Page 293 of 604
2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/ABS sys-
tems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the hybrid syst em to the wheels. Pressing to
turn the system off may make it eas ier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release .
The “TRAC OFF” will be shown on
the multi-information display. Press
again to turn the system back
on.
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system
Page 294 of 604

2944-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “TRAC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision safety system, pre-collision brake assist and
pre-collision braking will also be disabled. The pre-collision safety system
warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the multi-
information display. ( P. 297)
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control systems
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
● When the power switch is turned off
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
Page 296 of 604

2964-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
WARNING
■TRAC may not operat e effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ Hill- start assist control
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
Page 297 of 604

2974-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
◆Pre-collision warning
When a high possibility of a
frontal collision is detected, the
pre-collision system warning
light flashes, a buzzer sounds
and a message is shown on the
multi-information display to
urge the driver to take evasive
action.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
The system may not warn the driver using a warning light, warning
display and buzzer when the system detects and judges braking
operations.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high po ssibility of a frontal collision, the system
warns the driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer.
If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes
are automatically applied to reduce the collision speed.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects th at a frontal collision is highly
likely or even unavoidable, safety systems such as the brakes
and seat belts are automatically engaged to lessen impact as
well as vehicle damage.
The pre-collision system can be tu rned on and off as necessary by
operating the switch. ( P. 298)
Page 298 of 604
2984-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
Enabled
Disabled
The pre-collision system warning
light comes on when pre-collision
system is disabled.
The radar sensor detects vehi-
cles or other obstacles on or near
the road ahead and determines
whether a collision is imminent
based on the position, speed, and
heading of the obstacles.
Disabling pre-collision system
1
2
Radar sensor
Page 300 of 604

3004-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)■
Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■ Situations in which the pre-collis ion system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
● On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
● If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
● In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
● If the vehicle is skidding when VSC is not operating
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When only part of your vehicle’s front end collides with, or contacts, a vehi-
cle or object in a frontal collision
● When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact
■ Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision system will be
automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if there
is a collision possibility.
■ When there is a malfunction in the system
The pre-collision system warning light will flash and warning messages will be
displayed. ( P. 458, 474)
Page 302 of 604

3024-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not overly rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other
road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When the sensor may not be correct ly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations:
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
● Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction.
If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by your Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
● Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.
Page 305 of 604

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be dif-
ficult to see.
■ Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises
such as high audio volume.
■ When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons,\
warn-
ing message will be displayed: ( P. 473, 474)
● There is a malfunction with the sensors
● The sensors have become dirty
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● The sensor voltage has become abnormal
Outside rear view mirror indicators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated and the out-
side rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the left-hand third seat.
2
3