
3254-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER HV_U
4
Driving
4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco drive mode, the 
torque corresponding to the 
accelerator pedal depression 
amount can be generated more 
smoothly than it is in normal 
conditions. In addition, the oper-
ation of the air conditioning sys-
tem (heating/cooling) will be 
minimized, improving the fuel 
economy. ( P.316)
Eco-friendly driving is possible 
by keeping the Hybrid System 
Indicator within the Eco area. 
( P. 9 0 )
Shift the shift lever to D when 
stopped at a traffic light, or driv-
ing in heavy traffic, etc. Shift the 
shift lever to P when parking. 
When using N, there is no posi-
tive effect on fuel consumption. 
In N, the gasoline engine oper-
ates but electricity cannot be 
generated. Also, when using the 
air conditioning system, etc., the  hybrid battery (traction battery) 
power is consumed.
Drive your vehicle smoothly. 
Avoid abrupt acceleration and 
deceleration. Gradual accel-
eration and deceleration will 
make more effective use of 
the electric motor (traction 
motor) without having to use 
gasoline engine power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration. 
Repeated acceleration con-
sumes hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) power, resulting 
in poor fuel consumption. Bat-
tery power can be restored by 
driving with the accelerator 
pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes 
gently and in a timely manner. A 
greater amount of electrical 
energy can be regenerated 
when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and 
deceleration, as well as long 
waits at traffic lights, will lead to 
bad fuel economy. Check traffic 
reports before leaving and avoid 
delays as much as possible. 
When driving in a traffic jam, 
Hybrid vehicle driving 
tips
For economical and ecolog-
ical driving, pay attention to 
the following points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System 
Indicator
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake 
pedal operation
When braking
Delays 

3264-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER HV_U
gently release the brake pedal 
to allow the vehicle to move for-
ward slightly while avoiding 
overuse of the accelerator 
pedal. Doing so can help control 
excessive gasoline consump-
tion.
Control and maintain the vehicle 
at a constant speed. Before 
stopping at a toll booth or simi-
lar, allow plenty of time to 
release the accelerator and gen-
tly apply the brakes. A greater 
amount of electrical energy can 
be regenerated when slowing 
down.
Use the air conditioning only 
when necessary. Doing so can 
help reduce excessive gasoline 
consumption.
In summer: When the ambient 
temperature is high, use the 
recirculated air mode. Doing so 
will help to reduce the burden on 
the air conditioning system and 
reduce fuel consumption as 
well.
In winter: Because the gasoline 
engine will not automatically cut 
out until it and the interior of the 
vehicle are warm, it will con-
sume fuel. Also, fuel consump-
tion can be improved by 
avoiding overuse of the heater.Make sure to check the tire infla-
tion pressure frequently. 
Improper tire inflation pressure 
can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause 
large amounts of friction, their 
use on dry roads can lead to 
poor fuel economy. Use tires 
that are appropriate for the sea-
son.
Carrying heavy luggage will lead 
to poor fuel economy. Avoid car-
rying unnecessary luggage. 
Installing a large roof rack will 
also cause poor fuel economy.
Since the gasoline engine starts 
up and cuts out automatically 
when cold, warming up the 
engine is unnecessary. More-
over, frequently driving short 
distances will cause the engine 
to repeatedly warm up, which 
can lead to excess fuel con-
sumption.
Highway driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation 
pressure
Luggage
Warming up before driv-
ing 

3324-6. Driving tips
HIGHLANDER HV_U
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety mea-
sures to ensure that water dam-
age to the hybrid battery (traction 
battery), hybrid s ystem or other 
components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine com-
partment may cause severe 
damage to the hybrid system. 
Water entering the interior may 
cause the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) stowed under the 
rear seats to short circuit.
●Water entering the hybrid trans-
mission will cause deterioration 
in transmission quality. The mal-
function indicator may come on, 
and the vehicle may not be driv-
able.
●Water can wash the grease 
from wheel bearings, causing 
rusting and premature failure, 
and may also enter the hybrid 
transmission case, reducing the 
gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through 
water
If driving through water, such as 
when crossing shallow streams, 
first check the depth of the water 
and the bottom of  the riverbed for 
firmness. Drive slowly and avoid 
deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driv-
ing
●Sand and mud that has accu-
mulated in bra ke drums and 
around brake di scs may affect 
braking efficiency and may 
damage brake system compo-
nents.
●Always perform a maintenance 
inspection aft er each day of 
off-road driving  that has taken 
you through rough terrain, sand, 
mud, or water. For scheduled 
maintenance information, refer 
to the “Scheduled Maintenance 
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual 
Supplement”. 

