Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

wain

is everyones with this problem a AWD model?
and v6?

cw1

Good LUCK! Took my 2004 HL to arbitration for the vibration in the brake pedal and steering wheel when stopped (other postings on this subject here). First the Toyota rep was a half hour late, told me that is 'normal' in the vehicle so it is acceptable to Toyota so they won't try to repair of change for future years. Bottom line, arbitrator said 'vibration felt similar to other such vehicles' even though he didn't drive the vehicle. I agree about the $. A vehicle is one of your most expensive purchases and once you drive if off the lot your STUCK. Let us know how it goes.

bobgordon

Varg, I've been trying to duplicate the problem you are experiencing on my '04 V6 and at this time, I can't.
I've tried it with O/D "on" and "off". Have you tried turning "off" the overdrive and see if the problem still exists?
Even at the MPH you state, that would be below the speed the the overdrive would actuate.

Just trying to narrow it down for you.
Good luck!

mikefm58

Thx for the add'l info., mine is different. Mine is a delay from a standing start.

ddpstc

Hello experts:
I bought a HL 4 Cyl. AWD last week without the towing package.

Please verify that this new wiring set (part number 33425) from etrailer.com allow me to connect the wiring to the tail light (not directly to the battery) and that there is no need to get the converter from Toyota dealer. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

From etrailer.com:

Part number 33425: for wiring without tow package http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Sto- re_Code=E&Product_Code=33425&Category_Code=VWH

It seems that the converter from Toyota is not needed by using this part and you can connect the wiring to the tail light socket.

This is what etrailer said:

"Fits Toyota Highlander without the tow package.

    * Each vehicle specific connector is pre-wired and uses original OEM connectors for water tight protection, a guaranteed fit, and a great look
    * No cutting or taping
    * 16 gauge wire
    * 4-Pole connector includes dust cap
    * Easy to follow instructions with pictures are included
    * Each kit includes everything needed to complete a 4-wire flat installation
          o Kit includes wire, fuse and connectors necessary for power supply hook-up at the battery
    * Powered converter with circuit protection is included in a weatherproof double-molded design
          o Circuit Protection guards the tow vehicle and the converter itself from trailer shorts
    * Max Draw: 8 Amps

Can be used with 5-pole, 6-pole or 7-pole adapters.

Plug-N-Tow™ Wiring Connector plugs in behind each tail light on the Highlander.

For 01-03 Highlander models with the tow package use part # 18245."

What do you think?

loucapri

I kind of notice that too.
Mine is a 4cyl fwd. compare to my camry, I am sure the problem is there. my 4cyl camry will go when you step on it and the HL? NO. I do feel like "man, what's going on?"

the HL I have shouldn't be that heavy compare to the camry and that acceleration is something that really bothers me.

I guess we just have to be more alert when driving our HL?

wwest

It might very well be the VSC helping to "stabilize" the vehicle. Suddenly increasing the engine torque output while simultaneously turning the steering wheel off-center would potentially "upset" a FWD vehicle, or any vehicle for that matter.

But on a FWD you are increasing the lateral stress on the front tires at the same time as the longitutnal stress, were the traction surface only slight slippery.....

I can readily envision an engineer/programmer thinking " gee, what a neat idea".

wwest

of the FWD torque stear kind....

FWD Caddy with Northstar, two lane road trapped behind farm equipment, checked for on-coming traffic then pulled out and floored it.

Scared me silly!

Torque stear took over and almost put us into the ditch. I got off the gas and pulled back in behind the farm equipment while my shakes subsided.

Didn't help that my wife yelled "what are you doing" right in the middle of the almost excursion off the road.

Does torque stear have a more pronounced effect with the steering wheel off-center? I have very religiously avoided FWD in the wintertime since.

The about experience was on perfectly dry concrete hwy.

racerx1

I've got an 04 HL AWD 6-cyl. with no hesitation problems.

desertguy

"Does torque stear have a more pronounced effect with the steering wheel off-center?"

