2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID steering

2924-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
◆Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline or slippery slope
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to redu ce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist cont rol, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stabilit y when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling the br akes and hybrid system output
◆PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
P. 2 9 7

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.

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate:
● The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline).
● The vehicle is stopped.
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
● The parking brake is not engaged.
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
● The shift lever is moved to P or N.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed.
● The parking brake is engaged.
● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

3194-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
● Vehicles with LDA (Lane Departure Alert) system: Do not use LDA (Lane
Departure Alert) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

3224-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spok es when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● When driving off-road or in rugged te rrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

325
5Interior features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)5-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Front automatic air conditioning system ........ 326
Rear automatic air conditioning system ........ 333
Heated steering wheel/ seat heaters/
seat ventilators ................ 336
5-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................ 339
• Interior lights ................. 340
• Personal lights .............. 340
5-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ..... 342
• Glove box...................... 343
• Console box .................. 343
• Bottle holders ................ 344
• Cup holders .................. 345
• Auxiliary boxes.............. 347
• Open tray ...................... 348
Luggage compartment features ........................... 349 5-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ....... 351
• Sun visors ..................... 351
• Vanity mirrors................ 351
• Conversation mirror ...... 352
• Clock ............................. 353
• Outside temperature display........................... 353
• Power outlets ................ 354
• Rear sunshades............ 357
• Armrest ......................... 358
• Coat hooks.................... 359
• Assist grips ................... 359
• Side table ...................... 360
Garage door opener.......... 361
Safety Connect ................. 368
Compass ........................... 374

3365-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
Heated steering wheel/seat heaters/seat
ventilator s

: If equipped
The heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips
of the steering wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators
maintain good airflow by blowing air from the seats.
WARNING
● Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the steering wheel and seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use the seat heaters more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.

3375-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
Turn the heated steering wheel
on/off
The indicator light comes on when
the heated steering wheel is oper-
ating.
The heated steering wheel will
automatically turn off after about 30
minutes.
■The heated steering wheel can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■
Seat heaters
Turns the seat heater on
The indicator light comes on.
Adjusts the seat temperature
The further you move the dial
forward, the warmer the seat
becomes.
■
Seat heaters/ventilators Turns the seat heater on
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number is, the
warmer the seat becomes.
Blows air from the seat
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number is, the
stronger the airflow becomes.
Heated steering wheel
Front seat heaters and ventilators
1
2
1
2