Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    The Pilot's size isn't necessarily advantage unless you really need to use that third seat. It was a definite disadvantage, especially the width, as far as we were concerned (no kids to haul around anymore.)
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    I agree. However we are living in a world where bigger is better (need or not). Everyone seems to be offering super size everything (it's what people want). I like the size of the current HL. I hope they jazz-up the exterior a little when the new 2006 model is released next spring or summer (and please don't make it too big). A minivan is much more convenient for carrying people and cargo around. Unfortunately, it's an uncool vehicle.... a van.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    pilot is too heavy. whats pilot gas mileage/ another 2 MPG less than HL?
    HL mileage is marginal to me
  • sdanderssdanders Member Posts: 37
    I had a similar problem with my key when I bought my new 2002 Highlander...very difficult at times to get it in and turned. I rubbed out with a buffing wheel to clean up the edges...it was better and just went away as time wore (and the key!) on.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Doing my homework, research, before placing my X3 order I came across some interesting tidbits that may be helpful to Toyota/Lexus AWD owners.

    BMW recommends turning off the DSC, Dynamic Stability Control, during maneuvers such rocking back and forth to get unstuck in a mud "wallow". Turning it off prevents the dethrottling of the engine so one might actually get out of that mud.

    On the other hand it also says that in this mode, DSC off, the brake modulation for left/right torque apportioning might result in an automatic "masking out" of the brake application capability to prevent brake overheating due to allowing high rates of wheelspin.

    Next year's "feature" for Toyota/Lexus AWD systems?
  • ams17ams17 Member Posts: 7
    How do you change the cabin filter? I looked thru the owners manual and found the spot, but the first instruction is too remove a screw. Where is this screw? I can squeeze the glove box so that it folds down, but there isn't enough room to get to the door for the filter. HELP!!
  • rickf1rickf1 Member Posts: 1
    The screw is located below the glove box, under the Dash. Leave the Glove Box closed and take out the screw. The screw goes through a white grommet that has a black elastic strap from the grommet which goes to the Glove Box. Once you remove the screw, then just squeeze the Glove Box together and it will open. It is the black strap that is not permitting you to open the box.
  • carzzzcarzzz Member Posts: 282
    I would think that comparing 4-runner with Honda Pilot is a better idea. I think HL is more of a "small" mid-size SUV. Test drive it and felt more of a car-like-ride (camry) with low ground clearance
  • nsx300zxnsx300zx Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone,

    I did a search and didn't find anything on this subject

    has anyone installed an aftermarket 9006 HID Kit?

    I believe you need to disable the DRL first right ?

    Can the DRL be disbled simply by pulling the
    fuse #48 (according to owner's manual) in the engine compartment ?

    Thanks in advance for any help.
  • brgsmithbrgsmith Member Posts: 14
    Our 01 V6 AWD Limited has been largely trouble-free except since last summer. Intermittently there is a strange noise coming from the cargo area or liftgate of the vehicle. The noise can manifest itself when the car is moving, or stopped with engine on, or stopped with engine off and key off. The noise can be described like "a liquid flowing through a tube," a "variable wooshing sound," or "video game sound effects." It is best heard by rear seat passengers. The noise can be heard for minutes at a time, even after the engine is shut off. As time passes, the noise becomes fainter and intermittent: noise . . . silence . . . noise . . . silence, and finally silence. If I open the liftgate it usually stops, either instantly or within several seconds. In general the noise will come and go, sometimes it's there for several days in a row, sometimes it is not heard for weeks.

    I searched the HL forums here and did not find where the issue has been previously reported.

    Thanks for any assistance,

    brgsmith
  • crawfishcrawfish Member Posts: 39
    It could be the so-called "Fuel tank slush" -- the gas in the tank making sounds when the car is moving..
  • groverlgroverl Member Posts: 3
    Could be the fuel pump. On many cars they run at intermittent times. Also my 05 owner's manual talks about some kind of fuel system purging that is done at various times even when the vehicle is off.
  • 03lxv603lxv6 Member Posts: 130
    Does anybody have any information about 2006 highlander, the non-hybrid edition? Will it have any change after all with the hybrid looking pretty much the same as the non-hybrid one?
  • jbolltjbollt Member Posts: 736
    As others have commented, the OEM Goodyear Integrity tires are less then stellar, (to be nice about it!) After much research and web searching, I am considering the Yokohama Geolanders and the Michelin Cross terrains, but the price break on the Geolanders makes me want to lean that way.

    Can any of you who have switched from the Goodyears to the Yokohamas (or the Michelins Cross terrains, for that matter) please comment on the noise level you noticed after the change of tires? A quiet ride is important to me, but so is safety...

    The Tirerack web site seems to indicate that the Goodyears are the quietest, and the Yokohamas and Michelins are more noisey, bit I would like some real world comments, if you all have a minute to reply, I would be appreciative.

    BTW, I am in the desert-southwest, (read: little rain) and I never go offroad or in the snow.

