Toyota Highlander 2012 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before driving

When driving

Interior

features

Maintenance

and care

When trouble

arises

Vehicle

specifications

Adjusting and operating features such as door locks, mirrors, and steering column.

Driving, stopping and safe-driving information.

Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other interior features for a comfortable driving experience.

Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-ityourself maintenance, and maintenance information.

What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat tire, or is involved in an accident.

Detailed vehicle information.

For owners

Index

Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners

Alphabetical listing of information contained in this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

Before driving

1-1. Key information

Keys..................................... 32

1-6. Theft deterrent system

Engine immobilizer

system.............................. 113

Alarm.................................. 116

Theft prevention labels

(U.S.A.)............................. 120

1-2. Opening, closing and

locking the doors

Smart key system................. 35

Wireless remote control ....... 48

Side doors............................ 54

Back door............................. 60

Glass hatch.......................... 70

1-3. Adjustable components

(seats, mirrors, steering wheel)

Front seats........................... 74

Rear seats............................ 77

Head restraints..................... 85

Seat belts............................. 88

Steering wheel ..................... 94

Anti-glare inside rear

view mirror.......................... 95

Outside rear view mirrors..... 98

1-4. Opening and closing the

windows and moon roof

Power windows .................. 101

Moon roof........................... 104

1-5. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank

cap ................................... 109

1-7. Safety information

Correct driving posture....... 121

SRS airbags ....................... 123

Front passenger occupant

classification system......... 135

Child restraint systems ....... 142

Installing child restraints ..... 147

When driving

2-1. Driving procedures

Driving the vehicle.............. 160

Engine (ignition) switch

(vehicles with smart

key system) ...................... 170

Engine (ignition) switch

(vehicles without smart

key system) ...................... 174

Automatic transmission ...... 177

Turn signal lever................. 182

Parking brake ..................... 183

Horn.................................... 184

2-2. Instrument cluster

Gauges and meters............ 185

Indicators and warning

lights................................. 187

Multi-information display..... 191

2-3. Operating the lights and

wipers

Headlight switch.................. 200

Fog light switch................... 206

Windshield wipers and

washer.............................. 208

Rear window wiper and

washer.............................. 212

2-4. Using other driving

systems

Cruise control...................... 215

Rear view monitor

system .............................. 219

Driving assist systems ........ 223

Hill-start assist control......... 228

Downhill assist control

system (4WD models) ...... 230

2-5. Driving information

Off-road precautions........... 233

Cargo and luggage ............. 238

Vehicle load limits............... 242

Winter driving tips ............... 243

Trailer towing ...................... 247

Dinghy towing ..................... 265

Interior features

3-1. Using the air conditioning

system and defogger

Front manual air

conditioning system.......... 268

Front automatic air

conditioning system.......... 275

Rear manual air

conditioning system.......... 283

Rear automatic air

conditioning system.......... 286

Rear window and

outside rear view

mirror defoggers............... 289

Windshield wiper de-icer.... 291

Using the steering wheel

climate remote control

switches ........................... 292

3-2. Using the audio system

Audio system...................... 293

Using the radio................... 297

Using the CD player........... 304

Playing back MP3 and

WMA discs....................... 312

Operating an iPod .............. 320

Operating a USB

memory............................ 327

Optimal use of the audio

system.............................. 335

Using the AUX port............. 339

Using the steering wheel

audio switches.................. 341

Detachable pole

antenna............................ 344

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

3-3. Using the Bluetooth® audio

system

Blue Using the Bluetooth

audio system.... 347

tooth

audio system.................... 350

Operating a Bluetooth

enabled portable player ... 355

Setting up a Bluetooth

enabled portable player ... 357

Bluetooth

audio system

setup ................................ 362

3-4. Using the hands-free

phone system (for cellular phone)

Hands-free phone system

(for cellular phone)

features............................ 363

Using the hands-free

phone system................... 367

Making a phone call........... 376

Setting a cellular phone...... 380

Security and system

setup ................................ 385

Using the phone book........ 389

3-6. Using the storage features

List of storage features....... 399

• Glove box ......................... 400

• Console box ..................... 401

• Overhead console ............ 402

• Cup holders...................... 403

• Bottle holders ................... 407

• Auxiliary boxes ................. 408

• Side table ......................... 410

3-7. Other interior features

Sun visors........................... 412

Vanity mirrors ..................... 413

Clock................................... 414

Conversation mirror............ 415

Power outlets...................... 416

Seat heaters....................... 420

Armrests............................. 422

Floor mat ............................ 423

Luggage compartment

features ............................ 424

Garage door opener........... 429

Compass ............................ 435

3-5. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list ................. 396

