Toyota 2011 Highlander User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before driving
Information on the hybrid system and adjusting and op-
erating features such as door locks, mirrors, and steer-
ing column.
2When driving Driving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
features
Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and care
Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arises
What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specifications Detailed vehicle information.
7For owners Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
Index Alphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

24
For your information
Main Owner’s Manual
Please note that this manual covers all models and all equipment, including
options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not
installed on your vehicle.
All specifications provided in this manual are current at the time of printing.
However, because of the Toyota policy of continual product improvement,
we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Depending on specifications, the vehicle shown in the illustrations may differ
from your vehicle in terms of equipment.
Noise from under vehicle after turning off the hybrid system
Approximately five hours after the hybrid system is turned off, you may hear
sound coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is the sound
of a fuel evaporation leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non-genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota
vehicles are currently available on the market. You should know that these
parts are not covered by Toyota warranty and that Toyota is not responsible
for their performance, repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may
cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non-genuine Toyota products.
Modification with non-genuine Toyota products may affect performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In
addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification
may not be covered under warranty.

25
Installation of a mobile two-way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle may
affect electronic systems such as the multi-port fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multi-port fuel injection system, cruise control system, anti-lock brake
system, SRS airbag system or seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to
check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or special instruc-
tions regarding installation.
High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles emit approximately the
same amount of electromagnetic waves as the conventional gasoline pow-
ered vehicles or home electronic appliances despite their electromagnetic
shielding.
Unwanted noise may occur in the reception of the mobile two-way radio.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Toyota contain
explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and seat belt
pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner
removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Toyota
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.
Perchlorate Material
Special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo-
nents may include airbag, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote con-
trol batteries.

26
CAUTION
■General precautions while driving
Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influ-
ence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehi-
cle. Alcohol and certain drugs delay reaction time, impair judgment and
reduce coordination, which could lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
Defensive driving: Always drive defensively. Anticipate mistakes that other
drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid accidents.
Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that dis-
tracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you,
your occupants or others.
■General precaution regarding children’s safety
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to
have or use the key.
Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral.
There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with
the windows, the moon roof, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat
build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to
children.
■Disposal of the hybrid battery (traction battery)
If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery having been
removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors are touched. In the event of that your vehicle
must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of your Toyota
dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not disposed of
properly, they may cause electric shock that can result in death or serious
injury.

27
Symbols used throughout this manual
Cautions & Notices
Symbols used in illustrations
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause death or injury to people if
the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do
in order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may cause damage to the vehicle or
its equipment if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must
or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Toyota
and its equipment.
Safety symbol
The symbol of a circle with a slash through it means “Do not”, “Do
not do this”, or “Do not let this happen”.
Arrows indicating operations
Indicates the action (pushing, turning,
etc.) used to operate switches and other
devices.
Indicates the outcome of an operation
(e.g. a lid opens).

28

30
1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid system
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from
conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the char-
acteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.
The hybrid system combines a gasoline engine and an electric
motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving
fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
■When stopped/during start-off
The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During
start-off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine
is stopped and the motor is used.

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■Regenerative braking
The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when:
●The accelerator pedal is released.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or R.
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●During low or high hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature
●When the heater is switched on
■Charging the battery
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every
several months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the
vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via
electric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine.
■When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

32
1-1. Hybrid system
●If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift
lever in D to avoid discharging the battery.
●To help prevent the 12-volt battery from becoming discharged, drive the
vehicle at least once a month, and operate the accessories only when
the “READY” indicator is on. When parking the vehicle, make sure the
doors is closed and all lights are turned off.
■After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. Always shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating, and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) under the
rear seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is
open.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid transmission when the engine is
started or stopped, or while the engine is idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal
is depressed or accelerator is loosened.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents under the rear
seat.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and
disposal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

33
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
High voltage components
Ta k e ca r e w h e n h a n dl i ng t h e h y b r i d s y stem, as it contains a high volt-
age system (about 650 V at maximum) as well as parts that become
extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the caution
labels attached to the vehicle.
Air conditioning compressor
Power control unit and DC/
DC converter
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Rear electric motor (traction
motor)
Service plug
High voltage cables
Front electric motor (traction
motor), transaxle and motor
generator
Caution label

34
1-1. Hybrid system
■Hybrid battery air vents
There are air intake vents under
the second seats to cool the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
If the vents become blocked, the
hybrid battery may overheat,
leading to a reduction in hybrid
battery output.
Emergency shut off system
The emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current
and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage when a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sen-
sor. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
Energy monitor/consumption screen
You can view the status of your
hybrid system on the multi-infor-
mation display (→P. 3 5 ) a n d t h e
navigation system screen (→P.
35, 37). The following images
are examples only, and may vary
slightly from actual conditions.

