
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 

4076-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
6
Maintenance and care
Hybrid battery 
(traction bat-
tery) air intake 
vent ( P.435)• Vacuum cleaner, 
etc.
• Phillips screw- driver
Headlight aim 
( P.442)• Phillips-head 
screwdriver
Light bulbs 
( P.443)
• Bulb with same 
number and 
wattage rating as 
original
• Flathead screw- driver
• Wrench
Radiator and 
condenser 
(  P.414)
Tire inflation 
pressure 
( P.430)• Tire pressure 
gauge
• Compressed air  source
Washer fluid 
( P.415)
• Water or washer 
fluid containing 
antifreeze (for 
winter use)
• Funnel (used  only for adding 
water or washer 
fluid)
WA R N I N G
The engine compartment contains 
many mechanisms and fluids that 
may move suddenly, become hot, 
or become electrically energized. 
To avoid death or serious injury, 
observe the following precautions.
ItemsParts and tools■When working on the engine 
compartment
●Make sure that the “ACCES-
SORY” or “IGNITION ON” on 
the multi-information display 
and the “READY” indicator are 
both off.
●Keep hands, clothing and tools 
away from the moving fan and 
engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the 
engine, power control unit, radi-
ator, exhaust manifold, etc. right 
after driving as they may be hot. 
Oil and other fluids may also be 
hot.
●Do not leave anything that may 
burn easily, such as paper and 
rags, in the engine compart-
ment.
●Do not smoke, c ause sparks or 
expose an open flame to fuel or 
the battery. Fuel and battery 
fumes are flammable.
■When working near the elec-
tric cooling fan or radiator 
grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON, the 
electric cooling fa n may automati-
cally start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant 
temperature is high. ( P.414)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent 
flying or falling material, fluid 
spray, etc. from getting in your 
eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner 
filter
Driving with the ai r cleaner filter 
removed may cause excessive 
engine wear due to  dirt in the air. 

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 

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 

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 

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  

4997-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
7
When trouble arises
“FULL” and “LOW” lines on 
the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
5 Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
6After stopping the hybrid sys-
tem and waiting for 5 minutes 
or more, start the hybrid sys-
tem again and check if 
“Hybrid System Overheated 
Output Power Reduced” is 
shown on the  for the 
multi-information display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact 
your Toyota dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
The hybrid system temperature has 
dropped and the vehicle may be 
driven normally. However, if the m
essage appears 
again frequently, contact your Toy-
ota dealer.
WA R N I N G
■When inspecting under the 
hood of your vehicle
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may result in seri-
ous injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from 
under the hood, do not open the 
hood until the steam has sub-
sided. The engine compart-
ment may be very hot.
●After the hybrid system has 
been turned off , check that the 
“READY” indicator is off.
When the hybrid system is oper-
ating, the gasoline engine may 
automatically start, or the cool-
ing fan may suddenly operate 
even if the gasoline engine 
stops. Do not touch or approach 
rotating parts such as the fan, 
which may lead to fingers or 
clothing (especially a tie, a scarf 
or a muffler) getting caught, 
resulting in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap 
and the coolant reservoir caps 
while the hybrid system and 
radiator are hot.
High temperature steam or 
coolant could spray out.
NOTICE
■When adding engine/power 
control unit coolant
Add coolant slowly after the 
hybrid system has cooled down 
sufficiently. Adding cool coolant to 
a hot hybrid system too quickly 
can cause damage to the hybrid 
system. 

563Alphabetical Index
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Warning message ................ 226
Parking lights Light switch .......................... 229
Replacing light bulbs ............ 443
Parking Support Brake function  (for rear-crossing vehicles) . 312Function ............................... 312
Parking Support Brake function  (static objects) ...................... 306Function ............................... 306
PCS (Pre-Collision System) Function ............................... 249
PCS OFF switch................... 251
Warning light ........................ 466
Personal lights ....................... 356
PKSB (Parking Support Brake) ............................................... 299Warning message ................ 304
Power control unit .................... 75
Power control unit coolant Capacity ............................... 509
Checking .............................. 413
Preparing and c hecking before 
winter.................................. 327
Power outlets .................. 377, 378
Power steering (Electric power  steering system)................... 320Warning light ........................ 463
Power switch .......................... 213 Auto power off function ........ 216
Changing the power switch modes ................................ 216
Power switch ( engine switch)
If your vehicle has to be stopped  in an emergency................. 452
Power windows Door lock linked window opera-tion ..................................... 180
Jam protection function ........ 179
Operation ............................. 179
Window lock switch .............. 181 Pre-Collision System (PCS)
Function................................249
PCS OFF switch ...................251
Warning light.........................466
Predictive deceleration support .................................................74
Predictive SOC control ............74
R
Radar cruise control (dynamic  radar cruise control with 
full-speed range)...................270
Radiator ...................................414
RCTA Function................................294
Warning message.................295
RCTA function .........................296
Rear automatic air conditioning  system ...................................348
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) ...............................................294
Rear door sunshades .............383
Rear fog lights Switch ...................................235
Rear seats ...............................154 Head restraints .....................162
Seat heaters ....... ..................352
Rear side marker lights Light switch...........................229
Replacing light bulbs ............443
Rear turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............443
Turn signal lever ...................223
Rear view mirror Digital Rearview Mirror .........167
Inside rear view mirror ..........166
Outside rear view mirrors .....177
Rear window defogger ...338, 342
Refueling Capacity ...............................507
Fuel types .............................507