Toyota Highlander Accessories and Modifications

dominor5

I finally received the alarm package from toyotaguys.com yesterday. It came with user instructions, but no installation instructions. I sent them e-mail, hopefully they will be able to come up with something I can work on; otherwise, I 'll try my friend who owns a body shop; as a last resort, my Toyota dealer.

The only programmable feature, as per the user instructions, is the one for passive (automatic) arming and disarming. If you have a 4runner, you can also program the feature for the ignition-controlled automatic door lock/unlock. I'll fax or e-mail you the pages if you want, just let me know.

gwleong

Hello all,

I'm the proud new owner of a Highlander V6 2WD WITHOUT the Limited Package. I am interested in upgrading the system to sound a bit more like the "premium" system as in the Limited package. I would like to replace the speakers only (I think most of the electronics are the same w/the Premium) and was wondering if anyone knew the model no. of the JBL's Toyota uses or if there's a good, reasonably priced equivalent? Would like to find speakers that fit without any adapters or cutting.

Please advise.
Thanks in advance for your reply!!

PS: No problems so far w/the SUV, maybe because I have about 40 miles on the Odometer!!

kluger

Has anybody been successful in installing the Fog lamps and the switch/relay for the Highlander Unlimited?.

Does anybody know if this will work or if there is any wiring present for the Fog Lamps in the V6 unlimited models?

dominor5

I'm aware WAAG currently manufactures grill guards and tail light guards for the Highlander. Can anyone recommend a reputable on-line store that currently sells them? Thanks.

Also, I'm not sure of what effect a front grill guard install will have on the Highlander's front safety sensors which, in turn, affects the primary and secondary restraint systems. Any thoughts? Thanks again.

brad_22

I would recomment SUV Brush guards.
"www.suvbrushguards.com"

This is where I ordered my WAAG sidetubes and Sportster. Good service, especially if you contact them directly by phone.

mccannr

Even though our dealership hit us up for the trailer prep package, they had no idea where to get a hitch or how to find the installed electircal harness. The Toyota customer service was polite and totally ignorant. I learned of the four prong plug from Toyotaguys from this site (hasn't arrived yet) and we ordered our Class III hitch from "www.hitches4less.com". It came in five days and I installed it in ten minutes.

billhurley

Has anyone seen or purchased a nice cover for the cargo area when both seats are down. I was going to make one, but thought one may be available.

Also has anyone had the center console installed at the dealer yet?
Thanks

mjallen

I finally broke down and bought a "custom fog light kit" from ToyotaGuys.com. For $350 I got both light units, bulbs, relay, and a bunch of mounting parts. I opted for a camary dash mount foglight switch that would mount in one of the empty slots in the dash (for an extra $100 I could get the column stick with the foglight position on it like the limited - I will probably do this so I don't have to tap into the existing wiring and run a set of wires back to the switch I'm installing). And of course, I got no instructions.

So after an hour, I got the light units / bulbs installed in the bumper (using all the misc. parts - which was a bit of a challenge to figure out what the "fog light bearing" was for). The lights look great - much much better than those dummy plugs. Now if I just figure out how to connect them....

Looking at the wiring harness, there's what appears to be two extra connectors on each side of the engine compartment- they are plugged into dummy caps which are screwed to the side of the engine compartment near the lights. I though that one of these would be for the fog lights - it may be, but it has the wrong type of connector, and is too short. Does anyone know if there is a cable / adapter that is supposed to plug into the harness and go to the fog lights? How are the fog lights on the limited connected - do they go straight into the harness (like the headlights) or is than an extra junction? Also, has anyone figured out where the relay goes? There's no "empty" matching plug in my fuse / relay box. Also, there isn't a slot labeled "fog lights" - a bit disconcerning. Where does the relay go?

Any advice is welcome. I'll be sure to post any response I get from toyotaguys.

gwkiser

mjallen, as an owner of a Limited model, I can't tell you everything you need to know, but I can tell you where the fuse for the fog lights is located. It's on the inside fuse panel, which is located behind the small storage area on the left side of the steering wheel. If you look in the owner's manual, there is an illustration is on page 278. The fuse goes in the bottom slot of the left side column (labelled slot # 26) and is a 10 amp. Personally, if I were going to add fog lamps to an "unlimited" model, I would simply run an inline fuse somewhere (maybe behind your new switch?). It just seems so much easier that way. Additionally, if you were to do that, the fogs could be used independantly of the other front lights in any manner you wished. Those of us who have the Limited model cannot use the fogs unless the main headlights are on and ONLY if they are on low beam. Because of the circuit/switch design, we cannot turn on the fogs WITH high beams.

