Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

mysticb

I just got through talking to a salesman who told me that the 04 LTD 4x2 can come with the tow prep package, but it doesn't come with the tow/hitch bar. He said that the redesign with the third row seat caused the change to the spare configuration under the vehicle and they have a hard time putting the hitch on (i.e., they can't do it), but it can be put on the 4x4. Now I can't tell if this BS or what, but has anyone purchased or seen a 04 LTD 4x2 with a hitch?

alimin

I have the same issue with my 02 HL - first noted in Grand Forks, ND last month and now here in Minnesota when the temp is -20 or colder. I checked with my Toyota service rep about it and she said there is a TSB on it for 01 - 03 HL's with side air bags. The sensor or computer, I'm not sure which, doesn't like extreme cold, and besides blinking until warmed up or the engine restarted, will put a code into the diagnostic computer. The service technician should read the code to determine if it is one of the airbag computers and then replace it with one that will withstand extreme cold. I understand it is covered under the 36 month 36,000 warranty by Toyota. Hope this helps - think spring!

Alimin

spencer327

I have a 2004 ltd awd .Heated seats very low heat.
Trany stays in third for a while till it heats up.
This happens on both my HL and 2003 Avalon.Would like to replace my oem tires. Im having a hard time finding 225/65R17.I think Toyota stuck us with a unusual size. Anybody?
So far zero problems,I can live with the HLs shortcomings.

dmoyer

reference # 1073
.$105 per tire at Discount Tire.

Independence Toyota in Hazleton, Pa (800-689-9833) sells that tire (4) mounted at $377.20.
We replaced our 32K mile Bridgestones (still good tread but loose in the snow) for this tire.
So far at 1K, some in snow, we're satisfied. Not a real aggressive tread, so don't think you're buying a snow tire.
Didn't buy my 02 HL Limited there, but satisfied with the service.

banner1

Thank you to Alimin for the information about the light. At least I now know that there are others with the same condition, I figured there would be, especially in areas colder than here. I will check into the codes & dealer repair. Thanks again.

toyotaguy4

Lots has been written here about wind whistle. My '02 LTD developed this after 18 months. It starts at 42 MPH and above. It was so annoying I was ready to sell the car. My servicing dealer could not fix it. The first time it was in the shop and I asked them to find the cause, they said they took the bug deflector off the hood and that didn't solve it. I tried moving the roof rack, checked the mirrors, and was ready to give up. Finally, I took the deflector off myself, and the noise is finally gone. I may reinstall it, varying the angle as described by others in this message board, or I may not bother. FYI, the dealer who told me they removed it when they obviously did not is Boch Toyota, Norwood, MA.

bigdad

were bought to replace poor rain performance of the Integrity tires, which they did.....don't get much snow here in Tenn, so not too worried about snow...the Integritys were bad at hydroplaning...dmoyer got a good deal on the price of outlanders (i bought the 235 tho not the 225 as I thought) I also got lifetime balance and lifetime road warranty for replacement or repair as part of the price...I now have 19K on the tires and they look great..

rcasel

I bought a beautiful '04 Super White Limited about a month and a half ago. My girlfriend borrowed it for a trip and it came back with a small scratch on the hood. Then I noticed a good-sized scratch on the (plastic) mud flap. I took it to my dealer and he had his "guy" (who travels from shop to shop) fix it like new - no charge to me. Yesterday someone must have backed into me pulling out of a parking lot - there's a small dent and scrap on the lower driver-side door. I know this is bound to happen...and I try not to get too jacked up about it but my tendency is to get it repaired right away. Just curious how others deal with "new-car-gettin'-dings" syndrome....

alimin

Banner1, you're welcome! BTW, my HL was one of four that the dealership said they were ordering the updated part. (Since I have 44,000 miles on it I'll probably have to pay for the fix).

arizgeorge1

Ref #1085 I don't think you can have a tow hitch installed on your 2004 model. A local trailer hitch dealer told me he could install a hitch on any 2001-2003 model, but not 2004. You now have a third seat which displaces the present spare tire arrangement on the 2001-2003 models making it almost impossible to have a trailer hitch. I found the local Toyota dealer and the national "help line" to be of little help in this area.

bigdad

without the ability to tow? Surely, not even an auto maker is that corrupt? Sounds like a Catch-22 situation....unbelievable, but I know you aren't laughing. Get the Zone Manager involved, they may want to buy back the car if you are real, real unhappy.

hlfan

I just installed a hitch on my 2004 (AWD with 3rd row seat) this weekend. Anyone who tells you it's impossible, tell them to check out etrailer.com; both hidden hitch and drawtite have 2004 specific models. It fits fine.

It's butt ugly though, since it has this HUGE cage that goes underneath the muffler box. I though it would be recessed deep enough not to be visible under the bumper, but it clearly is. Oh well, I really wanted it for my bikerack. I'll live with it until someone comes up with a better design, then ditch it...

l8r

typesix

Staying in 3rd gear till the engine warms up a little is normal, it helps to warmup the engine and catalytic converter faster, reducing emissions and improving your mileage. Other makes also do this.

thoon

I was driving my 03 HL today and I noticed that my car vibrates a lot whenever it is idling at stop lights. I can really feel it in the steering wheel and brake pedal. Sometimes my seat vibrates a tiny bit too. Is this normal? I bought my car last May and have 10,600 miles on it. I would expect this much vibration from a car that is over 4-5 yrs old, but not from a car that's 8 months old. My car is also loud when it's parked. I've heard other HL's that were idling in parking lots and they sounded really quiet.

rockrbob

Has anyone successfully wired up a 2004 HL Ltd for trailering? I just bought a Highlander Limited with the tow prep package. I plan to put a hitch on, but no one seems to know where to find/connect the wiring harness. e-trailer.com shows a wiring harness for the Highlander -- even show photos of the "black box" where the harness plugs in --

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Sto- re_Code=E&Product_Code=18245&Category_Code=VWH

But there seems to be no black box anywhere on the 3rd seat model... My dealer has no idea where to look. Help!?

jackmick656

My 03 HL has vibrated since day one. The vibration starts when the vehicle is stopped, engine running and the trans. is in drive. I can feel the vibration in the steering wheel, the seat and the brake pedal. There is no fix for the problem, dealer said "its normal". It's supposed to be normal along with the brake problem, the outside wind noise, the bumpy ride and many other issues. I have 10,000 miles on my HL and I am disappointed because I expected more Quality from Toyota.

junepug

Looks like you guys must have bought a "Monday Car".
I would suggest you talk to higher authorities at Toyota.

There are many Highlanders out there, like mine, that has given us absolutely no problems.

fvp

Our '03 V6 4WD has none of the problems that thoon and jackmick656 are having. I never heard of vibration issues and my brakes work just fine. I had to do a panic stop the other day and the HL stopped on a dime. The ride is great for an SUV in my opinion. I will say that I bought new Michelin Cross Terrain tires at 6,000 miles and the wet/snow traction is vastly improved.
I agree with junepug - take you HL's back to your dealer [or another one if you are not getting the answers you need] and get them taken care of.
We are more than pleased with the ride, quality and service so far with Toyota.

kato8

There is a rattle that appears to be coming from the rear of the cd/cassette/radio on my 2001 highlander.
I removed the glove box door to access the dashboard, but I couldn't reach the rear of the radio area.
Is there an easy way to remove the trim around the radio/air cconditioner center vents? If I can remove this would I be able to access the rear of the radio?

rmui1

The bezel you're referring to is held on by friction clips/tabs on the perimeter of the bezel so it can be pulled off slowly and as straight out as possible. I used a stiff putty knife taped to prevent scratches, and pried from the inside gap until I could get a finger grip and pull.
After bezel is removed you'll see six bolts (three each side) holding the radio assembly. But I have to say I'm not very confident the rattle is coming from something behind the radio, though it's worth a try if you're careful not to damage the parts.

bigdad

on my 2002 at the left rear of the vehicle, behind the left tire in rear. Rockrbob, take a look thereabouts...you don't even need to remove the cover to attach the cable, you can fish it out and plug in easily.

rockrbob

Thanks, Bigdad.
Unfortunately with the 2004 equipped with the third row seat, they put the spare under there, so that convenient black box is gone. I finally found out from my dealer that there is a converter and a wiring harness that can be installed for trailer lights. The harness is $38 from the dealer but to install it is about $80 add'l! The instructions call for removing the luggage compartment tray, rear finish plate and rear deck board from the rear of my car (I didn't even know what those were until they faxed me the instructional service bulletin!) and fishing a cable up from above the spare tire. Sounds like a job for the dealer since you have to have a special tool to remove the luggage compartment tray. If anyone else needs to know, ask your dealer's service department for Part # 08921-48860. The installation instructions for that part make it pretty clear. Guess I'll be scheduling a date with the dealer!

Jim

jackmick656

Before you buy the 04 HL take a long test drive and check the following:
1.Check to see how much pressure on the brake pedal it takes to stop the vehicle.

2. Check wind noise above 60mph. If salesman will not allow you to drive over 60 mph for a few miles forget about that dealership.

3.When you come to a stop, with foot on the brake and transmission in drive check for vibration in the steering wheel and floor boards.

