Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Has to do with the increased complexity and density of the A/C evaporator (to overcome the loss of cooling efficiency due to the adoption of the new refrigerant) and its ability to retain a thin film of mositure subsequent to the use of the A/C.

    See:

    http://www.airsept.com/eed.html

    different aspect of the same problem, water retention by the A/C evaporator.
  • ahlinahlin Member Posts: 30
    01 Highlander Limited AWD Replaced original Bridgestones with Michelins at 33000 miles -have 42000 miles now. These tires are much better in the following ways- quieter,better handling,excellent in the snow here in Minnesota.Crossterrains were quite a bit more expensive and these tires seem to last much longer then the crossterrains-at least according to feedback on various tire testing sites. Would highly recommend the LTX MS tires.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Ditto what Dennis said.....
  • jay110jay110 Member Posts: 2
    AMEN TO THAT............
  • jamesk10jamesk10 Member Posts: 1
    I am wondering if the heated seats in my '01 highlander work right. When you turn them on, they heat up nicely, then seem to cool off for 10-15 minutes, then heat back up, then cool etc. etc. Seems like they are off more than they are on. It's done this since we've had it, both driver and passenger seats. Other brands I have ridden in stay at a nice even constant temp. Is this normal for these seats?
    Thanks!
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    I don't know if this is true for Toyota, but in Volvos, the seat temperature setting can be adjusted at the dealership via software adjustment.
  • tulegittulegit Member Posts: 11
    I have this same problem. It's very annoying and seems to get worse, there's hesitation and jerking. I tried using 91 octane fuel, which seem to help a little. I took it to the dealer 2 times and they are no help. They drive the car for a few miles and say the can't duplicate the problem.

    I been researching this problem and a few people have this problem.

    Don't really know what to do next but wait until something major happens.
  • tulegittulegit Member Posts: 11
    Hey rugby65,

    I tried resetting the battery but it didn't really work. Did it completely correct your problem? My problem is intermittent which is why the dealer couldn't reproduce the problem. This car is really pissing me cause it drive like crap...except when I take it to the dealer.
  • rugby65rugby65 Member Posts: 81
    Disconnecting the battery corrected the stumbleing from 1st to 2nd with my 03 HL but when I slow down to go around a corner and get back on the accelerator too hard it will down shift all the way to the lowest gear and really speed up.
    I think the reason why some dealers say they can't find a problem is that, if they tell you there's no problem then there's no solution.
    Also they test drive these HL all the time so they know how to drive a vehicle that has a known drive ability problem. Go with them on a test drive and you do the driving and be careful to drive in the way you normally do.
    This shifting problem has been showing up in too many HL and is NOT just a figment of the owner's imagination. Hopefully Toyota is looking for a solution that can be used to correct this, If not I won't be buying a 2005.
  • reidkreidk Member Posts: 46
    Toyota Cust Svc did indeed send a check for 50% of cost of replacing central dash (heating) control unit.
    Am stuck between gratitude for their willingness to share cost, and "disgruntledness" - if there is such a word - that the unit failed on a 26-month old car, even if it was (just) past the 36K mileage mark.

    One thought this does raise: assuming that the cost of this unit is representative of other "computer controlled" modules, perhaps one should factor the length of the Original Warranty, PLUS the cost of an Extended Warranty, into purchasing decision. If the heater controls cost $900 to replace, I would hate to have to find out what some of the more Vital controls run.... and am now somewhat apprehensive as to how long it will be before others start to fail. (Hope, of course, is that this was an Isolated "one-time" event!)
  • chop889chop889 Member Posts: 9
    I have a 2002 Highlander and the seats work the same as yours does. I think it is the way they are supposed to work.
  • jonrockjonrock Member Posts: 7
    I just got the 2004 Highlander AWD Limited with sunroof and everything. I'm still babying it (350 miles) but so far it is great.

    About the MOONROOF:

    I had the problem mentioned here and in consumer reviews, where the auto open and close feature did not work fresh from the dealer.

