Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

gwkiser

Wow, that's great that your problem is resolved. Now all you have to do is crank up the air, crank up the stereo, and take a nice long cruise!

compubuff

Hi,
Has anyone had any experience camping out in the HL? If you could relay your experiences, it would be appreciated. Is this really a practical idea. I am 5'9" and when I streched out with the seats down, I was relatively comfortable. With an air mattress and the entertainment package (tv, vcr), I can see where this is entirely possible. Only problem is storing your luggage etc., but I guess you could use your luggage rack and a tarp for all of the stuff. What do you think?

highlander5

Hi, Love our new 4WD Highlander. After reading about everyone's problems with wind noise I'm glad to report only noise annoyance is when sunroof is open can't hear music so well.
Also, glad to report no rattles either. Find it to have a nice, quiet ride.
Which brings me to sound system. Has anyone found a remedy to what I feel is an inferior sound system. Is it the the radio, the speakers, the location of speakers, or what? We did not get limited.
Kitty

goldston

Ok, I know that the brake problem (recalled) has been discussed thoroughly and even though my Highlander was built after April 2001 and the brake recall does not apply to me, I've always thought that my brakes were "soft" (meaning soft pedal).

I've had the service writer at the Toyota dealership even have a mechanic drive my Highlander and he told me that the brakes feel fine to him. He explained that my problem is that I'm not used to driving a SUV (heavier/greater stop distance) and that is my first vehicle with 4-wheel disk brakes.

This sounds reasonable and off I go. But, I still not completely comfortable with the "soft pedal" brakes.

Well, this morning while washing the Highlander and polishing the wheels I look at the rear rotors and I am amazed to see that the cross-hatching is still on the rotors and I believe that the braking split is 70% front and 30% rear. Even so, I would think that with 2000 miles on the rotors the cross-hatching would be long gone if the rear brakes were doing their job, but if the rear disks are not engaging then this would explain why I feel that the brakes soft.

So here is the question to other Highlander owners:

Look through the wheel openings at the rear rotors and see if the cross-hatching is still visible. If it is or is not, please post a message stating which and how many miles are on your Highlander.

Thanks for any & all assistance, Philip

svtcobraconv

Philip,
The Highlander does indeed have a soft brake pedal feel. I have not yet purchased a HL, but have test driven about six of them so far, and all the brakes felt the same. However, I don't think the SUV/ 4 wheel disc reason your service writer gave you is accurate. That sounds like a typical "quick think of a reason the customer might believe" answer. But, as he indicated, that pedal is probably normal for the HL. I don't like the way they feel, either, but I still will most likely purchase a HL. Why don't you drive one or two of the dealer's other HL's, and compare them to the feel of yours, as a benchmark.

shannb

I have a 4cyl. 4wd HL (which seems very rare) that I love except for a vibration at idle. The only time its noticeable is with the vehicle in drive and your stopped with your foot on the brake. It gets a little worse when you turn on the a/c. You can feel it mostley in the steering wheel. I have owned other 4cyl. cars (that were a lot cheaper) and never had the problem. I would like to hear from other 4cyl. HL owners , especially if they have the same problem. Thanks

gtalavera

I was rear ended , and the rear bumper needs to be replaced. I don't think there were any frame damaged as the dealer pointed out. I purchased a new rear bumper from the parts dept. which is unpainted. can the body shop paint the new bumper without leaving the Highlander by using the color code?

gwkiser

I'm no expert in these things, but I do remember hearing from a body repair / paint specialist that they try to remove a small part of the actual vehicle (such as the gas filler door) so they can do an even more exact match of the color on THAT vehicle. This is one way you could continue driving the HL with the bad bumper (assuming it remains safe to do so) until the body shop is ready to change out the new for the old. You might check in with the body shop to see what they think. Just my thoughts. Good luck.

xcarnut

I too am no expert but dealership do use and have a paint code from factory. The main reason many good body and paint shops use a gas filler door or similar is for those cars that have been on the road for some time and the paint has oxidized even the slightest bit, and it is better to do it from color matching.
If your HL is only a few months old it is not likely the dealers body shop will need gas filler door. Unless you take it to a non-Toyota dealer network body shop where they probably will not have the paint mix codes from Toyota.

