2984-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
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
2994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
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.
3004-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
◆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 po ssibility 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. 301)
3024-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■The pre-collision system is operational when
The PCS OFF switch is not pressed and the following conditions are met:
● Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
● Pre-collision brake assist:
• The VSC OFF switch is not pressed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
● Pre-collision braking:
• The VSC OFF switch is not pressed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
■ Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of a
collision
In any of the following situations where the frontal area of the radar sensor is
interrupted, the radar sensor may detect possibility of a frontal collision and
the system may be activated.
● When passing by an oncoming vehicle in a curve or a turn to the right or the
left
● When rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead (e.g. preceding vehicle, toll
gate barrier, etc.)
● When there is a structural object (billboard, low ceiling, fluorescent light,
etc.) above the uphill road ahead
● When driving on a narrow road or through under a low overhead structure
(bridge, tunnel, fly-under, etc.)
● When driving on an uneven road surface
● When there is a metal object, bump, or protrusion on the road surface
● When vehicle’s front part is raised or lowered depending on loading condi-
tions
● When the direction of radar sensor is misaligned by strong impact applied
on an area around the radar sensor, etc.
● When there is an obstacle (guard rail, etc.) by the roadside at the entrance
to a curve
● When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by towing a
trailer, during emergency towing or putting a heavy load in the luggage com-
partment etc.)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also
a possibility that the brakes may be applied with a force greater than normal.
3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or lessen
damage or injuries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of col-
lisions. However, the system operates differently depending on the situation
(P. 302). As a result, the same level of performance may not be expected
in all cases. Also, the pre-collision brakes may not operate if the driver is
depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will
determine such conditions as collision avoidance operations.
■ 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.
3064-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the assi st contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-collision system is intended
to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of LOOK-
JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system can
provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
● Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-collision system is only able to detect obstacles directly in front of
the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism that
allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist
the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver to
pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver in making correct judgment
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-collision system is that from obstacles it has detected
directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the
driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possi-
bility of collision in any given situation.
● Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-collision system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system is not capable of auto-
matically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safety with-
out appropriate operations performed by the driver. For this reason, when
encountering a dangerous situation the driver must take direct and imme-
diate action in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
317
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
4-6. Driving tips
■Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 328)
■Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of
Hybrid System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 105)
■When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
■Delays
Repeated acceleration and decelerati on, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delay s as much as possible. When
encountering a delay, gently release the brake pedal to allow the
vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the
accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the br akes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be retained when slowing down.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
3204-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, ve hicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and shift lever to P without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, prev enting it from being released. If
necessary, block the wheels to pr event inadvertent sliding or creep-
ing.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle