2020 Toyota Highlander Owners Manual - Do-it-yourself maintenance

Items

Parts and tools

• Warm water
• baking soda
• grease
• conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

• Fmvss no.116 Dot 3 or sae j1703 brake fluid
•  rag or paper towel
•  funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

• “Toyota super long life coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, nonamine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with longlife hybrid organic acid technology for the u.S.A.: “Toyota super long life coolant” is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.

  For canada: “toyota super long life coolant” is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.

•  Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)

• “Toyota genuine motor oil” or equivalent
•  rag or paper towel
•  funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• phillips-head screwdriver
• flathead screwdriver
• wrench

-

• Tire pressure gauge
• compressed air source

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

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.

When working on the engine compartment

• Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
• Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, 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 compartment.
• Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery.

  Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

• Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille

Vehicles without a smart key system: be sure the engine switch is off.

With the engine switch in the "on" position, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. Vehicles with a smart key system: be sure the engine switch is off.

With the engine switch in ignition on mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.

From getting in your eyes.

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.

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 serious injury.

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.

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.

Used engine oil

• Used engine oil contains potentially 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 recycling or disposal.

• Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

To prevent serious engine damage

Check the oil level on a regular basis.

Check the oil level on a regular basis.

• 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 dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
• Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

When the engine is hot

Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap and radiator cap.

The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

When adding coolant

Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.

If you spill coolant

Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

When the engine is hot

Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious injuries, such as burns.

When filling the reservoir

Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted surfaces.

If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water immediately.

If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

If the fluid level is low or high

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

Chemicals in the battery

Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the battery:

• do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
• Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
• Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
• Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
• Keep children away from the battery.

Where to safely charge the battery

Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.

How to recharge the battery

Only perform a slow charge (5 a or less). The battery may explode if charged at a quicker rate.

Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

• If electrolyte gets in your eyes flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
• If electrolyte gets on your skin wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical attention immediately.
• œIf electrolyte gets on your clothes it can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
• If you accidentally swallow electrolyte drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention immediately.

When recharging the battery

Never recharge the battery while the engine is operating. Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

When adding washer fluid

Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.

Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid

Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.

Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle's painted surfaces.

Diluting washer fluid

Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.

Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.