3l awd questions

[dkl1971]

HI all, just arrived here and I'm looking at a 05 ah10 v6 awd G.

I appreciate it's not an off road vehicle and the awd bit gives a little reassurance but it's not a Range Rover. However all the pics I see have quite scuffed front spoilers and they do see to be a low point literally and figuratively. They must come off so is there a less extreme aftermarket or part from another model that would not hit the ground quite so much?

Just checking but it will be a 5 spd torque tube auto in that model and age, not a 4 spd or cvt?

Lifts? Again I don't want much but a bit would be good - springs and dampers maybe that would allow a higher profile tyre?

It was sourced through New Acre originally so I'll speak to them on Monday too.

Thanks all.

eta - heated seats - were these and option? None on the car I've seen so are the switches on the seats themselves or on the dash?

Edited April 26 by dkl1971

[Rojie]

14 hours ago, dkl1971 said:

HI all, just arrived here and I'm looking at a 05 ah10 v6 awd G.

I appreciate it's not an off road vehicle and the awd bit gives a little reassurance but it's not a Range Rover. However all the pics I see have quite scuffed front spoilers and they do see to be a low point literally and figuratively. They must come off so is there a less extreme aftermarket or part from another model that would not hit the ground quite so much?

Just checking but it will be a 5 spd torque tube auto in that model and age, not a 4 spd or cvt?

Lifts? Again I don't want much but a bit would be good - springs and dampers maybe that would allow a higher profile tyre?

It was sourced through New Acre originally so I'll speak to them on Monday too.

Thanks all.

eta - heated seats - were these and option? None on the car I've seen so are the switches on the seats themselves or on the dash?

 

Hello David,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

5 speed auto.

 

Is the van on OEM spec wheels and tyres?

 

Lowering the van will not help.

 

Highering the van will be 1200 to 1500!

 

The switches for my heated seats are in the centre console  (between the front seats)

Heated seats are model dependent.

 

AWDs also need all wheels and tyres to be of the same size and wear, otherwise gremlins can set in.

[Picasso]

Anh10 is 2.4 not 3.0 

[dkl1971]

Thanks. What's the model designation for the v6 then? I rather assumed they were all ah10 until the model changed. It seems heated seats are rare but aftermarket ones aren't too hard to fit.

 

[Rojie]

10 hours ago, Picasso said:

Anh10 is 2.4 not 3.0 

 

Hi Lee,

 

I missed that ! Eyesight or age, probably both !

10 hours ago, dkl1971 said:

Thanks. What's the model designation for the v6 then? I rather assumed they were all ah10 until the model changed. It seems heated seats are rare but aftermarket ones aren't too hard to fit.

 

 

10 hours ago, dkl1971 said:

Thanks. What's the model designation for the v6 then? I rather assumed they were all ah10 until the model changed. It seems heated seats are rare but aftermarket ones aren't too hard to fit.

 

 MNH

[Ceri]

Hi,

I've got the MNH15 from 2002 - AWD V6 4 speed.

Its not just the front that is close to the ground - if you try and take it on any rough terrain, it's generally the centre between the wheelbase that bottoms out first.

The AWD in my opinion is good for more traction on say loose gravel or a wet field, but it does not make the car even remotely a "soft roader". If you are looking for those capabilities, I would urge you to look elsewhere as you are always going to be disappointed with the Alphard - it's just not what they were designed to do.

That being said, used within their capabilities, they are a fantastic car - I've dragged my caravan out of muddy fields with no problems, then proceeded to tow out half of the campsite cars (pretend SUVs) that were stuck.

 

 

[Rojie]

26 minutes ago, Ceri said:

Hi,

I've got the MNH15 from 2002 - AWD V6 4 speed.

Its not just the front that is close to the ground - if you try and take it on any rough terrain, it's generally the centre between the wheelbase that bottoms out first.

The AWD in my opinion is good for more traction on say loose gravel or a wet field, but it does not make the car even remotely a "soft roader". If you are looking for those capabilities, I would urge you to look elsewhere as you are always going to be disappointed with the Alphard - it's just not what they were designed to do.

That being said, used within their capabilities, they are a fantastic car - I've dragged my caravan out of muddy fields with no problems, then proceeded to tow out half of the campsite cars (pretend SUVs) that were stuck.

 

 

 

Hello Ceri,

 

Are you absolutely sure your V6 AWD is a 4 speed.

 

According to my Toyota Owners Manual, all the Generation 1 V6's came with a 5 speed auto, and all the 4 cylinders with a 4 speed auto.

 

Are you a new owner ?

