Toyota Highlander

nippononly · March 2003

yes, it is in the manual.

junepug · March 2003

On page 19 of the manual, it tells us that we must contact the dealer to make this change. This is strange since our 2002 Camry can be re programmed by the end user.

bigdad · March 2003

you can look at etrailer.com and find the necessary convertors....I bought my wiring adapter for the final connection (special adapter in the tow package box on one end and a flat 4 on the other) from them for only $13...Toyota wanted a fortune

bigdad · March 2003

I took a left turn at a corner going a little faster than I should (but not dangerously so) since the light was changing....as I made the turn the electric door locks all activated and locked automatically....it's as if there is a sensor that detect yaw angle or bank angle and locks the doors in anticipation of a rollover....anybody had a similar experience or know of this feature?...I know my motorcycle has a bank angle sensor to shut of the gas if it leans over more than the sensor allows (to prevent fires in a tip over). thx.

edodd3 · March 2003

I took my vehicle in for Toyota to look at the headrest/seat problem and while there they lowered the presser of my tires from 37 psi on the front and 34 psi on the rear to 32 psi all around and told me that is where I should keep the pressure. Now the ride is very rough, much more than when the pressure was higher. I find this very interesting based on the previous posting about lowering the pressure.

By the way - I agree dealers SUCK BIG TIME. The dealer where I purchased my car has a moto that "We are not satisfied until you are satisfied" That is a joke! They could care less. The owner did not even think I deserved a response to my letter - not even one that said NO. The General Manager was really rude to me and insinuated that I am a lier, etc. One thing is for sure I will never purchase another Toyota if I ever get another vehicle!

scanner · March 2003

Edodd3,

The recommended tire pressure from the manual and door label is 30 psi cold. Are you sure your dealer didn't raise the tire pressure from 32 to 37 and 34? Sounds like your dealer really does "suck big time!" Why don't you find another? Then again, it just might feel bumpier if you're talking about a smooth road.

scanner · March 2003

Bigdad,

I've been trying to figure a way to get the electric door locks to automatically lock for the longest. I'll give the HL rollover test a try. Thanks for the tip. ;-)

junepug · March 2003

Did you ever try using one of the back seat head rests on the front seat? I tried it and it does make a difference. BTW, please do not feel that all Toyota dealers are scum. We have dealt with dealers in both Memphis, TN and North Carolina and have been most happy with the after sale service. Looks like you have a lemon of dealer in your area.

dougweaver · March 2003

Yes I agree. Our dealership ... Stevens Toyota in Harrisonburg Virginia has been great so far. dpw

cmcardle · March 2003

Sorry... assume that the wall can safely handle 1 lb, and the wife gets a painting that comes right up to that mark.

(I'm trying to break my economics training by not listing all my assumptions before making a point.)

cmcardle · March 2003

are you sure that your elbow didn't hit the "lock" button on the door?

cliffy1 · March 2003

Some dealers suck. Some. Not all. You're going to hurt my feelings if you let that one stand.

Seriously, I don't know how the ride could have gotten worse after lowering the tire pressure. It certainly should have helped. Is it possible that the roads you are driving on got worse? I know that sounds like a stupid question, but this winter has been very bad in some areas and there are more cracks and pot holes than ever.

toledo19 · March 2003

That's not stupid at all. Here in California there is a huge difference in riding on concrete or asphalt. Asphalt is very smooth. Not the case with concrete.

wwest · March 2003

Asphalt is used primarily because as the earth "settles" it will easily accept the new contour and not require repair dur to cracking. The severe shortcoming of asphalt is that it absords lighting at night and during rainfalls making it more difficult for drivers to see.

Concrete is more expensive because if not poured on a really solid, well prepared underlayment, it will soon start cracking and once that happens in northern climates ice in the cracks soon makes matters a lot worse.

So, a concrete roadbed, if properly laid, will, for a much longer period, provide a much smoother ride and greater visual distance at night.

But our government officials get much greater kickbacks....eh....political contributions, from the asphalt industry. In the short term they can provide (slightly) less expensive roadbed renovation and pass the difference to the politicians.

bigdad · March 2003

Pretty sure that nothing touched any buttons...(try to put your elbow over the door lock button!! I couldn't get my arm up that far without contortions) Here in the great state of Tennessee our weather is so good, I had the window down and the old arm hanging out...I even looked at the possibility of somehow the lock button being hit on the remote control at the ignition switch, but that didn't seem too likely either..thought that there might just be some safety engineering involved here that is not advertised (makers of SUV's don't like to talk about rollovers...but might just try to make things a little safer without trying to gain some kind of marketing advantage by saying so)

cmcardle · March 2003

Sitting at my computer, as opposed to behind the wheel, I was thinking that if it was a real hard turn that threw you off balance, perhaps your arm may have hit the button.

