Got Some Questions About My 2002 Highlander, Help?

General Discussions and Questions
1

Hey everyone, I recently picked up a 2002 Highlander Limited for $4,500. It’s been really reliable so far, but I have a few questions for the experts here.

  1. My VSC light came on, which also triggered the Check Engine and Trac. Off lights. I’m guessing I need an alignment and tire balancing, but I’m having trouble finding a shop with a tech who can handle that. I’ve been driving carefully to avoid potholes (Michigan problems), and I did get my alignment tested—it’s pretty off.

  2. How tough is it to replace the brake pads and rotors on a Highlander? Some cars are more difficult than others, so I’m curious.

  3. The car has 126k miles. What are some tune-ups I should look into to keep the engine running smoothly?

I really like this car and want to make sure it lasts a long time, so any advice would be awesome.

2

Check for an Evap Leak. A common cause is a leak around the gas cap O-ring. You can replace the gas cap yourself. Once you check that there are no more leaks, make sure you’re not overfilling the gas tank. Only fill it up until the pump shuts off the first or second time. If the issue continues, there could be cracks in the evaporation system hoses. Just do a step-by-step check and you should figure it out.

3

@Jensen
Also, check the hose to the purge valve. It’s near the air box and can get knocked off when the air filter is changed. That’s often the main cause of evap leaks in these.

4

  1. Get the codes scanned. I had a similar issue with a minor check engine code, and it lit up multiple lights on the dashboard. You need to read the codes with a scanner to figure out what’s wrong. Don’t just start replacing parts hoping it’ll fix it.

  2. Check YouTube for DIY videos on how to do it yourself.

  3. Change the spark plugs and all the fluids. Since the car is over 20 years old, you should also check for any fluid leaks.

5

  1. Get the codes scanned first. It’s hard to know the exact cause of the Check Engine light without the codes.

  2. Replacing the brake pads and rotors is pretty straightforward. You’ll need 14mm and 17mm wrenches, something to push the caliper pistons back, a screwdriver, and maybe an 8x1.25 bolt to remove the rotors if they’re stuck. I’d suggest loosening the parking brake shoes too, since sometimes a rust lip inside the rotor can catch the shoes when you’re pulling the rotor off.

  3. Don’t forget to replace the spark plugs, transmission fluid, air filter, and cabin filter.