Toyota Highlander Accessories and Modifications

loucapri · August 2004

I have seen places selling Navigation System on eBay. I think they also provide tech support too. You might want to check it out.

wwlccp · August 2004

Hi,

For all those people that upgraded their sound system. How did you get the power from the front of the car to the interior of the car? I know to use a hole in the firewall, but i dunno where the hole is. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

casanova2 · August 2004

I just purchased a HL '04 v6, very happy so far. I did not purchase a dealer-installed alarm for fear of the unknown but wanted to get the valued opinion of my fellow forum lurkers.

I am looking for a good alarm system that has active fuel and/or ignition cut-off that also functions via the key fob on the remote door opener, I don't want to be carrying multiple fobs.

Can anyone recommend a model or two of alarm for the HL?

brian23 · August 2004

Here's a new one....

I just bought a V6 HL with the silly 3rd row seats which I will absolutely never use. I would like to take out said seat and use the space for a custom subwoofer install. I am wondering how difficult it is to take out the 3rd row seat, AND whether it is also possible to remove the rear seatbelts. I would like to do this without destroying the seats or seatbelts, in case I want to put them back in order to resell the vehicle down the road somewhere (so to speak.)

Has anyone else done this? Or is this some sort of Highlander blasphemy?

gklatv · August 2004

Ive used products by DEI (Viper, Python, Sidewinder, etc.) and they worked flawlessly for me on 97 Camry and 03 HL.
Professionally installed, DEIs product replaces the original manufacturer remote control. As a result, you will only have one
remote to lock/unlock the doors (simultaneously arming/disarming the alarm) and, optionally, starting the car remotely.
The great benefits  the remote range improves tremendously, many customized settings, lifetime warranty.

casanova2 · August 2004

Thanks a ton glkatv. I looked up DEI dealers here in Cleveland and found I could get the 560XV fully installed for $399 + tax including the bypass.

I was also told I needed to sacrifice one of my car keys to switch the unlocking system over to the Viper, does that sound right?

casanova2 · August 2004

Is the in-dash standard audio on the Highlander a DIN unit? If so, is it 1, 1 1/2, or 2? Or is it a non-conforming [non-permissible content removed]?

I want to replace the standard unit I have (CD/tape, no changer, no nav).

Was thinking of an Alpine 9820XM, anyone have any opinions on this unit?

dc_driver · August 2004

Check out the Magellan 700. It has all the features of the 2-3K nav systms for about 1K. It is not installed into the dash (external) so you can transfer it from one vehicle to another.. It has a 10GB internal hard drive so there is no need to switch cd's or dvd's to load maps. It has voice commands (both male and female) as well as tons of other features. I have had mine for about a month and cannot imagine life without it!

gklatv · August 2004

The price you got quoted is right.
As far as the key - it needs to be wired in to the system and be hidden somewhere for the remote starter to work (because there's a chip in the Toyota key). I don't think you need to do that, thou, if you're not installing the remote starter.
I am not sure about the model number, but this price should include the whole package installed. Good luck. In my experience as a customer, the installation should take about 2 hrs., although they might want to keep the HL for a longer time to test the system throughout.
A few points:
1)you can choose if they program the auto lock feature on/off (it's when starting the car with the key)
2)unlock all doors at once or the drivers door only first
3)check if the lights flash AND beep sounds when locking/unlocking
4)you probably won't be able to unlock the vehicle with the key when the alarm is ON without setting the siren. Ask them to show you how to manually override the alarm.

ron1690 · August 2004

Purchase the VIP RS 3200+ off of E-Bay for $165. Was a snap to install, basically plug and play. Has Glass Breakage Sensor. All you need is the factory key-less entry already installed.

landdriver · September 2004

My understanding is the head unit (radio/CD player) on the Highlander is a DIN 2.

secondrig · September 2004

I had the headunit replaced. The installer didn't seem to have much problem finding the right kit. I went with the Alpine 9835 because I was able to find an XM tuner for it (the new universal tuner is not yet available). It's a terrific system and makes the standard speakers sound great. The advantage of the 9820 is that the tuner is built in. There have been some problems with the 9820, though--check out xmfan.com. One problem is the display is quite dim. Another is that units produced early in the run had a chip problem.

sheila512 · September 2004

Here's a low tech question: My new 04 Higlander LTD needs some kind of protective floor mats. I have the carpet mats, but want to keep the car in good shape for re-sale. There are so many brands on the market. I am confused.
1. Do I need custom mats?
2. What is the difference between mats and liners? (Husky makes both)
3. Cargo liner..same questions.