3795-5. Using the other interior features
HIGHLANDER HV_U
5
Interior features
Luggage compartment
■When turning the power 
outlets off
1 Turn the connected devices 
off.
2 Press the AC120V switch to 
turn the power outlets off.
3 Disconnect each plug from 
the power outlets.
4 Close the lid of each power 
outlet.
■The power outlet can be used 
when
The READY indicato r is illuminated.
■Rules/regulations regarding 
idling stop
The engine will start automatically to 
charge the hybrid battery (traction 
battery) if its charge becomes low. 
In some municipalities, if the engine 
starts while the vehicle is parked or 
stopped, it may violate local rules or 
regulations regarding idling stop and 
you may be penalized. Make sure to 
check the local rules and regula-
tions before using the power outlets 
while the vehicle is parked or 
stopped.
■Power outlets
●When connecting a device, make 
sure that the total power con-
sumption of all devices connected 
to the 120 VAC power outlets is  less than 1500 W. If a device is 
connected and the power con-
sumption is exce
eded, a protec-
tion circuit will cut the power 
supply and the p ower outlets will 
not be able to be used.
●Depending on the device to be 
used, the current flow may be high 
and the initial peak wattage may 
exceed 1500 W.
In this case, the protection circuit 
may operate, and the power out-
lets may not be  able to be used.
●Depending on the connected 
device, it may cause interference 
with TV and radio broadcasts.
●The voltage of the power outlets 
cannot be measured with a com-
mercially available electrical tes-
ter. If it is necessary to check the 
voltage, have the vehicle 
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
●While a power outlet is being 
used, a cooling fan sound may be 
heard from near a rear seat. This 
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Devices which may not operate 
correctly
The following 120 VAC devices may 
not operate properly even if their 
power consumption is less than 
1500 W:
●Devices with high initial peak watt-
age
●Measuring devices that process 
precise data
●Devices that require an extremely 
stable power supply
●Devices that require a constant 
power supply from the power out-
let, such as a device with a timer.
■When the 120 VAC power out-
lets cannot be used
If the AC120V switch is pressed but 
the switch indicator does not illumi-
nate, the protection circuit may have 
operated.
In this case, perform the appropriate 
procedures as follows. 

3805-5. Using the other interior features
HIGHLANDER HV_U
●Disconnect the plug of each 
device from the power outlets, 
check that the total power con-
sumption of all devices to be con-
nected to the power outlets is less 
than 1500 W, reconnect the 
devices and then press the 
AC120V switch again.
●Disconnect the plug of each 
device from the p ower outlets, 
check that the devices are not 
malfunctioning, reconnect the 
devices and then press the 
AC120V switch again.
●Check the charge of the hybrid 
battery (traction battery) ( P. 1 1 7 ) .  
If the charge is low, shift the shift 
lever to P, allow the engine to run 
to charge the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery), and then press the 
AC120V switch again.
●If the temperature inside the vehi-
cle is high, such as after the vehi-
cle has been park ed in the sun, 
use the air conditioning system to 
sufficiently vent ilate or cool the 
interior, and then press the 
AC120V switch again.
●If the vehicle has been stopped in 
a cold area, to pro tect the hybrid 
battery (traction battery), the 
power outlets may not be able to 
be used. In this case, drive the 
vehicle for a while  to warm up the 
hybrid battery (traction battery), 
and then press the AC120V 
switch again.
If the power outlets cannot be used 
even after performing the appropri-
ate procedures above, have the 
vehicle inspected by your Toyota 
dealer.
WA R N I N G
■For safe use
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may lead to an 
accident, resulting in death or 
serious injury.
●Do not use devices such as the 
following when driving:
• Devices which cannot be prop- erly secured within the vehicle.
• Devices which may distract the  driver and be a hindrance to 
safe driving, such as a TV, DVD 
player, etc.
• Unsecured devices which gen- erate heat, such as a toaster, 
microwave, electric heater, elec-
tric kettle, coffee maker, etc., as 
they may cause burns or a fire 
in the case of sudden braking or 
an accident.
• Devices which may fall under  the pedals and prevent the 
brake pedal from being 
depressed.
●Do not use devic es which pro-
duce steam while the windows 
are closed. Doing so may cause 
the windows to fog up, reducing 
visibility and making it difficult to 
drive safely. Also, the steam 
may damage or negatively 
affect other devices.
●Do not connect a malfunctioning 
device to a powe r outlet, as 
doing so may cause the power 
outlets to become inoperable.
●Do not disconnect the plug of a 
device while your hands are wet 
or insert a pin or other object 
into the power ou tlet. Also, if a 
liquid or snow is on the power 
outlet, dry the outlet before 
using it.
●Do not attempt to modify, disas-
semble or repair a power outlet. 
Also, do not replace the 120 
VAC inverter with a commer-
cially available one. For infor-
mation on repairs, contact your 
Toyota dealer. 

