Page 194 of 604
194
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
4-1. Before driving
P. 2 2 9
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
( P. 237)
Release the parking brake. ( P. 243)
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelera-
tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift
lever to P. (P. 237)
With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
Shift the shift lever to P. ( P. 237)
Set the parking brake. ( P. 243)
Press the power switch off to stop the hybrid system.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe
driving:
Starting the hybrid system
Driving
Stopping
Parking the vehicle
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
Page 229 of 604
229
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Vehicles with monochrome display: will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Vehicles with color display:
and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Press the power switch.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the hybrid system is
completely started.
The hybrid system can be started
from any power switch mode.
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operati ons when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes
power switch modes.
Starting the hybrid system
1
2
3
4
5
Page 231 of 604

2314-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other
than P, the power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the
switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Power OFF” is displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-information display is off.
■Message displays
Message illustrations used in this section are intended as examples, and may
differ from the image that is actually displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
■ Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this function
cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle
with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time
when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 8 4
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 126
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 151
■ Note for the entry function
P. 152
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
1
2
3
4
Page 232 of 604

2324-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 91)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
● Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not
start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.
■ Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
power switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor
may be suspended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a
short period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system.
After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When “Check SMART Key System” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the power switch
with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your Toyota
dealer immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 472
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 428 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
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2334-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
Operation of the power switch
●When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the
switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the power
switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.
■ If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
P. 513
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activa-
tion of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid syst em in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press
it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 451)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 246 of 604

2464-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
Headlight control sensor
■ Automatic light off system
●When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off
and any of the doors is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediately if
on the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the light
switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors is kept open, the lights automatically turn off after 20 min-
utes.
■ Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned to ACCES-
SORY mode and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on. The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the
windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight sys-
tem to malfunction.
Page 341 of 604
3415-2. Using the interior lights
5
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
■Illuminated entry system
The lights automatically turn on/off according to power switch mode, the pres-
ence of the electronic key, whether the doors are locked/unlocked, and
whether the doors are opened/closed.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
If the following lights are left on when the power switch is turned off, the lights
will go off automatically after 20 minutes:
●Interior lights
● Personal lights
● Front door courtesy lights
● Ambient lights (if equipped)
● Power switch light
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. the time elapsed before lights turn off) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 556)
Page 343 of 604
3435-3. Using the storage features
5
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
Unlock with the mechanical key
Lock with the mechanical key
Open (pull lever)
■Power back door main switch
The power back door main switch is located in the glove box. ( P. 136)
To open the console box lids,
press on the knob and slide both
lids.
■Tray in the console box
Glove box
1
2
3
Console box
The tray slides forward/backward and can
be removed.