Hi, I bought my 2007 Alphard v last year and when the weather is warm/ hot the fan comes on when stopped and starting again, it did overheat last year, low oil just after it was dropped off from dealer, it's only done 44,500kms and is a import, is there anything I can test myself ?

When does it overheat? Each time you run engine?

Could be the thermostat is not fully opening.

i would check thermostat, water pump, radiator (not radiating the heat out) and also is the fan doing its job properly which may be result of thermostat

Also, do you actually have coolant, not just water? check header tank for red coolant (not brown) if its green then its the wrong stuff.

I remember when i was in the philipinnes and the taxi was overheating.. apparently does it now and again and all the chap was doing was adding fresh water.. i was trying to tell him he needs coolant, went in one ear and out the other lol

letting it overheat can run the risk of blowing head gasket! did it once on a Lexus.. i was like driving a massive vape machine

Thank you chris, I did think of that as it takes a long time for it to warm up in the winter, also trying to find someone in my area who are good with alphards as it could do with a service, I live nr st briavels gloucester, I did change the air filter as the old one was very dirty with a little oil on it, Is it true that you test the oil level when hot? sorry so many questions, I am 68 and worked on vehicles all my life but arthritis issues get in the way, I haven't done many miles since last year and it's only at 44,500 kms (27.000 miles) I was going to use it to go round europe so I need to make sure it's in tip top condition, thank you yours john.

9 hours ago, Chris.ac said:

When does it overheat? Each time you run engine?

Could be the thermostat is not fully opening.

1 hour ago, Alphard Club said:

i would check thermostat, water pump, radiator (not radiating the heat out) and also is the fan doing its job properly which may be result of thermostat

Also, do you actually have coolant, not just water? check header tank for red coolant (not brown) if its green then its the wrong stuff.

I remember when i was in the philipinnes and the taxi was overheating.. apparently does it now and again and all the chap was doing was adding fresh water.. i was trying to tell him he needs coolant, went in one ear and out the other lol

letting it overheat can run the risk of blowing head gasket! did it once on a Lexus.. i was like driving a massive vape machine

1 hour ago, Alphard Club said:

i would check thermostat, water pump, radiator (not radiating the heat out) and also is the fan doing its job properly which may be result of thermostat

Also, do you actually have coolant, not just water? check header tank for red coolant (not brown) if its green then its the wrong stuff.

I remember when i was in the philipinnes and the taxi was overheating.. apparently does it now and again and all the chap was doing was adding fresh water.. i was trying to tell him he needs coolant, went in one ear and out the other lol

letting it overheat can run the risk of blowing head gasket! did it once on a Lexus.. i was like driving a massive vape machine