Toyota Highlander (2018 year). Manual - part 53

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

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When the steering lock cannot be released

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Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor
may be suspended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short
period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the engine switch. After
about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.

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When “Check SMART Key System” is displayed on the multi-information
display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.

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If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 549

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Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may
not change or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine
switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine
switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.

■

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
→P. 635

“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display. 

Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the engine switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Drivin

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WARNING

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When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the
steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession. (

→P. 573)

However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or
braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will
make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

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4-2. Driving procedures

NOTICE

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To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode
for long periods of time without the engine running.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information
display while the engine is not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the
vehicle after turning the engine switch off.

●

Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If
the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will
not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehi-
cle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Drivin

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Vehicles without a smart key system:

While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped. 

Vehicles with a smart key system:

While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped. 

Automatic transmission

Shifting the shift lever