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Well, finally liked the highlander enough that I took my fathers '01 V6 AWD off of his hands so he can get a new hybrid. I'm use to driving an Acura RSX, in which I had retro-fitted BMW M3 HID projectors with an HID kit into the headlight housings for a killer custom look and amazing cut off lines. Plus, I just have gotten spoiled on the bennefits of HID and don't want to go back.
I'm not sure if I want to dive that deep into modifying this SUV and I was wondering if anyone had tried putting a phillips GEN 3 OEM HID kit into a HL?
The low beam wiring matches up perfectly since it is 9006 but fiting the OEM Phillips style bulb into the stock reticle seems in theory almost impossible. I've tried searching and have come up with nothing. Any help would be appreciated.
If I don't come up with a solution then I'm probably going to end doing the retrofit and customizing it with some CFFL angel eyes(which should be cheaper considering the lower cost of the extra headlights compared to the RSX). Has anyone tried opening up the headlight housings before?
Also, I'm thinking about upgrading the interior a bit and was wondering if anyone had tried retrofiting a newer model steering wheel ('04 and up) on an older model to take advantage of the stereo controls? Just some ideas...
You're right about the HL being based on Camry components -- its a car-based SUV, rides very smoothly and is quiet inside; you'll be very happy with it's car-like ride.
I feel entirely comfortable driving the HL in terms of rollover -- it doesn't want to tip over or anything (in contrast to when I test drove a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer (twin to the Ford Explorer) which did feel like it wanted to tip over) And my '01 HL doesn't even have VSC. Just don't drive it like a sports car!
Never test drove the Pilot but my hunch is it's ride will be very car like as well. Post your question in the Pilot boards if you haven't done so already.
And of course test drive the two to see which appeals to you the most!
Although a few find it's styling to be a tad plain, (I prefer "refined"), you can't go wrong with a HL -- it's a car people fall in love with!
There's quite a bit of excitement about the new RAV4, redesigned for 2006, increasing in size to be almost as large as the HL. One person on these boards was really impressed with the RAV4 specs when compared with the HL's.
Took a look at the new RAV4 in the showroom a few months ago (no test drive). My impression is it's a more sporty-styled vehicle, in contrast to the HL's more upscale styling. Toyota is still positioning the HL to be the next step up from the RAV -- the HL redesign expected in the '08 model year will reportedly see the HL grow larger to differentiate it from the RAV.
Bottom line: look at, and test drive, both to see which appeals to you!
Also see posts 10330 - 10414 in the Toyota Highlander board and the HL 2006 vs RAV4 2006 board for more discussion on the HL vs. RAV4 comparison.
V6 HL owners have posted getting 16 - 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway; subtract 1 mpg for AWD. I have the V6 AWD and get ~18 mpg city; I use regular unleaded. Not the best mpg; this is something that would favor the RAV4. Can't remember for sure what 4cyl HL owners have been getting but guessing it's maybe ~21 mpg city and ~25 mpg highway.
To install a hitch on my '05 HL with 3rd row seat and tow prep package, after much research in this forum, I ordered the Toyota hitch PN PT228-69045 ($275)and converter PN 08921-48860 ($60). I also bought the cable that goes from the converter to the hitch receiver, PN 08942-48870-BB ($49), but it turned out that the hitch shipped with that cable already installed so I was able to return the new one. I described the location of the hitch wiring in post #1207 in this forum, but the instructions that came with the converter show how to get at it. As bucker01 stated in his post #1199, the Toyota hitch comes with two plates that bolt to the sides of the frame members and provide extra attachment points. It is very heavy duty and attaches with 10 bolts instead of 6 for after-market hitches. It would be good to have a helper to hold it up while you start the bolts. It also tucks up nicely below the bumper. The cable from the converter to the receiver was already installed on the hitch, with a rubber grommet to fill the hole in the floor and a connector attached to the hitch for your trailer wiring. Be sure to use a torque-wrench as directed for the mounting bolts. They have a Loc-tite type compound on the threads and you want to be sure to tighten them sufficiently. The instructions for the hitch and converter were very complete. The converter attaches to the body with a bolt (included) so there's nothing flopping around and it even included cable ties to secure the wiring. Using the Toyota parts might have cost a little more, but the extra attachment for the hitch, the instructions and being sure it all fit correctly was worth it.
I have a Toyota Kluger (Highlander V6 LTd) with Auto-On headlight feature. I found this feature a bit "idiotic" as it does not have timer function like european cars (e.g if you pass two consecutive shade area, your parking light will blink twice).
