Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

kpt_krunch

Thanks veekay1, that's kind of what I thought it was, but wasn't sure (never owned an AWD vehicle before). There is no problems of course, just wanted to make sure that wasn't a sign of a system failing.

Thanks again!!!

kpt_krunch

Checked with the service rep today at the dealer today, and as promised here is what he said. It is the fuel injectors, and it is ALL the Toyota fuel injectors that do this. In other words, all Toyota vehicles with these injectors (4 Runner was another example he gave me) also make the same ticking noise. He said that after a few thousand miles have been put on the engine the sound usually goes away, and that it is louder in cold weather.

I guess that because the HL runs so quiet at idle, it is very easy to hear these ticks vs. other Toyota vehicles.

novice11

to jmar64 and others,

I too have been plagued with a constant clicking noise coming from the rear wheel wells. I have had the HL limited since April 2001 and it has one problem after another. Mostly though, is that annoying, constant clicking noise. The dealer appeared to have fixed it once by keeping the car for over a week, dismantling the entire rear section of the vehicle,and finally accepting my suggestion of replacing the rear struts. Well, they didn't replace the struts, but admitted that they were installed improperly.

From approximately the 1800 mileage until allowing the dealer to do a 5,000 mile warranty check that included rotating the tires, the sound was gone. Once the dealer did the tire rotation, the sound was back. I guess lifting the car on the lift, and allowing the tires to pull on the struts again caused them to become defective. Again, I have to take the car back and play the game of "well, we test drove the car and our mechanics couldn't detect the noise" routine. It's so obvious, its like someone sitting directly behind you smacking their lips while chewing gum.

Sorry, I got off on a different tangent. But the point is, suggest to the dealer to replace or tighten the rear struts.

I'm VERY disappointed with our HL and Gulf States Toyota. Looking for a replacement vehicle.

hlltd

j.d.

Sorry about your difficulties. Was wondering IF you have contacted the factory about your problems?

Seems that with so many things being tried, and nothing seeming to work, perhaps you might have a lemon?

Didn't you mention a while back about them welding up some body parts?

Don't know anything about the lemon laws down yonder, but wouldn't it be worth checking into?

Make some noise with the factory rep. Remember, the squeaking wheel gets the grease.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

llofgren

Thanks for the info on the ticking sound. Mine has 2400 miles and it (ticking sound) does seem to be a little less.

roadrunner70

has anyone else noticed poor shift quality from 2 to 3? our new hl ltd 6 cyl, 2wd w/ 1300 miles has continued to provide less than satisfactory shifts, with occassional smooth shifts from 2 to 3. i drove a friend's hl with same options, and it too had less then smooth 2 to 3 shifts.

also, engine vibration is very noticeable at idle in the steering wheel, and in fact, in the seat of the car. a passenger commented on it too.

anyone else have these problems? thanks.

vlahosn

Long-time reader, first-time writer. Wife has 2001 HL, I drive 2000 Sienna. Overall, we are happy with both. HL has noticeable cheaper (thinner) plastic parts, which I'm sure produces the less pleasant driving experience (IMHO). These noises annoy me!

I have fixed glovebox rattle and rear seat clicking (cheap plastic loose at base of seat). What I can't figure out is dashboard ticking sound over potholes. Sounds to be coming from behind coin box area (no, it is not the coin box itself). I thought using duct tape on some wires behind the coinbox solved the problem, but alas it's still there. Anyone have luck using soundproofing panels in the dashboard area? Toyota dealer has not been helpful.

I guess if we demand a perfect vehicle, we should be willing to pay 50K plus! I hope this skimping on Toyota quality is not the beginning of a trend. You would think (at least I did) since HL has been produced in Japan for a while that the kinks would have been worked-out. Overall, HL owners are getting a good amount of machine for the money.

