
16Pictorial index
HIGHLANDER HV_UWhen the warning messages are displayed ........................
P. 4 7 6
Turn signal lever.............................................. ................... P.223
Headlight switch ............................................... ................. P.229
Headlights/side marker lights/pa rking lights/tail lights/license plate 
lights/daytime running lights .................................. ............... P.229
Front fog lights ............................................... ...................... P.235
Windshield wiper and washer sw itch....................... P.235, 238
Usage.......................................................... ................. P.235, 238
Adding washer fluid .............................................................. P.420
Warning messages ............................................... ............... P.476
Emergency flasher switch ....................................... .......... P.458
Hood lock release lever ........................................ ............. P.414
Tilt and telescopic steering  lock release lever ................P. 1 6 5
Adjustment ..................................................... ...................... P.165
Air conditioning  system ............................. ....................... P.342
Usage................................................................................... P.342
Rear window defogger ........................................... .............. P.344
Windshield wiper de-icer
*1................................................... P.344
Audio system
*2
Fuel filler door opener swi tch ........................................... P.240
*1: If equipped
*2: Refer to “NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA  SYSTEM OWNER’S MAN-
UAL”. 

2374-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
the sensor sensitivity can be 
adjusted by turning the switch 
ring.
6Increases the sensitivity
7 Decreases the sensitivity
8  Washer/wiper dual 
operation
Pulling the lever o perates the wip-
ers and washer.
The wipers will au tomatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the 
washer squirts.
■The windshield wipers and 
washer can be operated when
The power swit ch is in ON.
■Dripping prevention wiper 
sweep
After washing and wiping operation 
several times, the wipers operate 
one more time after  a short delay to 
prevent dripping. However, this 
function will not operate while driv-
ing.
■Effects of vehicle speed on 
wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the intermit-
tent wiper interval.
■Raindrop sensor (vehicles with 
rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●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
●If the wiper switch i s turned to the 
“AUTO” position while the power 
switch is in ON,  the wipers will 
operate once to show that AUTO 
mode is activated.
●When the sensor sensitivity ring is 
turned toward high while in 
“AUTO” position, the wipers will 
operate once to indicate that the 
sensor sensitivity is enhanced.
●If the temperature of the raindrop 
sensor is 185°F (85°C) or higher, 
or 5°F (-15°C) or lower, automatic 
operation may not occur. In this 
case, operate the wipers in any 
mode other than AUTO mode.
■If no windshield washer fluid 
sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are 
not blocked, if there is washer fluid 
in the washer fluid tank.
■Front door opening linked wind-
shield wiper stop function 
(vehicles with rain-sensing 
windshield wipers)
When “AUTO” is selected and the  

2384-3. Operating the lights and wipers
HIGHLANDER HV_Uwindshield wipers are operating, if a 
front door is opene
d, the operation 
of the windshield wipers will be 
stopped to prevent anyone enter-
ing/exiting the vehicle from being 
sprayed by water from the wipers, 
provided the vehicle is stopped with 
the parking brake applied or the shift 
lever in P. When the front door is 
closed, wiper operation will resume.
Operating the   switch 
operates the rear wiper as fol-
lows.
1  (U.S.A.) or   (Canada) 
Off
2  (U.S.A.) or   (Canada) 
Intermittent operation
3  (U.S.A.) or   (Canada) 
Normal operation
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of 
windshield wipers in AUTO 
mode (vehicles with 
rain-sensing windshield wip-
ers)
The windshield wipers may oper-
ate unexpectedly if the sensor is 
touched or the windshield is sub-
ject to vibration in AUTO mode. 
Take care 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 windshield 
becomes warm. The fluid may 
freeze on the windshield and 
cause low visibility. This may lead 
to an accident, resulting in death 
or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is 
empty
Do not operate the switch continu-
ally as the washer fluid pump may 
overheat.
■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 will be 
damaged.
Rear windshield wiper 
and washer
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may 
damage the rear window.
Operating the wiper lever 

2394-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
4 Washer/wiper dual 
operation
Pushing the lever operates the 
wiper and washer.
The wiper will automatically operate 
a couple of times after the washer 
squirts.
The washer will automatically oper-
ate and clean the camera for the 
Digital Rearview Mirror
*1 (  P.172) 
and rear camera
*2.
*1: If equipped
*2: Refer to “NAVIGATION AND  MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM 
OWNER’S MANUAL”.
■The rear window wiper and 
washer can be operated when
The power swit ch is in ON.
■If no washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzle is not 
blocked if there is  washer fluid in the 
washer fluid tank.
■Reverse-linked rear window 
wiper function
When the shift lever is shifted to R 
when the front wipers are operating, 
the rear window  wiper will operate 
once.
■Customization
Setting of the reverse-linked func-
tion can be changed. ( P.530)
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is 
empty
Do not operate the switch continu-
ally as the washer fluid pump may 
overheat. 

3334-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Use fluids that are appropriate 
to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician 
inspect the condition of the 
12-volt 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.
Perform the following according 
to the driving conditions:
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary 
preparations and inspec-
tions before driving the 
vehicle in winter. Always 
drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions 
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so m ay result in a 
loss of vehicle control and cause 
death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended 
level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 
mph (120 km/h), regardless of 
the type of snow tires being 
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just 
some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions 
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the 
vehicle being unable to be driven 
safely, and may cause death or 
serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the 
speed limit specifi ed for the tire 
chains being used, or 30 mph 
(50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road 
surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, 
abrupt steering, sudden brak-
ing and shifting operations that 
cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before 
entering a curve to ensure that 
vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use the LTA (Lane Trac-
ing Assist) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow 
tires
Request repairs or replacement of 
snow tires from Toyota dealers or 
legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and 
attachment of snow tires affects 
the operation of the tire pressure 
warning valves and transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle 

4086-2. 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.
WARNING
■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.420)
Engine/power 
control unit 
coolant
Is the 
engine/power con-
trol unit coolant at 
the correct level? 
( P.418)
Engine oil
Is the engine oil at 
the correct level? 
( P.416)
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.419)
Washer fluid
Is there sufficient 
washer fluid? 
( P.420)
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connec-
tions. ( P.421)
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 

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Hybrid battery 
(traction bat-
tery) air intake 
vent (P.441)• Vacuum cleaner, 
etc.
• Phillips screw- driver
Headlight aim 
( P.448)• Phillips-head 
screwdriver
Light bulbs 
( P.449)
• Bulb with same 
number and 
wattage rating as 
original
• Phillips-head  screwdriver
• Flathead screw- driver
• Wrench
Radiator and 
condenser 
(  P.419)
Tire inflation 
pressure 
( P.436)• Tire pressure 
gauge
• Compressed air  source
Washer fluid 
( P.420)
• Water or washer 
fluid containing 
antifreeze (for 
winter use)
• Funnel (used  only for adding 
water or washer 
fluid)
WARNING
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.
●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, cause sparks or 
expose an open flame to fuel. 
Fuel 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.419)
■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 air cleaner filter 
removed may cause excessive 
engine wear due to  dirt in the air. 

4166-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Engine coolant reservoir ( P.418)
Fuse boxes ( P.446)
Engine oil filler cap ( P.417)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P.417)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.420)
Washer fluid tank ( P.420)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P.419)
Radiator ( P.419)
Power control unit coolant reservoir ( P.419)
■12-volt battery
 P. 4 2 1
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