I do like the fact that the system can turn on only the parking lights, however it can become annoying if you pass a multistorey junction with its complicated flyover.
Question 1) If I purchase a highlander on sale from a dealer can they add accessories like the molded wood dash,roof rack etc. or can these only be put on where the car was manufactured? 2) If the dealer can put on the accessories,will the price be the same as the manufactured list price or can I bargain? Thank You Lawrence
I think the roof rack is normally a factory-only thing, but doesn't hurt to ask the dealer to see what they say. If they say they can't do it you can purchase the parts separately from their parts department and either install it yourself (probably requires drilling into the sheetmetal) or have an independent shop you trust do it. The molded dash kit is an accessory that the dealer should be able to install.
To negotiate:
If this is before you've purchased the car:
1. You can definitely bargain. Ask them if they can throw in the accessories for free and see what they come back with. Or in a bold accusatory tone ask them whether they will sell you the accessories at invoice if you buy the car today.
2. Ask them what the total cost of the vehicle will be if they install the roof rack and molded dash kit. Lumping the cost together may motivate them to give you a good deal as they want to make the cost seem as small as possible. No matter what price they come back with, raise your eyebrows somewhat and stare at them for a couple of seconds, and then wince, to make it look like this was way more than you were planning on spending (or just say "Oh man!! That's way more than I was planning on spending!").
If this is after you've purchased the car:
1. In a polite but firm tone: "I'm comparing prices for the installation of the molded wood dash kit for a 2006 HL?"
2. "Can you give me a 15% discount for parts for the molded wood dash kit?" Say this like you expect the discount. (Many Toyota dealer parts departments do give 10%-15% discounts.) If they come back with "We can give you a 10% discount" consider yourself successful. If they say no, politely thank them and check with another dealer.
I'm trying to kind of find out the same thing. I want to add the navigation and the steering wheel that has the volume control on it but nobody on this board has a great deal of knowledge when it comes to that type stuff. I'm going to the dealer today to ask some questions. I'll give you an update later.
No, unfortunately don't have any photos of the retrofit; in retrospect wish I had just because of all the interest here. Was replacing the carpet and the stereo at the same time and thus the interior looked completely gutted -- sheetmetal and wiring harnesses everywhere, very much as I imagine it looked when it was rolling down the assembly line.
Do have a photo of the finished product -- is indistinguishable from the center console you'll find on any '02 or later HL:
I didn't get any steps. I'm waiting for the aftermarket to make the changes necessary for the differences in the Hybrid undercarriage. As for the standard Highlander, installation is not that difficult. Here's a link on the install http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/pdf_files/000164820013HighlanderStepBars.pdf
Thanks for your quick reply. I am thinking about ordering a set of stainless steel 3" tube side step bars "Manik - 925254TSP" from allfortrucks.com. Do you have any comment on it?
I am looking to order a set of ATS Customer Running Boards from AutoAnything.com for my 2006 Highlander V6 Limited. Does it require drilling and is it easy to install? I am also considering WAAG Side Tubes. Any comment is greatly appreciated.
Hey, I currently own a 2004 HL, 4WD w/3rd row. I have a whole list of things that I want to do to upgrade its look. If anyone has suggestions where I can go to look these parts up let me know, thanx in advance:
1. Stainless Steel Step Bars 2. '04 HL Spoiler (Preferrably painted) 3. Fenders (matched color -> silver) 4. Grille Guard/Bumper Guard 5. Window Flares 6. I wanted to get my drive and front passenger windows tinted exactly like the rear windows.
Well, 1st ebay, 2nd ebay, third, well all of them you could get off ebay except the window tint. I would just go to a local tint shop. Sometimes there are even toyota dealers selling on ebay. Check them out.
I need to remove the door that is between the storage area and the ashtray. . . by reading this post - it looks like that is not feasbile? Girl thing. . . dropped an earring between the door and the console.
If I understand correctly you're referring to the cup holder door in the console that's between the ashtray and the clamshell doors for the main storage bin? Also your earring is essentially inside the console on the roof of the lower open storage area accessible from the side of the console? If so (and if I'm recalling correctly) you're right this door (as is the case for the clamshell doors) cannot be removed without removing the console first (the cupholders, main storage bin and associated doors are secured to the console via screws accessed from the interior of the console).
Three ideas:
Try attaching some masking or duct tape, sticky side out, to the end of a ~2"x10" piece of cardboard and insert between the door edge and console wall where the earring fell -- if you're lucky you'll nab the earring and can carefully pull it out.
