'04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation

Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close
to instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later. I was damn near
broadsided at an intersection last week in the Highlander, and
would have been had the oncoming driver not slowed down. Two
seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a lifetime.

Had I noted this problem during my 8-10 minute test drive before
I bought it, I would *not* have bought this car. (Everything
else on the car is fantastic; excellent fit and finish, nice
ergonomic layout of the dashboard, kick-ass JBL speakers, etc.)

Was my first visit to the service department about this issue
where they told me they couldn't find anything wrong just an
instance of them blowing smoke up my a$$, and is this issue
something that Toyota can fix? This would be one helluva fine
SUV without that problem.

Ed Maier


JAC wrote:
 > It is the "drive by wire" I think they call it. I've got the same
 > vehicle you do. The accelerator controls a computer, not a direct
 > mechanical linkage. There are certain conditions that cause this to
 > occur. In time, you will "learn" these instances, and in my
 > experience, over time, the issue goes away. It took me a little
 > break-in period to "learn" how to drive the car. After that, I
 > didn't have the issue except in very rare circumstances.
 >
 > On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 17:31:22 -0500, Ed Maier
 > <evmaier_takethisout DeleteThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:
 >
 >
  >> I bought a 2004 Highlander V6 that has a hesitation problem. When I
  >> slow down from 40 to 20 MPH, say to make a left turn, and press the
  >> accelerator to resume back to 40 MPH, *nothing* happens for about
  >> two seconds. Then the transmission decides to downshift and then
  >> resume what it's supposed to do. What the hell causes this? It's
  >> very spooky and dangerous. I took it back to the dealer (Don Davis,
  >> Arlington, TX), they test drove it and said there was nothing
  >> wrong. I've owned many different automoblies, and I've never had
  >> this problem with any of them (except an old Ford that had a bent
  >> metering rod).
  >>
  >> Help!
  >>
  >> Ed Maier
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:42:28 -0500, Ed Maier
<evmaier_takethisout RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 >Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
 >you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
 >have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
 >other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
 >When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close
 >to instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later.

 > I was damn near
 >broadsided at an intersection last week in the Highlander, and
 >would have been had the oncoming driver not slowed down. Two
 >seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a lifetime.

Oh you are ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in front of other
drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE SUV?

gawd please stay out of Florida....


 >
 >Had I noted this problem during my 8-10 minute test drive before
 >I bought it, I would *not* have bought this car. (Everything
 >else on the car is fantastic; excellent fit and finish, nice
 >ergonomic layout of the dashboard, kick-ass JBL speakers, etc.)
 >
 >Was my first visit to the service department about this issue
 >where they told me they couldn't find anything wrong just an
 >instance of them blowing smoke up my a$$, and is this issue
 >something that Toyota can fix? This would be one helluva fine
 >SUV without that problem.
 >
 >Ed Maier
 >
 >
 >JAC wrote:
  >> It is the "drive by wire" I think they call it. I've got the same
  >> vehicle you do. The accelerator controls a computer, not a direct
  >> mechanical linkage. There are certain conditions that cause this to
  >> occur. In time, you will "learn" these instances, and in my
  >> experience, over time, the issue goes away. It took me a little
  >> break-in period to "learn" how to drive the car. After that, I
  >> didn't have the issue except in very rare circumstances.
  >>
  >> On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 17:31:22 -0500, Ed Maier
  >> <evmaier_takethisout RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:
  >>
  >>
   >>> I bought a 2004 Highlander V6 that has a hesitation problem. When I
   >>> slow down from 40 to 20 MPH, say to make a left turn, and press the
   >>> accelerator to resume back to 40 MPH, *nothing* happens for about
   >>> two seconds. Then the transmission decides to downshift and then
   >>> resume what it's supposed to do. What the hell causes this? It's
   >>> very spooky and dangerous. I took it back to the dealer (Don Davis,
   >>> Arlington, TX), they test drove it and said there was nothing
   >>> wrong. I've owned many different automoblies, and I've never had
   >>> this problem with any of them (except an old Ford that had a bent
   >>> metering rod).
   >>>
   >>> Help!
   >>>
   >>> Ed Maier
  >>
  >>

-----

--Scott in Florida<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

IMO something is wrong with your vehicle. I have owned
three Lincoln LS that have the same electronic throttle feature
and I have never experienced a lag problem. If
it were my vehicle I would return the car to the dealership and
let it there until the defect is corrected. Your could get
killed if one of those 'very rare circumstances' was
when you are trying to enter traffic and the problem should occur
at that time.



