Questions About a Newly Purchased Highlander ('02 4WD V6 Limited)

My girlfriend just purchased a 2002 Highlander 4WD V6 Limited, and I have a few questions about it.



1. I looked under the hood behind the engine air filter, and there is an exposed tube facing upward. What is this, and why isn't it shielded from the atmosphere?



2. I also found a little black box in the glove compartment. It has a female connector on the outside, and the box holds some electronic components. There aren't any labels on the outside, and it wasn't connected to anything.



3. I took the glove compartment out to replace the cabin air filter, and noticed that there is some sort of damper on the back of the glove box with a string attached. However, the string has been cut. What is this for?

Reply 1 : Questions About a Newly Purchased Highlander ('02 4WD V6 Limited)

Could somebody look under their own hood and please tell me if you can see this exposed tube or if something is connected to it?

Reply 2 : Questions About a Newly Purchased Highlander ('02 4WD V6 Limited)

I have an 07 and different motor but that pipe should definitely be connected to a hose on the motor. On my car the hose goes from a similar pipe to a fitting on the top of the motor under the engine cover. I suggest you take it to the local Toyota dealer and get an oil change immediately and have them do their 19 point (or whatever it is) free oil change inspection - they should be able to tell you exactly what is missing or needs attention on the car.

Reply 3 : Questions About a Newly Purchased Highlander ('02 4WD V6 Limited)

1. the exposed upward tube is for the vapor canister. The black hose dangling from the air cleaner near the tube is it's mate. When you change the air filter, this hose often comes loose. It usually sets the check engine light at some point.



2, The black box may be part of an aftermarket alarm system.



3. The little black string on the glove box is the dampener--keeps the glove box from dropping quickly when opened.