    The normalization procedure described in the 2004 owners manual worked for me. I held the button in the tilt up position continually while the moonroof tilted up and back down, and then slid open and closed. It paused breiefly in each open and closed position. After the slide close finished, then I let go.

    It now opens and closes with "one touch", just like my 2002 Camry. However, I have to hold the button for maybe 3/4 of a second for the auto open and auto close function to kick in, just like the Camry.

    If this "normalization" did not work the first time for you, I recommend trying it one more time. If it does not work then, the manual says to take it to the dealer.

    Good luck!
  • kbalchkbalch Member Posts: 19
    When we first bought our 03 Highlander,I noticed the exact shifting pattern you note while going around turns. But I have to say after 9000 miles, I don't notice it any more. Either I have adjusted the way I drive or the computer has learned my driving habits better. Hang in there, it will smooth out.
  • jbolltjbollt Member Posts: 736
    I have a 2003 with moonroof, but can't find any reference in the manual to the "normalization" process mentioned here...Guess I don't need it though, as it seems to work fine with the automatic features. I did notice that it only opens about 3/4 of the way with "one touch," but that IS noted in the manual to avoid wind buffetting. It can be opened the rest of the way by the switch, and then I crack the rear windows about 1/2 inch and no more buffetting.
  • dkadamsdkadams Member Posts: 6
    Process is on page 34 of the '04 owners manual. Check your '03's manual in about that location.
  • kdvaillancourtkdvaillancourt Member Posts: 19
    03 Highlander limited w/4500 miles: I have creak sound from some or all windows (not all the time) when I accelerate. Appears to be the hard plastic outside (bottom) of the windows (above the metal). If you press on these pieces you will notice the creaking sound, try it... I have tested many other Highlanders and they all have this creak when the hard plastic is pushed on the outside. So, I would have to believe their are many other Highlander owners who have noticed this creaking sound inside their vehicle when they accelerate or sometimes turn. I have an appointment next week. Help me with some information or facts...Please
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
  • reklawcreklawc Member Posts: 27
    I have a 2003 Highlander purchased new in Sept. and now has 2500 miles. Shortly after I purchased the car I noticed a noise (wind, road or tire?)coming from the front passenger window area. It is only noticeable at speeds above 35 mph and more pronounced when on rough pavement, which makes me think it is more of a tire/road noise. After much searching I realized that the noise was coming from the bottom inside seal area. One day when my wife was driving and I was sitting in the passenger seat I started playing with the window button. Running the window up and down, I noticed that at a certain point (about 1/8 to 3/16 inch below full up position) the noise went away. When the window was at the full up position the noise came back. There was a small gap between the seal and the window. This is where the noise was coming from. I took the HL to the dealership and they replaced the window regulator which did not fix the problem. I took it back again and they told me that Toyota is aware of the seal problem but has not developed a fix yet, and would call me when a Tech. Bulletin comes in. So if you have had a similar noise, check it out. Also, I would be interested if anyone out there has had a similar problem and if or how it was fixed. Thanks.
  • kbalchkbalch Member Posts: 19
    Our 2002 Maxima had a similar noise from the rear windows. The TSB for that fix involved placing a strip of foam between the gasket and the window frame itself to close the gap between the glass and the gasket. Maybe a similar approach for the Higlander would work?
  • kdvaillancourtkdvaillancourt Member Posts: 19
    It appears you have located the source of the noise, but I will ask anyway. Are you sure it is not the windshield. My 03 Highlander purchased in July had a noise coming from the right front. As it turned out the windshield and seal were replaced and no new problem. Why don't they replace the window and seal. Good luck, I am very disappointed in the overall noise level in this car. Sitting in the back seat I notice wind noise from the backseat and rear windows. We also own a 02 Sequoia that is quieter than the Highlander. We are seriously thinking of selling this car and starting over with a new SUV from a different manufacturer, i.e. Pilot. Any thoughts??
  • reklawcreklawc Member Posts: 27
    I agree that the HL is is not very quiet compared to other Toyota models. It seems to be very sensitive to road surface/tire noises and wind. I test drove several HLs and noticed some were especially noisy compared to others. You are right about a lot of noise coming from the right front and I don't know why - perhaps the radio antennae or other window seals. And a lot of noise comes from the roof rack on windy days. Also I noticed the HLs with Goodyear tires were quieter than those with Bridgestone tires. But in this particular case the noise is definitely coming from the front passenger side bottom window seal. You can even see the outside seal move up when the window goes to the full up position. It is almost like the window is pushing the inside and outside seals out of position. It is too bad the HL has these noise issues since it is such a pleasing car otherwise. I especially like the size and power train. I test drove a 6 cyl. Outback which I believe was quieter than the HL, but I liked the HL engine/trans. I am starting to question my decision. I tested the Pilot but think the gearing is too high. I owned a Honda Odyssey(the Pilot is on the Odyssey frame and has the same engine/trans.) and was not impressed - although very reliable. Also, I think the Pilot is too large(wide). It is no quieter than a Highlander, but at least the noises are uniform throughout the vehicle. In other words you don't notice noises coming from a particular direction.
