Toyota Highlander

hialeahmaria

Does anyone know if the glass break sensor works ONLY with the VIP RS3200? I have one (supposedly), but it doesn't chirp when tapping on the windows (I don't have the RS3200 alarm). Any clues? I'm going to the dealer Saturday morning, so I'll ask them then.

gwkiser

Hi there. You might want to contact www.toyotaguys.com and ask them. They offer the factory glass breakage sensor as an add-on. BTW, please post the answer. I'm wondering myself. Thanks.

hialeahmaria

I found 2 views of the Japanese center console (below). If anyone can find one of the domestic console, please post where.

tbuchta

Havent seen much on towing experiences so I thought I'd share mine. Took our new HL unlimited v6 to Joshua Tree NP and LA from Salt Lake City last week. I tow a small pop up tent trailer (maybe 1300 to 1500 lbs loaded) which is the main reason we went to an SUV when I wrecked my toyota pu.

I towed at 65 or 70, so when the transmission downshifted into 3rd rpm would not be too high (around 4000). Did a lot of soul searching about the common advice to lock out the overdrive...the manual says to do that for engine braking purposes, others to avoid overworking the engine or transmission. I talked to toyota service about it...Basically the advice is really the same as for the situation where you find the tranny shifting excessively between 3rd and 4th in hilly terrain...eventually I got to where I could anticipate this situation on continuously rolling hills or long, long uphills and would hit the overdrive button.

My experience is that HL would tend to drop out of OD much more if I was using cruise since it simply wont tolerate much of a drop in speed, however for driving convenience I did use cruise most all the time. I also found that driving at 70 caused less shifting as well, probably because the engine develops its torque better at 3000 rpm and above. Engine temp never varied, and I did not get the sense that the engine and transmission were working hard at all ( at one point I inadvertantly left it in 3rd gear for about 20 miles withough noticing) Milage varied from 17 to 21 depending on prevailing wind, grades etc. I was pleased with this as it was as good or better than towing with my 4 cyl pu. And of course it was smooth, quiet and comfortable unlike my PU.

Overall I was very satisfied, and to date havent heard the dreaded high-speed, cross wind whistle.....

gwkiser

Is your HL a 2wd or 4wd? Also, did you get the factory tow prep and hitch options or did you have a hitch mounted later? thanks.....

hialeahmaria

Thanks for the link. There are alot of good photos there. Thank goodness I have a DSL line (pics take a while).
You're right, that console is incredibly plain and crummy for as nice an interior as the HL's.
What to do...LOL! Another mission to resolve.
Hi-ho (Millenium) Silver, away!!

gwkiser

BTW, to all who read my message before it was deleted, I offer my sincere apologies if anyone was offended by the use of the inappropriate term for the "foreign produced" console.

Is that OK now, Steve?

Thank you.

pauleul

Darn it, I missed your nasty comment (and the link). I assume it had to do with the sad excuse for a console that Toyota provides here in the states. To Dianne who thinks the "powers to be" actually listen to what we consumers want. I hope someone is paying attention to GRAY LEATHER and the KLUGER V CONSOLE as shown in the hialeahmaria #1807 post. Those two issues come up again and again here and on the Yahoo Highlander Club site. That just could be an indicator of "enough" people who know what they want!

okiregistered

I really like it but the seat is to low for me, even with the power driver's seat - an option I got with mine - up as high as it can go. Does anyone else find the seat low for an SUV? For some reason, my back has been sensitive to low seats for years and I think I will suffer if I keep this so I think I am going to leave it in my driveway while it still only has a few miles on it and buy another car and sell the Highlander, which will temporarily tie up some of my cash flow and be a hassle, but I think I should do this. I WOULD try to have the seat customised to sit higher, except that as it is my head already almost touches the ceiling with it all the way up (and I am only about 5' 9".)

Other than this problem with the seat - which most people probably don't experience - I think this is a sweet car, and it appears to have that Toyota build quality.

Only good news for me is that I should be able to sell it for not too much less than what I paid for it (I would think) since one Toyota dealer I talked to when I first was looking for a Highlander didn't have any - apparently demand is quite strong. I paid $29K for a 6 cyl., 4 wheel drive, sunroof, power drivers seat, roof rack, cloth.

Any advice on how best to handle this? What do you think the dealer would give me for it.

Happy trails all.

rubytuesday

Hey sbell,
maybe you are RIGHT, that would be great for all of us to know!

I, too, enjoy all the posts from the salespersons on this list, the information gleaned has been invaluable.