 

Some new owners do not realise where to place the gear selector.

It should be moved to the D position. and NOT moved to the right (which will select gear 4, and cause excessively high fuel consumption).

 

[Ceri]

3 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

Hello Ceri,

 

Are you absolutely sure your V6 AWD is a 4 speed.

 

According to my Toyota Owners Manual, all the Generation 1 V6's came with a 5 speed auto, and all the 4 cylinders with a 4 speed auto.

 

Are you a new owner ?

 

Some new owners do not realise where to place the gear selector.

It should be moved to the D position. and NOT moved to the right (which will select gear 4, and cause excessively high fuel consumption).

 

Yes, definitely 4 speed. I've had it for 10 years now, and even looked into the possibility of swapping the box out for a 5 speed. Decided not to go ahead as the model I have has the limited slip differentials all round - an option that was only available on 2002 models and it won't marry well with the 5 speed box as the front diff in that is open.

 

[Rojie]

1 hour ago, Ceri said:

Yes, definitely 4 speed. I've had it for 10 years now, and even looked into the possibility of swapping the box out for a 5 speed. Decided not to go ahead as the model I have has the limited slip differentials all round - an option that was only available on 2002 models and it won't marry well with the 5 speed box as the front diff in that is open.

 

 

Thank you.

 

You learn something every day.

 

Very interesting that your model is not listed in the Toyota Owner's Manual.

[dkl1971]

The manually selected gears on the box say either 123 or 234 depending on which box it is. I found examples last night once it was explained to me but I can't put my finger on them now. When I do I'll post them

 

[Rojie]

3 hours ago, dkl1971 said:

The manually selected gears on the box say either 123 or 234 depending on which box it is. I found examples last night once it was explained to me but I can't put my finger on them now. When I do I'll post them

 

 

Hello David,

 

Thanks for this.

I am aware of what you describe.

 

What I was not aware of was that a V6 model was produced with a 4 speed auto.

I am assuming it is not a CVT box.

 

With LSDs it must have been a top of the range model too.

 

Perhaps other members can shed more light on this very interesting version of our beloved Alphard.

[dezufo]

1 hour ago, Rojie said:

 

Hello David,

 

Thanks for this.

I am aware of what you describe.

 

What I was not aware of was that a V6 model was produced with a 4 speed auto.

I am assuming it is not a CVT box.

 

With LSDs it must have been a top of the range model too.

 

Perhaps other members cab shed more light on this very interesting version of our beloved Alphard.

Taken from the Wikipedia,  The Alphard was refreshed in April 2005. The design of the front grille, bumper, headlamps, and rear combination lamps and garnish was updated. For the 3.0-litre model, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 5-speed. I have a 2003 MNH15 but sadly without the LSD

	4-speed automatic: U140E (pre-facelift 3.0) U140F (2.4 AWD/pre-facelift 3.0 AWD) U241E (2.4 FWD) P210 e-CVT (hybrid) 5-speed automatic (facelift 3.0): U151E (FWD) U151F (AWD)

[Rojie]

47 minutes ago, dezufo said:

Taken from the Wikipedia,  The Alphard was refreshed in April 2005. The design of the front grille, bumper, headlamps, and rear combination lamps and garnish was updated. For the 3.0-litre model, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 5-speed. I have a 2003 MNH15 but sadly without the LSD

	4-speed automatic: U140E (pre-facelift 3.0) U140F (2.4 AWD/pre-facelift 3.0 AWD) U241E (2.4 FWD) P210 e-CVT (hybrid) 5-speed automatic (facelift 3.0): U151E (FWD) U151F (AWD)

 

Thank you.

 

I still don't quite understand these missing models from the Toyota handbook.

 

In my distant memory I do recall the gearbox upgrade; part of my reason to buy the facelifted V6, I vaguely remember.

 

I find the manual very good, but these omissions have cast doubt in my mind of its accuracy. 

[Ceri]

9 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

Thank you.

 

I still don't quite understand these missing models from the Toyota handbook.

 

In my distant memory I do recall the gearbox upgrade; part of my reason to buy the facelifted V6, I vaguely remember.

 

I find the manual very good, but these omissions have cast doubt in my mind of its accuracy. 

It's definitely a 4 speed torque converter automatic - I've upgraded the ATF cooler when we had the box out to service it.

I find getting parts for my one very interesting. My late farther (who worked for Toyota for a time) wondered if it was one of the early press release cars as there is so much on it that does not match any of the manuals. Even the wiring diagrams are completely wrong - there is no can bus in this one, even though his 2003 model had it. 

