
2364-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_U■
Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces 
than a higher
shift range.
■ Message displays
Message illustrations used in this section are intended as exam ples, and may
differ  from  the  image  that  is  actually  displayed  on  the  multi-information  dis-
play.
■ S mode
●8-speed  models:  When  the  shift  range  is  7  or  lower,  holding  the  shift  lever
toward “+” sets the shift range to 8.
6-speed  models:  When  the  shift  range  is  5  or  lower,  holding  the  shift  lever
toward “+” sets the shift range to 6.
● To  prevent  excessive  engine  speed,  a  function  was  adopted  that  automati-
cally selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too high.
● To  protect  the  automatic  transmission,  a  function  is  adopted  that  automati-
cally selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature i s high. 
■ Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To  help  ensure  safety  and  driving  performance,  downshifting  ope ration  may
sometimes  be  restricted.  In  some  circumstances,  downshifting  ma y  not  be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will  sound twice.)
■ Deactivation of snow mode
Snow  mode  will  be  canceled  if  the  engine  is  turned  off  after  dr iving  in  snow
mode.
■ Deactivation of power mode (if equipped)
Power mode will be canceled if the engine is turned off after d riving in power
mode.
■ If both snow mode and power m ode (if equipped) are selected
Snow  mode  will  be  selected  and  power  mode  will  be  suspended  unt il  snow
mode is canceled.
■ When driving with dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of e nabling engine
braking,  engine  braking  will  not  activate  while  driving  in  S  mo de  and  down-
shifting  to  5  or  4  because  dynamic  radar  cruise  control  will  no t  be  canceled.
( P. 291)
Meter displayFunction
S2 - S8 
(8-speed models)A  gear  in  the  range  between  1  and  the  selected
gear  is  automatically  chosen  depending  on  vehicle
speed and driving conditions
S2 - S6 
(6-speed models)
S1Setting the gear at 1 

2384-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER_U■
If the automatic transmission fl uid temperature warning message  is dis-
played
When the warning message goes out, the vehicle can be driven ag ain.
If the warning message does not go out after waiting a while, h ave your vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■ AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according  to driver per-
formance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the
shift lever to S cancels the function.) If  the  automatic  transmission  fluid  tem-
perature  warning  message  is  displayed
while  driving,  make  sure  to  return  to  D
position driving and reduce speed by eas-
ing  off  the  accelerator  pedal.  Stop  the
vehicle in a safe place, shift the shift lever
to P and let the engine idle until the warn-
ing message goes out.
WARNING
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden  changes  in  engine  braking  may  cause  the  vehicle  to  spin  or  skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to se t the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of t he brake pedal
when  the  shift  lock  override  button  is  pressed  and  the  shift  le ver  is  shifted
out  of  P,  the  vehicle  may  suddenly  start,  possibly  leading  to  a n  accident
resulting in death or serious injury. 

3064-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER_U
■Operating conditions
●The  Stop  &  Start  system  is  operational  when  all  of  the  followin g  conditions
are met:
• The brake pedal is being depressed firmly.
• The engine is adequately warmed up.
• The outside temperature is 23°F (-5°C) or higher.
• The shift lever is in D.
• is off.
• The hood is closed.
• The driver's seat belt is fastened.
• The driver's door is closed.
• The accelerator pedal is not being depressed.
● In the following situations the engine may not be stopped by th e Stop & Start
system. This is not a malfunction of the Stop & Start system.
• The air conditioning system is being used when the ambient tem perature
is high or low.
• The  battery  is  not  sufficiently  charged,  such  as  if  the  vehicle  has  been
parked for a long time and the battery charge has decreased, the electric
load is large, the battery temperature is excessively low or th e battery has
deteriorated, or is undergoing a periodic recharge.
• The brake booster vacuum is low.
• The vehicle is stopped on a steep incline.
• The steering wheel is being operated.
• Due to traffic or other circumstances the vehicle is being sto pped repeat-
edly.
• The vehicle is being driven in a high altitude area.
• Engine  coolant  temperature  or  transmission  fluid  temperature  i s
extremely low or high.
• The battery fluid temperature is extremely low or high.
• For  a  while  after  the  battery  terminals  have  been  disconnected   and
reconnected.
• For a while after the battery replacement.
• Power mode or snow mode is selected. 

