Any joy?

 

All the ect snow button does is lock out first gear. I never use it.

I -think- your 05 is similar to my 06. Three open differentials, traction control via ABS.

Did you get any dash lights?

 

All the ect snow button does is lock out first gear. I never use it.

I -think- your 05 is similar to my 06. Three open differentials, traction control via ABS.

Did you get any dash lights?

As Ralf says ECT prevents the wheels spinning and digging the car into snow and mud. It does this by starting in a higher gear or similar ie. less power going to the wheels. I was disappointed also when I learnt it wasn't some sort of "super" mode to get the car out of trouble.

The Highlander isn't a proper 4WD in that the differentials do not lock. Actually a proper 4WD will also have an extra set of "low range" gears to give it more power at low speeds to get up that steep and rocky hill (or keep it in check going back down that steep and rocky hill).

There are open (standard), limited (LSD), and locked differentials (and probably lots of versions in between as all this is new to me also). Differentials serve to prevent premature wear of drivetrain parts.

With an open differential all the power goes to the spinning wheel while the one with grip doesn't get any (good for tarmac but bad for snow/mud). Now if you lock the differential (proper 4WDs have a locking mechanism) half the power is diverted to the wheel which wasn't moving and setting it to work so your car becomes twice as capable. Keeping it very basic a limited slip differential (LSD) is in between.The CV and CVX Highlander uses a viscous LSD. This uses a an expanding liquid pushing plates together within the diff in certain conditions. While the plates don't lock (eg. for a 4WD) they slip less because of the friction of teh plates being pushed together.

This is an extremely basic description and there are many reasons for having an open, limited or locked differential dependent on where and how a car is driven. I'm still learning all this and I trust a more knowledgeable person will correct my explanation if it is incorrect.

Note; the CV and CVX (edit - 19 Dec 22 - seems the CVX can have VSC as an option meaning no LSD - see later post) models have limited slip differentials (LSD) while the Grande model uses open diffs with traction control via ABS ie. the car applies braking to the spining wheel so power is diverted to the other. You can have 1, 2 or 3 diffs (front, centre and rear). I'm in Australia so the North American Highlanders may have a slightly different setup.

You can replace your open or LSD differential with a locking one to make it more offroad capable. It is an expensive exercise though - RAV4 Highlander Diff Elocker

I recall a forum member (Lowlander) being on a mission into the depths of Siberia to source an LSD(?) for his earlier model Highlander which didn't have one.

 

When technician lifts up my High 05 for testing, I found 4 wheels turn together when he hit gas pedal, after that only front wheels turn.
ECT = yes, it has a dash light, but I cannot feel it on snow. I always drive slow for sure.

 

Boony! Thanks for clearing up which Australian models get the LSDs! Here in North America, models without VSC in 01-03 could get it (never saw one though) and 99-00 RX300s without VSC could get it too. Every one I have seen at the junkyard did not have it and every eBay seller sent me the wrong open diff. The differential between a 99-09 RX and 01-13 Highlander are interchangeable. The only difference being pre 04 units have CV flanges in them, which you can remove and slide in regular 04+ CV axles which is what I did on mine to convert the suspension over.

You can tell if you have an LSD by opening up the drain plug and seeing a Torsen in there, most have a regular open diff. Toyota has been jerks and have not labelled on the outside if it is an LSD or not, and in N/A it is impossible to tell without opening the drain plug. 2001-2003 Highlanders and 2007-2009 RX350 have a viscous coupler in the transfer case (same part). This is poorly documented and not actually part of the transmission as many sources say. It is a little compartment/unit in the t-case itself that houses it. My Highlander and 08 RX are fantastic in the snow and can use the power to the rear to help the car drive better on the pavement too, but I can’t speak for non VC models as I haven’t tried them in snow. My 2014 RX350 with the electric AWD system pales in comparison.

 

I found this video useful for understanding the 4WD of my Highlander (Kluger in Australia) - Subaru AWD vs. competitors.

Edit - but I'm sure I've seen another video (or maybe it was an article) which suggested the Highlander is much more capable in snow than what the video suggests. Anyway some more info...

• Toyota 4WD review courtesy Toyota-Club.net
• 2003 Toyota Kluger Australia Press room kit. At the bottom are some excel spreadsheets showing the drivetrain types.

 

I remember watching this, I'd like to see how an 01-03 would do or maybe a later model with a Torsen. Also, they should have turned off the stupid traction control. @Boony I assume since your car is a CV you have an LSD? If so, how is it? I mainly want one for the RX as you can't use all 270 of those horses while leaving a corner.