• P

ersonal/interior light

main switch ...................... 397

• Personal/interior lights...... 397

• Interior light ...................... 398

Maintenance and care

When trouble arises

4-1. Maintenance and care

Cleaning and protecting

the vehicle exterior............ 440

Cleaning and protecting

the vehicle interior............. 443

4-2. Maintenance

Maintenance

requirements..................... 446

General maintenance.......... 449

Emission inspection and

maintenance (I/M)

programs........................... 452

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service

precautions....................... 453

Hood ................................... 457

Positioning a floor jack........ 459

Engine compartment........... 463

Tires.................................... 478

Tire inflation pressure ......... 487

Wheels................................ 490

Air conditioning filter............ 493

Wireless remote control/

electronic key battery........ 496

Checking and replacing

fuses................................. 499

Light bulbs........................... 510

5-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers............ 518

If your vehicle needs to

be towed........................... 519

If you think something

is wrong............................ 526

Fuel pump shut off

system.............................. 527

5-2. Steps to take in an

emergency

If a warning light turns on

or a warning buzzer

sounds... .......................... 528

If a warning message is

displayed.......................... 539

If you have a flat tire........... 540

If the engine will not start.... 554

If the shift lever cannot be

shifted from P................... 556

If you lose your keys/

wireless remote control

transmitter........................ 557

If the electronic key does

not operate properly......... 558

If the battery is

discharged........................ 560

If your vehicle overheats .... 564

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

If the vehicle becomes

stuck................................. 567

If your vehicle has to

be stopped in an

emergency ....................... 569

Vehicle specifications

6-1. Specifications

Maintenance data

(fuel, oil level, etc.)........... 572

Fuel information ................. 587

Tire information.................. 590

6-2. Customization

Customizable features ....... 602

6-3. Initialization

Items to initialize................. 606

Index

Abbreviation list........................ 622

Alphabetical index .................... 624

What to do if... .......................... 633

For owners

Reporting safety defects

for U.S. owners ................ 608

Seat belt instructions

for Canadian owners

(in French)........................ 609

SRS airbag instructions

for Canadian owners

(in French)........................ 611

Pictorial index

P. 206

P. 182, 200

P. 457

P. 208

P. 104

P. 98

P. 200

P. 344

Exterior

Windshield wipers

Moon roof 

Headlights (low beam)

Pole antenna

Outside rear view mirrors

Parking, front side marker and front turn signal lights

Hood

Fog lights 

Headlights (high beam) and daytime running lights



P. 478

P. 540

P. 584

P. 590

P. 60

P. 54

P. 200

P. 212

Rear window defogger

P. 289

P. 70

P. 200

P. 182

P. 109

Glass hatch 

Side doors

Back door

Rear window wiper

License plate lights

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

Fuel filler door

Rear turn signal lights

Stop/tail and rear side marker lights

: If equipped

P. 123

P. 401

P. 403

P. 422

P. 123

P. 88

P. 74

P. 407

P. 123

P. 85

P. 101

P. 77

Pictorial index

Interior

Front seats

Seat belts

Head restraints

Power window switches

Rear seats

Console box

Bottle holders

SRS driver airbag

SRS driver knee airbag

Cup holders

Armrests

SRS front passenger airbag

SRS side airbags

P. 416

P. 403

P. 177

P. 178

P. 230

P. 556

Shift lever

Shift lock override button

Cup holders

“DAC” switch*

Power outlet

“SNOW” switch

: 4WD models

P. 55

Pictorial index

P. 101

P. 55

Interior

Inside door lock button

Window lock switch

Power window switches

Door lock switch

P. 402

P. 415

P. 429

P. 104

P. 412

P. 397

P. 123

P. 435

P. 95

P. 413

P. 398

P. 397

P. 398

Vanity mirrors

Sun visors

Garage door opener switches  Moon roof switches

Personal/interior lights



Overhead console Conversation mirror

Compass 

Rear seat entertainment system , *

Interior light  Personal/interior lights 

Interior light

SRS curtain shield airbags

Anti-glare inside rear view mirror

: If equipped

: Refer to “Navigation System Owner's Manual”.

Pictorial index

P. 403

P. 283, 286

P. 401

Rear air conditioning system



Interior

Cup holders

Console box

P. 408

P. 410

P. 403

Auxiliary box

Side table

Cup holders

: If equipped

P. 219

P. 191

P. 414

P. 185

P. 94

P. 400

Pictorial index

P. 62

P. 480

P. 183

P. 457

P. 408

P. 170

P. 206

P. 200

P. 182

P. 208

P. 212

P. 184

P. 423

P. 109

Engine (ignition) switch

(vehicles with smart key system) Windshield wiper and washer switch Rear window wiper and washer switch

Fog light switch  Headlight switch Turn signal lever

Gauges and meters

Instrument panel

Rear view monitor system  Multi-information display Clock 



Power back door main switch 

Glove box

Horn

Tire pressure warning reset switch Floor mat

Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever

Parking brake pedal Hood release lever Fuel filler door opener Auxiliary box

P. 60

P. 186

P. 291

P. 98

P. 224

Instrument panel light control dial

Windshield wiper de-icer



switch

Outside rear view mirror switches

Power back door switch 

Enhanced VSC/TRAC off switch

: If equipped

P. 368

Pictorial index

P. 341

P. 292

P. 215

P. 368

P. 174

P. 192

Audio remote control switches 

Climate remote control switches 

Instrument panel

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart key system)

Telephone switch , *

“DISP” switch 

Cruise control switch 

Talk switch , *

P. 293

P. 113, 116

P. 518

P. 113, 116

Vehicles without navigation system

Security indicator 

Vehicles with navigation system

Audio system

Emergency flasher switch

Security indicator

Rear view monitor/navigation system

Emergency flasher switch

: If equipped

: Refer to “Navigation System Owner's Manual”.

