Page 220 of 732
2204-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri-
ods of time without the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring system.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 224 of 732

2244-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor o verheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor
may be suspended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short
period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the engine switch. After
about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When “Check SMART Key System” is displayed on the multi-information
display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 549
■ Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may
not change or the engine may not start.
● If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine
switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine
switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.
■ If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
→P. 635 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the engine switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
Page 335 of 732

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
Page 455 of 732

4556-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Heated steering wheel∗/seat heaters∗/seat
ventilators
∗
∗: If equipped
The heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips
of the steering wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators
maintain good airflow by blowing air from the seats.
WARNING
● Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the steering wheel or seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent the minor burns or overheat-
ing
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat
heater.
• Do not use the seat heaters more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent battery discharge, do not use the functions when the engine is
stopped.
Page 571 of 732
571
8When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 572
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 573
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 575
If you think something is wrong .......................... 579
Fuel pump shut off system ............................ 580
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 581
If a warning message is displayed ..................... 591
If you have a flat tire.......... 608
If the engine will not start ........................... 633
If the electronic key does not operate properly........ 635
If the vehicle battery is discharged ................... 638
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 644
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 647
Page 644 of 732
6448-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( →P. 9 2 )
enters the red zone or a loss of engine power is experienced. (For
example, the vehicle sp eed does not increase.)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficient ly, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant
leaks, immediately contact your
Toyota dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir.Reservoir
“FULL”
“LOW”
Radiator cap
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
Correction procedures
1
2
3
1
2
4
1
2
3
4
Page 717 of 732

717Alphabetical index
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Child-protectors....................... 120
Cleaning ........................... 500, 504Aluminum wheels.................. 501
Exterior ................................. 500
Interior................................... 504
Seat belts .............................. 505
Clock ......................................... 471
Coat hooks ............................... 479
Compass .................................. 494
Condenser ................................ 525
Console box ............................. 461
Conversation mirror ................ 470
Cooling system ........................ 524 Engine overheating ............... 644
Cruise control Dynamic radar cruise control................................. 285
Cup holders.............................. 463
Curtain shield airbags ............... 41
Customizable features ............ 680 DAC (Downhill Assist
Control system).................... 337
Daytime running light system.................................... 236
Deck board ............................... 468
Defogger
Outside rear view mirrors ........................ 438, 444
Rear window ................. 438, 444
Windshield .................... 437, 444
Dimensions .............................. 650
Dinghy towing.......................... 217
Display Drive information .................... 97
Dynamic radar cruise
control ................................ 285
LDA (Lane Departure Alert
with steering control) .......... 279
Multi-information display .................................. 95
Warning message ................ 591
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 514
Door lock Doors .................................... 115
Smart key system ................. 115
Wireless remote control ........ 116D
Page 718 of 732

718Alphabetical index
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
DoorsAutomatic door locking
and unlocking system ......... 120
Back door.............................. 123
Door lock............................... 115
Door windows ....................... 172
Open door warning buzzer ... 118
Outside rear view mirrors...... 170
Rear door child-protector ...... 120
Side doors............................. 115
Warning message ................. 593
Downhill assist control system (DAC)......................... 337
Driver’s seat position
memory .................................. 158
Driving ...................................... 186 Break-in tips .......................... 187
Correct driving posture ........... 28
Procedures ........................... 186
Winter drive tips .................... 339
Dynamic radar cruise control .................................... 285 Constant speed control
mode .................................. 293
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode....................... 291
Dynamic Torque Control
AWD system .......................... 332 Eco Driving Indicator .............. 102
EDR (Event data recorder)........ 10
Electric Power Steering
(EPS) ...................................... 332 Function ................................ 332
Warning light......................... 582
Electronic key .......................... 108 Battery-saving function ......... 143
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ................. 635
Replacing the battery............ 549
Emergency flashers ................ 572
Emergency, in case of If a warning buzzer
sounds................................ 581
If a warning light turns on ..... 581
If a warning message is displayed ............................ 591
If the battery is discharged ... 638
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........... 635
If the engine will not start ...... 633
If you have a flat tire ............. 608
If you think something is wrong ................................. 579
If your vehicle becomes stuck ................................... 647
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ... 573
If your vehicle needs to be
towed.................................. 575
If your vehicle overheats....... 644E