2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER warning

3254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
RCTA icon display
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the
vehicle is detected, the following
will be displayed on the audio sys-
tem screen.
DisplayContent
A vehicle is approaching from the left at the rear of the
vehicle
A vehicle is approaching from the right at the rear of the
vehicle
Vehicles are approaching from both sides of the vehicle
The RCTA function is malfunctioning ( →P. 318)
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the function
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The RCTA function is only a supplementary function which alerts the driver
that a vehicle is approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle.
As the RCTA function may not function correctly under certain conditions,
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary. Over reliance on
this function may lead to an accident resulting death or serious injury.

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

3364-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
WARNING
■TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experiences a malfunction.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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.

3424-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
● Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

3434-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
●Specific design char acteristics give it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehi cle design feature causes this
type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary pas-
senger cars any more than low- slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off -road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may c ause the vehicle to rollover.
Utility vehicle precautions
This vehicle belongs to the util ity vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrowe r tread in relation to the
height of its cen ter of gravity.
Utility vehicle feature
WARNING
■Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should always fasten their seat belts.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier (if equipped) will make the cen-
ter of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

3454-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● When driving off-road or in rugged te rrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

3545-1. Basic Operations
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Vo l u m e s w i t c h• Increases/decreases volume
• Press and hold: Continuously increases/decreases volume
Cursor switch (“ ∧” and “∨ ”)
• Selects (radio stations/radio presets/tracks/files/songs)
• Press and hold: Fast up/ down (radio stations)
• Fast up/down (tracks/files)
“MODE/HOLD” switch • Changes audio source
• Press and hold this switch to mute or pause the current operation To cancel the mute or pause, press and hold.
Steering wheel audio switches
Some audio features can be c ontrolled using the switches on
the steering wheel.
Operation may differ depending on the type of audio system or
navigation system. For details, refer to the manual provided with
the audio system or navigation system.
Operating the audio system using the steering wheel switches
1
12
3
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of an accident
Exercise care when operating the audio switches on the steering wheel.