  • kbalchkbalch Member Posts: 19
    Wow, I can't believe people have issues with the noise level in this vehicle. Coming from a '96 Explorer, our Highlander unbelievably quiet. I guess I view the HL as a truck, and as a truck, it is very quiet.
  • kdvaillancourtkdvaillancourt Member Posts: 19
    I do enjoy my Highlander, but when you factor in overall cost their is a problem with this vehicle. I agree with you statement when you come from a 1996 Explorer, but when you own a 02 Sequoia (truck frame) that is quieter than a 03 Highlander (car frame) their is a problem. Plus it sounds like you are new to Toyota. Their quality is changing (not for the better), but they are still priced as a premium vehicle. One last comment, take a look at the number of entries under problems/solutions for Highlander vs. other Toyota vehicles based on number of years in production. Sequoia has 50% less entries under problems/solutions and most are related to brakes. Their is a significant difference (not for the positive). Please no responses comparing to other manufacturers, Ha Ha...
  • reklawcreklawc Member Posts: 27
    The HL is built on a car frame(Camry), and is advertised as having a car like ride i.e. softer ride, quietness, handling, etc. Sort of like an AWD station wagon. However one would expect it to be a little noisier than a sedan because of more aggressive tires, and roof rack. But one should also expect the windows/seals to be designed properly, for it to not have the shock absorber "clunk" and not have the fuel injector "clicking" noise.
        I think that most of us who have owned Toyotas in the past have pretty high expectations concerning quietness, performance, reliability, and quality. In other words Toyota has spoiled us. Those who have owned a Toyota Camry V6, made between 1992 and 1996, know exactly what I am talking about. I agree that Toyota has taken some of the quality out of their cars/trucks over the last few years; perhaps this allows for a little more differentiation from the Lexus and recognition that many other car manufacturers still can't compete. That having been said, those of us who have been loyal Toyota buyers (I have also owned other makes) need to start looking at the competition more closely. I might even consider GM or Ford if I could erase my memory of the 70's and 80's.
  • kdvaillancourtkdvaillancourt Member Posts: 19
    I AGREE...my pocket book is still recovering from my 80's experience with Ford. This weekend we are going to start looking at the competition. I will be able to sell or trade in my Highlander for top dollar (sorry to the next buyer) and purchase another manufaturer (Domestic) at a lower price probably with more options AND a extended warranty.
  • fvpfvp Member Posts: 147
    You guys better lay off the eggnog for awhile! Go back to domestics?? Forget the eggnog - go for the scotch!
    I have an 03 HL V6 4WD that has had a couple creaks[fixed] and fuel injector clicking[still there] - issues that are similiar to many posts here. However, overall it is a fine everyday commuter and I expect it will be for many years. The problems have been taken care of by our dealers service department and we are provided a rental car to drive whilst the HL is in service, plus it's washed prior to being returned to us.
    I have owned many American cars over the years [during the 80's]and they are light years behind in quality, customer service and technology.
    reklawc - A FORD????
    Merry Christmas everyone!
  • jackmick656jackmick656 Member Posts: 61
    03 Highlander that used to be very noisy. The simple solution for me was the addition of a Toyota bug deflector. Stopped 80% of the noise.
  • kbalchkbalch Member Posts: 19
    I have news for you, GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc. still are behind in quality and design IMO, especially interiors. Our 03 HL, with 10,000 miles does not have the bad seals around the windows you speak of, nor the creaks or groans. We do have the flutter w/ the back windows, like everyone else, but we were fully aware of it when we bought it, and rarely drive with only the rear windows down. I have owned Toyotas in the past, was a Honda owner for awhile, and felt patriotic enough to try an a domestic, our '96 Explorer. Like those of you burned by 80's domestics, maybe in 20 years I will be ready to consider buying another domestic, like you guys are now. Let's face it, all automakers are looking to increase margins and are cutting corners. Ever notice how many cars don't have a keylock on the passenger side door nowadays? I think quality across the board is down. Look how many problems there are with the BMW X5's and the Mercedes M-Class. Their problems rival the domestics. I am not saying Toyota's quality hasn't slipped (with respect to itself), but with everyone else lowering the bar, what incentives are there? In comparison to other makes, I don't think they have slipped with respect to others. You should see the number of TSBs out for our 2002 Maxima. Even with all the TSB's, we still consider it to be one of the better cars we have owned. Maybe previously owning a Ford just lowered my expectations....
  • vargvarg Member Posts: 12
    Hello!