5838-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_U
If  a warning light turns on or a war ning 
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning ligh ts
comes  on  or  flashes.  If  a  light  comes  on  or  flashes,  but  then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system.  However,  if  this  continues  to  occur,  have  the  vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and w arning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning li ght (warning buzzer)*1
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact  your  Toyota  dealer.  Continuing to  drive  the  vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system.
 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer
immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer
immediately. 

6008-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER_U
Indicates abnormal engine oil pressureA buzzer also sounds.
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Toyota dealer.
Indicates  that  the  automatic  transmission  fluid
temperature is too high
A buzzer also sounds.
 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota
dealer.
(AWD models)
Indicates a malfunction in the AWD system
A buzzer also sounds.
 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota
dealer.
Indicates that the LDA (Lane Departure Alert with
steering  control)  system  cannot  be  used  as  the
vehicle speed is approximately 32 mph (50 km/h)
or less
Drive  the  vehicle  at  approximately  32  mph
(50 km/h) or more.
Indicates  that  LDA  (Lane  Departure  Alert  with
steering  control)  system  cannot  be  used  due  to
the vehicle speed being too high
Slow down.
Warning messageDetails/Actions 

6599-1. Specifications
9
Vehicle specifications
HIGHLANDER_U
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity. If replacement is necessary, contact your Toyota dealer.
Electrical system
Battery
Open  voltage  at  68 F
(20 C): 12.3 V or More
If  the  voltage  is  lower  than  the  standard  value,
charge the battery.
(Voltage  is  checked  20  minutes  after  the  engine
and all lights are turned off.)
Charging rates5 A max.
Automatic transaxle
Fluid capacity*
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
6.9 qt. (6.5 L, 5.7 Imp. qt.)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine 
2WD models: 
8.0 qt. (7.58 L, 6.7 Imp. qt.)
AWD models: 
8.0 qt. (7.58 L, 6.7 Imp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■ Automatic transmission fluid type
Using  automatic  transmission  fluid  other  than  “Toyota  Genuine  A TF  WS”
may  cause  deterioration  in  shift  quality,  locking  up  of  your  tr ansmission
accompanied  by  vibration,  and  ultimately  damage  the  automatic  transmis-
sion of your vehicle. 

717Alphabetical index
HIGHLANDER_U
Alarm .......................................... 88Alarm ...................................... 88
Warning buzzer............. 583, 593
All-wheel drive system ............ 337
Anchor brackets ........................ 65
Antennas (smart key  system)................................... 147
Anti-lock Brake System 
(ABS) ...................................... 338 Function ................................ 338
Warning light ......................... 583
Armrest ..................................... 486
Assist grips .............................. 487
Audio input............................... 361
Automatic High Beam ............. 245
Automatic light control  system .................................... 241
Automatic transmission.......... 233 If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ..................... 237
S mode ................................. 235
AUX port ................................... 361
Auxiliary boxes ................ 471, 474 Back door  ................................ 129
Back-up lights
Replacing light bulb .............. 558
Wattage ................................ 665
Battery ...................................... 529
Battery checking ................... 529
If the vehicle has discharged battery ................................ 640
Preparing and checking  before winter ...................... 346
Bluetooth
®
Entune Audio ................ 402, 403
Hands-free system  (for cellular phone) ............. 390
Bottle holders .......................... 468
Brake Fluid ...................................... 661
Parking brake ....................... 240
Warning light......................... 583
Brake assist ............................. 338
Break-in tips ............................ 193
Brightness control Instrument panel light 
control .................................. 99
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ....... 323 Blind Spot Monitor function............................... 328
Rear Cross Traffic Alert  function............................... 331
B