 

That Toyota 4WD review source is extremely informative. Second link seems to not work?

Toyota 4WD review (1)

Description of Toyota 4WD different types (initially FF cars)

toyota-club.net

01-03 models (MF2AV transfer case - "V" for viscous)

04-07 models (MF2A transfer case)

 

Linked fixed.

Sadly, I've yet to use my Highlander in any trail/offroad or snow conditions so can't comment on the LSD functionality (where it would be more useful for me).

 

Good info. Looks like I’d be much better off getting my LSD from Australia! Especially since you could get one from a car as new as a 13 Kluger. However, I still have yet to find a seller who can verify it's an actual LSD! So annoying...

 

Good info. Looks like I’d be much better off getting my LSD from Australia! Especially since you could get one from a car as new as a 13 Kluger

I thought you had managed to get an LSD in the end? Or maybe I'm confusing with another member who got one from Russia? I could maybe assist you with getting an LSD here but TBH used prices are expensive and then there is the shipping cost...

 

Unfortunately not I got really frustrated about 6 months back and gave up when I got a diff locally from LKQ and was "promised" it was an LSD. I opened it up when I got home and of course it was an open diff like the last 4 times. Got my 4th refund and have just been checking junkyards, but can't seem to find an LSD there either. I wouldn't want to trouble you with finding an LSD but I am seeing on eBay that there are 01B and 04B axle codes but of course there is no info out there as to what those mean, or if they even correlate to having an LSD or not. I also saw one for sale from a Kluger from eBay.com.au and it said it was a "non-locking" type so I suppose that it was from a Grande, either that or no one seems to put the VIN or trim level in listings anymore.

 

Actually the price isn't as dear as I thought. Freight within Australia could be an issue but in Sydney where I live I could probably pick one up for you and prepare for export. How much do these things weigh? You could also tell me what to check before sending it to make sure it's not a 5th open diff! Not until 2023 though.

I've always thought Japan may be a better bet for parts but I haven't seriously searched for a used part supplier there. Wife is going back in March so I may there also checking out the local Highlander scene...

 

57 lbs (for 01-03 model with flanges attached). After opening up the drain plug, you’ll be able to see inside with a flashlight and determine if it’s a Torsen or not pretty easily thankfully!

LSD (Torsen Type 2 from a RAV4! Same ones the RX300, Kluger / Highlander use).

Open diff, this is what my RX350 and Highlander look like on the inside.

 

It's weird. The press release for the Australia Kluger advises "Entry level CV and mid-grade CVX have a viscous coupled centre limited slip differential and limited slip rear differential." which I assumed meant the rear was also the viscous plate style but the Toyota Club file advises the rear is a Torsen LSD. Optional I also assume as opposed to having a regular open diff.

I need to check if there's that sticker you've mentioned in another post, otherwise will open it up I guess...

 

That's interesting. I am betting that "viscous coupled centre limited slip differential" is just the viscous coupling transfer case that came standard on 2001-2003 Highlanders. Maybe in Australia they kept the VC transfer case as an option all the way through 2001-2007. I think the only proper way to tell if you have an LSD without pulling the drain plug (At least in North America) is to see the original vehicle window sticker itself. Someone on ClubLexus with a 1999 RX300 did mention that he saw the limited slip option on there for his. I have checked all the documentation on ProDemand and my factory repair manual and they only reference to a Torsen so hopefully that's the only option out there. I love the idea of Torsens over a regular clutch-style LS differential.

 

Well I checked but no sticker or other useful markings on the rear diff. The manual is oh so useful...the car is equipped with a viscous coupled centre limited slip differential and limited slip rear differential but to check with Toyota. Email sent to Mr local Toyota to confirm if it's a Torsen or other style and I'll post back here.

We didn't get the 2001-2003 versions of the 1st gen Highlander only the later version. Also pretty sure we only got the 4WD version (no 2WD).

 

We didn’t get FWD here in Canada either, only on the 1st gen Venza oddly. After the 01-03 models the 4-cyl option was dropped too except on the Venza (not sure if you guys get those down under!).

Unfortunately, like the rear diff Toyota made it so there is no easy way to indentify the front transfer cases as well. If I ever find a way or some differences I’ll definitely upload them here.

