Toyota Highlander (2018 year). Manual - part 81

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating. 
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.

■

Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when

●

Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

●

Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.

■

When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

■

When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experiences a malfunction.

■

Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

■

Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Activating the downhill assist control system

Press the “DAC” switch.

The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.

Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.

The slip indicator will flash to indi-
cate that the downhill assist con-
trol system is operating, and the
stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.

■

If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes

●

In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not operate:

• The shift lever is in P.
• The accelerator or brake pedal is depressed.
• The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake system overheats.

The system will cease operation. At this time, a buzzer sounds, the down-
hill assist control system indicator flashes and “Traction Control Turned
Off” is shown on the multi-information display. Refrain from using the sys-
tem until the downhill assist control system indicator stays on and “Trac-
tion Control Turned Off” displayed on the multi-information display goes
out. (The vehicle can be driven normally during this time.)

Downhill assist control system (AWD mod-

els)

The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive
speed on steep downhill slopes.
The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under 
18 mph (30 km/h).

While the downhill assist control system is operating

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

●

In the following situations, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the
system will operate:

• The shift lever is in N.
• The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating.

The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during
operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.

■

Downhill assist control system operation sound

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate
that a malfunction has occurred in downhill assist control system.

●

Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control
system is operating. None of these are indicators that a malfunction has
occurred.

• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■

If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.

WARNING

■

When using downhill assist control system
Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system. This function
does not extend the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always thoroughly
check the road conditions, and drive safely.

■

The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead
to an accident causing death or serious injury

●

Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads

●

Icy surface

●

Unpaved roads

■

Do not shift the shift lever to R while driving forward, or to D while driv-
ing backward.
Doing so may cause the wheels to lock up, leading to an accident causing
death or serious injury. 

In addition, excessive stress will be applied to the automatic transmission,
possibly resulting in damage.

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4-6. Driving tips

● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-

tures. 

• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 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.

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 

Preparation for winter