Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

tt7534888

The grill is from kluger. It looks nice. I am happy with it. I will post my HL pictures on the owner Photo Gallery in a couple of weeks. I suggest you do the same. I'd like to see your HL with the custom rim. What is the diameter of your rim and the tire size?

brad_22

The rim is still a 16 (Sport Edition Tekno's), but I've got 255/65-16 tires (plus 30mm spacers). They line up about equal with the edge of the fender flares to give the HL a more muscular look.

Also, I'm not familiar with Kluger - how'd you find it?

As soon as I get my hands on a digital camera, I'll post some pics.

tt7534888

Check out this web site
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/lexusparts/hilanderkluger.html My is chrome grill not sport grill.
I like everything about the Highlander except the front grill (my opinion). This chrome grill give the HL a different look and the step tube is just make the HL looks lower. Now I can't wait to install the fender flares. next step is the wheels. I have to wait for denero to come in first.

brad_22

Just ordered the sport grill from that site...can't wait to see how it looks on mine. Are you planning to get the lowering springs for yours? Your HL would look one-of-a-kind then.

parkwood

03HL V6, AWD that has developed tapping noise. Don't remember hearing it when first purchased. 2k on it now. Dealer says it is injectors. To those of you that have posted before me, my question--- has the tapping gone away or do you still have it? Is it a cold weather thing? Is everyone hearing this?

kybill

I have the same vehicle with similar mileage and I haven't detected such a noise. When do you normally hear the tapping? Is it at idle or on acceleration? If it is injectors, what did your dealer have to say about it?

parkwood

Tapping is there all the time. At idle is the easiest time to hear it. When I brought it in the service guy that wrote me up said injectors before he even heard it. He called it a sewing machine sound. The tapping does not change as rpms increase. Road noise blocks it but it is always there. Dealer says it is normal. I don't agree.

kybill

I'll make it a point to listen closely to mine tomorrow and I'll let you know if I hear something similar.

raggedy1

I have noticed the sound you are describing. I actually heard it within the week of purchase (I have a 2001 purchased in Feb of 2001). Went back to the dealer and listened to 4 other Highlanders on the lot and found the noise in all of them. I assumed injectors and the service mgr concurred and mentioned that others have of course complained. The only time you can hear the noise is at idle with no radio or climate control on...

landdriver

I've had my 2001 Highlander for 1-1/2 years and never noticed a tapping noise (but will listen closely next time I drive it).

landdriver

Does anyone know what "JDM" parts are? Most of the links in the Yahoo Highlander shopping page referenced in tt7534888's post brad 22, Jan 16, 2003, in this discussion group says that the parts are JDM parts. A Google search indicates that it stands for "Japanese Domestic Market," and nearest I can tell it refers to genuine factory parts that are not otherwise sold in the U.S., but it's the first time I have come across this term so I was wondering if anyone could confirm.

I'm thinking of getting the Kluger grill; I asked the local Toyota parts department about this a year ago but they said they could not sell that grill unless if I had a VIN number of a Kluger (Japanese Highlander (www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/KlugerV)).

Also, has anyone ever outfitted their Highlander with the Door Handle Protectors referenced in the Yahoo Highlander web site -- they look sort of cool, but are very pricey for what you're getting.

brad_22

"Japanese Domestic Market" is correct, as far as I know. Good thing it exists, too, or else where would we get our aftermarket parts? : )

BTW, the Kluger grill looks a lot like the Jeep Grand Cherokee grill. Take off the Toyota badging in the rear, and people will have no idea what you're driving!

parkwood

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll try to contact Toyota and try to get their version of why injectors are so noisy. I would like to hear if anyone has had the noise stop or quiet down with more miles on engine.

stevesr1

I have a 2001 V6 Highlander with about 15K miles. The check engine light has had a history of coming on for several days and then going off by itself. This doesn't seem to correlate with gas cap (fueling) times. I have never bothered to take it to the dealer because by the time I would get it there it would probably have turned itself off.

In November and December It seemed like it would do this at least once a week. Over the holidays I drove about 1000 miles. The light went off on the first leg of the trip and has only reappeared once (about a week ago) during January.

Have any of you experienced this? Is it possible that this is related to driving style? My commute is only about 5 miles one-way in town.

Do any of you have any suggestions for a scan tool so that I can read the codes myself when they appear?

Thanks,

Steve

dohc97

Our HL V6 just have about 270 miles on it after 10 days with us and have noticed the tapping sound as well. Is this sound only with the V6 models?

megawattblues

subject seems to come up every once in a while. Usually in the colder times of the year.

It's not really a "problem" - unless it really bugs you.

What the explanation is (by Toyota mechs), is that it's injector noise. It's also more pronounced when you first start up, and even more so in colder weather.

