Page 94 of 732
942. Instrument cluster
HIGHLANDER_U
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position
(vehicles  without  a  smart  key  system)  or  the  engine  switch  is  turned  to
IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system), to indicat e that a
system  check  is  being  performed.  They  will  turn  off  after  the  engine  is
started, or after a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in  a system if
a  light  does  not  come  on,  or  turn  off.  Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your
Toyota dealer.
*2: If equipped
*3: This light flashes to indicate a malfunction.
*4: This light illuminates on the center panel.
*5: This light flashes to indicate a malfunction. Additionally, it  will turn on if the
system is turned off.
*1
(Canada)
Parking  brake  warning
light ( P. 584) 
     
        
        Page 96 of 732
962. Instrument cluster
HIGHLANDER_U
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position
(vehicles  without  a  smart  key  system)  or  the  engine  switch  is  turned  to
IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system), to indicat e that a
system  check  is  being  performed.  They  will  turn  off  after  the  engine  is
started, or after a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in  a system if
a  light  does  not  come  on,  or  turn  off.  Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your
Toyota dealer.
*2: If equipped
*3: Refer  to  “NAVIGATION  AND  MULTIMEDIA  SYSTEM  OWNER’S  MAN- UAL”.
*4: This light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
*5: The light comes on when the system is turned off.
*2“PWR MODE” indicator 
(P. 235)*2, 5Stop  &  Start  cancel  indi-
cator ( P. 304)
Snow mode indicator 
( P. 234)
*1, 8
(U.S.A.)
“AIR BAG ON/
OFF”  indicator
(P. 53)
*2
Stop  &  Start  indicator
(P. 304)
*1, 8
(Canada)
“AIR BAG ON/
OFF”  indicator
(P. 53) 
     
        
        Page 97 of 732

972. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
HIGHLANDER_U
*6: In  order  to  confirm  operation,  the  BSM  outside  rear  view  mirror  indicators
illuminate in the following situations:
Vehicles without a smart key system
• When  the  BSM  function  is  enabled  on    of  the  multi-information  dis-
play, the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position.
• When  the  engine  switch  is  the  “ON”  position,  the  BSM  function  is
enabled on   of the multi-information display.
Vehicles with a smart key system
• When  the  BSM  function  is  enabled  on    of  the  multi-information  dis-
play, the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.
• When the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the BSM functio n is
enabled on   of the multi-information display.
If the system is functioning correctly, the BSM outside rear vi ew mirror indi-
cators will turn off after a few seconds.
If  the  BSM  outside  rear  view  mirror  indicators  do  not  illuminat e  or  do  not
turn off, there may be a malfunction in the system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota deale r.
*7: This light illuminates on the outside rear view mirrors.
*8: This light illuminates on the center panel.
*9: This light does not turn on when the system is disabled.
WARNING
■If a safety system warning light does not come on 
Should  a  safety  system  light  such  as  the ABS  and  SRS  warning  lights  not
come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these s ystems are
not available to help protect you in an accident, which could r esult in death
or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota de aler immedi-
ately if this occurs. 
     
        
        Page 99 of 732

992. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
HIGHLANDER_U
Switches  between  the  trip  meter
“A” and “B” displays. When the trip
meter  is  displayed,  pressing  and
holding the knob will reset the trip
meter.
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted. 
Pressing the butto n will adjust the
brightness of the instrument panel
lights.
The  brightness  level  of  the  meters
when  the  surroundings  are  bright
(day  mode)  and  dark  (night  mode)
can  be  adjusted  individually.  How-
ever,  when  in  day  mode,  adjusting
the  brightness  level  will  also
change  the  brightness  level  of
night mode.
■ The meters and display illuminate 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.
■ Outside temperature display
In  the  following  situations,  the  correct  outside  temperature  ma y  not  be  dis-
played, or the display may take longer than normal to change:
● When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
● When  the  outside  temperature  has  changed  suddenly  (at  the  entra nce/exit
of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
■ Stop & Start system operation t ime (current) (if equipped)
This  display  will  be  displayed  when  the  engine  is  stopped  due  t o  the  opera-
tion of the Stop & Start system.
Changing the trip meter display
Instrument panel light control 
     
