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1,200 GBP

1200 or 120 sterling ?

Hi All, First of all a thank you for the help and advice over the last 3years, you have given me confidence to successfully have a go at quite a few things I would normally pay to get done. Quids in.👍 I've recently invested in an Ancel jb700 jobd reader to help me resolve an intermittent EML issue and I'm having a problem getting the reader and alphie to chat properly. I've managed to extract a fault code, 0174, currently investigating further and happy to progress step by step. The obd reader can't connect for a diagnostic check and gives 4 possible reasons. See pictutes. Not sure what No 4 means, if I've got one or how to turn it off. I'm still persevering but seem to be chasing my tail, any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to the forum guidance I've cleaned the MAF sensor and so far the EML has stayed off, with it being an intermittent fault I'm not holding my breath but you never know. Thanks in advance for any guidance. Grumpygrandad.

Hello everyone, Where is the best place for me to get automatic Transmission service kit for my alphard 3 litre 2003 please?

Actually, I studied a bit this manual and it is not that complicated after all. Will get this ordered.

They send me some manual which I don’t understand, so they telling me you need to dismantle the headunit and you need a professional installer to do it. I might just install the usb port then I can use the navigation via phone. Have a look what the sent me: 39e9aa71cf516a544ff00a5ebdb33a0b.docx

I ship parts most weeks. Some mats arrived just before Christmas. Shipping of the box from fedex was 1200GBP plus taxes. It was never cheap to ship from Japan but the rates have gone up. The vellfire luggage item, id assume is about 60GBP once included internal transport.

Nice. Would like some of the Japanese 8 seater mats, but the shipping is more than the product.

I never got an install manual, probably because i said i had already fitted one in the past. I haven't actually confirmed if their loom does the parking brake signal mod, because i still have the bypass i fitted previously. The kit should come with a microphone, too, so you can interact with Google Voice, although i have not actually tested this because i usually set my destination on my phone before getting into the car and it just auto connects and I'm away. There is a mod somewhere on this forum that i was part of, that you can do to reuse the Toyota microphone (which is the little grill to the right of the controls for the doors above the rear view mirror.) Again, this might already be in the new loom. I should really get around to buzzing through the new loom and seeing what they have connected everything to. When you remove the fascia of the headunit, you will see plenty of space to the left of the gear selector, that's where i have placed my android box. Your can buy a plug and play 2 port usb panel that fits in the blank switch spaces. I originally had it fitted next to the cigarette lighter socket, it connects inline with the existing cigarette 12v supply (i later moved mine to the space to the left of steering wheel) Check on Amazon or AliExpress, if you include Toyota in search term, you will get one that is plug and play, you can get them in usb a, usb c or combo of usb a and c

This is what the report say

This look slightly more complicated than the one Chris used. I kinda like the original headunit that I have currently, not sure if I want to get rid of it. Will try to wait for the supplier to reply and will go from there. Here is what I have at the moment:

As i say, everyone has different standards & view point. They do rust. Just like any other car. It’s also how it’s stored, (in UK) but also where in Japan is it from. A USS Tokyo or Osaka car is not always from that region so you need to dig into the history. It depends on ultimately how picky you want to be vs budget. Quite a rare front bumper on yours, as the aftermarket manufacturer has stopped producing those.

I’ve also fitted a little microphone on the drivers sun visor which plugs in the back of this so you can take hands free phone calls, the microphone was about a fiver off eBay. I tucked the wiring into the fascia so there isn’t much wire visible from the microphone.

If I remember correctly it was an ex-display model for about £130. In hindsight I should have paid more and got a CarPlay one … but this works fine and connects via Bluetooth reliably to my phone, and indeed any phone.

Well that was his advice when I asked him about the underseal and if he could arrange it for me… The importer I bought this car from also had similar option he said it’s beneficial but not a necessity.

Not sure i agree, although having been involved in importing since the late 90s, everyone will have an opinion. They do rust, and especially depending on the area and how it’s used. There are examples every week that have rusted through. They often look presentable at first sight, but underneath tells the truth. Also the associated documentation (not the auction sheet) when it’s going through.

I spoke today with Jade Autos boss he said he been in the business for ages one of the first importers and he said its not worth to seal the cars as they will outlive you before they rust to bits(the toyota alphard he ment) not sure if thats true. Have you ever seen any cases with these being rusted out bad?

It’s not pointless, it’s just an expense that most dont want (trade) and also TBH it does take time and a lot of skill to do it properly. Clear under seal is where i would be heading, and removing the exhaust etc so it’s not caked on. Thought I recognized the car from the aero & the wheels.

I remember talking to someone many years ago who had bought a Hillman Imp (I think) new, took it home and drilled a hole in each side pillar (and quite likely various other spots) and filled it with waxoyl - decades later the car was still in great condition.

The Nationwide cover is the same for breakdown. It covers the person, not the vehicle, and there are no restrictions on the vehicle that an Alphard driver need be concerned about.

It was USS Tokyo. Lots of people and mostly traders told me that they don’t bother with undersealing anymore because it is more or less pointless, unless the car already has rust. I am thinking to do the Lanoguard, it is quite cheap and easy job and by the look of the reviews quite effective. This car just so clean, I want to preserve it as much as possible.

Could you share the link for which device you used?

I fitted a standard UK double din Bluetooth unit in my Gen 1. Everything matched up in the consul except; Steering wheel phone controls (other steering wheel controls work) Front and rear cameras: I never used the front one, in fact I have since removed it. To get the rear one to work I had to buy a special plug from Japan for £95 and also tap the rear reversing light wire, camera now works on my unit BUT I don’t have the guide lines. No loss to me. It all Works great. Easy DIY job based on forum and YouTube tutorials! Be brave.

I’m sure i saw that car go through USS Tokyo or Osaka end of last year. In the early 2000s many people were throwing any type of under seal over the car. These days it’s less so. Couple of reasons A) to do it properly is expensive and there is more of a wash n go type approach B) As the cars age, there is (across many platforms, but mainly classics) a real desire from the buyers to view the underneath of the cars as factory finish C) It’s widespread for some to spray the underside black prior to selling at USS or similar auction houses. This isn’t common on the Alphard/Vellfire, but it does happen. It’s more on the classic JDMs. Mitsubishi Evo mainly. You do want to avoid anything from coastal areas in the south or especially anything from the car north.