    Two months ago I traded my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer for a 04 Highlander V6 AWD. For the less than two years I owned the Trailblazer, I had to bring it into the shop for electrical problems four (4) times. One of those, the dealer/service dept. had it for two weeks. In addition, I had to bring it into the shop for four (4) recalls. The final straw was the battery exploding spewing acid all over the engine (and garage driveway in new home). The funny part to all of this is I did not heed the first warning. The Trailblazer I bought off the lot did not work, so I went back into finance and switched it out for another… I have a 95 Camry (original owner) and it has only been in the shop for maintenance.

        If you want to compare/contrast a Toyota verse (xxxxx), try going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and check out the Office of Defects Investigation. Here is the link: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsear- ch.cfm

        The Trailblazer had 143 complaints verse 32 on the HL. While you are there, check out how many recalls a domestic vehicle has verse a Toyota…

    Now…if my son would go to sleep so Santa can do his job, I would not have posted tonight!

    Cheers!!

    Regards,
    Rob
  • hogie46hogie46 Member Posts: 7
    Sorry if this has been covered before: (1) Is there a reset for the electronic info center display of average MPG? Or is what you see the average MPG from day 1 of ownership? (which seems kind of screwy)
    (2) What is the solution to the "helicopter" noise hear when the sunroof is open? what do dealers offer as a solution-do they offer a free wind deflector by chance?

    Comments after 600 miles - the HL seems "cheap" in alot of regards: no lights on rear hatch door, lack of interior lighting (e.g. LED's)on various switches & controls, automatic headlights turn off when door opened instead of staying on for a period of time after exiting the car, new electric passenger seat lacks up/down adjustment. My '02 Avalon seems to have many more features and although the ride of the HL is nice I don't think I'd buy again as it really doesn't represent a great value in terms of features.
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    I agree with you on lack of interior switch lighting. At least my 2002 Focus Wagon had lights for door and window switches. However, the pros far outway the cons on the Highlander.

    My Limited model has a light for the rear hatch.

    As for the average MPG. It resets itself everytime you start the engine.
  • phrosutphrosut Member Posts: 122
    To reset the average MPG push the button in and hold it until reset. It doesn't seem to figure the average from day one, but runs on some rolling figure my guess being maybe 50 miles.

    To 'fix' the buffeting slightly open any other window.

