Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    Are you sure about the speed governor?
    This implies that there is an electrical system measuring speed, and not rpm.

    I thought the top speed was based on drag limited performance (ie when wind drag forces equal power output, thats the maximum speed).

    Max power is at 6200 rpm, and in 3rd gear - speed = 111 mph (4th would be 169 which is impossible). My prediction would be if you floored the accelerator, you would reach 111 mph and the transmission would shift into 3rd gear.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    which = 104 mph in 3rd = top speed
  • sportsterersportsterer Member Posts: 27
    nimrod99,
    good buddy, that 104 sounds a little light. there's a reason the speedo goes up to 140, and i must have had her up around 120 or so one day when all of a sudden either
    a beer can or a bra, i cant remember which, blocked the view of the dials and i had to bring her back down..anyway we were goin pretty good. no tail wind to speak of..
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The way VVTi was explained to me is that the intake timing advances as RPMs increase. I can't promise that this is correct but it is a good working theory.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    From what I have read, VVT-i uses engine rpm and throttle position to determine the optimum valve timing for the intake valves only. Honda's Vtec adjusts both intake and exhaust timimg and also the duration (lift).

    Toyota is working on VVTL (variable valve timing and tift control).


    See article

    http://www.edmunds.com/news/innovations/articles/43849/article.html

  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    One big difference between the Honda and Toyota version is that Honda's only kicks in at 4000 RPM while Toyota's is constantly varying. Toyota actually does have a variable lift as well, but only in the Celica GTS and Matrix XRS. The variable lift hits at 6200 on those and you know it when it happens.
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Who's the author? I read that same Edmunds' article over on swog.com.


    http://www.swog.com.sg/techfaq/vvt01.htm


    Engine rpm, throttle position, plus a lot more is used to determine VVTi. I can't wait for the introduction of electromagnetic valves and dylithium crystals. :-)


    http://www.motioncars.com/archive/tidbits_feature19/content.htm

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Good eye, Scanner. Too bad there's no bonus around here for spotting copyright violations! I really don't think our Karl stole that article ;-).

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    thanks to Cliffy, nimrod and scanner. Very interesting articles. The Mits Lancer is amazing.....350 hp from a 2.0 liter variable valve timed engine and turbo charging. This (VVTi, etc) has got to be the future.
    I see the new CRV also has VTEC now and while its peak hp (160) comes at 6000 rpm, its peak torque (162 ft-lbs) is at 3600. Must be because they increased displacement.
    I am a little amazed that Nissan and Subaru haven't gotten into this yet...or have they?
  • pcgillenpcgillen Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a HL V6. It's a non Limited model.
    Can Fog Lights be added? If so how?
    Thanks,
    PAG
  • dean2sm1dean2sm1 Member Posts: 34
    We are happy 2001 Highlander owners with 9300 miles on it. Mostly the wife in town, but have pulled boat on trailer about 2600 lbs for 300 miles several times. I have not visited the Highlander club much in the past year, but thought I'd add this info re just how much the fuel tank will hold. My son failed to notice the yellow light for many miles, and suddenly we had the pointer well below empty. Made the gas station (on fumes?) and then filled to top of filler tube: 20.525 gal. Tank is sposed to hold 19.8. Anybody have an idea how much the filler tube holds, and real capacity of tank?
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Dean2sm1,

    20.636841364843194785213654789654312544778 gal.

    Just kidding. :-) Your question falls in to the category of how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop. Too many variables. Unless someone is willing to dismantle their entire fuel system, the world will never know. You would also have to measure the fuel trapped in the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines from the tank to the engine etc. My question is why doesn't Toyota program a simple audible warning when the fuel gets critically low like on some other vehicles?
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    Did anyone find a 2 WD 4 Cylinder with tow package ( or prep only)? I need to find one and found only 6 Cylinder 4 WD are available with tow...
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    While it would be good to know exactly how much fuel system as a whole HL can support or have a buzzer.
    The gas guage pointer does not suddenly go to below empty, it takes about 35 miles of driving on freeway (@constant 70MPH) from the time the yellow light first lights up the dashboard to the point where you notice the guage at "E". I have not driven beyond to test the limits and could not comment how many more miles it takes of addiotnal driving to go below "E".
    deam2sm1-I think you may want to help your son learn while driving to frequently monitor things on dashboard like checking speed, engine temp and lest not forget the all important gas guage. This will insure you are never stranded in middle of road. :)
    Happy HL'ing
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Xcarnut,

    I bet you remember when cars came equipped with gauges for oil pressure and battery condition. Unfortunately, nowadays I think we're lucky if drivers periodically monitor the things going on outside the windshield more or less the gauges on the dashboard. :-) This reminds me of my favorite episode of Sienfield. I too wanted to see how far the HL could go. :-) And like you said, the light came on before hitting 'E', then the needle sank below 'E'. The HL kept on going, but I couldn't take the heat, and stopped to top off at 19 gals. Automotive engineers know that some drivers won't react until at least 30 minutes after things get critical. :-)
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    I just received an email update from Toyota, saying the '03 Highlander info is available on their web site. If you go to the FAQ current and future models, It shows a link to the 2003 Highlander - but I think the info is still the 2002.
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    Scanner - I don't only remember cars with oil pressure but my trusty old '78 Corolla SR5 liftback came with oil pressure guage and oil temperature guages, plus the usual water temp, RPM. That was one reliable car until its untimely death in '91 when an errant Chevy Blazer turned left in front of me.....Se' la vie.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    The only difference I noticed from the 2002 model from a casual perusal of the toyota.com website is that the following accessories are added for 2003:

