Rojie

27 minutes ago, Clutha said:

As I’m leaving garage where he’d fitted replacement control unit for 240/12v system.

DON’T EVER PUT A BATTERY CHARGER ON A LEISURE BATTERY!

It’s a long sad saga so I’m sparing you the details.

 

For Glasgow area owners the business is Prolek in Springburn & I’d recommend them 100%.

Luckily for me my neighbours son had worked for them on van conversions & said they were very good.

Hello Gordon,

This assertion deserves an explanation; do you have one.

Are you referring to smart changers as well, or just the simple battery chargers.

Does your EHU use a slit changer or  a VSR ?

12 hours ago, Brian1957 said:

Hi Rojie

Thanks for your info.

The MOT tester/mechanic asked me was there a switch or roller wheel inside the cabin to adjust as thought that there should be.

However I will be going back to discuss with him at the weekend.

Myself I have never seen a switch inside the Alphard that adjusts the lights is there meant to be?

Picasso has mentioned the level sensor which I will get a price for a replacement also.

The adjustment screws that are from back of lights do not seem to adjust manually either so guess it is totally dependant on the electric adjustment from the motors under the headlights itself.

Thanks for your response though very helpful.

Brian 

Does your vehicle have AFS ?

No there is no headlight levelling switch inside, but as, Picasso states, it should all be 'automatic' if the rear sensor is UK.

Have you changed your wheels and/or tyres lately?

Every year, for some strange reason, my headlights may need minor realigning.

I wonder whether that has anything to do with the load in the vehicle at that time

Picasso's point is important too.

Notwithstanding that, it is a simple task provided you have the correct gear, i.e what they have at the MOT station.

There is a manual method involving a flat, in front of a wall at a fixed distance, etc. etc; not the way to go in my opinion

13 hours ago, Hario said:

Hi Rojie, im in North Devon, you?

South Devon, but Yelland at the moment.

On 7/30/2025 at 10:19 AM, Brian1957 said:

Alphard 2.4 petrol 2007 reg

Can anyone help with how to adjust the headlight aim as mine is far too high,guess this will need distance and height measurement please also.

Thanks in advance any help appreciated.

You local MOT station should be able to do this quickly and low cost.

On 7/29/2025 at 12:21 PM, Randysirt said:

Just driven home from Kent in my new conversion and its great.  I hope this group be able to help me out with recommendations on van converters in the South west. . 

 

Regards

 

Tristan

 

Hello Tristan,

Welcome to the Forum.

1 hour ago, Arthur Smalinsky said:

Dear Fellow Alphard Enthusiasts

I am considering buying a 2004 Toyota Alphard E-Four Hybrid to convert into a camper with a L layout or a Rear and side conversion ( have not decided just yet ). 

I was wondering if this is the right type of alphard for the job as it is an older model, is there anyone who has a Alphard E-Four camper? We have also come to the thought that we could convert a work van (e.g a master) instead of a alphard due to added space. The car does not have a pop top so we are quite limited on space, it will also need 5 or more belted seats. Does any one have any advise? Its really appreciated! Thank you!  

Hello Arthur,

Welcome to the Forum.

45 minutes ago, smurf said:

It is perfectly fine to charge a battery on the car with a modern smart charger. Those of us with camper conversions are charging our batteries on the car every time we hookup. My main 12V battery is also charged from the solar panel. There is no reason for fuses to be blowing because a few amps is flowing into the battery. 

 

I wouldn't chance it with an old school charger, and would always disconnect when using one of these. They can be a bit more brutal.

Hi Richard, are you using a split charger or a VSR set-up ?

Or even a smart alternator ?

2 hours ago, Hario said:

Hi all,

 

I've just joined the forum as i recently picked up a 2004 Ah10 Alphard G, 3L

 

Ive wanted one for a long time, having previously owned a Granvia

 

I'm trying to do some bits and bobs to the van so am bound to have questions, and hopefully i can contribute something back too

 

Helpfully my other half is Japanese so if you're totally stuck with any translations i might be able to convince her to help

 

cheers

Hario

Hello Hario,

Welcome to the Forum.

Which part of Devon are you located in ? It's a big county !

