Page 515 of 732

5157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system:
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fans may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. ( →P. 525)
Vehicles with a smart key system:
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. ( →P. 525)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
Page 516 of 732
5167-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch lever
and lift the hood.
Hold the hood open by inserting
the support rod into the slot.
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
1
2
3
Page 517 of 732
5177-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
WARNING
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
■ After installing the su pport rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely preventing it from falling
down onto your head or body.
NOTICE
■ When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood with the support rod not clipped could cause the hood to bend.
Page 518 of 732
5187-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
◆Front
◆Rear
Positioning a floor jack
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual
provided with the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause
injury.
Page 519 of 732
5197-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Engine compartment
Washer fluid tank
(→ P. 530)
Fuse boxes ( →P. 552)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 521)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 522)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 524) Battery
(→ P. 527)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 526)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 525)
Radiator ( →P. 525)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 520 of 732
5207-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
Washer fluid tank
(→ P. 530)
Fuse boxes ( →P. 552)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 522)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 521)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 524) Battery
(→ P. 527)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 526)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 525)
Radiator ( →P. 525)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 521 of 732
5217-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and
check the oil level.Low
Normal
Excessive
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE)
engine3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
3
4
5
1
2
3
6
Page 522 of 732

5227-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, c hecking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or
when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE)
engine3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
Engine oil selection →P. 654
Oil quantity
(Low → Full)
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3