Thanks for your input.

Sheila

livinginsc · September 2004

This is probably a silly question but one that hopefully there is an option for. I love my '04 Highlander with the exception of the instrumention panel, why are the lights on the panel white and the ones in the center console green? This is driving me crazy, is there anyway to make all of the lights one color? It doesn't look unified.

edmunster · September 2004

You're better off with Toyota custom mats that offer a perfect fit - rather than take chances with generic ones that shift or bunch up.
Cargo liners made out of rubber, are used in the cargo area to prevent any dirt, stains, or moisture from messing up the cargo mats. They may also contain anti-skid properties and often have a 'lip' edge to contain any liquid spills etc.

Sources:
1. Online
http://toyota.autowebaccessories.com; ebaymotors.com; weathertech.com.

2. Your local Toyota dealership

Ed

fvp · September 2004

I also wanted to protect my carpeted mats because of the winters here in Western PA.
I bought custom all weather mats [with "Highlander" on the front set] from toyotaparts4you.com. The four piece set cost around $65 and I think they look great.
They also have a rubber cargo liner that looks sharp as well.

arda · September 2004

We are thinking of buying a 05 Limited 4x2 Highlander. I was wondering what other people are paying for limited highlanders these days. In your experience, does the Edmunds' TMV represent what the vehicles are selling for? The local dealers we talked all claimed that they will beat any published legitimate offer. How can I get the best offer so that I can get them beat it?
Thanks,
Arda--

edmunster · September 2004

I got a good year-end deal on fully loaded HL 04 AWD/Limited, 3rd row & Navi for about $500 over invoice at a NYC dealership, which was less than Edmunds TMV. Edmunds TMV is an excellent tool for 'fair' pricing, and should serve as a guide when you get internet quotes from several dealers (print these quotes and use them as a bargaining tool). Internet pricing are the way to go, I bought my last 2 cars this way and encountered less hassle and saved time too. It may be tough to get a good deal on 05's as they are just starting to roll into the dealerships.

dawnee · October 2004

Went to dealership today to drive HL to be sure I liked it. Was telling salesman things I really wanted and when I mentioned a sunroof he said if I found an HL that did not have the sunroof that could be put in aftermarket and that they did it all the time. They may do it all the time but I have heard horror stories, even in this day and time, of aftermarket accessories like a sunroof never working as well as the original. Anyone have any experience with this, good or bad?

Next thing is I have seen on some websites that there is an accessory of electrochromatic mirror with compass & outside temp gauge for the '04 HL but I don't see this listed anywhere on Edmunds. Can anyone tell me if this is an option or maybe it is standard in one of the packages and I am missing it.

Also the salesman told me he could price me an '05 cheaper than an '04, even though '04 had a $1,000 rebate, which sounded really wrong to me especially since he would be pricing a base model V6 FWD '05 with a app pkg, running lights, fog lights, pwr driver seat, mats and tow pkg, any thoughts from anyone out there about this?? Of course, maybe it was because he said they pretty much only had Limited '04's but I would think they would still want to get rid of those to make way for their '05's and so they would be willing to negotiate down more than normal on those Ltd '04's. Best I can tell the cheapest Ltd they have, invoice wise, is $28,775. Is it feasible to think they would come down even $1,000 below invoice since it is an '04? Or is that just ridiculous??

Sorry this is lengthy, just wanted the opinion of some people who have bought from Toyo dealers as my last vehicle purchase was from GM and their negotiations are quite different, just like now their rebates are sizeably more than Toyos.

All opinions and input appreciated. Thanks

desertguy · October 2004

dawnee: I would go with the factory sunroof.
The after market jobs can be alright and I have had it done but they are usually manual operation and of course not guaranteed by the mfgr. The dealer can trade with another dealer if he doesn't have what you want in stock.
They will try to force you into something on their lot if they can so hold out for what you want.

The monochromatic mirror and compass are standard with the limited. In fact I didn't particularly want to pay for a limited but there are so many extras included with the package I went for it.

You are correct to be wary of a dealer who says he can sell you an '05 cheaper than an '04. Sounds like typical dealer BS.

racerx1 · October 2004

I used the Toyota All -Weather mats in the front but a Husky mat for the back. The Husky is great since it has a big lip (which fits the car perfectly and doesn't get in the way) to keep in the dirt in, like a tray. Plus it extends well under the front seats, which most rear mats don't.

redtrack · October 2004

Landdriver,
I'm trying to shut off the loud thump on the JBL premium system. On your post #632 Connectors on the power amp everything you show matches. On the A connector I have 3 other pins,A2 gray,A12 brown and A4 blue. Do you know what they are or where I could find this out? When I run the radio with out the engine running I don't hear It.I tried pulling A1 remote wire and nothing works.

landdriver · October 2004

I left out the signals in my post 632 that you referenced for simplicity as they, to my understanding, are of no use in aftermarket applications; but for completeness, the remaining signals are:

Signals present in the harness under the scuff plate relating to the sound system not present in post 632:

Wire Color Description

gray ACC IN **
shielded blue BEEP
shielded brown MUTE

Connectors on the power amp behind the back seat not present in post 632:

Connector/Pin Description

A/2 ACC IN **
A/4 BEEP
A/12 MUTE

** Goes to "7.5A RADIO NO. 2" fuse in fuse block in engine compartment.

I asked about some of these signals at an auto stereo shop a couple of years ago and the salesperson thought that the MUTE signal instructed the amp to mute itself when someone was placing a cell phone call, and I can't remember what the BEEP is for. The ACC IN line is connected to the battery when the key is in the ACC position.

From your description of the problem it almost sounds like your remote input to your aftermarket amp is not functioning at all (is ALWAYS telling your amp to be on), and that maybe the +12V input to your amp is only supplying 12V when the key is in the ON position. If you have a voltmeter you should check that power is always available at the +12V input no matter what position the key is in, and that the remote input is only asserted when the key is in the ACC or ON positions, and the radio is turned on.

If this fails to identify the problem, then its possible that maybe I remembered incorrectly as its been a couple of years since I installed my amp, and perhaps it was the A/2 ACC IN line that I connected to the remote input of my aftermarket amp, and not the A/1 line, so you may try connecting the A/2 line to your remote input and see if it rectifies both of the problems.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

inco · October 2004

There seems to be a limited choice available to upgrade rims from stock to say plus 1 or plus 2 sizing.

Tire Rack has only 9 options and none of them appeal.

Any web sites out there that people can refer me to or suggestions?

desertguy · October 2004

Try the link below. They have a pretty good selection and are reputable:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/home.jsp

inco · October 2004

Thanks DG - I had forgotten about that site and they do have some interesting choices.Now getting them in Canada or to Canada will be the next problem.

wwlccp · November 2004

Hi,

I posted a long time ago about upgrading my sound system and I was planning to use a line converter to conver the line level inputs to the RCA jacks for hte amplifier. The item I cought was the PAC OEM-2. The instruction on how to hook it up is here: http://www.pac-audio.com/instructions/oem2instr.pdf

I was wondering if anyone could help tell me which wires(the ones located on the back of the JBL head unit) goes to which lines on the line converter. Any help is greatly appreciated.

One more thing, for those who upgraded their sound system, was there a hole in the firewall you used to pass the power wire from the battery to the inside of the car? Thanks!

-William C

landdriver · November 2004

wwlccp:

Once again you avail yourself to the vast resources of the Highlander boards, and once again I'm the only one who replies to your question.

The following are the pin numbers and wire colors for the harness connecting to the head unit for HLs with the "premium" JBL system:

Pin Wire Color Description

1 blue/yellow +12V/constant power *
20 brown GND
3 green/yellow Remote
9 black Line-level FL
8 white Line-level FR
19 red Line-level RL
18 green Line-level RR
16 yellow Line-level common/return
10 bare wire Shield
11 gray ACC IN/switched power **
17 blue BEEP
7 brown MUTE
13 black/red ANT