mike hunt



JAC wrote:
 >
 > It is the "drive by wire" I think they call it. I've got the same
 > vehicle you do. The accelerator controls a computer, not a direct
 > mechanical linkage. There are certain conditions that cause this to
 > occur. In time, you will "learn" these instances, and in my
 > experience, over time, the issue goes away. It took me a little
 > break-in period to "learn" how to drive the car. After that, I didn't
 > have the issue except in very rare circumstances.
 >
 > On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 17:31:22 -0500, Ed Maier
 > <evmaier_takethisout DeleteThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:
 >
  > >I bought a 2004 Highlander V6 that has a hesitation problem.
  > >When I slow down from 40 to 20 MPH, say to make a left turn,
  > >and press the accelerator to resume back to 40 MPH, *nothing*
  > >happens for about two seconds. Then the transmission decides
  > >to downshift and then resume what it's supposed to do. What
  > >the hell causes this? It's very spooky and dangerous. I took
  > >it back to the dealer (Don Davis, Arlington, TX), they test
  > >drove it and said there was nothing wrong. I've owned many
  > >different automoblies, and I've never had this problem with
  > >any of them (except an old Ford that had a bent metering rod).
  > >
  > >Help!
  > >
  > >Ed Maier<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

Scott in Florida wrote:
 > On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:42:28 -0500, Ed Maier
 > <evmaier_takethisout.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
 >
 >
  >>Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
  >>you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
  >>have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
  >>other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
  >>When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close
  >>to instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later.
 >
 >
  >>I was damn near
  >>broadsided at an intersection last week in the Highlander, and
  >>would have been had the oncoming driver not slowed down. Two
  >>seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a lifetime.
 >
 >
 > Oh you are ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in front of
  > other drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE
  > SUV?
 >
 > gawd please stay out of Florida....
 >
 > --Scott in Florida

No, Scott, I am *not* "...ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts
in front of other drivers because you think you are driving a
BIG SAFE SUV."

Scott, I drive an SUV because I really enjoy driving an SUV.
If you are *at all* familiar with this hesitation problem, I
would appreciate your input on that subject.

And no need to worry about Florida.

Ed Maier<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:39:59 -0500, Ed Maier
<evmaier_takethisout.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 >Scott in Florida wrote:
  >> On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:42:28 -0500, Ed Maier
  >> <evmaier_takethisout.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
  >>
  >>
   >>>Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
   >>>you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
   >>>have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
   >>>other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
   >>>When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close
   >>>to instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later.
  >>
  >>
   >>>I was damn near
   >>>broadsided at an intersection last week in the Highlander, and
   >>>would have been had the oncoming driver not slowed down. Two
   >>>seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a lifetime.
  >>
  >>
  >> Oh you are ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in front of
  > > other drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE
  > > SUV?
  >>
  >> gawd please stay out of Florida....
  >>
  >> --Scott in Florida
 >
 >No, Scott, I am *not* "...ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts
 >in front of other drivers because you think you are driving a
 >BIG SAFE SUV."
 >
 >Scott, I drive an SUV because I really enjoy driving an SUV.
 >If you are *at all* familiar with this hesitation problem, I
 >would appreciate your input on that subject.
 >
 >And no need to worry about Florida.
 >
 >Ed Maier

You almost got hit cutting in front of someone?

That is dangerous.

You were at fault...and if there was an accident you would have gotten
a ticket!


-----

--Scott in Florida<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

Scott in Florida wrote:
 > On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:39:59 -0500, Ed Maier
 > <evmaier_takethisout.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
 >
 >
  >> Scott in Florida wrote:
  >>
   >>> On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:42:28 -0500, Ed Maier
   >>> <evmaier_takethisout.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
   >>>
   >>>
   >>>
   >>>> Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
   >>>> you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
   >>>> have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
   >>>> other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
   >>>> When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close to
   >>>> instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later.
   >>>
   >>>
   >>>> I was damn near broadsided at an intersection last week in the
   >>>> Highlander, and would have been had the oncoming driver not
   >>>> slowed down. Two seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a
   >>>> lifetime.
   >>>
   >>>
   >>> Oh you are ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in front of other
   >>> drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE SUV?
   >>>
   >>> gawd please stay out of Florida....
   >>>
   >>> --Scott in Florida
  >>
  >> No, Scott, I am *not* "...ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in
  >> front of other drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE
  >> SUV."
  >>
  >> Scott, I drive an SUV because I really enjoy driving an SUV. If you
  >> are *at all* familiar with this hesitation problem, I would
  >> appreciate your input on that subject.
  >>
  >> And no need to worry about Florida.
  >>
  >> Ed Maier
 >
 >
 > You almost got hit cutting in front of someone?
 > That is dangerous.
 > You were at fault...and if there was an accident you would have
 > gotten a ticket!

