FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Toyota/Highlander/Third Generation (2014-2019)/why does my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019) make a hissing noise when idle?

why does my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019) make a hissing noise when idle?

Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
446 words

Problem Statement

Discover the causes and solutions for hissing noise at idle in Toyota Highlander (2014-2019). Step-by-step guide for diagnostics and repairs.

Component
Engine
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool before working on the intake components.

Symptoms

  • •Hissing noise noticeable at idle
  • •Possible fluctuation in engine RPM
  • •Reduced fuel efficiency
  • •Check engine light may illuminate
  • •Increased emissions

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect for vacuum leaks by visually checking all vacuum hoses and connections for cracks or disconnections.
  2. 2Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the air intake or fuel system.
  3. 3Perform a smoke test to identify any hidden vacuum leaks in the intake system.
  4. 4Check the operation of the air intake duct and the throttle body for any obstructions or damage.
  5. 5Inspect the intake manifold gasket for signs of wear or leaks.
  6. 6Listen for any abnormal sounds around the engine bay while the engine is running.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather tools and materials.
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool.
  • Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical shorts.

2. Inspect and Replace Vacuum Hoses

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Locate all vacuum hoses connected to the intake manifold and check for any visible damage or signs of wear.
    2. Replace any cracked or disconnected hoses with new vacuum hoses of the same diameter.
    3. Secure all connections tightly to prevent air leaks.

3. Check and Clean the Throttle Body

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove the air intake duct to access the throttle body.
    2. Use throttle body cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the throttle plate and surrounding area.
    3. Reattach the air intake duct securely.

4. Inspect and Replace Intake Manifold Gasket

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove any components obstructing access to the intake manifold.
    2. Unbolt the intake manifold, being careful to note the order of removal for reinstallation.
    3. Remove the old gasket and clean the mating surfaces.
    4. Install the new gasket and reassemble the intake manifold, tightening bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque values.

5. Final Checks

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
    2. Start the engine and listen for any remaining hissing noises.
    3. Monitor RPM and check for error codes again using the OBD-II scanner.

Tools Required:

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Throttle body cleaner
  • Soft cloth

Parts Required:

  • New vacuum hoses
  • Intake manifold gasket

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

  • Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • Allow the engine to cool before working on the intake components.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Throttle body cleaner
  • Soft cloth

Parts Required

  • New vacuum hoses
  • Intake manifold gasket

Additional Information

Component

Engine

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

2 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my Toyota Highlander shudder when I accelerate from a stop

    Learn how to diagnose and fix shuddering during acceleration in Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructio...

    Component:Transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Shuddering or vibration felt in the cabin during acceleration
    • •Delay in acceleration response
    • +{count} more
  2. my Toyota Highlander shakes when I brake what could be causing this

    Learn how to diagnose and fix brake shaking issues in Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Brakes
    Symptoms
    • •Vehicle shakes or vibrates when brakes are applied
    • •Steering wheel may also shake during braking
    • +{count} more
  3. how to fix P0420 code in Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)

    P0420

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0420 exhaust system issue in Toyota Highlander (2014-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair in...

    Component:Exhaust System
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Decreased fuel efficiency
    • +{count} more
  4. my Toyota Highlander shakes when I accelerate, what could be causing it?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking during acceleration in Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instruc...

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Vehicle shakes or vibrates during acceleration
    • •Increased noise from the engine or transmission area
    • +{count} more
  5. how to diagnose a misfire in my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)

    P0300-P0306

    Learn how to diagnose and fix engine misfire issues (P0300-P0306) in a Toyota Highlander (2014-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures an...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Rough idle
    • +{count} more
  6. how to troubleshoot P0301 code on Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)

    P0301

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0301 cylinder 1 misfire in Toyota Highlander (2014-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair inst...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Rough idle or engine shaking
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation