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Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    parked at a marina or beachfront or was really from Philly
  • shagnatshagnat Member Posts: 78
    I've got an '03 and zero rust. I've never heard/seen anything on this before. However, I don't live in Florida, just in sunny South Carolina.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    also zero rust
    was the car a katrina underwater car?
  • 01accordlx01accordlx Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the responses! I have my concerns about this particular highlander. When I went to look at it, it had already been reduced to just under 18,000. I looked at it yesterday, saw the rust, and left before the salesman could get out of his chair. By the time I got home and posted this message, it had been reduced to 16,000. It seemed too good to be true, and now it just seems like they are desperate to be rid of it. Obviously, I am worried that the rust on the window trim is just the tip of the iceberg.
  • 01accordlx01accordlx Member Posts: 14
    Didn't think about the underwater possibility. Not a katrina car, though. Manufactured in december 2005.
  • bluenose2bluenose2 Member Posts: 12
    Does anyone know the secret to removing the rear wiper blade on the 06 Highlander, in order to install a new one.
  • byumgrbyumgr Member Posts: 14
    I would image that you could just take out the insert like you can on the '05 Highlander, like I do on mine.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    our dealer sells only the whole thing. holder and blade, not the arm
    I think the owners manual tell u how to replace
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    '07 HL owner here. I was curious if anyone here knows if the 01-07 first generation Highlanders have had any reports of the uncontrolled acceleration issue or brakes. They are not on the recall list and I have not heard of any problems but that doesn't mean anything.

    What type of throttle does it use? DBW?

    thanks, concerned owner.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Owner of an 04 HL here, no recalls so far. And not sure if the accelerator or brake is DBW.
  • bluenose2bluenose2 Member Posts: 12
    I have an 06. Never had a recall or any problem, other than rear brake disks wearing out prematurely. MIne still runs and rides like new after 4 1/2 years and 87K kilometers (54K miles).
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    I have not heard of arly highlander problems.
    Seems toyota has stopped testing of new designs.
    brakes, throttle, back up lights dim, wind noise from doors, weak key fob button springs- put the remote in your pocket - keys push on the buttons, too sensitive- Buick fobs require more and longer pressure.
    They just anint testing the products like they used to.
    And why keep changing the stuff?????
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    The only problem I've had was the flaky temperature control knob that is well documented. Other than that just normal maintenance items. I've got 55K miles on it, bought it new in May 2004, and still have the orginal brakes and battery.

    I think Toyota lost it's focus on quality with the newer recent models.
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    I think Toyota lost it's focus on quality with the newer recent models.

    Agreed, I'm on my 2nd gen 1 HL and have never had any issues with them, no defects or, maintenance problems. They've been the perfect car for me. Sad to say my lease is running out and I don't know what to try and replace it with, nothing out there compares. I was bummed out when the 08 HL came out, too big for me. I may end up just buying it for the residual.
  • phrosutphrosut Member Posts: 122
    If you've followed these boards for awhile, or read back through the old postings, you'll notice a problem that began when the HL started using "drive by wire" (was that '05?)

    Occasionally, when pulling into the fast lane and 'stepping on it', there was an uncomfortable delay before acceleration began. Quite a few stated it was "scary".

    Now the new acceleration problems in this recall only reinforce those early posts that there were issues with sensors and/or programming and/or the ECM. But no reports of acceleration or braking issues on those earlier models that I've ever seen here.

    Phil
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    Thanks, I've owned an '03 and an '07 and haven't noticed the issue.

    The only difference to me was in the transmission. The shift points of the '07 5 speed are not to my liking compared to the '03 4 speed. I've learned to live with it but sometimes when you step on it, the trans. downshifts before it accelerates, really maddening.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    "..uncomfortable delay..."

    That 1-2 second downshift delay was/is intentionally incorporated into the engine/transaxle ECU firmware.

    "To protect the drive train".
  • shagnatshagnat Member Posts: 78
    My last 3 cars, 1995 Buick w/supercharger, 03 Highlander, and 08 Hyundai Azera all have this dreaded and potentially unsafe "lag" whenever flooring the accelerator.
  • steves8steves8 Member Posts: 11
    I dont recall being annoyed by any lag when passing with my V6 2005, and I have a heavy foot. But what does annoy me very much is slowing for a stop sign, then without coming to a full stop, I accelerate, then it downshifts, producing an annoying lurch. My parents' 4 cyl 2002 HL doesn't do that at all, it's smooth. I have always thought this to be a poor engineering problem.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    "slowing for a stop sign.."

    SOP.

    All the Toyota/etc FWD and F/awd vehicles, possibly other marques as well, especially those of asian origin that are more likely to use the same transaxle and firmware source, have this "flaw".

    As you slow below 10 mph the transaxle will upshift in order to alleviate the potential for loss of directional control caused by too much inadvertent/unintentional engine compression braking should the roadbed happen to be slippery. It will then NOT shift into 1st gear (from 3rd...4th??) until you come to a final FULL stop....UNLESS you decide to accelerate in the interim, resulting in that annoying lurch.

