Toyota Highlander (2022 year). Manual in english - page 28

449

7-1. Essential information

7

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more, or press it briefly 3 
times or more in succession.

5

Stop the vehicle in a safe 
place by the road.



If the door can be opened, 
open the door and exit the 
vehicle.



If the door can not be opened, 
open the window using the 
power window switch and 
ensure an escape route.



If the window can be opened, 
exit the vehicle through the 
window.



If the door and window cannot 
be opened due to the rising 
water, remain calm, wait until 
the water level inside the 
vehicle rises to the point that 
the water pressure inside of 
the vehicle equals the water 
pressure outside of the vehi-
cle and then open the door 
after waiting for the rising 
water to enter the vehicle, and 
exit the vehicle. When the 

WARNING

■

If the engine has to be turned 

off while driving

Power assist for the brakes and 

steering wheel will be lost, making 

the brake pedal harder to depress 

and the steering wheel heavier to 

turn. Decelerate as much as pos-

sible before turning off the engine.

If the vehicle is sub-

merged or water on 

the road is rising

This vehicle is not designed 
to be able to drive on roads 
that are deeply flooded with 
water. Do not drive on roads 
where the roads may be 
submerged or the water 
may be rising. It is danger-
ous to remain in the vehicle, 
if it anticipated that the vehi-
cle will be flooded or set a 
drift. Remain calm and fol-
low the following.

450

7-1. Essential information

outside water level exceeds 
half the height of the door, the 
door cannot be opened from 
the inside due to water pres-
sure.

■

Water level exceeds the floor

When the water level exceeds the 

floor and time has passed, the elec-

trical equipment will get damaged, 

the power windows will not operate, 

the engine stop, and the vehicle 

may not be able to get moving.

■

Using an emergency escape 
hammer

*1

Laminated glass

*2

 is used in the 

windshield and the windows on this 

vehicle.

Laminated glass cannot be shat-
tered with an emergency hammer

*1

.

*1

:Contact your Toyota dealer or 

aftermarket accessory manufac-
turer for further information about 
an emergency hammer.

*2

:If equipped

■

How to distinguish laminated 

glass

When looking from the cross-sec-

tional view point, laminated glass is 

two sheets of glass pasted together.

Laminated glass
Tempered glass

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

Do not drive on roads where the 

roads may be submerged or the 

water may be rising. Otherwise 

the vehicle may be damaged and 

cannot move, as well as become 

flooded and set a drift, which may 

lead to death.

451

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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7-2.Steps to take in an emergency

If your vehicle needs 

to be towed

If towing is necessary, we 
recommend having your 
vehicle towed by your Toy-
ota dealer or commercial 
towing service, using a 
wheel-lift type truck or flat-
bed truck.

Use a safety chain system 
for all towing, and abide by 
all state/provincial and local 
laws.

If towing your vehicle with a 
wheel-lift type truck from 
the front, the vehicle’s rear 
wheels and axles must be in 
good conditions. (



P.453)

If they are damaged, use a 
towing dolly or flatbed 
truck.

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may result in 

death or serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle



2WD models

Be sure to transport the vehicle 

with the front wheels raised or 

with all four wheels raised off the 

ground. If the vehicle is towed 

with the front wheels contacting 

the ground, the drivetrain and 

related parts may be damaged.



AWD models

Be sure to transport the vehicle 

with all four wheels raised off the 

ground. If the vehicle is towed 

with the tires contacting the 

ground, the drivetrain or related 

parts may be damaged, the vehi-

cle may fly off the truck.

452

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

The following may indicate a 
problem with your transmission. 
Contact your Toyota dealer or 
commercial towing service 
before towing.



The engine is running but the 
vehicle does not move.



The vehicle makes an abnor-
mal sound.

WARNING

■

While towing

When towing using cables or 

chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. 

which place excessive stress on 

the towing eyelets, cables or 

chains. The towing eyelets, 

cables or chains may become 

damaged, broken debris may hit 

people, and cause serious dam-

age.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the 

vehicle when towing using a 

wheel-lift type truck

When raising the vehicle, ensure 

adequate ground clearance for 

towing at the opposite end of the 

raised vehicle. Without adequate 

clearance, the vehicle could be 

damaged while being towed.

■

To prevent damage to the 

vehicle when towing with a 

sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck, 

either from the front or rear.

■

To prevent damage to the 

vehicle during emergency 

towing

Do not secure cables or chains to 

the suspension components.

■

When towing a vehicle 

equipped with a Stop & Start 

system (if equipped)

If it is necessary to tow the vehicle 

with all 4 wheels on the ground, 

perform the following procedure 

before towing the vehicle, in order 

to protect the system.

Turn the engine switch off and 

then start the engine or turn the 

engine switch to ON.

■

Recreational towing (behind 

motor home, etc.)

Never dinghy tow your vehicle to 

prevent causing serious damage 

to the Dynamic Torque Control 

AWD system (AWD models) or 

Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD 

system (AWD models) and trans-

mission. (



P.201)   

Situations when it is nec-
essary to contact dealers 
before towing

453

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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

From the front (2WD models)

Release the parking brake.

Turn automatic mode off. (



P.211)



From the front (AWD models)

Use a towing dolly under the 
rear wheels.



From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the 
front wheels.

When using a flat-bed truck to 
transport the vehicle, use tire 
strapping belts. Refer to the 
owner's manual of the flat-bed 
truck for the tire strapping 
method.
In order to suppress vehicle 
movement during transporta-
tion, set the parking brake and 
turn the engine switch off.

