Steering wheel squeels when I make turns mainly in cold weather

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to year category.

All those covered by Fuse 23 :>)

Toyota Highlander (XU20; 2001-2007) fuses and relays

Fuse-Box.info https://fuse-box.info > toyota > toyota-highlander-xu2...

The fuse box is located on the left side of the instrument panel, behind the cover to the left of the steering wheel. The location of the fuses in the ...

Toyota Highlander (XU20; 2000 - 2003) - fuse box diagram

Auto Genius https://www.autogenius.info > toyota-highlander-xu20...

Aug 8, 2016 - Toyota Highlander (XU20; 2000 - 2003) - fuse box diagram. Year of production: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. Engine compartment.

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there is a load on the lock pin in the steering column try turning the steering wheel a bit left or right to release the pin as you try turning the key.
Steering wheel locks never lock straight ahead as the idea is that if the car is being stolen it will turn a circle rather that move straight

More then likely your power steering unit has gone out. Is it just as hard to turn the vehicle when it is turned on when it is off? If it is intermittent meaning it is easy sometimes and hard other times, it would still be a good indication that your power steering unit is failing and or going bad.

Check the power steering fluid

have any coolant leak repaired lately?sometimes it is very hard to get the air trapped in the cooling system out.also there is something called a air blend door motor/valve under the dash.if you move the control from cold to hot you should hear something moving under the dash.

try cleaning the cogs that the belt runs around some times the belt puts a layer of rubber on them when the belt slips which makes the new belt slip if not could be a bearing in the pullys the belt runs around

this sounds like the belt is worn and needs replacing.when its damp and cold if the belt is worn it will slip easier under this condition than in warmer weather.also the belt tension may not be proper.if this has a belt adjuster that you can adjust then the tension may need to be tightened.if it has an automatic belt tensioner(one that adjust tension all the time)like a serpintine belt then the tensioner may need to be replaced as the spring that crates the tension do get weak over time.

Hi, Has a code reader been connected to check for trouble codes stored in the PCM? This would be the first step and the easiest procedure to do before guessing on a cause. From there we would know where to start a diagnosis.

If it does it all the time it may be a brake calliper that is sticking