Your "other half" may find themselves rather busy answering translation questions !

Happy Alpharding.

8 hours ago, Bec_21 said:

Need help please to change to English 

Hello Bec.

Welcome to the Forum.

So is your machine a 02-08, as in your profile; or a 2012 as in the year in your profile.

It makes a difference.

The answer to your question is 02-08 NO, 2012 maybe.

You have also added your question in 02-08, nor 2012 section, but I will move it when you do answer which model you have.

13 hours ago, Azzman111 said:

Hi all 2014 JDM Alphard (in New Zealand) with an Alpine 11TH-ANJP-BZ01IS head unit and an Alpine rooftops drop down monitor. It seems that for some safety reasons the DVD video will only output to the rear screen while the car is off, as soon as I start the car video deed stops even though the front screen keeps playing until I release the hand brake (video still plays as I can here the sound). Is there a work around to get the video feed to the rear while moving? Seems a bit dumb that it cuts out when engine is turned on...

Yoi should not be able to watch video material n the front screen while on the move.

There is an interlock system, which can be over-ridden by modifying the interlock wiring.

3 hours ago, Boronick said:

Hi, does anyone know where I can find the workshop manual of 2008 Vellfire 3.5? As I booked tires installation at Costco and the staff claimed that the manual is required due to mine is an imported vehicle.

I agree with Lee. They do not need a Workshop Manual.

However, perhaps Lee could check the Owners Manual to check for tyre size, wheel nut torque and tyre pressure.

I would but I don't have that manual.

Seems like Costco, an American company, is very wary of being sued for liability if they make a mistake.

Either way, if that is their policy, try Halfords, Kwik Fit, or any other reasonable tyre fitting business.

2 hours ago, Bruce heil said:

I have a 2005 hybrid bought from the firm in Denny that went bust. The VSC light and the fault light are on along with the brake warning light.

Does anyone know who I can take it to.

Send a private message to ldrego and ask him.

12 hours ago, YYCcdn said:

Hi Alphard community,

Just wondering if anyone knows if the Brake calipers and rotors on a 2004 Alphard (1st generation of course) are similar to any other Toyota models? Perhaps the Toyota Sienna Van here on the North American continent. I tried to find this searching on various sites but I am not finding a definitive answer. Maybe someone knows off the top of their head that has needed to cross reference this. Thanks. 

Hello Lin,

Welcome to the Forum from afar.

12 hours ago, BentekBen said:

Just wondering how the hybrid Toyota Vellfire in terms of maintenance and fuel consumption. I am looking for a 2014 hybrid model.

Hello Benny,

Welcome to the Forum.

Before making a purchase I would ensure you identify a maintenance operation for service and/or repairs.

2 hours ago, russ1966 said:

Can you explain further pls I have no idea what a power take off is ,or a head unit ,sorry not good with stuff like this at all 

I am not a hybrid owner so cannot really speak to this.

You can draw power from your hybrid battery, but beyond that I cannot advise with any authority.

On the audio/video input you should be able to input a signal to the head-unit / entertainment system, albeit an analogue signal.

37 minutes ago, russ1966 said:

 Can anyone tell me what these are for and how to use them many thanks 

20250722_154358.heic 1.22 MB · 0 downloads 20250722_154408.heic 1.18 MB · 0 downloads

38 minutes ago, russ1966 said:

 Can anyone tell me what these are for and how to use them many thanks 

20250722_154358.heic 1.22 MB · 0 downloads 20250722_154408.heic 1.18 MB · 0 downloads

The upper one is a power take off, the lower one an audio/video input to your head unit.

15 minutes ago, HarryA said:

Any recommendations for an Alphard specialist in and around Glasgow.

Ask ldrego

48 minutes ago, TIMMIX said:

Hi All, having the same issue with our 2005 V6.

 

Car started getting a wobble/shake/vibration under acceleration/load which couldn't be felt through the steering. We couldn't fix it right away due to time and needing it for work. It then started leaking transmission fluid from the left side inner CV joint oil seal. I have now replaced both the oil seal and CV joint and it hasn't fixed it. 

 

When I took it out for a test drive after the repair, it was still shaking and broke the new oil seal so its now back leaking like before.  