BTW, when trade-in time comes for my Sienna, I'm hoping for HL in Phantom Gray (like 2002 Camry), black leather interior, foldaway 3rd row seats, and O-yea, thicker plaster parts.

kscheriff

I bought a new 2001 Highlander for my daughter. It was in the dealer 4 times the first two weeks for 'check engine light' going on before the dealer could fix it. Now,3 months later, the entire electrical in car goes dead for no reason. In a few minutes if you get out and lock and unlock car with key remote, it starts fine. Dealer said he could find nothing wrong. Having owned 3 Lexus's, my first Toyota has been a terrible dissapointment. Anyone with similar problems?

pdalpsher

I don't recall seeing problems like this posted. Keep track of your time in the shop and become familiar with any lemon laws that exist in your state. Electrical problems can be gremlins.

I've had good luck with Toyotas (my HL is my second and my first was a 90 Camry) but that doesn't mean there won't ever be a bad one.

Be polite, persistent and document your problems.

Hope they find the problem. Do you have another dealer in your area that can take a look at it?
Good luck

vinrin

I have heard the liquid noise that macmac described in #137. What was the final result?

stevesr1

Anybody out there figure out how to do this yet? It looks like the plastic covers at the ends of the rails are the key. Does anyone know how to remove these without breaking them? I tried prying on one of the front ones but only was able to get one latch loose before I gave up.

Thanks,

Steve

bironb

Prior to purchasing my HL I examined the whole vehicle including the dash area very closely and found no flaws. Wrong, yesterday with the sun shinning on the dash I noticed part of the passenger air bag cover has what appears to be a rectangular imprint with faint raised ridges. I gather the cover has a painted finish like the rest of the upper dash so whatever is underneath shows through.

Went to the dealer today and was told that this is the way the passenger air bag covers are made and a replacement will be the same. I checked out other 2002 Highlander’s on the lot and sure enough the covers all have the same shown imprint and ridges although some show up more than others. Well, I guess I will have to follow my wife’s advice “don’t look at it and get use to it”.

As a side note: There is a small auto show at a local mall with some area auto dealers (Toyota, Ford, Pontiac, Kia, Nissan and Hyundai participating. Of all the vehicles on display including other Toyota models none had such poor quality covers as the Highlander. How this cover got pass Toyota’s design and quality control is beyond me.

Has anyone else noticed this?

glmartin56

Brand new 2002 and the washer fluid barely flows out the 2 hood mounted nozzles - Does anyone know what the trick is? Or is it time to visit the dealer>

mcmatt

If you are sure the reservoir is full, then it is time to visit mr. dealer.

kenkneeb

I've waited for over 2 months for a Highlander Limited in Millenium Silver w/leather and all the options... Yet, no vehicles. Does Toyota still make these vehicles? My dealer can draw from 6 Dealerships in Oregon and California and guess what, NOBODY HAS A VEHICLE... NOT ONE!!! WHO DO I CALL AT TOYOTA MOTOR SALES IN TORRANCE CALIFORNIA? I WANT NAMES AND NUMBERS PLEASE! Is this anyway to run an automobile company???
NOPE! Nice Rig though, head and shoulders above the piece o' dog doo MDX which I own.

Thanks, ken
ken@safeworld.com

bikerjohn

Ken,

What do you not like about MDX? Consumer Reports gave it a very good review and ranked it just below the Highlander. I chose the Highlander because I liked the size of the Highlander better and wasn't interested in a status nameplate.

pasqual

Can anyone tell me if it's easy to change the antennae on the HL to shorter one. It hits the top frame of my garage opening. One of the oversight before I bought the vehicle

uncsav

Hi Steve -

I just joined. I have not purchased the Highlander
yet but was wondering why you wanted to remove
the roof rack. I surf so I wanted to make sure
I had one. Is it too cheap to be worth it??

Thanks -
Karen S

verbsorb

We just received our Highlander last week and also noticed the same windshield washer problem.

The hose leading to the washer nozzles was crimped under the hood ... this was apparent, as we could see strong pressure when the hood was open and as it closed the pressure decreased.

