2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

193
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Automatic cancelation of EV-Drive Mode
When driving in EV-Drive Mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV-Drive Mode is canceled, a
buzzer will sound and the EV-Drive Mode indicator will flash and go off.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
level 2 or lower. ( P. 39)
● Vehicle speed becomes more than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode
Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode is up to about 1/2
mile (1 km) if driven at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. (Possible
driving distance depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and
driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
Highlander is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during
normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV-Drive Mode more than necessary may lower fuel
economy.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV-Drive Mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

194
2-1. Driving procedures
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 “POWER” switch is in ON mode, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.

195
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Shift position uses
■ Selecting Eco drive mode
When the vehicle is driven in Eco drive mode, vehicle driving
force and operation of the air co nditioning system (heating/cool-
ing) is controlled to improve fuel efficiency.
On/off
When Eco drive mode is
turned on, the “ECON” indica-
tor will come on.
Press the switch once more to
cancel the Eco drive mode.
Eco drive mode helps you to
drive within the scope of Vari-
able Economy Zone.
(P. 174)
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving
BEngine braking

196 2-1. Driving procedures
■When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
■ Eco drive mode
●When the accelerator pedal is depressed in Eco drive mode, it may take
more time to accelerate than usual. This is normal operation.
● Operation of the air conditioning system is controlled when in Eco drive
mode.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 594

197
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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 “POWER” switch is in 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.

198
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. ( P. 256)
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

199
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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. 106)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

200
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Vehicles without smart key system
The following gauges and meters illuminate when the engine
switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The following gauges and meters illuminate when the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode.
Power meter
Displays the instantaneous output from the hybrid system in approxi-
mate kilowatts.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Odometer/trip meter switching and trip meter resetting button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and hold-
ing the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being dis-
played.