How to Inspect the Drivetrain in a Toyota Highlander
- 1). Inspect the components of the SUV's drivetrain visually. Slide under the Toyota Highlander on a creeper and look for any signs of breakage or wear on the axles that connect the driveshaft to the wheels. Look for seepage of fluids from the joints. At the outer end of the driveshaft, check the support brackets for the drivetrain to make sure they're tight.
- 2). Test drive your Toyota Highlander and listen for odd noises, such as a clicking or clunking when you're cruising at a low speed, a clicking noise when you turn or clunks when you round a corner. Any of these noises could indicate trouble with the drivetrain.
- 3). Raise the hood on the SUV and check the oil and transmission fluid levels. Both have metal sticks that you pull out. The oil dipstick on a Highlander is on the front passenger side of the engine and the transmission dipstick is in the back of the engine on the same side.
- 4). Wipe the dipsticks with an old rag and reinsert them into their respective holes. Gauge the levels of fluid in the containers as well as the color. Oil should be nearly clear and transmission fluid should be a light reddish color.
- 5). Use only Toyota Type IV transmission fluid in your HIghlander, if the fluid levels are low and when you change the fluid every 60,000 miles. Refill the transmission fluid at the dipstick, as there's no other fill point on the Highlander.
- 6). Check all the hoses and clamps attached to the air and oil filters and from the engine, because the warranty doesn't cover them and it could create bigger problems if they're allowed to break.