 > --Scott in Florida

Exactly. I think you now understand. Had that two second
hesitation *not* been present, I would have been safely
and completely through the intersection with room to spare
before the other driver had even entered the intersection.
Man, it feels just like your engine stalling when you begin
the left turn. You immediately pull your foot off the gas
pedal and hit the brakes to stop from rolling in front of
the oncoming car, You've already rolled too far into the
intersection, you remember the hesitation issue, and you
immediately tromp the accelerator and wait *another* two
seconds for the damn car to move. (I certainly wasn't
"cutting in front" as you describe it.)

Ed Maier<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

Ed Maier wrote:

 > Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
 > you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
 > have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
 > other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
 > When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close
 > to instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later. I was damn near
 > broadsided at an intersection last week in the Highlander, and
 > would have been had the oncoming driver not slowed down. Two
 > seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a lifetime.
 >
 > Had I noted this problem during my 8-10 minute test drive before
 > I bought it, I would *not* have bought this car. (Everything
 > else on the car is fantastic; excellent fit and finish, nice
 > ergonomic layout of the dashboard, kick-ass JBL speakers, etc.)
 >
 > Was my first visit to the service department about this issue
 > where they told me they couldn't find anything wrong just an
 > instance of them blowing smoke up my a$$, and is this issue
 > something that Toyota can fix? This would be one helluva fine
 > SUV without that problem.
 >
 > Ed Maier
 >
I was watching an automotive program on TV recently and the hosts test drove
the Porsche Cayenne, which also has the drive-by-wire feature. They
discovered that the car has the same delay that the Highlander V6, Camry V6,
etc. all have.

Because of this, I think perhaps the problem is the actual concept and
design of drive-by-wire, regardless of the car manufacturer.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

 > immediately tromp the accelerator and wait *another* two
 > seconds for the damn car to move. (I certainly wasn't
 > "cutting in front" as you describe it.)
 >
 > Ed Maier

And we were going to look at one for the wife...I think I'll pass. What a
joke.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

 > Because of this, I think perhaps the problem is the actual concept and
 > design of drive-by-wire, regardless of the car manufacturer.

Our '03 V-6 4Runner has exhibited none of this unacceptable behaviour in the
almost 30,000 miles we have driven it. Not to say it cannot or will not
happen, but it hasn't yet.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 16:00:03 -0500, Ed Maier
<evmaier_takethisout.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 >Scott in Florida wrote:
  >> On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:39:59 -0500, Ed Maier
  >> <evmaier_takethisout.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
  >>
  >>
   >>> Scott in Florida wrote:
   >>>
   >>>> On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:42:28 -0500, Ed Maier
   >>>> <evmaier_takethisout.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
   >>>>
   >>>>
   >>>>
   >>>>> Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
   >>>>> you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
   >>>>> have to learn "me". That's unacceptable. I drive two cars, the
   >>>>> other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
   >>>>> When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close to
   >>>>> instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later.
   >>>>
   >>>>
   >>>>> I was damn near broadsided at an intersection last week in the
   >>>>> Highlander, and would have been had the oncoming driver not
   >>>>> slowed down. Two seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a
   >>>>> lifetime.
   >>>>
   >>>>
   >>>> Oh you are ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in front of other
   >>>> drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE SUV?
   >>>>
   >>>> gawd please stay out of Florida....
   >>>>
   >>>> --Scott in Florida
   >>>
   >>> No, Scott, I am *not* "...ONE of those SUV drivers that cuts in
   >>> front of other drivers because you think you are driving a BIG SAFE
   >>> SUV."
   >>>
   >>> Scott, I drive an SUV because I really enjoy driving an SUV. If you
   >>> are *at all* familiar with this hesitation problem, I would
   >>> appreciate your input on that subject.
   >>>
   >>> And no need to worry about Florida.
   >>>
   >>> Ed Maier
  >>
  >>
  >> You almost got hit cutting in front of someone?
  >> That is dangerous.
  >> You were at fault...and if there was an accident you would have
  >> gotten a ticket!
 >
  >> --Scott in Florida
 >
 >Exactly. I think you now understand. Had that two second
 >hesitation *not* been present, I would have been safely
 >and completely through the intersection with room to spare
 >before the other driver had even entered the intersection.
 >Man, it feels just like your engine stalling when you begin
 >the left turn. You immediately pull your foot off the gas
 >pedal and hit the brakes to stop from rolling in front of
 >the oncoming car, You've already rolled too far into the
 >intersection, you remember the hesitation issue, and you
 >immediately tromp the accelerator and wait *another* two
 >seconds for the damn car to move. (I certainly wasn't
 >"cutting in front" as you describe it.)
 >
 >Ed Maier

If you car hesitates two seconds and that put you in danger, I would
say you were cutting it too close...imho.

Of course I drive a '92 Corolla wagon that won't get out of its own
way, so I have learned to not pull out in front of other
drivers...loll

Getting back to YOUR car...I would NOT put up with a new car
hesitating for two seconds after putting on the gas...