You bet it does. That is when you really notice it. Some manufactures have tamed it better than others.(Toyota being one). I rented a new Nissan Maxima and the torque steer would almost rip the wheel from my hands if you stepped on it going around a corner. Also had a VW GTI that had horrible torque steer. On straight ahead acceleration most mfgrs have eliminated it.

johnny5

I just picked up my new '04 Highlander V6 LTD (loaded) and love it. I may be having a problem with the sunroof though. The manual seems to indicate that pressing the sunroof open button will automatically open the window all the way and likewise automatically close it as well or allow me to open and close it partway if desired. In practice however, it seems that I can only open and close it for as long as I hold the button. The problem is that I can't tell when the window is fully closed since when trying to close it the window immediately proceeds to the tilt open position. How do I get the window to automatically shut as the manual seems to indicate?

desertguy

Read your manual again. It tells you how to set the sunroof to open and close automatically with one push of the switch. Simple to do. Why the dealers don't do this before delivery baffles me.

johnny5

Sorry for the redundant post. I just found posts #995 and 1465 (by scanning) that addresses this issue. I did try a search in this forum, but got zero hits which is why I posted the question. Lots of great info in this group. Thanks for the reply.

kads

Have the hesitation when accelerating problem also. Dealer says it's toyota's problem, they can't fix it. Called Toyota customer relations (dealer will be more than happy to give you the number). Their rep will determine if it's a problem in next 3 days and then we will likely go to arbitration. I've also reported it to NTHSA as others on this board have suggested. Would ask that all with the problem do so too, maybe they will respond to government attention.

Dealer says it's a problem with the "adaptive" learning of the 5 speed automatic transmission/3.3 v6 in 2004 models. Search for "hesitation" on edmonds and you'll find reports on highlanders, camry's and solaras plus Lexus rx 330 and camry equivalent.

My first and last toyota. Believe I can find a car company that doesn't have design problems, and fixes their mistakes with product recalls when they mess up. reading the posts, they've known about the problem for at least 8 months, with no committment to fix. Toyota's line is its "normal" because all the other highlanders do it also.

If you own one of these, be careful in traffic, it is a safety hazard. If you're thinking about buying one, know the risk before you buy.

ddpstc

This problem is serious enough. Please bring this matter to Edmunds and Consumer Union and let them publicize your story (and Varg) in their magazines: Consumer Guide and Consumer Reports. Under bad publicity, Toyota will fix it ASAP.

kads

Thanks for the suggestion ddpstc, I will follow up with them. Other than posts here, is there another place to contact edmunds?

Just filed a complaint on the NHTSA website concerning the hesitation during acceleration, it was the first filed on highlander. However, searched other models with same power train. Found 19 reports on Lexus RX330. It was 9 of first 16 lexus ES330 reports, didn't bother reading the last 15. one on solara, 2 on camry. Generally 2/3 of reports define it as a safety problem.

Unbelievably, NHTSA does not show an active investigation on any of these models. Will be suggesting it to them in next contact.

Again, would ask all with problem to file a report with NHTSA plus let toyota and your dealer know we added complaints and know they have a safety problem that needs immediate attention.

ddpstc

To send letter to Edmunds New Car Guide magazine, go to the bookstore and get the mailing address.
To send letter to Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports
101 Truman Ave.
Yonkers, NY 10703-1057
Attn: Customer Service
or visit www.ConsumerReports.org to send email
Good luck.

wwest

Anyone else notice that this complaint seems to be unique to Lexus/Toyota FWD and front torque biased AWD vehicles??

kads

Thanks for the help.

wbay

Here's my experience with the delay. First, I have an '04 Ltd Highlander with AWD and a V6 with several hundred miles.

I was approaching a main highway from a branch highway and noticed that there was a very long line of cars coming (single lane Hwy) and that the only way to get in front of the assorted RVs and trucks was going to be by making a courtesy stop followed by quick acceleration. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

It felt as though the car had simply died and was now offering itself as a sacrifice to the 18 wheelers bearing down on us...for about a second or so, then the engine kicked in and I was able to avoid being squashed. Scary.

