Rojie

56 minutes ago, DavNev said:

Hello all, I managed to remove the small panel on the spoiler directly above the tailgate brake light (see pic) but can get no further.

I hoped this would release the light unit so I can access the bulb. It seemed firmly in place despite gently prising the unit hoping to loosen it!

Has anyone managed to remove this? Any instruction would be welcome.

 

Hello David,

Welcome to the Forum.

I have an earlier model.

There is a fuse box behind the glove box (which is not difficult to remove) but it is extremely difficult to get at.

You may need to be on your back, with a torch and a mirror too.

8 hours ago, evilb said:

Certainly not planning on driving with anyone in that seat while it's facing backwards.  But it's good to know that it's a possibility when you get to where you're going.

  I honestly think it's a better option than a rotating swivel because you  don't lose any headroom. 

I think having tried it out I think  if I had put a swivel in that was three centimeters thick it would be too tall for me to sit in comfortably anyway. 

And the great thing is, it doesn't cost anyone anything to try it 🙂

You make an extremely good point, which I overlooked, about the reduction in headroom.

This often gets overlooked.

I have 'played' with changes to seat arrangements; just scoping out possibilities.

Hence my reference to rain, no point in getting the seat soaked, not much fun sitting a a wet seat !

Just a thought, do you have an 8 seater ? With the middle seats that reverse ?

It could be worth checking whether the smaller middle seat fits on the front seat chassis !

2 hours ago, Andy L said:

Hi all, newbie here.

Anyone know how to re-set imobiliser on a 08 Alphard?

The vehicle has a keyless system.

Managed to override and get the engine running,but everything else is still not working.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Andy L

Hello Andy,

Welcome to the Forum.

Are you suggesting your "managed to override and get engine running" allowed you to drive the vehicle ?

1 hour ago, Alfart said:

Hi Roger,

We are not looking to go for “proper” wild camping, I’m at an age where I like just a few home comforts! I was thinking single induction hob and low wattage microwave, neither built-in, but carried under one of the side seat lockers of a yet to be designed rear conversion. A fitted compressor fridge and small sink with fold down glass lid to increase work space. EHU and split charging facility for the power station, (which is then available for home use as we regularly lose electricity in the now more regular storms). We will not be sleeping in the Alphard for more than 2 or 3 nights at a time, generally when on a stop-over on longer journeys to a more substantial accommodation, or on a day trip to more remote areas. The EHU will come into it’s own on more organised campsites. Does this make sense?

We have a large pooch too! 39kg of rescued greyhound, so I really will have to be organised like yourself. 😀

I  have no experience with power stations.

Are you thinking a side conversion or a rear conversion ?

Side conversions tend to have narrow beds (if two are sleeping).

Our rear conversion offers a full width, full length bed, very comfortable until you have 23kg pooch sleeping with you. !

He was not happy in the mini-tent, and nor was I !

So, what is my best advice for you ?

Where is your greyhound going to sleep ?

A hammock across the front seats ?

That seems to be your real challenge !

You could get an Alphie with a tow bar (not easy) and that would offer many other possibilities.

My own view is an EHU is essential, not expensive but opens up all kinds of options; just make sure you have somewhere to 25 metres of cable.!

Some say less will do, but beware Cornish sites.

Good Luck

Happy Camparding.

1 hour ago, Alfart said:

Hi Alex,

Thank you, the reviews do seem good.

They should be.

The Alphies are wonderful vehicles.

5 hours ago, evilb said:

I just unbolt my ah10 (2003) passenger seat (4x 14mm bolts) and flip it round.

Then secure it with some m6 bolts and nuts at the front (of the floor bracket).

So the lugs at the front of the seat sliders drop into the threaded rear bolt holes, and then secure the rear slider holes through the hole that the front lugs normally go through (using slightly smaller bolts, because the standard bolts dont fit.

I also drilled 2 holes in the rear of the floor bracket, so i can secure the vertical tabs.

Takes about 3 minutes to unbolt and rebolt to change direction if i need to carry a passenger, and the seat isn't overly heavy.

 

I'd love a proper bracket but im in Australia and the uk made bracket and postage is a bit exxy.

It's a great budget solution (free 😁) and doesn't add any height to the seat in either direction, which is great because im 6 foot tall.

 

Great, and simple, idea.

Driving with a rear facing front seat, in the UK, would be illegal (as well as dangerous).

I assert this as I am almost certain the front seatbelt will not be available or fully operative, and nor would the dash airbag.

I guess OZ does not get the rain Bilghty does.

