If your liftgate on your Toyota Highlander gives you trouble, then there is a way to reset it. So, before you go to the Toyota dealer to get it repaired, try this reset method first. It is easy to do and only takes a few minutes.
Follow these steps to reset your Toyota Highlander liftgate:
- Park your vehicle and turn it off.
- Go to the back of the Highlander.
- Press the liftgate button.
- Let the liftgate open.
- Press and hold the liftgate button.
- It will beep four times, pause, and then beep two more times.
- Close the liftgate and open it again.
- The Highland's liftgate is now reset.
You may have saved yourself a trip to the dealer and an expensive repair bill by resetting your Toyota Highlander's liftgate. In this article, we will explain why you would need to reset the liftgate and, in detail, walk you through the steps.
In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Highlander, so read on!
Steps For Resetting The Toyota Highlander Liftgate
Toyota Highlanders are equipped with a power liftgate. This is a convenient feature that allows you to open and close the liftgate without physically lifting it.
However, like all electrical components, the power liftgate can malfunction. When this happens, you may see an error message on the dash, or the liftgate may not open or close properly.
If this happens, you will need to reset the power liftgate.
In addition, someone at the dealership or the previous owner could have changed the setting of the Toyota Highlander liftgate. Therefore, if you find that the liftgate is opening too high or low, you can adjust it yourself by resetting the power liftgate.
Resetting the Toyota Highlander power liftgate is a relatively simple process. Follow these steps:
Park your vehicle and turn it off
First, you will need to park the Toyota Highlander in an open area. Once the vehicle is parked, turn off the engine. Your driveway or garage would be a good place to do this.
Go to the back of the Highlander
There is a liftgate button inside the Toyota Highlander, but you will need to go to the back of the vehicle for this reset method.
Press the liftgate button
The liftgate button is under the license plate. Once you have found it, press the button to open the liftgate.
Let the liftgate open
You will need to let the liftgate open for this reset method to work. For example, if the Highlander's power liftgate was set to a different height, it might not open.
Just let it be, and do not try to force it open. You don't want to damage the Highlander's power liftgate.
Press and hold the liftgate button
Now, there will be another liftgate button that is used to close the liftgate. Press and hold this button for about 10 seconds.
You should hear four beeps followed by a pause and two more beeps. This signals that the reset was successful. If you do not hear the beeps, try again from the beginning.
Close the liftgate and open it again
Once you have heard the beeps, you can release the button. Next, close the liftgate and then open it again to ensure that the reset worked.
If it is reset, then the liftgate will open and then stop. You can also set the liftgate to a specific height. Let's take a look at how to do that.
Setting The Toyota Highlander Liftgate To A Specific Height
If you find that the Toyota Highlander's power liftgate is opening too high or low, you can adjust it yourself. All you need to do is reset the power liftgate.
Follow these steps:
- With the liftgate closed, press the liftgate button under the license plate.
- Let the liftgate open until it reaches the desired height.
- Press the button once to stop it at the desired height.
- Press and hold the button again until you hear one long beep followed by two short beeps.
- Release the button and close the liftgate to test it.
- If you don't like the height, reset the process and start again.
This is a convenient feature for people who can't reach the Highlander's power liftgate button.
What Does A Power Liftgate Do?
A power liftgate is a feature that allows you to open and close it without physical lifting.
This is a convenient feature, especially if you have your hands full or if you are short. It can also be helpful if you have an injury that prevents you from lifting the liftgate.
The power liftgate is activated by a button inside the Highlander or a remote key fob. In addition, there will be a button on the liftgate itself.
In addition, the power liftgate can be helpful if you are loading something heavy into the back of the Highlander. You can use the power liftgate to open it without setting down what you are carrying.
Why Isn't My Power Liftgate Working?
If the power liftgate on your Toyota Highlander isn't working, a few things could be wrong.
Check the key fob
Have you dropped or damaged the key fob? If so, it might not be working correctly. Instead, try using the button on the liftgate itself or the Highlander. If that works, you know it is the key fob that is the problem.
If you don't have a key fob, you can try using the button on the Highlander.
The power liftgate switch is off
Many newer vehicles like the Toyota Highlander have a power liftgate switch. This switch is usually located near the driver's seat.
This is used so kids or pets can't accidentally open the power liftgate. If this switch is off, then the power liftgate will not work.
If you can't find the power liftgate switch, check the Highlander's manual.
The liftgate fuse is blown
Another reason why the power liftgate might not be working is that the fuse has blown. This fuse is usually located in the fuse box under the hood.
If you can't find it, check the Highlander's manual. Once you find it, replace the fuse with one with the same amperage.
Check for codes
You can use a code reader to check for codes. This will help you figure out why the power liftgate isn't working.
If you don't have a code reader, you can take it to a mechanic or a dealership, and they can check it for you.
In addition, places like AutoZone or O'Reilly's will often check your codes for free.
Replace the power liftgate motor
If none of these things are working, then it is likely that the power liftgate motor needs to be replaced. But, again, this is something that a mechanic or dealership can do for you.
Bad motor solenoid
If you hear a clicking noise when you try to use the power liftgate, it could be that the motor solenoid is bad.
Low car battery
Even if your vehicle is new, a low car battery can prevent the power liftgate from working. Check your battery to see if it needs to be charged or replaced.
When you check your battery, make sure your battery cables are also in good condition. Tighten them down if they are loose.
Also, clean the terminals if they have signs of corrosion. If the battery terminals are corroded, you can use a wire brush to clean them.
Damaged wires
If there are any damaged wires, this can prevent the power liftgate from working. You can check for frayed wires yourself or have them inspected at the Toyota dealer.
How Much Is It To Replace A Toyota Highlander Power Liftgate Motor?
The cost of replacing the power liftgate motor will vary depending on your Highlander's year, make, and model.
Unfortunately, repair from the dealer can be expensive. You could be looking at a repair bill of over $700. However, if your Toyota Highlander is under warranty, the repair should be covered.
If you have an older model Highlander, you might be able to find the power liftgate motor for less. You can then choose to repair yourself or have a mechanic do it for you.
If you don't use a Toyota dealer, use a trusted certified mechanic for the repair.
To Finish Up
With technology advancing, more and more vehicles are equipped with a power liftgate. It's convenient but frustrating if you don't know how to reset it.
Hopefully, this article has helped you figure out how to reset your Toyota Highlander's power liftgate. If not, take it to a mechanic or dealership, and they can help you figure out the problem.
Made it to the end? Here are some other articles that might help:
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