A driver must be in the vehicle to 
steer and operate the brakes. 
The vehicle’s wheels, drive train, 
axles, steering and brakes must 

Towing with a wheel-lift 
type truck

NOTICE

■

Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck 

to prevent body damage.



2WD models



AWD models

Using a flatbed truck

Emergency towing

454

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

be in good condition.



Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air 
conditioning after use is nor-
mal.)



Flat-looking tires or uneven 
tire wear



Engine coolant temperature 
gauge needle continually 
points higher than normal



Changes in exhaust sound



Excessive tire squeal when 
cornering



Strange noises related to the 
suspension system



Pinging or other noises 
related to the engine



Engine missing, stumbling or 
running roughly



Appreciable loss of power



Vehicle pulls heavily to one 

If you think something 

is wrong

If you notice any of the fol-
lowing symptoms, your 
vehicle probably needs 
adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer as 
soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

455

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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side when braking



Vehicle pulls heavily to one 
side when driving on a level 
road



Loss of brake effectiveness, 
spongy feeling, pedal almost 
touches the floor

Follow the procedure below to 
restart the engine after the sys-
tem is activated.

1

Turn the engine switch to 
ACC or turn it OFF.

2

Restart the engine.

Fuel pump shut off 

system

To minimize the risk of fuel 
leakage when the engine 
stalls or when an airbag 
inflates upon collision, the 
fuel pump shut off system 
stops the supply of fuel to 
the engine.

Restarting the engine

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the 

vehicle.

If you find that fuel has leaked 

onto the ground, the fuel system 

has been damaged and is in need 

of repair. Do not restart the 

engine.

456

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

Brake system warning light

■

Brake system warning light

■

High coolant temperature warning light

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer 

sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning 
lights comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but 
then goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction 
in the system. However, if this continues to occur, have the 
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

or

(red)

(Canada)

Indicates that:



The brake fluid level is low; or



The brake system is malfunctioning



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(yellow)

Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method (



P.494)

457

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

Charging system warning light

■

Low engine oil pressure warning light

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Malfunction indicator lamp

■

SRS warning light

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

or

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:



The electronic engine control system;



The electronic throttle control system; or



The electronic automatic transmission control system



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:



The SRS airbag system;



The front passenger occupant classification system; or



The seat belt pretensioner system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

458

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

ABS warning light

■

Brake Override System warning light/Drive-Start Control 
warning light

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Electric power steering system warning light (warning 
buzzer)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

or

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:



The ABS; or



The brake assist system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

When a buzzer sounds:



Brake Override System is malfunctioning;



Drive-Start Control is operating;



Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning; or



Parking Support Brake function (for static objects) (if 
equipped) is operating



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.

When a buzzer does not sound:
Brake Override System is operating



Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake 
pedal.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(red/yellow)

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

459

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

Low fuel level warning light

■

Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warn-
ing buzzer)

*

*

: Driver’s seat belt warning buzzer:

The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or 
her seat belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to ON, the 
buzzer sounds. If the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds inter-
mittently for a certain period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain 
speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front 
passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfas-
tened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time after the 
vehicle reaches a certain speed.

■

Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light

*1

 (warning buzzer)

*2

*1

:This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

*2

:Rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer:

The rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the rear pas-
senger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfas-
tened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time, after the 

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.7 gal. (10.2 
L, 2.2 Imp. gal.) or less



Refuel the vehicle.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat 
belts



Fasten the seat belt. 
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front 
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to 
make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Warns the second and/or third seat passengers to fasten 
their seat belts. An indicator corresponding to an unfas-
tened second or third seat seat belt will illuminate.



Fasten the seat belt.

460

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

seat belt is fastened and unfastened and the vehicle reaches a certain 
speed.

■

Tire pressure warning light

■

LTA indicator

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Stop & Start cancel indicator

*

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

Warning light

Details/Actions

When the light comes on after blinking for approximately 1 
minute:
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system



Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer.

When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as



Natural causes



Flat tire



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method (



P.464)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(orange)

Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.256)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes)

(if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the Stop & Start system
(The Stop & Start cancel indicator will come on when the 
system is canceled: 



P.273)



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

461

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

Intuitive parking assist OFF indicator (warning buzzer)

■

RCTA OFF indicator

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

PKSB OFF indicator (warning buzzer)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes)

(if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the intuitive parking assist func-
tion



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possi-
bly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.287)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes)

(if equipped)

When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic 
Alert) function



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sensor is 
covered with dirt, etc. (



P.280)



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.294)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes)

(if equipped)

When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB (Parking Support 
Brake) system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possi-
bly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.305, 467)

462

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

PCS warning light

■

Slip indicator

Warning light

Details/Actions

(flashes or illu-

minates)

When a buzzer sounds simultaneously:
Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Colli-
sion System).



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound:
The PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become temporarily 
unavailable, corrective action may be necessary.



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.229, 469)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability 
Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illu-
minate.



P.245

Warning light

Details/Actions

When the warning light is illuminated:
Indicates a malfunction in:



The VSC system;



The TRAC system;



The Trailer Sway Control; or



The hill-start assist control system;



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.

When the warning light flashes:
Indicates that the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control sys-
tem is operating

463

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

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), 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.34)

■

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 

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.

464

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

dealer as soon as possible.

■

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.471

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.424)

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.420

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.