I can hear it when I first start my car in the morning. No radio on, no heater fan running. I can hear it faintly ticking behind the dash.

As soon as I'm underway, it gets blocked out by any other sound that comes along - like the normal sounds of the exhaust, tires, etc.

I Don't think I can hear it when standing outside the car with the engine running.

Do a search (advanced) in the regular forum or this one, using "engine noise" (remove quotes), to read some more.

al63017

This may be useless info on Highlander board but----
I have 2001 RAV 4 which has tapping sound also and have just noticed it more since it is cold--so injector thing is probably right even though mine is a 4 cyl.

RAV 4 has recall for computer upgrade because check engine light was coming on because gas pumps did not shut off fast enough or you kept clicking pump after auto shut off to get a little more fuel in and sent a signal of problem with fuel system. The computer upgrade that Toyota did fixed it and it does not come on randomly when I fill up and stay on. Wonder if recall exists for Highlander.

The only reason I am here on this board--sold RAV4 which was great, great and up sizing to Highlander very soon. My information may have been useless but who knows????

4 cyl in RAV4 was fine hope that is true with Highlander. Understand that is bigger engine than RAV4 and I am not pulling anything. The turning circle or RAV4 was unbelievable--like driving a go-kart--suspect I will have to get used to Highlander a bit.

I am trying to order vehicle skid control and side air bags in 4 cyl fwd base model--seems to be mixed signals that you can or cannot--dealer is supposed to tell me today. He is checking with latest from Toyota.

kybill

I listened to my HL today and our temps here in Cincy are 0 and lower. I heard no tapping noises, so I don't know what to tell you. If anything changes, I'll let you know.

homershannon

I have the odd situation where infreqeuntly when I go to get into my Highlander (2003, 4cyl, 2wd), the dirver's door is locked and all other doors are unlocked. This is after I've left the car totally unlocked and gotten out of the driver's door (which must be unlocked to open it). For a while I thought this may be related to leaving the headlights on, but it is not. The owner's manual says nothing about this 'feature'.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a known cause or prevention?

dominor5

An error code gets registered every time the Check Engine Light turns on. Your dealer should be able to tell you what these relate to after a scan even after the light turns off, provided you did not disconnect the battery beforehand.

My car prior to the Highlander experienced the same situation for a long time and I just ignored it: it turned out the ignition module was going bad. I'd have it checked right away if I were you, plus it would be free anyway because of the warranty. It could be a sensor itself going bad, as opposed to an actual monitored part/system, but better to play it safe.

I've read some scan tool discussions at twoguysgarage.com, just do a site search for "scan"; but why even bother when you can have it done for free? Good luck.

staste

I have a Highlander 2002 - I started hearing the tapping sound at about 8,000 miles - the first time my wife took it back to the dealer she was tolkd this is just normal valve noise - I took it in the second time and told the service manager that this was not normal - we took a test drive and he said - "it sounds like the fuel injectors" - you can place your finger on a small module on top of the engine and you can feel the "noise" tapping - I still did not agree that this should be a "normal" noise on a $30,000 plus vehicle. Took it back when it got louder - the technician said he could not determine what it was - had a 2003 with 1700 miles doing the same thing and a 2001 with 26,000 doing it also. I was still not satisfied - the technician saw that I was not getting my oil changed by toyota and said - what weight oil are those guys using - maybe they put the wrong weight oil in and that is making the valves tap because of the tight clearance in the engine. Not to be put off , I told him I am due for an oil change - you change it and let me know if that makes a difference. Toyota changed the oil and said they could not hear the noise. I went in to pick up the vehicle and you know what - I could hear the tapping as loud as ever - drove it back into the service bay and had the service manager sit in the vehcile and listen - he told the tech to call toyota and see what he could find out - the next day after several hours on the phone the tech was right back to the fuel injectors - they may noise - the noise travels down a gas line to the fire wall- the strapping used to attach the gas line to the fire wall makes the fire wall into a stereo speaker which amplifies the noise into the passenger compartment (when I raise the hood on my highlander I cannot hear the noise) - he put some foam insulation around the gas line and it seems to have quietened it down some but it is still there - the note from Toyota was to "have the customer sit in another similar vehicle and if the same noise is heard then the vehicle aint broke and cannot be fixed." - if anyone gets anymore information on this please post it here - I intend to continue bothering them until something is worked out - admittedly it does not seem to be causing any mechanical problems just that don't like that sewing machine sound coming at me every time I stop at a traffic light.

parkwood

I have the same concerns. I emailed Toyota( their auto response said to call, email backed up) I finally got an answer that they can't evaluate the vehicle and take it to a dealer. I told them in email that I was just at dealer and dealer said it was normal injector noise. I asked if they could confirm that injectors were noisy. Again, they wouldn't commit. For a car that costs this much there should be silence. I drove a rental low end Saturn that was quieter than this car. What I'm seeing from this board is that some owners don't hear the tapping. Does that mean this noise is not across the board? If it is not universal then that makes me think there is a problem with some of the engines. Do you have a 4 or 6 cylinder? Keep posting, maybe we can get a real answer.

