Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

webgood · July 2006

A paint can opener (usually free from your local hardware store) works perfectly.

jbollt · July 2006

Thanks! Great idea! I even have one! I'll have to remember that when I put the cross bars back on prior to selling the vehicles.. (I have an 03 and an 05)

billran · July 2006

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if you noticed a big difference in wind noise when you removed the crossbars?

jbollt · July 2006

Haven't had the oportunity to get on the highway yet to test, (I live about 10 miles from the nearest freeway) but we have a few roads where speed limit is 50 in town..Got to 55, and my gut says it is quieter...could be the placebo effect. I will try to get on the highway this coming weekend and report back. Freeway speed limit here in AZ is 75, so that will be a good test.

stever · July 2006

Can we get some mileage reports please? Please post them in the Toyota Highlander: MPG - Real World Numbers discussion. Thanks!

Steve, Host

herzogtum71 · July 2006

On mine (4 cyl, 4-speed automatic) the plastic cover is located to the left of the shifter, immediately above the "P" on the gear selection menu. I don't think it fixes anything; it just lets you get the vehicle in gear so you can drive it to a repair shop.

c2rosa · July 2006

Toyota, Nissan recall tops 500,000

Automakers say dealers will repair faulty parts on Lexus, Highlander, Altima and Sentra models.

WASHINGTON -- Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it was recalling 367,500 Toyota and Lexus sport utility vehicles in the United States because a piece in the front console area could come loose and interfere with the gas pedal.

http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/AUTO01/607130390/- 1148

master1 · July 2006

Yeah, I heard about that too. Toyota hasn't called me yet...Maybe they wont. Mine might be ok.

explorer05 · July 2006

the alarm system continues to go off at various random times with no apparent trigger..i have made sure all doors windows and sunroof , hood are securely closed and made sure that all sensors in door jambs are clean....anyone else have this problem? the highlander only has 14,500 miles on...side note i have had the fog lights replaced 4 times due to cracks in the glass, and had to have the rear struts and bushing replaced....

chinaboy · July 2006

I have replacement front rotors for my AWD 2001, because of vibration after new tires installed using impact wrench. I pulled wheels, calibers, and caliber mounts. NO WAY could I get either rotor to "pop" off. I tried a good sized persuader to no avail, and I don't want to damage the rotors on the vehicle to the point where I can't back out of the project. Any ideas here? Torches not available...:)

wwest · July 2006

You DID remove the axle nuts under the grease cap...??!!

tix · July 2006

I am looking for some help on how to deal with Toyota. I have a 2004 Highlander. The car is barely 2 years old and the sunroof just stopped working - in the open position!!! The dealer has said that I need to replace the motor and cables and it will cost $1400. The car is 4,000 miles out of warranty (of course I had just driven 2,000 miles the week before) and Toyota has said too bad, the car is out of warranty. But come on! - is it really realistic to believe that a sunroof should break after two years (of course it is not used everytime I drive the car and I paid extra to have the Highlander with a sunroof) Should it be considered under the same warranty as the transmission or other part of the car that is used everytime you drive? I am very upset that there seems to be the "too bad" attitude and wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.
Otherwise I will just say - BUYER BEWARE! - the sunroof is not warranted separately. I am driving around with a duct taped sunroof and unless I fork over the $1400, there is not much else to be done except continue to tell others that - yup, thats duct tape on my sunroof and no, you should not buy a Highlander!

desertguy · July 2006

Hey tix. You sound ticked off.(can't say I blame you) If you have a choice, I would go to another dealer. Many dealers will work with you through Toyota to come to a compromise. This dealer or maybe just this service writer doesn't appear to care. Have you talked to the Service Mgr? That price of $1400 seems awfully high to me. Does the motor make sounds when you push the button? It may be just a cable that snapped. It would be odd if both a cable broke and the motor quite at the same time. Certainly register your complaint with Toyota USA.

