Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

edh

I had a camry with the light stuff for 10 years and it showed some dirt but overall did well even with towing a boat kids etc.
tell them to get you another car
or 100??

hlfan

I just got my 04 HL Ltd back from it's first 5000 ml service, just to find the driver's seat developed a horrible squeek ! Every time I accelrate or brake, causing a weight shift front-back on the seat, , it squeeks like a rubber cow's teats ! I dunno what they did to it, but even loud rock can not silence it...

Anyone else experience anything like this ?

loucapri

I guess depends on your purchase order, what is the offering price? If you decided to keep the car for 5+ yrs, and since you are buying it new you should be able to pick the one you want. Don't settle with them unless they give you a deal.

If I were you, I would ask for a life time oil change in exchange. A lot of Toyota deal actually offer this to their customer especially in CA. It is a very reasonable compensation. Or you can ask for a set of "weather mat" and cargo mat.

It's easier to ask for actual "stuffs" other than having them take a few hundreds off.

loucapri

Do you think those can be installed in a 2001 model?
I have a 2001 4cyl FWD
Base on your comment, seems like the filter does trap a lot of dust and dirt. I did check out the URL you posted but it didn't mention anything about the "holder". Just carbon filter.

landdriver

edh:

Sounds like something is rubbing inside there -- if you had an aftermarket sound system installed perhaps the tweeter or woofer is rubbing; some of the more expensive woofers are too deep causing interference with the window. Perhaps the window is out of its track (inside the door) or the track is not mounted where it should be. In any case your HL is under warranty so take it in and have the dealer fix it.

paulred:

I assume you've seen the gray interior on a Highlander? If not then check it out -- its not that much darker than the ivory interior. Otherwise ask yourself whether you'll be satisfied with the wrong color interior down the road a couple of years from now. If not, then forget about negotiating a lower price and have them re-order it.

hlfan:

Try adjusting the power seat controls to see if somehow this is linked to the problem. If not, there are just four bolts securing the seat to the floor; remove the plastic caps and try tightening them to see if this appears to be the cause of the problem. Are you positive its coming from the front seat? If no luck isolating the cause yourself take it back and explain that the problem occurred right after the 5000 mi service -- they may be able to deduce what they messed up.

paulred

Thanks for all the replies. I've settled for the taupe or whatever they call it. It really isn't much lighter than the grey. I got 2 years of oil changes, a $95 (probably $60 online) cargo mat and 3 full tanks of gas. Plus, the next 6 months if my car gets too dirty, they'll wash, vacuum and Armorall the car.
I don't feel like they tried to screw me...things happen but, they were willing to get the car I want if I did not accept this one.
There's too many people with real problems for me to let this be a big deal.

Paul

snakehair

After two tries to get filter and bracket (filter only came in due to screwup in Toyota's part numbers), my dealer has ordered the "real deal" bracket and filter. It is supposed to fit HL from 2000 on. My dealer was surprised my HL didn't have one when I bought it new in April 2001. According to message boards the early 2001's didn't have it, but it came on later models. the parts are due in in 7-10 days. I'll post the results.

landdriver

My general impression is that none of the '01s had the cabin air filter; I believe it was introduced with the '02 model unless if I'm mistaken.

jrfiero

Well, let's find out. My 2001 purchased in March 2001 did not have one. My dealer parts guy said he had a 2001 which did have one.
Calling all 2001 owners - what month was your car made (is it on the driver door post?), and does it have a cabin filter? If it does, and you haven't cleaned or replaced it in 3 years, you're in for a surprise.

rubyruiz

I am searching for someone who can relate to me.....maybe you can.

My 2003 highlander vibrates when I stop....usually it happens when I have just pulled off the highway after my 30 mile commute to or from work. The car actually begins to buck a bit and then it stalls out!

Have taken it in and they can't find the problem.

I also have a feeling that it stumbles into gear around 30 or 40 mph.

Have you ever stalled out. I have about 150000 and this problem started before 1000. I have stalled a total of 5x.

Any thoughts?

Cassie

rubyruiz

What do you mean by a "Monday Car"?

I am having all of the vibration and shifting problems and I have actually stalled out when stopped at a light!

I am disappointed because I did the research and as a previous toyota owner felt the highlander would be trouble free.

I want to contact Toyota, but don't know how to proceed. I have taken it to the dealer twice and no luck in correcting the problem. They even charged me 180.00 the second time for the diagnosis time!

Any input appreciated.