* Goes to "25A RADIO NO. 1" fuse in fuse block in engine compartment

** Goes to "7.5A RADIO NO. 2" fuse in fuse block in engine compartment

Since the JBL head unit already has line-level RCA-level outputs, you don't need the adapter as I was able to connect my JBL head unit directly to my aftermarket amp successfully. However, if you still want to use the adapter for some of its other features (such as the variable level controls), you would use configuration 3 in the OEM-2 instructions as follows:

JBL Head Unit OEM-2
Pin(wire color) Wire color

9(black) white/red
8(white) gray/red
19(red) green/red
18(green) violet/red
16(yellow) white/black, gray/black, green/black and violet/black
1(blue/yellow) yellow
11(gray) red
20(brown) black
3(green/yellow) blue/white

(I'm not positive about the JBL HU pin 11(gray) to OEM-2 red connection; this is my best guess; this may not be needed by your aftermarket amp).

Note that you want to maintain the existing connections to the JBL head unit when tapping into the harness.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

desertguy · November 2004

landdriver: Ever think you are the only one who knows the answer posting here? :-)) I would be glad to help but don't have a clue.

griggo · November 2004

Did anyone purchased an aftermarket seat covers for Highlander. I have 2005 with ash cloth which is very light color. With kids it will be dirty very soon. Thanks

john13 · November 2004

ebay has great selection at good prices. I got set for my 2004 HL. I was so happy with it, then I got a set for my 2003 camry. There are one or two sellers on the eaby who specialize in toyota seat covers.
HEre is the link
http://search.ebay.com/highlander_Seat-Covers_W0QQfromZR8QQsacate- goryZ33702QQsorecoZ2QQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1
or look for highlander seat. Just make sure you read descriptions. they are all different. power seat or manual or side air bag.

wwlccp · November 2004

Thanks landriver!
I was examining the car today for a way for the power wire to go frm the engine to the inside of the car. Are there any suggestions or is it required for me to drill a hole thru the firewall myself?

landdriver · November 2004

You're welcome wwlccp.
I just tapped into the existing power so don't have experience going through the firewall, but took a look under the dash and there's an existing harness that goes through the firewall above the parking brake pedal and emerges in the engine compartment in a convenient area and on the same side as the battery, so I would try routing the wires through this existing hole, or drill a hole right next to it if for some reason you encounter problems routing the wires through it. Good luck!

wwlccp · November 2004

Thanks!
One last thing.. I have the 01 HL Limited with the JBL package. Does the stock headunit have the anit-theft built onto it? If there is, then would I have the code to unlck it after I disconnect the battery or do i have to go back to the dealership for them to enter it in.

spencer327 · November 2004

Nav system disables all programming functions while in motion. While, I see Toyotas purpose
(sic) safety, I travel alot with my wife and navigator and would like to be able to defeat this so called safety feature,(since I have already punched a disclaimer button to start the system). Toyota does'nt even give me the courtesy
of an answer. Pulling over on the road is the only way to do it(this is safer?)
BTW the system works great, just dont try to change it on the fly.
Anybody

groverl · November 2004

I have a 2005 HL with tow prep package. Purchased an aftermarket trailer brake controller which came with Toyota harness to connect directly to vehicle. Has anyone installed one of these and where do you find the place to plug in the factory wiring harness under the dash? Does the trailer brake wire come out of the factory harness somewhere in the back of the vehicle?

groverl · November 2004

I have a 2005 HL with tow prep package. Purchased an aftermarket trailer brake controller which came with Toyota harness to connect directly to vehicle. Has anyone installed one of these and where do you find the place to plug in the factory wiring harness under the dash? Does the trailer brake wire come out of the factory harness somewhere in the back of the vehicle?

landdriver · November 2004

There aren't any anti-theft features associated with the head unit; I've disconnected the battery a couple of times and the head unit worked just fine afterwards. Disconnect the battery, make the new connections, double-check the connections, if you have one use a meter to make sure +12 and GND aren't shorted together, and reconnect the battery while crossing your fingers. Good luck!

metrostars · November 2004

Has anyone had an aftermarket overhead DVD/Video installed on a Highlander with a sunroof? I'm in the process of buying a Highlander with a sunroof but the place where I had the overhead video screen installed on my minivan said the sunroof might make it impossible to have it installed.
Thanks....

edmundted1 · November 2004

Can anyone recommend a good online place to shop for parts and accessories. A couple years ago I bought from toyotaguys.com but they no longer exist. Appreciate any advice.

sde · December 2004

There is an excellent site to purchase Honda accessories online: www.handaccessories.com . They not only list all of the accessories, but also have PDFs with installation instructions so that neophytes like me can figure out if we can do the installation ourselves.

