2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Owners Manual

177
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Automatic 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 “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift
lever.

178 2-1. Driving procedures
■Shift position uses
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable
for the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is
recommended for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of thepossible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents
unnecessary upshifting.
■ Selecting snow mode
Use snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road
surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the “SNOW” switch.
The indicator will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel snow mode.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving (P. 179)*2

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Changing shift ranges in S mode
Shift the shift lever to the S position and operate the shift lever. Upshifting
Downshifting
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4”
according to the vehicle speed.
However, the initial shift range may be set to “3” if AI-SHIFT has oper-
ated while the shift lever was in the D position. ( P. 181)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “4”.
However, the initial shift range may be set to “3” if AI-SHIFT has oper-
ated while the shift lever was in the D position. ( P. 181)

180 2-1. Driving procedures
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher
shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.
■When driving with the cruise control system
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Engine braking will not operate in S mode, even when downshifting from “6”
to “5” or “5” to “4”. ( P. 215)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Engine braking will not operate in S mode, even when downshifting from “5”
to “4”. ( P. 215)
■ Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine is turned off after driv-
ing in snow mode.
Shift range
Function
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE)
engine3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
6 Automatically selecting
gears between 1 and 6
according to vehicle speed
and driving conditions. 
5 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 5 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
4 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 4 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
3 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 3 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
2 Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 2 according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
1 Setting the gear at 1.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 556
■ If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to
S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in D.)
■ Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■ S mode
●2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine: when the shift range is “5” or lower,
holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to “6”.
● 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) engine: when the shift range is “4” or lower, holding
the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to “5”.
● To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too
high.
● To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S mode driving position cancels the function.)
The engine speed may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal.
This does not indicate a malfunction.

182
2-1. Driving procedures
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in
the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

183
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (P. 243)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parking
brake pedal with your left foot
while depressing the brake
pedal with your right foot.
U.S.A. Canada

184
2-1. Driving procedures
Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 94)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.