4.Check for a hesitation when the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear.

5.Check the paint finish, in earlier models the HL seems to have had a very thin coat of paint.

6.Most important, after you test drive the HL, test at least three other Mfg's SUV's.

golgo31

to jackmick656 definately will go with your suggestions.

lmacmil

My wife has a 1996 Explorer. We have driven every SUV in the mid-size range. Top 3 choices (we really wanted a car-like ride) were the Highlander, Pilot, and Murano. A week ago, we drove all three back to back over the same route. We liked the Highlander ride and interior best and the Murano's looks and drivetrain. The Murano rode the roughest (still better than the Explorer) and had a big blind spot due to the rear end shape. The Pilot had no sunroof (not available) and my wife couldn't get comfortable in the seat (lumbar support poked her in the back.) It was also too monochromatic inside and bigger than we needed. We bought the Highlander (Limited model) Thursday and pick it up tomorrow. As a slight bonus, Toyota has 2.9% (48 or 60 months) financing now thru the end of Feb.

cmuniz

We have an an '02 AWD Limited with 28,000 miles and NO problems todate. We think it is a very practical and comfortable vehicle. There are many choices in its price range so the best advise would be to take time to test several. A good start would be the three mentioned above.

lite112

Let me understand this. Your Highlander has the tow package but because it has 3rd row seat the prewiring is not there? The 2004 Highlander brochure I'm looking at right now clearly states "Towing prep package---includes upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130amp alternator and trailer prewiring." Nowhere does it state not available with 3rd row seat. Your dealer is telling you you have to have the trailer wiring installed aftermarket! I'm going to have to get this straight before I purchase mine in the next few weeks!

2004hl

Someone doesn't know what they are talking about! The '04 definitely includes the wiring if you order the tow prep package.

koho955

Hi, I purchased a 2004 HL Limited with the Homelink for your garage door opener. I have what they call a "rolling Code" opener. I have had ten or so different cars with this garage door and have never had a problem setting the Homelink button to open the garage door until I came home with the HL. I have done and tried everything in the manual and from talking with Toyota. Can anyone shed any light on secrets to setting the Homelink?

KOHO

wwest

The directions are written VERY POORLY. Best to set down with a cuppa coffee and read them over thoroughly several times until you're comfortable you really understand the sequence.

No reflection on you, I had the same problem.

jbollt

I also had trouble with the Homelink in my 2003 Highlander...it seems the instructions in the Toyota Owners Manual are incomplete...I don't have the corrected instructions here with me now, but I got them by visiting the Homelink web site...If I remember correctly, there was one step in the Toyota manual where it said to push one of the buttons, (indicating just a short push) The Homelink instructions indicated a longer hold of the button, like 3 to 4 seconds? Hope this helps.

jbollt

If this is ok to post......

http://www.homelink.com/program/gdo.html

http://www.homelink.com/program/rolling.html

koho955

Thanks jbollt, the web site worked. I was missing a step. The owner's manual is not very clear in the explaination. I have been driving my HL for a month or so, does anyone else feel like the steering wheel need to telescope. It feels as if I have to reach for the steering wheel and if I move the seat in, I am cramped in the legs. The seats and wheel position are my only complaints about the car.

KOHO

rugby65

Thanks for the information on how to program the door opener. Iv been driving my 03 HL for 5 months using my hand held garage door opener after trying for an hour and finally giving up on programing the one on the visor.

I defiantly agree with koho955 on the steering column needing to telescope. During the First month driving I almost wore out the seat positoner trying to find a comfortable position.

I finally gave up and settled on a position that puts me so close to the steering wheel it's hard to get in and out.

pjaatpdx

Am running Cooper snowtires that are incredibly noisy, and will be returning them. Seems the only other choice is Nokia. Anyone out there with studded, or studless snowtires in our size that is happy with them?

wwest

Snowtires and mudders are always incrediably noisy. I run nice quiet summer tires, or the closest equivalent, but always carry snowchains in the wintertime.

rcasel

Anyone know if it's possible to turn off the beep when auto-tuning radio stations using the steering wheel controls?

Thanks.

dominor5

Very satisfied with my Bridgestone Winter Dueler DM-Z2s, they sure got a workout this winter. These are studless and directional; definitely more noise than stock, but no biggie. Winter is almost over, why don't you just return what you have and hold off 'til next?

phrosut

I was hoping you or someone would answer my post of a few days ago, but now my curiosity is making me ask direct:

How is it that the Highlander never needs a fuel filter changed?

Thanks in advance.

Phil

maxhonda99

phrosut,

The Highlander probably doesn't have a fuel filter.

