Page 436 of 732
436
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Adjusting the temperature setting
To adjust the temperature setti ng, turn clockwise (warm) or
counterclockwise (cool).
If is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air
or heated air.
For quick cooling, turn to the “MAX A/C” position. The air condi-
tioning will automatically turn on in recirculated air mode.
■
Fan speed setting
To adjust the fan speed, turn clockwise (increase) or coun-
terclockwise (decrease).
Turning the dial to “OFF” turns off the fan.
Front manual air conditioning system∗
∗: If equipped
Air conditioning controls
Page 440 of 732

4406-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is turned to “ON” position.
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air m\
ode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 547
Page 446 of 732

4466-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Front side outlets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.
Closes the vent
Slide the knob to the most out-
ward position.
Opens the vent
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
1
2
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 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 524 of 732

5247-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
1
2
3
Page 525 of 732

5257-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U (OM0E017U)
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have yo ur vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap and radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri\
-
ous injuries, such as burns.