2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD

223
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the front wheels (2WD mod-
els) or four wheels (4WD models) from spinning when starting the vehi-
cle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control
P. 228
■Downhill assist control system (4WD models only)
P. 230
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

224 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the Enhanced VSC/TRAC systems are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, or the front
wheels (2WD models) or four
wheels (4WD models) spin, the
indicator flashes to indicate that
the Enhanced VSC/TRAC sys-
tems have been engaged.
To disable TRAC and/or Enhanced VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and Enhanced
VSC may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

230
2-4. Using other driving systems
Downhill assist control system (4WD models)
While the downhill assist control system is operating
The slip indicator will flash to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is operating, and
the stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.
With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to
descend a steep hill, maintaining a constant low speed of about 3
mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.
■Activating the downhill assist control system
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.
Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.

251
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■ GCWR
* and TWR*
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (453 kg)
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle tr ailering requirement of SAE Interna-
tional per SAE J2807.
Model codeEngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
GSU45L-ARANKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE) engine 4WD
9840 lb.
(4470 kg) 5000 lb.
(2000 kg)
GSU45L-ARAGKA 9930 lb.
(4510 kg) 5000 lb.
(2000 kg)
GSU40L-ARANKA
2WD9620 lb.
(4370 kg) 5000 lb.
(2000 kg)
GSU40L-ARAGKA 9720 lb.
(4410 kg) 5000 lb.
(2000 kg)
ASU40L-ARTNKA 2.7L L4
(1AR-FE) engine 7950 lb.
(3610 kg) 3500 lb.
(1500 kg)

460 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Removing the front jack point cover (3.5 L V6 [2GR-FE] engine)Before jacking up the vehicle, remove the jack point cover.
Turn the bolts counterclockwise
and remove them.
Remove the cover.
Rear (4WD models)
STEP1
STEP2

524 5-1. Essential information
From front (4WD models)Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (4WD models)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.

530 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
Electric power steering warning light Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system.
Slip indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The Enhanced VSC system;
• The TRAC system;
• The hill-start assist control system; or
• The downhill assist control system (4WD models).
(Flashes) Cruise control indicator
light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is the fuel tank low or empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
Warning lightWarning light/Details

572
6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weights
*1: Without towing package
*2: With towing package
Overall length188.4 in. (4785 mm)
Overall width75.2 in. (1910 mm)
Overall height Without roof rails
68.1 in. (1730 mm)
With roof rails
69.3 in. (1760 mm)
Wheelbase
109.8 in. (2790 mm)
Front tread 64.0 in. (1625 mm)
Rear tread2WD models 64.2 in. (1630 mm)
4WD models 64.0 in. (1625 mm)
Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupant + luggage)1200 lb. (544 kg)
Trailer
Weight Rat-
ing (Trailer
weight +
cargo)2.7 L 4-cylin-
der (1AR-FE)
engine1500 lb. (680 kg)*1
3500 lb. (1500 kg)*2
3.5 L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine2000 lb. (900 kg)*1
5000 lb. (2000 kg)*2