I have not yet heard the roof rack / wind whistle, we had 30 mph winds today, pretty gusty, but since I'm always stuck in traffic I guess I can't add the high speed into the equation.

golfnit

I can't count the number of postings regarding the whistling noise that seems to be coming from the roof rack. Just to let everyone know, I have had my HL up to 90mph and have not heard this whistling noise..I even turned off the radio on a 20 mile trip down the interstate just to listen. The only difference I may have is that my roof rack was a PIO by Gulf States Toyota. It seems like other accessories provided by GST and SET are of a different "make" than those nationally distributed. Just thought that maybe I have a "different" roof rack than the rest of you. Maybe Dianne or someone else can clarify. Just my 2 cents....keep smilin HL owners.

kazumi

For those of you having the whistling problem try moving the rails either forward or backwards in its track and see if it makes any difference.

acsmith

The whistle is almost certainly air moving over the cross rails. Try removing them, turn them over (or flip end-for-end) and reinstall. That will change the leading edge of the cross rail. That stopped the problem in two other vehicles I owned that had a roof rack.

Our HL is not due for 4 months. We ordered from the factory to get side air bags but no leather. Seems that "stock" builds from the factory only put side air bags in units with leather.

tbuchta

My HL is an AWD and came with the tow prep package....

gwkiser

Here's the link for the photo to the US console: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub

Click on 'member photos', then "Highlander Console"

Regarding the "nasty comment", send me an e-mail and I'll tell you what Steve wouldn't let me say here...<g>

gwkiser

Thanks Tom. I was wondering. Our 2wd Ltd will have the tow prep and hitch also.

sstober

I find that the noise will only occur under two specific conditions - driving fast (70mph +) and hitting a cross wind. I believe it's the cross wind hitting the space between the side rail and the roof near the front that makes the noise. During my long trip where I experienced alot of cross winds and therefore quite a bit of noise, I tried moving the cross bars to different locations, with no success. The post which recommended turning the roof rack around might work because the back portion of the rack is elevated. However if it could be done, it would probably look awkward as the sloping portion would be in the back and the higher portion of the rack would be in the front. The only thing I can think of, which might fix this is putting in some sort of plastic barrier between in the space between the roof and rack in the front portion of the rack. Diane - any comments?

gwkiser

Okie, the sunroof is the problem. It's eating into the interior headroom space. Since you just got it (last night?!), take it back to the dealer. Maybe they can use the same money to put you in one w/o the roof but with a few more extras to make up the difference (or a different Toyota model altogether). Who knows, if you catch them soon enough, they probably haven't even processed the paperwork for registration, etc. Otherwise , it's a used car on the open market. Just my opinion.....

mkstring

No wind noice here - had it up to 85 with a 10-15 mpg cross wind - i've moved the cross rails since then (when I washed it) anyway.

rrmcdonald

I just sent a message to Toyota through their Owners@Toyota website (http://owners.toyota.com/). Perhaps if enough do they will take some action. My message was as follows:

Dear Sirs,
I recently purchased a Highlander limited which is equipped with a roof rack. We love the automobile; however, when there is a strong cross-wind (i.e., over 20 mph), there is a very loud and annoying whistling noise which, we believe, is created by the cross-wind blowing through the roof rack. It has occurred when we were driving 35-40 mph on an open road as well as when we were driving 70 mph on the interstate. It does not occur if the winds are calm.

While we will not encounter these strong crosswinds often in Florida, I believe this will have a serious negative effect on sales in the midwest plain states.

This is a very annoying problem and hope Toyota will address this situation, not only on future sales but for existing Highlanders. Perhaps a simple plastic attachment to the side rails of the roof rack (ala the Nissan Xterra) would cure this problem. I would hope, however, that whatever cure there is Toyota will provide it to all Highlander owners free of charge.

jmsims

This comes automatically as part of the VIP RS3200+ security system (dealer or port installed), but you can also order the sensor for the factory security (engine immobilizer) system. Well worth it, in my opinion. You can test the responsiveness of the sensor by tapping a key against the middle of the driver's side door window. With moderate tapping the alarm should sound. If not, the sensitivity should be adjusted. I don't know about the factory security system, but the RS3200+ includes a sensitivity adjustment for this. The dealer installed RS3200+ in my Sienna didn't initially respond to the key tapping, so I turned up the sensitivity all the way and now the alarm responds to tapping on any window except for the rear one. When I installed the RS3200+ in my Camry, I also turned up the sensitivity all the way after some experimentation. No false alarms yet on either vehicle. I would recommend having the dealer perform this adjustment.

rutger56

Does anyone know if you can still place a factory order for the HL and get it equipped the way you want it; Or are they only making them in a few configurations? I would like a 2wd with side bags and the quick order pkg,probably the 4 cyl.A local NJ dealer tells me no more factory orders. Also, does anyone have the real mileage on the 4 cyl.

aruser

My HL has been in the shop now for 16 days. It started with the Check Engine light coming on and they thought it was a bad solenoid valve in the tranny. After replacing the solenoid valve they have determined that I need a new transmission and I'm still waiting. Anyone else with a similar experience?

dianne4toyota

UNtrue! I just took 2 build orders on HLs for the latest wave of cars! Find a dealer in NJ who will be honest. Sheesh, why won't they just admit they do not wanna do it?

