Page 17 of 732

17Pictorial index
HIGHLANDER_UParking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 240
Applying/releasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 240
Precautions for winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 347
Warning buzzer/message  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 593
Turn signal lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 239
Headlight switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 241
Headlights/tail lights/daytime running lights . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . .  P. 241
Front fog lights
*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 249
Wiper and washer switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 250, 254
Usage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 250, 254
Adding washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 532
Warning messages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 602
Emergency flasher switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 574
Hood lock release lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 518
Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever . . . . . . . . . .  P. 172
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 172
Manual air conditioning system
*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 442
Automatic air conditioning system
*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 448
Usage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 442, 448
Rear window defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 444, 450
Entune Audio
*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 357
Entune Audio Plus
*1, 2
Entune Premium Audio*1, 2
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 479
Power back door main switch
*1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 132
Fuel filler door opener switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  P. 258
*1: If equipped
*2: For vehicles with Entune Premium Audio or Entune Audio Plus, refer to “NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 
     
        
        Page 252 of 732

2524-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER_U
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated 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.
■ Dripping prevention wiper sweep (vehicles with rain-sensing win dshield
wipers)
After  performing  a  washing  and  wiping  operation  several  times,  the  wipers
operate one more time after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, this final wiper operation will not be performed while  driving.
■ Effects  of  vehicle  speed  on  wip er  operation  (vehicles  with  rain-sensing
windshield wipers)
Even  when  the  wipers  are  not  in  “AUTO”  mode,  wiper  operation  va ries
depending on vehicle speed when the washer is being used (delay  until drip
prevention wiper sweep occurs).
■ Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the  engine switch is
in  IGNITION  ON  mode,  the  wiper  will  operate  once  to  show  that  “ AUTO”
mode is activated.
● When  the  sensor  sensitivity  ring  is  turned  toward  high  while  in “AUTO”
mode,  the  wipers  will  operate  once  to  indicate  that  the  sensor  sensitivity  is
enhanced.
● If  the  temperature  of  the  raindrop  sensor  is  194 F  (90 C)  or  higher,  or  5 F
(-15 C)  or  lower,  automatic  operation  may  not  occur.  In  this  case,  o perate
the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles  are not  blocked if there is  washe r  fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir. ● The  raindrop  sensor  judges  the  amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield. 
     
        
        Page 253 of 732

2534-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of wind shield wipers in “AUTO” mode (vehi-
cles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is  touched or
the  windshield  is  subject  to  vibration  in  “AUTO”  mode. Take  car e  that  your
fingers etc. do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
■ Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When  it  is  cold,  do  not  use  the  washer  fluid  until  the  windshie ld  becomes
warm. The  fluid may freeze  on  the  windshield and cause low visi bility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do  not  operate  the  switch  continually  as  the  washer  fluid  pump  may  over-
heat.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle w ill be damaged. 
     
        
        Page 255 of 732
2554-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U
■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated 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.
● The glass hatch is closed.
■ If no washer fluid sprays
Check  that  the  washer  nozzle  is  not  blocked  if  there  is  washer  fluid  in  the
washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■ When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do  not  operate  the  switch  continually  as  the  washer  fluid  pump  may  over-
heat.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle w ill be damaged. 
     
        
        Page 346 of 732
346
HIGHLANDER_U
4-6. Driving tips
●Use  fluids  that  are  appropriate  t o  the  prevailing  outside  tempera-
tures.  • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set  of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry  out  the  necessary  preparations  and  inspections  before
driving  the  vehicle  in  winter. Always  drive  the  vehicle  in  a  ma n-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 
Preparation for winter 
     
        
        Page 512 of 732
5127-2. Maintenance
HIGHLANDER_U
General maintenance
Listed  below  are  the  general  maintenance  items  that  should  be
performed  at  the  intervals  specified  in  the  “Owner’s  Warranty
Information  Booklet”  or  “Own er’s  Manual  Supplement/Sched-
uled  Maintenance  Guide”.  It  is   recommended  that  any  problem
you  notice  should  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  your  Toyota
dealer or qualified s ervice shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections.  (P. 529)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 528)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level?
(P. 526)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?  ( P. 523)
Exhaust systemThere  should  not  be  any  fumes  or  strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects.  (P. 527)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 532) 
     
        
        Page 516 of 732

516
HIGHLANDER_U
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself  ser vice precautions
If  you  perform  maintenance  by  yourself,  be  sure  to  follow  the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(  P.   5 2 9 )• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P.   5 2 8 )• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine  coolant
level ( P. 526)
• “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
For U.S.A.:
“Toyota  Super  Long  Life  Coolant”  is  pre-mixed  with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota  Super  Long  Life  Coolant”  is  pre-mixed  with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)
Engine oil level
(  P.   5 2 3 )• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 554)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
( P.   5 5 8 )
• Bulb  with  same  number  and  wattage  rating  as  origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator  and  con-
denser (
P. 527)
Tire  inflation
pressure 
(  P. 544)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid 
( P.   5 3 2 )• Water  or  washer  fluid  containing  antifreeze  (for  win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid) 
     
        
        Page 521 of 732
5217-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_U■
2.7 L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) engine
Engine compartment
Washer fluid tank
( P.   5 3 2 )
Fuse boxes ( P.   5 5 4 )
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.   5 2 3 )
Engine oil filler cap ( P.   5 2 4 )
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.   5 2 6 ) Battery
( P. 529)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 528)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 527)
Radiator ( P. 527)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10