I had a new Toyota Supra that was just out of warranty and the windshield wiper motor quit. Cost me $300 to replace. How many times have you heard of that happening? All my many Toyotas have had sunroofs and none have ever failed.

tidester · July 2006

While you're waiting for a reply here you may want to investigate Warranty Claims Administration.

tidester, host

tix · July 2006

You bet I am ticked. I have registered my complaint with Toyota, only to be told I have to work with the service department. My response was why would they want to help me, if you won't. I am in the process of filling out the customer claim form. The service center totally disengaged the sunroof motor so there is no noise or any ability to anything with it. Before they did that, the motor DID make noise. I agree that the idea that that motor AND cable broke and it ALL needs to be replaced would happen is rather strange. I have a feeling its just the easiest (not least expensive) way to fix it. On the side of the service center, they did agree to split the cost, but come on, I looked up how much extra I paid to have a factory installed sunroof - $900.00 -how could it be so much more to fix one? (Plus - we all have been told how important it is to have a factory installed option done vs. a independently installed one)
I appreciate your words of support and advice. I am not going to give up just yet. I still have too much steam to let off.

mcm · July 2006

I have an 01 Highlander with 55k miles and recently had the dreaded "Check Engine" and "VSC" lights come on. I noted the vacuum hose diagnosis here as one potential solution however this time was the MAS/Mass Air Flow sensor that apparently went bad.

I had recently done a larger service to replace brakes, 50k maintenance, power steering fluid replacement, induction clean and was hoping it was minor

For those in metro DC, Koons Arlington charged me $300 and took 20% off of the bill given my recent visit.

jrfiero · July 2006

1. You had an "induction clean."
2. The MAS/Mass Air Flow sensor went bad.
3. Koons was kind enough to give you 20% off?

I'd immediately suspect there's a relationship between 1 and 2, and that 100% off would be much better.
Just a suspicion, mind you.

Power Steering Fluid replacement? Is that in the owner's manuals?

Jonas

paquette · July 2006

I just had pcv valve and number of things done to my 2001 Highlander. I have 54,000 miles on it and within two weeks of the car being serviced the 'check engine' light came on. The dealer is telling me that the A/F sensor is bad to the tune of $250. It's going to cost me $390 with labor. Anyone out there heard of this sensor going so early?

mcm · July 2006

Hi Jonas -- I hear you. I tried to call thier BS as well but no dice. They claim it just died, no electrical resistance anymore etc. I've spent little $ on it since 2001 so I don't feel too bad however I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop...

gartmacd · July 2006

MAF sensors are extremely sensitive to air quality the vehicle operates in. For example, if you live in an area with polluted air from such things as dust, CO2, smog, etc., your MAF won't last long. The good news is they often can be cleaned and will continue to operate properly afterwards. They rarely just "go bad" on their own. Cost to clean them is approx. 1 1/2 hour labour (roughly $125.00 + or-). Cost to replace one is about $250.00 for the part, and the same amount of labour--say $350 to $400 total cost.
The problem is more prevailent in heavily populated areas.
It won't hurt to continue driving with the check engine light on--more an annoyance than anything--but it may cause the fuel mixture to be a bit on the lean side--not a good thing over long term.

gartmacd · July 2006

See my post 3673. It's not uncommon for MAF to get dirtied up at 30,000 miles, if the vehicle is operated in polluted environments--which is not uncommon in many areas of North America.
You could ask the dealer to just clean it. Just don't be too quick to blame Toyota for this problem. It's common to all makes.

mcm · July 2006

i had the exact same thing. for me it was the "mass air flow sensor" -- might be the same thing as the A/F sensor -- and those numbers sound right. $390 seems a bit steep though. mine is an '01 with 55k miles.

mcm · July 2006

thanks gartmacd -- i live in wash, dc so i agree that our air quality isnt the greatest. unfortunately, whatever electronics are inside the part, per the dealer, were not working so any cleaning would have been no use. ugh.

they more worrysome piece was that the VSC light was on so played it safe and paid them.

looks like it a common problem given a few of the other recent posts..

cssnostromo · July 2006

Lets face it, dealer service departments are an unscrupulous lot. When new/used car sales are slow, dealership owners will often lean on service to 'carry' it through a slow month. Standard tactics include telling Mr. and Mrs. Jones that their Highlander's radiator fluid looks dirty and that they need new brakes. On one visit to Sunrise Toyota in Oakdale, NY, it was like watching a Wall Street boiler room as multiple 'service advisors' advised customers that they needed urgent replacement of radiator fluid and brakes. What are the odds of that? . Take a few moments to inform yourself on Highlander systems by reading an automotive encyclopedia. If it feels like your dealer is feeding you a line of bs-he is. Find an independent shop or purchase the Highlander Shop Service Manual and perform the work yourself with the aid of a auto-savvy friend or relative. Service depts do not have your best interest at heart.

chinaboy · July 2006

No, I didn't! I asked about this at Toyota and a good service
shop. Both said that did not need to be done. In fact, the new rotors have large 2" diameter hole in the center.

