But, follow the OBDII codes. Just pretend that it’s letting you know that it’s going to cost you way more money to fix the problem if you keep driving it. #Highlander #LetsGoPlaces, A post shared by toyotausa (@toyotausa) on Dec 8, 2019 at 5:14am PST. Also, pay attention to other problems or indications your vehicle is giving you. This problem started a few months ago. Some causes may be simple to fix, but others can be much more serious. When your engine is misfiring, it is dumping raw fuel into the exhaust. The best bet is to stop by a local parts store and ask them to scan the vehicle. But with the Toyota Highlander, a common problem may indicate deeper problems. With so many on the road, data can help determine common issues and problems the Highlander may have. When you see the check engine light it doesn't necessarily mean you need to … Is your dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree? If the check engine light in your 2013 Toyota Highlander starts flashing, that means that the problem needs immediate attention and your Toyota should be brought in immediately. The Toyota Highlander is one of the brand’s most popular vehicles.With so many on the road, data can help determine common issues and problems the Highlander may have. A flashing check engine light is your Toyota Highlander’s way of saying “I have a serious problem, don’t ignore me”. i had an issue with my check engine light before and had my ECM replaced about 3 months ago. If you have VVT, it may be having issues. Alternatively, there may not be enough fuel for proper combustion, or the fuel isn’t atomizing properly. On Toyota's when the check engine light comes on it also disables the traction control as a safety measure. Turn the ignition on. Within 40 miles of having the new coils installed the VSC and engine light are both on. Natural causes; Flat tire; Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. The often misunderstood check engine light or "service engine soon" message can mean many different things. VSC light on and engine light flashing. Use it to find out exactly why your vehicles computer decided to flash this light. I screwed the cap past the one click, but that does not make the dash light disappear. © Copyright 2021 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Toyota check engine light may flash when accelerating or at idle. Are there any other lights on? The check engine light can mean a variety of things, working as a warning system signaling you to some type of trouble in your Highlander. Drop your speed or stop the vehicle (but leave the engine running) until blinking stops. These symptoms indicate an engine misfire on one or more cylinders. The ignition system consists of spark plugs, plug wires, and the ignition coil packs (older vehicles have a distributer that has the same function as coil packs). If your Toyota Highlander’s check engine light comes on, it’s essential to seek the help of a professional as soon as possible. These parts work in concert to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber at just the right time. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $20.00 off as a credit towards the repair. My 2003 Toyota Highlander AWD, has 68K, and my check engine light has been on for a year and I have been told there are two possible reasons, the O2 sensor or the fuel ratio sensor. Your Toyota Highlander’s manual can help you understand why it may have come on. This problem usually occurs when there is a specific condition, such as a broken wire, which connects and disconnects, causing the light to go on and off. When retrieving Toyota check engine light codes with an OBD II scan tool, proceed as follows: 1. The ignition system is the most common reason that the check engine light will flash. Keeping in mind that any engine needs air, fuel, and spark for ignition, your Toyota Highlander’s fuel system can often cause the engine to misfire. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system. This is likely a common issue with many other vehicles as well, but you’ll need to confirm the problem. And why is it so common? displaced hose from the air filter housing. Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer. On my 08' Tundra i started her up yesterday and the VSC, 4Lo and Check engine lights are constantly blinking. Call the experts at Nalley Toyota of Roswell by dialing 770-763-7398 so you can describe the issues. Likewise, the check engine light could also be a warning of a important problem that could cause important damage to your engine and come with a big repair bill. Compiling data from its own owner-reported problems, CarComplaints.com finds that the most common complaints reside in the engine category. 2013 Toyota Highlander Check Engine Light. It could be a more serious mechanical issue, such as as bent valve, bad lifter, etc…. Here are the most common issues that end up causing the check engine light to flash. Coincidences rarely occur in the automotive world. A code scanner is cheap. After 2 days, the lights went out. Toyota Highlander Check Engine Light. The check engine light blinking then goes off, the condition is referred to as soft failure or intermittent. Took back to the dealer they reset codes, but think it may be the catalytic converter for a cost of $3200 (parts & labor)to replace. Most of the time, that serious problem is a misfire. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system. This flashing light should not be ignored. Average repair cost is $2,380 at 33,500 miles. What to do when your Toyota check engine light turns on. From a loose gas gap to engine failure, there are a variety of things that could be wrong as indicated by the check engine light. This fix for check engine and VSC lights is both simple and cheap. But other owners can help you find the cause behind your own check engine light issues. I replaced the gas cap. Tried to reset everything by disconnecting battery and no dice. First the lights would come on randomly and would not seem to affect the car. When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such as. Took to Toyota dealer to be fixed. The most-reported complaint comes from more than 100 owners, regarding problems with oil leaks and loss of oil pressure. According to Edmunds, something as simple as a loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light. Most of the time, that serious problem is a misfire. Nearly 70 owners report that their Highlander’s check engine light came on due to a displaced hose from the air filter housing. This warning light is designed to alert you to potential issues, so are there deeper problems with the Toyota Highlander? If the check engine light is blinking, this means that there is a exacting issue and it is recommended to service your Toyota Highlander suddenly. What could cause the check engine light to come on in a 2012 Toyota Highlander? The Toyota Highlander is one of the brand’s most popular vehicles. So why does the check engine come on in the Highlander? We recommend that you don’t drive your vehicle if at all possible until you diagnose and fix your Highlander’s flashing check engine light. When your engine is misfiring, it is dumping raw fuel into the exhaust. It can run too lean or rich. If the check engine light in your Toyota