What does the ECO indicator light in the Highlander mean?
2 Answers
When the ECO indicator light on the car is illuminated, it indicates that the vehicle's economy mode has been activated. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from the combination of Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The ECO mode is further divided into active ECO driving mode and non-active ECO driving mode. ECO mode is categorized into active and non-active types, with the difference being that the active type has its own dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the ECO mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately turns on, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Non-active ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light is illuminated, it serves merely as a reminder function. The ECO system automatically evaluates your driving behavior, and if your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most vehicles employ the active ECO driving mode, which means they have their own switch button. Therefore, you can activate ECO mode during daily driving. However, it is unnecessary to enable ECO mode when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not only fail to demonstrate the fuel-saving characteristics of ECO mode but also affect the vehicle's power. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the car prioritizes speed, causing the ECO mode to automatically deactivate. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, ECO mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will not operate.
I just bought a Highlander and noticed a small green light labeled 'ECO' on the dashboard after driving it for over a month. At first, I was curious and worried it might be a malfunction, but after checking online, I learned it's the economy mode indicator, meaning I'm driving in a particularly fuel-efficient manner. By pressing the accelerator gently and avoiding sudden acceleration or braking, the light stays on consistently. On the highway, it stays on most of the time, showing a fuel consumption of around 8L/100km; in the city with frequent traffic lights, I need to drive smoothly to keep it lit. I find this design thoughtful—it saves fuel, is eco-friendly, and can cut fuel costs by a few hundred dollars a year. When the light is on, the car runs smoothly and quietly, making driving safer. After forming this habit, my friends say my driving has become gentler. This little light has become my coach, reminding me to drive efficiently.