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

Please see my reply to your post in the Accessories and Modifications section.

matuchi2

I just started reading the posts about sunroof clicking on black HLs, but mine is an early model Vintage Gold V6 4WD Limited that I bought in January with a serial number of 0002468. Anyway I noticed a clicking sound sometimes when the sunroof is open, but never really thought about it. Now someone said that the problem can be fixed by the dealer? If so, how do you go about getting it repaired. Frank M. Northern California.

little_pogi

Shannb,

I have a reg 4 cyl and could also fell the engine vibration in the steering wheel. In my case, the vibrations peaks at about 2,000 rpm when the engine is accelerating or going uphill. These in turn produces more noise in the passenger cabin. I read somewhere that the bigger 2.4L 4 cyl engine produces more vibration than a smaller 2.0L or less engine. The 4 cyl on the HL employ a counterbalance shaft on each side of the engine to help minimize this engine vibration. It would be interesting to find out if the new 2002 Camry experience the same vibration on the HL. The Camry uses the exact 4 cyl engine as the 4 cyl HL.

jackflack

I've been hearing the rattle from the back for a couple of weeks now and thought I was losing it. It sounds as if it's behind or under the seats.

Also have experienced the vibration during idle, in fact I was waiting for someone and had the engine running, with the A/C off, and watched as every ~10 seconds the engine would suddenly rev up to about 1500 rpm and then ease down again.

Have also been disheartened by some vibration noises when hitting potholes that I usually associate with vehicles much older than this one obviously is. Got the car in March and have about 8,000 miles on it and like it in a lot of ways, but I'm far from ecstatic.

shortlid

Are you parking on a incline, then putting the HL in Park without engaging the parking brake??? This is the easiest way to bind-up the parking praw in the trany and destroy the drive line!

mollysalsa

mollysalsa

Recently had roof-rack and spoiler installed on
our new HL and instantly noticed a howling noise
starting at about 50 mph. To try and correct this
challange the dealer suggested moveing cross bars
fore and aft.....no change,,the suggestion was
also made to remove cross bars which looks to be
a little more involved then moveing the cross bars.Thoughts,suggestions,comments would be very
welcome.

alsop

I purchased a hood protector from my dealer ($91.85 plus sales tax, by the way), and have installed it. However it was missing the urethane pads that the backing plate attaches to...so, for anyone who has installed a hood protector, are the pads just real thin urethane with a sticky backing? How thick is the urethane (like closer to paper thin, 1/8 inch, or what?). And, I take it the urethane is simply to protect the hood from the end of the screw that goes through the clip? Thanks in advance for any info! /Ron

ltw1

There are two sets of pads on set is thick and black and goes on top of hood once assembled and installed and the other is very, very thin and clear colored with a sticky backing. It took me alittle while to figure those out but your right they go under the hood and protect it from the screws.

gwkiser

Ron,

Email me and I'll send a detailed photo I made for you.

Gerald

gwkiser@yahoo.com

jlhunterjr

Just took my HL in for its first service and then checked tire pressure and found my Goodyear Integrity tires had 25 lbs. of pressure. When checking the inside panel of the driver's door section, Toyota recommends 30 lbs of pressure when cold. I checked with my tire man, he says 35 lbs. He also said the major problem with Firestone and the Explorer was low tire pressure. Anyway, I'm going to go with 35 and maybe a little bumpier ride.

alsop

Thank you very much, ltw1 and gwkiser, for the response and help with my hood protector question...now I can do it right. Gerald, hopefully you have already received my e-mail - double thanks for your time and effort with the photo! /Ron

jmac64

I've had our HL about a month and have noticed a clunking noise from the rear wheel wells.
I can stand by the wheel and rock the vehicle and can hear a clunking noise coming
from behind the wheel. this happens on both sides. It's almost as if some component of the
suspension is loose. Has anyone else had this problem? The sound is magnified when on
the inside of the vehicle but doesn't seem as bad when standing outside.

hlltd

Robert Mah,

One thing that I don't believe was mentioned here is that you, and others that have the Limited models, have the advantage with the onboard computer to be able to determine your "instant" fuel economy.

Try observing what happens to your fuel mileage readings as you are ascending some of those long and steep climbs there in your area. Perhaps that will help you be able to better understand why your fuel economy is not what the EPA city rating is (18MPG) for your 4WD HL V6. Remember, the EPA city cycle is figured on your vehicle traveling in a "normal" city that is, for the most part, level ground.

