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Toyota Highlander

10987 messages,  Last post on Mar 03, 2013 at 9:13 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, SUV

Messages Page 1086 of 1100

#10846 of 10987 Heated side mirrors, 2007 Ltd by silverltd

Dec 11, 2007 (6:46 pm)

I have been a Highlander Ltd owner since 2001. I recently traded in my 2001 Highlander Ltd for a 2007 Highlander Ltd. Does anyone know if there is a way to defrost/defog the outside side mirrors without having to turn on the rear window defroster/defogger? There have been times when I've needed just the outside side mirrors defogged, not the rear window (which I can clear with one swipe of the rear wiper), and I'm not comfortable heating up the rear window if it doesn't need it---I think I'm hyper-worried about the potential of cracking the window.
 
Why in the world would Toyota change the set-up of this? The switches used to be separate and at least to me, it seems like they should be separate. Does anyone know any work-arounds?
 
Thanks.

#10847 of 10987 Re: Scary snow experience in my '07 [tomd] by wwest

Dec 11, 2007 (10:03 pm)

Replying to: tomd (Dec 10, 2007 7:02 am)
Next time try a light, slight, application of the rear implemented e-brake. Braking at the rear will not only slow your descent but will also provide something of a "drag" anchoring to keep the "behind" behind.

#10848 of 10987 Re: Heated side mirrors, 2007 Ltd [silverltd] by bdyment

Dec 12, 2007 (6:19 am)

Replying to: silverltd (Dec 11, 2007 6:46 pm)
Most vehicles only de-ice the mirrors when the rear defroster is turned on. I have never seen a rear window shatter from using the rear defroster. Nothing to worry about. I think the 2001 Highlander mirror defrost was an after thought and that is why it had a separate switch. Not a bad idea though.

#10849 of 10987 Re: Heated side mirrors, 2007 Ltd [silverltd] by mdchachi

Dec 12, 2007 (6:53 am)

Replying to: silverltd (Dec 11, 2007 6:46 pm)
It's been a single switch since at least 2004 which is how my HL works. I don't agree that most people would expect separate switches since most people wouldn't care if the back window is being defogged needlessly. Where did you get the idea that the window could crack from using a rear defogger? The thought never even crossed my mind before today.

#10850 of 10987 Re: Scary snow experience in my '07 [wwest] by lmacmil

Dec 12, 2007 (6:58 am)

Replying to: wwest (Dec 11, 2007 10:03 pm)
It had better be very slight because if the rear wheels stop turning, you will lose control as the back tries to overtake the front.

#10851 of 10987 Re: Scary snow experience in my '07 [lmacmil] by wwest

Dec 12, 2007 (10:32 am)

Replying to: lmacmil (Dec 12, 2007 6:58 am)
Yes, the old technique, VERY old RWD technique, was to downshift a gear or so and then use the clutch to modulate the braking effect. Then along came automatics and we lost the clutch so I adapted by using the e-brake. On some of my cars I even disabled the "rachet" type e-brake latch to facilitate the capability.
 
With FWD or F/AWD the only possible technique is the e-brake use.

#10852 of 10987 Re: Scary snow experience in my '07 [wwest] by webgood

Dec 12, 2007 (11:57 am)

Replying to: wwest (Dec 11, 2007 10:03 pm)
wwest...I've traditionally found your advice right on the money, but this time I respectfully disagree with your suggestion. From my live, real personal experience in experimenting with both 2 RWD cars that I drive for work and my own 4X4 HL, applying the E-brake on a downhill slide will almost always and VERY quickly whip the rearend around. It "seems" like the right thing to do to "drag" the rearend, but actually results in the just opposite.
Regards, BGood

#10853 of 10987 Re: Scary snow experience in my '07 [webgood] by wwest

Dec 12, 2007 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: webgood (Dec 12, 2007 11:57 am)
I did not, do not mean to say that one should apply the e-brake so much as to result in the behind trying to lead the front. My example, downshifting a stick shift and then using teh clutch to modulate/moderate the rear braking effect should give you an idea of what I mean.
 
Think of the way a tractor/trailer rig driver might use "drag" braking in this situation.
 
And keep in mind that even with slight braking at the rear one must be quick to recognize a skid or overstear resulting from same and crank in some corrective control at the front.

#10854 of 10987 Re: Scary snow experience in my '07 [wwest] by webgood

Dec 13, 2007 (7:54 am)

Replying to: wwest (Dec 12, 2007 1:46 pm)
Thanks wwest. Keep up the good work!
Regards, BGood

#10855 of 10987 oil usage...01 Limited by ricdob

Dec 15, 2007 (9:00 pm)

my Highlander has been essentially an around town vehicle, until last year when my daughter went to college 110 miles away. I use Mobil 1 oil and change it every 5000 miles and its not down a drop. But now I notice on a 220 mile excursion at 70-75 mph, I use almost a quart of oil per high speed trip. The bottom of the vehicle is clean, nothing is loose, and no oil on the rear bumper. Any ideas? It now has 47000 miles.
 
 thanks, rich

Messages Page 1086 of 1100

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