Page 410 of 572
4106-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.413)
Fuse boxes ( P.439)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.411)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.411)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.414)
Washer fluid tank ( P.415)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P.414)
Radiator ( P.414)
Power control unit coolant reservoir ( P.414)
■12-volt battery
 P. 4 1 6
With the engine at operating 
temperature and turned off, 
check the oil level on the dip-
Engine compar tment
Components
Checking and adding the 
engine oil 
     
        
        Page 413 of 572

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
6
Maintenance and care
■Engine coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory 
if it is between the “FULL” and 
“LOW” lines on the reservoir 
when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
I f t he  le ve l is on  o r be low  th e  “L O W ” 
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” 
line. ( P.497)
■Power control unit coolant 
reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory 
if it is between the “FULL” and 
“LOW” lines on the reservoir 
when the hybrid system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW” 
line, add coolant  up to the “FULL” 
line. ( P.497)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life 
Coolant” or a similar high quality 
ethylene glycol ba sed non-silicate, 
non-amine, non-nitrite, and 
non-borate coolant with long-life 
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is 
a mixture of 50% c oolant and 50% 
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is 
a mixture of 55% c oolant and 45% 
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
●Check the oil le vel on the dip-
stick every time you refill the 
vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap 
is properly tightened.
■If oil is spilled on the engine 
cover
To prevent the engine cover from 
being damaged, remove any 
engine oil from the engine cover 
as soon as possi ble using a neu-
tral detergent. Do not use an 
organic solvent such as brake 
cleaner.
Checking the coolant 
     
        
        Page 414 of 572

4146-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■If the coolant level drops within 
a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, 
engine/power control unit coolant 
reservoir caps, drain cock and water 
pump.
If you cannot find  a leak, have your 
Toyota dealer test the cap and 
check for leaks in the cooling sys-
tem.
Check the radiator and con-
denser and clear away any for-
eign objects. If either of the 
above parts is extremely dirty or 
you are not sure of their condi-
tion, have your vehicle  inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be 
between the “MAX” and “MIN” 
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid 
type and prepare the necessary 
item.
 Fluid type
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 
3 brake fluid
Item
Clean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture 
from the air
Excess moisture in  the brake fluid 
can cause a dangerous loss of brak-
ing efficiency. Use only newly 
WA R N I N G
■When the hybrid system is 
hot
Do not remove the engine/power 
control unit coolant reservoir caps 
and radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under 
pressure and may spray hot cool-
ant if the cap is removed, causing 
serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor 
straight antifreeze. The correct 
mixture of water and antifreeze 
must be used to provide proper 
lubrication, corrosion protection 
and cooling. Be sure to read the 
antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to 
prevent it from d amaging parts or 
paint.
Checking the radiator and 
condenser
WA R N I N G
■When the hybrid system is 
hot
Do not touch the radiator or con-
denser as they may be hot and 
cause serious injuries, such as 
burns.
Checking and adding the 
brake fluid 
     
        
        Page 458 of 572

4587-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
A driver must be in the vehicle to 
steer and operate the brakes. 
The vehicle’s wheels, drive train, 
axles, steering and brakes must 
be in good condition. 
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air 
conditioning after use is nor-
mal.)
 Flat-looking tires or uneven 
tire wear
 Engine coolant temperature 
gauge needle continually 
points higher than normal
 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when 
cornering
 Strange noises related to the 
suspension system
 Pinging or other noises 
related to the hybrid system
 Engine missing, stumbling or 
running roughly
 Appreciable loss of power
 Vehicle pulls heavily to one 
NOTICE
■Using a flatbed truck
Do not overly tighten the tie 
downs or the vehicle may be 
damaged.
Emergency towing
If  you think something 
is wrong
If you notice any of the fol-
lowing symptoms, your 
vehicle probably needs 
adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer as 
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms 
     
        
        Page 460 of 572

4607-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■Brake system warning light
■Brake system warning light
■High coolant temperature warning light* (warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminat es on the multi-information display.
If  a war ning light tur ns on or a war ning buzzer 
sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning 
lights 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.
Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
or
(red)
(Canada)
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.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(yellow)
Indicates a malfunction in:
The regenerative braking system;
 The electronically contr olled brake system; or
 The electric parking brake
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( P.497) 
     
