(off).
■ Adjusting the fan speed
Press “ ” (increase) or “ ” (decrease) on .
The fan speed is shown on the multi-information display. (7 levels)
Press to turn the fan off.

288 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Changing the air outlets
Press .
The air outlets switch each time either side of is pressed. The air
flow shown on the display indicates the following.
Upper body
Upper body and feet
Feet