Luckily, my brother works at a car parts supplier, so he has access to most of the lookup tools and we can usually find a substitute.

It's a fantastic car, with the only thing negative to say about it is the fuel economy - 17 MPG seems to be what it does, almost irrelevant of how and where you drive it.

I've been looking for a while now for an upgrade, as I'm conscious that ours is 23 years old and has done almost 200000 miles, but it's so hard to find anything that fits our needs. We need 3 seats in the middle row, which sadly rules out most of the newer ones, with the 8 seat option limited to the (in my opinion) underpowered i4 engine.

 

[dezufo]

34 minutes ago, Ceri said:

It's definitely a 4 speed torque converter automatic - I've upgraded the ATF cooler when we had the box out to service it.

I find getting parts for my one very interesting. My late farther (who worked for Toyota for a time) wondered if it was one of the early press release cars as there is so much on it that does not match any of the manuals. Even the wiring diagrams are completely wrong - there is no can bus in this one, even though his 2003 model had it. 

Luckily, my brother works at a car parts supplier, so he has access to most of the lookup tools and we can usually find a substitute.

It's a fantastic car, with the only thing negative to say about it is the fuel economy - 17 MPG seems to be what it does, almost irrelevant of how and where you drive it.

I've been looking for a while now for an upgrade, as I'm conscious that ours is 23 years old and has done almost 200000 miles, but it's so hard to find anything that fits our needs. We need 3 seats in the middle row, which sadly rules out most of the newer ones, with the 8 seat option limited to the (in my opinion) underpowered i4 engine.

 

The Series 20 Alphard 350 X/G/S, has 8seats, GGH20W (2wd), GGH25W (4wd), both 3.5L with 6 speed auto transmission

[Ceri]

46 minutes ago, dezufo said:

1 hour ago, dezufo said:

The Series 20 Alphard 350 X/G/S, has 8seats, GGH20W (2wd), GGH25W (4wd), both 3.5L with 6 speed auto transmission

What about the 30 series? I would be looking to move up to those age wise 

 

[Rojie]

12 hours ago, Ceri said:

It's definitely a 4 speed torque converter automatic - I've upgraded the ATF cooler when we had the box out to service it.

I find getting parts for my one very interesting. My late farther (who worked for Toyota for a time) wondered if it was one of the early press release cars as there is so much on it that does not match any of the manuals. Even the wiring diagrams are completely wrong - there is no can bus in this one, even though his 2003 model had it. 

Luckily, my brother works at a car parts supplier, so he has access to most of the lookup tools and we can usually find a substitute.

It's a fantastic car, with the only thing negative to say about it is the fuel economy - 17 MPG seems to be what it does, almost irrelevant of how and where you drive it.

I've been looking for a while now for an upgrade, as I'm conscious that ours is 23 years old and has done almost 200000 miles, but it's so hard to find anything that fits our needs. We need 3 seats in the middle row, which sadly rules out most of the newer ones, with the 8 seat option limited to the (in my opinion) underpowered i4 engine.

 

 

200k miles. Wow. Fantastic. That gives us all lots of hope.

[dezufo]

11 hours ago, Ceri said:

 

Nope they only have 7seats. A late December 2014 or early 2015,(before 26th January) series 20 would be the latest for 8 seats

[dkl1971]

Well the one I looked at has sold so I shall continue my research. They aren't that rare, this one just happened to be around the corner when so often anything that looks interesting is the other end of the country!

Gearbox is interesting, I'd rather have 5 spd, sorry @Rojie I wasn't trying to teach granny etc.

The ground clearance thing is an issue, I don't want an off roader but i'd like a slightly raised ride height over a normal car.

I shall keep looking but awd, heated seats, ideally the incar DVD and not white are fairly key.

Thanks all

[Rojie]

2 minutes ago, dkl1971 said:

Well the one I looked at has sold so I shall continue my research. They aren't that rare, this one just happened to be around the corner when so often anything that looks interesting is the other end of the country!

Gearbox is interesting, I'd rather have 5 spd, sorry @Rojie I wasn't trying to teach granny etc.

The ground clearance thing is an issue, I don't want an off roader but i'd like a slightly raised ride height over a normal car.

I shall keep looking but awd, heated seats, ideally the incar DVD and not white are fairly key.

Thanks all

 

Don't be sorry. We are all learning everyday.

 

By the very nature of the Forum, responders never know the level of knowledge / understanding the person they are trying to help has.

 

What ground clearance do you currently have ? 160mm is about normal.

 

 

[dkl1971]

I don't really know. We run a merc cls estate and a c55 estate so fairly stock "car" sort of heights.