Where is the Engine Number Located on the Highlander?
3 Answers
The engine number of the Highlander is located at the connection point between the engine and the transmission. The Toyota Highlander uses two types of engine models, namely the 8AR and the 2AR, where the 8AR refers to an inline four-cylinder engine, and the 2AR refers to a V-type six-cylinder engine. Below is an introduction to car engines: 1. The engine number used in a car engine is like the engine's ID card. The engine number of a car is some information labeled by the car manufacturer according to the relevant regulations of the automotive industry. Any car has a corresponding engine number. 2. The components of the engine number follow certain rules. The parts of the engine number are the prefix, the middle part, the suffix, and the tail. 3. The prefix is the symbol of the engine series and the symbol of the generation mark. The middle part is the symbol of the number of cylinders, the stroke symbol, the cylinder arrangement symbol, and the bore symbol. The suffix refers to the symbol of the engine's characteristics and usage features. The tail refers to the distinguishing symbol of the engine. 4. The engine number used by the engine is not only for the convenience of finding parts during later maintenance or repair but most importantly to prevent the cloning of engines. If you want to check the engine number, you can also find it on documents such as the motor vehicle registration certificate, car purchase invoice, and factory certificate.
I've been running an auto repair shop for over a decade and have helped many car owners locate the Highlander's engine number. It's typically engraved on the metal block at the front of the engine cylinder. After opening the hood, look toward the front of the vehicle - you'll find a serial number stamped on the metal surface. The exact position may vary by model year; for instance, third-generation Highlanders often have it near the upper left side of the radiator. Always ensure the engine is turned off and cooled for several minutes before searching. I usually use a flashlight and wipe off oil residue to read it clearly. This number is crucial for vehicle repairs or ownership transfers. If it's hard to locate, don't force yourself into awkward positions to avoid burns - I recommend taking a photo for future reference. While sometimes hidden, it's generally near the front section of the engine block - patience will pay off.
My Highlander has been with me for two years now, and last time during the transfer process, I spent quite a while just trying to locate the engine number. After popping the hood, I found it on a small, inconspicuous metal plate on the engine block near the fan side, right at the front. Wiping off a bit of grime revealed the digits. This is mainly used for vehicle registration or service identification—just remember not to touch it when the engine's hot; let it cool down first. I’d recommend getting a friend to help with lighting, using a flashlight or phone light. For different model years, like the 2015 version, it might be slightly to the top right. Once you find it, double-check the alphanumeric combo to avoid mistakes—I messed up once, and it was a hassle. During routine maintenance, take a moment to note its location, so you won’t scramble in an emergency.
