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HighlanderGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.
This is a discussion thread titled "'03 Highlander Maintenance", within the Highlander forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I own a '03 Highlander and need to have the brakes replaced. Since it has almost 80,000 miles on it and will be in the shop I thought now would be the time to have some other maintenance done. Besides tune-up, transmission service, and coolant flush what other maintenance items should I have performed?
Assuming you've had the air filter replaced at a reasonble frequency....
Yeah, drain and replace tranny fluid and coolant. New PCV valve. New spark plugs? Maybe 20k early but perhaps due. They should bleed the brakes with new fluid while they're in there. 4wd? Then replace those fluids as well.
I assume you'll get new rotors up front, but if you don't feel any vibration I assume the rears can just be turned. On my accord at 70k I needed new pads, and amazingly the front rotors were still very thick (we salt the roads in WI, so they usually go fast) so I had them turned. But at a shop, it's usually only another 50~100 bucks to get new rotors.
Toyota Service will recommend a 30K service interval for Preventative maintenance. they have a pre-determined schedule at 30K,60K,90K,120K...
The book recommends..
Coolant Flush
Tranny Flush
Rear Diff drain/fill (AWD)
Xfer Case Drain /Fill (AWD)
Air Filter Change
Oil Filter W/Change
PCV Valve at 90K
Timing Belt at 90K
Spark Plugs at 120K
Most of these are super easy and you can do it yourself... unless you have a mechanic friend. Try it yourself and ask questions. its not worth paying $1000 for service especially when you can't guarantee the tech did it properly.
Toyota Service will recommend a 30K service interval for Preventative maintenance. they have a pre-determined schedule at 30K,60K,90K,120K...
The book recommends..
Coolant Flush
Tranny Flush
Rear Diff drain/fill (AWD)
Xfer Case Drain /Fill (AWD)
Air Filter Change
Oil Filter W/Change
PCV Valve at 90K
Timing Belt at 90K
Spark Plugs at 120K
Most of these are super easy and you can do it yourself... unless you have a mechanic friend. Try it yourself and ask questions. its not worth paying $1000 for service especially when you can't guarantee the tech did it properly.
I did the first 6 items for 60K maintenance plus front brake pads/rotors replacement. You can have a trusted mechanic inspect prior to the maintenance work.
'03 Highlander Maintenance
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