If this fails, then drive up a steep hill -- this may cause the earring to slide off the top of the roof of the lower open storage area and onto to the floor in the rear of the console. You can then remove the black felt at the bottom of the main storage bin inside the clamshell doors to expose two mounting bolts. Removing these two bolts should allow you to gently lift the console up enough to run your fingers or a pencil between the bottom of the console and the carpet to fish out the earring.
If this fails, and the earring is really expensive, then the only option may be the removal of the entire console (not a trivial task). See posts 1052 and 268 for info on removing and installing the console; generally requires removal of one of the front seats or one or both of the armrests.
Hope this helps -- please let me know if I'm not interpreting correctly!
I want to replace the rusted 6 bolts that mount the class 3 trailer hitch to my '05 HL with plated or stainless steel bolts. Does any body know the size of these bolts?
They are M10, but strength is obviously an important concern. You need at least 8.8 grade, I don't think Stainless is as strong in shear or tensile but I'm not positive. I'd go with zinc plated 8.8 grade to be on the safe side.
Along the lines of trailer hitches... Anyone know the difference between the 02 and the 06 hitches? There is apparantly some change in there, looks like I can't use my old 02 hitch on my new 06 HL or can I....
The '02 and '05+ hitches are different. I don't recall much about installing my '02 hitch, but I do know the rear suspension is totally different. I found all on-line sources listing two different hitch part numbers for the older and newer HLs.
Yeah, I found the same thing. No time to see what's different so I just ordered the new one. Also ordered the factory harness. I haven't looked at the harness hookup myself yet, but according to the instructions it stays on the inside. That is, on the 04-06 it plugs inside the left side of the cargo compartment (vs. under the car) like my 02. Now, instead of having the lighting connection tied to the hitch, outside (where it's supposed to be IMO), It's dangling on the inside and you are supposed to hang it under the rear door when you want to use it. Not to spiffy an install for a $30+k car.
Has anyone routed the factory trailer wiring through the wall to the outside? I was hoping there was an existing grommet I could use. I won't hold my breath though :mad:
shorton - my Toyota hitch has the electrical connector mounted on it. The wires go inside from underneath. There's a rubber plug to remove and the wiring has a nice grommet to keep the weather out.
The the wires connect to an optional electrical convertor which goes between them and a plug that sticks out near the left turn signal(inside). You get to the wires by removing tray that holds the lug wrench. there are a couple of plugs that are easy to remove and re-install.
I didn't purchase the connector (yet), but searched this forum and found the instructions on how to remove parts and get to the wires/plugs. I took all apart and it isn't easy, but it's not that bad either.
Thanks. I installed it today. Just plugged in the adapter to the factory plug and there is a grommet and hole there and ready. Man, teh 01-03 hitches sure look better. I'm dissappointed with the look of the late models. They have the bar/tube sticking way out, presumably to clear the tire that was moved to make room for the worthless (for me) 3rd row seat assembly. Oh well, price of an "upgrdade".
I agree with you on the look of the hitch and the worthless (at least for me) 3rd seat. I'd rather have hidden storage space or the tire back inside. However, I do believe the ride is better in the newer models. I must be a result of the redesigned rear suspension.
Does anyone know how to remove the rear bumper for a 2001 highlander? I know about the two screws once you open up the tail gate but it seems like there are a lot more attatchment points underneath. Thanks, Josh
I have just purchased a 2006 Highlander Hybrid. Love the power and the economy. Not sure about the jigging and jogging under full throttle acceleration, but the thing sure goes like hell! Anyway, I'm 6'3" with long legs and I'd really like to have another few inches of leg room. Anyone have suggestions? Can I get extended seat tracks to gain some leg room?
Don't have the hybrid but the jigging and jogging doesn't sound right -- Id have the dealer look at it (or at least repost your comment in the Highlander Hybrid forum).
If your knees are hitting the steering wheel try adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel.
Do you have any pictures of your installed factory hitch? I'm trying to decide whether to go with an aftermarket hitch or the Toyota factory hitch. I've been looking, but have yet to see a factory installed hitch in person.
I just purchased a base model V6 AWD Highlander and want to get some sort of XM Satellite radio. It would be great if I could install it or I could have it installed. Does anyone have any recommendations on a small satellite unit? I was thinking that maybe in place of the ashtray would be the most logical place to mount it. I'd even consider a portable, plug-in unit.
There are several dealers that sell parts on-line. I never found the rear wiper anywhere other than a dealership. Sorry, I don't recall the on-line Toyota delaerships that I've ordered form in the past.