    At least you HAVE an electrically operated passenger seat, which wasn't offered until 2004. Maybe next year Toyota will offer the seat memory. As much as I like our '03 Ltd, a few more years of production and changes may cause me to trade up.
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    See owner's manual page 258--bottom right hand corner--this explains average MPH reset button.

    Page 259--bottom right corner--explains the average MPG--no reset button. It is reset when the engine is turned off.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I replaced the dome light in a friends HL with the one from a 97 Ford aerostar. Used two PNP darlington transistors to turn on the map lights along with the dome light to automatically (brightly) illuminate the front seating area. Ford map light still operate independently also. Passenger side map lighting from behind is not so bothersome to the driver.

    He saw the one in my RX300.
  • hogie46hogie46 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for your comments/suggestions. I tried holding in the button when in AVG MPG mode - that won't reset it nor do I believe it resets when engine shut off (otherwise it would not immediately return to previous average once engine is turned on). The suggestion re: opening a window seems to work but a poor solution - I've had many cars with sunroofs and never had that problem.
    Maybe it'll get better - right now I'm just disappointed at the lack of features. Shame on me for not researching better-I just asssumed it would be better since my 2 year old Avalon is so awesome.
  • fvpfvp Member Posts: 147
    The sunroof deflector is the way to go - I installed a Toyota brand [about $50] and it works great. The noise from the open sunroof never really bothered me, but after installing the deflector it was like night and day.
    I do agree with you regarding the lack of features. I have an 03 V6 4WD base model with just about every option available. With a price of almost $33,000, I think foglights, automatic climate control and a power passenger seat are not too much to ask for.
    That said, tool around in it and give it a chance. It is a fine everyday driver - especially here in Pittsburgh this time of year.
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    After 1200 miles, I can categorically say that the MPG avg resets every time you fill up the tank. It is easy to verify, open the fuel tank cap with the engine off, and the avg will start up as 0.0 instead of the last value. I avg about 18 with mixed freeway / city driving on my '04 V6 AWD. Although the 73 freeway I commute on is quite hilly.

    As for the lack of features, you should have considered the Limited...I love it !
  • hogie46hogie46 Member Posts: 7
    FVP - yeah, I may have to go for the deflector although I've always dislike the looks of them. And, yes, it's a great riding car/truck!

    HLFAN - I think you are right. Opening the fuel tank DOES seem to reset the AVG MPG (Toyota may be more clever than I gave them credit for!). BTW, I do have the Limited Model - I'm happy with the 22 MPG I'm getting in mixed driving (albeit on flat Florida roadways).
  • fvpfvp Member Posts: 147
    As with you, I'm not a big deflector fan but I see a benefit in them. I have one for the sunroof and the front of the hood. Both are Toyota brand and installed without much effort. The hood deflector seems to work well - no stone chips so far [5,500 miles].
    As for MPG, I average about 21 MPG around here [southwestern PA] which is pretty hilly. Plus, the 4WD penalizes gas mileage a bit as well.
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    Average MPG does reset as hflan states,BUT only for a second or two, then it defaults to last average trip. Check it out. Set it at zero by following hflans advice. Start the engine and the average MPG shows the same value as the last trip.
  • hzhou999hzhou999 Member Posts: 3
    Just bought a 04 HL ltd last week. This is my first SUV. So far it has run 150 miles. I saw many of you guys post an average 20 MPG or even better. But mine is only 15 mixed. It is showing on the board and also proved by having used up half of the tank gas. Is this because the car is too new? Also I realized that while driving, whenever I let the car go freely, after a few second, the car slows down significantly, just like someone is braking on it a little bit. Is this normal? Anyone has the same expenience? I feel very frustrated. Even though it is a V6 SUV, it shouldn't perform like this. Thanks.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    The resetting of the MPG values must difffer by model year. On my 02 Limited I can reset it by holding the button down for a little while while displaying the MPG. It will reset to zero even while driving. It does not appear to reset itself when I fill it up with gas. Maybe the 04 is different, but it should be explained in the owner's amnual.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Never noticed your "breaking" phenomenon on my '01 (nor on a test drive of an '04) so you might have your dealer look at it. As for the MPG based on the gas tank gauge setting, note that the gauge is just ballpark so you may want to wait till your first fillup to accurately calculate your mileage. In my case I think I was getting around 17 or 18 when I first got the car, but went up to around 20 after I learned to drive it more efficiently.

    Re: MPG: My '01 is the same as cmuniz's '02 -- just hold down the button to reset ave MPG, ave MPH, or trip odometer values.
  • hogie46hogie46 Member Posts: 7
    Well, guess I'll check with the dealer. Definitely doesn't reset by holding button in, no explanation in manual (instruction at botton of 259 in manual refers to topic - not AVG MPG - immediately above the instruction), and now it seems "opening" the "closed" fuel system (as when filling with gas) resets only momentarily.

    Maybe the AVG MPG is a measurement from Day 1??? Maybe that makes sense - after all, it's the average over the life time of ownership that has merit. Short term AVG can always be done manually using trip odometer and gas pump reading (the way we used to do it-remember?).

    Thanks for all the input/suggestions - I'll let you all know if I find out anything "official"
  • rugby65rugby65 Member Posts: 81
    2003 HL is on Lemon List. I hope It's not the 2003. Mabey they are talking about the 2002 model.

    http://lemonlaw.com/lemonlist.html
  • sstepasstepa Member Posts: 9
    hzhou999,

    Sounds like your roll resistance is off. Had this happen on another car and it turned out I had a bad rear caliper that hung up, causing my vehicle to slow quickly in a "free drive" position. Your emergency brake could be hanging up on you which could also be tied to a bad caliper. Also check to see if your car is pulling slightly to one side which is another indication of a hung up caliper. Have your dealer check it out and while there, test drive another to compare.

    Also, at 150 miles, your engine is still tight and you will see worse MPG until it's broken in. Mileage varies but around 1K miles, you should see an improvement. Good Luck....Steve
  • hzhou999hzhou999 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks landdriver and sstepa. I'll call the dealer to see if they have any experience on this. I may need to drive to the dealer (in NJ, I'm in NY) after the new year if by then the car still have the same issue.

    One more question, is it ok if I drive around 60 mph even though the car is in 'break-in' period? I drive this HL to work everyday and that is about 40 minutes high speed on the highway in one way. What is the proper way to drive this car during this break-in time?
  • sstepasstepa Member Posts: 9
    hzhou999,

    If you can, try to mix up the speed a bit for the first 1,000 miles. Varying the engine RPM's will ensure a better seat for the piston rings. Try running at 55 for a bit, then 60, then 65 if the law allows and do the same for the ride home. If you do some city driving, that's all the better. Try not to hit the brakes too hard (unless it's an emergency) and no jack rabbit starts. Lots of parts breaking in on your new wheels and it's best to ease into everything for the first 1K miles.

    I've followed the above and have had several cars go over 200K with only basic maintenance.

    I'd appreciate it if you could let us know what was causing your vehicle to slow dramatically. Ordered my 04 HL LTD last month and was told it should arrive by the 11th of January. I'll be checking to see how it rolls! :-)
  • mnieftmnieft Member Posts: 7
    I'm not at all worried about this so called lemon list. For one, it's just from some lawyers website. For two, if you read the complaints listed in the NHTSA, most of them are people complaining of the wind buffeting sound generated with the rear windows rolled down. The other complaint has to do with how far you have to push the brake pedal down. Give me a break! (No pun intended). Also people registered the same complaint more then once, some three or four times. I've had no problems with my 2003.
  • hzhou999hzhou999 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks, sstepa. For sure I'll talk to the dealer about this issue after the year when I go to pick up my plate. Yesterday I refilled up the gas tank so the gauge reset to zero. When I got back home after a 40 minutes highway + local conservative drive, I got an avg 24.5 mpg. Not bad even though I still can feel that pull-back once in a free-drive. So maybe that pullback is just what I feel about it since the HL is much bigger and heavier than the sedan I drove. But anyway I'll keep everyone posted once I learn something from the dealer.
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