2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID emergency towing

42 1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in P, apply the parking
brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte
from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if pos-
sible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the four wheels raised. If the
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an
electricity leakage leading to a fire.(
P. 521)
■ Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel- metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■ Emergency shut off system
●Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
Never touch the parts or cables. (
P. 35)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.

522 5-1. Essential information
Emergency towingIf a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet(s). This should only be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances below 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Towing eyelets
■Emergency towin g procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to “ACC” (hybrid system off) or “ON” (hybrid
system operating) position.
Vehicles with smart key system:
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off)
mode or ON (hybrid system operating) mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
523
5-1. Essential information
Installing a towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2

5
When trouble arises
539
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack handle
Adapter
socket
Towing eyelet Jack handle
Wheel nut wrench Spare tire
Jack

548 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stowing the flat tire, jack and all toolsRemove the center wheel ornament by pushing from the
reverse side. Put the flat tire on the ground
with the outer side facing up and
install the holding bracket.
Be careful not to lose the wheel
ornament.
Turn the spare tire clamp bolt clockwise with a jack handle
and adapter socket until you hear a click.
Stow the jack and all tools.
STEP1
STEP2
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( P. 479)
STEP3
STEP4

5
When trouble arises
551
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
NOTICE
■Do not drive the vehicle with a flat tire.
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat tire can damage the tire and the
wheel beyond repair.
■When replacing the tires
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, contact your
Toyota dealer as the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is
used, contact your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon
as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 479)
■When stowing the flat tire
●Ensure that there is no object caught between the tire and the vehicle
underbody.
●Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold the spare wheel carrier by the
hook securely.

566
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear, to avoid striki ng other vehicles, objects or persons.
The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes
free. Use extreme caution.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels.
● If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the hybrid system. Set t he parking brake and put the
shift lever to P.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the hybrid system.
Shift the shift lever to the D or R position and carefully apply
the accelerator to free the vehicle.
Turn off TRAC and/or VSC if these functions are hampering your
attempts to free the vehicle. ( P. 235)
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

624 Alphabetical index
Daytime running light system .................................... 217
Defogger Rear window ......................... 300
Side mirrors ........................... 300
Dimensions............................... 570
Dinghy towing .......................... 274
Display Energy flow .............................37
Multi-information display ....... 203
Trip information ..................... 203
Warning message ................. 538
Do-it-yourself main tenance..... 454
Door courtesy lights
Door courtesy lights .............. 401
Wattage ................................. 583
Doors
Door lock ..................... 46, 59, 65
Door windows........................ 110
Side mirrors ........................... 108
Driver's seat belt reminder light ......................................... 531
Driving
Break-in tips .......................... 169
Correct posture ..................... 131
Procedures ............................ 168
Winter driving tips.................. 251 “ECON” switch......................... 191
Eco Driving Mode .................... 191
Electric power steering ........... 234
Electronic key
If your electronic key battery
is discharged ...................... 556
Emergency flashers Switch ................................... 520
Emergency, in case of If a warning message is displayed ............................ 538
If the back door opener is inoperative ............................ 73
If the electronic key does
not operate properly ........... 556
If the hybrid system will not start............................... 552
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ..................... 554
If the vehicle has a
discharged 12-volt
battery................................. 558
If the warning buzzer
sounds ................................ 528
If the warning light turns on........................................ 528
If you have a flat tire ............. 539
If you lose your keys ............. 555
If you think something is wrong .................................. 527
If your vehicle becomes stuck ................................... 566
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency .......................... 567
If your vehicle needs to be towed .................................. 521
If your vehicle overheats ....... 562DE