Toyota Highlander 2012 Owner's Manual

Abbreviation list

Abbreviation/Acronym list

ABBREVIATIONS MEANING

2WD 2 Wheel Drive 4WD 4 Wheel Drive

A/C Air Conditioning

ABS Anti-lock Brake System

ACC Accessory

AI-SHIFT Artificial Intelligence Shift control

ALR Automatic Locking Retractor CRS Child Restraint System DAC Downhill Assist Control DISP Display ECU Electronic Control Unit EDR Event Data Recorder

ELR Emergency Locking Retractor

622

EPS Electric Power Steering

GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating GCWR GVWR

I/M Emission Inspection and Maintenance

LATCH Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children

LED Light Emitting Diode MMT

MTBE

Gross Combination Weight Rating Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether

ABBREVIATIONS MEANING

OBD On Board Diagnostics SRS Supplemental Restraint System

TIN Tire Identification Number TPMS Tire Pressure Warning System TRAC Traction Control

TWR Trailer Weight Rating

VIN Vehicle Identification Number

VSC Vehicle Stability Control

Abbreviation list

623

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.dt sc.ca.go v/hazardouswaste/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

Cautions & Notices

CAUTION

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.

NOTICE

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).

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.

1-1. Key information

Keys

The following keys are provided with the vehicle.

Vehicles without smart key system (type A)

Master keys Valet key Key number plate

Vehicles without smart key system (type B)

Master keys Valet key Key number plate

Vehicles with smart key system

Electronic keys

• Operating the smart key system (→P. 35)

• Operating the wireless remote control function (→P. 48)

Mechanical keys Key number plate

1-1. Key information

Using the mechanical key (vehicles with sm art key system)

Take out the mechanical key.

After using the mechanical key, store it in the electronic key. Carry the mechanical key together with the electronic key. If the electronic key battery is depleted, you will need the mechanical key. (→P. 558)

■ When required to leave a key to the vehicle with a parking attendant

Lock the glove box as circumstances demand. (→P. 400) Vehicles without smart key system: Carry the master key for your own use

and provide the attendant with the valet key. Vehicles with smart key system: Remove the mechanical key for your own

use and provide the attendant with the electronic key only.

■ Key number plate

Keep the plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle. In the event that a key is lost, a new key can be made by your Toyota dealer using the key number plate. (→P. 557)

■ When riding in an aircraft (vehicles with smart key system)

When bringing an electronic key onto an aircraft, make sure you do not press any buttons on the electronic key while inside the aircraft cabin. If you are carrying an electronic key in your bag etc., ensure that the buttons are not likely to be pressed accidentally. Pressing a button may c ause the electronic key to emit radio waves that could interfere with the operation of the aircraft.

Before driving

1-1. Key information

NOTICE

■ To prevent key damage

● Do not subject the keys to strong shocks, expose them to high tempera-

tures by placing them in direct sunlight, or get them wet.

● Do not expose the keys to electromagnetic materials or attach any mate-

rial that blocks electromagnetic waves to the key surface.

● Do not disassemble the key.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

Smart key system

The following operations can be performed simply by carrying the electronic key on your person, for example in your pocket. (The driver should always carry the electronic key.)

Electronic key

∗

Electronic key

Before driving

Electronic key

Locks and unlocks the doors (→P. 36) Starts the engine (→P. 170) Opens the glass hatch (→P. 37) Locks and unlocks the doors (→P. 36)

∗: If equipped

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

Unlocking and locking the doors

Front door handles

Grip the handle to unlock the doors.

Make sure to touch the sensor on the back of the handle.

The door cannot be unlocked for 3 seconds after the door is locked.

Press the lock button to lock the doors.

Back door handle

Press the button to unlock the door.

The door cannot be unlocked for 3 seconds after the door is locked.

If you carry the electronic key on your person, the back door can be opened even if it is locked. Lock the back door again when you leave the vehicle. The back door will not lock automatically after it has been opened and then closed.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

Press the button to lock the door.

Opening the glass hatch (if equipped)

Press and hold the button to open the glass hatch. The glass hatch will pop up.

Before driving

The glass hatch can be unlocked only when the back door is closed.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

Antenna location and effective range

■ Antenna location

Antennas outside the cabin Antennas inside the cabin Antenna outside the luggage

compartment

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

■ Effective range (areas within which the electronic key is

detected)

When locking or unlocking the doors

This system can be operated when the electronic key is within about 2.3 ft. (0.7 m) of either of the outside front door handles.

When starting the engine or changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes

This system can be operated when the electronic key is inside the vehicle.

When opening the glass hatch and locking or unlocking the doors

Before driving

This system can be operated when the electronic key is within about 2.3 ft. (0.7 m) of the back door handle.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

■ Operation signals

A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)

■ Conditions affecting operation

The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations, the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from operating properly. (Ways of coping: →P. 558)

● When the electronic key battery is depleted

● Near a TV tower , electric power plant, gas station, radio st ation, large dis-

play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electrical noise

● When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other

wireless communication devices

● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic

object

● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity

● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following

devices that emit radio waves

• Another vehicle’s electronic key

• A wireless key that emits radio waves

• Personal computer

● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to

the rear window

■ Switching the door unlock function

It is possible to set which doors the entry function unlocks.

