Toyota Highlander (2020 year). Manual in english - part 8

457

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n tr

ouble

 ar

ises

■

Parking brake indicator (warning buzzer)

*

*

: A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3 

mph (5 km/h) or more.

■

Brake hold operated indicator

■

Warning buzzer

In some cases, the buzzer may not 
be heard due to being in a noisy 
location or audio sound.

■

Front passenger detection sen-
sor, seat belt reminder and 
warning buzzer

●

If luggage is placed on the front 
passenger seat, the front passen-
ger detection sensor may cause 
the warning light to flash and the 
warning buzzer to sound even if a 
passenger is not sitting in the 
seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, 
the sensor may not detect a pas-
senger, and the warning light may 
not operate properly.

■

SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors 
the airbag sensor assembly, front 
impact sensors, side impact sensors 
(front door), side impact sensors 

(rear), driver’s seat position sensor, 
driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front 
passenger occupant classification 
system (ECU and sensors), “PASS 
AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “PASS 
AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front 
passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, 
driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front 
passenger’s seat belt pretensioner 
and force limiter, airbags, intercon-
necting wiring and power sources. 
(



P.32)

■

If the malfunction indicator 
lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

●

Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.

●

Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after several 
driving trips.

If the light does not go off even after 
several trips, contact your Toyota 
dealer as soon as possible.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes)

(U.S.A.)

or

(flashes)

(Canada)

It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or 
released



Operate the parking brake switch once again.

This light comes on when the parking brake is not released. 
If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, 
the system is operating normally.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes)

Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

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■

Electric power steering system 

warning light (warning buzzer)

When the battery charge becomes 

insufficient or the voltage temporar-

ily drops, the electric power steering 

system warning light may come on 

and the warning buzzer may sound.

■

When the tire pressure warning 

light comes on

Inspect the tires to check if a tire is 

punctured.
If a tire is punctured: 



P.464

If none of the tires are punctured:

Turn the engine switch off then turn 

it to ON. Check if the tire pressure 

warning light comes on or blinks.



If the tire pressure warning light 

blinks for 1 minute then stays on

There may be a malfunction in the 

tire pressure warning system. Have 

the vehicle inspected by your Toyota 

dealer immediately.



If the tire pressure warning light 

comes on

1

After the temperature of the tires 

has lowered sufficiently, check 

the inflation pressure of each tire 

and adjust them to the specified 

level.

2

If the warning light does not turn 

off even after several minutes 

have elapsed, check that the 

inflation pressure of each tire is 

at the specified level and perform 

initialization. (



P.417)

If the warning light does not turn off 

several minutes after the initializa-

tion has been performed, have the 

vehicle inspected by your Toyota 

dealer immediately.

■

The tire pressure warning light 

may come on due to natural 

causes

The tire pressure warning light may 

come on due to natural causes such 

as natural air leaks and tire inflation 

pressure changes caused by tem-

perature. In this case, adjusting the 

tire inflation pressure will turn off the 

warning light (after a few minutes).

■

When a tire is replaced with a 

spare tire

Vehicles with a compact spare tire: 

The compact spare tire is not 

equipped with a tire pressure warn-

ing valve and transmitter. If a tire 

goes flat, the tire pressure warning 

light will not turn off even though the 

flat tire has been replaced with the 

spare tire. Replace the spare tire 

with the repaired tire and adjust the 

tire inflation pressure. The tire pres-

sure warning light will go off after a 

few minutes.
Vehicles with a full-size spare tire: 

The spare tire is also equipped with 

a tire pressure warning valve and 

transmitter. The tire pressure warn-

ing light will turn on if the tire infla-

tion pressure of the spare tire is low. 

If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure 

warning light will not turn off even 

though the flat tire has been 

replaced with the spare tire. 

Replace the spare tire with the 

repaired tire and adjust the tire infla-

tion pressure. The tire pressure 

warning light will go off after a few 

minutes.

■

Conditions that the tire pres-

sure warning system may not 

function properly



P.414

WARNING

■

If both the ABS and the brake 

system warning lights remain 

on

Stop your vehicle in a safe place 

immediately and contact your Toy-

ota dealer.

The vehicle will become 

extremely unstable during brak-

ing, and the ABS system may fail, 

which could cause an accident 

resulting in death or serious injury.

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WARNING

■

When the electric power 

steering system warning light 

comes on

When the light comes on yellow, 

the assist to the power steering is 

restricted. When the light comes 

on red, the assist to the power 

steering is lost and handling oper-

ations of the steering wheel 

become extremely heavy.

When steering wheel operations 

are heavier than usual, grip the 

steering wheel firmly and operate 

it using more force than usual.

■

If the tire pressure warning 

light comes on

Be sure to observe the following 

precautions.

Failure to do so could cause a 

loss of vehicle control and result 

in death or serious injury.

●

Stop your vehicle in a safe place 

as soon as possible. Adjust the 

tire inflation pressure immedi-

ately.

●

Vehicles with a compact spare 

tire: If the tire pressure warning 

light comes on even after tire 

inflation pressure adjustment, it 

is probable that you have a flat 

tire. Check the tires. If a tire is 

flat, change it with the spare tire 

and have the flat tire repaired by 

the nearest Toyota dealer.

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and 

braking.

If the vehicle tires deteriorate, 

you could lose control of the 

steering wheel or the brakes.

■

If a blowout or sudden air 

leakage should occur

The tire pressure warning system 

may not activate immediately.

■

Maintenance of the tires

Each tire, including the spare (if 

provided), should be checked 

monthly when cold and inflated to 

the inflation pressure recom-

mended by the vehicle manufac-

turer on the vehicle placard or tire 

inflation pressure label (tire and 

load information label). (If your 

vehicle has tires of a different size 

than the size indicated on the 

vehicle placard or tire inflation 

pressure label [tire and load infor-

mation label], you should deter-

mine the proper tire inflation 

pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your 

vehicle has been equipped with a 

tire pressure monitoring system 

(TPMS-tire pressure warning sys-

tem) that illuminates a low tire 

pressure telltale (tire pressure 

warning light) when one or more 

of your tires is significantly 

under-inflated. Accordingly, when 

the low tire pressure telltale (tire 

pressure warning light) illumi-

nates, you should stop and check 

your tires as soon as possible, 

and inflate them to the proper 

pressure. Driving on a signifi-

cantly under-inflated tire causes 

the tire to overheat and can lead 

to tire failure. Under-inflation also 

reduces fuel efficiency and tire 

tread life, and may affect the vehi-

cle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire 

pressure warning system) is not a 

substitute for proper tire mainte-

nance, and it is the driver’s 

responsibility to maintain correct 

tire pressure, even if under-infla-

tion has not reached the level to 

trigger illumination of the TPMS 

low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-

sure warning light).

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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WARNING

Your vehicle has also been 

equipped with a TPMS (tire pres-

sure warning system) malfunc-

tion indicator to indicate when the 

system is not operating properly. 

The TPMS (tire pressure warning 

system) malfunction indicator is 

combined with the low tire pres-

sure telltale (tire pressure warning 

light). When the system detects a 

malfunction, the telltale will flash 

for approximately one minute and 

then remain continuously illumi-

nated. This sequence will con-

tinue upon subsequent vehicle 

start-ups as long as the malfunc-

tion exists. When the malfunction 

indicator is illuminated, the sys-

tem may not be able to detect or 

signal low tire pressure as 

intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning sys-

tem) malfunctions may occur for a 

variety of reasons, including the 

installation of replacement or 

alternate tires or wheels on the 

vehicle that prevent the TPMS 

(tire pressure warning system) 

from functioning properly. Always 

check the TPMS (tire pressure 

warning system) malfunction tell-

tale after replacing one or more 

tires or wheels on your vehicle to 

ensure that the replacement or 

alternate tires and wheels allow 

the TPMS (tire pressure warning 

system) to continue to function 

properly.

NOTICE

■

To ensure the tire pressure 

warning system operates 

properly

Do not install tires with different 

specifications or makers, as the 

tire pressure warning system may 

not operate properly.

If a warning message 

is displayed

The multi-information dis-

play shows warnings of sys-

tem malfunctions, 

incorrectly performed oper-

ations, and messages that 

indicate a need for mainte-

nance. When a message is 

shown, perform the correc-

tion procedure appropriate 

to the message.

Additionally, if a warning 

light comes on or flashes at 

the same time that a warn-

ing message is displayed, 

take the appropriate correc-

tive action for the warning 

light. (



P.450)

If a warning message is dis-

played again after the 

appropriate actions have 

been performed, contact 

your Toyota dealer.

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The warning lights and warning buzzers operate as follows depend-
ing on the content of the message. If a message indicates the need 
for inspection by a dealer, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota 
dealer immediately.

*

: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

■

Warning messages

The warning messages explained 
below may differ from the actual 
messages according to operation 
conditions and vehicle specifica-
tions.

■

Warning buzzer

In some cases, the buzzer may not 
be heard due to being in a noisy 
location or audio sound.

■

If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or 
Replace” is displayed

The engine oil level is low. Check 
the level of the engine oil, and add if 
necessary.

This message may appear if the 
vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move 
the vehicle to a level surface and 
check to see if the message disap-
pears.

Messages and warnings

Warning light

Warning 

buzzer

*

Warning

-

Sounds



Indicates an important situation, such as 
when a system related to driving is mal-
functioning or that danger may result if 
the correction procedure is not per-
formed



Indicates a situation, such as when dam-
age to the vehicle or danger may result

Comes on or 

flashes

Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such as 
when the systems shown on the 
multi-information display may be malfunc-
tioning

-

Does not 

sound



Indicates a condition, such as malfunc-
tion of electrical components, their condi-
tion, or indicates the need for 
maintenance



Indicates a situation, such as when an 
operation has been performed incor-
rectly, or indicates how to perform an 
operation correctly

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

If “Engine Stopped Steering 
Power Low” is displayed

This message is displayed if the 
engine is stopped while driving.