On 8/15/2025 at 10:20 AM, Kc2010 said:

Hi Roger, I was not the original author of this comment, it came from Dave. Regards Kc

 Ooopps

On 8/15/2025 at 12:46 PM, Alfart said:

Hi all,

Has anyone used an: AFERIY Portable Power Station 2400W, 2048Wh Power Station LiFePO4? 
I am looking for a portable power supply that can be used in an emergency at home, but mainly for power in the Alfie. I need to be able to run a compressor cool box, single induction hob and small microwave, (not more than 2 items at a time). Just investigating the possibilities for a planned rear conversion. If anyone has any feedback about this unit, or recommendations about one more suitable, I would be grateful. Also a response to my previous post about “Gas or Electric, which is the best option,” would also be helpful. 
TIA.

If planning wild camping your option is restricted to gas (with or without a power station).

How will you recharge the powerstation ?

If not then an EHU is worth the investment, imho.

Alphies are quite small, especially when you load them with all the conveniences of home !

So consider where all these appliances will fit, especially when mobile.

I have a gas twin hob, and sink. An EHU for a induction hob that is not built-in. A mains (low power) kettle, an electric fan heater, and a compressor cool-box (fantastic), and an electric air mattress !

I can assure you fitting these all in in both day and  night configurations is a challenge, to say the least.

Oh, and a large Sprollie dog.

All this is even more exciting in the rain !

Wet weather departures are not a lot of fun.

Depending on our plans we either run in night mode, with everything stored accordingly.

In night mode it is totally impractical to do much other than boil the kettle.

Cooking is performed under the open tailgate.

In day mode, cooking and eating are possible, but not lie-flat napping; 

We are restricted in activities, but mainly due to 23kg of highly active, and affectionate, pooch.

So, lots of deciding for you to do..

On 8/13/2025 at 9:09 AM, Dave said:

Hello! I moved to Inverness with my Alphard a couple of years ago.  If you even find yourself struggling to find anyone prepared to work on your Alphard (I did) then IT Garage Services (in Inverness) is the place to go.  They've done a couple of jobs for me that didn't lend themselves to lying underneath it on my driveway.  Everyone else refused to touch it.

Hello Kevin,

Can I respectfully ask you to add this recommendation to the appropriate section in the Servicing area of this Forum.

7 hours ago, tipovtong said:

Hi everyone,

I joined the group to look at getting some info on 7/8 seater for my daughter. Her current car (Pug 5008) clutch is just about gone so I am looking for some help/answers whilst looking for a new (used) one. We viewed an 08 Alphard last week and she fell in love ,, problem was when we went back to dealer with deposit it had sold.

Question 1 , do all Alphard's have the reversable middle row of seats? 

2. What model/variants have the twin sunroofs ?

3. Are there specific documents that seller MUST provide if its an import? 

4. I have noticed that there are a few Hybrid versions priced lower than a standard, is there a problem/issue with the hybrids that makes them hold a a lower resale appeal?

5. Is there a way to get the language on the display changed to English or is that just something that is not changeable?

Thank you in advance for anyone who can offer a bit of guidance .

Hello Mick,

Welcome to the Forum.

Q1   No.

Q2  Most do.

Q3  To have a car exported (from Japan) it must have an Auction Sheet. A brief summary of the condition. It does not include mechanical issues.

       You should insist on sight of this sheet. It is a good starting point. Importer will need to get the vehicle registered at DVLA and MOTd.

Q4   Early hybrids can be an issue. It is very difficult to locate competent engineers to work on the battery system. New batteries are very expensive, plus the cost of removal / refitting. General advice is be wary of the Generation 1 machines. prior to 2008.

Q5  No, other than replacing the head unit, and that can be fraught with problems.

Hopefully this proves useful, and other members will add anything I have overlooked.

The vehicle will need undersealing, if not already.

Worse thing you can do is drive one ! Result, love at first drive.

Just do the due diligence, don't skip on it.

9 hours ago, Jonathan Davey said:

2006 3-litre Alphard, professionally converted 2021

50,560 miles

MOT June 2026

very good condition

all extras included in sale

£13,995

based in Bristol

 

Hello Jonathan,

Welcome to the Forum.

Looks lovely.

2 hours ago, paulcford said:

Hello one and all. I'm hoping to become the owner of an Alphard campervan.  The vehicle appears to have necessary paperwork. Original Japan registration 2004, mileage 63000 miles. MOT this March and there were advisories regarding subframe pins showing wear. See attached MOT Certificate.

 

Should I be worried about this? Where on a scale of 1 - 10, would you say my concern should be?

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the Forum.

It is a common maintenance issue.

I would not be worried about it yet.