After getting into the car to drive home, I realized that would have to have been one hell of a turn to get your elbow up there. Never mind...

jeff186 · March 2003

No HIDs, not even as an option? That's disappointinting. Will the RX330 redesign bring HIDSs to the Highlander next year and maybe a 5-speed tranny?

edodd3 · March 2003

As to the tire pressure - the service dept at the dealership assured me that they lowered the presser from 34 & 37 to 32 all around and that is the pressure that I should carry in these particular tires. I was traveling on the same roads that I travelled before the pressure change so I do not think that is the problem. I am taking it to have the oil changed this weekend so will have the pressure checked again. I do not feel the bumpy ride as much as the backseat passengers do, but I did notice a difference.

Cliffy 1 - As to the dealership - I guess you have heard that one rotten apple in the barrel spoils the rest. In this case the largest Toyotal dealership in the mid-atlantic area and a top rated Toyota dealership is definitely a rotten apple and has tainted my perspective considerably of dealerships in general. I am still trying to resolve the seat comfort issue without success. Their latest idea is for me to trade the vehicle in on a 2004 Sienna at over a $7,000 loss to me - they should think again! If I do trade the Highlander in on another vehicle they certainly will not get the sale, especially since they speakth with forked tongue. For all of you who have had a good relationship with Toyota dealerhips or work for good dealerships congratulations - I certainly wish I had/or will have the same experience. I am currently looking for another dealership to do the warranty service, etc. on the vehicle, so wish me luck. By nature, I am not a complainer, but this has been a major problem for me and one that I think should be addressed properly by the dealership, especially since they took back vehicles for less serious problems and also let customers take the vehicle overnight for an extended test drive - both of which they refused me. To date I have diven under 500 miles in 2 months because of the back pain. I usually do over 500 miles in 2 weeks.

Junepug - I did try the back headrest in the front - they are not interchangeable in my HL, even the service department tried it and found the same problem. If you changed the headrests then you also have a problem with the front headrest - what is the issue and did you let Toyota know by calling the customer service number? Please do so if you have not so that they will know to correct the problem in future vehicles and maybe do a recall on this one. They told me if 100 people complain then they probably would look seriously at doing something about the headrest.

toledo19 · March 2003

I can only relate to you my personal experience here in Cali. Asphalt is a quiter, smoother ride than a concrete surface.

wwest · March 2003

As long as it stays smooth and flat.

camrycoupe · March 2003

A friend of mine solved the uncomfortable seats issue in his Highlander by buying the seat liners that they make for wheelchairs. He felt the Highlander seats were uncomfortable because they were not long enough and didn't offer thigh support. He is very happy now that he has the wheelchair pad in. He said you can pick them up at any medical supply place.

cliffy1 · March 2003

The largest Toyota dealership in the Central Atlantic Region? That would be Koon's and it means you are local to me. I used to work there before Koon's got it. I lasted a whopping 5 months as a floor manager. I'm quite happy being just a bit South of them now.

junepug · March 2003

I do not have a problem with the head rest or any other part of the Highlander. I tried it as a favor to you. Please do not add me to your list of complainers!!!!

On the 2003 base model with cloth seats, the rear head rest does fit in the slots for the front headrest. The ratchet operation does not work however.

suz14 · March 2003

2003 2WD 6CYL HL 2,500mi I drive mostly in the city, 20-minute drives to & from most destinations. Rarely drive on major highways. I'm getting about 15 - 16 mpg & I think that sounds rather poor. Is there anything I can do to increase the mpg, other than driving on the highway?

suz14 · March 2003

When I bought the HL 2WD in Oct., I opted not to get the rustproofing. I don't live anywhere near the ocean, so I felt that salt wasn't a factor. However, after such a snowy winter, with all the salt on the roads, I'm wondering if I made a mistake. I plan to keep the car about 10 yrs., maybe more. I think that I could still go back and have the car rustproofed. Should I????

heuer · March 2003

I was wondering instead of buying those expensive light bulbs,like PIAA, can I use the 9005 bulbs (high beam) to replace my 9006 low beam light bulbs?? Will this help me to get a better night or rain vision?? Will this do any damage to the car or the battery??

goldston · March 2003

I'm not here to judge so please accept this as post as "just an opinion"....