393
HIGHLANDER HV_U
6
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
.6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 394
Cleaning and protecting the  vehicle interior ........... 397
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements.................................. 400
General maintenance.. 402
Emission inspection and  maintenance (I/M) pro-
grams ........................ 404
6-3. Do-it-yourself mainte- nance
Do-it-yourself service pre- cautions ..................... 406
Hood ........................... 408
Positioning a floor jack .................................. 409
Engine compartment ... 410
12-volt battery ............. 416
Tires ............................ 418
Tire inflation pressure.. 430
Wheels ......... ...............432
Air conditioning filter .... 433
Cleaning the hybrid battery  (traction battery) air intake 
vents and filter ........... 435
Electronic key battery.. 438
Checking and replacing  fuses.......................... 439
Headlight aim .............. 442Light bulbs ...................
443 

4006-2. Maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
6-2.Maintenance
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine 
Toyota parts be used for repairs to 
ensure performanc e of each sys-
tem. If non-Toyota parts are used in 
replacement or if a repair shop other 
than a Toyota dealer performs 
repairs, confirm the warranty cover-
age.
■Allow inspection and repairs to 
be performed by a Toyota 
dealer
●Toyota technicians are 
well-trained specialists and are 
kept up to date with the latest ser-
vice information. They are well 
informed about the operation of all 
systems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It 
proves that the maintenance that 
has been performed is under war-
ranty coverage. If any problem 
should arise while your vehicle is 
under warranty, your Toyota 
dealer will promptly  take care of it.
General maintenance should be 
performed on a daily basis. This 
can be done by yourself or by a 
Toyota dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should 
be performed at specified inter-
vals according to the mainte-
nance schedule.
For details about maintenance 
items and schedules, refer to the 
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or 
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Maintenance require-
ments
To ensure safe and econom-
ical driving, day-to-day care 
and regular maintenance 
are essential. It is the 
owner’s responsibility to 
perform regular checks. 
Toyota recommends the fol-
lowing maintenance:
WA R N I N G
■If your vehicle is not properly 
maintained
Improper maintenance could 
result in serious damage to the 
vehicle and possible death or seri-
ous injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt bat-
tery
●Engine exhaust, some of its 
constituents, and a wide variety 
of automobile components con-
tain or emit chemicals known to 
the State of California to cause 
cancer and birth defects and 
other reproductive harm. Work 
in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained 
in vehicles as well as waste pro-
duced by component wear con-
tain or emit chemicals known to 
the State of California to cause 
cancer and birth defects or 
other reproductive harm. Avoid 
exposure and wash any 
affected area immediately.
●12-volt battery posts, terminals 
and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds 
which are known to cause brain 
damage. Wash your hands after 
handling. ( P.416)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance 

4026-2. Maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
General maintenance
Listed below are the general 
maintenance items that 
should be performed at the 
intervals specified in the 
“Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’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 service shop for 
advice.
WA R N I N G
■If the hybrid system is operat-
ing
Turn the hybrid system off and 
ensure that there is adequate 
ventilation before performing 
maintenance checks.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid
Is the brake fluid at 
the correct level? 
(  P.414)
Engine/power 
control unit 
coolant
Is the 
engine/power con-
trol unit coolant at 
the correct level? 
( P.413)
Engine oil
Is the engine oil at 
the correct level? 
( P.410)
Exhaust sys-
temThere should not 
be any fumes or 
strange sounds.
Radiator/con-
denser
The radiator and 
condenser should 
be free from for-
eign objects. 
( P.414)
Washer fluid
Is there sufficient 
washer fluid? 
( P.415)
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connec-
tions. ( P.416)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator 
pedal
• The accelerator 
pedal should 
move smoothly 
(without uneven 
pedal effort or 
catching).
Hybrid trans-
mission “Park” 
mechanism
• When parked on a slope and the 
shift lever is in P, 
is the vehicle 
securely 
stopped?
ItemsCheck points