When steering wheel operations are 
heavier than usual, grip the steering 
wheel firmly and operate it using 
more force than usual.

■

If “Shift to P when Parked” is 
displayed

This message is displayed when the 
driver’s door is opened without turn-
ing the engine switch off with the 
shift lever in any position other than 
P. Change the shift lever to P.

■

If “Auto Power OFF to Conserve 
Battery” is displayed

Power was cut off due to the auto-
matic power off function. Next time 
when starting the engine, increase 
the engine speed slightly and main-
tain that level for approximately 5 
minutes to recharge the battery.

■

If “Headlight System Malfunc-
tion Visit Your Dealer” is dis-
played

The following systems may be mal-
functioning. Have the vehicle 
inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

●

The LED headlight system (if AFS 
[Adaptive Front-lighting System] 
equipped)

●

AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting Sys-
tem) (if equipped)

●

The automatic headlight leveling 
system (if equipped)

●

Automatic High Beam

■

If “Radar Cruise Control 
Unavailable” is displayed

The dynamic radar cruise control 
with full-speed range system cannot 
be used temporarily. Use the system 
when it becomes available again.

■

If “Front Camera Unavailable” 
or “Front Camera Unavailable 
See Owner's Manual” is dis-
played

The following systems may be sus-
pended until the problem shown in 
the message is resolved. (



P.231, 

456)

●

PCS (Pre-Collision system)

●

LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

●

Automatic High Beam

●

RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if 
equipped)

●

Dynamic radar cruise control with 
full-speed range

■

If “AWD System Overheated 
Switching to 2WD Mode” or 
“AWD System Overheated 2WD 
Mode Engaged” is displayed 
(AWD models)

This message may be displayed 
when driving under extremely high 
load conditions.

Drive the vehicle at low speeds or 
stop the vehicle in a safe place with 
the engine running until the mes-
sage is cleared.

If the message is not cleared, have 
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota 
dealer.

■

If “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-
played

The fuel tank cap is not properly 
installed. Correctly install the fuel 
tank cap.

■

If “Maintenance Required 
Soon” is displayed

Indicates that all maintenance 
according to the driven distance on 
the maintenance schedule

*

 should 

be performed soon.

Comes on approximately 4500 
miles (7200 km) after the message 
has been reset. If necessary, per-
form maintenance. Please reset the 
message after the maintenance is 
performed. (



P.395)

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*

: Refer to the separate “Scheduled 

Maintenance” or “Owner’s Man-

ual Supplement” for the mainte-

nance interval applicable to your 

vehicle.

■

If “Maintenance Required Visit 

Your Dealer” is displayed

Indicates that all maintenance is 

required to correspond to the driven 

distance on the maintenance sched-

ule

*

.

Comes on approximately 5000 

miles (8000 km) after the message 

has been reset. (The indicator will 

not work properly unless the mes-

sage has been reset.) Perform the 

necessary maintenance. Please 

reset the message after the mainte-

nance is performed. (



P.395)

*

: Refer to the separate “Scheduled 

Maintenance” or “Owner’s Man-

ual Supplement” for the mainte-

nance interval applicable to your 

vehicle.

■

If “Oil Maintenance Required 

Soon” is displayed

Indicates that the engine oil should 

be scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil and change it if 

necessary. After changing the 

engine oil, make sure to reset the 

message. (



P.394)

■

If “Oil Maintenance Required” is 

displayed

Indicates that the engine oil should 

be changed.
Check and change the engine oil, 

and oil filter by your Toyota dealer. 

After changing the engine oil, make 

sure to reset the message. 

(



P.394)

■

If a message that indicates the 

need for visiting your Toyota 

dealer is displayed

The system or part shown on the 

multi-information display is malfunc-

tioning. Have the vehicle inspected 

by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

If a message that indicates the 

need for referring to Owner’s 

Manual is displayed

●

If any of the following messages 

are shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, it may indicate a mal-

function. Immediately stop the 

vehicle and contact your Toyota 

dealer.

• “Braking Power Low Stop in a 

Safe Place See Owner's Manual”

• “Oil Pressure Low Stop in a Safe 

Place See Owner's Manual”

• “Charging System Malfunction 

Stop in a Safe Place See Owner's 

Manual”

●

If “Smart Key System Malfunction 

See Owner's Manual” is shown on 

the multi-information display, it 

may indicate a malfunction. Have 

the vehicle inspected by your Toy-

ota dealer immediately.

●

If any of the following messages 

are shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, follow the instruc-

tions.

• “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop 

in a Safe Place See Owner's Man-

ual” (



P.487)

• “High Transmission Fluid Temp 

See Owner's Manual” (



P.204)

NOTICE

■

If “High Power Consumption 

Partial Limit on AC/Heater 

Operation” is displayed fre-

quently

There is a possible malfunction 

relating to the charging system or 

the battery may be deteriorating. 

Have the vehicle inspected by 

your Toyota dealer.

464

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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

Stop the vehicle in a safe 

place on a hard, flat surface.



Set the parking brake.



Shift the shift lever to P.



Stop the engine.



Turn on the emergency flash-

ers. (



P.442)



For vehicles with power back 

door: Turn off the power back 

door system. (



P.515)

If you have a flat tire

Your vehicle is equipped 

with a spare tire. The flat tire 

can be replaced with the 

spare tire.
For details about tires: 



P.411

WARNING

■

If you have a flat tire

Do not continue driving with a flat 

tire.

Driving even a short distance with 

a flat tire can damage the tire and 

the wheel beyond repair, which 

could result in an accident.

Before jacking up the 

vehicle

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Jack handle
Wheel nut wrench
Adapter socket
Jack
Spare tire
Wheel lock key (if equipped)

Location of the spare tire, jack and tools

WARNING

■

Using the tire jack

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Improper use of the tire jack may 

cause the vehicle to suddenly fall 

off the jack, leading to death or 

serious injury.

●

Do not use the tire jack for any 

purpose other than replacing 

tires or installing and removing 

tire chains.

●

Only use the tire jack that 

comes with this vehicle for 

replacing a flat tire.

Do not use it on other vehicles, 

and do not use other tire jacks 

for replacing tires on this vehi-

cle.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

When replacing tires on a vehi-

cle with wheel lock nuts, use the 

following procedures to remove 

and install the wheel lock nuts. 

The wheel lock key is stored in 

the tray inside the luggage com-

partment. Always return the 

wheel lock key to its original 

position after use, so that it does 

not get lost. (



P.465)

■

Removal

For ease of removal, the wheel 

lock nut should always be the 

first one loosened.

1

Place the wheel lock key on 

top of the wheel lock nut, 

turning until the wheel lock 

key and wheel lock nut pat-

terns engage.

2

Place the wheel nut wrench 

on the wheel lock key, and 

while applying pressure on 

the wheel lock key, loosen 

the wheel lock nut.

■

Installation

For ease of installation, the 

wheel lock nut should always be 

the last one tightened.

1

By hand, install a wheel lock 

nut on each wheel.

2

Place the wheel lock key on 

top of the wheel lock nut, 

turning until the wheel lock 

key and wheel lock nut pat-

terns engage.

3

Place the wheel nut wrench 

on the wheel lock key, and 

while applying pressure on 

the wheel lock key, tighten 

the wheel lock nut to the rec-

ommended torque.

WARNING

●

Put the jack properly in its jack 

point.

●

Do not put any part of your body 

under the vehicle while it is sup-

ported by the jack.

●

Do not start the engine or drive 

the vehicle while the vehicle is 

supported by the jack.

●

Do not raise the vehicle while 

someone is inside.

●

When raising the vehicle, do not 

put an object on or under the 

jack.

●

Do not raise the vehicle to a 

height greater than that required 

to replace the tire.

●

Use a jack stand if it is neces-

sary to get under the vehicle.

●

When lowering the vehicle, 

make sure that there is no-one 

near the vehicle. If there are 

people nearby, warn them 

vocally before lowering.

Wheel lock nut (if 

equipped)

467

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

1

Pull the strap upwards and 

open the center deck board.

2

Remove the center deck 

board.

3

Remove the jack cover.

4

Remove the jack after remov-

ing the hook.

1

Pull the strap upwards and 

open the center deck board.

NOTICE

■

When using a wheel lock key 

(if equipped)

Do not use an impact wrench. 

Using an impact wrench may 

cause permanent damage to 

wheel lock nut and wheel lock 

key. If in doubt about wheel lock 

application, contact your Toyota 

dealer.

Taking out the jack

Taking out the spare tire

468

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

2

Remove the center deck 
board.

3

Remove the cover.

If it is difficult to remove the cover, 
you can use your key.

4

Attach the adapter socket to 
the spare tire clamp bolt.

5

Connect the jack handle 
extension to the jack handle.

Check that the extension is locked 

in place by the button.

6

Connect the jack handle to 
the adapter socket. Turn the 
jack handle counterclock-
wise.

The tire will be lowered completely 
to the ground.

Turn the jack handle slowly to lower 
the spare tire. If the handle is 
turned quickly, the wire cable may 
slip off of the shaft inside the unit 
and the tire may not be lowered.

If the spare tire cannot be lowered: 



P.471

469

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n tr

ouble

 ar

ises

7

Pull out the spare tire and 
stand it against the bumper.