Wouldn't other drivers be blinded by you having (high beam) lights on all the time? Especially if they (other driver) flashes his lights at you to get you to take them off high beam and you hit them both high&high beams... and if you did blind someone with your high beams are you liable for any accident?

Best regards, Philip

heuer · March 2003

Since I don't know much about cars, I assumed that the low beam light means the light is pointing more downards towards the road and high beam means the light pointing upwards or straight ahead. If that is the case, would a more power (60W) bulb give be a further view on the road?? Please correct me if I am wrong.

If this will blind other drivers, are there any other sugestion? I am driving alot at night and heavy rain condition. Thanks.

malfarag · March 2003

Hi folks,

I own a White, 2001 V6AWD.

I was thinking of replacing the stock steel rims.

I wanted to stay with the same size and diameter.

225/70/16 - but, the original rims are 16 by 6.5.

Is there any harm in replacing to be a 16 x 7 rim and will the extra .5 inch cuase issue with turing diameter or rubbing / suspension components.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

Greg

wwest · March 2003

Vancouver BC.

I tried several versions of the PIAA, even one wherein I had to use a relay to support the extra amps.

Nothing compares to HID, NOTHING!

As we get older we lose our color night vision first, HID provides a wider spectrum of light, bringing back some of what we have lost.

HID also provides a much sharper, more definitive, cutoff, allowing more light at a greater distance without blinding oncoming drivers.

wcp · March 2003

I've done it on my 2002 HL. You need to make some simple modifications to the 9005 bulbs. Although the lumens of the 9005 are 70% more than 9006, the actual brightness increase is only maybe 30% due to the light housing. I haven't been flashed by anyone. They will not damage your car. To me it is the most cost-effective way of improving my visiblity.

You can find the instructions at the following two pages.

http://vmac.org/~weston/teg/9005conv/

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm

brad_22 · March 2003

If you increase the wheel size to 16x7 without changing the tire size, you should have no problems with clearance. I had a 16x7 with a 235/70-16 tire for a while.

However, as long at you're getting new rims, why not upgrade to 17s or 18s? Now THAT would look sharp! : ) Of course, it would require some modifications...

wwest · March 2003

on my 01 RX and all that was needed was 1.2 spacers all around. More contact patch, wider stance, and a slightly more solid, SUV, ride.

Pictures at CL in the RX photo gallery under wwest.

malfarag · March 2003

Thanks for the info.

wwest - where exactly are the pictures. CL ? Thanks.

If you say the spacer work well, then maybe I can go to a 17 x 8 rim.

Let me know and thanks to both in advance.

Greg

pdalpsher · March 2003

I also have a 2WD v6 and I find the key to good gas mileage is driving smoothly, not accelerating abruptly or braking sharply. My driving is mostly commuting and short trips like yours. Where I live has a lot to do with my mileage as our 'rush hour' is laughable when compared to major metro areas. I've been getting 20-22 mpg consistently. I haven't gotten a full tank of highway only traveling so I don't know how much better it will be.
I'd recommend just making sure that you get the road chemicals washed off within a reasonable amount of time. There is some protection from the factory and the chemicals used today are not as corrosive as they were in the past (at least that's what the word is in Virginia).

landdriver · March 2003

www.clublexus.com -- his car looks fairly cool, like an RX on steroids...

I personally am completely satisfied with the headlights on the Highlander -- they're way brighter than the lights on my previous car, and I've never experienced any visibility issues myself -- isn't that what the high beams are for (assuming there are no other cars ahead that would be blinded)? I'm perplexed by the pre-occupation by a seemingly significant percentage of drivers with HID (high intensity discharge (electric arc-based)) headlights.

wwest · March 2003

HID, sorta like first using gps in a cessna.

The improvement is unbelieveable.

malfarag · March 2003

wwest,

Great looking RX, nice rims and x-terrains.

I will be looking into 17 x 7 rims for my Highlander.

Thanks. Greg

wwest · March 2003

adds a tad more stability at no additional cost.

masjas · March 2003

Upon entering the market for a 2003 Toyota Highlander, a question had crossed my mind. Is there any way to discover auto incentives for upcoming months. This seems to be a question that most people would ponder, and its solution would be greatly appreciated.

cliffy1 · March 2003

If you find out, let me know. I've been working for a Toyota dealership since 1994 in sales, management, as a GSM and a finance manager and in that time, I never found about a single incentive more than 48 hours in advance.

bigorange30 · March 2003

in their right minds publish that? If they advertised a sale in advance, people would just wait to buy.

edodd3 · March 2003

Thanks camrycoupe for your information. I will go shopping this weekend for the seat pad. I hope it solves that issue - if it does, the only issue remaining is the headrest.