On a final note, you might want to check out http://www.tundrasolutions.com where someone did a mod on a Tundra to give them the flexibility of the fog light usage. Not sure if it can be done in your application, but maybe they have an idea as well. Good luck.

frutiger

is it possible to get my 4 cyl HL prepped for towing? I know the v-6 tow prep pkg changed some engine components. is it too late?

myotheruserid1

Hello

I purchased a new 4WD V6 Silver highlander from Sunshine Toyota, Battle Creek, MI. Absolutely love it.

However, I got the one which does not have a center console. I didn't like the factory installed one, anyway.

1. Are there any center consoles that will fit in a highlander?
2. Can I do it or should I have the retailer/dealer do it?

Thanks

gwkiser

Word on the street is that the 2002 Limited models with have a center console very similar (if not exactly like) the console that is in the Japanese version called the Kluger V. Keep you ear to the ground. New HLs are supposed to be at the dealers within a few more weeks (or so I've heard).

kluger

Mark,
Here is my unsuccessful attempt to fix the fog lamps.
I got my fog lamp kit from www.toyotaparts4u.com.( Fog lamps, relay,fog lamp switch, small plastic brackets , bearings ).Last week, I took my non-limited highlander to the dealer to install them.But after checking the vehicle wiring for 20 minutes, finally they told me that they can't install it because the fog lamp wire harness is not available with the vehicle.They suggested the complete wiring harness has to be replaced.

Do you know is there any large bracket which covers and holds the fog lamps , or the fog lamps can be directly fixed into the bumper slot without it.(What I have is the small washer like plastic brackets.)
Could you tell me how to remove the dummy plugs in the bumper; do we have to remove the bumper first?.In that case where are the main screws for the bumper ?.

Were you able to make the fog lamps work?.
I also heard about the after market remote controlled switch and kit for fog lamps, but I don't know the details like what is the part no and where it is sold?.

Good luck.

sctang

Try www.canvasbackofidaho.com for a cover for the cargo area. Not cheap but fits well over the seatbacks and cargo area.

billhurley

It is funny you mention the Canvas back. I just got mine a few days ago. It looks great. I would highly recommend it.

http://www.autoanything.com/detail_canvasback.asp?p=cargoliners

Thanks

sctang

Yeah, I love the Canvasback. I guess I've had it for a few months now. I had to wait awhile before I actually received it since they hadn't figured out the dimensions initially.

Sorry about the late advice, haven't been able to browse the forum since I have a newborn.

jmcging

This may sound weird, but we just got a new 2001 HL with the charcoal interior. My son is 9 years old, and mentally handicapped. Due to his mental and physical problems, he's a bear on keeping an interior clean. When he was younger, size kept the trouble down, but at 9, he scuffs the drivers seat back with his shoes, he spills things on the seats/floor, gets food remains on things (he's mentally about 3, you see, so comprehension about this is slow in coming)

Anyway, to keep the seat behind the driver in good condition, we were looking for clear plastic seat covers (yes, like your old maiden aunt had in her front room, where no one but company could sit). Or regular seat covers that could go on top of some plastic liner . And for the driver's seat back, come thick mil flexible plastic that could attach to the seat back via velcro and take the brunt of the shoes.

Any one with any leads or advice? What he did to the interior of the Dodge Caravan we just got rid of cost us a lot in resale value. (But we love him anyway, just want to protect our investment.)

Thanks

John

mallen7

Kluger -

I got the same pieces in my "kit" that you described. There is no "bracket" that holds in the fog lights. I haven't yet gotten my lights working, though I do have them physically mounted in the bumper - they look much better than the dummy plugs. I was going to bring the Highlander into the dealer to see if they could wire the lights. I'll let you know if I get the same answer you did (which I find hard to believe).

