Automobile Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

part #55904-48210. This will cost you close to $480.00 from an on-line sales. I found a used one by using a used parts dealer. This was $270.00 with a 90 day warranty. Be sure to keep old part and receipt whether you go new or used. Someday they might have recall with so many complaints. This way you can get your money back.
David  

Thank you! Thank you!  I had the same problem with the climate control blowing hot air and was warned over the phone that it might cost $700 to fix it.  I printed the information on the loose nut and broken wires and took it with me to the dealership.  They checked the nut, found that it was loose, and fixed it at no charge.  

Amazing, I have been having the same temp. control problem on my 2002 Highlander since I bought it 3yrs. ago. The dealership tells me the knob is just loose, they supposedly tighten it then the temp. works for awhile, then it blows cold air in the hot position and hot air when the dial is turned off. Now they are telling me there's nothing else to do, it can't be tightened anymore. I think I'll tell them to look at 3-wire ribbon cable, any ohter suggestions as to what has worked?...I think they should definitely issue a recall on this one!  

PorgeKid here again with a follow up to my NO HEAT problem.  A quick check to see if it is a loose or broken wire is to remove the temperature control knob (the middle of the three knobs) and look through to the wire assembly comprised of three individual wires. If any are broken, that is the source of your no heat or intermittant heat problem.  You may want to use a magnifying glass if necessary.

I ultimately used WIZZERs instructions on the tundra forum site.  Yes, it was a bit of work but EASY to perform.  Just took off the panel (be careful not to scratch anything), take out some 10mm nuts, unplug the unit, then solder the wires back on. just be careful.  

Heater has been working for eight months!  

Hi Deb; I saw on carfax.com that toyota has a 8 year goodwill repair on the engine. Might be the engine oil gelling problem they refer to. I found it under carfax safety rating.  

jlouise did they put in a new contol or did they tighten the nut    thanks  

Can you tell me how to get to the 3-wire ribbon cable?  Does the front panel just pop off?  Thanks!  

I have been having the same problem with my 2002 Highlander since I purchased itbrand new.  The dealership replaced the engine at 30,000 miles, and everytime I needed an oli change every since, the oil light came on.  I was told by the dealership that this was a normal thing for Toyota's.  Now my car has 109,000 miles on it, and it looks like the problem is happening again.  We'll see what happens this time.  This was my first Toyota and it will be my last!  This vehicle has had rimbling problems in the front right side on and off, and a nasty squeak in the drivers seat!  It drives me CRAZY!!  

Hi my name is Bruce,

Thanks for the carfax information.  I went to the carfax website, but couldn't find anything on the oil problems.  I've been having problems with my unreliable 2002 Toyota Highlander forever, and the dealer hasn't helped!  I just found out today that I may need to get new engine!  If anyone else has had this problem, please let me know.

Thank you!  

pflaumer2:
I have been having the same problem with my 2002 Highlander since I purchased itbrand new.  The dealership replaced the engine at 30,000 miles, and everytime I needed an oli change every since, the oil light came on.  I was told by the dealership that this was a normal thing for Toyota's.  Now my car has 109,000 miles on it, and it looks like the problem is happening again.  We'll see what happens this time.  This was my first Toyota and it will be my last!  This vehicle has had rimbling problems in the front right side on and off, and a nasty squeak in the drivers seat!  It drives me CRAZY!!

Bruce,I have the same EXACT problem(the oil light, buildup of oil and that sound on the right side) and the same exact car (2002 highlander)0 and the mechanic just told me that it needs a new engine.  Mine has 95K on it.  

Yes - I have a 2001 Highlander and am having oil problems also.  I have 106,000 miles and it's eating oil.  No leaks anywhere or any signs of blowing from anywhere.  We keep putting oil in as needed, but it is using way too much oil and no sign of where it's going.  We have had car since new and oil changes have been regularly done at suggested mileage intervals.  The timing belt was just changed for the suggested 105,000 change, and still looked new.  I have had no other problems in the past 6 1/2 years and was looking forward to another 100-200 thousand miles.  Now I don't know.  I was also given a quote of $5000 if it needs rings or whatever.  NOT ONE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR HAS APPEARED AT ANY TIME.  

