Check Engine Light / Highlander

[jumpergirl]

Don't feel bad because you did it changing oil. I've had the Check Engine light/VSC come on about 4 times now - and I've never changed my oil. The first time, the Toyota dealer got it to go off, but said they didn't do anything.

The 2nd time, another Toyota dealer had to fix a vacuum hose that runs near the back of the air cleaner and under the car somewhere. He told me if people are not careful checking/replacing the air filter they can easily catch it and eventually it will tear. Up till that time, the only folks who had changed my oil (and checked the air clearner) were those at the Toyota dealership (not the one that found the problem). It cost me $160 to have it fixed.

It's on again. I've got 48,000 miles on my Highlander; not really in the mood to pay another $160. I've been trying to locate a repair manual so I can figure out exactly where this hose goes and possibly repair it myself. Maybe I'll get lucky and find it just came loose.

[jackgray]

Originally Posted by sitiakab

The "check engine" light has been coming on in our 2002 Highlander (6 cyl - 4wd) with 60,000 miles. I twice tried the old trick of disconnecting battery to cancel in case it was a "one time" glitch... but it came back on again both times within a day or two. I know that I can pay someone to hook it up to an engine analyzer to read the codes. I was just curious if anyone else has had this problem with their Highlander (check engine light comes on) and what the defective part was?

My 2001 CEL light came on in my 2001 highlander, together with the VSC light to the right of it@65000miles .It went off by itself after a few start ups but came back on two weeks later.
The dealer /computer diagnosed the emmisions flow gadjet(what used to be the oxygen sensor). It cost $450 to replace which all but $50 was covered by my extended warranty.It seemed to have fixed the problem.They had no explanation why the VSC light came on other than this often happens when the CEL comes on
If one ignore these lights and the emmision system malfunctions or effects the mixture , you can end up with carboned up cylinders and other problems. Some people say that using cheap gas cab wear these oxygen sensors out faster,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[ToyotaHonda4ever]

Originally Posted by sitiakab

The "check engine" light has been coming on in our 2002 Highlander (6 cyl - 4wd) with 60,000 miles. I twice tried the old trick of disconnecting battery to cancel in case it was a "one time" glitch... but it came back on again both times within a day or two. I know that I can pay someone to hook it up to an engine analyzer to read the codes. I was just curious if anyone else has had this problem with their Highlander (check engine light comes on) and what the defective part was?

I just had the same thing happen to my 2001 Highlander. We filled up last night at a "full service" gas bar and the next day(today) we had the check engine light come on the dash. After some investigation and the knowledge from my Honda (V6) coupe, I decided to open the gas cap again and make sure I clicked it at least 3 times. After this, I started the engine and NO light was on. Serves me right for "trusting" a gas jockey! Good luck with yours!

[xdeep]

2003 highlander v6 would keep stalling upon startup, unless you held the gas. no CEL's. blew on the MAF sensor, and it works! i thought it was the ISV (idle control), which would cost 225$. plus 220$ or so at the dealer for labor. plus the additional MAF sensor which was the problem. so over 500$ saved, thanks!

[Captmikemd]

I recently encountered the CEL with diagnostic code P0135 - O2 sensor heater circuit malfunction - bank 1 sensor 1. I was advised that the O2 sensor in front of the catalytic converter on my 2003 Toyota Highlander 4WD, V6 with 67,000 miles on it needed to be replaced. I replaced it myself two days ago and returned to the auto parts store the did the original check. The code was reset and quickly returned. Now I need to trouble shoot the 'heater circuit'. Does anyone know how to do that?

[nchighlander]

My 2003 Highlander's check engine light came on last night when I was coming home from work. I've checked the gas cap, and it won't click at all when closing it. Should I get it replaced? It has about 52000 miles, this is the first sign of any trouble!

[Brian R.]

Autozone and other parts stores, as well as many mechanics will check your trouble codes for free. Don't just clean the MAF sensor or replace your gas cap by guess and by gosh. Call around and find out what codes are stored in your computer. Then look at the FAQ thread in the Camry forum to see the meaning of the trouble code. If you have a 1MZ-FE, 5S-FE or 2AZ-FE engines, then there are a number of Factory Service Manuals in the Camry forum that will tell you exactly how to troubleshoot trouble codes for many years of this engine.

Also, if you have specific problems/trouble codes for your vehicle, don't add on to this thread. This thread is for solving the problem of the original poster. Not for Corollas, Eclipses, etc. There is probably no correlation between the issues and no one will know that there is a new problem to be addressed.