I've had cars hesitate before, but usually there's the attendant choking where it sounds as though the engine isn't getting enough gas, such as when an engine is cold and isn't responding in top form.

If I were a believer, maybe I'd take it as a sign that I should have made a full and complete stop...But I'm a believer in solid code and responsibility, so I hope Toyota can figure this one out.

cmuniz

I posted something on this last week and it appears to have been lost in a black hole. Is "drive by wire" new for the 04 Highlander? Could that be part of the problem? Someone said they had similar problem on a 4 cyl which has less FWD torque. My 02 6 cyl AWD doesn't seem to have this problem.

desertguy

My '04 V6 Ltd doesn't have this problem either!

kads

The hesitation problems are only rampant on the '04's which introduced the drive by wire, 3.3 engine and 5 speed tranny. In addition to highlander, many complaints on sienna van, camry, solara, lexus rx330 (same as highlander) and ES330.

kads

Consider yourself lucky, but keep an eye out for it starting.

I don't believe ours did it in the test drive, it began to occur with miles, perhaps due to the "adaptive" learning software.

Do you know the date of manufacture for your vehicle? If not, when was it purchased?

wwest

The way you describe the hesitation is exactly the way my 92 LS400 works. Pulling out into traffic if the rear wheels happen to slip slightly on tthose plastic crosswalk markings then the engine is instantly dethrottled and I find myself halfway out in the roadbed with no power for what seems like eons.

Can't believe Lexus has repeated this probelm on newer models but....

desertguy

My date of manufacture is 01/04.

ron1690

I already installed the VIP alarm system and installed a switch (in to the right of the alarm light) to turn off the daytime running light. I have the full shop wiring diagram showing the ECU's.I also do electrical wiring on aircraft avionics.

First of all I would like to wire the fog light on my 2004 Highlander to come on with the parking lights and not just with the headlight light low beams

On the running lights, I have the switch to be the ground for the parking brake. The only problem is that when I turn off the lights it basically tells the running light that the parking brake is applied and the lights won't come on. With the running lights off, every time move the car from a stop I get I chime from the warning system. I get this every time I start from a complete stop. What is another way to get around the ECUs.

I image the ECUs are the same that are behind the glove compartment.

landdriver

I noticed some people here experience the hesitation problem with their HLs while others don't. My theory is all HLs exhibit the problem, but it may never be manifested depending on the driving habits of the owners. I first read about the issue on these boards perhaps a couple of years ago, but figured it was a fluke as my HL apparently didn't exhibit the problem. That is, until one day when I tried to accelerate very rapidly, at which point the HL failed to respond for about a full second, and then finally responded with the desired gutsy surge (just like wbay's experience). I found this very irritating, but quickly learned to live with it. I assumed that it was due to some quirk with the design of the acceleration system. Thus this is why I think some drivers have never experienced this problem -- unless if you're a very aggressive driver, you'll never notice it. I've only encountered it twice. I have an '01 V6 AWD.

lit

I only notice the hesitation when flooring it. If I accelerate "normally" it seems to be fine. However, with a sudden push of the accelerator all the way to the floor, there is a hesitation before the engine kicks. It is a bit more pronounced than other cars I have driven, but does not seem uncommon. My CRV we previously owned was about the same. I have an infiniti that has a slight pause when floored but not much (maybe because it is a 4-speed trans?).

birdman

Landdriver, I think you've hit the nail on the head with this post. My wife and I have a 02/2004 built V6 AWD and we have never seen the hesitation problem. However, we have no interstate driving to get to work, so I know that, by the averages, we are not aggressive drivers.

bikeman3

Have 03 HL FWD v6, Goodyear integritys, I rotate them every 6-7k but they seem to be wearing on ont the outside edges, I regularly keep the right air pressure 30-34psi at all times. does not wander or or pull to one side so Im stumped as to why this is . Anyone else out there with this problem?

gail2

I love the availability of these boards. They were helpful when making a decision to dump the old Jeep and find a replacement. We love our 2004 Basic Highlander but wish the AM radio reception was good all of the time. I have searched the boards and find that not everyone is happy with the base radio but haven't seen any specific postings regarding AM reception. Sometimes we can hear it and sometimes we can't. Today when taken to our dealer, of course it was working. Their response was that the radio has been a common problem and can't be fixed. Any info out there from other owners?

