Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english - page 24

384

6-1. Maintenance and care



Remove dirt and dust using a 
vacuum cleaner.



Wipe off any excess dirt and 
dust with a soft cloth damp-
ened with diluted detergent.

Use a diluted water solution of 
approximately 5% neutral wool 
detergent.



Wring out any excess water 
from the cloth and thoroughly 
wipe off all remaining traces 
of detergent.



Wipe the surface with a dry, 
soft cloth to remove any 
remaining moisture. Allow the 
leather to dry in a shaded and 
ventilated area.

■

Caring for leather areas

Toyota recommends cleaning the 

interior of the vehicle at least twice a 

year to maintain the quality of the 

vehicle’s interior.

NOTICE

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solu-

tions, such as thinner, benzene, 

and alcohol

●

Do not use polish wax or polish 

cleaner. The instrument panel’s 

or other interior part’s painted 

surface may be damaged.

■

Preventing damage to leather 

surfaces

Observe the following precautions 

to avoid damage to and deteriora-

tion of leather surfaces:

●

Remove any dust or dirt from 

leather surfaces immediately.

●

Do not expose the vehicle to 

direct sunlight for extended peri-

ods of time. Park the vehicle in 

the shade, especially during 

summer.

●

Do not place items made of 

vinyl, plastic, or containing wax 

on the upholstery, as they may 

stick to the leather surface if the 

vehicle interior heats up signifi-

cantly.

■

Water on the floor

Do not wash the vehicle floor with 

water.

Vehicle systems such as the 

audio system may be damaged if 

water comes into contact with 

electrical components such as the 

audio system above or under the 

floor of the vehicle. Water may 

also cause the body to rust.

■

When cleaning the inside of 

the windshield

Do not allow glass cleaner to con-

tact the lens. Also, do not touch 

the lens. (



P.237)

■

Cleaning the inside of the rear 

window

●

Do not use glass cleaner to 

clean the rear window, as this 

may cause damage to the rear 

window defogger heater wires 

or antenna. Use a cloth damp-

ened with lukewarm water to 

gently wipe the window clean. 

Wipe the window in strokes run-

ning parallel to the heater wires 

or antenna.

●

Be careful not to scratch or 

damage the heater wires or 

antenna.

Cleaning the leather areas

385

6-1. Maintenance and care

6

Maintena

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

Remove dirt and dust using a 
vacuum cleaner.



Wipe it off with a soft cloth 
dampened with neutral deter-
gent diluted to approximately 
1%.



Wring out any excess water 
from the cloth and thoroughly 
wipe off remaining traces of 
detergent and water.

Cleaning the synthetic 
leather areas

386

6-2. Maintenance

6-2.Maintenance

■

Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine 

Toyota parts be used for repairs to 

ensure performance of each sys-

tem. If non-Toyota parts are used in 

replacement or if a repair shop other 

than a Toyota dealer performs 

repairs, confirm the warranty cover-

age.

■

Allow inspection and repairs to 

be performed by a Toyota 

dealer

●

Toyota technicians are 

well-trained specialists and are 

kept up to date with the latest ser-

vice information. They are well 

informed about the operation of all 

systems on your vehicle.

●

Keep a copy of the repair order. It 

proves that the maintenance that 

has been performed is under war-

ranty coverage. If any problem 

should arise while your vehicle is 

under warranty, your Toyota 

dealer will promptly take care of it.

General maintenance should be 
performed on a daily basis. This 
can be done by yourself or by a 
Toyota dealer.

Scheduled maintenance should 
be performed at specified inter-
vals according to the mainte-
nance schedule.

For details about maintenance 
items and schedules, refer to the 
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or 
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Maintenance require-

ments

To ensure safe and econom-
ical driving, day-to-day care 
and regular maintenance 
are essential. It is the 
owner’s responsibility to 
perform regular checks. 
Toyota recommends the fol-
lowing maintenance:

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly 

maintained

Improper maintenance could 

result in serious damage to the 

vehicle and possible death or seri-

ous injury.

