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What are the common dashboard warning lights in a 2021 Toyota Highlander? - Toyota Highlander
Home/Cars/Toyota/Highlander/Fourth Generation (2020-present)/What are the common dashboard warning lights in a 2021 Toyota Highlander?

What are the common dashboard warning lights in a 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes
easy
Difficulty
medium
Severity
Navigation
ProblemSymptomsDiagnosisSolution
ProblemSymptomsDiagnosisSolution
4 min read
671 words

Problem Statement

Learn about the common dashboard warning lights in a 2021 Toyota Highlander, their meanings, symptoms, and recommended actions for maintenance and safety.

Affected Component
dashboard warning lights

Symptoms

  • •Engine misfire
  • •Decreased fuel efficiency
  • •Increased exhaust emissions
  • •Low oil levels
  • •Engine overheating
  • •Ticking sound from the engine
  • •Difficulty starting the vehicle
  • •Dimming lights
  • •Electrical issues
  • •Spongy brake pedal
  • •Reduced braking power
  • •Abnormal brake sounds
  • •Tire pressure may be low
  • •Potential tire damage or wear
  • •Reduced braking performance
  • •Loss of traction
  • •Unstable driving conditions
  • •Overheating engine
  • •Steam from the hood
  • •Fluctuating temperature gauge
  • •Alert for potential collision risk
  • •Alert for unintentional lane departure

Diagnostic Steps

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Solution

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • ✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • ✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • ✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • •OBD-II scanner
  • •Dipstick
  • •Tire gauge

Additional Information

Affected Component
dashboard warning lights
Difficulty
easy
Severity
medium
Tools Required
3 items

Related Faults

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Common Dashboard Warning Lights in a 2021 Toyota Highlander

The dashboard warning lights in the 2021 Toyota Highlander provide critical information about the vehicle's systems and overall health. Understanding these warning lights is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. Below is a list of common warning lights you may encounter, along with their meanings and recommended actions.

1. Check Engine Light (CEL)

  • Symbol: Engine outline with the word "Check"
  • Symptoms: Engine misfire, decreased fuel efficiency, increased exhaust emissions.
  • Action:
    • Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner.
    • Inspect for loose or damaged gas cap, vacuum leaks, or emissions issues.
    • If the light blinks, reduce speed and seek immediate assistance.

2. Oil Pressure Warning Light

  • Symbol: Oil can with a drop
  • Symptoms: Low oil levels, engine overheating, ticking sound from the engine.
  • Action:
    • Check oil level using the dipstick; add oil if low.
    • Inspect for leaks under the vehicle.
    • If the light remains on after checking, stop the engine and seek professional help.

3. Battery Charge Warning Light

  • Symbol: Battery with a "+" and "-"
  • Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dimming lights, electrical issues.
  • Action:
    • Check battery connections for corrosion or looseness.
    • Test the battery voltage and alternator output.
    • If necessary, replace the battery or alternator.

4. Brake Warning Light

  • Symbol: Circle with an exclamation mark inside
  • Symptoms: Spongy brake pedal, reduced braking power, abnormal brake sounds.
  • Action:
    • Check brake fluid level in the reservoir; top up if low.
    • Inspect for worn brake pads or damaged brake lines.
    • If the light remains on, have the braking system inspected immediately.

5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

  • Symbol: Exclamation mark inside a horseshoe
  • Symptoms: Tire pressure may be low, potential tire damage or wear.
  • Action:
    • Check tire pressures using a tire gauge; inflate to recommended levels.
    • Inspect for punctures or visible damage.
    • Reset the TPMS if necessary using the vehicle settings menu.

6. ABS Warning Light

  • Symbol: Circle with "ABS" inside
  • Symptoms: Reduced braking performance, warning that ABS is inactive.
  • Action:
    • Check the brake fluid level; top up if needed.
    • Inspect the ABS sensor wiring and connectors for damage.
    • Scan for ABS-related trouble codes if the light remains on.

7. Traction Control/ESP Light

  • Symbol: Car with squiggly lines behind it
  • Symptoms: Loss of traction, unstable driving conditions.
  • Action:
    • Check for slippery road conditions.
    • If the light is on continuously, it may indicate a malfunction in the traction control system; diagnostic scanning may be needed.

8. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

  • Symbol: Thermometer in liquid
  • Symptoms: Overheating engine, steam from the hood, fluctuating temperature gauge.
  • Action:
    • Pull over safely and turn off the engine.
    • Allow the engine to cool, then check coolant level.
    • Inspect for leaks or a malfunctioning thermostat.

9. Forward Collision Warning Light

  • Symbol: Car with a front facing arrow and a triangle
  • Symptoms: Alert for potential collision risk.
  • Action:
    • Ensure the front camera and sensors are clean and unobstructed.
    • Check for any malfunction codes related to the pre-collision system.

10. Lane Departure Alert Light

  • Symbol: Vehicle with lane markings
  • Symptoms: Alert for unintentional lane departure.
  • Action:
    • Ensure that the lane departure system is activated and settings are correct.
    • Check for any malfunction codes if the light does not turn off after system reset.
Conclusion

Familiarizing yourself with these warning lights can help you take proactive measures to maintain your vehicle's health. If any warning light activates and does not resolve after taking the recommended actions, it is advisable to consult a certified technician for further diagnosis and repair. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning lights will ensure your 2021 Toyota Highlander operates smoothly and safely.