Page 228 of 716

2284-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 91)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
● Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not
start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.
■ Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
power switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor o verheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor
may be suspended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a
short period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system.
After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When “Check SMART Key System” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→P. 581
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 539 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
Page 449 of 716
4496-2. Using the interior lights
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■Illuminated entry system
The lights automatically turn on/off according to power switch mode, the pres-
ence of the electronic key, whether the doors are locked/unlocked, and
whether the doors are opened/closed.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
If the following lights are left on when the power switch is turned off, the lights
will go off automatically after 20 minutes:
●Interior lights
● Personal lights
● Front door courtesy lights
● Ambient lights (if equipped)
● Power switch light
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. the time elapsed before lights turn off) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 666)
Page 489 of 716
489
7Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 490
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 494
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 497
General maintenance........ 500
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 503
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 504
Hood ................................. 506
Positioning a floor jack ...... 508
Engine compartment ......... 509
12-volt battery ................... 517
Tires .................................. 522
Tire inflation pressure ....... 532
Wheels .............................. 535
Air conditioning filter.......... 537
Electronic key battery........ 539
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 541
Light bulbs......................... 545
Page 491 of 716

4917-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the ef\
fective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle
while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart key sys-
tem. ( →P. 148)
■ Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical clean-
ers.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■ Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
Page 520 of 716

5207-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
After recharging/reconnect ing the 12-volt battery
● The hybrid system may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the
system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the hybrid system.
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
● The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
disconnected and reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch
mode to the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected.
Make sure to turn off the power switch before disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery. Take extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch
mode prior to the battery being disconnected is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
■ How to recharge th e 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
1
2
3
Page 539 of 716
5397-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
●Flathead screwdriver
● Small flathead screwdriver
● Lithium battery CR2032
Take out the mechanical key.
Remove the cover.
To prevent damage to the key,
cover the tip of the flathead screw-
driver with a rag.
Remove the depleted battery.
Insert a new battery with the “+”
terminal facing up.
Electronic key battery
Replace the battery with a new one if it is depleted.
You will need the following items:
Replacing the battery
1
2
3
Page 540 of 716

5407-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■Use a CR2032 lithium battery
●Batteries can be purchased at your Toyota dealer, local electrical appliance
shops or camera stores.
● Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manu-
facturer.
● Dispose of used batteries according to local laws.
■ If the key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:
●The smart key system and wireless remote control will not function properly.
● The operational range will be reduced.
WARNING
■Removed battery and other parts
These parts are small and if swallowed by a child, they can cause choking.
Keep away from children. Failure to do so could result in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■For normal operation after replacing the battery
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents:
● Always work with dry hands.
Moisture may cause the battery to rust.
● Do not touch or move any other component inside the remote control.
● Do not bend either of the battery terminals.
Page 559 of 716
559
8When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 560
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 561
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 562
If you think something is wrong .............................. 566
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 567
If a warning message is displayed......................... 577
If you have a flat tire.......... 597
If the hybrid system will not start ..................... 621
If the electronic key does not operate
properly ........................... 623
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ...................... 626
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 631
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 635