Grr!!!

dianne4toyota

It would be nice to have gray leather, and the Japanese consoles for the Highlanders. I want to go on record here as thinking and saying that! I suspect that with the Japanese console, it's possibly a supplier issue.

Di

tbuchta

This is getting curiouser and curiouser, I wonder how many folks have had this whistling wind noise problem. Ive driven both over 70 and with strong cross winds ( I have to cross the mouth of a canyon here in Utah on the Wasatch Front where strong winds are common probably 50% of the time) and have not had this problem, but obviously it is not an isolated problem. Hopefully all who experience it are registering their complaint with the dealer...

gasman1

Sirfile;

An excellent post!!! Any future tire questions should be directed to your post, #1802.

Thanks!

bimmer4me

My sister is looking for an car based SUV and I told her to look at the Highlander. She did, and said it looks to much like the last generation Honda Oddessey. Never thought about it until she mentioned it, and it does sort of look like a minivan more than an SUV. The RX300 even looks more SUV than the Highlander in my opinion. Highlander is still a nice alternative to other SUV wantabe's.

iceguys

chadhburke

We've had our Highlander a month now and I am very impressed with it. We drove it on a 12 hour trip and it was very comfortable and quiet.

However, I have also experienced the whistling noise near the front of the vehicle. It occurs when driving through or into high cross winds. We had wind gusts today of 50-60 mph (in KS) and it really made some noise going down the highway. I've had the whistling noise occur at much lower wind speeds too.

I have some previous experience with a similar situation. My previous car (with no roof rack) demonstrated the exact same noise after I had the windshield replaced.

I believe the noise is coming from the wind "ripping" over the pillars around the windshield. Just as you can fold a piece of paper and blow air across it you get a noise. The air needs a smooth, stationary surface to flow past in order eliminate the noise. The frame around the windshield on the Highlander is far from smooth on the sides. Anyway, this is my hypothesis.

I think it is simply a design flaw, and I intend to write Toyota.

Good Luck.

hialeahmaria

Do either of you know if the Lexus RX300 console would fit in our Highlanders? Kindly advise.

drew_

Here's an idea, why not just remove the roof rack crossbars unless you need them? You'll save on fuel too since there is less drag. Many of our other Town Hall participants owning other makes/models of vehicles have the same problem and in just about all of the cases, removing the crossbars, or shifting them around to find the optimal positions reduces or eliminates the noise completely.

If you absolutely must have the crossbars on at all times, companies such as Thule or Yakima sell fairings (like the Nissan Xterras) that can attach onto the front crossbar.


Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

belanger3

We rolled down the back window for the first time and wow ! what a awful noise ! sounds like a flat tire and gives me a ear ache !! If we crack the front windows it helps a LITTLE ! and I mean little. When we roll up the windows it's quiet as a mouse !!! I loved the HL till now. Tell me if this is the roof rack noise you guy's are talking about !!!!!!!!!!

tbuchta

I've seen several references to the terrible noise you get when opening rear windows, I think this is a common occurrence whenever you open just the rear windows in a vehicle, I had the same noise in the cars that I have owned, you just have to open another, preferable fron window to equalize the pressure...

smallz

The noise you ask about is different from the roof rack noise being discussed. The noise you are experiencing was covered in message postings #1405 to #1409 on this board. You can find answers to your concerns in those messages and probably others if you search farther.

tbuchta

I doubt it comes from roof pillar/windshield, if it did everyone would experience it under similar conditions....to date the only folks complaining appear to have the roof rack, and not all of those (hard to tell what percentage), my own guess would be that the location of the cross members affects if and how much you experience this noise.

sstober

Good idea about removing the cross bars - I'll try that. However, I did move them around during my recent trip with no affect. As I hypothesized before, I think the wind noise is emanating from the longditudinal bars (the two which run front to back) with cross winds entering the space between the roof and the bars at the front. You can't take off those bars without leaving the holes exposed. I think the answer is to insert some type of retrofit plastic which can be attached to the rack to block up the area. I suggest that we all send letters to Toyota US & Canada. Copying and pasting the letter from rrmacdonals above (#1824) and sending it to Toyota would be a good idea. - Steve

pauleul

I don't know if Dianne or Cliffy will attempt to answer your question, but wanted to let you know I had the same thought. I have a friend who has the Lexus and I looked it over just the other day. It appears to me it would work, however, there are things like vents and power outlet that would not be functional without more major work and may not be possible. In any case it would require a certain amount of handyman abilities in my opinion. The real answer, of course, is that console being supplied in Japan.

gwkiser

Gregt1310,

Mud guards are part of the Appearance Package Option. Therefore I assume that they are not a standard item on the HL.

