Page 79 of 716
791-1. For safe use
1
For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■Do not use a seat belt extender
If a seat belt extender is used when installing a child restraint system, the
seat belt will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause
death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in the event of sud-
den braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■ To correctly attach a child r estraint system to the anchors
When using the LATCH anchors, be sure that there are no foreign objects
around the anchors and that the seat belt is not caught behind the child
restraint system. Make sure the child restraint system is securely attached,
or it may cause death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in
the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
Page 81 of 716
81
1
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.
1
2
3
Page 83 of 716

831-2. Hybrid system
1
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.
Page 85 of 716
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
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Page 87 of 716

871-2. Hybrid system
1
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.
Page 89 of 716

891-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:
● Pull your vehicle off the road, shift the shift lever to P, apply the parking
brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables or connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with all four wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. (
→P. 562)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
Page 91 of 716

91
1
For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
1-3. Theft deterrent system
The indicator light flashes after
the power switch has been turned
off to indicate that the system is
operating.
The indicator light stops flashing
after the power switch has been
turned to ACCESSORY or ON
mode to indicate that the system
has been canceled.
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type immobilizer system.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
● If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system
(key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
Immobilizer system
The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent
the hybrid system from starting if a key has not been previously
registered in the vehi cle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehi-
cle.
This system is designed to help prevent vehicle theft but does
not guarantee absolute security against all vehicle thefts.
Page 93 of 716
931-3. Theft deterrent system
1
For safety and security
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
The alarm uses light and sound to give an alert when an intrusion is
detected.
The alarm is triggered in the following situations when the alarm is
set:
●A locked door is unlocked or opened in any way other than using
the entry function, wireless remo te control or mechanical key.
● The hood is opened.
● The locked glass hatch (if equipped) is opened in any way other
than using the entry function.
● The 12-volt battery is reconnected.
Close the doors, glass hatch (if
equipped) and hood, and lock all
the doors. The system will be set
automatically after 30 seconds.
The indicator light changes from
being on to flashing when the sys-
tem is set.
Alarm∗
∗: If equipped
The alarm
Setting the alarm system