    Rear-seat DVD entertainment system (available Spring 2003)
    Yakima attachments
    First aid kit

    Does anyone know what Yakima attachments are?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Yakima makes attachments for the roof rack. You can get things like bike and ski racks and stuff like that.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    I guess there won't be DVD Navigation or steering mounted transmission shift buttons.

    Strange - the dealer told me that DVD entertainment was already available (2002) for the rear seat
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    It is... if you let the dealer install it.
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    DVD has been available as a port installed option (PIO) in the southeast for the since April for the 2002 Highlanders. The VCR has been out for over a year or so.
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    I'd like to confirm what has been previously posted regarding the filter for the air conditioning.
    I purchased part number 88508-48020 from my local Hawaii dealer. It took less than a minute to install, just popped the cover off behind the glove box and slid it in with up arrow pointing up. Put the cover back in place, squeezed in the sides of the glove box bin and closed the door. I have a 2001 limited, seems the 02's shipped with and the 01's without, easy to check and install if you don't already have one.
    That particular part number will get you the filter and the tray it sits in all pre-assembled.
    Thanks to the folks who figured it out and posted the info for the rest of us.
  • hl4wifehl4wife Member Posts: 6
    I noticed from the Toyota website that there is a significant price increase for 2003 ($3300 for the limited base model). Also, both "common" configurations include running boards. My wife and I wanted running boards until we stepped in and out of the highlander a few times and realized that they would just be in the way.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Just posted a method for using Fog lamps as DRLs and allowing fogs to be on without low beam over om RX300 forum.

    Maybe it applies??
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota Motor Sales

    (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced 2003 manufacturer's suggested retail

    prices (MSRP) for the Camry sedan, Prius gas/electric hybrid sedan, RAV4

    compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), and the Highlander mid-size SUV, which

    arrive at dealer showrooms on August 24. All four vehicles retain their

    excellent value with prices unchanged from the previous model year.


    For 2003, base prices for Highlander have been held to 2002 levels.

    Highlander's base MSRP ranges from $23,880 for the 2WD four-cylinder model to

    $26,860 for the 4WD V6. MSRP for the Highlander Limited models begins at

    $29,395 for the 2WD and $30,795 for the 4WD.


    http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-22-2002/0001787925&EDATE=

  • wcpwcp Member Posts: 40
    I read it on the RX300 board.
    Good information with detailed descriptions.
    I don't know the fogs on HL are wired the same way as RX. I do know the bulbs are different. HL fogs are H3 whereas RX's are 9006. But I am tempted to give it a closer look.
    Thanks wwest.
  • jacserjacser Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone know what the 2003 changes to the HL are?
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    The following link might also be a good spot to keep an eye out for the latest official details.


    http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display.html?kw=Highlander

  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    Looks like no changes except for some options (first aid kit, DVD for rear seat).
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    I recall in years past, American cars changed for change sake. More chrome was added, grilles were reshaped; fins were added, then removed; rear tires were simulated on the rear bumper; portholes were added, removed, fake exhaust ports, air scoops and etc. I personally appreciate that no significant changes are occurring in what I consider to be a most successful vehicle (in the HL). Change dates a vehicle ... suddenly, it does not look like the newest version, and it's resale value plummets.

    Many of the first HL owners were waiting for the Ford Escape. I along with many other that respond to this board, actually ordered one, only to cancel. How grateful I am that I did. I know that beauty is subjective, and a matter of personal likes and dislikes, but today I parked next to a new Escape, and I suddenly realized that I am already weary and tired of the design. It is not near as "cute" as I once thought it was. It is not near as enduring a design as my 2001 HL. I still find the HL design refreshing. I would be interested in knowing what you think.

    Happy HL'ing to all.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    HID, rear suspension clearance, rear wing vents, firmer VC. Just to name a few non-cosmetic ones.
  • highlander7highlander7 Member Posts: 177
    As wwest stated, (rear wing vents) The rear vents are one option that the Highlander needs. Put the back windows down and feel and hear that turbulence. Probably will not see a design change like this until the new model around 2005.

    Anyone else agree that either rear vents like ones in mini-vans or a window that goes down like the 4Runner's would be a good upgrade?

    If this is important to you, write to Toyota, I did. They are aware of the problem. It may not be corrected if they do not receive complaints.
  • cmcardlecmcardle Member Posts: 71
    I'm familiar with the rear window thing, understand the physics and have even dropped them just to see what all the noise is about (pun intended).

    Maybe I'm missing something, but I've been driving for almost 15 years, and can't remember a time when I've wanted the rear windows down without the front ones down as well.

