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Toyota Highlander Check Engine Light

114 messages,  Last post on Mar 17, 2013 at 11:32 AM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, SUV

Messages Page 12 of 12

#105 of 114 Re: Engine running out of oil causing blown engine [dm0812] by jrfiero

Nov 26, 2011 (7:10 am)

Replying to: dm0812 (Nov 25, 2011 8:19 pm)
If you search this and the maintenance forum for "oil consumption" and "PCV" you'll find numerous instances of high oil consumption at highway speeds, fixed by replacing the PCV valve. It's a known issue and a competent dealer should be aware of it.
I'm suspicious of the timing of your problem just after a service. If a PCV valve was on their laundry list I'd discuss that with them.
What did your engine do after you put four quarts in it? What do you mean by "limped?" Were you just being careful or did the car not run right? Exactly why are they saying it's "ruined?"

#106 of 114 2003 Toyota Highlander 4cyl. AWD 52k miles, check engine light by kungyal

Nov 29, 2011 (1:04 pm)

I had done the transmission oil & engine oil change at Valvoline instant oil change service station and right after 50 miles the check engine light was on. I came to this forum for some idea and there is lots of solution that other owner had shared about sensor problem, oil change, spark plug etc. But I went back to Valvoline service station and compliant about the problem and they inspected the vehicle with (U380 OBD2 LCD Car Diagnostic Scanner Fault Code Reader) and the check engine light is gone. Hope it doesn't pop up again. Saved some bucks from going to dealer and paying diagnostic charges.

#107 of 114 Re: 2003 Toyota Highlander 4cyl. AWD 52k miles, check engine light [kungyal] by bikeman3

Nov 29, 2011 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: kungyal (Nov 29, 2011 1:04 pm)
I think there is a vacuum hose that sometimes comes off. Pennzoil usually knocks it off, but Valvoline is pretty good.
You probably wont have a problem, if you do just take it back there and make sure they reattach it

#108 of 114 U-joint diagnosis by tom154

Dec 19, 2011 (9:32 am)

I have been getting a little shimmy on my 03 Highlander 140,000 miles. At first I thought it was the transmission. I took it to Toyota and they said that its the Rear U-joint on front drive shaft binding. When I looked under the car I didnt feel any play on any of the drive shafts. Toyota wants $1800 to change it out (Tough Call). Could it just be out of balance? How do I have that checked or is there something else I should look for?.

#109 of 114 Re: 2003 Toyota Highlander 4cyl. AWD 52k miles, check engine light [bikeman3] by phrosut

Dec 19, 2011 (11:53 am)

Replying to: bikeman3 (Nov 29, 2011 1:21 pm)
There IS a hose that can be easily disconnected when checking/changing the air filter. It is a hose directly connected to the charcoal canister. It WILL set the CE/VSC light within a few days if it becomes disconnected.
 
After some mice ate a few wires and those lights came on, I assumed the 'norm'. Much troubleshooting and learning later, apparently the critters must've shorted a computer circuit.
 
So now... I can't pass smog with the CE light on. I worked on it for a year (before my next smog test) with no luck. Sometimes the CE light would be off for awhile and I'd think the problem was fixed. Sometimes not, and I'd begin the next step and pulling my limited hair out.
 
I replaced the charcoal canister, some solanoids, other stuff... sometimes the light would stay out, but eventually it'd come back on.
 
THEN I connected with a mechanic that understood the "system".
 
The computer runs a test on the evap system at startup. But it doesn't run the test "IF" the fuel tank is more than 3/4 full ( and the computer has been reset by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes). It isn't supposed to run the test if the fuel is below 1/4 AND the engine is warm.
 
My evap system has been mostly replaced, and the rest verified to be working correctly. But the test fails. To me, the mice must've shorted out a circuit in the computer than controls this test.
 
So to pass the CA smog test, I gotta fill the tank, disconnect/reconnect the battery, then get my test before the tank goes below 3/4.
 
Maybe this'll help someone with the same problem.
 
Phil

#110 of 114 Re: Highlander Check engine light [kenabr] by blazingtartan

Aug 31, 2012 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: kenabr (Jan 05, 2007 4:06 pm)
If tightening the gas cap doesn't get rid of the CEL, there's no need to disconnect the battery to reset it. Just locate the "EFI" fuse and remove it for 30 seconds.

#111 of 114 Re: To clear maint reqd lite [hwhit26] by gwyniesmom

Sep 06, 2012 (1:15 pm)

Replying to: hwhit26 (Nov 17, 2008 12:11 pm)
Just had an O2 sensor replaced several weeks ago because of Check Engine light coming on and it just came on again. Read this post and it worked!!! Am so excited - thanks for the information.

#112 of 114 Re: check engine light by riversmiles

Nov 30, 2012 (7:16 pm)

Replying to: lgiblin (Oct 17, 2011 9:40 am)
In the owners manual for the 2004 Highlander, it says when the check engine light comes on, change the oil. It comes on around every 3500 miles.

#114 of 114 Check Engine Light Free Diagnosis by fotoguy4u

Mar 17, 2013 (11:32 am)

You can go in to most auto parts stores and they will do a diagnostic check for free. My check engine light was on, so I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts and they hooked their gadget into my computer and said it was a bad thermostat - same answer I got from a state inspection. Easy and free - can't beat that!

Messages Page 12 of 12

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