2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Owners Manual

281
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
Front side outlets
Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down.
Turn the knob to open or close
the vent.
Rear center outlets (vehicles without rear air conditioning system) Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down.
Turn the knob to open or close
the vent.
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in accordance with the temperature set-
ting and ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur.
●Immediately after the switch is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
● Cool air may flow to the area around the upper body when the heater is
on.
■ 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.

282 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Recirculated air mode or outside air mode may be automatically switched to
in accordance with the temperature setting and the inside temperature.
■ Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to
(outside air) mode
in situations where the windows need to be defogged.
■ When outside temper ature approaches 32F (0 C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when is pressed.
■ 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.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
CAUTION
■ To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the wind-
shield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your
vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is off.

283
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
Rear manual air conditioning system
Airflow and outlets are automatically adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
Temperature control dial
Changes the air outlets used
Fan speed control dial

: If equipped

284 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Adjusting the settings
■ Adjusting the temperature setting
Turn the temperature control dial clockwise (warm) or counter-
clockwise (cool).
■ Changing the air outlets
Press the desired , or .
Air flows as shown below according to the mode selected.
Upper body
Upper body and feet

285
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
Feet
■ Adjusting the fan speed
Turn the fan speed control dial clockwise (increase) or counter-
clockwise (decrease).
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the roof side air outlets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is off.

286
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Rear automatic air conditioning system
Using the automatic modePress .The air conditioning system will operate, and air outlets
and fan speed will be set automatically.
“AUTO” will be displayed on the control panel.
Turn the temperature control dial clockwise (warm) or coun-
terclockwise (cool).
Airflow and outlets are automatica lly adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
Airflow display Fan speed display
Temperature setting display
Fan speed
control dial
OffAutomatic mode Changes the air
outlets used
Temperature
control dial
STEP1
STEP2
: If equipped

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).
■ Changing the air outlets
Press .
The air outlets change as follows each time is pressed.
Air flows as shown below according to the mode selected.
Upper body
Upper body and feet

288 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Feet
■ Adjusting the fan speed
Turn the fan speed control dial clockwise (increase) or counter-
clockwise (decrease).
Press to turn the fan off.
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the roof side air outlets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is off.