STEP

Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.

STEP

When the indicator on the key surface is turned off, push and hold

, or for approximately 5 seconds while pushing on the key.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

The setting changes each time an operation is performed, as shown below. (When changing the setting continuously, release the buttons, wait for at least 5 seconds, and repeat step 2.)

Multi-information

display

Unlocking doors Beep

Hold the driver's door handle to unlock only the driver's door.

Exterior: Beeps three times

Hold the front passenger’s

Interior: Pings once

door handle to unlock all doors.

Hold either front door handle to unlock all doors.

Exterior: Beeps twice Interior: Pings once

To prevent unintended triggering of the alarm, unlock the doors using the wireless remote control and open and close a door once after the settings have been changed. (If a door is not opened within 60 seconds after is pressed, the doors will be locked again and the alarm will automatically be set.) In case that the alarm is triggered, immediately stop the alarm. (→P. 116)

■ Battery-saving function

In the following circumstances, the entry function is disabled in order to prevent the vehicle and electronic key batteries from discharging.

● When the entry function has not been used for 2 weeks or more

● When the electronic key has been left within approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of

the vehicle for 10 minutes or more

The system will resume operation when...

● The vehicle is locked using the door handle lock button.

● The vehicle is locked/unlocked using the wireless remote control func-

tion. (→P. 48)

● The vehicle is locked/unlocked using the mechanical key. (→P. 558)

Before driving

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

■ Electronic key battery depletion

● The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years. (The battery becomes depleted

even if the electronic key is not used.) If the smart key system or the wireless remote control function does not operate, or the detection area becomes smaller, the battery may be depleted. Replace the battery when necessary. (→P. 497)

● If the battery becomes low, an alarm will sound in the cabin when the

engine stops. (→P. 43)

● To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 3 ft.

(1 m) of the following electrical appliances that produce a magnetic field.

•TVs

• Personal computers

• Recharging cellular phones or cordless phones

• Table lamps

■ To operate the system properly

Make sure to carry the electronic key when operating the system. Do not get the electronic key too close to the vehicle when operating the system from the outside of the vehicle.

Depending on the position and holding condition of the electronic key, the key may not be detected correctly and the system may not operate properly. (The alarm may go off accidentally, or the door lock prevention may not function.)

■ Note for the entry function

● Even when the electronic key is within the effective range (detection

areas), the system may not operate properly in the following cases.

• The electronic key is too close to the window or outside door handle, near the ground, or in a high place when the doors are locked or unlocked.

• The electronic key is on the instrument panel, luggage cover, floor or in the glove box when the engine is started or “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes are changed.

● Do not leave the electronic key on top of the instrument panel or near the

door pockets when exiting the vehicle. Depending on the radio wave reception conditions, it may be detected by the antenna outside the cabin and the door will become lockable from the outside, possibly trapping the electronic key inside the vehicle.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

● As long as the electronic key is within the effective range, the doors may

be locked or unlocked by anyone.

● Even if the electronic key is not inside the vehicle, it may be possible to

start the engine if the electronic key is near the window.

● The doors may unlock if a large amount of water splashes on the door

handle, such as in the rain or in a car wash. (The doors will automatically be locked after approximately 60 seconds if the doors are not opened and closed.)

● Gripping the door handle when wearing a glove may not unlock the door.

● If the wireless remote control is used to lock the doors when the elec-

tronic key is near the vehicle, there is a possibility that the door may not be unlocked by the entry function. (Use the wireless remote control to unlock the doors.)

■ When the vehicle is not driven for extended periods

To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not leave the electronic key within 6 ft. (2 m) of the vehicle.

■ Security feature

If a door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is unlocked, the security feature automatically locks the vehicle again.

■ Alarms and warning indicators

A combination of exterior and interior alarms as well as warning lights and warning messages shown on the multi-information display are used to reduce the chance of vehicle theft and accidents resulting from erroneous operation.

● When any warning lights come on:

Take appropriate measures according to which warning light comes on. (→P. 528)

● When a warning message is shown on the multi-information display:

Take appropriate measures according to the warning message on the multi-information display. (→P. 539)

Before driving

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

● When an alarm sounds:

Take appropriate measures according to the following table.

Alarm Situation Correction procedure

Exterior alarm sounds once for 2 seconds

Exterior alarm sounds once for 60 seconds

Exterior alarm sounds once for 10 seconds

Interior alarm sounds continuously

Interior alarm beeps repeatedly

Tried to lock the doors using the entry function while the electronic key was still inside the passenger compartment.

Tried to close the glass hatch with the electronic key inside and all doors locked.

Tried to exit the vehicle with the electronic key and lock the doors without first turning the “ENGINE ST AR T ST OP” switch OFF.

Tried to lock the vehicle using the entry function while a door was open.

Tried to open the door and exit the vehicle without shifting the shift lever to P.