    Thanks so much

    Jeff
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I wonder if the OEM Goodyears are made differently from the same ones you get at Tire Rack. They may use a harder formulation to meet EPA regs or er, maybe a cheaper formulation for the manufacturer?

    Steve, Host
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    I've had Cross Terrains on my RX for 30K now. Great tire. Would definitely due it again. Costco usually runs $60 off sale on a set of 4 about twice a year. Here is a quote from one of the RX sites:
    "Late this summer, after 3 flats had to be fixed on three different OEM duelers, I replaced the tires on my RX... only do about 7.5K miles a year, all on road and long trips. Tried to do my homework on TireRack... everybody seemed to love the Yoko Geolanders, with a few dissenters that said they rode hard and were hard to balance. So I went with those, even special ordering them from a local tire shop that had never heard of them.

    Man, have I been disappointed. Have had them balanced three times, and can't get the tire hop or slight vibrations out of them. (Most recent shop really tried to do a good job, and even tried to find the tire hop problem, which they couldn't) Handling is marginally better, but the ride really suffers. Now I feel kind of stuck with them... they weren't forced on me, I chose 'em over dealer recommendation of Michelin LTX/MS (which I had on my old Jeep and loved). Subsequently, Consumer Reports came out and trashed them... (although they also didn't like Michelin CT's and LTX's and liked stuff we never heard of)

    I'd advise others to stay away from the Geos... and anybody have any ideas on what I can do with these?"
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    on the plus side: Good grip in rain, tread good after 30K
    minus: Balance needed every 5K, bumpy ride and noisy on rough surface

    If I had to do it over I would spend few $$ more on LTX,s
  • secondrigsecondrig Member Posts: 21
    If you have an 04 or 05 Limited with the larger tires, you won't be able to find the Cross Terrain in the standard size (225/65/17). But, according to Connor on the Tire forum, the 235/65/17 is an option (145 each at the Tire Rack).
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    anybody using the Mich LTX ms tires/ the sequoa people seem to like them - my neighbor has them on 4 runner - long wearing

    do they ride quiet / hard/ what?
  • jbolltjbollt Member Posts: 736
    CR Nov has a review of SUV tires....they rated the Michelin Cross Terrains #19 out of #22 tested... I seemed to pick the Kumho tires from the reviewed tires...By coincidence, 2 of my kids have recently bought Kumho tires, and have been VERY happy with them. (both on small cars, a 2002 Protege, and a 2001 Civic EX) The tire I would buy is the Road Venture HT, which came in #11 in CRs test, and about half the price of Michelin...but, I would have to use 235X70X16 vs standard 225X70X16. According to this site -->

    http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

    the speedometer would read just a little low.. at and indicated 70MPH, I would be actually going 71.35MPH. I can live with that. I assume from other's posts, that the 235 tires will fit...Right?

    Thanks,

    Jeff
  • wyeastwyeast Member Posts: 22
    Hi all,

    I have been following the various replacement tire discussions but have not seen any mention of Toyo Observe's. Has anyone out there tried them on a an AWD Highlander? I am interested because they are 'extreme weather' certified, which in Oregon qualifies them as a traction device (like a studded snow tire) on the passes when it is snowing. Thanks!
  • toyotadriventoyotadriven Member Posts: 20
    I just replaced my Integritys' on my '02 fwd HL with Nokian Wr SUV, ALL Weather Tire. They are severe winter rated like the observes' but have a 50k milage warranty. in 225-70-16 they are H rated. Handle dry and wet roads very well. Have not had snow yet.
    http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/tires_popup.cfm?id=17&size- =225/70R16
  • racerx1racerx1 Member Posts: 35
    I was thinking about the Nokians myself. From my research, they are universally praised and the WR is better than the NRW model it replaces. Canadian Auto website (dedicated mostly to winter driving) gave it a great review. Please post a followup some time.
  • wyeastwyeast Member Posts: 22
    Thanks toyotadriven. I found a dealer in my area that carries these tires and will go check them out today.
  • wyeastwyeast Member Posts: 22
    I drive a 2002 v6 AWD with about 30k. One of the many pleasant surprises has been the acceleration. This includes both on the freeway at speed and going up mountain passes (we live in Oregon). I can't remember it ever hesitating, even with 4 200+ lb teenagers and all their ski gear going up a major incline. Go drive it - the performance improvement you will feel over the Outback is real.
  • toyotadriventoyotadriven Member Posts: 20
    for a squeaky power drivers seat?. Now, its constant. It used to be only in cold weather.
    thanks for you help.
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    I had to take mine back to the dealer 3 times, but by disassembling and lubrication they fixed it. Drove me nuts for a week or so.
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    Hi All

    In two weeks I will be taking a road trip from the SoCal up to SF, and back through the Sierra Nevada mountains (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia Ntl Parks). I'm expecting some snow, but mostly the road should be scraped.

