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3244-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_U
Multi-information display
Turning the BSM function/RCTA function on/off. ( P. 325)
The RCTA function is available when the BSM function is on.
Outside rear view mirror indicators
BSM function:
When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot of the outside rear view mirrors,
the outside rear view mirror indicator on the detected side will illuminate. If
the turn signal lever is operated toward the detected side, the outside rear
view mirror indicator will flash.
RCTA function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear o f the vehicle
is detected, both outside rear view mirror indicators will flas h.
“BSM” indicator
When the BSM function/RCTA function is turned on, the indicator illumi-
nates.
Monitor screen display (RCTA function only)
If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is
detected, the RCTA icon ( P. 332) for the detected side will be displayed
on the monitor screen.
This illustration shows an example of a vehicle approaching fro m the left
at the rear of the vehicle.
RCTA buzzer (RCTA function only)
If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer will sound. The buzzer also sounds for approximately 1
second immediately after the BSM function is operated to turn t he system
on.
1
2
3
4
5
Page 325 of 732
3254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
Press “” or “” of the meter control switches, select .
Press “ ” or “ ” of the meter control switches, select “BSM”.
■ Outside rear view mirror indicator visibility
In strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult to
see.
■ Hearing the RCTA buzzer
The RCTA buzzer may be difficult to hear over loud noises, such as if the
audio system volume is high.
■ When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following , a warning
message will be displayed: ( P. 593)
● A sensor is malfunctioning
● A sensor is dirty or covered with snow or a sticker
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● Sensor voltage is abnormal
● A sensor is misaligned
Turning the BSM function/RCTA function on/off
1
2
Page 328 of 732

3284-5. Using the driving support systems
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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 th e vehicles
existence via the outside rear 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 outside rear view mirrors or is approaching
rapidly from behind into a blind spot. Do not overly rely on th e BSM function.
As the function cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes, ove r 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.
Page 331 of 732
3314-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
The RCTA function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching
from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle and alerts the driver of
the presence of such vehicles by flashing the outside rear view mirror
indicators and s ounding a buzzer.
Approaching vehicles
Detection areas of approaching vehicles
RCTA function
1
2
Page 441 of 732

441
6Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U6-1. Using the air
conditioning system
and defogger
Front manual air conditioning system ........ 442
Front automatic air conditioning system ........ 448
Rear manual air conditioning system ........ 455
Rear automatic air conditioning system ........ 458
Heated steering wheel/ seat heaters/
seat ventilators ................ 461
6-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................ 464
• Interior lights ................. 464
• Personal lights .............. 465
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ..... 466
• Glove box...................... 467
• Console box .................. 467
• Bottle holders ................ 468
• Cup holders .................. 469
• Auxiliary boxes.............. 471
• Open tray ...................... 472
Luggage compartment features ........................... 473 6-4. Using the other
interior features
Other interior features ....... 478
• Sun visors ..................... 478
• Vanity mirrors................ 478
• Conversation mirror ...... 479
• Clock ............................. 479
• Outside temperature display........................... 480
• Power outlets ................ 481
• USB charging ports....... 483
• Rear sunshades............ 485
• Armrest ......................... 486
• Coat hooks.................... 487
• Assist grips ................... 487
• Side table ...................... 488
Garage door opener.......... 489
Compass ........................... 496
Page 444 of 732
4446-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U■
Defogging the rear window and
outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear window, and to remove rain -
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
Press .
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of tim e.
■
Windshield wiper de-icer
This feature is used to prevent ice from building up on the win d-
shield and wiper blades.
Press the switch to turn the sys-
tem on/off.
The indicator comes on when
the windshield wiper de-icer is
on.
The windshield de-icer will auto-
matically turn off after a period
of time.
■
Location of a ir outlets
The air outlets and air volume
change according to the
selected airflow mode.
Air outlets
Page 447 of 732
4476-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_U
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weathe r.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and t hat of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessa ry when the
engine is stopped.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 450 of 732
4506-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_U■
Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the windshield and front side win-
dows.
Press .
Set the outside/recirculated air mode button to outside air mod
e if the
recirculated air mode is used. (It may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the side windows early, turn the ai r flow and
temperature up.
To return to the previous mode, press again when the windshiel d
is defogged.
■
Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear window, and to remove rain -
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
Press .
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of tim e.