2006 Toyota Highlander Owners Manual - Page 7

FEATURES/ OPERATIONS Hybrid Synergy Drive System The Hybrid Synergy Drive Syst em ut ilizes a comput er cont rolled gasoline engine and elect ric mot or t o provide t he most efficient combinat ion of power for t he vehicle. To conserve energy, when t he brakes are applied, braking force generat es elect ricit y which is t hen sent t o t he t ract ion bat t ery. In addit ion, t he engine shut s off when t he vehicle is st opped. The benefit s are bet t er fuel economy, reduced vehicle emissions and improved performance. Not e: Fuel consumpt ion and energy informat ion of t he Hybrid Syst em are shown on t he mult i-informat ion display and/ or navigat ion syst em screen (if equipped). Starting the Hybrid System OVERVIEW Put t he select or lever in " P ." Depress t he brake pedal, and t urn t he key t o " START" briefly and firmly. The " READY" light will blink. Aft er a few seconds, when t he light remains on and a beep sounds, you may begin driving. Transmission P R N D B 1The Tips for improved fuel economy Ensure t ire pressures are maint ained at levels specified in t he Owner's Manual. Link t rips, if possible, t o reduce engine cold st art s. Avoid driving at speeds t hat are higher t han necessary, especially on t he highway. When possible, avoid sudden st ops t o maximize regenerat ive braking energy. Minimize use of t he air condit ioning. Park1 FEATURES/ OPERATIONS Reverse Neutral Drive Engine braking ignit ion swit ch must be ON, and t he brake pedal depressed t o shift from Park. • The vehicle has high volt age DC and AC syst ems as well as a 12-volt syst em. DC and AC high volt age is very dangerous and can cause severe burns and elect ric shock t hat may result in deat h or serious inj ury. • Never t ouch, disassemble, remove or replace high volt age cables, t heir connect ors and high volt age part s such as t he invert er unit , t ract ion bat t ery, t ract ion mot or, air condit ioning compressor, AC/ DC convert er, et c. Parking brake Set : Depress Release: Depress again SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES 8 9