b717

Every winter since I got my Highlander in 2001, this subject comes up, it is definitely temperature related. We don't hear it here in Hawaii, but the cycle of discussion has been going on each winter, particularly from folks who have just had some real cold weather. The Sequoia boards actually have the best info, just search the archival areas.

tommyg12

Since the HL is so genetically close to the RX, I'm curious as to why the RX would not have the same issues. Mr.West, comments? Even though the noise is more audible on cold days, it's a shame for such a fine vehicle to exhibit this clatter with no fix in sight. I still love my HL and will take the clatter over the problems that I had with my "hunk o'junk" Honda S2000.

megawattblues

Some of the recent posts leave me with a few thoughts.

A noisy "lifter" or valve is indicative of need for adjustment. It is not a normal sound. It would bug me. I would get it fixed, or fix it myself.

But the sound in question here is said to be the sound of the injectors, and is then, the normal sound of a healthy HL engine. What "fix" are we looking for? If it's normal, then is it a problem?

Maybe I'm really missing someting here, but this faint tick-tick that I hear on the other side of the firewall, in an otherwise stone-quiet car, does not bug me at all. Nor does it attract the attention of anyone who has been in my car.

Sure - if I listen - I can hear it. It ain't someting that's broke, so I ignore it. Maybe these Highlanders, and similar vehicles are just made so well these days, that any slight noise is quickly noticed.

Enjoy life - happy motoring!

stinkbug

I'm taking my 2002 HL into the dealer next week to fix the whistling sound coming from my rear wheel. My only complaint about the car is all the rattles coming from the dash after only 6000 miles. This is my first new car, and I have never had a warranty before. Is it reasonable for me to expect the dealer to fix these rattles free of charge? Or will they just say its wear and tear and nothing can be done? - thanks

03bluestone

n/m

goldston

Barry

If I recall correctly, someone else had asked this question a while back and it sticks in my mind that the stickers would not come off and you would have to purchase 3rd party sunvisors without the stickers, but then a word of caution got introduced that you might be liable for removing the warning stickers when you sell your vehicle.

Again, I'm going from memory here...

Best Regards, Philip

stevesr1

Is this clicking noise possibly the cold start injector? All of these complaints seem to be coming in cold weather. I had a 90 V6 Camry that had s ingle cold start injector and it was clearly audible when it operated. I haven't looked but HL V6 is probably the same. Does the noise go away on warm starts? If you think that this is the source of the noise unplug the injector and see if it goes away. The engine should still start if it isn't severely cold. I ran the Camry for almost a year with this injector plugged up and most of the time it started fine. But then I live in NC where it usually doesn't get too far below freezing.

Good luck,

Steve Sr.

edodd3

Does anyone out there have a problem with the 2003 Highlander headrests? My headrest pushes my head so far forward that my chin almost rests on my chest and it is extremely painful. I cannot drive the car as a result. All suggestions or solutions would be appreciated. I am apparently not the only one with this problem - I saw 2 Highlander's with the headrests removed today and a neighbor said he and his wife found driving the car for more that 20 minutes to be very uncomfortable because of the headrest.

gwkiser

Personally, I wouldn't change it as I prefer to have the protection from possible whiplash in a rear-end collision. However, I have heard that some people turn them around (lift out completely, turn them around, and reinsert them). Try it at your own risk.

stever

Hi Gerald, long time no talk! How's San Anton?

Edodd3 can't get comfortable with the head restraints in any position apparently. Not sure what the next level is to escalate the problem.

Steve, Host

edodd3

Steve, you are right - I am not comfortable with the way the headrests are configured in the Highlander and there does not appear to be a simple answer to the issue. I have tried to get Toyota and the dealer to help solve the problem without success. They toldn me that I am the only person who has complained about the problem, however I have seen at least 2 Highlander's without headrests - which indicates that there definitely is a problem. I tried to get custom autobody shops to make a new headrest, also upholsters to cut this one down - again without success. I have been trying for 1 month to see if there is another headrest that would not push my head forward and further injure my neck (injured in 2 rearenders) but again the dealer and Toyota does not seem interested in helping. I have therefore decided to see if I can sell the vehicle. As it is I have a very expensive vehicle that I cannot drive in my driveway. The next time I will have to test drive the vehicle for at least a weekend and several hundred miles to make sure that I do not have this kind of problem again. The dealers would not let me take the Highlander for more that 5 miles for the test drive - I tried 4 of them before purchasing the vehicle. I do not think I will be looking at another Toyota the next time.

junepug

I have the seat back angled a little and also must mention that I am 6'2" tall and have not experienced this problem. In fact, the Highlander is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. That includes Volvos, Fords, Jeeps, MGs, Volkswagens and Doges. Just my two cents worth.

toyotaken

Most Toyota's use the same spacing for all of the headrests for all of their vehicles in terms of the posts to adjust them. You may try headrests from a Camry, Corolla, Echo, or any other model and they may very well be more comfortable. If they are, you should be able to purchase them from your local parts department.