 

This is a really strange fault and i'm at a loss to what's causing it 🫤

Hello Tim,

Welcome to the Forum.

I missed the Hybrid section, sorry; so I have moved it.

It is essential to ensure your starter battery is in tip top condition, and tip top charge when winter approaches.

Tayna are good for mail order batteries.

4 hours ago, MKW said:

Hey! Thanks for your reply. The MOT has just been carried out in the last week or so and I’ve already received a reduction in cost for to  have the advisories done at a later date.

I guess my main concern is it hasn’t been serviced for more than four years, although only travelled 8K miles in that time. Should this concern me? What about the fact the current owner has no history of the sale and import from Japan. It’s a private sale.

  Hi Mark,

I would not be too concerned about the servicing. It is a Toyota !

My machine is a low miler, and I don't do many miles each year.

Look at the condition of the engine oil, the antifreeze, other fluid levels.

Has the machine been prepared for sale properly ?

On a low miler, I would be looking at tyre condition, flat spots from long rest periods.

The battery condition is a must concern. If your battery is sub-optimal you may experience various electrical gremlins.

Starting in winter could become a challenge.

My advise, to all owners, is ensure you keep your starter battery in tip top condition. 

I have a smart charger, which cost about the same as a new battery, well worth the expense.

You will need someone competent to maintain it.

Enquire what the servicing costs are.

I have read gearbox oil and filter changes are important.

Is the current owner the first UK owner ?

Ask them where they bought it.

Again, my standard advice is, no Auction Report no purchase.

It is a legal requirement for export from Japan.

Some just get lost, some deliberately !

The auction report will certify the 'mileage' at auction; which does not mean the value has not been clocked; but clocking in Japan is rare.

Ask for the BITMA report, although if they won't give you the Auction Report they won't give you the BITMA.

You can buy the BITMA report yourself.

Finally, find an insurer BEFORE you buy !

Good Luck

4 hours ago, MKW said:

Hey everyone!  We are yet to buy our first Alphard but are seriously considering one.  It is a 2006, imported in 2021.  Hasn't been serviced since import but has only done 8K miles in that time, with a total of 65K miles on the clock.  MOT pass each year with no advisories, until this year when rear brake discs and pads are now being advised.  I have pictures of the vehicle pre import but the current owner doesn't have the import paperwork.  It's a lovely van and I'm sure it will be fine but needed to see what other people thought before we commit to making the purchase.

 

Thanks in advance!

Hello Mark,

Welcome to the Forum.

When is the MOT due ?

Advisory is just that. Could mean it needs replacing soon, or maybe even longer.

Does MOT state pad thicknesses ?

You can expect the next MOT station to 'home in' on any advisories as a certainty.

Does not sound like an expensive job to me.

Perhaps other members will give you a target price.

Are you buying privately ?

If so consider agreeing a price, with the work done, and a new MOT.

6 minutes ago, PHarrop said:

Replacing radio, fascia removal instructions reqired 🙏 

See attached ..

🍻

Hello Paul,

Welcome to the Forum

1 minute ago, glarhzilla said:

Hi Rojie. Apologies. I've currently found a vellfire that has the premium sound I think it's called. I wanted to change the head unit so I can use maps and English working radio etc. Was wondering if someone has done it to this set up instead of the standard audio system. 

Firstly G,

If you are looking at a Vellfire, you vehicle profile is incorrect.

A 2008nVellfire will be a Gen 2 machine, 2008 onward.

Your question is a very common question, with hundreds, if not more, responses on this Forum.

You should search for Head Unit (or similar) and/or Android (or similar) in the search box at the top rhs of your home screen.

Be cautious, as some of these upgrades are far from simple, especially with the multi-speaker systems.

A photo of your current head unit may help members help you.

On 1/25/2025 at 12:42 PM, Rossi said:

How did you manage to change the language to English. We have an alpine dvd player in the back and can’t get it working either. All we can can hear is the audio of the dvd. 

If you have an OEM system you cannot change the language.

If you feed audio in through the RCA jacks you will get analogue sound, whatever the audio source.

You should be able to feed analogue video through the RCA inputs too.

I do not believe you can feed a digital signal to the Gen 1 OEM head units.