Switched to ACCESSORY mode while the driver's door was open. (Opened the driver's door when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch was in ACCESSORY mode.)

Retrieve the electronic key from the passenger compartment and lock the doors again.

Retrieve the electronic key and close the glass hatch.

Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF and lock the doors again.

Close all of the doors and lock the doors again.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF and close the driver's door.

Turned the “ENGINE ST ART STOP” switch OFF while the driver's door was open.

Close the driver's door.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

Alarm Situation Correction procedure

Tried to close the driver’s

Interior and exterior alarms sound continuously.*

door after carrying the key outside the vehicle with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON or ACCESSORY mode and without the shift lever

Shift the shift lever to P, turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF and close the driver’s door again.

being in P.

Before driving

Interior alarm beeps once.*

The electronic key has a low battery.

Tried to start the engine without the electronic key being present, or when the electronic key was not

Replace the electronic key battery.

Start the engine with the electronic key present.

functioning normally.

Interior alarm beeps once and exterior alarm sounds 3 times.*

Tried to close the driver’s door after carrying the key outside the vehicle without turning the “ENGINE ST AR T ST OP” switch OFF.

An occupant carried the electronic key outside the vehicle and closed the door when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch was

Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF and close the driver’s door again.

Bring the electronic key back into the vehi-

cle. in IGNITION ON or ACCESSORY mode.

: A message will be shown on the multi-information display.

■ If the smart key system does not operate properly

● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. (→P. 558)

● Starting the engine. (→P. 558)

■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted

→P. 497

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

■ Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer

It is possible to deactivate the smart key system etc. (Customizable features →P. 602)

■ Certification for the smart key system

For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.

FCC ID: NI4TMLF-3

HYQ14AAB HYQ13BZS HYQ14ABK HYQ13CZA

NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

For vehicles sold in Canada

NOTE: Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

CAUTION

■ Caution regarding interference with electronic devices

● People with implanted pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators should keep

away from the smart key system antennas. (→P. 38) The radio waves may affect the operation of such devices. If necessary, the entry function can be disabled. Ask your Toyota dealer for details, such as the frequency of radio waves and timing of emitting the radio waves. Then, consult your doctor to see if you should disable the entry function.

● Users of any electrical medical device other than implanted pacemakers

and implanted cardiac defibrillators should consult the manufacturer of the device for information about its operation under the influence of radio waves. Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of such medical devices.

Ask your Toyota dealer for details for disabling the entry function.

Before driving

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

Wireless remote control

The wireless remote control can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle from outside the vehicle.

Vehicles without smart key system (type A)

Locks all doors Unlocks all doors

Pressing the button unlocks the driver’s door. Pressing the button again within 3 seconds unlocks the other doors.

Pushing and holding: Opens and closes the power back door

Pushing and holding: Opens the glass hatch

The glass hatch can be opened only when the back door is closed.

Pushing and holding: Sounds alarm

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

Vehicles without smart key system (type B)

Locks all doors Unlocks all doors

Pressing the button unlocks the driver’s door. Pressing the button again within 3 seconds unlocks the other doors.

Pushing and holding: Sounds alarm

Pushing and holding: Opens the glass hatch (vehicles with glass hatch)

The glass hatch can be opened only when the back door is closed.

Vehicles with smart key system

Before driving

Locks all doors Unlocks all doors

Pressing the button unlocks the driver’s door. Pressing the button again within 3 seconds unlocks the other doors.

Pushing and holding: Opens and closes the power back door (vehicles with power back door)

Pushing and holding: Sounds alarm

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors

■ Operation signals

Doors: A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that

the doors have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)

Back door: A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash twice to

indicate that the back door has been opened/closed.

■ Panic mode

Vehicles without smart key system

When is pushed for longer than about one second, an alarm will sound for about 60 seconds and the vehicle lights will flash to deter any person from trying to break into or damage your vehicle.

To stop the alarm, push any button on the wireless remote control.

Vehicles with smart key system

When is pushed for longer than about one second, an alarm will sound for about 60 seconds and the vehicle lights will flash to deter any person from trying to break into or damage your vehicle.

To stop the alarm, push any button on the wireless remote control.

■ Door lock buzzer

If a door is not fully closed, a buzzer sounds continuously if an attempt to lock the door is made. Fully close the door to stop the buzzer, and lock the vehicle once more.

1-2. Opening, closing and locking th e do o rs

■ Key battery depletion

Vehicles without smart key system

The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years. (The battery becomes depleted even if the key is not used.) If the wireless remote control function does not operate, the battery may be depleted. Replace the battery when necessary. (→P. 496)

Vehicles with smart key system

→P. 497

■ If the wireless remote control does not operate properly

Vehicles without smart key system

Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the key. (→P. 54)

Vehicles with smart key system

● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. (→P. 558)

● Starting the engine. (→P. 558)

■ Security feature

If a door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is unlocked, the security feature automatically locks the vehicle again.

■ Alarm

Using the wireless remote control to lock the doors will set the alarm system. (→P. 116)

Before driving

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