With a compact spare tire

With a full-size spare tire



Vehicles with a compact 
spare tire

8

Fully depress the secondary 

latch 

 and remove the 

holding bracket 

 from the 

hoist assembly 

.

9

Tilt the bracket 

 and pass it 

through the wheel opening. 
Then remove the hoist 

assembly .



Vehicles with a full-size spare 
tire

8

Fully depress the secondary 

latch 

 and remove the 

470

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

holding bracket   from the 
hoist assembly  .

9

Tilt the holding bracket   so 

that it can easily be passed 

through the wheel opening. 

After passing the holding 

bracket through the wheel 

opening, remove the hoist 
assembly .

1

Chock the tires.

2

Slightly loosen the wheel 

nuts (one turn).

Vehicles with wheel locks: Use the 

wheel lock key to loosen the wheel 

WARNING

■

When storing the spare tire

Be careful not to catch fingers or 

other body parts between the 

spare tire and the body of the 

vehicle.

Replacing a flat tire

Flat tire

Wheel chock 

positions

Front left-hand 

side

Behind the rear 

right-hand side 

tire

Front right-hand 

side

Behind the rear 

left-hand side tire

Rear left-hand 

side

In front of the 

front right-hand 

side tire

Rear right-hand 

side

In front of the 

front left-hand 

side tire

471

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n tr

ouble

 ar

ises

lock.

3

Turn the tire jack portion 

 

by hand until the notch of the 
jack is in contact with the jack 
point.

The jack point guides are located 
under the rocker panel. They indi-
cate the jack point positions.

4

Raise the vehicle until the tire 
is slightly raised off the 
ground.

5

Remove all the wheel nuts 
and the tire.

When resting the tire on the 

ground, place the tire so that the 
wheel design faces up to avoid 
scratching the wheel surface.

■

If the spare tire cannot be low-
ered

If the spare tire cannot be lowered, it 
may not have been stowed properly. 
Perform the following procedure:

1

Fully tighten the spare tire clamp 
bolt by turning the jack handle 
clockwise until two clicks are 
heard and the jack handle skips.

2

Turn the jack handle counter-
clockwise to lower the spare tire.

If the spare tire still cannot be low-
ered, attempt to fully tighten the 
spare tire clamp bolt again by turn-
ing the jack handle clockwise. Then 
turn it counterclockwise at least 2 
turns to lower the spare tire.

If the spare tire still cannot be low-

472

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

ered, the wire cable may be sev-

ered. Have the vehicle inspected by 

your Toyota dealer.

1

Remove any dirt or foreign 

matter from the wheel con-

tact surface.

If foreign matter is on the wheel 

contact surface, the wheel nuts 

may loosen while the vehicle is in 

WARNING

■

Replacing a flat tire

●

Do not touch the disc wheels or 

the area around the brakes 

immediately after the vehicle 

has been driven.

After the vehicle has been 

driven the disc wheels and the 

area around the brakes will be 

extremely hot. Touching these 

areas with hands, feet or other 

body parts while changing a tire, 

etc. may result in burns.

●

Failure to follow these precau-

tions could cause the wheel 

nuts to loosen and the tire to fall 

off, resulting in death or serious 

injury.

• Never use oil or grease on the 

wheel bolts or wheel nuts.

Oil and grease may cause the 

wheel nuts to be excessively 

tightened, leading to bolt or disc 

wheel damage. In addition, the 

oil or grease can cause the 

wheel nuts to loosen and the 

wheel may fall off, causing an 

accident and resulting in death 

or serious injury. Remove any 

oil or grease from the wheel 

bolts or wheel nuts.

• Have the wheel nuts tightened 

with a torque wrench to 76 ft•lbf 

(103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m) as soon 

as possible after changing 

wheels.

• When installing a tire, only use 

wheel nuts that have been spe-

cifically designed for that wheel.

• If there are any cracks or defor-

mations in the bolt screws, nut 

threads or bolt holes of the 

wheel, have the vehicle 

inspected by your Toyota 

dealer.

• Do not attach a heavily dam-

aged wheel ornament, as it may 

fly off the wheel while the vehi-

cle is moving.

●

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may result in 

serious injury:

• Do not try to remove the wheel 

ornament by hand. Take due 

care in handling the ornament to 

avoid unexpected personal 

injury.

• Lower the spare tire completely 

to the ground before removing it 

from under the vehicle.

■

Replacing a flat tire for vehi-

cles with power back door

In cases such as when replacing 

tires, make sure to turn off the 

power back door main switch 

(



P.515). Failure to do so may 

cause the back door to operate 

unintentionally if the power back 

door switch is accidentally 

touched, resulting in hands and 

fingers being caught and injured.

Installing the spare tire

473

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

motion, causing the tire to come off.

2

Install the spare tire and 

loosely tighten each wheel 

nut by hand by approximately 

the same amount.

Turn the wheel nuts until the wash-

ers come into contact with the disc 

wheel.

Disc wheel
Washer

3

Lower the vehicle.

4

Firmly tighten each wheel nut 

two or three times in the 

order shown in the illustra-

tion.

Vehicles with wheel locks: Tighten 

the wheel lock using the wheel lock 

key after tightening the other wheel 

nuts.
Tightening torque:

76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

1

Remove the center wheel 

ornament by pushing from 

the reverse side.

Be careful not to lose the wheel 

ornament.

2

Stand the tire against the 

bumper with the inner sur-

face facing toward you. Pass 
the hoist assembly   and 

WARNING

■

Stowing the flat tire

Failure to follow steps listed under 

stowing the tire may result in 

damage to the spare tire carrier 

and loss of the tire, which could 

result in serious injury or death.

Stowing the flat tire, jack 

and all tools

474

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

holding bracket 

 through 

the wheel opening.

3

Fully depress the secondary 

latch 

 and install the 

bracket 

 to the hoist 

assembly .

4

Lay the tire on the ground 
with the outer surface (valve 
stem) facing up.

5

Before raising the tire, make 
sure that the hoist assembly 
is perpendicular to the wheel 
opening. (Try to place the tire 
directly beneath the vehicle, 
near where the wire cable is 
hanging from.)

Valve stem

6

Using the jack handle and 
adapter socket, tighten the 
tire clamp bolt by turning it 
clockwise until the tire is in 
the correct position and two 
clicks are heard as the jack 
handle skips.

475

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

7

Confirm it is not loose after 

tightening:

1

Push and pull the tire

2

Try rotating

Visually check to ensure tire is not 

hung on surrounding parts.

If looseness or misassembly exists, 

repeat steps 

2

 to 

7

.

8

Repeat step 

7

, any time the 

tire is lowered or disturbed.

9

Stow the jack and all tools.

■

The compact spare tire (vehi-

cles with a compact spare tire)

●

The compact spare tire is identi-

fied by the label “TEMPORARY 

USE ONLY” on the tire sidewall. 

Use the compact spare tire tempo-

rarily, and only in an emergency.

●

Make sure to check the tire infla-

tion pressure of the compact 

spare tire. (



P.499)

■

When using the compact spare 

tire (vehicles with a compact 

spare tire)

As the compact spare tire is not 

equipped with a tire pressure warn-

ing valve and transmitter, low infla-

tion pressure of the spare tire will 

not be indicated by the tire pressure 

warning system. Also, if you replace 

the compact spare tire after the tire 

pressure warning light comes on, 

the light remains on.

■

When the compact spare tire is 

equipped (vehicles with a com-

pact spare tire)

When driving with the compact 

spare tire installed, the vehicle 

height will be different than when 

driving with standard tires.

■

If you have a flat front tire on a 

road covered with snow or ice 

(vehicles with a compact spare 

tire)

Install the compact spare tire on one 

of the rear wheels of the vehicle. 

Perform the following steps and fit 

tire chains to the front tires:

1

Replace a rear tire with the com-

pact spare tire.

2

Replace the flat front tire with the 

tire removed from the rear of the 

vehicle.

3

Fit tire chains to the front tires.

WARNING

■

When using the compact 

spare tire (vehicles with a 

compact spare tire)

●

Remember that the compact 

spare tire provided is specifi-

cally designed for use with your 

vehicle. Do not use your com-

pact spare tire on another vehi-

cle.

●

Do not use more than one com-

pact spare tire simultaneously.

●

Replace the compact spare tire 

with a standard tire as soon as 

possible.

●

Avoid sudden acceleration, 

abrupt steering, sudden brak-

ing and shifting operations that 

cause sudden engine braking.

476

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

WARNING

■

When the compact spare tire 

is attached (vehicles with a 

compact spare tire)

The vehicle speed may not be 

correctly detected, and the follow-

ing systems may not operate cor-

rectly:
• ABS & Brake assist
• VSC
• TRAC
• Trailer Sway Control (if 

equipped)

• EPS
• Dynamic radar cruise control 

with full-speed range

• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
• RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if 

equipped)

• Automatic High Beam
• AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting 

System) (if equipped)

• Tire pressure warning system
• Intuitive parking assist (if 

equipped)

• PKSB (Parking Support Brake) 

(if equipped)

• Toyota parking assist monitor (if 

equipped)

• Panoramic view monitor (if 

equipped)

• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if 

equipped)

• Navigation system (if equipped)

Also, not only can the following 

system not be utilized fully, but it 

may even negatively affect the 

drive-train components:
• AWD system (AWD models)

■

Speed limit when using the 

compact spare tire (vehicles 

with a compact spare tire)

Do not drive at speeds in excess 

of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a com-

pact spare tire is installed on the 

vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not 

designed for driving at high 

speeds. Failure to observe this 

precaution may lead to an acci-

dent causing death or serious 

injury.

■

After using the tools and jack

Before driving, make sure all the 

tools and jack are securely in 

place in their storage location to 

reduce the possibility of personal 

injury during a collision or sudden 

braking.

