Having driven your Toyota Highlander Hybrid for any number of miles, without following the specific Toyota Highlander Hybrid Drive Cycle below, may have not completed the required emission monitors; that including the oxygen sensor monitor. The drive cycle is not complicated to follow but is difficult to perform on public roadways, due to traffic conditions; so be careful of other drivers if you feel up to completing the drive cycle below yourself.
Begin the Drive Cycle by ensuring your Highlander does not have any pending trouble codes. This is probably one of the most important steps you need to perform before spending time driving.
Using a scan tool ensure there are no hard or pending trouble codes stored in your Toyota Highlander's engine control computer (ECC). Once verified, continue on to the drive cycle. A pending trouble code might not allow the drive cycle complete.
Next , make sure you begin the drive cycle after your Highlander has sufficiently warmed up and the fuel tank is only 1/4 to 3/4 full of fuel. This to is an important drive-cycle step. Not enough fuel or too much fuel in the gas tank will also not allow the drive cycle to complete.
1. Start the engine and let it run for approximately 10 minutes at idle.
2. Begin driving. Smoothly accelerated and maintain speeds between 40 and 55 miles per hour for 3 minutes. Once this step is complete, decrease your speed to between 35-45 miles per hour and continue driving for 20 minutes.
3. Bring your vehicle to a smooth stop and allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes. Turn off the ignition, then repeat the two driving steps (Step 2) once again; 3 minute drive and 20 minute drive.
Having followed the Toyota Highlander Drive Cycle above should make ready/complete the required emission monitors. If you feel you may be unable to perform the drive cycle above safely please seek assistance from a certified smog check repair center or a Toyota dealership service center.