■

Handling of the 12-volt bat-

tery

●

Engine exhaust, some of its 

constituents, and a wide variety 

of automobile components con-

tain or emit chemicals known to 

the State of California to cause 

cancer and birth defects and 

other reproductive harm. Work 

in a well ventilated area.

●

Oils, fuels and fluids contained 

in vehicles as well as waste pro-

duced by component wear con-

tain or emit chemicals known to 

the State of California to cause 

cancer and birth defects or 

other reproductive harm. Avoid 

exposure and wash any 

affected area immediately.

●

12-volt battery posts, terminals 

and related accessories con-

tain lead and lead compounds 

which are known to cause brain 

damage. Wash your hands after 

handling. (



P.402)

General maintenance

Scheduled maintenance

387

6-2. Maintenance

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■

Resetting the message indicat-

ing maintenance is required

After the required maintenance is 

preformed according to the mainte-

nance schedule, please reset the 

message.To reset the message, fol-

low the procedures described 

below:



7-inch display

1

Select 

 of the multi-informa-

tion display.

2

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select 

 and 

then press and hold 

 .

3

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select “Scheduled 

Maintenance” and then press 

 .

4

Select “Yes” and press 

.

5

A message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display 

when the reset procedure has 

been completed.



12.3-inch display

1

Select 

 of the multi-informa-

tion display.

2

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select 

 and 

then press and hold 

 .

3

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select “Scheduled 

Maintenance” and then press 

 .

4

Select “Yes” and press 

.

5

A message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display 

when the reset procedure has 

been completed.

You can perform some mainte-
nance procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-your-
self maintenance may affect 
warranty coverage.

The use of Toyota Repair Manuals 
is recommended.
For details about warranty cover-
age, refer to the separate “Owner’s 
Warranty Information Booklet” or 
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Do-it-yourself mainte-
nance

388

6-2. Maintenance

General maintenance

Listed below are the general 
maintenance items that 
should be performed at the 
intervals specified in the 
“Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s 
Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It 
is recommended that any 
problem you notice should 
be brought to the attention 
of your Toyota dealer or 
qualified service shop for 
advice.

WARNING

■

If the hybrid system is operat-

ing

Turn the hybrid system off and 

ensure that there is adequate 

ventilation before performing 

maintenance checks.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at 
the correct level? 
(



P.400)

Engine/power 
control unit 
coolant

Is the 
engine/power con-
trol unit coolant at 
the correct level? 
(



P.399)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at 
the correct level? 
(



P.396)

Exhaust sys-
tem

There should not 
be any fumes or 
strange sounds.

Radiator/con-
denser

The radiator and 
condenser should 
be free from for-
eign objects. 
(



P.400)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient 
washer fluid? 
(



P.401)

Luggage compartment

Items

Check points

12-volt battery

Check the connec-
tions. (



P.402)

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator 
pedal

• The accelerator 

pedal should 
move smoothly 
(without uneven 
pedal effort or 
catching).

Hybrid trans-
mission “Park” 
mechanism

• When parked on 

a slope and the 
shift lever is in P, 
is the vehicle 
securely 
stopped?

Items

Check points

389

6-2. Maintenance

6

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Brake pedal

• Does the brake 

pedal move 
smoothly?

• Does the brake 

pedal have 
appropriate 
clearance from 
the floor? 
(



P.495)

• Does the brake 

pedal have the 
correct amount 
of free play? 
(



P.495)

Brakes

• The vehicle 

should not pull to 
one side when 
the brakes are 
applied.

• The brakes 

should work 
effectively.

• The brake pedal 

should not feel 
spongy.

• The brake pedal 

should not get 
too close to the 
floor when the 
brakes are 
applied.

Head 
restraints

• Do the head 

restraints move 
smoothly and 
lock securely?

Horn

• Works properly?

Indica-
tors/buzzers

• Do the indica-

tors and buzzers 
function prop-
erly?

Items

Check points

Lights

• Do all the lights 

come on?

