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3354-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
● Vehicles without a smart key system: When the engine switch is turned to
the “LOCK” position
Vehicles with a smart key system: When the engine switch is turned off
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine of\
f. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
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3384-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)●
In the following situations, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the
system will operate:
• The shift lever is in N.
• The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating.
The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during
operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.
■ Downhill assist contro l system operation sound
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate
that a malfunction has occurred in downhill assist control system.
● Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control
system is operating. None of these are indicators that a malfunction has
occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
■When using downhill assist control system
Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system. This function
does not extend the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always thoroughly
check the road conditions, and drive safely.
■ The system may not oper ate on the following surfaces, which may lead
to an accident causing death or serious injury
● Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads
● Icy surface
● Unpaved roads
■ Do not shift the shift lever to R while driving forward, or to D while driv-
ing backward.
Doing so may cause the wheels to lock up, leading to an accident causing
death or serious injury.
In addition, excessive stress will be applied to the automatic transmission,
possibly resulting in damage.
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3404-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
● Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking
brake, make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-
cle to move unexpectedly, pos sibly leading to an accident.
● If the vehicle is parked without se tting the parking brake, confirm
that the shift lever ca nnot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any
other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
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3464-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
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435
6Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)6-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Front manual air conditioning system ........ 436
Front automatic air conditioning system ........ 442
Rear manual air conditioning system ........ 449
Rear automatic air conditioning system ........ 452
Heated steering wheel/ seat heaters/seat
ventilators........................ 455
6-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................ 458
• Interior lights ................. 458
• Personal lights .............. 459
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ........................... 460
• Glove box...................... 461
• Console box .................. 461
• Bottle holders ................ 462
• Cup holders .................. 463
• Auxiliary boxes.............. 465
• Open tray ...................... 466
Luggage compartment features ........................... 467 6-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ........................... 469
• Sun visors ..................... 469
• Vanity mirrors................ 469
• Conversation mirror ............................ 470
• Clock ............................. 471
• Outside temperature display........................... 472
• Power outlets ................ 473
• USB charging ports .............................. 475
• Rear sunshades............ 477
• Armrest ......................... 478
• Coat hooks.................... 479
• Assist grips ................... 479
• Side table ...................... 480
Garage door opener.......... 481
Safety Connect ................. 488
Compass ........................... 494
Page 436 of 732
436
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Adjusting the temperature setting
To adjust the temperature setti ng, turn clockwise (warm) or
counterclockwise (cool).
If is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air
or heated air.
For quick cooling, turn to the “MAX A/C” position. The air condi-
tioning will automatically turn on in recirculated air mode.
■
Fan speed setting
To adjust the fan speed, turn clockwise (increase) or coun-
terclockwise (decrease).
Turning the dial to “OFF” turns off the fan.
Front manual air conditioning system∗
∗: If equipped
Air conditioning controls
Page 441 of 732
4416-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 442 of 732
4426-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
Adjusting the temperature setting
To adjust the temperature setting, turn clockwise to increase
the temperature and countercloc
kwise to decrease the tempera-
ture.
The temperature for the driver, front passenger and rear seats can be
adjusted separately when: • is pressed. (The “SYNC” displays disappear.)
• The front passenger side dial is turned. (The “PASS SYNC”
display changes to “PASS”.)
• The “
∧” or “∨” side of is pressed. (The “REAR SYNC” display
changes to “REAR”.)
The air conditioning system switches between individual and synchro-
nized modes each time is pressed.
Front automatic air conditioning system∗
∗: If equipped
Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according
to the temperature setting.
Air conditioning controls