NOTICE

■

Be careful when driving over 

bumps with the compact 

spare tire installed on the 

vehicle (vehicles with a com-

pact spare tire)

The vehicle becomes lower when 

driving with the compact spare tire 

compared to when driving with 

standard tires. Be careful when 

driving over uneven road sur-

faces.

477

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

NOTICE

■

Driving with tire chains and 

the compact spare tire (vehi-

cles with a compact spare 

tire)

Do not fit tire chains to the com-

pact spare tire.

Tire chains may damage the vehi-

cle body and adversely affect driv-

ing performance.

■

When replacing the tires

When removing or fitting the 

wheels, tires or the tire pressure 

warning valve and transmitter, 

contact your Toyota dealer as the 

tire pressure warning valve and 

transmitter may be damaged if not 

handled correctly.

■

When stowing the flat tire

●

Ensure that there is no object 

caught between the tire and the 

vehicle underbody.

●

Securely tighten the spare tire 

clamp bolt to hold the spare 

wheel carrier by the hook.

●

Stow the flat tire in the spare tire 

location. Failure to do so may 

cause damage to the spare tire 

carrier. Proper storage reduces 

the possibility of injury in a colli-

sion or during sudden braking.

●

Have the flat tire repaired and 

the spare tire replaced with it as 

soon as possible.

■

Proper storage of the spare 

tire

●

If the hoist assembly is slanted 

when stowing a tire, the hoist 

assembly may become stuck in 

the wheel opening and the tire 

may not be raised properly, 

causing damage to the wheel or 

the wire cable.

●

Do not attempt to turn the spare 

tire clamp bolt without a tire on 

the hoist assembly, as doing so 

may cause the wire cable to slip 

off of the shaft inside the unit 

and the wire cable may not be 

able to be raised or lowered. If 

the spare tire clamp bolt has 

been turned without a tire on the 

hoist assembly and the wire 

cable cannot be raised or low-

ered, contact your Toyota 

dealer.

478

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

One of the following may be the 
cause of the problem:



There may not be sufficient 
fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle.



The engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the engine again 
following correct starting pro-
cedures. (



P.200)



There may be a malfunction 
in the engine immobilizer sys-
tem. (



P.69)

One of the following may be the 
cause of the problem:



The battery may be dis-
charged. (



P.483)



The battery terminal connec-
tions may be loose or cor-
roded. (



P.408)

The engine starting system may 
be malfunctioning due to an 
electrical problem such as elec-
tronic key battery depletion or a 
blown fuse. However, an interim 
measure is available to start the 
engine. (



P.478)

One of the following may be the 
cause of the problem:



One or both of the battery ter-
minals may be disconnected. 
(



P.408)



The battery may be dis-
charged. (



P.483)



There may be a malfunction 
in the steering lock system.

Contact your Toyota dealer if the 
problem cannot be repaired, or if 
repair procedures are unknown.

When the engine does not start, 
the following steps can be used 

If the engine will not 

start

If the engine will not start 
even though correct starting 
procedures are being fol-
lowed (



P.200), consider 

each of the following points:

The engine will not start 
even though the starter 
motor operates normally.

The starter motor turns 
over slowly, the interior 
lights and headlights are 
dim, or the horn does not 
sound or sounds at a low 
volume.

The starter motor does 
not turn over

The starter motor does 
not turn over, the interior 
lights and headlights do 
not turn on, or the horn 
does not sound.

Starting the engine in an 
emergency

479

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

as an interim measure to start 

the engine if the engine switch is 

functioning normally.

Do not use this starting proce-

dure except in cases of emer-

gency.

1

Pull the parking brake switch 

to check that the parking 

brake is set. (



P.209)

Parking brake indicator will come 

on.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

Turn the engine switch to 

ACC.

4

Press and hold the engine 

switch for about 15 seconds 

while depressing the brake 

pedal firmly.

Even if the engine can be 

started using the above steps, 

the system may be malfunction-

ing. Have the vehicle inspected 

by your Toyota dealer.

If you lose your keys

New genuine mechanical 

keys can be made by your 

Toyota dealer using another 

mechanical key and the key 

number stamped on your 

key number plate.
Keep the plate in a safe 

place such as your wallet, 

not in the vehicle.

NOTICE

■

When an electronic key is lost

If the electronic key remains lost, 

the risk of vehicle theft increases 

significantly. Visit your Toyota 

dealer immediately with all 

remaining electronic keys that 

were provided with your vehicle.

480

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U



If the fuel filler door opener 
switch cannot be operated, 
remove the cover inside the 
luggage compartment and 
pull the lever to open the fuel 
filler door.



Using the lever to open the 
fuel filler door may not allow 
for an adequate reduction in 
fuel tank pressure before refu-
eling. To prevent fuel from 

spilling out, turn the cap 
slowly when removing it.
During refueling, fuel may spill 
out from the filler opening due 
to air being discharged from 
inside the fuel tank. There-
fore, fill the fuel tank carefully 
and slowly.

If the fuel filler door 

cannot be opened

If the fuel filler door opener 
switch cannot be operated, 
contact your Toyota dealer 
to service the vehicle. In 
case where refueling is 
urgently necessary, the fol-
lowing procedure can be 
used to open the fuel filler 
door.

Opening the fuel filler 
door

481

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

■

When the electronic key does 

not work properly

●

Make sure that the smart key sys-

tem has not been deactivated in 

the customization setting. If it is 

off, turn the function on. (Custom-

izable features: 



P.515)

●

Check if battery-saving mode is 

set. If it is set, cancel the function. 

(



P.132)

■

Unlocking the door

Use the mechanical key 

(



P.114) in order to perform the 

following operations:

1

Locks all the doors

2

Unlocks all the doors

Turning the key unlocks the driver’s 

door. Turning the key again unlocks 

the other doors.

■

Key linked functions

1

Closes the windows and the 
moon roof

*

 (turn and hold)

2

Opens the windows and the 
moon roof

*

 (turn and hold)

These settings must be customized 

at your Toyota dealer.

*

: If equipped

If the electronic key 

does not operate prop-

erly

If communication between 

the electronic key and vehi-

cle is interrupted (



P.132) 

or the electronic key cannot 

be used because the battery 

is depleted, the smart key 

system and wireless remote 

control cannot be used. In 

such cases, the doors can 

be opened and the engine 

can be started by following 

the procedure below.

Locking and unlocking 

the doors

WARNING

■

When using the mechanical 

key and operating the power 

windows or moon roof (if 

equipped)

Operate the power window or 

moon roof after checking to make 

sure that there is no possibility of 

any passenger having any of their 

body parts caught in the window 

or moon roof. Also, do not allow 

children to operate the mechani-

cal key. It is possible for children 

and other passengers to get 

caught in the power window or 

moon roof.

482

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

1

Ensure that the shift lever is 
in P and depress the brake 
pedal.

2

Touch the Toyota emblem 
side of the electronic key to 
the engine switch.

When the electronic key is 
detected, a buzzer sounds and the 
engine switch will turn to ON.

When the smart key system is 
deactivated in customization set-
ting, the engine switch will turn to 
ACC.

3

Firmly depress the brake 

pedal and check that 

 is 

shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.

4

Press the engine switch 
shortly and firmly.

In the event that the engine still 
cannot be started, contact your 
Toyota dealer.

■

Stopping the engine

Shift the shift lever to P, set the park-
ing brake, and press the engine 
switch as you normally do when 
stopping the engine.

■

Replacing the key battery

As the above procedure is a tempo-

rary measure, it is recommended 
that the electronic key battery be 
replaced immediately when the bat-
tery is depleted. (



P.428)

■

Changing engine switch modes

Release the brake pedal and press 
the engine switch in step 

3

 above. 

The engine does not start and 
modes will be changed each time 
the switch is pressed. (



P.203)

Starting the engine

483

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n tr

ouble

 ar

ises

If you have a set of jumper (or 
booster) cables and a second 
vehicle with a 12-volt battery, 
you can jump start your vehicle 
by following the steps below.

1

Confirm that the electronic 
key is being carried.

Vehicles with an alarm: When con-
necting the jumper (or booster) 
cables, depending on the situation, 
the alarm may activate and doors 
locked. (



P.72)

2

Open the hood. (



P.402)

3

Connect a positive jumper cable clamp to 

 on your vehicle and 

connect the clamp on the other end of the positive cable to 

 on 

the second vehicle. Then, connect a negative cable clamp to 

 

If the vehicle battery 

is discharged

The following procedures 
may be used to start the 
engine if the vehicle’s bat-
tery is discharged.
You can also call your Toy-
ota dealer or a qualified 
repair shop.

Restarting the engine

484

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

on the second vehicle and connect the clamp at the other end of 

the negative cable to 

.

Positive (+) battery terminal (your vehicle)

Positive (+) battery terminal (second vehicle)

Negative (-) battery terminal (second vehicle)

Solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point away from the battery 
and any moving parts as shown in the illustration

4

Start the engine of the sec-
ond vehicle. Increase the 
engine speed slightly and 
maintain at that level for 
approximately 5 minutes to 
recharge the battery of your 
vehicle.

5

Open and close any of the 
doors of your vehicle with the 
engine switch OFF.

6

Maintain the engine speed of 
the second vehicle and start 
the engine of your vehicle by 
turning the engine switch to 
ON.

7

Once the vehicle’s engine 
has started, remove the 
jumper cables in the exact 

reverse order from which 
they were connected.

Once the engine starts, have the 
vehicle inspected at your Toyota 
dealer as soon as possible.

■

Starting the engine when the 
battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started by 
push-starting.