• Are the head-

lights aimed cor-
rectly? (



P.427)

Parking brake

• Does the park-

ing brake switch 
operate nor-
mally?

• When parked on 

a slope and the 
parking brake is 
on, is the vehicle 
securely 
stopped?

Seat belts

• Do the seat belts 

operate 
smoothly?

• The seat belts 

should not be 
damaged.

Seats

• Do the seat con-

trols operate 
properly?

Steering wheel

• Does the steer-

ing wheel rotate 
smoothly?

• Does the steer-

ing wheel have 
the correct 
amount of free 
play?

• There should not 

be any strange 
sounds coming 
from the steer-
ing wheel.

Items

Check points

390

6-2. Maintenance

The OBD system determines 
that a problem exists some-
where in the emission control 
system. Your vehicle may not 
pass the I/M test and may need 
to be repaired. Contact your 
Toyota dealer to service the 
vehicle.



When the 12-volt battery is 
disconnected or discharged

Readiness codes that are set 
during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving 
habits, the readiness codes may 
not be completely set.



When the fuel tank cap is 
loose

Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors

• Do the doors 

operate 
smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine 

hood lock system 
work properly?

Fluid leaks

• There should not 

be any signs of 
fluid leakage 
after the vehicle 
has been parked.

Tires

• Is the tire infla-

tion pressure 
correct?

• The tires should 

not be damaged 
or excessively 
worn.

• Have the tires 

been rotated 
according to the 
maintenance 
schedule?

• The wheel nuts 

should not be 
loose.

Windshield 
wipers/rear 
window wiper

• The wiper blades 

should not show 
any signs of 
cracking, split-
ting, wear, con-
tamination or 
deformation.

• The wiper blades 

should clear the 
windshield/rear 
window without 
streaking or skip-
ping.

Emission inspection 

and maintenance (I/M) 

programs

Some states have vehicle 
emission inspection pro-
grams which include OBD 
(On Board Diagnostics) 
checks. The OBD system 
monitors the operation of 
the emission control sys-
tem.

If the malfunction indica-
tor lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass 
the I/M test in the follow-
ing situations:

391

6-2. Maintenance

6

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The malfunction indicator lamp 
comes on indicating a temporary 
malfunction and your vehicle may 
not pass the I/M test.

The error code in the OBD sys-
tem will not be cleared unless 
the vehicle is driven 40 or more 
times.

Contact your Toyota dealer to 
prepare the vehicle for re-test-
ing.

When the malfunction 
indicator lamp still 
remains on after several 
driving trips

If your vehicle does not 
pass the I/M test

392

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6-3.Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service 

precautions

If you perform maintenance 
by yourself, be sure to fol-
low the correct procedure 
as given in these sections.

Maintenance

Items

Parts and tools

12-volt battery 
condition 
(



P.402)

• Grease
• Conventional 

wrench (for ter-
minal clamp 
bolts)

Brake fluid 
level (



P.400)

• FMVSS No.116 

DOT 3 or SAE 
J1703 brake fluid

• Rag or paper 

towel

• Funnel (used 

only for adding 
brake fluid)

Engine/power 
control unit 
coolant level 
(



P.399)

• “Toyota Super 

Long Life Cool-
ant” or a similar 
high quality eth-
ylene gly-
col-based 
non-silicate, 
non-amine, 
non-nitrite and 
non-borate cool-
ant with long-life 
hybrid organic 
acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super 
Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed 
with 50% cool-
ant and 50% 
deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super 
Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed 
with 55% cool-
ant and 45% 
deionized water.

• Funnel (used 

only for adding 
coolant)

Engine oil level 
(



P.396)

• “Toyota Genuine 

Motor Oil” or 
equivalent

• Rag or paper 

towel

• Funnel (used 

only for adding 
engine oil)

Fuses 
(



P.425)

• Fuse with same 

amperage rating 
as original

Items

Parts and tools

393

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Hybrid battery 
(traction bat-
tery) air intake 
vent (



P.420)

• Vacuum cleaner, 

etc.