Roof rack is available as a separate option on the Base model or standard as part of the Limited Model option / upgrade. Again, not a standard item on the HL.

Tow prep is available as a separate option.

Maybe what the dealer was telling you was that once these items were installed, they could not be removed. The way I read the options / option packages in the HL catalog, they are options. Most likely you will have to special order (some call it "preferencing" ) the HL the way you want it, especially if you do not want the rack or mud guards. You SHOULD NOT have a problem find ing a 2wd HL WITHOUT the tow prep option. In fact, my experience is that most of the 2wd's DON'T have this option.

Regarding the pricing (my best guesses):

M.A.F. ($303).. I haven't a clue. Maybe a local add-on? (marketing / advertising fee?)

1% fleet reserve ($235) is probably the amount of profit guaranteed the dealer. I think the normal "holdback" for Toyota dealers is either 2% or 3% of the MSRP. The "fleet reserve" of 1% is probably a discounted dealer holdback.

There are several salepeople from different Toyota dealers across the country who frequent this area, so maybe they can chime in and give you more accurate info....

drew_

I suppose that's possible, but unlike, in my opinion. My SUV also has these roof rails (I do know that they were aerodynamically designed from several angles), but I don't have the crossbars on. Absolutely no noise from the roof at all. You may want to first try removing the bars as others have done. Let us know if it works for you!

Good luck

drew_

Town Hall went down for about 20 minutes early this evening and the posts from this morning onwards are missing. We are aware of the situation and are trying to rectify it. We apologise sincerely for the difficulties this situation poses. Please rest assured that every effort is being expended to rectify this matter as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience,

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

localboy49

I just purchased a 4 cylinder HL with only minimum options. They included mudguards, auto drivers seat; and the quick order package. The sales person told me that there were 2 HL's available like that. I would assume that maybe the HL's that your dealer had available came only with those other options on them. Good luck in finding your car.

boulderhl

I have two questions regarding the ECT SNOW switch and the Dual Heated Mirrors w/W/S De-Icer option.

First off, the manual talks about engaging the ECT SNOW mode when 'starting' your vehicle in snow or icy conditions. I assume that you would keep it engaged as long as you were driving in those conditions, and its not just for getting started?

The second question is more of 'did I get what I paid for' thing. As part of the LL package, the Dual Heated Mirrors w/W/S De-Icer option is included. As I read my owners manual, it seems to describe two types of buttons, Type A (diagram shows a picture of a side mirror defroster) and Type B (diagram on button includes a picture of a windshield wiper blade on a windshield on top of the picture of a side mirror defroster) to engage this option. The manual states that with Type B, the windshield wiper deicer is also equipped to deice the windshield wiper blades for operating simultaneously with the defogger. So my question is, since the button on my HL is a Type A, does that mean I don't have the W/S De-Icer option? Does anyone have the Type B button, and if so, was that some kind of additional option?

cliffy1

I've been out fishing for the past few days and just saw your question. Unfortunately, I would have no way to find out if the RX console would fit. My guess is that there are just enough differences to prevent this. Just a guess though.

seemomgo

Yippee!!! I got the call today that my HL is being made at the factory and will arrive in about 30 days! Can you tell I'm excited?!

I've been looking for an ISOFIX/LATCH car seat and to my surprise can't find one (Gulf States area). Has anyone else had the same trouble? For those of you who have an ISOFIX car seat, could you please post the manufacturer and model? I'd really appreciate it.

-seemomgo

bironb

I initially considered the purchase of a V6, but with the recent fuel price increase with further increases projected for early summer I am now thinking 4 cyl. As there are no reviews of the 4 cyl. HL I would assume that the performance would be pretty well on par with the RAV 4. The HL has a slight advantage in horsepower and torque but is heavier than the RAV. Would I be correct in this assumption?

For those who have purchased a 4cyl HL, what is the performance like in the area of:
- freeway merging
- two lane highway passing
- hill climbing

The local dealers still have no 4's available for test driving.

Thanks

sstober

In order to test the theory that the whistling noise is emanating from the cross bars, I want to remove them for the test. However, I'm not sure how to do it. Does anyone know how to remove the crossbars. I can move them forward and aft but don't know how to take them off. Any suggestions?

mpadawer

Can anyone tell me what the "rollover rating" is on the HL.....I can't seem to find it anywhere.

sjz

I haven't done it, but it looks like the first step would be to remove the thumbwheel screw on the crossbar. Then loosen the thumbwheels on the side rails, and move one side forward, and the other to the rear. The crossrail should come out of the side rail.
-Steve

mpadawer

Can anyone tell me what the "rollover rating" is on the HL.....I can't seem to find it anywhere.