35
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■Energy monitor
●How to display on the navigation system screen (if equipped):
Press “INFO/PHONE”.
Touch “ Fu el C o ns um ptio n ” on
the “Information” screen.
If the “Consumption” screen is
displayed, touch .
●How to display on the multi-information display:
Press the “DISP” switch on the steering wheel several times to
select the energy monitor display.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Navigation system screen Multi-information
display
When the vehi-
cle is powered
by the electric
motor (traction
motor)

36
1-1. Hybrid system
When the vehi-
cle is powered
by both the gas-
oline engine and
the electric
motor (traction
motor)
When the vehi-
cle is powered
by the gasoline
engine
When the vehi-
cle is charging
the hybrid bat-
tery (traction
battery)
When there is
no energy flow
Hybrid battery
(traction bat-
tery) status
Low Full Low Full
Navigation system screen Multi-information
display

37
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■Consumption screen (navigation system only)
Press “INFO/PHONE”.
Touch “ Fu el C o ns um ptio n ” on
the “Information” screen.
Regenerated energy in the
past 30 minutes
One symbol indicates 50 Wh.
Up to 4 symbols are shown.
Fuel consumption in the past
30 minutes
Cruising range
STEP 1
STEP 2
■Resetting the consumption data
Touching will reset the average fuel consumption.

38
1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions. (→P. 5 2 1 )
■If a warning light comes on or a warning message is displayed, or the
12-volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■When refueling, the fuel filler door may take a few moments to open
As part of emission system operation, it may take up to 10 seconds for the
fuel filler door to automatically release after the opener switch is pressed.
Before refueling is possible, a message will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. (→P. 11 6 )
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light (→P. 5 1 5 ) g o o f f . I f t h e r e i s o n l y a s m a l l a m o u n t o f f u e l ,
the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to
add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 2.5 gal. [9.8 L,
2.1 Imp. gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■If the master warning light comes on when the shift lever is in R
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and shift the shift lever out of R
to display the message.

39
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.
CAUTION
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located on the left-hand
side of the second seat base. The ser-
vice plug is used only when the vehicle
is serviced and is subject to high volt-
age.

40
1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in P, apply the parking
brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte
from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if pos-
sible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the four wheels raised. If the
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an
electricity leakage leading to a fire.(→P. 5 0 3 )
■Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■Emergency shut off system
●Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
Never touch the parts or cables. (→P. 3 3 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.

41
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery air vents
●Do not put foreign objects over the air vents. The hybrid battery (traction
battery) may overheat and be damaged.
●Clean the air vents regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
●Do not wet the air vents. It may cause a short circuit and damage the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●Do not load a large amount of water such as water cooler into the vehicle.
If water spills over the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be
damaged.

42
1-2. Key information
Keys
Using the mechanical key (vehicles with smart key system)
Take ou t th e me ch an i ca l ke y.
After using the mechanical key,
store it in the electronic key. Carry
the mechanical key together with
the electronic key. If the electronic
key battery is depleted or the
entry function does not operate
properly, you will need the
mechanical key. (→P. 5 3 9 )
The following keys are provided with the vehicle.
Vehicles without smart key system
Master keys
Valet key
Key number plate
Vehicles with smart key system
Electronic keys
•Operatingthesmartkey
system (→P. 4 4 )
• Operating the wireless
remote control function
(→P. 5 7 )
Mechanical keys
Key number plate

43
1-2. Key information
1
Before driving
■When required to leave a key to the vehicle with a parking attendant
Lock the glove box as circumstances demand. (→P. 3 8 9 )
Vehicles without smart key system: Carry the master key for your own use
and provide the attendant with the valet key.
Vehicles with smart key system: Remove the mechanical key for your own
use and provide the attendant with the electronic key only.
■Key number plate
Keep the plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle. In the
event that a key is lost, a new key can be made by your Toyota dealer using
the key number plate. (→P. 5 3 8 )
■When riding in an aircraft (vehicles with smart key system)
When bringing an electronic key onto an aircraft, make sure you do not
press any buttons on the electronic key while inside the aircraft cabin. If you
are carrying a electronic key in your bag etc., ensure that the buttons are not
likely to be pressed accidentally. Pressing a button may cause the electronic
key to emit radio waves that could interfere with the operation of the aircraft.
NOTICE
■To prevent key damage
●Do not subject the keys to strong shocks, expose them to high tempera-
tures by placing them in direct sunlight, or get them wet.
●Do not expose the keys to electromagnetic materials or attach any mate-
rial that blocks electromagnetic waves to the key surface.
●Do not disassemble the electronic key.