Outside temp gauge and fluids

[lets456]

Hello all,

New to this site and happy to own an 08' Highlander. I have always wanted a Highlander and the last few years I started looking. I recently gave my 02' Explorer to my daughter. I had that for 6 years and not one problem. Drove great and I believe my daughter will be happy with it.

A few questions though. I have a base (plus) Highlander but it does not have an external temperature gauge. I have had this on every vehicle I have owned and really miss it. I have read about the auto dimming mirrors that have them, but is installation hard? Is there a site that has detailed photos how to do it? Also, how about the dash clock? Is there a replacement that has a Temp gauge built in like on the Avalon? I would rather replace that and simply run the wires underneath from there.

Next, with my Explorer all drive train fluids (transfer case, tranny, differentials) were synthetic and did not require changing until 150,000 miles... is it the same for the Toyota? I changed all my fluids at 100,000 just to be safe but was wondering what you all have done.

Thanks in advance.

[TrailDust]

First of all let me say to Toyota Nation, and also to the Highlander forums too! We've got a lot of great people in here to help you out, and also make sure to check out the sticky threads located at the top of the forum page that are chuck full of information to help you out.

Regarding the outdoor temperature gauge, here are two past threads you may be interested in reading through:

Thermometer

Outside Temperature Gauge

Take a look at those and tell us what you think.

[ysid]

external temperature gauge is one thing I really missed in my Base highlander initially. Lately I rely on my cell phones(blackberry) weather app to get that information. I think this app is better than external temp gauge as it can show hour-by-hour forecast along with tonns of other information like wind chill, pollen allergy level, feels like etc.

[DeWat]

Originally Posted by ysid

external temperature gauge is one thing I really missed in my Base highlander initially. Lately I rely on my cell phones(blackberry) weather app to get that information. I think this app is better than external temp gauge as it can show hour-by-hour forecast along with tonns of other information like wind chill, pollen allergy level, feels like etc.

While I would generally agree with you, nothing beats an outside temperature guage when driving in areas and/or conditions that flirt with and fluctuate around the 32 degree mark and the ground is already wet. Of course, that's just one man's opinion .

DeWat

[lets456]

Does anyone know how to take the rearview mirror off. I have read posts where you simply put upward/forward pressure on the notch area and it pops off? Please can someone help...

[copternadle]

Originally Posted by lets456

Hello all,

New to this site and happy to own an 08' Highlander. I have always wanted a Highlander and the last few years I started looking. I recently gave my 02' Explorer to my daughter. I had that for 6 years and not one problem. Drove great and I believe my daughter will be happy with it.

A few questions though. I have a base (plus) Highlander but it does not have an external temperature gauge. I have had this on every vehicle I have owned and really miss it. I have read about the auto dimming mirrors that have them, but is installation hard? Is there a site that has detailed photos how to do it? Also, how about the dash clock? Is there a replacement that has a Temp gauge built in like on the Avalon? I would rather replace that and simply run the wires underneath from there.

Next, with my Explorer all drive train fluids (transfer case, tranny, differentials) were synthetic and did not require changing until 150,000 miles... is it the same for the Toyota? I changed all my fluids at 100,000 just to be safe but was wondering what you all have done.

Thanks in advance.

If you're planning to buy aftermarket gauges, I would recommend AutoMeter gauges, it's cheap and durable.