We fixed it ourselves, by manually working the kinks out of the house ... frustrating though that the dealer didn't notice the problem.

kenkneeb

Hi bikerjohn:

Don't get me started on what I don't like about the MDX. If you wish to read the pages of my personal feedback on this vehicle, point your browser over to acuramdx.org and do a search on my username: kenkneeb
I don't visit that site anymore. It just makes me depressed. BTW, the MDX is my wife's rig and she if fine with it because it isn't a minivan, but still holds seven little bodies. Me on the otherhand, I really liked a lot about the Highlander: Responsive, Quiet, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Awesome Grip on Snowy road, BELIEVE ME I TESTED IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!

Oh yeah, killer JBL/Harman/Becker Ltd. sound system, analog climate controls. There are a few quirks, but it smokes the MDX any day, everyday in nearly every way.

Hope this helps.

ken

kenkneeb

Bikerjohn asked what I didn't like about the MDX since Consumer Reports rated it highly (so too did they highly rate the underwear, riding mower and countless other things that I found sub-par). Well bikerjohn, MotorTrend or Road and Track or some such also annointed the MDX "SUV of the Year" or some such other meaningless accolade. My response is SO WHAT. This year some other publication 'gave' the Envoy a "SUV of the Year" award, but you know what that means... Nothing. Why, well just look a the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's website and select the Envoy and Highlander in a side by side safety comparison:

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/cecompc2.asp?selCat=E

you'll quickly see that Envoy rated POOR overall (the worst rating!!!) and the Highlander rated GOOD overall (the best rating). How a magazine could in good faith, and in their right mind give an "anything of the year" award to a vehicle which rated Poor Overall, Poor in Structure/safety cage, Poor in Injury measures: Head and Neck and Poor in Restraints, is apparently WAY BEYOND my simple mind to comprehend.

That said, WHERE'S my Highlander!!!

BTW, thanks Dianne from at Carson Toyota, I really am trying to be patient.

Cheers, Ken

kenkneeb

I talked to Chris Dragon, Dir. of Brand Marketing at JBL/Harman/Becker regarding upgrading the subwoofer frequencies in the Highlander using the Infinity Basslink product. REAL EASY, says Chris.

1. Buy and Infinity BassLink or BassLink XL

http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/category.asp?Cat=SUB

(with wired remote control if you want to control the unit from the front.

2. Tap into the rear left and right, line level, speaker wiring by "Y"-ing them through the BassLink.

3. Provide +12v and a good ground. Voila.

Auto Turn On/Off Subwoofer now in place.

When in doubt, let a shop that knows what they are doing perform the install.

Enjoy, Ken

glmartin56

Thank you VERBSORB! You saved me a trip to the dealer...just like you said the Hood was crimping the washer hose in the left hinge of the Hood, I unsnapped the hose from it's bracket and moved it slightly - fluid is now flowing!!

alimin

Has anyone installed a Bazooka Tube powered subwoofer to enhance the standard audio? My audio dealer suggested it, but I'd like to get reaction first. 'Course, it would take up room so when I haul the proverbial "sheet of plywood" they install it with a snap-type connector for easy removal. Or is there an out-of-the-way place to fit a subwoofer? (I know the 2002 Camry has a subwoofer option - where does Toyota put it?)

Thanks!

alimin

P. S. - 6,000+ miles on the 2002 HL now - every one a pleasure - especially in what little snow we've had this winter in Minnesota.

kenkneeb

I just got THE call... my 2002 Highlander is in. Does anyone know if there is a comprehensive list of 2002 Highlander TSB's? If so, please let me know where to find them, other than the dealership of course!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Ken

Karen_S

It may be a bit too soon for any TSBs for 2002. Check Edmunds.com Ownership page for more info.

