Alphard has arrived but I have questions

[Mike C]

Hi All

Just taken ownership of a 2006 Alphard 2.4 Auto.(waiting for registration)

I have a few wants but not sure if possible.

The Binacle is in KMH, I was supplied a little stick on mph monitor but would rather get the binacle changed..Can I?

Also the stereo is a complete mystery. It looks like there is a HD drive which is loaded with japanes songs, anyone know ow to change this or upload my own tunes. Maybe a complete new head unit but which one?

Smaller niggles, the front drivers door has controls for all the windows, however only the front windows work from here (guy I got the car from says they are all like this) The windows work from their respective rear controls. Is this an easy fix?

I did notice some of the other models have usb charhing points in the rear, I have the holes but they are blanked off (not sure if there is wiring for them)

I'm also looking for seat covers for the whole vehicle, ones I've seen on ebay only do the front and center seats.

Thanks guys for reading my ramble lol

[Picasso]

Hello google lockwood speedo faces this is where I got mine from £60 far better than the stick on ones we'll worth the money 

Edited September 5, 2021 by Picasso

[Rojie]

Ok, so let's try and help you.

 

Congratulations on your new ownership.

Rest assured, there are many new owners (this year) and we are all learning as we go.

This forum is fantastic.

 

A chip is available to convert your odometer to mph and miles covered.

I believe it is not mandatory to change to mph, but is desirable.

There is also a 'faceplate' available that 'changes the speedo to indicate to mph.

I believe the speedo needles do not need to be removed.

I have both, but did not fit either of them so can't help there.

 

I feel sure if you approach one of the more reputable converters, or importers, they will be able to help you.

 

The HDD is fun. You ought to be able to play cds and have them copy to the HD drive.

Play a CD, remove and check your HD drive; you may find it copied automatically.

There is a way to set this to happen but I would need to research that.

Your DVD will also probably work; provided the vehicle is not moving ! 

The radio, you need a frequency expander (less then £20) to get most UK channels but, the head unit needs to come out. The shift hold button is known to drop out into the abyss below; so be careful if you attempt it.

 

Regarding your windows, I suspect your battery has been disconnected; and you need to reset your windows (from the drivers side panel).

I can't remember how to do this, check youtube, but I think you just wind them all up and down a couple of times and the car remembers them !

I think your seller is suspect suggesting all Alphards have windows like this , it's (*****). They don't; unless yours are faulty and I doubt that.

You may need to perform this reset each time your battery is disconnected.

 

I cannot really comment on your other points. USB can't be difficult to achieve, I'm sure. Try an auto electrician.

 

Best wishes and good luck with your new Alphie

 

Edited September 5, 2021 by Rojie

[Rojie]

Errors corrected and additions made.

[Catweazle]

Yes, you need to open and close the windows fully from each specific control button all the way down and up...then try auto from drivers  buttons. Same with Moonroof.

[Mike C]

On 9/5/2021 at 7:45 PM, Rojie said:

Ok, so let's try and help you.

 

Congratulations on your new ownership.

Rest assured, there are many new owners (this year) and we are all learning as we go.

This forum is fantastic.

 

A chip is available to convert your odometer to mph and miles covered.

I believe it is not mandatory to change to mph, but is desirable.

There is also a 'faceplate' available that 'changes the speedo to indicate to mph.

I believe the speedo needles do not need to be removed.

I have both, but did not fit either of them so can't help there.

 

I feel sure if you approach one of the more reputable converters, or importers, they will be able to help you.

 

The HDD is fun. You ought to be able to play cds and have them copy to the HD drive.

Play a CD, remove and check your HD drive; you may find it copied automatically.

There is a way to set this to happen but I would need to research that.

Your DVD will also probably work; provided the vehicle is not moving ! 

The radio, you need a frequency expander (less then £20) to get most UK channels but, the head unit needs to come out. The shift hold button is known to drop out into the abyss below; so be careful if you attempt it.

 

Regarding your windows, I suspect your battery has been disconnected; and you need to reset your windows (from the drivers side panel).

I can't remember how to do this, check youtube, but I think you just wind them all up and down a couple of times and the car remembers them !

I think your seller is suspect suggesting all Alphards have windows like this , it's (*****). They don't; unless yours are faulty and I doubt that.

You may need to perform this reset each time your battery is disconnected.

