Page 453 of 732
4536-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
Changing airflow modes
To change the airflow mode,
press .
The air outlets used are
switched each time the button is
pressed.
Air flows to the upper body.
Air flows to the upper body
and feet.
Air flows to the feet.
Press .
Adjust the temperature setting.
To stop the operation, press .
■Automatic mode indicator
If the fan speed setting or air fl ow modes are operated, the auto-
matic mode indicator goes off. However, automatic mode for func-
tions other than that operated is maintained.
1
2
3
Using automatic mode
1
2
3
Page 454 of 732
4546-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)■
Location of air outlets
The air outlets and air volume
change according to the
selected airflow mode.
■Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air out-
lets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
forward or backward.
Closes the vent
Slide the knob to the rear-most
position.
Opens the vent
Air outlets
1
2
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
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 456 of 732
4566-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Turn the heated steering wheel on/off
The indicator light comes on when
the heated steering wheel is oper-
ating.
The heated steering wheel will
automatically turn off after about 30
minutes.
■The heated steering wheel can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■
Seat heaters
Turns the seat heater on
The indicator light comes on.
Adjusts the seat temperature
The further you move the dial
forward, the warmer the seat
becomes.
■
Seat heaters/ventilators Turns the seat heater on
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number is, the
warmer the seat becomes.
Blows air from the seat
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number is, the
stronger the airflow becomes.
Heated steering wheel
Front seat heaters and ventilators
1
2
1
2
Page 457 of 732
4576-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
■The seat heaters and seat heaters/ventilators can be used when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ When not in use
Seat heaters
Turn the dial fully backward. The indicator light will turn off.
Seat heaters/ventilators
Set the knob at “0”. The indicator light will turn off.
Hi
Lo
Off
The indicator comes on when the
second seat heater is on.
■ The second seat heaters can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Second seat heaters
1
2
3
Page 499 of 732
499
7Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 500
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 504
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 507
General maintenance ................... 510
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 513
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 514
Hood ................................. 516
Positioning a floor jack ................................. 518
Engine compartment ......... 519
Tires .................................. 531
Tire inflation pressure ....... 542
Wheels .............................. 545
Air conditioning filter.......... 547
Wireless remote control/electronic key
battery ............................. 549
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 552
Light bulbs......................... 556
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 547 of 732
5477-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Vehicles without a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off
the damper.
Push in the glove box on the
vehicle’s outer side to discon-
nect the claws. Then pull out
the glove box and disconnect
the lower claws.
Pull down the cover.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4