junpug, OUCH! I am sorry, but I did not get the impression that you just tried moving the back headrest to the front seat to see if it made a difference. I took your posting to mean that you did that because you were having a problem also. Please forgive the assumption - I am so desparate that I am grasping at anything that might be a solution or a help (such as someone else with the same problem). Unless you experience the pain that I am in you do not know how desparate I AM - I should not have to pay over $27,000 and be put in this much pain everytime I drive this vehicle. I am driving it, but for less that 40 miles each time - which means that I am unable to go for long trips, etc. By the way, I already tried changing the headrest, but the back one does not work because it cannot be held in place where it would do me any good - all it does is hit me across the upper back. I do appreciate the fact that you tried to offer a suggestion. Thank you for that.

As for the bumpy ride - I took the vehicle in for its first oil change and had the tire pressure checked. They said that each of the tires had a difference pressure - they put 32 psi in each and the ride is much improved - even the backseat passengers remarked on the smoother ride. I guess the dealership's gauge was faulty.

wwest · March 2003

Worked on my friend's Celica so maybe the HL?

My wife (as a passenger) has always expressed reluctance to use the "map" light in the RX since it has only one bulb that illuminates both the driver's and passenger's side. It has irritated me that Lexus cheapened the product in this manner.

So.

The dome/map light fixture assembly, dome, and separately switched right and left map/reading lamps, from the Ford Aerostar fit nicely in place of the dome light just behind the front seats.

Ford P/Ns
1L3Z-13776-AAB lamp [non-permissible content removed]'y inc bulbs.
F5TZ-13783-A lens

Comes in black only but Rust-Oleum "textured sandstone" spray paint is an almost perfect match for an ivory interior.

Two new mounting holes need to be drilled.

The Aerostar [non-permissible content removed]'y has four mounting holes and some have electrical connection functionality also. The one nearest the driver's seat is used to pick up a circuit grnd (used self tapping sheet metal screw) to the map light switches and the one to the rear and diagonally across from it needs a plastic 10/24 screw to avoid an electrical connection. Two screws seems to work satisfactorily.

There is an OEM two wire connector, one side carrying +12 volts (always "live", you'll need to be careful not to leave map light switches on). The other side is driven by a solid state current sink circuit to switch the dome light on and dim it slowly to off.

You can stop here or:

I used two diodes, a PNP darlington transistor and a resistor so that all three lamps illuminate and extinguish (slowly) simultaneously.

Transister NTE271, Ic=10A Hfe= 1000 Min.
Diodes NTE5801, PRV=100, 3A
Resistor 1K ohm at 2W

Frye's Electronics

Collector to grnd, emitter to dome bulb "low", and diode cathodes. Anodes of diodes to low side of map bulbs. Base connected to OEM current sink source and resistor. Other resistor end connected to +12 volts.

All three bulbs then illuminate with open door and extinguish slowly together. Extra illumination of front seating area at night is quite helpful and map bulbs can still be operated individually with the switches embedded in the assembly.

Do not try to energize all three bulbs from the OEM current sink source. Lighted current draw is only about 3A, 10W/bulb, but the instantaneous current draw for three "COLD" bulbs might be 10 or 15 amps and I do not know what the OEM current sink source capability is.

Now when we realize the GPS/Nav is leading, has led, us astray at night my wife can freely consult a map without interfering with my forward vision.

jrdowney · March 2003

What are people able to get the Highlander for these days? How close to invoice?

Thanks

wwest · March 2003

Read the series of posts at:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cars/msg0122241726983.html?2- - 8789

stringfellowh · March 2003

The seatback on my '01 HL is starting to really irritate me. I recall seeing someone posting a TSB detailing the problem. Im wondering if anyone actually brought their HL back to the dealer and what the fix was, if any. I tried to remedy it with some aerosolized white lithium grease on the hardpoints of the seat, but to no avail. I would appreciate it if someone could advise. Thanks.

kazoo3 · April 2003

I'm having the same problem with my 2002 HL, 33,000 trouble free miles with this one exception. I remember reading posts on this before but have been unable to locate them. Help, it's driving me crazy. Thanks.

590116 · April 2003

I hear squeaking in my 2002 HL but mine seems to come from the seat-bottom. It started in the late Fall after 6 months of driving and about 7000 miles. Suggestions welcome.

veekay1 · April 2003

Hi folks!
This board has been very helpful.
I am reporting an intermittent steering vibration when braking at 65-70mph. Brakes recently checked to be OK. Anyone else have the same problem? Any suggestions what might be wrong?
Thanks!

Toyota Highlander

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