Page 96 of 712

962. Instrument cluster
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
The brightness of the meter panel lights can be adjusted.
Pressing the button will adjust the
brightness of the meter panel
lights.
The brightness level of the meters
when the surroundings are bright
(day mode) and dark (night mode)
can be adjusted individually. How-
ever, when in day mode, adjusting
the brightness level will also
change the brightness level of
night mode.
■The meters and display illuminate when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
● When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit
of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
Instrument panel light control
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 626)
Page 493 of 712
4937-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. (P. 511)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 510)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level?
(P. 508)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? ( P. 505)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. ( P. 509)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 514)
Page 498 of 712

498
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
7-3. 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
Battery condition
(P. 511)•Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(P. 510)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant
level ( P. 508)
• “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 engine coolant)
Engine oil level
( P. 505)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 535)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(P. 539)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser (
P. 509)
Tire inflation
pressure
( P. 525)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 514)• Water or washer fluid c ontaining antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
Page 503 of 712
5037-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)■
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank
(P. 514)
Fuse boxes ( P. 535)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 505)
Engine oil filler cap (P. 506)
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 508) Battery (
P. 5 1 1 )
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 510)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 509)
Radiator ( P. 509)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 504 of 712
5047-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)■
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Washer fluid tank
(P. 514)
Fuse boxes ( P. 535)
Engine oil filler cap (P. 506)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 505)
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 508) Battery (
P. 5 1 1 )
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 510)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 509)
Radiator ( P. 509)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 508 of 712

5087-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■Coolant selection
Only use “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.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
1
2
3
Page 561 of 712
5618-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
Page 626 of 712
6268-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( P. 9 4 )
enters the red zone or a loss of engine power is experienced. (For
example, the vehicle speed does not increase.)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant
leaks, immediately contact your
Toyota dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL”
“LOW”
Radiator cap
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
Correction procedures
1
2
3
1
2
4
1
2
3
4