        
        Page 116 of 732

1163-1. Key information
HIGHLANDER_U
To  take  out  the  mechanical  key,
push  the  release  button  and  take
the key out.
The  mechanical  key  can  only  be
inserted  in  one  direction,  as  the
key  only  has  grooves  on  one  side.
If  the  key  cannot  be  inserted  in  a
lock  cylinder,  turn  it  over  and  re-
attempt to insert it.
After  using  the  mechanical  key,  store  it  in  the  electronic  key. Carry the
mechanical  key  together  with  the  electronic  key.  If  the  electro nic  key  bat-
tery  is  depleted  or  the  entry  function  does  not  operate  properl y,  you  will
need the mechanical key. ( P. 637)
■Panic mode
Vehicles without a smart key system
Vehicles with a smart key system
Using the mechanical key (vehic les with a smart key system)
When    is  pressed  for  longer  than
about  one  second,  an  alarm  will  sound
intermittently  and  the  vehicle  lights  will
flash  to  deter  any  person  from  trying  to
break into or damage your vehicle.
To stop the alarm, press any button on the
wireless remote control.
When    is  pressed  for  longer  than
about  one  second,  an  alarm  will  sound
intermittently  and  the  vehicle  lights  will
flash  to  deter  any  person  from  trying  to
break into or damage your vehicle.
To stop the alarm, press any button on the
electronic key. 
     
        
        Page 174 of 732
1743-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
HIGHLANDER_U
The height of the rear view mirror can be adjusted to suit your  driving
posture.
Adjust  the  height  of  the  rear  view
mirror by moving it up and down.
Manual anti-glare inside rear view mirror
Reflected light from the headlights of vehicles behind can be r educed
by operating  the lever.
Normal position
Anti-glare position
Inside rear view mirror
The  rear  view  mirror’s  position  ca n  be  adjusted  to  enable  suffi-
cient confirmation  of the rear view.
Adjusting the height of rear view mirror
Anti-glare function
1
2 
     
        
        Page 175 of 732
1753-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Operation of each component
HIGHLANDER_U
Auto anti-glare inside rear view mirror
Responding  to  the  level  of  brightness  of  the  headlights  of  vehi cles
behind, the reflected light is automatically reduced.
Changing automatic anti- glare function mode
ON/OFF
When  the  automatic  anti-glare
function is in ON mode, the indica-
tor illuminates.
The  function  will  set  to  ON  mode
each  time  the  engine  switch  is
turned to IGNITION ON mode. 
Pressing the  button turns  the func-
tion  to  OFF  mode.  (The  indicator
also turns off.)
 
■ To prevent sensor error (vehicles with an auto anti-glare insid e rear view
mirror)
Indicator
To  ensure  that  the  sensors  operate  prop-
erly, do not touch or cover them.
WARNING
Do not adjust the position of the mirror while driving.
Doing  so  may  lead  to  mishandling  of  the  vehicle  and  cause  an  ac cident,
resulting in death or serious injury. 
     
        
        Page 191 of 732

191
4Driving
HIGHLANDER_U4-1.  Before driving
Driving the vehicle ............. 192
Cargo and luggage ........... 201
Vehicle load limits ............. 206
Trailer towing..................... 207
Dinghy towing ................... 223
4-2.  Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a 
smart key system) ........... 224
Engine (ignition) switch  (vehicles with a 
smart key system) ........... 227
Automatic transmission ..... 233
Turn signal lever................ 239
Parking brake .................... 240
4-3.  Operating the lights  and wipers
Headlight switch ................ 241
Automatic High Beam ....... 245
Fog light switch ................. 249
Windshield wipers and  washer ............................ 250
Rear window wiper and  washer ............................ 254
4-4.  Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap .......................... 256 4-5.  Using the driving 
support systems
Toyota Safety Sense P ..... 260
PCS  (Pre-Collision System) .... 267
LDA (Lane Departure  Alert with steering 
control) ............................ 281
Dynamic radar cruise  control ............................. 291
Stop & Start system .......... 304
Rear view monitor  system ............................ 314
BSM  (Blind Spot Monitor) ........ 323
• BSM function ................ 328
• RCTA function .............. 331
All-wheel drive lock  switch .............................. 337
Driving assist systems ...... 338
Downhill assist control  system ............................ 344
4-6.  Driving tips Winter driving tips ............. 346
Utility vehicle precautions ..................... 350