2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

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For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
1-2. Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with
the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and
an electric motor (traction moto r) according to driving condi-
tions, improving fuel efficien cy and reducing exhaust emis-
sions.
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821-2. Hybrid system
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
◆When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
* when the vehicle is stopped. During
start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is
stopped
* and the electric motor (traction motor) is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is
not being charged.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically
stop. ( →P. 83)
◆During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predomin antly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as nec-
essary.
◆When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline
engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
◆When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power
generator, and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to
warn pedestrians, people riding bi cycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area that the vehi cle is approaching. The pitch of
the sound adjusts according to vehi cle speed. When vehicle speed is
approximately 16 mph (25 km/h) or more, the warning system turns
off.
Vehicle Proximity Notification System

831-2. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S\
.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
■ EV indicator
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the heater is switched on
■ Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the bat-
tery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the
vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will
slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once
every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
●To help prevent the 12-volt battery from becoming discharged, drive the
vehicle at least once a month, and operate the accessories only when the
“READY” indicator is on. When parking t he vehicle, make sure the doors are
closed and all lights are turned off.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
→P. 628
■ After the 12-volt battery has dischar ged or when the terminal has been
removed and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your
Toyota dealer. The EV indicator comes on when the
vehicle is driven using only the electric
motor (traction motor) or the gasoline
engine is stopped.

841-2. Hybrid system
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. Always shift the shift lever to
P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) under t\
he
rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents under the rear\
seat.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people ridi ng bicycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area to hear:
● When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity
● When it is raining or during strong winds
● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front of
the vehicle
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of the EV indicator) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 666)

851-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high volt-
age system (about 650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts
that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating.
Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
Warning label
Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Power control unit with DC/DC
converter
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)Rear electric motor (traction
motor)
Front electric motor (traction
motor)
Air conditioning compressor1
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861-2. Hybrid system
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
There are air intake vents under
the second seats for the purpose
of cooling the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery). If the vents become
blocked, the hybrid battery may
overheat, leading to a reduction in
hybrid battery output.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If
the emergency shut off sy stem activates, your vehicle will not restart.
To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically displa yed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions. ( →P. 577)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vents
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

871-2. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■If a warning light comes on, a warn ing message is displayed, or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When refueling, the fuel filler door may take a few moments to open
As part of emission system operation, it may take up to 10 seconds for the
fuel filler door to automatically release after the opener switch is pressed.
Before refueling is possible, a message will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. ( →P. 256)
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started,
refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel le\
vel
warning light ( →P. 568) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the
hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about
2.6 gal. [9.7 L, 2.1 Imp. gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This
value may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehi-
cle is inclined.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate electromag-
netic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of elec-
tromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

881-2. Hybrid system
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe
burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
● The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located on the left-hand
side of the second seat base. The ser-
vice plug is used only when the vehicle
is serviced and is subject to high volt-
age.