    Do I need chains on my 04 AWD HL ? If so, only for the front, or the back as well ? I remember wwest's correspondence with Toyota that said the rear wheels do not have enough spacing for chains (I plan to use the "z" cable and bead type). I'm using the stock Michelin 225/65/17 tires.

    Along those lines, what are the down side of spacers ? Why do they not factory fit them, if it allows me more options, better handling, better looks etc. ? Only cost ? Will the warrantee be voided in any way ?

    Thanks !

    hlfan
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Never, NEVER, go into "snow" country without at least one set of tire chains.

    Front or rear.....??

    Just keep in mind that with snowchains on the front ONLY when you want to slow the vehicle for any reason (downhill...??) you need to remember Humprey Bogart's statement in the "Afican Queen".

    If you throw the anchor from the front of the boat you can expect to swing around it before it has any effect!

    180 degree spin and then stop!

    Personally I don't give a damn about warranttee issues, my life is worth more than that.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Do NOT use ANY chains on the rear of these vehicles without installing wheel spacers first.

    If you must use chains on the front ONLY then please drive VERY slowly and cautiously, especially downhill, as you are now in the twilight zone.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I've been checking the passes closely today - interesting link the neighbors have:

    Minimum Chain Requirements

    Steve, Host
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    of the officer on site.

    On the approach to Mt Bachelor in a 4WD Jeep Cherokee I have often been told I cannot proceed without all four chains, and/or move the chains on the front to the rear, etc.

    I don't know of any time in Oregon that I was able to proceed, even in 4WD, without chains when they were required.

    Never argue with "THE MAN".
  • john13john13 Member Posts: 9
    Can anyone tell where color code is located?
    or
    What is color code for Sonora Gold Pearl?
    I have 2004 model.
    Thank you.
  • baba1baba1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi there:
    My new Highlander is driving wonderfully except for 1. Downshifting after a slow down takes forever. It is as if it has to think a long time before finally slaming it in lower gear. Not safe I think. 2. I drive as if I have an egg under my foot and the mileage is still only 16 mpg at best. How are your experiences???
    Happy Thanksgiving
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    Intersting option : z chain requirs only 1/4" clearance:

    http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages%20Traction/Traction%20products/sz6- .html
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    The colour code for the Sonora Gold Pearl is 4R3.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Downshifts on mine are a little slow but I wouldn't call them unsafe. 16 mpg is probably the best you'll do around town. I have gotten 22.5 on the highway on a 1500 mile trip.
  • john13john13 Member Posts: 9
    thank you.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Under 10MPH and freshly tightened.
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    If the manual says no chains at all ?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Chains seem to loosen fairly quickly regardless of how well you tighten them. I wouldn't chance it without spacers, but all of you already know that.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    The color code is located on the label inside the driver's door door jamb, in the "C/TR" (color code/trim line) field.
  • wyeastwyeast Member Posts: 22
    Wwest, not all of already know that (at least one of us anyway). What are the spacers you are referring to? I had chains on both the front and rear last year (not at the same time) for comparison and had no issues - maybe I was just lucky. Your recent posts have really caught my attention - thanks.
  • edmundted1edmundted1 Member Posts: 22
    Can anyone recommend a good online place to shop for parts and accessories. A couple years ago I bought from toyotaguys.com but they no longer exist. Appreciate any advice.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If you put your fingers between the rear tire and the strut you will undoubtedly notice that the clearance is absolutely minimal.

    That's way the owners manual for the RX and HL, and I think the Sienna, says to never use snowchains on the rear. I'm surprised that you did and they never got caught on the strut.

    In the very same manuals it states that excessive traction on the front vs the rear on adverse roadbed conditions can too easily led to loss of control, in their case they use winter tires on the front vs the rear as an example.

    Ask any tire should to install studs on only the front of your FWD vehicle and they will refuse for the very same reasons.

    Think about tire chains on the front and now the rear while going downhill and needing to stop quickly, the rear will very likely suddenly end up being the "front".

    Like throwing an anchor from the bow of a speeding boat.....
  • raydahsraydahs Member Posts: 449
    These guys are good http://www.trdparts4u.com/

    Another way to go, I purchased a set of mudguards for my Camry off of Ebay (a Toyota dealer in Florida) for 50% of what TRDparts.com listed.
  • shl72953shl72953 Member Posts: 53
    I have some success with TruckPerformance.com.

    http://www.truckperformance.com/
  • manybmwsmanybmws Member Posts: 347
    paid $750 for 7/75.
  • john13john13 Member Posts: 9
    I buy all my part at www.partznet.com
    It is a conicceli toyota in PA. They offer 25% off.
  • hmurphyhmurphy Member Posts: 278
    Hi there,

    As it happens, I went over Donner Pass on I-80 yesterday during a morning snowstorm (tons of fresh snow on the ground). All cars except those with 4WD and snow tires were required to have chains. We were in my sister's Grand Cherokee at the time, but I saw several AWD Highlanders (without chains) and a FWD Highlander (with front chains) that were doing just fine.

    It can't hurt to keep some in your car just in case, though.
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