Highlander starts flashing, that means that the problem needs fast attention and your Toyota should be transported in immediately. If the check engine light in your 2017 Toyota Highlander starts flashing, that means that the problem needs immediate attention and your Toyota should be brought in immediately. Here’s a. Car is throwing the traction control light, "VSC off" light is blinking, and check engine light is blinking. While we understand not everyone is a mechanic, understanding why your Toyota check engine light is on can relieve a lot of stress. This is a very common problem with this generation Highlander. When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute: Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. If the check engine light flickers on in your 2016 Toyota RAV4, be sure to check the condition of spark plugs and spark plug wires. The 2007 Toyota Sienna has 2 problems reported for check engine light flashes. There it can instantly increase the temperature of the catalytic converter to a point where damage is possible, requiring an expensive repair. this all happened suddenly. If there is anything that you would like to add, please feel free to leave a comment below. Connect scan tool to the 16-pin data link connector (DLC) located underneath the steering column. Feel free to contact our team with any further questions. I brought it to Auto Zone for a free diagnostic code check. The light will turn off after a few minutes. This raw fuel can detonate, which causes damage to the catalytic converter and the exhaust system itself. If you Highlander does start at all, it’ll run rough. She is on the road - I-40 and can't really stop until she gets home, another 120 miles. There will always be trouble codes associated with the check engine light blinking. It could be a misfiring engine, a broken oxygen sensor or simply a loose gas cap. This flashing light should not be ignored. If the fuel can’t atomize properly, the engine will misfire. This blinking light usually indicates a exacting engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be jettisoned into the exhaust system. When the light comes on after blinking for one minute: Indicates a malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. Based on the posts that I have read, I am leaning towards the O2 sensor as being the problem. RepairPal makes it easy to see which complaints are most common for Highlander owners, listing 11 total owner-reported problems for Highlanders from all model years. Out of those 11 complaints, however, three involve the Toyota Highlander’s check engine light coming on. Our Toyota service department can help you find out what code is turning your check engine light on or probe why your check engine light is flashing. But 59 occurred due to “failed oxygen sensor component” and 16 because of a failed EVAP control valve. A check engine light can indicate a broad spectrum of problems with your 2002 Toyota Highlander. Crank/Cam Sensor-  When the cam or crank sensors are not being read by the ECM/PCM, it’s impossible to get the ignition timing right. Blinking Check Engine Light Diagnosis: Toyota Rav4. 2007 highlander check engine light and VSC have illuminated twice. It is important to note that there are many common reasons a check engine light will come on, no matter the vehicle make and model. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. It’s important to note that this article pertains to 4th gen (2003-2009) Toyota 4runners with these specific diagnostic codes. The check engine light (blinking), vsc light and the traction control light have come on in my daughter's 2002 Highlander. There can be other situations that can cause the check engine light to blink as well. These trouble codes will be able to tell you where to start hunting down the problem. 2. Same issue as many other ppl with my 2009 Toyota Corolla (140,000 miles). The Toyota Highlander is a midsize sport utility vehicle that features all-wheel-drive, an automatic transmission, third-row seating in several creature comfort options. EGR- The EGR system recycles burnt exhaust gasses back into the combustion chamber. 8L90E Specs, Performance, and Identification, TH400 Transmission Specs, ID, and Common Problems, Toyota Fortuner: Flashing Check Engine Light Diagnosis, Toyota Rav4: Flashing Check Engine Light Diagnosis, Chevy Impala: Brake Lights Stuck On → Diagnosis, Fuel Mixture:  If the engine is running rich or lean, the engine will misfire and throw the fuel mixture related codes, such as, Injector Issues:  A bad fuel injector(s) can cause a misfire. According to High Country Toyota, the first thing to do when your check engine light comes on is to look at your manual. Both times it was the gas cap not getting screwed on past the "one click" you should hear. A flashing light indicates that the problem is harsh and if not taken care of immediately may result in giant damage to the car. Check Engine Flashing. Skip to main content. But, follow the OBDII codes. In some cases you need to pull over immediately to prevent damage while in others you merely need to tighten you gas cap next time you stop in order to reset the service engine soon light. If light blinks, the system has been overloaded. Your highlander Dynamic Torque-Control AWD have a system issues. But because the check engine light can signal so many different problems, it’s important to get your vehicle checked by a professional. While a majority of the time, the flashing check engine light is going to be caused by a misfire related to your Highlander’s ignition system or fuel system (as stated above), there are other issues that can cause it. The three check engine light issues reported to RepairPal help offer some insight into the common Highlander problem. (darn kids!) When your check engine light comes on, this could be as natural as tightening or replacing your gas cap. what could be the reason why my check engine light blinks and my car shakes when i accelerate(90% of the time) or when i'm stopped/braking(50% of the time). If light stays on, system is malfunctioning and should be checked by your Toyota dealer. This is why ignoring your check engine light could result in tragedy. To make the dash lights disappear and reset, I disconnected the battery for 5 seconds. In order to figure out which one of these problems is causing your Toyota check engine light to turn on, you’ll want to bring your vehicle into Toyota Vacaville or a nearby mechanic to have the service professionals read the code that is connected with the issue. There are other misfire related codes as well, but those are the most common ones. There will always be trouble codes associated with the check engine light blinking. A flashing light indicates that the problem is compelling and if not taken care of immediately may result in major damage to the vehicle. I have a 2008 4-Runner Limited V6 that had a blinking "VSC Off", solid "TRAC," (car with skid marks behind it), and a solid "Check Engine" light. Here are the most common issues that end up causing the check engine light to flash. Driving with Toyota check engine light blinking could damage a catalytic converter and cause the engine to overheat. The connector may have a removable cover. Tried engaging/disengaging 4WD and again no dice.