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Turn off the headlights and the 
audio system while the engine is 
stopped. (Vehicles with Stop & 
Start system: Except when the 
engine is stopped by the Stop & 
Start system.)

●

Turn off any unnecessary electri-
cal components when the vehicle 
is running at a low speed for an 
extended period, such as in heavy 

485

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n tr

ouble

 ar

ises

traffic.

■

When the battery is removed or 
discharged

●

Information stored in the ECU is 
cleared. When the battery is 
depleted, have the vehicle 
inspected at your Toyota dealer.

●

Some systems may require initial-
ization. (



P.527)

■

When removing the battery ter-
minals

When the battery terminals are 
removed, the information stored in 
the ECU is cleared. Before remov-
ing the battery terminals, contact 
your Toyota dealer.

■

Charging the battery

The electricity stored in the battery 
will discharge gradually even when 
the vehicle is not in use, due to nat-
ural discharge and the draining 
effects of certain electrical appli-
ances. If the vehicle is left for a long 
time, the battery may discharge, 
and the engine may be unable to 
start. (The battery recharges auto-
matically during driving.)

■

After jump starting the vehicle 
(Vehicles with Stop & Start sys-
tem)

Be sure to disable the Stop & Start 
system so that the battery can be 
charged. (



P.265)

■

When recharging or replacing 
the battery

●

In some cases, it may not be pos-
sible to unlock the doors using the 
smart key system when the bat-
tery is discharged. Use the wire-
less remote control or the 
mechanical key to lock or unlock 
the doors.

●

The engine may not start on the 
first attempt after the battery has 
recharged but will start normally 
after the second attempt. This is 
not a malfunction.

●

The engine switch mode is memo-

rized by the vehicle. When the 
battery is reconnected, the system 
will return to the mode it was in 
before the battery was dis-
charged. Before disconnecting the 
battery, turn the engine switch off.
If you are unsure what mode the 
engine switch was in before the 
battery discharged, be especially 
careful when reconnecting the 
battery.

●

Vehicles with power back door: 
The power back door must be ini-
tialized. (



P.126)

●

Vehicles with Stop & Start system: 
For a while after the battery termi-
nals have been disconnected and 
reconnected, for a while after the 
battery has been replaced, the 
Stop & Start system may not auto-
matically stop the engine for 
approximately 5 to 60 minutes.

■

When replacing the battery

●

Use a Central Degassing type bat-
tery (European Regulations).

●

Vehicles with Stop & Start system: 
Use a genuine battery specifically 
designed for use with the Stop & 
Start system or a battery with 
equivalent specifications to a gen-
uine battery. If an unsupported 
battery is used, Stop & Start sys-
tem functions may be restricted to 
protect the battery.
Also, battery performance may 
decrease and the engine may not 
be able to restart. Contact your 
Toyota dealer for details.

●

Vehicles without Stop & Start sys-
tem: Use a battery that the case 
size is same as the previous one 
(LN3), 20 hour rate capacity 
(20HR) is equivalent (70Ah) or 
greater, and performance rating 
(CCA) is equivalent (603A) or 
greater.

Vehicles with Stop & Start system: 
Use a battery that the case size is 
same as the previous one (LN3), 20 
hour rate capacity (20HR) is equiva-

486

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

lent (65Ah) or greater, and perfor-

mance rating (CCA) is equivalent 

(603A) or greater.

• If the sizes differ, the battery can-

not be properly secured.

• If the 20 hour rate capacity is low, 

even if the time period where the 

vehicle is not used is a short time, 

the battery may discharge and the 

engine may not be able to start.

For details, consult your Toyota 

dealer.

WARNING

■

When removing the battery 

terminals

Always remove the negative (-) 

terminal first. If the positive (+) ter-

minal contacts any metal in the 

surrounding area when the posi-

tive (+) terminal is removed, a 

spark may occur, leading to a fire 

in addition to electrical shocks 

and death or serious injury.

■

Avoiding battery fires or 

explosions

Observe the following precautions 

to prevent accidentally igniting the 

flammable gas that may be emit-

ted from the battery:

●

Make sure each jumper cable is 

connected to the correct termi-

nal and that it is not unintention-

ally in contact with any other 

than the intended terminal.

●

Do not allow the other end of 

the jumper cable connected to 

the “+” terminal to come into 

contact with any other parts or 

metal surfaces in the area, such 

as brackets or unpainted metal.

●

Do not allow the + and - clamps 

of the jumper cables to come 

into contact with each other.

●

Do not smoke, use matches, 

cigarette lighters or allow open 

flame near the battery.

■

Battery precautions

The battery contains poisonous 

and corrosive acidic electrolyte, 

while related parts contain lead 

and lead compounds. Observe 

the following precautions when 

handling the battery:

●

When working with the battery, 

always wear safety glasses and 

take care not to allow any bat-

tery fluids (acid) to come into 

contact with skin, clothing or the 

vehicle body.

●

Do not lean over the battery.

●

In the event that battery fluid 

comes into contact with the skin 

or eyes, immediately wash the 

affected area with water and 

seek medical attention. Place a 

wet sponge or cloth over the 

affected area until medical 

attention can be received.

●

Always wash your hands after 

handling the battery support, 

terminals, and other bat-

tery-related parts.

●

Do not allow children near the 

battery.

■

When replacing the battery

●

When the vent plug and indica-

tor are close to the hold down 

clamp, the battery fluid (sulfuric 

acid) may leak.

●

For information regarding bat-

tery replacement, contact your 

Toyota dealer.

NOTICE

■

When handling jumper cables

When connecting the jumper 

cables, ensure that they do not 

become entangled in the cooling 

fan or engine drive belt.

487

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n tr

ouble

 ar

ises

1

Stop the vehicle in a safe 
place and turn off the air con-
ditioning system, and then 
stop the engine.

2

If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after 
the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.

3

After the engine has cooled 
down sufficiently, inspect the 
hoses and radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.

If a large amount of coolant leaks, 
immediately contact your Toyota 

dealer.

Radiator

Cooling fan

4

The coolant level is satisfac-
tory if it is between the 
“FULL” and “LOW” lines on 
the reservoir.

Reservoir

“FULL” line

“LOW” line

Radiator cap

5

Add coolant if necessary.

Water can be used in an emer-

If your vehicle over-

heats

The following may indicate 
that your vehicle is over-
heating.



The needle of the engine 
coolant temperature gauge 
(



P.79) enters the red zone 

or a loss of engine power is 
experienced. (For example, 
the vehicle speed does not 
increase.)



“Engine Coolant Temp High 
Stop in a Safe Place See 
Owner’s Manual” is shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play.



Steam comes out from 
under the hood.

Correction procedures

488

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

gency if coolant is unavailable.

6

Start the engine and turn the 

air conditioning system on to 

check that the radiator cool-

ing fan operates and to check 

for coolant leaks from the 

radiator or hoses.

The fan operates when the air con-

ditioning system is turned on imme-

diately after a cold start. Confirm 

that the fan is operating by check-

ing the fan sound and air flow. If it is 

difficult to check these, turn the air 

conditioning system on and off 

repeatedly. (The fan may not oper-

ate in freezing temperatures.)

7

If the fan is not operating:

Stop the engine immediately 

and contact your Toyota 

dealer.

If the fan is operating:

Have the vehicle inspected at 

the nearest Toyota dealer.

8

Check if “Engine Coolant 

Temp High Stop in a Safe 

Place See Owner's Manual” 

is shown on the multi-infor-

mation display.

If the message does not disappear:

Stop the engine and contact your 

Toyota dealer.

If the message is not displayed:

Have the vehicle inspected at the 

nearest Toyota dealer.

WARNING

■

When inspecting under the 

hood of your vehicle

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may result in seri-

ous injury such as burns.

●

If steam is seen coming from 

under the hood, do not open the 

hood until the steam has sub-

sided. The engine compart-

ment may be very hot.

●

Keep hands and clothing (espe-

cially a tie, a scarf or a muffler) 

away from the fan and belts.

Failure to do so may cause the 

hands or clothing to be caught, 

resulting in serious injury.

●

Do not loosen the radiator cap 

and the coolant reservoir cap 

while the engine and radiator 

are hot.

High temperature steam or 

coolant could spray out.

NOTICE

■

When adding engine coolant

Add coolant slowly after the 

engine has cooled down suffi-

ciently. Adding cool coolant to a 

hot engine too quickly can cause 

damage to the engine.

■

To prevent damage to the 

cooling system

Observe the following precau-

tions:

●

Avoid contaminating the coolant 

with foreign matter (such as 

sand or dust, etc.).

●

Do not use any coolant additive.

489

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

7

Whe

n 

trouble

 ar

ises

1

Stop the engine. Shift the 

shift lever to P and set the 

parking brake.

2

Remove the mud, snow or 

sand from around the front 

wheels.

3

Place wood, stones or some 

other material under the front 

wheels to help provide trac-

tion.

4

Restart the engine.

5

Shift the shift lever to D or R 

and release the parking 

brake. Then, while exercising 

caution, depress the acceler-

ator pedal.

■

When it is difficult to free the 

vehicle

Press 

 to turn off TRAC.

If the vehicle becomes 

stuck

Carry out the following pro-

cedures if the tires spin or 

the vehicle becomes stuck 

in mud, dirt or snow:

Recovering procedure

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 accelerator 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 trans-

mission and other compo-

nents

●

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.

490

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

HIGHLANDER_U

491

HIGHLANDER_U

8

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

Vehicle specifications

.

8-1. Specifications

Maintenance data (fuel, oil 

level, etc.)..................

492

Fuel information ..........

503

Tire information ...........