Does anyone know if there is some equivalent online place for Toyota accessories? We're about to buy an '05 Highlander.

SDE

desertguy · December 2004

Check out:

http://www.alltoyota.com

Sign up for their VIP list and you will be offered discounts, usually 20% I have used them and they were prompt and efficient.

sde · December 2004

Thanks, desertguy.

The site has drop-down lists where one chooses the model and year, but both of my Toyotas are 2005 models (Corolla and Highlander) and the latest model year I see is 2004. Do you think I can just order accessories for the 2004 model years?

I guess I can e-mail them and ask...

SDE

desertguy · December 2004

As far as I know there is little change to either but I would email them to make sure. I am surprised they have not updated the site but I know the Florida hurricanes really slammed them. In fact they had a hurricane sale a couple months ago and I got a rear cargo mat and dash mat for my '04 HL @ 25% off.

jbollt · December 2004

This may not be the right forum to post this, but my post in the HL problems board seems to have gotten lost amid the controversy over the hesitation issue...so I will try here to see if anyone has an answer for me. Thanks in advance...

I understand that the keyless remote/door locks can be programmed so that one push of the unlock button on the remote will unlock all the doors, rather than only the driver's door. I would like this functionality. Does anyone here know the process??? Thanks

goldston · December 2004

Good morning JBolt,

I know I've seen the question, but I'll damned it I can remember the answer (must be getting old).

As a suggestion, you might want to try the search option on leftside bar, or just call the dealership and ask for some tech. support.

Best regards,

Philip

bobchandler · December 2004

I bought a '04 Highlander in June - it's now December and I live in Buffalo and am looking for a Remote Starter - I do not need an alarm with it. I'm told I need to have one of my keys "wired in", because of the key chip. Does anyone have experience or advice on this subject? Any comments welcome

gklatv · December 2004

Yes, it is correct. Your extra key is wired-in to override the engine immobilizer. This is needed only if your model has this option, however. If your HL has a factory keyless entry with remote, you may consider combining both functions (remote start and keyless entry) on just one new remote. It sure beats carrying two on your key ring. And this, most likely, would increase the distance range of remote operation. You'll need to find a reputable installer who knows how to do that, thou. On my '03 HL Ltd. the factory security system is combined with the DEI Viper remote system and is using the Viper remote.

bobgordon · December 2004

Have any of you installed the 3M ClearMask tape on the front of their HL's?

I'm looking at doing (myself) the bumper and grill areas and your thoughts/experiences would be appreciated.

TIA!

landdriver · December 2004

I once installed clearmask tape (not sure whether it was 3M). Obviously wash, rinse and dry the area where it is to be applied, and then clean with alcohol using a soft scratchless cloth. I had the misfortune, when applying one of the sheets, of the wind kicking up between the moment I removed the backing and the moment I applied the sheet to the vehicle -- even though it wasn't a dusty area, still there is dust in the air and any air-borne particles upon making contact with the adhesive will of course immediately adhere. The result was the sheet exhibited a slightly bumpy surface after it had been applied to the vehicle. Bottom line is to prevent any dust from entering the operation. Wear non- or low-lint producing clothing; contain loose hair; consider wetting-down the garage floor or driveway to better trap dust; if in an enclosed area wait half an hour for dust to settle and try to not kick up any dust; and gently wipe the vehicle surface once with a tack rag (a ~$1 sticky cloth available from paint stores that dust will adhere to) immediately before applying the clearmask (i.e., think "cleanroom"). Also, think about and practice placing the sheet in the proper spot before removing the backing -- if you get it wrong, I doubt you will be able to remove and reapply the same sheet a second time.

Overall I have mixed feelings about the stuff. It looks really cool at first and works as advertised in preventing pitting from road debris. But after a few years its surface looses its luster and begins to look dull (at least that's the case on my roommate's Audi). My preference is to avoid it except specifically in areas subject to excessive road debris exposure. But it does look really cool.

Toyota Highlander Accessories and Modifications

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