Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSTOYOTA2002HIGHLANDER 4WD L4-2.4L (2AZ-FE)REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSALL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSPAINT - IRON RUST CONTAMINATION REPAIR
2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD L4-2.4L (2AZ-FE)
Paint - Iron Rust Contamination Repair
2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD L4-2.4L (2AZ-FE)SECTION Paint - Iron Rust Contamination Repair
PAINT
PA005-04
REVISED
November 16, 2004
Title
IRON PARTICLE RUST CONTAMINATION REPAIR
Models
'94 - Current Toyota & '04 - Current Scion
TSB REVISION NOTICE:
^ December16, 2004: Text has been revised to more accurately describe cleaner (Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is not an oxalic acid solution); Applicable Vehicles has been defined more clearly.
The previous TSB should be discarded.
Introduction
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information regarding the proper procedures to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust.
Applicable Vehicles
^ 1994 - Current model year Toyota vehicles.
^ 2004 - Current model year Scion vehicles.
Condition
During rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks train wheels exposure to heavy machinery facilities gnnding welding etc.
Inspection
This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as hood roof or deck lid.
Caution: Because of the abrasiveness of these small iron particles, polishing or buffing procedures should not be affempted to repair the paint surface of an affected vehicle. This will result in further paint damage and detract from vehicle appearance.
Repair
Washing the affected paint surfaces with Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is the recommended method to dislodge embedded iron particles and remove the surrounding rust stains. The correct usage of Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is described in this bulletin.
Warranty Information

Required Tools & Materials

General Precautions
Warning: Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is a corrosive material. Appropriate personal protection equipment must be worn to protect persons performing the contamination removal procedure. Please refer to the precautions on the product prior to use.
Caution:
Consult local or state regulations regarding the handling, use, and disposal of Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate prior to use.
Under no circumstances should contamination removal be performed in direct sunlight or contamination removal solution be allowed to dry on vehicle surfaces, as staining of plastic, rubber, or painted parts may result.
Repair Procedure
1. Move vehicle out of direct sunlight. Initially rinse with cool water then wash with liquid car wash detergent. Rinse again thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Dilute the mixture to a 1:8 ratio for painted surfaces. Use the recommended dilution ratio when applying to any other surface. Apply the diluted cleaner so that it evenly covers the affected area. Use an appropriate mitt or sponge to agitate the surface.
3. Thoroughly rinse vehicle with fresh water.
4. Inspect vehicle carefully both visually and by feel to determine if all iron particles have been removed. Repeat the wash several times if necessary to achieve complete removal.
5. Dry vehicle with a soft terry cloth towel and apply a non-abrasive non-silicone glaze to obtain a high-gloss finish.
PA005-04
REVISED
November 16, 2004
Title
IRON PARTICLE RUST CONTAMINATION REPAIR
Models
'94 - Current Toyota & '04 - Current Scion
TSB REVISION NOTICE:
^ December16, 2004: Text has been revised to more accurately describe cleaner (Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is not an oxalic acid solution); Applicable Vehicles has been defined more clearly.
The previous TSB should be discarded.
Introduction
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information regarding the proper procedures to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust.
Applicable Vehicles
^ 1994 - Current model year Toyota vehicles.
^ 2004 - Current model year Scion vehicles.
Condition
During rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks train wheels exposure to heavy machinery facilities gnnding welding etc.
Inspection
This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as hood roof or deck lid.
Caution: Because of the abrasiveness of these small iron particles, polishing or buffing procedures should not be affempted to repair the paint surface of an affected vehicle. This will result in further paint damage and detract from vehicle appearance.
Repair
Washing the affected paint surfaces with Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is the recommended method to dislodge embedded iron particles and remove the surrounding rust stains. The correct usage of Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is described in this bulletin.
Warranty Information
Required Tools & Materials
General Precautions
Warning: Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate is a corrosive material. Appropriate personal protection equipment must be worn to protect persons performing the contamination removal procedure. Please refer to the precautions on the product prior to use.
Caution:
Consult local or state regulations regarding the handling, use, and disposal of Auto Magic © Special Cleaner Concentrate prior to use.
Under no circumstances should contamination removal be performed in direct sunlight or contamination removal solution be allowed to dry on vehicle surfaces, as staining of plastic, rubber, or painted parts may result.
Repair Procedure
1. Move vehicle out of direct sunlight. Initially rinse with cool water then wash with liquid car wash detergent. Rinse again thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Dilute the mixture to a 1:8 ratio for painted surfaces. Use the recommended dilution ratio when applying to any other surface. Apply the diluted cleaner so that it evenly covers the affected area. Use an appropriate mitt or sponge to agitate the surface.
3. Thoroughly rinse vehicle with fresh water.
4. Inspect vehicle carefully both visually and by feel to determine if all iron particles have been removed. Repeat the wash several times if necessary to achieve complete removal.
5. Dry vehicle with a soft terry cloth towel and apply a non-abrasive non-silicone glaze to obtain a high-gloss finish.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.