505

8-2. Customization

Customizable features

..................................

515

8-3. Initialization

Items to initialize .........

527

492

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8-1.Specifications

*1

: Unladen vehicle

*2

: For 7-seat models

*3

: For 8-seat models

*4

: For GSU75L-ARZGHA models

*6

*5

: Except for GSU75L-ARZGHA models

*6

*6

: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (



P.492)

■

Vehicle identification num-
ber

The vehicle identification num-
ber (VIN) is the legal identifier 
for your vehicle. This is the pri-

mary identification number for 
your Toyota. It is used in regis-
tering the ownership of your 
vehicle.

Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)

Dimensions and weight

Overall length

194.9 in. (4950 mm)

Overall width

76 in. (1930 mm)

Overall height

*1

68.1 in. (1730 mm)

Wheelbase

112.2 in. (2850 mm)

Tread

Front

65.3 in. (1659 mm)

Rear

65.4 in. (1662 mm)

Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupants + luggage)

1225 lb. (555 kg)

*2

1330 lb. (605 kg)

*3,4

1390 lb. (630 kg)

*3,5

Trailer Weight Rating
(Trailer weight + cargo weight)

5000 lb. (2200 kg)

Seating capacity

Seating capacity

7-seat models

8-seat models

7 (Front 2, Rear 5)

8 (Front 2, Rear 6)

Vehicle identification

493

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns



Top left of the instrument 
panel

The vehicle identification number is 
stamped.



Under the right-hand front 
seat

1

Remove the scuff plate.

2

Remove the nut and trim.

3

Turn back the carpet.

4

Remove the dash panel insu-
lator pad.

5

Turn back the floor panel 
insulator pad.

The vehicle identification number is 
stamped.

6

Return the floor panel insula-
tor pad to its original position.

Insert the 2 ends of the floor panel 
insulator pad under the wire har-

494

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

ness.

7

Install the dash panel insula-
tor pad.

8

Return the carpet to its origi-
nal position.

Install the 2 holes of the carpet to 
the wire harness clamps.

9

Install the trim.

Align the clip, claw and bolt hole 

and install the trim with the nut.

10

Install the scuff plate.

Insert the 2 guides at the front of 
the scuff plate into the trim, align 
the 7 claws with the wire harness 
clamps, and install the scuff plate.



Left-hand side center pillar

This number is also on the Certifi-
cation Label.

■

Engine number

The engine number is stamped 
on the engine block as shown.

495

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

■

Oil capacity (Drain and 

refill



reference

*

)

*

: The engine oil capacity is a refer-

ence quantity to be used when 

changing the engine oil. Warm up 
and turn off the engine, wait more 
than 5 minutes, and check the oil 
level on the dipstick.

■

Engine oil selection

“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is 
used in your Toyota vehicle. Use 
Toyota approved “Toyota Genu-
ine Motor Oil” or equivalent to 

Engine

Model

2GR-FKS

Type

6-cylinder V type, 4-cycle, gasoline

Bore and stroke

3.70 



 3.27 in. (94.0 



 83.0 mm)

Displacement

210.9 cu. in. (3456 cm

3

)

Valve clearance (engine cold)

Automatic adjustment

Drive belt tension

Automatic adjustment

Fuel

Fuel type

Unleaded gasoline only

Octane Rating

87 (Research Octane Number 91) or 
higher

Fuel tank capacity
(Reference)

17.9 gal. (68 L, 14.9 Imp. gal.)

Lubrication system

With filter

5.8 qt. (5.5 L, 4.8 Imp. 
qt.)

Without 
filter

5.6 qt. (5.3 L, 4.7 Imp. 
qt.)

496

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

satisfy the following grade and 
viscosity.

Oil grade: ILSAC GF-5 multi-
grade engine oil

Recommended viscosity: SAE 
0W-20

SAE 0W-20 is the best choice 
for good fuel economy and good 
starting in cold weather.

If SAE 0W-20 is not available, 
SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. 
However, it must be replaced 
with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil 
change.

Outside temperature

Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained 
here as an example):
• The 0W in 0W-20 indicates 

the characteristic of the oil 
which allows cold startability. 
Oils with a lower value before 
the W allow for easier starting 
of the engine in cold weather.

• The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the 

viscosity characteristic of the 
oil when the oil is at high tem-
perature. An oil with a higher 
viscosity (one with a higher 
value) may be better suited if 
the vehicle is operated at high 

speeds, or under extreme 
load conditions.

How to read oil container label:

The International Lubricant 
Specification Advisory Commit-
tee (ILSAC) Certification Mark is 
added to some oil containers to 
help you select the oil you 
should use.

497

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

*

: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.

If replacement is necessary, contact your Toyota dealer.

Cooling system

Capacity



Vehicles with Stop & Start system

12.9 qt. (12.2 L, 10.7 Imp. qt.)



Vehicles without Stop & Start system

12.5 qt. (11.8 L, 10.4 Imp. qt.)

Coolant type

Use either of the following:



“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”



Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based 

non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and 

non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic 

acid technology

Do not use plain water alone.

Ignition system (spark plug)

Make

DENSO FK20HBR8

Gap

0.031 in. (0.8 mm)

NOTICE

■

Iridium-tipped spark plugs

Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark plug gap.

Electrical system (battery)

Open voltage at 68°F (20°C):

12.3 V or higher

(Turn the engine switch off and turn on the 

high beam headlights for 30 seconds.)

Charging rates

5 A max.

Automatic transmission

Fluid capacity

*

8.0 qt. (7.58 L, 6.7 Imp. qt.)

Fluid type

Toyota Genuine ATF WS

498

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_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.

NOTICE

■

Transmission fluid type

Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormal 

noise or vibration, or damage the transmission of your vehicle.

Transfer (AWD models)

Oil capacity

*

0.41 qt. (0.39 L, 0.35 Imp. qt.)

Oil type and viscosity

Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LX

NOTICE

■

Transfer oil type precaution

Using transfer oil other than the specified oil may cause abnormal noise 

or vibration, or damage the transfer of your vehicle.

Rear differential (AWD models)

Oil capacity

*

0.56 qt. (0.53 L, 0.47 Imp. qt.)

Oil type and viscosity

Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LX

NOTICE

■

Differential gear oil type precaution

Using differential gear oil other than the specified oil may cause abnormal 

noise or vibration, or damage the differential gear of your vehicle.

499

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

*

: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 67.4 lbf (300 N, 

30.6 kgf) while the engine is running.



Type A

Brakes

Pedal clearance

*

3.7 in. (94 mm) Min.

Pedal free play

0.04 



 0.24 in. (1 



 6 mm)

Brake pad wear limit

0.04 in. (1 mm)

Fluid type

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

Steering

Free play

Less than 1.2 in. (30 mm)

Tires and wheels

Tire size

235/65R18 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 where 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.

Wheel size

18 



 8 J, 18 



 4T (spare)

Wheel nut torque

76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

500

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U



Type B



Type C

Tire size

235/55R20 102V, 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 where 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.

Wheel size

20 



 8 J, 18 



 4T (spare)

Wheel nut torque

76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

Tire size

235/65R18 106V

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

36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm

2

 or bar)

Driving at high speeds (above 100 mph [160 
km/h]) (in countries where 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.

Wheel size

18 



 8 J

Wheel nut torque

76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

501

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns



Type D

A: Wedge base bulbs (amber)

B: Wedge base bulbs (clear)

Tire size

235/55R20 102V

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

36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm

2

 or bar)

Driving at high speeds (above 100 mph [160 
km/h]) (in countries where 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.

Wheel size

20 



 8 J

Wheel nut torque

76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

Light bulbs

Light bulbs

Bulb No.

W

Type

Exterior

Front side marker lights



5

B

Front turn signal lights

7444NA

28

A

Rear turn signal lights



21

A

Back-up lights



16

B

License plate lights



5

B

Parking lights

7444NA

8

A

Interior

Door courtesy lights



5

C

Vanity lights



8

C

Rear personal light



8

C

Rear interior light



8

C

502

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

C: Single end bulbs (clear)

503

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

■

Gasoline quality

In very few cases, driveability prob-
lems may be caused by the brand of 
gasoline you are using. If driveability 
problems persist, try changing the 
brand of gasoline. If this does not 
correct the problem, consult your 
Toyota dealer.

■

Recommendation of the use of 
gasoline containing detergent 
additives

●

Toyota recommends the use of 
gasoline that contains detergent 
additives to avoid the build-up of 
engine deposits.

●

All gasoline sold in the U.S.A. con-
tains minimum detergent additives 
to clean and/or keep clean intake 
systems, per EPA’s lowest addi-
tives concentration program.

●

Toyota strongly recommends the 
use of Top Tier Detergent Gaso-
line. For more information on Top 
Tier Detergent Gasoline and a list 
of marketers, please go to the offi-
cial website www.toptiergas.com.

■

Recommendation of the use of 
low emissions gasoline

Gasolines containing oxygenates 
such as ethers and ethanol, as well 
as reformulated gasolines, are avail-
able in some cities. These fuels are 
typically acceptable for use, provid-
ing they meet other fuel require-
ments.

Toyota recommends these fuels, 
since the formulations allow for 
reduced vehicle emissions.

■

Non-recommendation of the 
use of blended gasoline

●

Use only gasoline containing up to 
15% ethanol.
DO NOT use any flex-fuel or gas-
oline that could contain more than 
15% ethanol, including from any 
pump labeled E30 (30% ethanol 
[

]), E50 (50% ethanol [

]), E85 

(85% ethanol [

]) (which are only 

some examples of fuel containing 
more than 15% ethanol).

●

If you use gasohol in your vehicle, 
be sure that it has an octane rat-
ing no lower than 87.