Cassie

dominor5

Have them check the Ignition sensor and module. I had this very same problem on my previous car (not a Toyota) where the faulty Ignition module overheats during a long trip then the car dies. It won't even restart right away, but after 30 mins. or so, when the car has cooled down, it starts right up. My 2001 HL has been trouble-free so far. Good luck.

jackmick656

My HL vibrates when stopped, with foot on the brake and engine running. My HL has not stalled out yet. Try calling Toyota Customer Assistance Center 1-800-331-4331. I have have received excellent warranty assistance from this center. Be sure to have all information written down, including the dates you took your vehicle to the dealer regarding the vibration problem.

rachmiel

Just wanted to find out if anyone has had problems with the Highlander tailgates leaking. We have a 2002 Limited Highlander. Have been extremely pleased with it, except for past few months it has had a leak down the inside of the tailgate that the dealer cannot find the origin of. Can anyone help here?

junepug

"Monday cars" are vehicles asembled on Mondays after the people on the line have had too much to drink over the weekend. The workers tend to be sloppy and careless when burdened with a hangover.

You should have received a book titled "owners warranty rights notification". It should be in the same package as the owners manual. This will help you find the proper people to contact. Most states also have a lemon law. This is usually a department known as The Attorney Generals Lemon Law Program. There is plenty of help out there.

hlfan

...Are better than Friday car's - where everyone cannot wait for the weekend and start rushing the job.

It is common knowledge that only Wednesday cars are reliable. :-)

hlf

wwest

If that's true which airplanes should I board??

rugby65

Monday cars..... by wwest Jun 06, 2004 (1:18 pm)
If that's true which airplanes should I board??

NONE OF THEM!

mikefm58

I can see it now, the next time I buy a car I'll be sure to tell the salesman I only want a Wed. car and that if he wants to sell me a Mon. or Fri. car, he'll have to discount it...LOL. Me thinks that's an old wives tale and with enough quality controls anything like that would be caught.

gary

My warranty is going to expire in a couple of months. I was wondering what other owners can recommend having the dealer take care of during my last 'under warranty' visit.

Upcoming requests:

1. Mud fap replacement (both fronts are torn)
   I hope they'll honor this under warranty.
2. Squeaky steering wheel
3. Check A/C temperature. (Inadequate cooling?)
4. Rear wiper chatter.
5. Child safety locks (Recall)
6. Ceiling trim coming loose near hatch
7. Rubber gasket on hatch coming out
(hatch handle/toyota logo)

Already done:

1. Fuel tank filler pipe (Recall)
2. Rear seat carseat LATCH tether hook covers (cracked)
 

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

Gary
2001 Toyota Highlander V6 2wd (non-Ltd.)
Millennium Silver

herzogtum71

Between the time we bought our Matrix in August 2002 and the 4-cylinder Highlander in March 2004, our dealer quit recommending service at 3,750-mile intervals. Has anyone had trouble that they attribute to a first oil change at 5,000 miles? I have about 2,500 on the odometer at this point and soon will take it on a 5-day road trip of about 1,500 or 1,600 miles. Should I get the oil changed before I go, or wait until after the trip? Oil level on dipstick still is fine. The only other thing I want them to do at this point is loosen the crossbars on my roofrack, but that can wait because I won't need it this trip. Thanks for any input.

junepug

Have you ever know anyone that worked on one of these assembly lines?? Think about it. Most of them are entrance level employees that do not give a rats [non-permissible content removed] about anything other than the paycheck. The paycheck is usually spent on booze over the weekend.

sdanders

Not sure where you get your impressions about auto assembly workers (at least today's worker). Toyota has a much emulated lean manufacturing system and very high quality standards and performance, even at the US plants. These workers are an integral part of the work team and have lots of decision making responsibility for the process. In my working days I originally had responsibility for the quality function in 12 plants and about 350 quality technicians and professionals in the plants. After redefining the the role of the plant manufacturing operators to build in and control the quality of his operation, I was able to reduce the QA staff to about 100. At the same time quality levels soared and complaints dropped dramatically. No company can possibly survive today without having done this. The poor auto worker in Detroit with 35 years of service might have a problem adjusting I would agree. I think most of the drinking is done by management anyway!!

dhchyk

So my recent visit to the dealer revealed the following issues with my 100K, 2001 Highlander (aka my baby).

1. Rear main seal needs to be replaces - causing slow oil leak.

2. Motor mounts need to be replaced - currently hear the clanking in by both front wheels.

3. Says that the rear rotors (that were replaced at 67K due to a faulty e-brake system that was also replaced) need to be replaced b/c they are so worn they can't be cut down.