I think you will be amazed at what you see compared to traveling at that same speed when on level terrain.

tommyg12

I kept hearing an obnoxious rattle and/or clunking sound over my left shoulder when driving over bumps. I could never find it while in transit. Well the other day while I was washing the car, I heard the rattle! I could reproduce it by shaking the car. I finlly realized it was coming from left side of the roof rack. It turns out that one of my adjusting knobs was missing. The dealer gave me a new one and problem solved, so take note.

hkdonhonda

Came home today and went to pull my car into the garage when I heard a low speed whining/creaking noise. It was in drive and there was no pedal applied (The vehicle was moving under idle power). I guess I can relate the noise to a creaking door with the pitch changing as it accelerated (probably no more than 2 or 3 mph). The noise also occurs in reverse under it's own idle acceleration. Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences on this? It is a 2001 so I was thinking maybe it could be a TSB for it.

v1234567

I have the same problem but only with the rear passenger side wheel. Yesterday I was replacing a flat tire on that side and decided to spent a few extra minutes to check what might cause this sound. I think I found the source. It's coming from a metal part that resides at the threaded end of the axle and is loosely held in place with a pin that goes through the hole in the axle. I put a few small pieces of rubber around that part, but have not had chance to check if the sound is gone.

runpanther

Please pardon my anger but I need to comment that I can't believe the deafening noise which occurs when the Windows are open (and not just the back windows;it can be any of the windows). An earlier post which describes it as a Helicopter taking off and your eardrums about to burst is an understatement. Also, opening the front windows "a crack" to compensate for the back windows being open is a joke.

Another post which mentions that other cars do this is ludicrous. I've owned Hondas, Nissans, Buicks, Chryslers, et al and no sound was ever as bad as with this Highlander.

I'm at the point where I wish I bought something else. Is Toyota ignoring this problem now that they've got my $30K? Does Toyota even care?? Any suggestions or comments regarding any real solutions is appreciated.

bikerjohn

Sounds like maybe there is another problem if you get that sound with front windows down. I only get it "we'll call it the helicopter sound" when back windows only, are rolled down. I have the same thing happen on my 91 Honda Accord.

gasman1

We get the ear-pounding problem with back windows down, but not when the front are also down. You need to take it to the dealer. I attributed the original problem due to tighter construction than many other vehicles.

Current vehicles that we own that have this problem: Highlander and '02 Altima
Vehicles that own/owned that didn't have this problem: Ford Contour, Explorer

svtcobraconv

Toyota actually designed this feature into the vehicle, as ejection seats have become prohibitively expensive. The intent was to use it on an over-bearing mother-in-law or your daughter's too-handy boyfriend. Each HL comes with earplugs in the glove box to protect the innocent. Due to litigation considerations, this feature is not advertised or mentioned in the owner's manual.

Seriously, my wife and I tested this phenomenia before we decided to purchase our HL. We couldn't believe how awful the sound was, and we also were not able to totally eliminate it during our test drives by rolling down the front windows. However, we decided the HL to be the right vehicle for us, the hands-down winner over several other excellent SUV's we had considered. Our order-out HL is expected to be here in March. Overlooking this minor inconvenience (we like to drive with the rear windows down) is well worth the sacrifice.

seeadler290

My wife and I checked for the notorious buffet on our final series of back-to-back test drives. Our final competition was the Volkswagon Passat which has one of the lowest drag cooefficients on the road today. With the rear windows (only) down, the Passat Wagon's buffet was a 10 to the Highlanders 9. The dealer in the back seat actually howled in pain. Both cars improved markedly with a front window or skylight cracked. I suspect we will find that the most aerodynamic cars have the worst problem.
Bought the bluestone 2wd V6 Limited a week ago, and are just about to break 1,000 miles. Just my 2c.

svtcobraconv

Just one more quick note...

We mentioned this to the salesperson just before one of our test drives. Overconfidently in a typical sales fashion, he said he never heard of it and Toyota would never design a vehicle that would do such a thing. My wife and I looked at each over and smiled in sweet anticipation as he climbed into the back seat...

Man, it was fun!

jzgr8

I am contemplating the purchase of a new 02, AWD, 6cyl. Highlander. I read one magazine review (can't remember which mag. unfortunately) in which the reviewer stated that his test Highlander's AWD system delivered the poorest traction on snow-covered roads of all the SUVs tested in that particular magazine article. In one part of the test, the vehicles were required to climb a steep, snow-covered road. All the vehicles in the test did fine with the exception of the Highlander, which had a hard time making it up the hill -- lots of slipping and problems with the AWD system finding the wheels with grip. Has anyone who actually owns an AWD Highlander had any similar or otherwise negative experiences when driving on snowy roads?

hlltd

The TSB for this procedure is NV 012-01

The TSB applies to all 2001 Highlanders built prior to VIN 10023377.