●

Toyota does not recommend the 
use of gasoline containing metha-
nol.

■

Non-recommendation of the 
use of gasoline containing MMT

Some gasoline contains an octane 
enhancing additive called MMT 
(Methylcyclopentadienyl Manga-
nese Tricarbonyl).

Toyota does not recommend the use 
of gasoline that contains MMT. If 
fuel containing MMT is used, your 
emission control system may be 

Fuel information

You must only use unleaded 
gasoline.

Select octane rating 87 
(Research Octane Number 
91) or higher. Use of 
unleaded gasoline with an 
octane rating lower than 87 
may result in engine knock-
ing. Persistent knocking 
can lead to engine damage.

At minimum, the gasoline you 
use should meet the specifica-
tions of ASTM D4814 in the 
U.S.A.

504

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

adversely affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on 

the instrument cluster may come on. 

If this happens, contact your Toyota 

dealer for service.

NOTICE

■

Notice on fuel quality

●

Do not use improper fuels. If 

improper fuels are used, the 

engine will be damaged.

●

Do not use leaded gasoline.

Leaded gasoline can cause 

damage to your vehicle’s 

three-way catalytic converters 

causing the emission control 

system to malfunction.

●

Do not use gasohol other than 

the type previously stated.

Other gasohol may cause fuel 

system damage or vehicle per-

formance problems.

●

Using unleaded gasoline with 

an octane number or rating 

lower than the level previously 

stated will cause persistent 

heavy knocking.

At worst, this will lead to engine 

damage.

■

When refueling with gasohol

Take care not to spill gasohol. It 

can damage your vehicle’s paint.

■

Fuel-related poor driveability

If poor driveability (poor hot start-

ing, vaporization, engine knock-

ing, etc.) is encountered after 

using a different type of fuel, dis-

continue the use of that type of 

fuel.

505

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns



Full-size tire



Compact spare tire

Tire size (



P.507)

DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN) (



P.506)

Location of treadwear indicators (



P.411)

Tire ply composition and materials

Plies are layers of rubber-coated parallel cords. Cords are the strands 
which form the plies in a tire.

Radial tires or bias-ply tires

Tire information

Typical tire symbols

506

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

A radial tire has “RADIAL” on the sidewall. A tire not marked “RADIAL” is a 
bias-ply tire.

TUBELESS or TUBE TYPE

A tubeless tire does not have a tube and air is directly put into the tire. A 
tube type tire has a tube inside the tire and the tube maintains the air pres-
sure.

Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure (



P.412)

Maximum cold tire inflation pressure (



P.499)

This means the pressure to which a tire may be inflated.

Uniform tire quality grading

For details, see “Uniform Tire Quality Grading” that follows.

Summer tires or all season tires (



P.412)

An all season tire has “M+S” on the sidewall. A tire not marked “M+S” is a 
summer tire.

“TEMPORARY USE ONLY”

A compact spare tire is identified by the phrase “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” 
molded on its sidewall. This tire is designed for temporary emergency use 
only.



Type A

DOT symbol

*

Tire Identification Number 
(TIN)

Tire manufacturer’s identifi-
cation mark

Tire size code

Manufacturer’s optional tire 
type code (3 or 4 letters)

Manufacturing week

Manufacturing year

*

: The  DOT  symbol  certifies that the 

tire conforms to applicable Fed-
eral Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards.



Type B

Typical DOT and Tire 
Identification Number 
(TIN)

507

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

DOT symbol

*

Tire Identification Number 
(TIN)

Tire manufacturer’s identifi-
cation mark

Manufacturer’s code

Manufacturing week

Manufacturing year

*

: The DOT symbol certifies that the 

tire conforms to applicable Fed-
eral Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards.

■

Typical tire size information

The illustration indicates typical 
tire size.

Tire use (P = Passenger car, 
T = Temporary use)

Section width (millimeters)

Aspect ratio (tire height to 
section width)

Tire construction code (R = 
Radial, D = Diagonal)

Wheel diameter (inches)

Load index (2 digits or 3 dig-
its)

Speed symbol (alphabet with 
one letter)

■

Tire dimensions

Section width

Tire height

Wheel diameter

Bead

Sidewall

Shoulder

Tread

Belt

Inner liner

Reinforcing rubber

Carcass

Rim lines

Bead wires

Tire size

Tire section names

508

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

Chafer

This information has been pre-
pared in accordance with regu-
lations issued by the National 
Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration of the U.S. Department of 
Transportation.

It provides the purchasers 
and/or prospective purchasers 
of Toyota vehicles with informa-
tion on uniform tire quality grad-
ing.

Your Toyota dealer will help answer 
any questions you may have as you 
read this information.

■

DOT quality grades

All passenger vehicle tires must 
conform to Federal Safety 
Requirements in addition to 
these grades. Quality grades 
can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between 
tread shoulder and maximum 
section width.

For example: Treadwear 200 Trac-
tion AA Temperature A

■

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a com-
parative rating based on the 
wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a 
specified government test 
course.

For example, a tire graded 150 

would wear one and a half (1 - 1/2) 
times as well on the government 
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires 
depends upon the actual conditions 
of their use. Performance may differ 
significantly from the norm due to 
variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road 
characteristics and climate.

■

Traction AA, A, B, C

The traction grades, from high-
est to lowest, are AA, A, B and 
C, and they represent the tire’s 
ability to stop on wet pavement 
as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt 
and concrete.

A tire marked C may have poor 
traction performance.

Warning: The traction grade 
assigned to this tire is based on 
braking (straight ahead) traction 
tests and does not include corner-
ing (turning) traction.

■

Temperature A, B, C

The temperature grades are A 
(the highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to 
the generation of heat and its 
ability to dissipate heat when 
tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor labo-
ratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can 
cause the material of the tire to 
degenerate and reduce tire life, and 
excessive temperature can lead to 
sudden tire failure.

Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading

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8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

Grade 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 that 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 term

Meaning

Cold tire inflation 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 inflated pressure to 
which a tire may be inflated, shown on the 
sidewall of the tire

Recommended inflation pres-
sure

Cold tire inflation pressure recommended 
by a manufacturer

Accessory weight

The combined weight (in excess of those 
standard items which may be replaced) of 
automatic 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

510

8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

Maximum loaded vehicle 
weight

The sum of:

(a) Curb weight

(b) Accessory weight

(c) Vehicle capacity weight

(d) Production options weight

Normal occupant weight

150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occu-
pants specified in the second column of 

Table 1

*

 that follows

Occupant distribution

Distribution of occupants in a vehicle as 

specified in the third column of Table 1

*

 

below

Production options weight

The combined weight of installed regular 
production options weighing over 5 lb. (2.3 
kg) in excess of the standard items which 
they replace, not previously considered in 
curb weight or accessory weight, including 
heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, 
heavy duty battery, and special trim

Rim

A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube 
assembly upon which the tire beads are 
seated

Rim diameter (Wheel diame-
ter)

Nominal diameter of the bead seat

Rim size designation

Rim diameter and width

Rim type designation

The industry manufacturer’s designation 
for a rim by style or code

Rim width

Nominal distance between rim flanges

Vehicle capacity weight (Total 
load capacity)

The rated cargo and luggage load plus 150 
lb. (68 kg) times the vehicle’s designated 
seating capacity

Vehicle maximum load on the 
tire

The load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its share 
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight, 
and dividing by two

Tire related term

Meaning

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8

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 specificatio

ns

Vehicle normal load on the tire

The load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its share 
of curb weight, accessory weight, and nor-
mal occupant weight (distributed in accor-

dance with Table 1

*

 below), and dividing by 

two

Weather side

The surface area of the rim not covered by 
the inflated tire

Bead

The part of the tire that is made of steel 
wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords 
and that is shaped to fit the rim

Bead separation

A breakdown of the bond between compo-
nents in the bead

Bias ply tire

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that 
extend to the beads are laid at alternate 
angles substantially less than 90 degrees 
to the centerline of the tread

Carcass

The tire structure, except tread and side-
wall rubber which, when inflated, bears the 
load

Chunking

The breaking away of pieces of the tread 
or sidewall

Cord

The strands forming the plies in the tire

Cord separation

The parting of cords from adjacent rubber 
compounds

Cracking

Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or 
innerliner of the tire extending to cord 
material

CT

A pneumatic tire with an inverted flange 
tire and rim system in which the rim is 
designed with rim flanges pointed radially 
inward and the tire is designed to fit on the 
underside of the rim in a manner that 
encloses the rim flanges inside the air cav-
ity of the tire

Tire related term

Meaning

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8-1. Specifications

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Extra load tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads 
and at higher inflation pressures than the 
corresponding standard tire

Groove

The space between two adjacent tread ribs

Innerliner

The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a 
tubeless tire that contains the inflating 
medium within the tire

Innerliner separation

The parting of the innerliner from cord 
material in the carcass

Intended outboard sidewall

(a) The sidewall that contains a whitewall, 
bears white lettering, or bears manufac-
turer, brand, and/or model name molding 
that is higher or deeper than the same 
molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or

(b) The outward facing sidewall of an 
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side 
that must always face outward when 
mounted on a vehicle

Light truck (LT) tire

A tire designated by its manufacturer as 
primarily intended for use on lightweight 
trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles

Load rating

The maximum load that a tire is rated to 
carry for a given inflation pressure

Maximum load rating

The load rating for a tire at the maximum 
permissible inflation pressure for that tire

Maximum permissible inflation 
pressure

The maximum cold inflation pressure to 
which a tire may be inflated

Measuring rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical 
dimension requirements