-----

--Scott in Florida<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:39:59 -0500, Ed Maier
<evmaier_takethisout.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 >If you are *at all* familiar with this hesitation problem, I
 >would appreciate your input on that subject.

Ed,

This issue also affects the Lexus vehicles with the same engine/transmission
mating. Google the Lexus newsgroup for a LOT of complaints and references to
this problem, particularly on the Lexus ES330. It's a real shame because
Lexus/Toyota are aware of the problem and are not fixing it. So much for my
intended purchase of an '05 Lexus ES330!
--
<<<SgtRich>>>
Chicago, Illinois, USA<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:42:28 -0500, Ed Maier
<evmaier_takethisout RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 >Jac, I've got about 3000 miles on it, and if I understand what
 >you're saying, "I" have to learn "the car"; "the car" doesn't
 >have to learn "me". That's unacceptable.

I wasn't defending it, I was merely telling you my experience. And my
opinion, from that experience, was that it was a little "weird" when
it happened the first few times and then it became a non-issue.

If you don't agree with that, then selling the car and getting a new
one would always be an option.

 >I drive two cars, the
 >other being a 4Runner that does *not* have this safety issue.
 >When I hit the accelerator on it, the response is very close
 >to instantaneous; not a couple of seconds later.

In no way is the acceleration on the Highlander "a couple of seconds
later." Many people report the slight hesitation (a fraction of a
second) in certain instances.

 >I was damn near
 >broadsided at an intersection last week in the Highlander, and
 >would have been had the oncoming driver not slowed down. Two
 >seconds in rush hour city traffic can be a lifetime.

If you car is hesitating two seconds before it accelerates, then
something is wrong. The hesitation issue is no where near that long.

 >Had I noted this problem during my 8-10 minute test drive before
 >I bought it, I would *not* have bought this car. (Everything
 >else on the car is fantastic; excellent fit and finish, nice
 >ergonomic layout of the dashboard, kick-ass JBL speakers, etc.)
 >
 >Was my first visit to the service department about this issue
 >where they told me they couldn't find anything wrong just an
 >instance of them blowing smoke up my a$$, and is this issue
 >something that Toyota can fix? This would be one helluva fine
 >SUV without that problem.

I would have no idea what is wrong with your vehicle, other than to
say that I've never experienced the issue.

The key to the acceleration is to not tromp on the pedal to the point
that you case an immediate downshift.




 >
 >Ed Maier
 >
 >
 >JAC wrote:
  >> It is the "drive by wire" I think they call it. I've got the same
  >> vehicle you do. The accelerator controls a computer, not a direct
  >> mechanical linkage. There are certain conditions that cause this to
  >> occur. In time, you will "learn" these instances, and in my
  >> experience, over time, the issue goes away. It took me a little
  >> break-in period to "learn" how to drive the car. After that, I
  >> didn't have the issue except in very rare circumstances.
  >>
  >> On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 17:31:22 -0500, Ed Maier
  >> <evmaier_takethisout RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote:
  >>
  >>
   >>> I bought a 2004 Highlander V6 that has a hesitation problem. When I
   >>> slow down from 40 to 20 MPH, say to make a left turn, and press the
   >>> accelerator to resume back to 40 MPH, *nothing* happens for about
   >>> two seconds. Then the transmission decides to downshift and then
   >>> resume what it's supposed to do. What the hell causes this? It's
   >>> very spooky and dangerous. I took it back to the dealer (Don Davis,
   >>> Arlington, TX), they test drove it and said there was nothing
   >>> wrong. I've owned many different automoblies, and I've never had
   >>> this problem with any of them (except an old Ford that had a bent
   >>> metering rod).
   >>>
   >>> Help!
   >>>
   >>> Ed Maier
  >>
  >><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation 

I test-drove a Highlander 4cyl and a v6. The 4cyl hesitated just as you
described, the v6 did not. I attributed it to the 4cyl's smaller engine,
I guess that was not the problem.

Does this problem affect every copy of Highlander, or just some? Anyone
know?

BC

Ed Maier wrote:
 > I bought a 2004 Highlander V6 that has a hesitation problem.
 > When I slow down from 40 to 20 MPH, say to make a left turn,
 > and press the accelerator to resume back to 40 MPH, *nothing*
 > happens for about two seconds. Then the transmission decides
 > to downshift and then resume what it's supposed to do. What
 > the hell causes this? It's very spooky and dangerous. I took
 > it back to the dealer (Don Davis, Arlington, TX), they test
 > drove it and said there was nothing wrong. I've owned many
 > different automoblies, and I've never had this problem with
 > any of them (except an old Ford that had a bent metering rod).
 >
 > Help!
 >
 > Ed Maier<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: '04 Highlander V6 5 speed hesitation