    You will have this same effect as you slow below about 35mph and the trnasaxle upshifts to lower the level of engine compression braking.

    Your parents' 4 cyl probably doesn't have enough engine compression braking to be of concern in this matter.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    "..when passing.."

    The 1-2 second downshift delay/hesitation only occurs subsequent to, quickly following. an upshift. If for some reason the transaxle has begun an upshift sequence (2 seconds) or having just completed one (1 second) the DBW system will be used to delay rising engine torque, ignoring the gas pedal position, until the transaxle full completes the now required downshift.
  • phrosutphrosut Member Posts: 122
    Not that I could afford otherwise, but this conversation just reinforces my plan to keep our '03 HL and not trade for newer...

    I had over 200,000 miles on the Taurus that we traded for this Highlander. Figuring if I could get that many on a Ford, I fully anticipated clocking 300,000 on a Toyota, but now may start aiming for the half-million mark!

    Phil
  • shagnatshagnat Member Posts: 78
    I'm keeping my 03 HL also. Only 60K at present and NO issues at all.
  • steves8steves8 Member Posts: 11
    Thanks, wwest, for this explanation. Life gets more and more complicated as we try to provide better and better products/services. It's a great car!!
  • ohmygoshohmygosh Member Posts: 66
    I just purchased a new 2010 Highlander Limited AWD. Can anyone tell me about driving in the 'S' gear which is adjacent to the 'D' on the shifter. I accidently put it in this gear and drove about 30 miles @ 70mph before I realized I wasn't in DRIVE. Is this okay, and under what conditions would you use this gear. Any feedback would be appreciated.
  • mdhuttonmdhutton Member Posts: 195
    You use the "S" setting to manually change gears 1-5. Whatever gear you're in (while in "D") will be maintained upon the change to "S," but any gear changes while in "S" are up to you.

    Presumably, you were already at 70mph when you bumped your shifter to "S," in which case you were in 5th gear. Perhaps a bit of a sacrifice on mileage, but not much else.

    However, if you drove for 30 miles @ 70mph in 4th or even worse, 3rd gear, I'd be worried you put a lot of unnecessary revs on the motor. In 2nd or 1st, you would have blown it up, so I'm sure that wasn't the case.
  • shagnatshagnat Member Posts: 78
    The "S" gear is for taking off on "Snow". It's actually 2nd gear. It will then shift throughout the range of gears (after 2nd) just as if you started in "Drive". Check your manual, it will verify this. It has absolutely nothing with manual shifting of gears. You're fine, no damage done at all.
  • jrfierojrfiero Member Posts: 123
    Just a slight clarification (if it wasn't clear).
    In S you start off in second gear rather than first. 2nd has less torque multiplication than first, so you're less likely to spin your tires.
    Earlier models had a Snow Mode button near the base of the shifter.
  • mdhuttonmdhutton Member Posts: 195
    Then why does my manual say differently and my vehicle behave differently than what you describe? There is a "snow mode" button at the bottom of the shifter next to the DAC "downhill assist" button.
  • jrfierojrfiero Member Posts: 123
    Well, then, at least my bad for my entry 4795.
    I just assumed the S you were talking about had replaced the snow mode.
    I'll shut up now.
  • shagnatshagnat Member Posts: 78
    Don't have any idea what DAC is. It's not on my 03 so I am unable to help with that.
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    Good grief, will somebody read their manual and tell us the S mode on the selector does to the transmission?

    I'm assuming this s gear is on the gen 2 HL transmission(6 speed) only.
    My '07 HL has the "DCT snow mode" button which eliminates 1st gear.
  • 06driver106driver1 Member Posts: 4
    I had my oil changed on my 06 Highlander and immediately my tire pressure light came on. Turns out they had put too much pressure in my tires. It's still on, but I'm thinking it's because they didn't lower the pressure in my spare. A week later, my check engine light also comes on, along with the VSC and TracOff lights. They're telling me it's a Code 420, which is Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold and I need the whole new exhaust manifold, since the catalytic converter is welded to the exhaust manifold. Toyota wants $506, and my mechanic will mark that up I'm sure, along with labor.

