What to Do When the Highlander Won't Start?

[DelChristopher]

If the issue is not caused by gear position or other personal factors, the only solution is to call for a rescue vehicle. The reasons why a Highlander won't start are as follows: 1. Check if the Highlander's battery has power. It might be drained due to reasons like leaving the headlights on for an extended period or the battery reaching the end of its lifespan. Generally, it's recommended to replace the battery every 2 years. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, or DVD players can also cause electrical circuit failures. Checking for a dead battery is simple—just press the horn. 2. Check if there is fuel. If the fuel gauge shows below the red line, the vehicle naturally won't start. Also, pay attention to fuel quality. When traveling, you can use a gauze wrap over the fuel nozzle to filter out impurities. 3. The Highlander lacks antifreeze. Some owners use water or low-quality antifreeze, which can cause the entire cooling system to freeze in extremely cold winter conditions, leading to a cracked engine and a non-functional water pump. This prevents the vehicle from starting and can damage other engine components. 4. The Highlander is in the wrong gear. When starting the Highlander, the gear must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If it's in R (Reverse) or D (Drive), the vehicle won't start.

[StCarmen]

My Highlander wouldn't start last winter, which drove me crazy. Later I summarized some practical solutions: First check the key fob battery - replacing it solves many issues. Then inspect the car battery - pop the hood to see if terminals are loose or corroded, clean and tighten them. Try honking or turning on headlights - if they don't work or appear dim, the battery's dead and you'll need a jump start (remember to connect positive to positive, negative to negative using cables from a friend's car). Listen to the starting sound - if you only hear clicking without engine turnover, it might be starter motor or relay failure requiring professional help. Fuel issues are rare, but try pressing the accelerator while starting. I routinely use a battery tester monthly to ensure voltage stays above 12V. As an SUV with many electronics, Highlanders drain batteries fast - always remember to turn off lights and AC when parked. For prevention, replace batteries every 3-5 years and avoid excessive modifications that cause overload. If nothing works, don't hesitate to call the dealership - safety first, never push your luck.

[DiElliana]

As a young car enthusiast who loves to troubleshoot on my own, I act quickly when my Highlander won't start. First, confirm the key is in the sensing area; if that doesn't work, replace the button battery. Then check the car's main battery—use a multimeter to measure the voltage; if it's below 11.5V, it means the battery is dead, so jump-start it or call insurance for roadside assistance. Next, look at the fuse box located at the lower left corner of the driver's seat—if the fuse for the starting system is blown, replace it. Last time, my fuse blew, and it was an easy fix. Listen for any sound from the starter motor; if there's no noise, the relay might be faulty. Occasionally, there might be insufficient fuel supply—try pressing the fuel pump button or lightly pressing the accelerator while starting. Online car friends say the Highlander's smart system might lock up; disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for five minutes and reconnect it to reset. But if it keeps failing, don't waste time—just head to the repair shop. Keep a portable emergency power source in the trunk for convenience. From personal experience, this car has a spacious interior and lots of equipment, making it prone to power shortages, so be mindful of minimizing extra electrical usage in daily driving.

[BrantleyMarie]

My Highlander wouldn't start when taking the kids to school, but safety comes first - don't panic. First try inserting the key to start; if there's no response, check the remote battery. If dashboard lights don't come on, it's likely a battery issue - call for assistance. Avoid repeatedly turning the key to prevent vehicle damage. Park at a safe location and turn on hazard lights. Contact family or nearby repair shops. In winter, cold starts can be difficult - warm up the engine in advance. These simple steps protect your family. Recommend testing battery health during routine maintenance.