Necessary part numbers are 67861-48021 and 67862-48021.

macmac

This only happens when I accelerate. I hear this when the windows are rolled up. There is a funny liquid squirting sound during acceleration I can hear it in between the gears shifting. Has anybody heard this?

hookster57

I have read about the clicking sounds but mine seems different. It seems to be coming from behind the instrument cluster. It also seems to happen when I give it gas. The dealer adjusted the "throttle position sensor" and that seemed to help for a while but now it's back. There is also a sound that comes from the left front area that sounds like a nut rolling around. Also, my glass break sensor is on order since the mechanics could not get it to go off when tapping hard on a window. Any suggestions? I really love my Vintage Gold V-6 AWD with leather and VSC besides these minor problems. Thanks

hardel49

Has anyone found a way to make reading the dash numbers on a bright sunny day reasonably easy ? My Highlander is great but seeing the dash panel when it is very bright (I live in FL) near impossible. NOTE: Toyota has no clue.

kpt_krunch

Hi all, just a quick question on something I read in the manual. It says that when opening the driver door, if you hold the key in the unlock position for a few seconds, the driver window will roll down (I assume like all the windows do on a VW Jetta). I tried it and nothing. I have AWD V6, but not the limited model. Am I missing something here?

digitalmac

I have a 2002 4x2 fairly plain. The key trick works for me. I am not sure if you need the VIPS factory alarm for it to work. Maybe. I think if I turn the key the key the other way, it rolls up window, locks, and arms alarm.

jrfiero

My dealer installed rear license plate surround has worn scratches/grooves in the paint. Dealer says they're not deep enough for touch-up, too deep to buff out. Beware, 'specially if you got yours at Ourisman Fairfax Toyota!

jwfjwf

Out of curiosity, I tried this on my 2002 V6 2WD with port-installed alarm, and it does work. You have to hold the key to the right a couple of seconds...works on the driver's door only.

hlltd

Harry,

Please email me so that we can discuss this problem, as I do have these same concerns.

djw479

I noticed in message 136 by HLLTD the TSB for crosswind noise. I do not have that problem, but I do have a recurring 'clicking' noise in sunroof on sunny days. I know this was talked about in past but never saw TSB for it, is there one? Also, I am starting to have a noise behind glovebox when HL is cold, I believe this was also discussed in past but did not see TSB, is there one?? I know these are small issues in comparison to Escape/Tributes' stalling issue, or Envoy/Trailblazer suspension bolts, but....I want a silent ride. Any help is appreciated!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hlltd

Dan,

My service writer was rather busy and constantly being interrupted while he searched the "book" for any TSBs regarding the S/R problems. Perhaps he missed it if there is one, or maybe it didn't get filled in the binder type loose leaf notebook when it arrived at Longo.

I did see the NV 012-01 on the crosswind noise, so I know that he is really trying to be helpful. I'll ask him again when our HL is there soon for the installation of the new door seals. I'll try to catch again him when he's not so busy.

Didn't realize that there were so many problems with the ET/ET twins. Good to know that we picked the 'right' vehicle! But many are less fortunate. Notice that the total monthly production figures of all are higher than our HLs with the exception of the Tribute. See:

http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp

Happy Holidays from SoCal!

roosh31

Dan,
The glove box noise is present on the 2002 HL also. The fix seems to be putting a foam stripping along the blower fan and glove box. It is located in the middle of the glove box and/or underneath. The glove box passes/rests close to the blower fan. I bought some window/door stripping from Home Depot and did it myself. It worked, the rattling noise is gone. I also added some strips to the inside front of the box where it meets to close. The stripping is grey and 1/4" width. Good luck. I found this info here at some earlier posts.
Jim/FLA

shortlid

It probibly has ALOT to do with the stock tires!!! Anything with bad all-season snow traction tires will do poorly with or without AWD! Get it and swap the tires. They are GREAT TRUCKS

kpt_krunch

Does/has anyone heard a(bout) thump towards the rear of the vehicle, underneath, when stepping on the gas after coming to a complete stop? It almost sounds like a muted (I mean very muted) backfire. My wife complained about it, I didn't hear it at first. But after driving the HL today I could definitely hear the noise.

Thanks

veekay1

kpt_krunch: the thump is the rear differential housing "play" as the AWD system engages ...it is more distinct if there is a sudden "pull" or "tug" on the drive train, as in sudden acceleration from start or when stepping on the gas from 15mph speed. Its there on all AWD systems i have driven.

veekay1

Does anybody know why the A/C turns on when you press the "Auto" climate control button??