Open splice

Any parting at any junction of tread, side-
wall, or innerliner that extends to cord 
material

Outer diameter

The overall diameter of an inflated new tire

Overall width

The linear distance between the exteriors 
of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including 
elevations due to labeling, decorations, or 
protective bands or ribs

Tire related term

Meaning

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8-1. Specifications

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Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

Passenger car tire

A tire intended for use on passenger cars, 
multipurpose passenger vehicles, and 
trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight 
rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lb. or less.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords

Ply separation

A parting of rubber compound between 
adjacent plies

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, 
chemicals, fabric and steel or other materi-
als, that, when mounted on an automotive 
wheel, provides the traction and contains 
the gas or fluid that sustains the load

Radial ply tire

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that 
extend to the beads are laid at substan-
tially 90 degrees to the centerline of the 
tread

Reinforced tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads 
and at higher inflation pressures than the 
corresponding standard tire

Section width

The linear distance between the exteriors 
of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, exclud-
ing elevations due to labeling, decoration, 
or protective bands

Sidewall

That portion of a tire between the tread 
and bead

Sidewall separation

The parting of the rubber compound from 
the cord material in the sidewall

Snow tire

A tire that attains a traction index equal to 
or greater than 110, compared to the 
ASTM E-1136 Standard Reference Test 
Tire, when using the snow traction test as 
described in ASTM F-1805-00, Standard 
Test Method for Single Wheel Driving Trac-
tion in a Straight Line on Snow-and 
Ice-Covered Surfaces, and which is 

marked with an Alpine Symbol (

) on at 

least one sidewall

Tire related term

Meaning

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8-1. Specifications

HIGHLANDER_U

*

: Table 1 -Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for var-

ious designated seating capacities

Test rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, 
and may be any rim listed as appropriate 
for use with that tire

Tread

That portion of a tire that comes into con-
tact with the road

Tread rib

A tread section running circumferentially 
around a tire

Tread separation

Pulling away of the tread from the tire car-
cass

Treadwear indicators (TWI)

The projections within the principal 
grooves designed to give a visual indica-
tion of the degrees of wear of the tread

Wheel-holding fixture

The fixture used to hold the wheel and tire 
assembly securely during testing

Tire related term

Meaning

Designated seating 

capacity, Number of 

occupants

Vehicle normal load, 

Number of occupants

Occupant distribution in 

a normally loaded vehi-

cle

2 through 4

2

2 in front

5 through 10

3

2 in front, 1 in second 

seat

11 through 15

5

2 in front, 1 in second 

seat, 1 in third seat, 1 in 

fourth seat

16 through 20

7

2 in front, 2 in second 

seat, 2 in third seat, 1 in 

fourth seat

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8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

8-2.Customization

■

Changing by using the navi-

gation/multimedia system

1

Press the “MENU” button.

2

Select “Setup” on the “Menu” 

screen.

3

Select “General” or “Vehicle” 

on the “Setup” screen.

Various setting can be changed. 

Refer to the list of settings that can 

be changed for details.

■

Changing by using the 

meter control switches



4.2-inch display

1

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch to select 

.

2

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch to select the 

desired item to be custom-

ized.

3

Press or press and hold 

.

The available settings will differ 
depending on if 

 is pressed or 

pressed and held. Follow the 

instructions on the display.



7-inch display

1

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch to select 

.

2

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch to select the 

desired item to be custom-

ized.

3

Press or press and hold 

.

The available settings will differ 
depending on if 

 is pressed or 

pressed and held. Follow the 

instructions on the display.

■

When customizing using the 

navigation/multimedia system

Stop the vehicle in a safe place, 

apply the parking brake, and shift 

the shift lever to P. Also, to prevent 

battery discharge, leave the engine 

running while customizing the fea-

tures.

Customizable features

Your vehicle includes a vari-

ety of electronic features 

that can be personalized to 

suit your preferences. The 

settings of these features 

can be changed using the 

multi-information display, 

the navigation/multimedia 

system, or at your Toyota 

dealer.

Customizing vehicle fea-

tures

WARNING

■

During customization

As the engine needs to be run-

ning during customization, ensure 

that the vehicle is parked in a 

place with adequate ventilation. In 

a closed area such as a garage, 

exhaust gases including harmful 

carbon monoxide (CO) may col-

lect and enter the vehicle. This 

may lead to death or a serious 

health hazard.

516

8-2. Customization

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Some function settings are changed simultaneously with other func-

tions being customized. Contact your Toyota dealer for further 

details.

Settings that can be changed using the navigation/multimedia 

system screen
Settings that can be changed using the meter control switches
Settings that can be changed by your Toyota dealer

Definition of symbols: O = Available, — = Not available

■

Gauges, meters and multi-information display (



P.74, 79, 82, 

91)

NOTICE

■

During customization

To prevent battery discharge, 

ensure that the engine is running 

while customizing features.

Customizable Features

Function

*1

Default setting Customized setting

Language

English

French

O O —

Spanish

Units

*2

miles (MPG)

km (km/L)

O O —

km (L/100 km)

miles (MPG Impe-

rial)

Eco Driving Indicator 

Light

On

Off

— O —

Fuel economy display

*3

Total average 

(Average fuel 

consumption 

[after reset])

Trip average (Aver-

age fuel consump-

tion [after start])

— O —

Tank average 

(Average fuel con-

sumption [after 

refuel])

517

8-2. Customization

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8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

*1

: For details about each function: 



P.89, 99

*2

: The default setting varies according to country.

*3

: 4.2-inch display

*4

: AWD  models

*5

: 7-inch display

*6

: Selecting this item will only change the gadget.

*7

: Selecting this item will turn the display of the gadget off.

Audio system linked dis-

play

*3

On

Off

—

O

—

AWD system display

*3, 4

On

Off

—

O

—

Drive information type

*3

After start

After reset

—

O

—

Drive information items 

(First item)

*3

Distance

Average vehicle 

speed

—

O

—

Elapsed time

Drive information items 

(Second item)

*3

Elapsed time

Average vehicle 

speed

—

O

—

Distance

Speedometer display

*5

On

Off

—

O

—

Gadget content

*5

Off

Average vehicle 

speed

—

O

—

Distance

Elapsed time

Fuel economy type

*5

Trip (after 

start)

*6

Total (after reset)

—

O

—

Tank (after refuel)

*7

Pop-up display

On

Off

—

O

—

Rear seat reminder 
function

On

Off

—

O

—

Suggestion function

On

On (when the vehi-

cle is stopped)

O

—

O

Off

Function

*1

Default setting Customized setting

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8-2. Customization

HIGHLANDER_U

■

Head-up Display

*

(



P.101)

*

: If equipped

■

Door lock (



P.115, 481)

Function

Default setting Customized setting

Head-up display

On

Off

—

O

—

Gauge information

Tachometer

Eco Driving Indica-

tor

—

O

—

No content

Route guidance to desti-
nation/street name

On

Off

—

O

—

Driving support system 
display

On

Off

—

O

—

Compass

On

Off

—

O

—

Audio system operation 
status

On

Off

—

O

—

Function

Default setting Customized setting

Unlocking using a 
mechanical key

Driver’s door 

unlocked in 

one step, all 

doors 

unlocked in 

two step

All doors unlocked 

in one step

—

—

O

Automatic door locking 
function

Shift position 

linked door 

locking opera-

tion

Off

O

—

O

Speed linked door 

locking operation

Automatic door unlock-
ing function

Shift position 

linked door 

unlocking 

operation

Off

O

—

O

Driver’s door linked 

door unlocking 

operation

519

8-2. Customization

HIGHLANDER_U

8

Vehicle

 specificatio

ns

■

Smart key system and wireless remote control (



P.115, 131)

■

Smart key system (



P.115, 131)

*

: This setting can be changed when the smart door unlocking setting is set 

to driver’s door.

Function

Default setting Customized setting

Operation buzzer vol-
ume

5

Off

O

—

O

1 to 7

Operation signal (emer-
gency flashers)

On

Off

O

—

O

Time elapsed before 
automatic door lock 
function is activated if 
door is not opened after 
being unlocked

60 seconds

Off

O

—

O

30 seconds

120 seconds

Open door reminder 
buzzer (when locking 
the vehicle)

On

Off

—

—

O

Function

Default setting Customized setting

Smart key system

On

Off

—

—

O

Smart door unlocking

Driver’s door

All the doors

O

—

O

Number of consecutive 
door lock operations

2 times

As many as 

desired

—

—

O

Time elapsed before 
unlocking all the door 
when gripping and hold-
ing the driver’s door 

handle

*

2 seconds

Off

—

—

O

1.5 seconds

2.5 seconds

520

8-2. Customization

HIGHLANDER_U

■

Wireless remote control (



P.113, 115, 119)

■

Power back door

*1

 (



P.119)

Function

Default setting Customized setting

Wireless remote control

On

Off

—

—

O

Unlocking operation

Driver’s door 

unlocked in 

one step, all 

doors 

unlocked in 

two step

All doors unlocked 

in one step

O

—

O

Theft deterrent panic 
mode

On

Off

—

—

O

Locking operation when 
door opened

On

Off

O

—

O

Function

Default setting Customized setting

Power back door

On

Off

—

O

—

Kick sensor

*1

On

Off

—

O

—

Power back door open-
ing position

5

1 to 4

—

O

—

User setting

*2

Buzzer volume

Level 3

Level 1

—

O

—

Level 2

Opening/closing of the 
back door using the 
power back door switch 
on the instrument panel

Press and hold

One short press

—

—

O

Opening/closing of the 
power back door using 

the 

 switch of the 

wireless remote control

Press and hold

One short press

—

—

O

Push twice

Off