    When I was still smoking, I'd take the driver's window (only) down about an inch, which created a great vacuum, keeping the smoke out of the car. Is that what people are trying to do, but with a back seat smoker?
  • hl4wifehl4wife Member Posts: 6
    I stand corrected. 2003 Base prices remain unchanged. Doing the "Build your own" exercise on the Toyota website, seems to indicate that options have gone up.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Running the rear windows (partially) down to quickly clear the humidity and help defog the windshield.

    On a nice evening having only the rear windows down to "catch" the fresh evening air and and still converse.

    On a hot sunny day driving away while only having the rear windows down to purge the accumulated heat. Not just the cabin atmosphere, but to create enough flow through volume to quickly reduce radiant heat from HOT interior surfaces.

    Of course if the RX/HL had rear wing vents they could be used instead...
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    My 2001 Highlander Limited is equipped with the genuine imitation woodgrain dash applique. If you are a 2001 non-limited owner and are interested in a swap to the woodgrain material, please post a note and we can communicate. The swap is a fifteen minute job and the woodgrain looks especially good with the ivory interior. Thanks!

    Sirfile
  • hlronhlron Member Posts: 113
    Skyreb, I agree with you...I,too, continue to like the design of my 2001 Highlander; in fact, very much so. As for the Escape/Tribute, I took one look - including only looking through the window, not even getting into - a Tribute when they were new, and that was enough for me; I did like it at all (personal preference, I suppose). I was pretty much resigned to replacing my 1997 Honda Accord with another Accord when I discovered the Highlander. And I have enjoyed and been pleased with it ever since I bought it in June 2001. For me - and this will vary based on personal preference - it is the perfect size (not too wide, not too long), perfect functionally for me, as well as comfortable and fun to drive. In my humble opinion, I see no need for a change, at least not yet, other than some options, perhaps. Three years for a Toyota body style is still pretty contemporary, especially the Highlander design and look. Plus, it is awefully expensive to re-tool for new models, and I paid enough for my Highlander - although it has been worth it!
  • jimmymagickjimmymagick Member Posts: 12
    I just received what purports to be the recall notice BUT it's not from the dealer where I bought my 2002.

    Is this just a scam from another dealer to get me in the shop? (It's a yellow postcard that says my "Highlander is due for the 20D campaign." Is that what the official recall notice looks like?
  • dawgcardawgcar Member Posts: 12
    It is not a scam. There is a recall for a clamp on some hose. I took my HL in for an oil change and they had the recall already on the list for my HL. The changing of the clamp and oil change took all of about 1 hour. My shop at the Toyota dealer was up to snuff on the recall and it was no charge and they followed up 2 days later with a phone call to see how the visit went in the shop. I could not be more pleased with my decision on getting the HL.
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    You mentioned in a message, quite some time back, about a minor modification to the engine PCV system. I think this was to be a partial/short term fix for the oil gelling issue, prior to an engine redesign. Was this modification previously made on 02 Highlanders?

    I have a 02 Highlander and was expecting to see a letter from Toyota reminding me to change my oil regularly. I haven't seen the letter yet. Can you clarify this for me?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Any V6 produced after March of this year had the "running change" alteration to the valve cover.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The old Camry station wagon didn't have a power rear window either. It may shock some of you to realize this, but the HL is a Camry wagon. If you want something with more utility than sport, the Runner is the one to look at.
  • jimmymagickjimmymagick Member Posts: 12
    Dawgcar:

    No, I knew the recall wasn't a scam. I was just surprised to receive the notice from a dealer I didn't buy the Highlander from.

    Also I was kind of surprised that a condition which could result in me suffering a horrible fiery death (just kidding) was covered by a crummy yellow postcard which didn't explain the reason for the recall at all. I really expected something a little more "solemn high"--you know, vellum parchment with a detailed explanation of why I needed to bring the car in.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm curious whether the dealer you got the recall notice from is closer to your address than the selling dealer? Otherwise I like the "dealer swap" explanation.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • sportsterersportsterer Member Posts: 27
    we just received in the mail a notice recalling our 2001 V6 4WD, explicitly for the master cylinder resevoir cap. evidently it could leak. this recall is in addition to the notice of 8/6/02 for repairs due the breather hose on fuel tank. does anyone have a summary of the recalls to date?
  • aortaaorta Member Posts: 14
  • highlander7highlander7 Member Posts: 177
    Can a Standard ((Non-Limited)) All-Wheel-Drive V6 Highlander be ordered from Japan with VSC?

    If not, how much trouble is it to order a All-Wheel-Drive V6 Limited without Leather Seats and Moonroof?
    By ordering this way, the VSC is standard equipment as part of the Limited package.

    --Appreciate suggestions-- thanks
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    Every source, I reviewed, listed VSC as a $650 option on Limiteds'
    You can order anything you want,if you can wait and wait and wait.
  • m4ethm4eth Member Posts: 101
    Does any one know the location of the oil filter on the 4 cylinder highlander and can you change yourself by reaching under the vehicle? On my 92 Camry 4 Cyl you could see the filter by looking under the hood at front of the engine. Thanks...Mike
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