I have neglected to tell them of a 40k mile history of shaking that no one else has been able to diagnose (old dealer didn't want to bother after the e-brake disaster - tried other non-Toyota specific mechanics that could not come up with anything). The reason I didn't mention it yet, is b/c they are new to me (left old dealer) and I've been wanting to hold out until I new I could trust them. I was planning on springing it on them after this visit - not expecting anything big to come out of it. Reason why I mention it hear, is b/c I wonder if the shaking may be a result of something going on with the back wheels and/or brakes that is resulting in the rotor replacement need as well. When I say shaking - specifically a shake/vibration that I can feel all over, but the type you feel in your seat and not on the steering wheel.

Anyone able to lend advise or possibly connect some dots for me. Anything would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

junepug

I do hope you are right. My experience comes from three Fords and two Jeeps that gave me nothing but trouble. I have toured auto plants in the 70s and early 80s and most of the workers looked as if they were about to go asleep and some looked a bit hung over.

hanbanjula

try intake air hose find if any crack or leaking,or may be not tie up.try it and let me know.

mikefm58

No I haven't, but I refuse to believe any of that. Any company that is a leader in their industry would not tolerate that and with warranty statistics would be easy to spot. No dis-respect towards you intended.

sdanders

in the last 25 years...your description of the American auto plant worker in the 70's and 80's may have been true for much of industrialized America. But I would attribute the cause to management that was under-utilizing it's workforce and that discouraged individual performance; joining the unions in contracts that were adversarial in nature and protective of vested interests rather than meeting new challenges as a team. It is now true that American auto factories in Maryville OH (Honda), Lexington KY (Toyota Avalon), Smryna, TN (New Nissan Altima), that used the Japanese Lean Manufacturing and TQM techniques have quality levels exceeding some of the Japanese home factories. On the other hand, German owned American plants put out some real junk (BMW-S.Carolina) with the big 3 somewhere in the middle.

mitchs

Heelo,

I'm new to the boards but I'm very interested in the prewiring Toyota provides. I installed a factory Toyota hitch myself. Found it rather inexpensive at www.toyotapartspeople.com for $226 delivered (dealer quoted $360 for the part). Took less than an hour to install. It definately goes under the tailpipe. Generally looks good.

I installed it to attach my bike carrier, not a trailer so I don't need the hookup right away.

The wiring from the hitch ends in a harness with a grommet that fits nicely into the hole on the underside of the car and goes up to the interior rear wheel well cover on the drivers side. BUT, nowhere to plug it in.

I am interested in continuing the investigation and see what everyone finds out.

edh

doa web search for tundra solutions
they have a highlander forum with a trailer hookup topic.
do you have the "TO" option?

mitchs

Yes, I have the TO option. 2004 Limited with 3rd row seat. It seems to be a consensus here that there is no converter box or harness.

I will try the search.

Thanks
ms

mike7

Hi...I have the same vehicle as you with the TO option...
I installed the hitch and wiring myself. There is a 9 pin
connector taped to the tail light wiring harness that should mate
up to the connector wiring that came with the hitch. You have to
remove the "flap" behind the third row seat (2 bolts), then
remove the storage compartment tray on the drivers side (2 push
keepers) and two plastic nuts in the bottom. It should lift out
and you will be able to see the white connector for your harness.
I bought my hitch online and the wiring harness from my Toyota
dealer. It came with the 9 pin connector on one end, the convertor
box and the 4 pin flat on the other end for trailer. It was
part #1658205 which was a relable of hidden hitch part# 1648205.
The harness was $40.00. Sounds like your hitch came with it, so
you should hook right up...hope this helps...

edh

a copy?
It was
part #1658205 which was a relable of hidden hitch part# 1648205.????????

edh

the highlander clone?
what tire does lexus put on them in the 225 70 16 size.
i am looking for something smooth and quiet.
 I have seen a few mich mxv4s on them

mccannr

I have the 2004 with third row seat and installed the hitch myself. Although my "Mulrooney" sticker shows that I paid for the tow package (converter listed as included), it was never installed. My wife actually brought it back to the dealership and they told her it was there. THEY NEVER LOOKED. I went to another Toyota dealership and they confirmed that the converter was absent. Online support was useless and insulting. I finally ordered the part and went back to the dealership and refused to pay for the converter. Once it's really installed then it's simply a matter of plugging it in.

mike7

Hi...the label on the package had a toyota part#1658205 on a
sticker over another sticker from hidden hitch. Looks like toyota
buys them and puts their part# over the original..and probably
charges more, but I couldn't find it anywhere else. I am like
Mitchs...sticker said I had it included in the tow package, but
it wasn't there..I whinned, to no avail and ended up buying it.