    I've searched the internet, and others who've had the same symptoms turned out to have a different issue. Any thoughts on whether the manifold really does have to be changed, or could it be something else? Thanks for the input.
  • mrs1964mrs1964 Member Posts: 8
    Sounds like you might be getting a "customer shakedown". It might pay you to take the vehicle to another mechanic and get a second, and even third opinion.
  • bikeman3bikeman3 Member Posts: 85
    I once had a crack in the manifold in a pontiac and found someone to remove it and weld the crack and put it back in place. It was a muffler company that took it off and sent it out to a welder. It was a lot cheaper. Talk to some shops to see if they know a welder to do the work. BTW I had the car 5 years after and never a problem.
    Always passed the state inspection in Taxsylvania
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    Tire pressure is not read. The tire pressure monitor only reads rpms of the wheels to notice a difference in tire pressure, therefore spare tire is not monitored. 2nd generation Highlanders have actual pressure sensors.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    my tire pressure light came on. Turns out they had put too much pressure in my tires. It's still on, but I'm thinking it's because they didn't lower the pressure in my spare

    Sounds like they didn't hit and hold the reset button, instructions should be in the owner's manual. If they can't do that right, I wouldn't trust them under the hood. Take your vehicle to another mechanic.
  • 05highlander0505highlander05 Member Posts: 89
    2005 Highlander V6
    57k miles

    I drive about 11k miles per year and I have always went to the dealer for scheduled maintenance. I have come across a maintenance schedule online that could be done at specific intervals which would save money, especially at the dealer. Can anyone tell me if I would be safe in following this maintenance list for my Highlander? The only thing I am unsure of is the Power Steering Fluid and Brake Fluid at 45k, my dealer says they never do this. Some other Highlander online tell me they have over 100k miles and all they have done is changed their oil over the years, is this something that can be true....honestly now. My Highlander is paid off, bought brand new and to ignore scheduled maintenance is foolish if you ask me. I just don't feel like paying the dealer alot for "checking" things anymore.

    5k Oil Change
    5k Rotate and Balance
    10k Check Alignment
    30k Air Filter
    30k Cabin Filter
    30k Transmission Fluid
    45k Rear Differential Oil
    45k Transfer Case Oil
    45k Power Steering Fluid
    45k Brake Fluid
    45k Engine Coolant
    90k Tune Up
    90k Timing Belt
    90k Thermostat
    90k Water Pump
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    edited March 2010
    My opinion, here's what I do with all my vehicles.

    5k - Oil Change
    5k - Rotate tires
    30k - Air Filter
    30k - Cabin Filter
    When the brake pads need replacing - Brake Fluid
    45k - Engine Coolant
  • 05highlander0505highlander05 Member Posts: 89
    Help me understand, so I should ignore the other items completely and never change them unless needed or...?
  • steves8steves8 Member Posts: 11
    I completely agree with mikefm58

    I have never agreed to a dealer's routine scheduled service pack and I spend VERY little on repairs, doing so only on an as-needed basis.
  • shagnatshagnat Member Posts: 78
    I agree with the dealership and the others...... no need to replace/change those other fluids out. they are sealed units and no reason for the lubricants etc. to be changed unless a problem arises.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    That is correct. Have you read the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual? That will differ significantly from the dealer recommended service. Here's my opinion on the items I didn't mention and as such ignore. Others may disagree:

    5K balance tires. Nope, only needed if I notice a vibration at highway speeds.

    10K check alignment. Nope, only needed if tires are wearing uneven, or vehicle is pulling to one side, also may be needed if vibration at highway speeds

    30k transmission fluid. Do what your owner's manual says. Most likely it will say something like "replace at 60K if towing, or if it changes color to brown from bright pink.

    45K Rear Differential Oil, Transfer Case Oil, Power Steering Fluid. That is so laughable that they recommend changing these. As someone as already stated, those are in sealed units and no need to replace.

    90k Tune Up Do this only if the vehicle is running rough. The days of doing a regular tune up have long past.

    90k Timing Belt. Check your owner's manual. I have an 04 HL 4 cyl that does not have the belt, it has the chain, but your owner's manual will tell you if/when to do this

    90k Thermostat. If the temp. of my vehicle is fine, why would I ever change this?

    90k Water Pump Nope again, unless I had to change the timing belt as usually they have to remove the water pump anyway. You would also want to change the accessory belts during the timing belt change. Most dealers will have a "timing belt change special" where they will do the belt, water pump, and accessory belts all at once.

    I also check all the fluids and tire pressure on my vehicles at least monthly.

    Hope this helps. And I'm curious if others think I'm scrimping as well, but this has been pretty successful for me
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    You left out rotate tires. I'm a firm believer that it extends your tire life. I rotate every other oil change which for me happens 3-5k when it's convenient for me.
  • 05highlander0505highlander05 Member Posts: 89
    Others have also said that they never replaced the Rear Differential Oil, Transfer Case Oil, Power Steering Fluid. What about Brake fluid? My dealer says they only do this when the brakes are changed.
  • 05highlander0505highlander05 Member Posts: 89
    so you rotate every 6-10k miles?
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    yes, so? too much, not enough? what say?
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    You left out rotate tires

    I covered that in my first post, and yes I do that when I change the oil & filter.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    What about Brake fluid? My dealer says they only do this when the brakes are changed

    Also covered in my first post, and yes when the brake pads need changing, I also have them do the brake fluid.
  • 05highlander0505highlander05 Member Posts: 89
    thanks so basically I should follow this and repair things as needed....
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