 

I cannot really comment on your other points. USB can't be difficult to achieve, I'm sure. Try an auto electrician.

 

Best wishes and good luck with your new Alphie

 

Windows was just a reset (phew!) Thanks for all the info, I am looking round now 

 

 

[Chris.ac]

i'll dump this here - Its what I have for resetting the windows, and also how to use key/fob to open/close all windows:

[Gibs]

What great advice I can't wait to get our alphard 

[starider]

Hi, I recently purchased a 2007 Alphard, the main problem is that when I eventually received the V5C from DVLA I noticed there is no VIN or engine number shown. Obviously the DVLA are OK with this, but I'm not happy because if it is stolen there is no official record of the vehicle. I suggest everyone checks their V5C. I'll get in touch with the DVLA and see if I can add these numbers onto the V5C and return it to have them added[that's of course if I can find them!]. If anyone has any idea where to find them please post on these pages.

All my windows can be operated fron the drivers seat. I have got around the speedo KM problem by purchasing a Snooper MySpeed which has the bonus of registering speed limits as well as very accurate speeds in MPH.

I only had one key with the vehicle, but found a company suprisingly a few miles from[we live in deepest Devon], who came round and within very few minutes had cut and programmed 2 new keys and programmed them to open/close the sliding door with one of the buttons on the key. Quite expensive, but in the grand scheme of things,peace of mind.

I've been in and around the motor trade for over 50 years and this vehicle is one of the best.

[starider]

Have eventually found that the VIN Number is printed on the V5C[V5C's now have a new format], but the engine number given is only 3 digits so obviously incorrect. I have ordered an English copy of the drivers handbook which will hopefully show where the engine number is located.

[nov]

1 hour ago, starider said:

Have eventually found that the VIN Number is printed on the V5C[V5C's now have a new format], but the engine number given is only 3 digits so obviously incorrect. I have ordered an English copy of the drivers handbook which will hopefully show where the engine number is located.

 

VIN number is Japanese, you can find it on passenger door column label and under the bonnet

 

 

and below is the engine number location(in red)

 

 

 

[starider]

Hi, thanks for the help, will check tomorrow.

[Ian24]

On 9/5/2021 at 1:07 PM, Mike C said:

Hi All

Just taken ownership of a 2006 Alphard 2.4 Auto.(waiting for registration)

I have a few wants but not sure if possible.

The Binacle is in KMH, I was supplied a little stick on mph monitor but would rather get the binacle changed..Can I?

Also the stereo is a complete mystery. It looks like there is a HD drive which is loaded with japanes songs, anyone know ow to change this or upload my own tunes. Maybe a complete new head unit but which one?

Smaller niggles, the front drivers door has controls for all the windows, however only the front windows work from here (guy I got the car from says they are all like this) The windows work from their respective rear controls. Is this an easy fix?

I did notice some of the other models have usb charhing points in the rear, I have the holes but they are blanked off (not sure if there is wiring for them)

I'm also looking for seat covers for the whole vehicle, ones I've seen on ebay only do the front and center seats.

Thanks guys for reading my ramble lol

 

[Chris.ac]

I also have a little panel under the mat in front of drivers seat, if i remove this, there is an engraved VIN - this is on a 2010 20 series

[Rojie]

Hello again Ian,

 

So what can we do to help ?

 

Many importers and convertors can fit a new speedo chip and speedo facia panel.

(This may be achievable by diy. I don't know).

There are a couple of convertors near you, maybe they can do it.

Should be inexpensive but care is needed removing trim panels.

 

There are two types of HDD; one rare and the other very common.

If you have the common one and put a cd in the drawer it will probably be recorded to your HDD.

There is a setting to do this buy most Alphies default to do it. Otherwise more reading required !

 

Changing the head unit is entirely possible, bit if you have cameras you will most likely lose them.

Think carefully before you proceed. Ben Hau (beanbean280r on youtube) in Birmingham is a specialist; but there are others.

 

Your windows probably need resetting (often do after a battery disconnect, electric sunroof too)

Wing each window down from the drivers door, wait five. wind it up. Do each other window.

Should be OK, otherwise get back on this Forum.

 

There is a new thread on whole vehicle winter covers. So say the Merc Vito is a good choice.

 

I think seats for the front are easy; but because of the special shape of the other seats.....

 

Good Luck Ian, and keep visiting this Forum.