2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID transmission

2204-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever
to D for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerat-
ing force and engine braking
force.
■When driving with dynamic
radar cruise control with
full-speed range activated
Even when switching the driving
mode to sport mode with the intent
of enabling engine braking, engine
braking will not act ivate because
dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be can-
celed.
■Restraining sudden start
(Drive-Start Control)
 P. 1 9 1
: While the power switch is in
ON and the brake pedal
depressed
*, shift the shift lever
while pushing the shift release
button on the shift knob.
: Shift the shift lever while
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position
depending on your purpose
and situation.
Shift position purpose
and functions
Shift posi- tionObjective or function
P
Parking the vehi-
cle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2
(  P.222)
WARNING
■When driving on slippery
road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and
sudden acceleration, as this could
result in the vehicle skidding to
the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) will not
be charged even when the engine
is running. Therefore, if the vehi-
cle is left with the shift lever in N
for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
will discharge, and this may result
in the vehicle not being able to
start.
Shifting the shift lever

2224-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
When the shift lever is in the S
position, the shift lever can be
operated as follows:
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S6, will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
The initial shift r ange in S mode is
set automatically to S4 or S5
according to vehicle speed.
■S mode
●You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine
braking force.
●A lower shift ra nge will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and t he engine revolu-
tions will also increase.
●To prevent the engine from
over-revving, upshifting may auto-
matically occur when the shift
range is 4 or lower.
●When the shift range is 4 or lower,
holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to 6.
■Downshifting restrictions warn-
ing buzzer
To help ensure sa fety and driving
performance, dow nshifting opera-
tion may sometimes be restricted. In
some circumstances, downshifting
may not be possible even when the
shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)
■If the S indicator does not come
on or the D indicator is dis-
played even after shifting the
shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in
the hybrid transmission system.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer imme diately. (In this
situation, the hybrid transmission
will operate in the same manner as
when the shift lever is in D.)
Changing shift ranges in
S mode

3384-6. 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”.

4627-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
The following may indicate a
problem with your transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer or
commercial towing service
before towing.
The hybrid system warning
message is shown on the
multi-information display and
the vehicle does not move.
 The vehicle makes an abnor-
mal sound.
WARNING
■While towing
●When towing using cables or
chains, avoid sudden starts, etc.
which place excessive stress on
the towing eyelets, cables or
chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become
damaged, broken debris may hit
people, and cause serious dam-
age.
●Do not turn the power switch off.
There is a possibility that the
steering wheel is locked and
cannot be operated.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the
vehicle when towing using a
wheel-lift type truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear when the power switch is
off. The steering lock mecha-
nism is not strong enough to
hold the front wheels straight.
●When raising the vehicle,
ensure adequate ground clear-
ance for towing at the opposite
end of the raised vehicle. With-
out adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while
being towed.
■To prevent damage to the
vehicle when towing with a
sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck,
either from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the
vehicle during emergency
towing
Do not secure cables or chains to
the suspension components.
■Recreational towing (behind
motor home, etc.)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to
prevent causing serious damage
to the Hybrid AWD system (AWD
models) and transmission.
(  P.212)
Situations when it is nec-
essary to contact dealers
before towing

5087-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
WARNING
■When attempting to free a
stuck vehicle
If you choose to push the vehicle
back and forth to free it, make
sure the surrounding area is clear
to avoid striking other vehicles,
objects or people. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge
back suddenly as it becomes free.
Use extreme caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift
lever with the ac celerator pedal
depressed.
This may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle
that may cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damage to the
hybrid transmission and
other components
●Avoid spinning the front wheels
and depressing the accelerator
pedal more than necessary.
●If the vehicle remains stuck
even after these procedures are
performed, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.

5148-1. Specifications
HIGHLANDER HV_U
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.If replacement is necessary, contact your Toyota dealer.
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.If replacement is necessary, contact your Toyota dealer.
Ignition system (spark plug)
MakeDENSO FC16HR-Q8
Gap0.031 in. (0.8 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark pl ug gap.
Electrical system (12-volt battery)
Open voltage at 68°F (20°C):
12.0 V or higher
(Turn the power switch off and turn on the
high beam headlights for 30 seconds.)
Charging rates5 A max.
Hybrid transmission
Fluid capacity*4.6 qt. (4.4 L, 3.9 Imp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Hybrid transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause ab normal
noise or vibration, or ultimately damage the transmission of yo ur vehicle.
Rear differential (rear electric motor)
Fluid capacity*1.8 qt. (1.7 L, 1.5 Imp. qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS

5158-1. Specifications
8
Vehicle specifications
HIGHLANDER HV_U
*: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 67.4 lbf (300 N, 30.6 kgf) while the engine is running.
Ty p e A
NOTICE
■Transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause ab normal
noise or vibration, or ultimately damage the transmission of yo ur vehicle.
Brakes
Pedal clearance*3.6 in. (91 mm) Min.
Pedal free play0.04  0.24 in. (1  6 mm)
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1 mm)
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 4
Steering
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)
Tires and wheels
Tire size235/65R18 106V, T165/90D18 107M (spare)
Tire inflation pressure
(Recommended cold tire
inflation pressure)
Front
36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2 or bar)
Rear
36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2 or bar)
Spare
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar)
Driving at high speeds (above 100 mph [160
km/h]) (in countries wher e such speeds are per-
mitted by law)
Add 4 psi (30 kPa, 0.3 kgf/cm
2 or bar) to the front
and rear tires. Never exceed the maximum cold
tire inflation pressure indicated on the tire side-
wall.

5248-1. Specifications
HIGHLANDER HV_UGrade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Fed-
eral Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the labo-
ratory test wheel
than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature grades
of a tire assume tha
t it is properly
inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire infl ation pressure
Tire pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more, or has not
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km
under that condition
Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inf lated pressure to
which a tire may be inflated, shown on the
sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation pres-
sureCold tire inflation pressure recommended
by a manufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
hybrid transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as fac-
tory-installed equipment (whether installed
or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment, including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, and if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
weight optional engine