My 2002 Highlander after I had new brakes started to squeak periodically. The brake shop couldn't find anything twice. Squeak went away. Now periodically front brakes sound like metal to metal. Took it to Toyota today and they found nothing. Brakes are unscathed.
 When I turn off the AC, cold air or hot air depending on the position of the dial continues to come out of the duct but minimally. Toyota said that was normal?
 Any comments?  

I am having the same problem right now.  I really think there is something wrong with the 2002 models.  I also bought mine new, and within 2 years it started burning oil.  I took it in to be looked at and ended up paying $500 for them to take the engine apart and clean out the parafined oil.  They told me I would soon need a new engine.  Lo and behold, a year later (after refilling my oil every 100 miles...) my car decided to break down while I was out of town.  I ended up having to get a whole new engine put in.  Now, I am having to get a new AC unit because the stinkin' knob on the inside broke and only blows hot air...  UGH!!  So far I have overpaid for the car, spent a total of $4000 getting it repaired, and STILL have to buy an AC unit for another $600!  I will never again own a Toyota!!  

karenor92:
Yes - I have a 2001 Highlander and am having oil problems also.  I have 106,000 miles and it's eating oil.  No leaks anywhere or any signs of blowing from anywhere.  We keep putting oil in as needed, but it is using way too much oil and no sign of where it's going.  We have had car since new and oil changes have been regularly done at suggested mileage intervals.  The timing belt was just changed for the suggested 105,000 change, and still looked new.  I have had no other problems in the past 6 1/2 years and was looking forward to another 100-200 thousand miles.  Now I don't know.  I was also given a quote of $5000 if it needs rings or whatever.  NOT ONE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR HAS APPEARED AT ANY TIME.

My 2002 Highlander has the same oil problems, i.e., no leaks or signs of blowing oil. Since I purchased vehicle used in 2004 with 39,000 miles, have had dealer do regular oil changes (but dealer never mentioned that old oil drained was not correct amount). I do pull a horse trailer with it but not often. First time oil light went on (a year ago, at 108,000 miles), I had just gotten home from driving with horse in trailer for an 8-hour round trip over 2 days. No oil registered on the dip stick. No comments or information from the dealer. A few days ago, oil light on again (had driven with trailer twice last week probably 200 miles), no oil on dip stick, added 4 quarts. Now dealer talks of new engine that may be needed. I would appreciate any comments on this.  

karenor92:
Yes - I have a 2001 Highlander and am having oil problems also.  I have 106,000 miles and it's eating oil.  No leaks anywhere or any signs of blowing from anywhere.  We keep putting oil in as needed, but it is using way too much oil and no sign of where it's going.  We have had car since new and oil changes have been regularly done at suggested mileage intervals.  The timing belt was just changed for the suggested 105,000 change, and still looked new.  I have had no other problems in the past 6 1/2 years and was looking forward to another 100-200 thousand miles.  Now I don't know.  I was also given a quote of $5000 if it needs rings or whatever.  NOT ONE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR HAS APPEARED AT ANY TIME.

asis:
My 2002 Highlander has the same oil problems, i.e., no leaks or signs of blowing oil. Since I purchased vehicle used in 2004 with 39,000 miles, have had dealer do regular oil changes (but dealer never mentioned that old oil drained was not correct amount). I do pull a horse trailer with it but not often. First time oil light went on (a year ago, at 108,000 miles), I had just gotten home from driving with horse in trailer for an 8-hour round trip over 2 days. No oil registered on the dip stick. No comments or information from the dealer. A few days ago, oil light on again (had driven with trailer twice last week probably 200 miles), no oil on dip stick, added 4 quarts. Now dealer talks of new engine that may be needed. I would appreciate any comments on this.

I have a 2001 Highlander- Toyota replaced engine at 75,000 miles- but only after I researched the problem and went to Toyota directly.  Engine light kept coming in spite of me checking the oil and it showing an adequate amount.  Engine failed and car was towed to dealership where they accused me of running the car without oil.  Upon my insistence, they discovered there was oil in the engine but it was gelled.  Toyota gave me a case number and I insisted the engine be replaced- and it was.  Car has 250K miles on it and drives well.  Of course with that many miles on it, I know I'll be doing repairs if I want to keep it.  Lesson- do your homework and keep records of everything you do and everyone you speak with. There is actually a class action lawsuit for this problem but Toyota did what I asked them to do so I'm reasonably satisfied.