How many have hesitation issue???

[jim256]

my Highlander is absolutely smooth shifting both up and down after the initial warmup (cold high idle makes it a little abrupt but manageable)--try another dealer

[gmonet]

I have 2005 AWD 5spd. It has the problem big time. For those counting.

[bob259]

Originally Posted by gmonet

I have 2005 AWD 5spd. It has the problem big time. For those counting.

I have an 06 Highlander Hybrid and have absolutely no problems. I love how smooth the CVT trasmission operates too.

[drmonkey1313]

My wife has an 05 2WD Highlander and there is a little hessitation on her car that I wish was not there, but we still LOVE the Highlander!

Oh, and even though there is some hesitation, this car can really haul A**!

LOL

[Craig G]

I have a similiar issue with my 05 Highlander...just want to make sure I am on the right page:

My issue is also in stop and go traffic, but its not about when the car is slowing down, I feel like the drive-by-wire for the acceleration "hesitates" and in heavy traffic at slow speeds the car feels like it "jumps" forward because a delay in when the car recieves the a signal to slowly nudge forward...its as if the drive-by-wire doesnt respond until the accelerator is pressed at least 1 and 1/2 inches, which I find unnacceptable. Its as if the drive by wire only ignores that the first 1 1/2 inches of pedal pressing, hence the "jump" I get a t very low speeds.

My dealership told me the same thing, that it was normal because of the drive-by-wire, but I can tell you I have only noticed this only since a month ago, and I have had the car since last october...

[djd1atwfu]

We have a 2006 Highlander V6 FWD (purchased new in November 2005), and ours has exhibited pretty much the same hesitation as Craig described.

It is most noticeable around 5-15 mph, especially in stop and go traffic, or when coasting to a stop at a red light and then the light changes to green. Press the accelerator pedal and nothing happens for a second. The car is a bit jerky when it kicks in, but other than that is extremely smooth accelerating and shifting gears at all RPMs. I think the V6 acceleration is strong for an SUV.

Ours has shown the hesitation since we bought it. I have not asked for the computer "fix" yet because I've heard from others that the fix really doesn't do much. I might mention it at the 15K service, we've got 12000 miles on it now. Other than this, we have no issues with the car. It's very smooth and comfortable.

[Highlander3]

I've noticed the same problem a few times. Each time is at low speed and while either coasting to a stop light and then trying to speed up as it changed OR when making a left turn (and up an incline).

[ebozov]

I have a 2005 AWD Highlander with the same problems described in this tread. It seams to be more noticeable lately. I've also had the engine 'jump' when putting in the break at a light. A few times I even looked behind me to see if I was hit. I certainly hope Toyota comes up with a fix shortly.

[p3t3rz]

got an 04 v6 2wd hl and i just sent it in for the software upgrade last night and they just called and said car was ready and that they replaced the whole computer???? ...lol...well anyway gotta pick it up later and see if the hesitation is gone...hopefully it is. ...will update tomorrow

[Mr Bill]

I had the problem, went to my dealer twice was told "nothing was wrong". Did further reasurch and tried pulling the recomended fuse under the hood. Worked like a charm transmition shifts like a dream! Now looking for a new dealer.

Mr Bill

[ddvk]

Bill: You said you removed a fuse under the hood, was it the main fuse coming off the battery (like disconnecting the battery to erase user driving patterns). I do this in my maxima once I have flushed the tranny, but don't have to remove any fuse. BTW, are there any specific fuses under the hood, I was under the assumption the fuse block is near the ODB2 outlet and all the relays under the hood. I would appreciate if you could clarify exactly what you did....

[ddvk]

Never mind, figured it out the relays and fuses are in one box. Anyway, I have removed the ECM-B fuse and will leave the ECM unpowered for a couple of hrs, this should clear the transmission shift points.

[LifeTech]

Fly by wire is key here regarding the I4 vs. V6. But the distinct difference posing the issue of "gear hunting delays" if yu will is the 5speed tranny in the V6's where the problem exists. The 4 cyl. has only 4 speeds. and the ECM programming is adequate. Although some complained with this 4 banger tranny. But it is isolated and Toyota attributed the complaints of 4 cyl owners to the numerous complaints by the v6 owners. They jumped on the band wagon also. The 4 banger is underpowered for the H/L and indeed those owners would have loved a complaint and resolution although none exist.

I don't know many 4 banger owners who brag much about the H/L after about 25k miles or more put on their H/L.
The H/L is very heavy and the 4 banger just revs out crazy to get it going when needed.

Of course there are many who just purchased their 4 banger and will always brag everthing is so GREAT only because it is a new vehicle.

The experience of a new car is always overwhelming.

My coworker picked up a used 04 4banger 2wd H/L. He is disappointed. He searched hard too. Not too many of them ever built by comparison to v6's.
He test drove it, as well as the v6's that were all over the place.

He thought the power difference was acceptable. After the purchase and maybe 4 thousand real life everyday driving etc. He is mad he didn't get a v6. There were so many more better equipped used v6 H/L's out there to be had. The MPG is not that great for such a major power tradeoff.

Anyway he didn't have the hesitation issue with his 4 banger H/L.

[ddvk]

Erasing the tranny maps via the ECM fuse seems to have made the shifts firmer but no where close to satisfaction.

Anyway, I shall take it to the dealer at my scheduled maintanence and see what they have to say...