 

ol' school diff engage: Lightly press the brake pedal while gently accelerating. This 'should' help transfer power to the rear diff. I've seen it work on FWD-only vehicles when only one side is spinning.

Tangent: Doesn't do you any good, but my USA V6 '03's 4WD was 50/50, AFAIK (the '04-'07 models were different). NO lockers front/center/rear but @ least one front and one rear wheel would spin. I thought the AWD system was the best as there was no delayed engagement of the rear wheels when taking off. And always felt I had control.

 

@LL - We didn't get the 4 cyclinder here either and it wouldn't have been very popular. We didn't get the Venza either.

@wtdash - pretty sure the 04-07 have the 50/50 split but hope that can be confirmed if/when Toyota get back to me. Good point about using the brake to slow a spinning wheel so the power goes to the other one. Something I learnt only recently.

 

I pull my snowmobile‘s in Wisconsin/UP Michigan and I’ve never had a problem in the snow and I’ve driven it very deep stuff on unplowed trail heads. And that’s towing 2-3 snowmobiles on snow rated tires. I do wish I could turn off TCS to allow some wheel spin and momentum when pulling through deep snow getting to then main road.
2004 3.3 Limited 4WD (3rd row, tow package)

 

^^ @Daglander, I don't know if it applies to the '04-'07 models, but if you unplug the brake's MC sensor, it turns off TCS. I tested in on my '03 when I was driving to a trail head. Got a wheel in the air and it let me use the parking brake to transfer power to the other side.

The lights 'reset' themselves a few miles after I plugged it back in on the way home.

Yeah, pain to get out to unplug, but it's an option.

 

I've just received a reply from Toyota tech as to what diff I have on the rear. Since I don't have VSC my Highlander (Kluger) is equipped with the Torsen LSD.

Question:​

I would like to confirm whether I have an open or limited slip rear differential on my CV model Kluger? The VIN is JTEHP21A70020XXXX. There are suggestions that a Torsen model was available as an option.​

​

Answer:​

On the Kluger model MCU28R 4WD there were 2 options. The standard a two-pinion differential non LSD F17SU. The other option was a helical gear type torsen LSD (torque-sensing limited slip differential) F17TU.​

​

VSC was standard on the grande models and optional on CV/CVX. Torsen LSD differentials are fitted to vehicles without VSC. An easy way to tell which one your vehicle has is to check if the vehicle has VSC (vehicle stability control). Turn your ignition key on without starting the vehicle and see if the VSC light illuminates on your instrument cluster.​

​

If your vehicle was not fitted with a torsen LSD it would have VSC as per the repair manual outtake below. In conclusion if your vehicle is not equipped with VSC then you have the Torsen LSD.​

​

I highly doubt your labels on the rear differential would be legible from 2006 but the differential part numbers and model numbers are:​

• Non LSD (model F17SU) 4111048081
• Torsen LSD (model F17TU) 4111048090

 

I guess it was kind of obvious but if I were to spend $$$ on a new car I would prefer it be stated in black and white (instead of "check with your local Toyota dealer").

 

Wow! This is good stuff! Thanks for that, Boony. I didn't know every Highlander without VSC had an LSD. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open!

 

Wow! This is good stuff! Thanks for that, Boony. I didn't know every Highlander without VSC had an LSD. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open!

Do you think it helps your search? I don't want to send you on a wild goose chase. I just wanted to confirm myself that I do have an LSD on the rear and that it's a Torsen style.

 

Very helpful! That part number doesn’t show up on my NA Toyota dealership unlike the other two numbers. I am very curious, sorry to ask, but when you do your rear struts can you snap a photo of the rear diff cover for me? I wonder if it says anything else other than 17TU. Information is super scarce, probably doesn't help that most HL owners don't care whether their car has an LSD or not.

I believe 3 LSDs exist now - all using the Torsen Type 2 architecture and all being a possible swap for our rides.


41110-48020 (1999-2000 Lexus RX300)
41110-48040 (2001-2003 Highlander)
41110-48090 (2004-2007 Highlander)


I guess it was discontinued for the 2nd gens?

 

That's a tough call! I have heard rumors that the 2nd gens had them too but no solid proof. Checking through ToyoDiy shows that there isn't a number for them, so I'm guessing there isn't.

 

why are jprint's front wheels spinning only? Can this person rebuild their center diff?


Did you check on toyota's parts site? I'm not familiar with highlander but there is a fit section that lists specific years.

https://parts.toyota.com/p/63079481/41301-48020.html