roadrunner70

2002 2wd 6 cyl limited.
last week, the vsc, abs, trac lights went on at once. the last time this happened, i found a vacume line into the pcv on the air cleaner box had come off when the filter was replaced. easy to fix. this time, (after visiting the toyota dealer for a problem with the hatch pistons), the light came on, and when i opened the hood, yes, that same hose was off. no doubt, the dealer was hoping to sell me a filter. however, replacing the hose has not helped. i have checked everywhere, including fuses, and nothing seems amiss. anyone else have this problem. is there a tsb on this. any help would be appreicated. thanks. rr70

roadrunner70

i too have a little squeek when the steering wheel is turned lock to lock. the dealer c/n find problem. do you really want them messing with this? i decided to let that one go.

what was the recall on the filler tube??

thanks.

edh

what did you pay for the thrailer wiring
and is that all of the part number - my toyota dealer can not find that number. (1658205)
is that all the numbers?
thanks

mike7

Hi...you might try both part numbers (1648205 or 1658205), both
were listed on the bag. The kit included the harness, convertor
box, tie wraps, plug mounting bracket and a 20 amp fuse (goes into
slot 11, if I remember correctly). It cost me just over $40 with
tax.

edh

getting long winded but--- my dealer parts man says they never heard of that number - can you call where you got it and see if there are more numbers?

Toy dealer here said not enough numbers plus he had not heard of a 9 pin/ 10 pin plug (he asked me why do you need more than 4 !!!!!)
thanks

gary

To "roadrunner70": As far as the squeaky steering wheel is concerned, I will have this looked at since the squeak may be from some components rubbing together, possibly causing premature wear. It's a warranty issue....if they cause other problems, they should back up their repair, even if the warranty expires.

The fuel tank recall is here:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm
Click on "Get Summary" for details.

Gary
2001 2WD V6 Millennium Silver

mike7

No problem...just trying to help...I had a tough time finding
it at my dealer....the entire part# is 0016 4820501. As I said
before, the 9 pin connector plugs into the wiring harness in
the vehicle (if you have the tow prep package) then ends in a
four pin plug for the trailer wiring...hope this helps! If you
would like, I will send you my dealers toll free number and
maybe he can ship you one....he has two in stock.

pran1

I own a 04 HL V6 4WD for six months now. I am very pleased with the drive and the style. However, in the winter, heating was a big problem. With the airflow set at face and floor, there was very little flow from the floor vents while the top vents were just fine. In fact, my legs/feet would freeze while feeling very hot in the face. Setting the flow only to floor did not significantly solved the problem. Dealer checked the flow and says it is just fine and he even compared it with another HL and reported that airflow in both were the same. And, he also said that no one ever complained about the heating so far.
Has anyone encountered similar problem? Is there some fix to it?
Thanks

wwest

If you look in your owners manual I think you will see that it shows a higher level of airflow from the dash vents in all circumstances, heating/cooling, etc, in which they are open.

Additionally it is only in the floor position that the windshield gets "heated" and dehumidified airflow to help alleviate the potential for condensation.

On some cars it helps to remove the footwell airflow baffles and open them up somehow.

junepug

I had the same noise at about 15,000 miles with my 03, V6. The dealer lubed the steering knuckle and the noise no longer exists.

mccannr

I think it's actually a Lexus part.

edh

I bought the part
00016 48205 01
a relabelled reese kit
has all the stuff
no instructions
tho toyotaparts4u com has the instructions.
they also sell it at a good price (30) tho i bought it locally (43) cause there was doubt about it
thanks
not installed yet

edh

I was putting on my trailer hitch tonite - they are on the underside of the same frame rail that the hitch mounts to
are some threaded studs that hang down.
one on the drivers side, and two about 3 inches apart on the passenger side.
they are about 2 ft forward of the bumper and about 1/4 inch in diameter and 2 1/2 inches long.
there is nothing on them
what are they for?

cin8

I have a 2001 v6 2wd 47K miles Highlander and about once every 7-10 days, for the last 6 months, the engine will die within seconds of start up. I'd have to accelerate while trying to start the engine, have it rev very high for about 3 minutes before the engine will remain on. The engine then runs a bit sluggish until I restart it. All other times, engine starts up quickly and without a problem. Took it to the dealer, but they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Been reading about people who have replaced their idle control valve. Has this resolved the issue? I want to suggest this to the dealer. Thanks!