KarenS
Host
Owners Clubs

tdat

My wife was leaving her work late at night in a dense fog. While driving across the parking lot, she ran into a parking light post at low speed. See for yourself at http://kr.photos.yahoo.com/bc/tdat/lst?.dir=/Toyota+Damage&.src=ph&.last=1

What are my options? Do you guys feel that the damage to the bumper is light enough to be fixed or should the whole bumper be replaced?

A friend of mine, who owns a late model Camry, claims that she was able to fix the similar problem at a substantially low cost ($~500) by contacting one of Toyota-approved body shops. I was expecting to spend $~2000 to completely replace the bumper.

Thanks.

spensive66

I have a 2001 Highlander and I've noticed that during freeway driving, I hear a very strange rubbing/squealing noise. This only happens intermittenly during freeway driving. I was told by the service people at the dealership that it probably has something to do with the surface of the road. Of course when they test drove it, they didn't hear anything. Has anyone else experienced this w/their Highlander. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

griggo

This topic was discussed at length. I can not find TSB related to door seal replacement. Could someone post it again, or point to the message. Thanks

robert_ca

After two months my Bluestone Highlander already has four paint chips near the front part of the hood. It appears that the clear coat/paint is very thin compared to my previous 99 Honda Accord paint. Actually that was one of the most impressive aspects of the Accord, how remarkably well the finish stood up to the ravages of the road after three years. I now know that the Highlander will not fare as well in that department and my Toyota touch-up paint stick will get a lot of use as time goes by, unfortunately.

Anyone else notice how thin the clear coat/paint is?

jafo2001

Has anyone got a problem with front seat legroom?

osoriob

I finally started replacing the stock stereo components on my 2001 HL. here is my findings so far.
I bought 6 3/4 (oversize)3-way speakers to replace the stock ones, the mounting was a little more difficult that expected, due to the lack of clearance between the window glass (when rolled down)and the metal inside of the doors, I had to fabricate a custom raised brackets to accomodate the bigger magnets of the speakers that I installed.
Then I installed a 320watt 4 Channel AMP. under the passenger seat,this also took some modifications because the floor on the HL is not all FLAT, there is plastic VENT-DUCTS under the seats.
Just by doing this upgrade ($400) worth I finally have a decent sounding system that pleases my refined ears.

it was worth every cent, I'm much happier HL owner now.

mccannr

Even more BS!
I bet that for a mere additional $500 I can now purchase what they implied was in the first invoice;

Thank you for updating Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We apologize that our previous response did not directly answer your inquiry.

According to our research, the 2004 Highlander with the Towing Prep Package option (as yours has) does not include the converter box found in previous model year Highlanders.

If you were to purchase the Toyota towing hitch, which is supplied with a wiring connector, you would still need to purchase the converter box separately.

We apologize if this has caused you any confusion or inconvenience.

Please discuss your towing needs with the Customer Relations Manager at Northway Motor Car for possible options or alternatives.

dewpac

Does anyone have a problem with their HL making a loud whistling sound when driving over 50mph? It ranges from a high pitch squeel to the sound one makes blowing in a coke bottle. The dealership has been unable to stop the noise, and has removed and replaced the luggage racks,the windshield, sealed every hole,etc., and nothing has helped. It has been present since 3000 miles and is worse now that ever. The noise is from the front of the HL above the driver and front passenger. Can anyone help me get rid of this noise? Thanks. Deborah

msws_1

Greetings:

Beware, dealer ordered mudguards are over 4 times the cost of factory installed.

In case anyone with a Bluestone Highlander gets the fender flares, I would like to buy your mudguards (both won't fit). If the dealer puts the flares on, ask for the mudguards back, they are valuable.

E-mail me at

scott.1 @ mlec.net
(with no spaces of course)

Thanks!

b717

Have your dealer look up TSB NVO12-01
Title is "Wind noise at 'A' pillar"
Dated November 30, 2001
Front door weather strips, left and right, were changed in accordance with this bulletin and the noises went away on my vehicle.
Old part number 67861-48020 rh
67862-48020 lh
New part ends in 21 instead of 20
Warranty covered this change at no cost.

