Page 427 of 712
4276-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 433 of 712

4336-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)■
When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNI-
TION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 530
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 662)
Page 434 of 712
4346-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 437 of 712
4376-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)■
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air out-
lets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
forward or backward.
Closes the vent
Slide the knob to the rear-most
position.
Opens the vent
1
2
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
Page 440 of 712
4406-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)■
Location of air outlets
The air outlets and air volume
change according to the
selected airflow mode.
■Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air out-
lets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
forward or backward.
Closes the vent
Slide the knob to the rear-most
position.
Opens the vent
Air outlets
1
2
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
Page 441 of 712

4416-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
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 or 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 the minor burns or overheat-
ing
• 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 battery discharge, do not use the functions when the engine is
stopped.
Page 442 of 712
4426-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
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 engine switch is in IGNITION 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
Page 443 of 712
4436-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
■The seat heaters and seat heaters/ventilators can be used 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.
■ When not in use
Seat heaters
Turn the dial fully backward. T he indicator light will turn off.
Seat heaters/ventilators
Set the knob at “0”. The indicator light will turn off.
Hi
Lo
Off
The indicator comes on when the
second seat heater is on.
■ The second seat heaters can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Second seat heaters
1
2
3