• Phillips screw-

driver

Headlight aim 
(



P.427)

• Phillips-head 

screwdriver

Light bulbs 
(



P.428)

• Bulb with same 

number and 
wattage rating as 
original

• Phillips-head 

screwdriver

• Flathead screw-

driver

• Wrench

Radiator and 
condenser 
(



P.400)



Tire inflation 
pressure 
(



P.415)

• Tire pressure 

gauge

• Compressed air 

source

Washer fluid 
(



P.401)

• Water or washer 

fluid containing 
antifreeze (for 
winter use)

• Funnel (used 

only for adding 
water or washer 
fluid)

WARNING

The engine compartment contains 

many mechanisms and fluids that 

may move suddenly, become hot, 

or become electrically energized. 

To avoid death or serious injury, 

observe the following precautions.

Items

Parts and tools

■

When working on the engine 

compartment

●

Make sure that the “ACCES-

SORY” or “IGNITION ON” on 

the multi-information display 

and the “READY” indicator are 

both off.

●

Be careful not to touch the 

engine, power control unit, radi-

ator, exhaust manifold, etc. right 

after driving as they may be hot. 

Oil and other fluids may also be 

hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may 

burn easily, such as paper and 

rags, in the engine compart-

ment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or 

expose an open flame to fuel. 

Fuel fumes are flammable.

■

When working near the elec-

tric cooling fan or radiator 

grille

Be sure the power switch is off.

With the power switch in ON, the 

electric cooling fan may automati-

cally start to run if the air condi-

tioning is on and/or the coolant 

temperature is high. (



P.400)

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent 

flying or falling material, fluid 

spray, etc. from getting in your 

eyes.

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner 

filter

Driving with the air cleaner filter 

removed may cause excessive 

engine wear due to dirt in the air.

394

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

1

Pull the hood lock release 
lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

2

Pull up the auxiliary catch 
lever and lift the hood.

3

Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the support rod into the 
slot.

Hood

Opening the hood

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed 

and locked.

If the hood is not locked properly, 

it may open while the vehicle is in 

motion and cause an accident, 

which may result in death or seri-

ous injury.

■

To prevent a injuries

The support rod may be hot after 

driving the vehicle. Touching the 

hot support rod may lead to burns 

or other serious injuries.

■

After installing the support 

rod into the slot

Make sure the rod supports the 

hood securely preventing it from 

falling down onto your head or 

body.

NOTICE

■

When closing the hood

Be sure to return the support rod 

to its clip before closing the hood. 

Closing the hood with the support 

rod not clipped could cause the 

hood to bend.

395

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

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■

Front

■

Rear

Positioning a floor 

jack

When using a floor jack, fol-
low the instructions in the 
manual provided with the 
jack and perform the opera-
tion safely.
When raising your vehicle 
with a floor jack, position 
the jack correctly. Improper 
placement may damage 
your vehicle or cause injury.

Location of the jack point

396

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Engine coolant reservoir (



P.399)

Fuse boxes (



P.425)

Engine oil filler cap (



P.397)

Engine oil level dipstick (



P.397)

Brake fluid reservoir (



P.400)

Washer fluid tank (



P.401)

Electric cooling fan
Condenser (



P.400)

Radiator (



P.400)

Power control unit coolant reservoir (



P.399)

■

12-volt battery



P.402

With the engine at operating 
temperature and turned off, 
check the oil level on the dip-

Engine compartment

Components

Checking and adding the 
engine oil

397

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

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stick.

■

Checking the engine oil

1

Park the vehicle on level 
ground. After warming up the 
engine and turning off the 
hybrid system, wait more 
than 5 minutes for the oil to 
drain back into the bottom of 
the engine.

2

Holding a rag under the end, 
pull the dipstick out.

3

Wipe the dipstick clean.

4

Reinsert the dipstick fully.

5

Holding a rag under the end, 
pull the dipstick out and 
check the oil level.

