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 521 of 716

5217-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
WARNING
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for the vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
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 542 of 716
5427-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
Under the driver’s side instrument panel
Remove the lid.
Luggage compartment
Remove the 12-volt battery cover
( → P. 517) and then remove the
terminal cover.
Remove the fuse with the pull-
out tool.
Only type A fuses can be removed
using the pullout tool.
3
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
Page 572 of 716

5728-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (rear), driver’s
seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occu-
pant classification system (ECU and sens ors), “AIR BAG ON” indicator light,
“AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch,
driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner and
force limiter, airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
( →P. 43)
■ Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning
buzzer
If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.
■ If the malfunction indicator la mp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■ Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge beco mes insufficient or the voltage tem-
porarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come
on and the warning buzzer may sound.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Push-
ing the tire pressure warning reset switch will not turn off the tire pressure
warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks and tire inflat ion pressure changes caused by tem-
perature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (afte r a few minutes).
Page 580 of 716
5808-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
(If equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the intuitive parking
assist-sensorThe assist-sensors flash.
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspect ed by your Toyota
dealer.
(If equipped)
Indicates that an intuitive parking assist-sensor is
dirty or covered with ice A buzzer also sounds.
→ Clean the sensor.
Preparing the vehicle for refueling.
→Wait a moment.
You may commence refueling.
→Finish refueling within 30 minutes.
Close the fuel filler door.
Indicates that the hybrid battery (traction battery)
power has dropped because a long period of time
has elapsed after shifting the shift lever to N
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Restart the hybrid system when starting
the vehicle.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)