Hope this helps.

Ken

wwest

Does it but something I not worry about.

Heard somewhere that fuel injector noise is amplified by fuel line mounted but not "isolated" from firewall.

scanner

It's like a whole nother' world over here. I liked it better in the good ol' days when there was one topic for everything. Of course, the search feature worked back then and it was easy to find the information you were looking for.

scanner

This is one of my HL peeves. It's the fuel injectors and/or the evaporator purge solenoid. I've heard the noise when cold in many car brands, but never as loud as in the HL. I am surprised many have never heard it. It's a cold weather thing and it doesn't go away with mileage.

scanner

Are now designed for a 5'9" bald dummy that likes its seat angled at 25 degrees.

http://www.rcar.org/papers/rcar.pdf

junepug

I may be bald, but I am no dummy and am over 6 ft tall. The headrest does not interfere with my driving comfort.

gwkiser

Hi there!

"Not sure what the next level is to escalate the problem."

Maybe remove them altogether and wear a neckbrace?!!! ;-)

SA's doing well. We just go the official word yesterday that we're getting a Toyota assembly plant (Tundras). It'll provide over 2000 jobs and will start operations in '06. Quite a boost for our city.

Trust all's well on your end.....

Karen_S

Have you tried "Search Discussion"? Enter a key word and it will return all the posts within the discussion that contain that word, or enter a message number to go to that post.

mnieft

Does anyone know of a way to turn off those annoying seat belt warning lights, besides putting on your seatbelt? Is there a fuse I can pull or some other trick? Also, can anyone recommend a seat cushion or way of making the front seat comfortable to drive in. My right leg gets totally cramped while driving. I've tried every combination of adjustments on the seat with no luck. I know a lot of other people have this same complaint.

edodd3

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my problem. I have not given up, and hope to visit a dealer tomorrow that will be willing to help. For further information I am female, 5'7" tall who has to sit very errect in the car because of life long back problems. As a result this headrest causes a real PAIN IN THE NECK! Lesson learned from this experience - test drive the vehicle over the weekend. If the dealer refuses then go to another vehicle (none of the Toyotal dealers would allow more than a 5 miles test drive).

gwkiser

Personally, I would exhaust all other options before I took the finacial "hit" your about to take if you sell the HL this soon. Like any other vehicle, there is a substantial devaluation as soon as you drive off the lot with it.

What about checking into obtaining the Limited version headrests (assuming that they ARE adjustable, as others have mentioned)? Try e-mailing to some of the online dealer sites such as:

http://www.toyotaguys.com (Romania Toyota)
http://www.carsontoyota.com (Carson Toyota)

Those are just a couple I could think of off of the top of my head. I bought some factory all weather mats from Romania two years ago at a discount from list.

It's unfortunate that this one item has proven such a nuisance for you on an otherwise very well built vehicle. Make a few phone calls...give it a shot.

scanner

Hi KarenS,

Long time no see. Yes, I have tried the new "search discussion" feature, but it only seems to return a maximum of 20 hits. The new search feature is a big improvement over the non-existent one of a few weeks ago, but the original software would return all search results. You know me, I'm just picky. :-)

scanner

Volvos do it:
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/ticking.htm

Hyundais do it:
http://www.thecomplaintstation.com/h/_hyundai/00000002.htm

Nissans do it:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/TSBScans/sb629507.pdf

Chryslers do it:
http://www.neons.org/neontsb/TSB/18/183995.htm

GMs do it (see last paragraph under emmision control part):
http://www.mightyap.com/Data/otl0100.pdf

.

gasman1

Does anyone have this problem or more important a solution to it? The rear license plate rattles every time the rear door is closed. I've tried 3M double sided tape; rubber bumpers under the plate; and a chrome license plate frame. None of these have worked. It looks like 4-mounting points would be better than the 2 that are provided.

brad_22

I had the same problems. Then I got those license plate covers from Mats.com (you see their ads in car magazines all the time). No noise, and it looks sharp.

edodd3

Thanks gwkiser for the 2 email addresses. I have been making calls without success. I did find one place that would sell me a headrest for $595, which was not a limited headrest nor is it in my budget at the moment. I will give these two a try. I also tried a limited, leather seat today and the headrest was fine. In fact there was more room between my head and the headrest than on my previous vehicle (a 1995 Dodge Intrepid).