- To remove the dummy plugs, there's a screw that you need to remove - it goes through part of the bumper and into the back of the dummy plug. You can get a wrench on it by reaching down through the hood. It's relatively easy to get out. Once you have the screw out - the dummy plugs pull out - there's two? plastic "snaps" that hold them in place - they are the same white, accordion looking washers / spaces that you got with your "kit"

- To put the new foglights in place (first put the bulb in), put the new white plastic snaps / spacers on the foglights in the same spot they were on the dummy plugs. Then put the "bearing" (which looks like a screw with a nut in the middle) on the remaining connection point on the foglights (where the screw was on the dummy plugs). There should be a black plastic piece that you push into the top hole in the bumper (the same hole that held the screw that you removed) push it into the hole from the front of the bumper. The headlight assembly just pushes and snaps into the bumper via the two plastic snaps and the headlight bearing which snaps into the black plastic piece you put in the bumper (which by turning the nut will adjust the angle of the lights). It's been a few weeks since I did this, so my directions might be off a bit.

- The relay, goes into "position 5" on the fuse panel behind the storage compartment below the steering wheel. Position 5 is bottom, center, on the backside of the fuse panel - it just pushes into place. If I remember correctly, it's the only empty slot that you can reach without having to take the entire assembly out (which you don't need to do).

erap

What is the part number of the fog lights that you guys bought from toyotaguys? I went to the highlander accessories and I can't seem to find it there? Thanks.

achang

I'm sure at least some folks on this forum have been thinking about this subject, I was wondering if anyone has had practical experience with it. I find the speakers on even the upgraded stereo to be quite boomy and harsh on the ears and would like to replace it myself.

Can anyone share their experiences? How difficult is it? What needs to be disassembled and how? Are there detailed instructions posted anywhere? What have put in instead? What were the results? Is it just the speakers or also the head unit too? Are you happier after the modification?

Enquiring minds want to know. Any opinions, even general on the subject would be great. Thanks!

barfield1

jmcging: We are also looking for a sturdy rear seat cover. The one I'm currently considering is at www.canineauto.com and the info says it's good for dogs, sports and kids. They have one that can be ordered custom fit. Try searching on the net for dog seat covers. They really aren't just for dogs but are also for kids, hunting etc. Hope this helps.

kluger

Thanks for the detailed instructions.
The dealer at www.toyotaparts4u.com told me that anybody who installs Car Stereo can help me with the fog lamp installation.I am planning to take my Highlander to some of the Car Stereo installation places and check out whether they can install the fog lamps.

kluger

I visited the www.toyotaparts4u.com and sent
a Parts enquiry request (http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/parts_inquiry.htm)
asking for the fog lamps' Part Nos.

pdalpsher

Yesterday I picked up a new accessory brochure at the dealer (I was in for 1,000 mile oil change) and there are a few new items available that you might want to check out.

I ordered the side window deflectors that weren't available a month ago. There also is a black pearl emblem set that will look great on my MSilver HL

Has anyone had a dealer install an alarm system on a HL that has the factory pre-wire? My dealer hasn't done one and can't/won't give me a firm quote on the labor...I need to the the immobilizer keys from the dealer so I don't think I'll be able to do it myself.

jmcging

Thanks for the suggestion on seat covers. The dealer has only front seat covers in stock, never heard of rear seat covers, so wife called toyotaguys.com and spoke with people there. I think we're going to order the rear seat covers, plus use some items from our kids baby days underneath to proof against liguids and stains.

What she really wants now is a console.

gwkiser

>>What she really wants now is a console.

Sit tight. Many of us with the '01 console are considering the upgrade to the '02 console.
It's a matter of $ and availability. However, there might be some aftermarket ones available now if you don't want to get the Toyota one ('01 or '02 version).

little_pogi

Could Kluger or Mallen7 disclose how much those Fog Light Kits cost from www.toyotaparts4u.com? Our neighborhood dealer do not sell them as a kit. The total for each of those parts I need turned out to be over $300. My regular I4 does not have a wiring harness but I think I would be able to go around it. I am thinking of a wireless remote switch to activate the Fog light relay. This way I do not have to worry about running the wire from the relay block assy. to the underdash.