Toyota and brake shop said "beat the crap out of them 'til they pop off"...glad I didn't.

What is involved about this axle/grease cap? And can I install the new rotors that won't be locked in place because of the large hole in the center of the rotor? Any help appreciated.
And thanx!

landdriver · July 2006

It's been ~4 years since I've worked on the calipers/rotors on my '01 HL and thus almost forgot everything so this post may be somewhat useless.

My vague recollection is once the wheel and calipers are removed the rotor simply lifts right off. (I also have a vague recollection that you have to remove a cotter pin and unscrew an axle nut in the center of the rotor but think I'm getting confused with another vehicle I used to own.) Also make sure you are pulling on the rotor itself and not on the stationary shroud encompassing the rotor. If I'm not getting mistaken with my other vehicle there is a threaded hole in the rotor that you can drive a screw in to force the rotor off; I may have had to do this when removing the rotors from my HL.

(One thing I do remember is the HL does not have a dust cap covering the center hole of the rotor. I was somewhat surprised as this was the first vehicle I owned that didn't have one; was almost thinking of trying to purchase a set of dust caps that would fit my HL.)

wwest · July 2006

Just looked up HL front axle in Toyota.techinfo.com and there is very definitely a nut holding the brake rotor on the front axle.

desertguy · July 2006

You have the website transposed. It's: http://techinfo.toyota.com/

dtgros · July 2006

Did you ever resolve this problem?

My 2001 Highlander is doing the exact same thing. Local city use, no oil consumed. On a round trip from Louisiana to Chicago, we burned 5 quarts of oil.

cougar06 · August 2006

All,
I have a 2006 HL base, V6 4WD just purchased new last month. At highway speeds with the windows rolled up, I can hear a high pitched whine that sounds as if something such as a window is not sealed properly; it sounds like it is in the front area of the interior. It does not sound as though it is mechanical in nature. I let the windows down and up and the whine is still there. I do have the roof rack and hood protector on the vehicle so maybe one of them is causing the whine. Any thoughts?
Thanks

typesix · August 2006

Does the whine vary with car speed or engine speed? Roof rack and nose protector would likely cause whistling, not whining.

cssnostromo · August 2006

The whine your hearing is a well known HL oddity going back to the introduction of the HL in 2001. The roof rack crossmembers act as sort of saxophone or flute reeds when air is rushing by them, creating weird harmonics. The fix, at least for me, was to reposition the crossmembers on the rack until the sounds are brought under control. You still may experience noises after repositioning during gusting head or cross-winds and other wind events, but your daily drive should largely be free of that annoying howling.

cougar06 · August 2006

Thanks a bunch; I'll try adjusting the crossmembers.

user777 · August 2006

some people of other makes/model vehicles have discovered their cross-members for their roof racks installed backwards, i.e. instead of the thicker part as the leading edge towards the front of a vehicle, one or both were pointing towards the rear of the vehicle.

think of an airplane wing cross-section. the thick part goes towards the front, and the thinner part towards the rear. this is the way to get airflow around the cross-member without "singing" or noise created by the non-smooth flow of air over the member surface.

definitely try adjusting the location of the cross bars as was mentioned. some people with racks indicate good results if they move the cross-bars to the rear of the rack.

Another option would be to uninstall them (if convenient) until they are actually needed.

michaelp1 · August 2006

Just received a card from my dealer informing me of a recall on my 2005 Highlander. There was no detail on the card, but I found this recall info online:

http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/toyota/highlander/recalls/index.html

I'm assuming this is the recall since it's from July 13th.

I apologize if this was posted earlier - just did a quick check under "recall" and didn't see it.

Mike

herzogtum71 · August 2006

I remember seeing a posting about this as a sort of advance warning a couple of weeks before my recall notice (2004 Highlander) arrived in the mail. I received the notice July 31, and they took care of replacing the clips that could fail and interfere with the gas pedal when they did 30K service on my vehicle a few days later. If you take the car in for just the recall work, my technician said you need to allow just a half hour.

desertfox1 · August 2006

off subject from your radio problem, but could you please tell me if the NAV system in your hybrid has a more enhanced power usage display than what is standard on the HHL w/out the NAV?
Thanks

nomorebenz · August 2006

Without a doubt, yes.

desertfox1 · August 2006

Thanks,
Sounds like it is much better.