Got my refills from toyotapartsales.com, part #85214-31010; actually got 4, and some other parts, to get the most out of the shipping charge. I've been ordering from them, no issues.
hello this is in regards to your forum asking about how to turn off the 2006 Toyota Highlander "beep" sound everytime you hit a button.Did you ever find out?? I just bought a 2006 Highlander adn cant find anything in the manual? If you can help please let me know thank you!
So far, I have added a cargo net to my new 2007 Sport. I would like to add Satelite radio, but need a good place to mount (not on windshield). Also would like to make the sides stand out. Anyone add Nerf Bars?
Comments
I'm not sure if I want to dive that deep into modifying this SUV and I was wondering if anyone had tried putting a phillips GEN 3 OEM HID kit into a HL?
The low beam wiring matches up perfectly since it is 9006 but fiting the OEM Phillips style bulb into the stock reticle seems in theory almost impossible. I've tried searching and have come up with nothing. Any help would be appreciated.
If I don't come up with a solution then I'm probably going to end doing the retrofit and customizing it with some CFFL angel eyes(which should be cheaper considering the lower cost of the extra headlights compared to the RSX). Has anyone tried opening up the headlight housings before?
This is an example:
HID retro pic
Also, I'm thinking about upgrading the interior a bit and was wondering if anyone had tried retrofiting a newer model steering wheel ('04 and up) on an older model to take advantage of the stereo controls? Just some ideas...
I feel entirely comfortable driving the HL in terms of rollover -- it doesn't want to tip over or anything (in contrast to when I test drove a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer (twin to the Ford Explorer) which did feel like it wanted to tip over) And my '01 HL doesn't even have VSC. Just don't drive it like a sports car!
Never test drove the Pilot but my hunch is it's ride will be very car like as well. Post your question in the Pilot boards if you haven't done so already.
And of course test drive the two to see which appeals to you the most!
Although a few find it's styling to be a tad plain, (I prefer "refined"), you can't go wrong with a HL -- it's a car people fall in love with!
What is the difference between HL and toyota RV4? Both are listed as mid size SUVs and both have similar hosrspower (4 cyclinders).
What is the adv. of HL over RAV4 and vise versa? I assume RAV 4 is little bit more cheaper and fuel economy is better.
By the way how much gas miles do you get with HL both city and highway and what type of gas? Is your HL V6 and AWD?
There's quite a bit of excitement about the new RAV4, redesigned for 2006, increasing in size to be almost as large as the HL. One person on these boards was really impressed with the RAV4 specs when compared with the HL's.
Took a look at the new RAV4 in the showroom a few months ago (no test drive). My impression is it's a more sporty-styled vehicle, in contrast to the HL's more upscale styling. Toyota is still positioning the HL to be the next step up from the RAV -- the HL redesign expected in the '08 model year will reportedly see the HL grow larger to differentiate it from the RAV.
Bottom line: look at, and test drive, both to see which appeals to you!
Also see posts 10330 - 10414 in the Toyota Highlander board and the HL 2006 vs RAV4 2006 board for more discussion on the HL vs. RAV4 comparison.
V6 HL owners have posted getting 16 - 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway; subtract 1 mpg for AWD. I have the V6 AWD and get ~18 mpg city; I use regular unleaded. Not the best mpg; this is something that would favor the RAV4. Can't remember for sure what 4cyl HL owners have been getting but guessing it's maybe ~21 mpg city and ~25 mpg highway.
I described the location of the hitch wiring in post #1207 in this forum, but the instructions that came with the converter show how to get at it.
As bucker01 stated in his post #1199, the Toyota hitch comes with two plates that bolt to the sides of the frame members and provide extra attachment points. It is very heavy duty and attaches with 10 bolts instead of 6 for after-market hitches. It would be good to have a helper to hold it up while you start the bolts. It also tucks up nicely below the bumper. The cable from the converter to the receiver was already installed on the hitch, with a rubber grommet to fill the hole in the floor and a connector attached to the hitch for your trailer wiring.
Be sure to use a torque-wrench as directed for the mounting bolts. They have a Loc-tite type compound on the threads and you want to be sure to tighten them sufficiently.
The instructions for the hitch and converter were very complete. The converter attaches to the body with a bolt (included) so there's nothing flopping around and it even included cable ties to secure the wiring.
Using the Toyota parts might have cost a little more, but the extra attachment for the hitch, the instructions and being sure it all fit correctly was worth it.
I have a Toyota Kluger (Highlander V6 LTd) with Auto-On headlight feature. I found this feature a bit "idiotic" as it does not have timer function like european cars (e.g if you pass two consecutive shade area, your parking light will blink twice).