splashchris

I was able to order a complete set of seat covers for my Highlander from my local dealer. They color coordinate with the interior and have gold ebroidery on the two front seats, the Toyota emblem and the word Highlander underneath. It's a complete set that inccludes all the headrest covers and armrest covers, and custom fit for the split backseat. The fabric is a heavy cloth, almost canvas like, but not rough to the touch. Looks like they will hold up well, as I've already had to wash one of the rear covers due to an 8 year old daughter You may be able to order them through there. I believe they are made locally by someone in Ft. Lauderdale for the dealer, Al Hendrickson Toyota (www.alhendricksontoyota.com) Give them a call and let me know how things work out. I'm happy with them.

kluger

I finally got my fog lights installed by a Motor Accessories Specialist.The fog lights look great compared to those dummy covers. My V6 HL didn't come with wire harness for the fog lights ,So I got the wire harness made by the technician.
I got the following parts from www.toyotaparts4u.com.
Right fog lamp - 1No ($ 99)
Left fog Lamp -1 No ( $ 99 )
Bulb -2 Nos ($16 each)
Brackets - 4 Nos ($ 1.25 each )
Bearing -2 Nos ($2 each)
Relay -1 No ($45)
Headlight Switch with fog light control-1 No ( $97 )

The technician did'nt use the Toyota relay , instead he used his relay beacause it can be easily mounted to the body with the help of the mounting hole on it.
Also the Toyota foglight switch was not at all wired to the pins (it was not showing any electrical continuity with the fog lights in ON position) ,hence we had to tap the connection from inside the switch and run the wire to the headlight power connection and then to fog light relay.
If anybody is interested ,I can give the address of the Motor Accessories Specialist in Southern California who installed the Fog Lamps for my Highlander.Hope this info helps.
Happy Highlanding!.

norm949

Thanks for the info. I too have a non-Limited which I'm thinking about adding FLs to. Looks like the hardware costed about $350; how much was the labor? Is the foglight switch mounted in one of the blank switches on the dashboard (left side of the steering wheel?) I am in the SoCal area so I would be interested in the specialist. Thanks.

kluger

norm ,
The hardware cost includes the highlander fog lamp switch ($97).This switch which consists of lowbeam,highbeam,turn indicator,foglight controls is a factory replacement for the existing headlight (lowbeam,highbeam,turn indicator ) switch , mounted on left side of the steering wheel.
I think instead of this integrated switch you can still go for a Highlander or Camry dash board switch.Fog lamp installation charge is much less than that of the dealers!!!.
The specialists' address is:
Pro Audio Motor Sport
(Motoring Accessories Specialist)
Contact: Phillip Lee
20930 Normandie ,
Torrance, CA 90502
Ph: (310) 381 -3610
Fax: (310) 381-3612

Good luck.
Kluger

alimin

Has anyone found an after-market subwoofer that works in the HL? Camry has one as an option for 2002. Also, where was the fix on the glovebox rattle?
Thanks!

alimin - 2002 bluestone, non-ltd, V6, 4WD

michaeli1

I'm planning to install a roof carrier. I'd like to be able to carry:
a) 2 bikes
b) 1 pair skis and 1 snowboard
c) a box

I'd like to be able to carry the bikes and box at the same time. Probably less important to be able to carry the box and snow stuff simultaneously.

Anybody got any experience? Any recommendations re: Yakima vs. Thule?

katok1

I've ordered mudguards for my highlander. The front set were easy to install by using the existing screws. There are no holes in the rear wheel wells. There are three indentations that match up to the holes in the mudguards. It looks like you have to drill out the holes and screw in the mudguards. What do you do to prevent the holes from rusting?

meyer71

I apologize if this question was dealt with before. Does anyone know if a dealership installed roof rack is available? I purchased my HL in February without a roof rack when the vehicles were in limited supply. I was told at the time that dealer installed racks would eventually be available. To date, I haven't seen or heard any information regarding availability.

brad_22

I'm an avid snowboarder and have a couple Yakima Powderhound racks on the roof. Unfortunately, you'll have to buy the Yakima cross beams as well, since the snowboard racks won't mount to the Toyota factory rack. It looks pretty nice, though.

As for the bikes, you can use the trailer hitch-mounted bike rack (assuming you've got a trailer hitch, that is...).