On an unrelated problem-it seems that the dashboard lights only light up when the light switch is turned on. This has not been true with our previous cars and wonder if ours don't work properly or if it is a function of the car. It is somewhat hard to see the numbers in the daytime when you would not normally have your light switch on.

Thanks from a new poster for any helpful information,

Gail2

ron1690

I have the same problem with my 2004 AWD highlander. Kinda surprised me at first, than got used to it. HL was build in April 2004. On the highway it gets a bit annoying. There has to be something that Toyota can do about this.

kads

I agree ron1690. I'm betting by now with their engineering talent, toyota knows what it takes to fix the hesitation, but doesn't want the embarrassment or cost of fixing most 2004 highlanders, camrys, sienna vans, solaras, lexus rx330's and es330's.

I thought they had the integrity to take care of problems like this. Am very disappointed with their attempt to walk away from it and leave their customers with the danger. I'm still working NHTSA, would suggest you file there also.

cmuniz

The Integrity's get very poor marks from most owners. Most can't wait to get rid of them. As to why they are wearing on the outside might be related to tow-in alignment. My recommendation is to wait until you get rid of the Integrity's and then have a 4 wheel alignment when you get new tires. Check out tirerack.com for owner reviews.

ron1690

Called Toyota America and registed the hesitation complaint. I have a 6 cyl AWD man'f April 2004. First talked to my dealer who said that Toyota is working on problem, but wouldn't hurt to register a complaint. Call 800-331-4331 than Option 3. Maybe if more owners complain something will be done faster.

KADS: Let me know how to contact NHTSA and I'll register too.

desertguy

kads: I'm surprised that you are surprised. They did the same with the engine sludge problem. Tried to blame the owners for poor servicing etc. I love Toyotas for their reliability and problem free driving experience but heaven forbid you want them to take responsibility for a design flaw. Ain't gonna happen.

johnny5

Check the tire pressure. I once had new Michelins installed on my '95 Diamante and experienced the same thing, wandering all over the lane. Back and forth with the tire store to rebalance etc, just to find out they had over inflated them by 10 psi!

ddpstc

Did anyone out there try to clock the acceleration of the 4 cyl. AWD Highlander?
So far all car reviews only test the V6 Highlander, which is about 8 + seconds. I found no information about the 4 Cyl. HL

ron1690

So the six cylinder is eight seconds from 0-60.
I bet it's the same from 20-60 if you add the 1 to 2 second hesitation.

wwlccp

Hi,

I jstu bought a cabin air filter for my '01 Highlander. I searched the posts and I was wondering what the price of the bracket would be? In addition, for those who made a bracket, can anyone give me the dimensions/schematics on how the bracket should be made? Thanks

-Will

gib

wbay,
I had the exact same thing happen to me. Entering hwy, a line of cars, there was a break of cars between the last and a F350 truck pulling a fifth wheel camper. I had only had the HL AWD V6 for 3 days. I floored it and it didn't do anything I kept pumping the gas pedal and it finally started but I knew it was too late. Lucky for me the F350 was able to get over in the slow lane or he would have plowed me into a bridge retaining wall. I still don't know how he was able to get in the slow lane that quick pulling a trailer at that speed but thank god. I didn't know it was a problem until I saw all the posts. I call Toyota. Thanks to all for all the info.