I do like the fact that the system can turn on only the parking lights, however it can become annoying if you pass a multistorey junction with its complicated flyover.
Any thoughts how to adjust this feature....
Thanks Guys....
To negotiate:
If this is before you've purchased the car:
1. You can definitely bargain. Ask them if they can throw in the accessories for free and see what they come back with. Or in a bold accusatory tone ask them whether they will sell you the accessories at invoice if you buy the car today.
2. Ask them what the total cost of the vehicle will be if they install the roof rack and molded dash kit. Lumping the cost together may motivate them to give you a good deal as they want to make the cost seem as small as possible. No matter what price they come back with, raise your eyebrows somewhat and stare at them for a couple of seconds, and then wince, to make it look like this was way more than you were planning on spending (or just say "Oh man!! That's way more than I was planning on spending!").
If this is after you've purchased the car:
1. In a polite but firm tone: "I'm comparing prices for the installation of the molded wood dash kit for a 2006 HL?"
2. "Can you give me a 15% discount for parts for the molded wood dash kit?" Say this like you expect the discount. (Many Toyota dealer parts departments do give 10%-15% discounts.) If they come back with "We can give you a 10% discount" consider yourself successful. If they say no, politely thank them and check with another dealer.
http://www.stwheel.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AT&Category_- Code=ST4
http://www.wooddash.com/item/TOYOTA_Steering_Wheels_CAMRY_2002_1
Do have a photo of the finished product -- is indistinguishable from the center console you'll find on any '02 or later HL:
As for the standard Highlander, installation is not that difficult. Here's a link on the install
http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/pdf_files/000164820013HighlanderStepBars.pdf
1. Stainless Steel Step Bars
2. '04 HL Spoiler (Preferrably painted)
3. Fenders (matched color -> silver)
4. Grille Guard/Bumper Guard
5. Window Flares
6. I wanted to get my drive and front passenger windows tinted exactly like the rear windows.
Thanx again for any help!!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-Highlander-V6-Secret-Weapon-Intake-01-04_W- 0QQitemZ270006953494QQihZ017QQcategoryZ38634QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It looks like a bunch of smoke and mirrors but that is the only thing I have found so far.
If I understand correctly you're referring to the cup holder door in the console that's between the ashtray and the clamshell doors for the main storage bin? Also your earring is essentially inside the console on the roof of the lower open storage area accessible from the side of the console? If so (and if I'm recalling correctly) you're right this door (as is the case for the clamshell doors) cannot be removed without removing the console first (the cupholders, main storage bin and associated doors are secured to the console via screws accessed from the interior of the console).
Three ideas:
Try attaching some masking or duct tape, sticky side out, to the end of a ~2"x10" piece of cardboard and insert between the door edge and console wall where the earring fell -- if you're lucky you'll nab the earring and can carefully pull it out.
If this fails, then drive up a steep hill -- this may cause the earring to slide off the top of the roof of the lower open storage area and onto to the floor in the rear of the console. You can then remove the black felt at the bottom of the main storage bin inside the clamshell doors to expose two mounting bolts. Removing these two bolts should allow you to gently lift the console up enough to run your fingers or a pencil between the bottom of the console and the carpet to fish out the earring.
If this fails, and the earring is really expensive, then the only option may be the removal of the entire console (not a trivial task). See posts 1052 and 268 for info on removing and installing the console; generally requires removal of one of the front seats or one or both of the armrests.
Hope this helps -- please let me know if I'm not interpreting correctly!
FYI - Mine is Bluestone Metalic.
I really like the looks of the HH and do not want to detract from it, but if anyone has pictures, that would be great!
Thanks.
Along the lines of trailer hitches... Anyone know the difference between the 02 and the 06 hitches? There is apparantly some change in there, looks like I can't use my old 02 hitch on my new 06 HL
Has anyone routed the factory trailer wiring through the wall to the outside? I was hoping there was an existing grommet I could use. I won't hold my breath though :mad:
The the wires connect to an optional electrical convertor which goes between them and a plug that sticks out near the left turn signal(inside). You get to the wires by removing tray that holds the lug wrench. there are a couple of plugs that are easy to remove and re-install.
I didn't purchase the connector (yet), but searched this forum and found the instructions on how to remove parts and get to the wires/plugs. I took all apart and it isn't easy, but it's not that bad either.
FYI, to the bolt guy question, they are M10 x 1.5
Cheers,
Scott
If your knees are hitting the steering wheel try adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel.
thanks
I'd even consider a portable, plug-in unit.
Thanks.
SammyS
Check out the XM & Sirius Satellite Radio discussion while waiting for responses in here.