2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER tow

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch .................. 200
Fog light switch ................... 206
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 208
Rear window wiper and washer .............................. 212
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ...................... 215
Rear view monitor system .............................. 219
Driving assist systems ........ 223
Hill-start assist control ......... 228
Downhill assist control system (4WD models) ...... 230
2-5. Driving information Off-road precautions ........... 233
Cargo and luggage ............. 238
Vehicle load limits ............... 242
Winter driving tips ............... 243
Trailer towing ...................... 247
Dinghy towing ..................... 265 3-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Front manual air conditioning system.......... 268
Front automatic air conditioning system.......... 275
Rear manual air conditioning system.......... 283
Rear automatic air conditioning system.......... 286
Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers ............... 289
Windshield wiper de-icer .... 291
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ........................... 292
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system ...................... 293
Using the radio ................... 297
Using the CD player ........... 304
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 312
Operating an iPod .............. 320
Operating a USB memory ............................ 327
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 335
Using the AUX port............. 339
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 341
Detachable pole antenna ............................ 344
3Interior features

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............ 440
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior............. 443
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ..................... 446
General maintenance.......... 449
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................... 452
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 453
Hood ................................... 457
Positioning a floor jack ........ 459
Engine compartment ........... 463
Tires .................................... 478
Tire inflation pressure ......... 487
Wheels ................................ 490
Air conditioning filter............ 493
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ........ 496
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 499
Light bulbs........................... 510 5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers............ 518
If your vehicle needs to be towed........................... 519
If you think something is wrong ............................ 526
Fuel pump shut off system .............................. 527
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... .......................... 528
If a warning message is displayed .......................... 539
If you have a flat tire ........... 540
If the engine will not start.... 554
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ................... 556
If you lose your keys/ wireless remote control
transmitter ........................ 557
If the electronic key does not operate properly ......... 558
If the battery is discharged........................ 560
If your vehicle overheats .... 564
4Maintenance and care5When trouble arises

40 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
■Operation signals
A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors
have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from
operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 558)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic
object
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following
devices that emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key
• A wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computer
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window
■ Switching the door unlock function
It is possible to set which doors the entry function unlocks.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
When the indicator on the key surface is turned off, push and hold
, or for approximately 5 seconds while pushing
on the key.
STEP1
STEP2

52 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
■Conditions affecting operation
Vehicles without smart key system
The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the follow-
ing situations.
● Near a TV tower, radio station, electr ic power plant, airport or other facil-
ity that generates strong radio waves
● When carrying a portable radio, cell ular phone or other wireless commu-
nication device
● When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity
● When the wireless key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic
object
● When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby
● When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such as
a personal computer
Vehicles with smart key system
P. 4 0
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. wireless remote control) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 602)
■ Reversing the operation of the power back door
Pressing the wireless remote control switch again while the power back door
is operating will cause the operation to reverse.
■ When riding in an aircraft (vehicle without smart key system)
When bringing a wireless remote control onto an aircraft, make sure you do
not press any buttons on the wireless remote control while inside the aircraft
cabin. If you are carrying a wireless remote control in your bag etc., ensure
that the buttons are not likely to be pressed accidentally. Pressing a button
may cause the wireless remote control to emit radio waves that could inter-
fere with the operation of the aircraft.

78 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
■Getting out of the vehicle (right side only)
Lift the lever on the side of the
seatback and fold down the seat-
back. The seat will slide forward.
Move the seat to the front-most
position.
■ After passengers have entered/exited the vehicle
Lift up the seatback and slide the seat backward until it locks.
Folding down the second seats
■ Before folding down the second seats
Stow the rear center seat belt
buckle.
Pass the outer seat belts through
the seat belt hangers and secure
the seat belt plates.
This prevents the shoulder belt
from being damaged.
Make sure that the seat belts are
removed from the hangers before
using them.
STEP1
STEP2

80 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
Folding down the third seats
■ Before folding down the third seats
Stow the third seat belt buckles.
Pass the seat belts through the
seat belt hangers.
This helps to prevent the shoulder
belts from being damaged.
Make sure that the seat belts are
removed from the hangers before
using them.
■Folding down the third seats
While pulling the straps, fold
down the seatbacks.
The head restraints will fold down
automatically when the straps are
pulled.
STEP1
STEP2

82 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
■Removing the second center seat
Fold down the second center
seatback while pulling the seat-
back lock release strap.
Pull the lock release lever to
remove the second center seat.
Stow the second center seat in
the console box.
Make sure that the seat is securely locked in position and
close the console box door.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4