Pictorial index

P. 289

P. 275

P. 268

Instrument panel

Vehicles with a front manual air conditioning system

Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger

Air conditioning system

switch /rear window defogger switch

Vehicles with a front automatic air conditioning system

Air conditioning system

Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger

/rear window defogger switch

switch

P. 339

P. 320, 327, 339

P. 408

P. 320, 327, 339

P. 420

P. 416

Vehicles without seat heater

AUX port AUX port/USB port

Vehicles with seat heater

AUX port/USB port



Power outlet

Auxiliary box

Power outlet

Seat heater knobs

: If equipped

Pictorial index

P. 416

P. 425

P. 424

P. 416

P. 424

Luggage compartment

A/V input port , *

Power outlet

Power outlet 

Luggage cover 

Auxiliary box

Cargo hooks

Grocery bag hooks

P. 61

P. 60

Power back door switch

Back door strap



: If equipped

: Refer to “Navigation System Owner's Manual”.

For your information

Main Owner’s Manual

Please note that this manual covers all models and all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

All specifications provided in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of the Toyota policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Depending on specifications, the vehicle shown in the illustrations may differ from your vehicle in terms of equipment.

Noise from under vehicle after turning off the engine

Approximately five hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear sound coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is the sound of a fuel evaporation leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction.

Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Toyota

A wide variety of non-genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota vehicles are currently available on the market. You should know that these parts are not covered by Toyota warranty and that Toyota is not responsible for their performance, repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non-genuine Toyota products. Modification with non-genuine Toyota products may affect performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may not be covered under warranty.

Installation of a mobile two-way radio system

The installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as:

●Multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system

●Cruise control system

●Anti-lock brake system

●SRS airbag system

●Seat belt pretensioner system

Be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation of a mobile two-way radio system.

Scrapping of your Toyota

The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

Perchlorate Material

Special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/haza rdouswaste/perchlorate. Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo-

nents may include airbag, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote control batteries.

Vehicle Control and Operation Data Recording

Your Toyota is equipped with sophisticated computers that record certain information about your vehicle’s operation, such as:

• Engine speed

• Accelerator status

• Brake status

• Vehicle speed

• Shift position The data recorded varies according to the grade level and options the vehi-

cle is equipped with. The computers do not record conversations, sound or pictures.

● Data usage Toyota may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunc-

tions, conduct research and development, and improve quality. Toyota will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:

• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle is leased

• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a government agency

• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner

● Event data recorder Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of your

vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal vehicle performance.

Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is an event data recorder (EDR) that records data in a crash or near crash event.

The SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a crash or near crash event, this device may record the following information:

• Engine speed

• Whether the brake pedal was depressed or not

• Vehicle speed

• To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed

• The transmission shift position

• Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not

• Driver’s seat position

• SRS airbag deployment data

• SRS airbag system diagnostic data

• Front passenger’s occupant classification The information above is intended to be used for the purpose of improving

vehicle safety performance. Unlike general data recorders, the EDR does not record sound data such as conversation between passengers.

● Disclosure of the EDR data Toyota will not disclose the data recorded in an EDR to a third party except

when:

• An agreement from the vehicle’s owner (or the leasing company for a

leased vehicle) is obtained

• Officially requested to by the police or other authorities

• Necessary, for use as a defense for Toyota in a lawsuit

• Ordered to by a court of law However, if necessary, Toyota will:

• Use the data for research on Toyota vehicle safety performance

• Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without disclosing

details of the vehicle owner, and that only when deemed necessary

• Disclose summarized data cleared of vehicle identification information to a

non-Toyota organization for research purposes

CAUTION

■ General precautions while driving

Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs delay reaction time, impair judgment and reduce coordination, which could lead to an accident that could result in death or serious injury.

Defensive driving: Always drive defensively. Anticipate mistakes that other drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid accidents.

Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that distracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you, your occupants or others.

■ General precaution regarding children’s safety

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to have or use the key.

Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral. There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with the windows, the moon roof, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to children.

Symbols used throughout this manual

CAUTION

NOTICE

Cautions & Notices

This is a warning against anything which may cause death or injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

This is a warning against anything which may cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Toyota and its equipment.

Symbols used in illustrations

Safety symbol

The symbol of a circle with a slash through it means “Do not”, “Do not do this”, or “Do not let this happen”.

Arrows indicating operations

Indicates the action (pushing, turning, etc.) used to operate switches and other devices.

Indicates the outcome of an operation (e.g. a lid opens).

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