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3936-2. Maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
6
Maintenance and care
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the
vehicle.
● When the 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set duri ng ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.
Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.
Emission inspection an d maintenance (I/M)
programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnos tics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of the emission control system.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:
When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
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HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery
condition
( P. 407)•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 405)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power
control unit cool-
ant level
( P. 403)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( P. 400)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 430)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
( P. 434)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( P. 404)
Tire inflation
pressure
( P. 421)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
( P. 406)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
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4076-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
6
Maintenance and care
■Location
The 12-volt battery is located in
the left-hand side of luggage
compartment.
■Before removing the 12-volt battery cover
Remove the center deck board.
■Removing the 12-volt battery coverRemove the side deck board.
Remove the 12-volt battery
cover.
12-volt batter y
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Page 408 of 604
4086-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
Remove the clamp cover.
■Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
3
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2
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4096-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
6
Maintenance and care
■Installing the 12-volt battery coverInstall the clamp cover.
Install the 12-volt battery
cover.
Install the side deck board.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
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Page 410 of 604

4106-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
After recharging/reconnect ing the 12-volt battery
● The hybrid system may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the
system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the hybrid system.
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
● The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
disconnected and reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch
mode to the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected.
Make sure to turn off the power switch before disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery. Take extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch
mode prior to the battery being disconnected is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
■ How to recharge th e 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
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4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
6
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for the vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
Page 428 of 604
4286-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
●Flathead screwdriver
● Small flathead screwdriver
● Lithium battery CR2032
Take out the mechanical key.
Remove the cover.
To prevent damage to the key,
cover the tip of the flathead screw-
driver with a rag.
Remove the depleted battery.
Insert a new battery with the “+”
terminal facing up.
Electronic key batter y
Replace the battery with a new one if it is depleted.
You will need the following items:
Replacing the battery
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