This noise was most noticeable when gusty wind conditions were present and speeds were 50 mph or above.

nms37

My recently bought 2002 Highlander Limited 4WD has a bad rattle when hitting a
pot hole or man hole cover.
The dealer is aware of the problem and 1st replaced parts in back door lock, when no result
they replaced rear struts. Still no success.
Dealer service department still trying to locate and/or fix problem.
Any suggestions anyone?

jrawlinson

Had the same thing on ours when I went to pick it up and test drove first..the knob holding down the spare tire was not on tight..couple of turns..and then..no more noise..but it sounds exactly like what your saying..also..make sure if you put a license plate cover on the back..its not that..hope this helps

vadar75

There's a "Fuel Tank Door" indicator on the instrument panel, and is this supposed to be seen in white color if I turn on the headlight?

I didn't notice this until today, but after I let the fuel door opened while engine is running, I didn't notice any change, so I assumed seeing the sign in white color is fine. Anyway, I just wanna check whether I'm ok with this.

Thank you.

dmanzi

Is there any way to defeat those annoying seat belt flashers (02 Highlander)? I feel the same way about those as I do about helmet laws--let the driver decide.

b717

Fuel Tank Door on the panel is not a door ajar indicator, it only serves as a reminder that the door is on the left side of the Highlander. Ever pulled a rental car up to the pumps and then wish you remembered which side the door was on? That's all it's does.

berkeley882002

I have a 1000 miles on my Limited 02 HL and love it. I have a minor problem that is bothering me. Sometimes, on bumpy roads or on sharp turns I hear rattle in the passenger area. I have nothing in the glove compartment but I feel that the rattle is coming from the windshield as if it is not secured. But if I drive on a straight road even doing 80 mph there is no noise whatsoever but if the round curves then the I hear the rattle for few seconds from the passenger side.
anyone knows what might be the cause?
Thanks

bikerjohn

I would hear a rattle periodically, thinking there was something loose in the front passenger door. I finally realized that it was the passenger seat belt. Sometimes the latch is caught between the seat & the pillar and will rattle on uneven roads.

berkeley882002

No it is not the seatbelt or the glove compartment. Still I can't put my finger on this and it is driving me crazy....

cmurphy2

I am having trouble with loud wind noise when driving at highway speeds with a crosswind. It seems to be coming from the spoiler in front of the sunroof. It is ear piercing and gives you a terrible headache when on a long roadtrip. Has anybody heard of a fix for this? When I take it into the dealer they want me to reproduce the noise and of course the conditions are never right. Also, has anybody had trouble with the paint? Mine has dull rough spots on the hood and doors, only 16,000 miles on it so far.

dewpac

THANK YOU b717 for message 186 regarding the wind noise. I finally convinced the dealer to replace these parts, and so far, no noise. I have wasted so much time either at the dealership or talking to customer service trying to solve this problem, and was told they could do nothing about it. It is amazing that my HL spent the entire month of jan in the service dept., and they never looked at the service bulletin. The noise was getting on my last nerve. Thank you so much!

dewpac

How can I get to the TSB to look at them? Do I have access?

dewpac

To #195. Look at #186. I had the same problem with the high pitched noise which could not be reproduced during the 10 minute visit by the regional service tech. Replacing the parts listed has given me 5 days without the noise and that is a record.

Karen_S

At the top of the page, click on "Ownership". On that page, look for "Get Info On Your Car" on the right hand side. You can search for TSBs there.

KarenS
Host
Owners Clubs

chop888

I think we may have the same problem!! It has been driving me crazy also. It is not the seat belt or glove box. I too think it sounds like the windshield or under the dash. It is not a rattling noise, it will make one or two noises like something rubs together when I hit the bump or the road is uneven causing the car the be stressed. I will keep trying to find the answer. Please let me know if you or anyone finds the answer. Thank you