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What steps should I take if my 2020 Highlander won’t start? - Toyota Highlander
Home/Cars/Toyota/Highlander/Fourth Generation (2020-present)/What steps should I take if my 2020 Highlander won’t start?

What steps should I take if my 2020 Highlander won’t start?

Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes
1-2 hours
Time
medium
Difficulty
medium
Severity
Navigation
ProblemSymptomsDiagnosisSolution
ProblemSymptomsDiagnosisSolution
4 min read
680 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix starting issues with your 2020 Toyota Highlander. Follow our step-by-step guide to identify symptoms and perform necessary repairs.

Affected Component
Starting System
Estimated Time
1-2 hours

Symptoms

  • •No Crank
  • •Clicking Noise
  • •Dashboard Lights
  • •Battery Warning Light
  • •Unusual Electrical Behavior

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

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

  • •Multimeter
  • •Jumper cables
  • •OBD-II scanner (optional for error codes)
  • •Socket set (ratchet, extensions, and various sizes)
  • •Screwdriver set
  • •Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
  • •Torque wrench (for reassembly)
  • •Safety gloves and goggles

Additional Information

Affected Component
Starting System
Estimated Time
1-2 hours
Difficulty
medium
Severity
medium
Tools Required
8 items

Related Faults

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Back to Generation

If your 2020 Toyota Highlander won't start, follow these detailed steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. The symptoms and diagnostic steps will help isolate the problem, and the repair instructions outline what to do next.

Tools Required
  • Multimeter
  • Jumper cables
  • OBD-II scanner (optional for error codes)
  • Socket set (ratchet, extensions, and various sizes)
  • Screwdriver set
  • Battery terminal cleaner or wire brush
  • Torque wrench (for reassembly)
  • Safety gloves and goggles

Step 1: Check the Battery

  1. Visual Inspection: Open the hood and visually inspect the battery for corrosion, loose cables, or damage.
  2. Battery Voltage Check: Using a multimeter, measure the battery voltage.
    • Normal Voltage: 12.6 volts or higher indicates a fully charged battery.
    • Low Voltage: Below 12.4 volts may indicate a weak battery.
  3. Load Test: If available, perform a load test on the battery using a battery tester. If it fails, replace the battery.

Step 2: Inspect Battery Connections

  1. Tightness Check: Ensure that the positive and negative battery terminals are securely tightened.
  2. Corrosion Removal: Clean any corrosion on the terminals using a battery terminal cleaner or wire brush.

Step 3: Check Fuses

  1. Locate Fuse Box: Refer to the owner’s manual to locate the fuse box. Typically found under the dashboard or in the engine compartment.
  2. Visual Inspection: Check the fuses related to the starting system (often labeled as “Ignition,” “Starter,” or similar) for any blown fuses.
  3. Replace Blown Fuses: If any fuses are blown, replace them with the same amperage rating.

Step 4: Check the Starter Motor

  1. Starter Relay Test: Locate the starter relay in the fuse box. Swap it with another relay of the same type to see if it resolves the issue.
  2. Starter Voltage Check: Using a multimeter, check voltage at the starter motor.
    • Good Voltage Reading: 12 volts when the key is turned to the start position.
    • No Voltage: If there's no voltage, check the ignition switch and wiring.

Step 5: Check for Fault Codes

  1. OBD-II Scanner Use: Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
  2. Check for Codes: Read any trouble codes that may indicate issues with the starting system or other related components.
  3. Interpret Codes: Make note of any codes and refer to the repair manual for diagnostic procedures based on those codes.
Repair Instructions

Step 1: Battery Replacement

  • If the battery is determined to be faulty, replace it.
    1. Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive.
    2. Remove the battery hold-down bracket.
    3. Carefully lift out the old battery.
    4. Place the new battery in the tray and secure it.
    5. Reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative.

Step 2: Starter Motor Replacement (if necessary)

  1. Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the battery before working on the starter.
  2. Remove Starter Cables: Disconnect electrical connections to the starter.
  3. Remove Mounting Bolts: Use a socket set to remove the bolts securing the starter to the engine.
  4. Replace Starter: Install the new starter in reverse order of removal.
  5. Reattach Battery: Reconnect the battery and test the starter.
Conclusion

After following these diagnostic steps, if your Highlander still won’t start, there may be other issues such as a faulty ignition switch, fuel system problems, or deeper electrical issues that may require professional diagnostics. Always ensure safety practices are followed when working on a vehicle, and consult the service manual for specific torque specifications and procedures for your model.