        
        Page 474 of 572

4747-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U• “Engine Stopped”
• “Stop in a Safe Place See Owner's 
Manual”
• “Shift to P See Owner's Manual”
●If any of the following messages 
are shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, it may indicate a mal-
function. Have the vehicle 
inspected by you r Toyota dealer 
immediately.
• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
• “Check Engine”
• “Hybrid Battery System Malfunc- tion”
• “Accelerator Syst em Malfunction”
• “Smart Key System Malfunction  See Owner's Manual”
●If any of the following messages 
are shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, follow the instruc-
tions.
• “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop 
in a Safe Place See Owner's Man-
ual” ( P.497)
• “Maintenance Required for Trac-
tion Battery Cooling Parts See 
Owner's Manual” ( P.497)
 Stop the vehicle in a safe 
place on a hard, flat surface.
 Set the parking brake.
 Shift the shift lever to P.
 Stop the hybrid system.
 Turn on the emergency flash-
ers. ( P.452)
 Turn off the power back door 
system. ( P.526)
NOTICE
■If “High Power Consumption 
Partial Limit  on AC/Heater 
Operation” is displayed fre-
quently
There is a possible malfunction 
relating to the ch arging system or 
the 12-volt battery may be deteri-
orating. Have the vehicle 
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
If  you have a flat tire
Your vehicle is equipped 
with a spare tire. The flat tire 
can be replaced with the 
spare tire.
For details about tires: 
 P. 4 1 8
WA R N I N G
■If you have a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat 
tire.
Driving even a sho rt distance with 
a flat tire can damage the tire and 
the wheel beyond repair, which 
could result in an accident.
Before jacking up the 
vehicle 
     
        
        Page 497 of 572

4977-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
7
When trouble arises
If the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge enters the red 
zone or “Engine Coolant 
Temp High Stop in a Safe 
Place See Owner’s Manual” 
is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display
1 Stop the vehicle in a safe 
place and turn off the air con-
ditioning system, and then 
stop the hybrid system.
2 If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after  the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
3 After the hybrid system has 
cooled down sufficiently, 
inspect the hoses and radia-
tor core (radiator) for any 
leaks.
If a large amount of coolant leaks, 
immediately contact your Toyota 
dealer.
Radiator
Cooling fan
4 The coolant level is satisfac-
tory if it is between the 
“FULL” and “LOW” lines on 
the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Radiator cap
If  your vehicle over-
heats
The following may indicate 
that your vehicle is over-
heating.
The needle of the engine 
coolant temperature gauge 
( P.89) enters the red zone 
or a loss of hybrid system 
power is experienced. (For 
example, the vehicle speed 
does not increase.)
 “Engine Coolant Temp High 
Stop in a Safe Place See 
Owner’s Manual” or “Hybrid 
System Overheated Output 
Power Reduced” is shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play.
 Steam comes out from 
under the hood.
Correction procedures 
     
        
        Page 498 of 572

4987-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
5Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
6Start the hybrid system and 
turn the air conditioning sys-
tem on to check that the radi-
ator cooling fan operates and 
to check for coolant leaks 
from the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air con-
ditioning system is turned on imme-
diately after a cold start. Confirm 
that the fan is op erating by check-
ing the fan sound and air flow. If it is 
difficult to check th ese, turn the air 
conditioning system on and off 
repeatedly. (The fan may not oper-
ate in freezing temperatures.)
7 If the fan is not operating:
Stop the hybrid system 
immediately and contact your 
Toyota dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at 
the nearest Toyota dealer.
8 Check if “Engine Coolant 
Temp High Stop in a Safe 
Place See Owner's Manual” 
is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact 
your Toyota dealer. If the message is not displayed:
Have the vehicle inspected at the 
nearest Toyota dealer.
If “Hybrid System Over-
heated Output Power 
Reduced” is shown on the 
multi-information display
1 Stop the vehicle in a safe 
place.
2 Stop the hybrid system and 
carefully lift the hood.
3 After the hybrid system has 
cooled down, inspect the 
hoses and radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.
If a large amount of coolant leaks, 
immediately contact your Toyota 
dealer.
Radiator
Cooling fan
4 The coolant level is satisfac-
tory if it is between the