cdplank

I had purchased a Ltd HL AWD V6 in early April. I noticed the hesitation within a few weeks, the same situations as already posted here. Returned to dealer, they said all HL do it, this drives fine. My husband drove it and said it's dangerous! He took the technician for a test drive. They drove around for over an hour before it would react. My HL actually acted like it was slipping out of gear when accelerating through an intersection. It would rev with no acceleration. The tech said this is a problem! He contacted someone in CA for help. We took it back in for repair. Tech made an adjustment to some computer, he said a 30 sec. job and it did get better. It had to be driven carefully and the computer reset before all was said and done. However, I still didn't think it was perfect and couldn't take it any longer. I traded it on a Ltd V-8 4-Runner 2 weeks ago. It's great! No hesitation at all.

typesix

The AM section in my 04 works well, your antenna ground(where the base of the antenna mounts to the body) may need to be checked.Dash lights that come on only when marker or headlights come on is normal except for some European cars like Saab, I think they started the idea of having dash lights come on when the car is on.

ewmh

Does anyone know where to get the plastic end caps for the roof rack. My garage door broke and fell on the rack shattering the end cap. My local dealer says he can't find them in any book.

landdriver

I had a similar problem when ordering roof rack components -- Toyota's standard references for identifying parts on the HL do not include the roof rack. It took them a couple of minutes to finally find the part numbers for these parts. Try some other Toyota dealerships until you find one that can get the part numbers for you. If all else fails have them shipped from the Toyota dealership that came through for me: Toyota of Palo Alto.

ewmh

Does anyone know where to get the plastic end caps for the roof rack. My garage door broke and fell on the rack shattering the end cap. My local dealer says he can't find them in any book.

jackmick656

Own a 2003 HL V6 2WD and just turned 12,000 miles. The following are my impressions of the vehicle:

Inadequate braking system.

Outside wind noise... some improvement after
 installing a Toyota bug deflector.

Steering wheel vibration when vehicle is stopped in gear and foot is on the brake pedal.

Glove box rattle.

Replaced two front cracked mud guards.

Air Conitioner is sub standard...cold dial must be set at maximum in order to cool properly.

Lots of chips in the exterior paint... on the hood... front bumper and sides.

Vehicle has a nice soft ride until on a slightly rough road...then every little bump is felt.

Transmission has a very low 1st gear... then second gear is too high...so there is a lag.

 All of these problems are well documented in the HL message boards over the years. I am not very happy with the vehicle or Toyota's attempts to correct the problems.

kads

Here's the NHTSA URL for filing a complaint, only takes a few minutes. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Gulf states Toyota called today in response to my complaint--they said no fix available, thought I should say it's ok since others hesitate also, Didn't know if the NHTSA had started a defect investigation, Takes a long time for a fix because EPA has to test, Will check with their engineering and let me know if a fix is coming. Reminded her they had over 50 complaints on nhtsa, 2/3 of those owners feel its dangerous, surprised there hadn't been more accidents reported, probably only a matter of time however.

Thanks for the help and be careful. Will be interested to see how you're treated on your followup call.

If you want a laugh, go to their home website and read their vision for "zero traffic injuries and fatalaties". Couldn't find a way to contact them, or would have given them a suggestion for a place to start! http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/safety_presen/index.html

kads

Thanks for the wisdom desertguy, must be my naive American mentality showing through.

Hadn't had a Toyota before, and had only heard rumblings about the sludge problem. Here's a bulletin of interest. We'll get a similar resolution on the hesitation/surging problem if we push it.

http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?did=566&scid=101
Faced with a consumer revolt over low mileage engine failures
caused by oil sludge buildup, Toyota has begun
to notify 3.3 million owners of 1997-2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles
with 3.0-liter IMZ V-6 engines and all 1997-2001 Toyota vehicles with
5SFE 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engines that it will cover the cost of sludge-related
repairs for eight years from date of initial sale.

Whether this will satisfy the thousands of Toyota and Lexus owners who
have already suffered engine failure remains to be seen because Toyota's
Special Policy falls short of an express warranty. Toyota modified V-6
engines made after July 2001 but has not recalled the earlier engines.
The 2.2L 4-cylinder has been dropped.

CAS urges Toyota and Lexus owners with engine problems to file
a complaint. CAS believes Toyota should provide an express warranty
of at least 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever comes later, on the engines
in the affected models.