Low
Normal
Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may differ 

depending on the type of vehicle or 

engine.

6

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert 
it fully.

■

Checking the oil type and 
preparing the item needed

Make sure to check the oil type 
and prepare the items needed 
before adding oil.



Engine oil selection



P.492



Oil quantity (Low 



 Full)

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)



Item
Clean funnel

■

Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near 
the low level mark, add engine 
oil of the same type as that 
already in the engine.

1

Remove the oil filler cap by 
turning it counterclockwise.

2

Add engine oil slowly, check-
ing the dipstick.

3

Install the oil filler cap by 
turning it clockwise.

■

Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will 

398

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

be consumed while driving. In the 

following situations, oil consump-

tion may increase, and engine oil 

may need to be refilled in between 

oil maintenance intervals.

●

When the engine is new, for 

example directly after purchasing 

the vehicle or after replacing the 

engine

●

If low quality oil or oil of an inap-

propriate viscosity is used

●

When driving at high engine 

speeds or with a heavy load, 

when towing, or when driving 

while accelerating or decelerating 

frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for 

a long time, or when driving fre-

quently through heavy traffic

■

If the oil is spilled on the engine 

cover

To prevent the engine cover from 

being damaged, remove any engine 

oil from the engine cover as soon as 

possible using a neutral detergent. 

Do not use an organic solvent such 

as brake cleaner.

■

After changing the engine oil

The engine oil maintenance data 

should be reset. Perform the follow-

ing procedures:



7-inch display

1

Select 

 of the multi-informa-

tion display.

2

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select 

 and 

then press and hold 

 .

3

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select “Oil Mainte-
nance” and then press 

 .

4

Select “Yes” and press 

.

5

A message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display 

when the reset procedure has 

been completed.



12.3-inch display

1

Select 

 of the multi-informa-

tion display.

2

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select 

 and 

then press and hold 

 .

3

Press 

 or 

 of the meter 

control switch, select “Oil Mainte-
nance” and then press 

 .

4

Select “Yes” and press 

.

5

A message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display 

when the reset procedure has 

been completed.

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used engine oil contains poten-

tially harmful contaminants 

which may cause skin disorders 

such as inflammation and skin 

cancer, so care should be taken 

to avoid prolonged and 

repeated contact. To remove 

used engine oil from your skin, 

wash thoroughly with soap and 

water.

●

Dispose of used oil and filters 

only in a safe and acceptable 

manner. Do not dispose of used 

oil and filters in household trash, 

in sewers or onto the ground.

Call your Toyota dealer, service 

station or auto parts store for 

information concerning recy-

cling or disposal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil 

within the reach of children.

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine 

damage

Check the oil level on a regular 

basis.

399

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Maintena

nce
 a

nd ca

re

■

Engine coolant reservoir

The coolant level is satisfactory 
if it is between the “FULL” and 
“LOW” lines on the reservoir 
when the engine is cold.

Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the “LOW” 
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” 
line. (



P.484)

■

Power control unit coolant 
reservoir

The coolant level is satisfactory 
if it is between the “FULL” and 
“LOW” lines on the reservoir 
when the hybrid system is cold.

Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the “LOW” 
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” 
line. (



P.484)

■

Coolant selection

Only use “Toyota Super Long Life 

Coolant” or a similar high quality 

ethylene glycol based non-silicate, 

non-amine, non-nitrite, and 

non-borate coolant with long-life 

hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is 

a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% 

deionized water. (Minimum tem-

perature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is 

a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% 

deionized water. (Minimum tem-

perature: -44°F [-42°C])

NOTICE

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

Be careful not to spill engine oil 

on the vehicle components.

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine 

could be damaged.

●

Check the oil level on the dip-

stick every time you refill the 

vehicle.

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap 

is properly tightened.

■

If oil is spilled on the engine 

cover

To prevent the engine cover from 

being damaged, remove any 

engine oil from the engine cover 

as soon as possible using a neu-

tral detergent. Do not use an 

organic solvent such as brake 

cleaner.

Checking the coolant