2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ESP

3214-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
The BSM function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are trav-
eling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outside
rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehicles
existence via the outside re ar view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to: Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from
the rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) for-
ward of the rear bumper
BSM function
BSM function detection areas
1
2
3
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 BSM function is a supplementary function which alerts the driver that a
vehicle is in a blind spot of the outsi de rear view mirrors or is approaching
rapidly from behind into a blind spot. Do not overly rely on the BSM function.
As the function cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes, over reliance could
lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
As the system may not function correctly under certain conditions, the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

3254-5. Using the driving support systems
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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.

3264-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The buzzer can alert the driver of faster vehicles approaching from
farther away.
Example:
■ The RCTA function is operational when
The RCTA function operates when all of the following conditions are met:
● The RCTA function is on.
● The shift lever is in R.
● The vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
● The approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
and 18 mph (28 km/h).
RCTA function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast18 mph (28 km/h)65 ft. (20 m)
Slow5 mph (8 km/h)18 ft. (5.5 m)
1

3314-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Ve hicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controllin g steering performance.
◆Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing driving torque when
trailer sway is detected.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move ment of the vehicle when start-
ing on an uphill
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.

3354-5. Using the driving support systems
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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.

3444-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Your vehicle is not designed to be driven off-road. However, in the
event that off-road driving cannot be avoided, please observe the fol-
lowing precautions to help avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles.
● Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
● Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering
private property.
● Do not enter areas that are clos ed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
● Stay on established roads. When c onditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or trav el delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
● AWD models: Avoid driving on very steep, slippery roads and other
surfaces, such as sand, where the tires are liable to lose traction.
Your vehicle may not perform as well as conventional AWD on-road
vehicles on these surfaces.
■Additional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertain ing to driving your vehicle off-road,
consult the following organizations.
● State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
● State Motor Vehicle Bureau
● Recreational Vehicle Clubs
● U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
Off-road driving

3454-6. Driving tips
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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.