I am posting a photo of my dashboard warning lights again, plus the fault codes that were associated with them - for anyone else who may get this problem. The car started normally, but fault lights appeared when the car was put into R or D. Driving is possible, but you may go into "Limp" mode. (And all of the strange noises come from the rear axle!) P3125 Inverter fault C1259 HV system fault regenerative C1310 HV system fault 2008 ATH10W.pdf

Thanks for your reply Jeza. Well I was way off with my suspicions. I have been told the fault code causing all my warning lights says it is my inverter - Toyota Assy G9200-58010 RA28W006. A replacement, even second hand, is priced around $4500 USD. Maybe I can find someone in Perth Australia able to do a repair .... If anyone has had this issue themselves, comments would be welcome.

A bit late in the day, but I managed to get an Exide AGM battery under my seat in a CampervanCo conversion. Terminal positions are slightly different and below the top of the battery but there was plenty of slack in the cables. Important fact it is is a 62Ah battery.

I have the start up rattle on the 3.5 v6 2008, most likely the cam phaser issue. Anyone know of a garage in the south that will do the work? I've spoken to two independent toyota places in Southampton so far, they dont want the work as its too involved I guess.

This sounds more like play in the rear drive shafts CV joints or the drive motor assy itself, as there is nothing random in the E-Four system deciding when to drive the rear motor. From the manual: Start control. The system calculates the total drive torque for the front and rear wheels from the accelerator request drive torque and shift position signal input from the HV control computer, calculates the optimal front and rear drive torque distribution for slippery roads taking into account the front and rear wheel weight distribution, and outputs the calculation result to the HV control computer. This control ensures excellent starting performance on slippery roads. Normal Control. The system calculates the optimal front/rear drive force distribution based on the accelerator request drive torque, shift position signal, wheel speed, steering angle, etc. input from the HV control computer, and outputs a front/rear drive torque distribution signal to the HV control computer to ensure vehicle stability. To excellent fuel efficiency, the rear-wheel drive motor generator is basically inactive and the vehicle runs in front-wheel drive. On slippery roads, the system optimally distributes front/rear drive torque when accelerating, steering, or making tight turns such as U-turns.

I would like to hear from anyone whose E-four Alphard randomly changes from 100% front axle drive to engage the rear axle causing an audible clunk (often heard when accelerating from a standing start). My Alphard has always made a rear axle clunk when first accelerating. I have read this was a common criticism of 1st generation hybrids.