Page 501 of 716

5017-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the battery connections. (→P. 517)
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly
(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever isin P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-ance from the floor? ( →P. 645)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play? ( →P. 645)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when
the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly andlock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-
erly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correctamount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com- ing from the steering wheel.
Page 504 of 716

504
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery
condition
(→ P. 517)•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 515)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power
control unit cool-
ant level
(→ P. 513)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( → P. 510)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 541)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 545)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( →P. 514)⎯
Tire inflation
pressure
(→ P. 532)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 516)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
Page 515 of 716

5157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty
pe and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.
Page 567 of 716

5678-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
If a warning light turns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light in red (warning buzzer)*1
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light in yellow
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Page 568 of 716

5688-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Parking brake warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged
→ Release the parking brake.
Electric power steering system warning light (warning
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Slip indicator
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system;
• The TRAC (Traction Control) system;
• The Trailer Sway Control; or
• The hill-start assist control system
The light will flash when the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway
Control
system is operating.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Low fuel level warning light
Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (9.7
L, 2.1 Imp. gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
Driver’s and front passenger’ s seat belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)
*3
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts
→ Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the warning light (war ning buzzer) turn off.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Page 571 of 716

5718-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
*1: Brake system warning buzzer:When there is a possible problem that could affect braking performance,
the warning light will come on and a warning buzzer will sound.
*2: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→P. 581
*3: Driver’s seat belt buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat
belt is not fastened. Once the power switch is turned to ON mode, the
buzzer sounds for 6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20
km/h), the buzzer sounds once. If the seat belt is still unfastened after 24
seconds, the buzzer will sound intermittently for 6 seconds. Then, if the
seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 90
more seconds.
Front passenger’s seat belt buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger
that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds once if the
vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). If the seat belt is still unfas-
tened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound intermittently for 6 seconds.
Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different
tone for 90 more seconds.
*4: Rear seat seat belt buzzer:The second and third passenger’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the sec-
ond and third passengers that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds for 6 seconds after the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in
a different tone for 24 more seconds.
Page 574 of 716

5748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Toyota
dealer. The vehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the
ABS system may fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
■ When the electric power steerin g system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
When steering wheel operations are heavier than usual, grip the steering
wheel firmly and operate it using more force than usual.
■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light co mes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If a tire is flat, change it with the spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
Page 586 of 716

5868-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
Indicates that the power switch is turned off or
turned to ACCESSORY mode and the driver’s
door is opened while the lights are turned onA buzzer also sounds.
→ Turn the lights off.
(If equipped)
Indicates that the moon roof or panoramic moon
roof is not fully closed (with the power switch off,
and the driver’s door open)
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Close the moon roof or panoramic moon
roof.
Indicates a malfunction in the brake override sys-
tem
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspect ed by your Toyota
dealer.
Indicates that the hybrid system has overheated This message may be displayed when driving
under severe operating conditions. (For exam-
ple, when driving up a long steep hill.)
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Stop and check. ( →P. 631)
Indicates a malfunction in the Automatic High
Beam system
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspect ed by your Toyota
dealer.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)
(Flashes)