I have read that the version in the Prius is a newer generation (4th in the Highlander vs 5th in the Prius - better graphics). Any insight into the truth in that, or are they confusing the DVD versions (4.2 vs 5.1)?

nomorebenz · August 2006

Before we stray anymore off the topic of the forum, take a look at the forum for the HH Nav
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0e0a33/65!make=Toyota&model=Highlander%2- 0Hybrid&ed_makeindex=.f0e0a33
Yes, the Prius and Camry have different head units with better resolution and more features.

tapdaisy · August 2006

I have an '04 Highlander that had the exact same problem. While my solution was unpleasant, it was (and my apologies to you) under warranty. I waited six months for parts to fix the problem, so even if you do cough it up, be prepared to wait. I was informed that the problem was uncommon, and parts (especially the motor) had to be constructed upon request. If your VIN indicates that yours was a Japanese-made Highlander you get to wait forever with a broken one (and don't knock the duct tape.. I've been that route)for parts. Which parts, you ask? I can almost promise that you will need to replace both the motor and the tracks. Highlander rooftops don't enjoy the shape of the tracks that house the unit, and the motor (making that 'Little Engine That Could' noise, will eventually stop working and burn out, as the tracks are bent and the motor is not strong enough. The good news is that once the new unit is in, the motor and wiring is arranged so you no longer have to hold down the button to open it. It becomes automatic. Small price to pay.

desertguy · August 2006

I also have an '04 Highlander and I have never had to hold down the button to open or close the sunroof. One push is all it takes.

tix · August 2006

Did you have to pay any of the repair, or was it all under warranty? I still haven't decided if it is worth fixing, because the sunroof was a $900 extra feature and they want to charge $1,400 to fix it. They did tell me that I have to replace both the motor and tracks, so you are right on the money with that. I wrote to Toyota and I am very surprised that I have not hear one word back from them. I was expecting at least an acknowledgment. Maybe other sunroofs are going to start going bad and there will be a recall (I can dream can't I?) Thanks for at least letting me know that I am not alone. I have my fingers crossed something will come of this.

socnis · August 2006

I just got a 2004 highlander, besides the steering wheel clunking and loose problem that others mentioned a lot, I also feel something loose underneath the driver side floor when I step on the gas, especially if i start from still position, is there some mechanical part that could be loose there or is there some liquid thing down there? anybody having similar experience?

edh · August 2006

probably all the same source
bad u joint in the lower steering shaft
mine made that noise/feeling when backing up from parked

master1 · August 2006

There was just a recall on some Highlanders for a plastic piece near the gas pedal.

socnis · August 2006

for my HL, the loose part seems to be underneath the floor halfway between the brake/gas pedals and the drive seat, I couldn't see anything from under the car. where exactly does noise come from in yours?

socnis · August 2006

I read about that recall, is that plastic piece above the pedal or under? did you take yours to the dealer for fix?

yenchy · August 2006

I have only just joined and noticed yours and others posts re hesitation - I live in Aust and have top of line AWD 2004. It has done 86,000K (about 51600M) It has always done two things - The famous hesitation and %$#@$# pinging. I have tried everything but car is still under warranty and to be honest I don't think the dealer wants to know about it - I am also suspicious of any resetting done by a dealer - I don't want to lose the performance 0-100 7.9secods
I notice people are talking about higher RON fuel - I have been running mine on 98 octane for a long time now - love the performance lift it gives but does nothing for my two probs.
What do you all think would happen if I asked dealer to re-set ECU - Car was originally set up to run on 91RON which is our standard - I certainly don't want to go back there.

Thanks

mckeown · August 2006

The Recall replaces 2 black fasteners on the console extension to the right of the gas pedal. On my wifes, the interior is gray. So these are 2 black fasteners on the top of that gray part just to the right of the gas pedal.
Her's were not loose, but they were replaced anyhow. I guess others rest their foot against this plastic piece and cause pressure on these plastic 'pop-on' fasteners to the point that they come loose or out. Then the top of that plastic extension can fall down and keep the pedal depressed after the driver removes their foot.

Toyota Highlander Maintenance and Repair

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