And throw the box in the trunk. : )

11223344

michaelie1,

I have a Toyota Highlander without the towing package and I self-installed the Hidden Hitch and purchased and use the Thule Expressway style bike rack. I have been very happy with this setup.

ejay2

I have a Thule expressway bike rack. What swayed me towards Thule is the ability of this particular rack for its arms to be folded down, in order for me to be able to close my garage door.

I do notice some "play" on the rack where it attaches to the hitch. Anyone else experience this?

I normally carry 4 bikes on the rack and it is very easy to mount/dismount, much more so than racking it on top, which I don't recommend for a van/SUV.

georgejackson

Noticed that Bage has a round tube and square tube hitch. Both are about the same price. Is one better or easier to install than the other?

abuyer1

Has anyone looked into getting the 2002 center console installed in a 2001 Highlander? I called a dealer parts department and was quoted a very high price. Since the 2002 console is factory installed and not an aftermarket accessory, I was told that there are about $1000 of parts involved in the retrofit. At that price I did not even ask what the labor would be. If anyone has heard anything more encouraging, please post the information. I am about to give up on the idea of the 2002 retrofit and just get the disappointing little 2001 center console box that lists at $199 plus labor.

georgejackson

We finally decided to get the center console for our 2001 HL, but I wonder what size containers those drink holders were designed for? Not even a 12 oz soda can will fit in the front opening. Also, both openings are rather shallow which means containers will tip when turning or stopping. Make sure you really need the storage space before you buy one. I have no information of the 2002 console.

gwkiser

I left a post on the Toyotaguys Yahoo Club BB but haven't heard anything yet. Will post if I hear anything.

Good luck.

dominor5

Has anyone installed these? I found out this was one of the exceptions to WAAG's no-drill statement. The install actually requires drilling 4 screws into the rear door jamb to hold the guard. Just wondered how the experience was for anyone who already did. Thank you.

dominor5

I should've included this in my previous post. Anyway, I also wanted to ask for anyone's experience in installing this. Going through the motions last night, the only potential difficulty I saw was installing the bracket on the exhaust side because of the sheeting that partially covers the right top side of the muffler. Thanks again.

alimin

Does anyone have recommendations/suggestions about add-on blind spot mirrors? Those are the convex (let's see now, is it concave or convex...uh I think it's convex) stick on mirrors that fit on the driver's side mirror and help one see passing vehicles. With the privacy tint on my back windows, several times I've come close to not seeing someone else next to me on my left. And the older I get, the harder it is to turn more than 90 degrees! Thanks; happy holidays!

alimin

abuyer1

Yes, I use a blind spot mirror on my driver's side side-view mirror. I bought it years ago from a mail order company and installed it on my Camry. I removed it, when I sold the Camry and installed it on my Highlander. It takes a bit of getting used to, since you then essentially will be using two side view mirrors on the left side. But I would not be without one anymore. It really does help a lot. The one that I have does not just "stick on." It has screws and requires a bit of installation to attach. It attaches to the top of the existing side view mirror case, so you do not lose or block any of the existing side view mirror. You just get a second wider angle convex mirror attached on top of the regular one. It also seems to be somewhat of an attention getter. I've had a number of people ask me what it is.

alimin

The only ones I've seen are the "stick on" sort - and you're description makes much more sense. I'll be searching for one - unless anyone else has a source for it!

alimin

brad_22

I purchased the rear bumper guard as well, but I'm waiting until I receive my Frontrunner before I install it. It looked pretty straightforward....have you had difficulty putting it on? Anything you find out will help me when I get around to it.

Brad

abuyer1

I don't know the manufacturer of the blind spot mirror that I bought, but I do know where I got it. I got it from the AAA Auto Club. It was in their catalog in 1998 as item number 21491, and it was called Auxiliary Mirror. By now, if they still have it, the item number may have changed. But I suggest that you call them anyway. Their phone number (in 1998 anyway) was 1-800-631-4222. You don't need to be a AAA member to buy from their catalog, but there is a discount if you are a member.

runpanther

I just purchased a CD changer as a surprise Christmas gift for my wife. Anyone have any thoughts on the best place to install it? My Highlander does not have a center console so my first impression is to have it installed there.

Thank you for your thoughts.