
5888-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Once
• When the doors wereunlocked with the mechanical
key and then the engine
switch was pressed, the elec-
tronic key could not be
detected in the vehicle.
• The electronic key could not be detected in the vehicle
even after the engine switch
was pressed two consecu-
tive times.
Touch the electronic key to
the engine switch while
depressing the brake
pedal.
Once
Monochrome display
Color display
During a engine starting proce-
dure in the event that the elec-
tronic key was not functioning
properly ( P. 618), the engine
switch was touched with the
electronic key.
Press the engine switch
within 10 seconds of the
buzzer sounding.
Monochrome display
Color display
Indicates that:
• With the engine switch off,
the doors were unlocked and
then the driver’s door was
opened and closed
• The engine switch was turned to ACCESSORY mode with-
out starting the engine
• The shift lever was shifted to P from another position with
the engine switch in ON
mode.
Press the engine switch
while depressing the brake
pedal.
Interior
buzzerExterior buzzerWarning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)

6168-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
●One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( P. 621)
● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system.
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if repair
procedures are unknown.
When the engine does not start, the following steps can be used as an
interim measure to start the engine if the engine switch is functioning
normally:
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY mode.
Press and hold the engine switch for about 15 seconds while
depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
The starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and head-
lights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound.
Emergency start function (vehicles with a smart key system)
1
2
3
4

6208-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
■Stopping the engine
Shift the shift lever to P and press the engine switch as you normally do when
stopping the engine.
■ Replacing the key battery
As the above procedure is a temporary measure, it is recommended that the
electronic key battery be replaced imm ediately when the battery is depleted.
( P. 532)
■ Changing engine switch modes
Release the brake pedal and press the engine switch in step above.
The engine does not start and modes will be changed each time the switch is
pressed. ( P. 229)
■ When the electronic key does not work properly
●Make sure that the smart key system has not been deactivated in the cus-
tomization setting. If it is off, turn the function on.
(Customizable features P. 662)
● Check if battery-saving mode is set. If it is set, cancel the function.
(P. 149)
3

6238-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine speed
slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5 minutes to
recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Open and close any of the doors
of your vehicle with the engine switch off.
Vehicles without a smart key system:
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and turn the
engine switch to the “ON” position, then start the vehicle's engine.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and turn the
engine switch to IGNITION ON mode, then start the vehicle's
engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in
the exact reverse order from which they were connected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.3
4
5
6

6248-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running
at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
■ When recharging or replacing the battery
●Vehicles with a smart key system: In some cases, it may not be possible to
unlock the doors using the smart key system when the battery is dis-
charged. Use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock or
unlock the doors.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: The engine may not start on the first
attempt after the battery has recharged but will start normally after the sec-
ond attempt. This is not a malfunction.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: The engine switch mode is memorized by
the vehicle. When the battery is reconnected, the system will return to the
mode it was in before the battery was discharged. Before disconnecting the
battery, turn the engine switch off.
If you are unsure what mode the engine switch was in before the battery dis-
charged, be especially careful when reconnecting the battery.
● Vehicle with power back door: The power back door must be initialized.
(P. 672)
■ Charging the battery
The electricity stored in the battery will discharge gradually even when the
vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of cer-
tain electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the battery may
discharge, and the engine may be unable to start. (The battery recharges
automatically during driving.)

6298-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the front wheels.
Place wood, stones or some other material under the front wheels
to help provide traction.
Restart the engine.
AWD models: Activate all-wheel drive lock mode. (P. 297)
Shift the shift lever to D or R and release the parking brake. Then,
while exercising caution, depress the accelerator pedal.
■ When it is difficult to free the vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
Press to turn off TRAC.
1
2
3
4
5
6

699Alphabetical index
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Engine....................................... 635“ACC” position ...................... 225
Accessory mode ................... 229
Compartment ........................ 503
Engine switch................ 225, 228
Hood ..................................... 500
How to start the engine......................... 225, 228
Identification number ............ 634
If the engine will not start ...... 615
Ignition switch (engine switch) ........... 225, 228
Overheating .......................... 626
Engine coolant ......................... 508
Capacity ................................ 638
Checking ............................... 508
Preparing and checking before winter....................... 323
Engine coolant temperature gauge........................................ 94
Engine immobilizer system ...... 80
Engine oil ................................. 505 Capacity ................................ 636
Checking ............................... 505
Oil pressure warning light ..... 563
Oil pressure warning message ............................. 579
Preparing and checking before winter....................... 323
Engine switch .................. 225, 228
Enhanced VSC ......................... 298
EPS (Electric Power Steering)...... 299
Function ................................ 299
Warning light ......................... 564
Event data recorder (EDR) ........ 10 Flat tire ..................................... 590
Floor mats .................................. 26
Fluid
Automatic transaxle .............. 639
Brake .................................... 641
Washer ................................. 514
Fog lights ................................. 252 Replacing light bulbs ............ 539
Switch ................................... 252
Wattage ................................ 645
Front automatic air
conditioning system ............. 428
Front door courtesy lights Location ................................ 444
Wattage ................................ 645
Front fog lights ........................ 252 Replacing light bulbs ............ 539
Switch ................................... 252
Wattage ................................ 645
Front manual air conditioning system ............. 422
Front passenger occupant classification system .............. 53
Front personal lights............... 445 Wattage ................................ 645
Front seats ............................... 155 Adjustment............................ 155
Cleaning ............................... 487
Correct driving posture ........... 28
Driving position memory ....... 164
Head restraints ..................... 168
Seat heaters ......................... 442
Seat position memory ........... 164
Seat ventilators ..................... 442F

709Alphabetical index
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Tires .......................................... 515Chains................................... 325
Checking ............................... 515
If you have a flat tire ............. 590
Inflation pressure .................. 642
Information ............................ 649
Replacing .............................. 590
Rotating tires......................... 515
Size ....................................... 642
Snow tires ............................. 326
Spare tire .............................. 590
Tire pressure warning
system ................................ 516
Warning light ......................... 565
Tools ......................................... 591
Top tether strap ......................... 75
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 224
Emergency towing ................ 557
Trailer towing ........................ 207
TRAC (Traction Control) ......... 298
Traction Control (TRAC).................................... 298
Trailer towing .......................... 207
Transmission ........................... 234 Automatic transmission......... 234
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P ..................... 617
S mode ................................. 236
Turn signal lights..................... 239 Replacing light bulbs............. 539
Turn signal lever ................... 239
Wattage ................................ 645 USB port................................... 342
Valet key ................................... 114
Vanity lights ............................. 455
Wattage ................................ 645
Vanity mirrors .......................... 455
Vehicle data recordings .............. 9
Vehicle identification number................................... 633
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) ...................................... 298
Voice command system
*....... 417
VSC (Vehicle Stability
Control) .................................. 298
U
V
*: Refer to “Navigation and Multimedia System Owner’s Manual”