2009 Toyota HiLux Pricing and Specs

It's not as simple as increasing your vehicle's grunt, you also have the bear in mind its braking and handling, and things like its springs, shock absorbers, wheels and tyres. You also have to be aware that by exceeding a vehicle's maximum towing load you could void your insurance and actually be illegal.

We received the following feedback from Toyota telling us that a Technical Field Manager inspected Peter Shanahan's HiLux and the issue was discussed with the owner. The Manager's findings were that "the vehicle was fitted with a bull bar, driving lights, canopy, and roof racks, all of which add additional weight and can restrict the cooling dependent on driving conditions, terrain, speed, ambient temperature, wind, caravan type etc. The ATM temperature light illumination as per the owner's manual recommends to slow down/pull over to allow the transmission to cool. This is considered within design intent."

Toyota's conclusion was that the vehicle was operating normally, which should be a warning to other HiLux owners that they should be aware of the possible effect accessories could have on the performance and cooling of their cars, particularly when under the additional load of towing. As for yours, I could imagine the auto would be under a heavy load when ploughing through sand and could well need a breather. It's probably worth fitting a transmission oil cooler.

We asked Toyota to look into your case and, while they haven't yet reported back to us, they told us they would investigate it. In the meantime to solve your problem it would be best to fit a transmission oil cooler.