I know my 2000 Accord has no fuel filter.

phrosut

How can THAT be?!?! With the fine tolerances of electronic fuel pumps and fuel injectors what does Honda (and Toyota, I guess) do to keep krap from clogging things up?

tommyg12

I've counted 14 Toyotas/Hondas that me and my immediate family have owned since '82. I can't recall ever having changed the fuel filter on any of them. The mileage on these cars when sold ranged from 89k to 236k.

I have heard, don't know if this is true, that the Toyota filters are installed in a way that one might damage the fuel lines/fittings if an attempt is made to replace the filter. Again maybe, maybe not.

jbollt

It is my understanding that the fuel filter is INSIDE the gas tank....

shawn

FYI - When buying an ‘04 Toyota Highlander with the “Towing Prep Package” although trailer prewiring is listed as included it is not! Toyota sells the hitch for the ‘04 Toyota Highlander separately and your receive a converter box and the wiring harness with the hitch. I had to order these two parts separately and the cost is between $80-100 for the two parts. It’s a scam and I’ve already complained to Toyota and my local dealer to no avail. The Toyota part #’s needed are as follows:

1.(part # 08921-48860 - converter box)

2.(part # 08942-48870-BB - 4-pin wiring harness)

The wiring installation is not as piece of cake although instructions are supplied with the parts.

You can purchase a hitch (Hidden Hitch or Draw-Tite) over the internet for about $140 delivered to your home. The hitch installation takes about 10 minutes.

It’s my opinion that Toyota is trying to scam more money if people purchases non-Toyota hitches by requiring these additional parts.

typesix

There should be 2 fuel filters, one in the tank and one in the engine compartment. My 89 Toyota has the secondary filter in the engine bay mounted on the driver's side strut housing. Some early Hondas had only the tank filter and resulted in carb problems. The tank filter is usually a screen for larger particles and the second filter is for fine particles. Toyota dealers will claim that the fuel filter is good for life but I've changed it 3x in 212,000 miles. It can be somewhat a pain to get it out.

dlspellman

Shawn -
I just lived thru the pain of adding a hitch to my '04 Highlander (Limited, AWD, 3rd row) yesterday. Quote to have the hitch installed by Toyota was nearly $400. Rip-off. So went to a Hitch place - $240. They were clueless. I had to tell them the '04 was different than the '03 and give them the specific part number. They had the hitch all installed (Draw-tite, looks ugly & bulky) and then broke the news to me they couldn't figure out the wiring. So, I called Toyota -- asked where the box was. Reply -- next to the charcoal canister by the gas tank.

Long story short, I ended up at Toyota dealer after all. My box was there, so I don't understand why yours wasn't. I only needed to buy the wire harness kit for $38 (2nd part number you gave in your note). Oh, and pay $50 labor for plugging it in - as its "difficult to get to the box and takes time, must remove a cover, etc."
I think once you find it, that's a load of crap.

After all was said and done, I wish I had negotiated all this in on the deal when I bought the thing..... Hitches with ball, etc. plus wiring kit is about $200 in parts....I can't believe my dealer wanted another $200 in labor for a 40 minute install!!!! RIPOFF

Has anyone seen the Toyota Hitch installed?
From what I can tell both Hidden Hitch and Draw-tite are ugly. Haven't seen a Toyota picture.
Sign me bitter about hitches!

shawn

dlspellman,

I forgot to mention that I bought a '04 Highlander with a third row seat and there is no charcoal canister by the gas tank. My trailer wiring is near the driver's side rear wheel well.

sin21856

Hi
Is there any way to find out why my check engine light is on without having to take it into the dealership. I'm 99% sure that its on because they screwed up changing out my air filter (happend twice before already) but I haven't had the chance to take it back yet and I'm no longer under warranty, don't feel like getting charged for it. Any suggestions as to where I can take it to at least find out what the problem is...and possibly reset the thing without taking it to toyota? thanks!

mysticb

Regarding the trailer hitch on a Highlander with the 3rd row seat. I picked up my 04 Ltd last week and had the Toyota hitch installed at the port before taking delivery. The hitch has a bit of a curve on both sides and hangs down lower than the straight bar hitches used on the '03s and earlier. It doesn't look too bad, but I haven't seen any of the after market hitches on an '04. Hope this helps.

2004hl

You can take it to any independent garage that has OBDII diagnostic equipment - which in this day and age is any shop that wants to stay in business - 'cause you can't diagnose any modern car without it.
Alternatively you can purchase an OBDII scanner and the appropriate module for your vehicle from many sources - SnapOn, Mac, Sears, etc. There are even OBDII add-ons for Palm handheld computers and maybe for notebooks too I'm not sure.