Toyota Highlander (2018 year). Manual - part 51

216

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before
descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts when descending steep or long downhill
grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the
brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result
in reduced braking efficiency.

●

Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do not tow a trailer when the compact
spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■

Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight
rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight
rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting
in death or serious personal injuries.

■

When towing a trailer
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are
required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli-
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.

●

Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install
the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage
your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

217

4-1. Before driving

4

Drivin

g

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels
on the ground) behind a motor home. 

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

■

To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and the
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)

Do not tow your vehicle with 4 wheels on
the ground.

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from
the rear with the front wheels on the
ground. This may cause serious damage
to the transmission.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with
any of the wheels on the ground. This
may cause serious damage to the
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system
and transmission.

218

4-2. Driving procedures

Check that the parking brake is set.

Check that the shift lever is set in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start the
engine.

“LOCK”

The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (The key
can be removed only when the
shift lever is in P.)

“ACC”

Some electrical components such
as the power outlet can be used.

“ON”

All electrical components can be used.

“START”

For starting the engine.

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a 

smart key system)

Starting the engine

Changing the engine switch positions

1
2
3
4

1

2

3

4

219

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Drivin

g

■

Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”

Shift the shift lever to P. (

→P. 227)

■

If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

→P. 80) 

Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

■

Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.

Push in the key and turn it to the
“LOCK” position.

1

2

When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.

WARNING

■

When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the engine. An accident
may result if the engine is stopped while driving. (

→P. 573)