This topic is covered withing this Forum.

You should be able to get an estimate to have it repaired from these pages.

Don't assume any garage will work on your future purchase.

Try and find a garage that will before you need one; preferably before you purchase one.

I believe a semi-special tool is required to remove / refit the bushes.

Some members have done a diy.

1 hour ago, Clutha said:

Seriously, it was back to the early 60’s or more.

Toiling away puting sink/hob unit back in realised the old thing hadn’t run for a bit so fired her up, failed! 😳

First time ever!

Anyway battery appeared the issue, 11.7v, power pack hooked up, no good, 

Optimate charger on while I worked inside. At 12.7v tried again, no good, starter not engaging, faint clicks from under bonnet,

had a poke around cables, noted clear area round starter solenoid, remembered old school faults and fetched two hammers, one rubber mallet, that didn’t work but standard metal one did the trick.

She fired up like her usual self & idled beautifully.

 

Canny beat the old ways!

I wish I had a pound for every time I had to do that in my youth, especially with Fords.

Glad you fixed it.

Always suspect the starter battery but never overlook the battery leads and connections.

5 hours ago, Jr86 said:

I need to replace a bulb in one of the license plate lamps. 
 

I know that if I remove the internal trim I can access it. However on one of cuttothechase videos. A comment suggests it can be done from the outside without removing the interior trim. 
 

Has anyone done this and got any advice or photos of where to push/put trim removers etc to get the covers off? 

 

I haven't seen the video by cuttothechase.

You could write to him, he is Ldrego on here.

4 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Can you provide a photo of the head unit you do have ?

I agree with Neville.

It is a rat's nest in there, be careful

17 hours ago, David Tyler said:

Hi, I have a 2010 vellfire that has been converted. The previous owners replaced the head unit, there appear to be  15  or so speakers, not all of which are connected. Would anyone know what this system is called? Saw something about theatre sound. Would like to have a better head unit installed and get the steering wheel controls connected. The reversing camera is connected. Would anyone know of  compatible units, what type of connecters etc. Thanks

Can you provide a photo of the head unit you do have ?

4 minutes ago, Dave said:

Can someone tell me

 

a) what this part is,and

b) how concerned I should be about its condition

 

Many thanks,

Dave

 

I'm no mechanic; but it looks like a drive shaft coupling.

Is it driver's side or nearside ?

6 hours ago, Jenny Smedley said:

Morning, our camera image is so dark it's useless. I figured out how to brighten it up with the help of an English handbook translation, (we still have the original Japanese radio head) but it goes back to dark every time you switch on. Any tips please?

Hello Jenny,

Please share your method; albeit temporary.

Thanks

17 hours ago, stupots said:

Hi just travelled on holiday  in my converted Alphard 2005 plate which has been converted to a camper, i have only had it about a week after waiting for 4 months for the conversion, my only problems are that as the car was a very low milage import from japan the display on the head display text is in japanese and some of the buttons  . question how do you convert to english, i dont think there is a sat nav disk in it , the are two slots for disks when the head opens , a dvd size and a smaller size disk slot, is one of these for the the sat nav disk, or does it mean a new head for the english market.

please help if you can

stupots.

 

Hello Stuart,

Welcome to the Forum.

You cannot change the language.

The sat nav won't work either, it won't be able to locate the satellite.

Even if the disc system works, you will need UK discs, and I don't think any were ever available.

The DVD size is, probably, for CDs (and maybe DVDs, the smaller one is probably for minidiscs.

Both should work, but may require region 2 DVDs (my later model does not).

If you go the new head-unit route, as many do, proceed with caution paying particular attention to steering wheel functions, including cameras (if you have them.

There is a ton of info on Head-units within this Forum.

Good Luck

17 minutes ago, starider said:

Hi, I have rear mud flaps, so just bolted a reflector on each.

Great solution.

Thanks for sharing.

Please supply your registration number, by Private Message, so The Alphard Club can approve your advertisement.

Supposedly, some include reflectors.

When I looked into this a few years ago, there does not appear to be any size specified for the reflectors.

I bought some small ones for a motorcycle !

Thanks Tony,

For other members, there are ones available that fit into the reflector locations and do not require (if you get the correct ones) and modifications to the bumper.

They do need wiring in though, but the wiring will need to be there (or already is) anyway.

As :Picasso says, I believe the VAT threshold is about £135/138.

If you need to know exactly check HMRC.

I import quite a few items from Germany; hence my estimate.

Also check that the seller is shipping to you tax free.

On items above 138 ask the seller if they can export to the UK without Tax; otherwise you pay tax twice (including a tax on a tax).