Rojie

34 minutes ago, Lin Hunneyball said:

My 3 litre petrol automatic is not changing up into 5th gear even when cruising on the flat. My local garage near Penzance Cornwall cannot fix it. I suggested it could be that we haven't changed the transmission fluid in a while, but they thought that was unlikely to be the problem. I've tried an automatic transmission specialist in Penryn and they say they can't get parts for it. It is an import with a 57 plate. Can anyone recommend a solution or a mechanic who's dealt with this kind of problem?

Thanks, Chris Hunneyball.  

Hello Chris,

Welcome to the Forum.

Have you tried Dyernostics in Bodmin ?

Worth a call. He is a qualified Toyota technician.

He may do autos, or know someone that does.

Silly question, but you do have the gear shift in the correct position !

Not to the right when in D.

I have only seen one in this colour. Magnificent.

On the Gen 1 model the paint code is on the VIN plate on the nearside B pillar.

1 hour ago, Hecktangle said:

Hello,

I've recently taken ownership of my Vellfire. It's a 3.5 V6, very happy with it. Once I saw the colour I had to go for it, I didn't see too many in the colour even on holiday. Glad to be here and looking forward to learning more about these vehicles 

Hello Owen

Welcome to the Forum.

What colour is it, difficult to tell from the photos ?

8 minutes ago, Daveo said:

Thanks for your reply. Yes,I measured the voltage and it's really low at around 4volts.

 

The battery is a hobby/leisure battery and suitable for camper vans and motor homes according to Tayna batteries, so I'll think I'll do a like for like replacment

If Tayna say its ok, it is.

16 hours ago, Laurasmith said:

I have a 2010. vellfire. We have had a alphard camper before this one. The vellfire seems better on petrol but still thirsty. My main question - is everyones insurance through a broker? And was it over a grand? I am with mark richards they seem good but expensive. Just wanted to see if this is the norm? I also wanted to see how the resale of these goes? No normal dealership seems to want to buy them so where do people go should we ever want to sell her? 

No. You do not have to use brokers, but they can save you a lot of time, if not money,

I pay about £350 for a V6 camper; only condition is I have to have a gas safety certificate; not a habitation certificate.

You could try to sell on this Forum; distance being to only challenge.

9 hours ago, MalikToyota said:

Import Autos Ltd

Trump Farm, Drift Road

Maidenhead

Berkshire

SL6 3SU

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/berkshire/maidenhead/import-autos-10044200 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/import-autos

 

I recently purchased a Toyota Alphard from Import Autos Ltd, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. They took the time to answer all my questions, provided detailed information about the vehicle, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free.

The Alphard I received was exactly as described – immaculate condition, high auction grade, and beautifully presented. Their attention to detail, honesty, and commitment to customer satisfaction truly set them apart. It’s rare to find a dealer who combines such expertise with genuine care for their customers.

If you're looking to purchase or import a Japanese vehicle with confidence and peace of mind, I can’t recommend Import Autos Ltd enough. Thank you for delivering such a high-quality vehicle and outstanding service!

Be ready for my next vehicle next year Mr Zed. 🙂

What warranty do they offer ?

10 hours ago, Daveo said:

I've recently bought my first Alphard and the previous owner said he never used the leisure battery as he was never off grid. I think this probably explains why I haven't got it to work since it is most likely discharged. So I've tried to charge it up on a smart/trickle charger but just get an error code (ER2) on a Ring 4A Charger. Prior to this I also had some nasty odours given off when we were hooked up to the mains at a campsite, I'm thinking this may have been the battery. Anyway, assuming the battery is beyond it's useful life, possibly due not being charged up every so often, I perhaps need a new one. Now I've made quite a few assumptions here so let me know if there are other reasons for my faulty/discharged battery. Its a Varta LFS75 12v professional dual purpose and then I have a Powerpart PDU Converter. Should I do a like for like replacement or opt for an AGM battery instead? Thanks in advance.

Hello, What is a PDU convertor ?

Leisure batteries are normally charged through a split relay by the alternator.

I use a cheap voltmeter plugged into an accessory 'cigarette' socket wired to the leisure battery to, crudely, monitor the charge.

OK, I looked up PDU; facilitates 'all' the leisure electrics.

Seems to provide charging to the leisure battery from the mains hook up.

As far as I am aware, my mains set up does not use a PDU, just a split charger and fuse/rcd.

So, I do not think my leisure battery is charged when connected to the mains.

That Varta battery seems to be for starting small marine craft !

Imho, starter batteries are not suitable for leisure batteries.

I stand to be corrected.

Have you measured the leisure battery voltage ?

Off load, and on load ?

17 hours ago, MonsterS said:

Hi all, Anyone got a drone?
I though i would have a crack at a video on my vehicle.

Currently running DJI Mini 2 SE

Video here.

Your van is much more clean than mine !

17 hours ago, MonsterS said:

anyone tried dry ice to restore them?

Hello Alex,

What an unusual question !

My thoughts ?

No, and don't.

Acquiring dry ice could be somewhat difficult.

Transporting it even more so.

It is very dangerous 'material', with all sorts of Health and Safety issues.

I have used it in industry, not a easy task. Needs very good PPE.

Applying it could be a nightmare, and could, maybe,  just shatter the lenses.

1 hour ago, harleyak said:

got a problem with my tank it has been dented at some point and the fuel gauge doesn't read true so looking for ideas on a replacement? 

Why ?

Does the tank leak ?

I have read many threads on this forum where the fuel level indication is questionable, and only 55 litres are needed to fill.

Does it really matter, unless you run your tank down low often (which is not a good idea) ?

I run Pirelli XL on mine. Very pleased.

I think you should not go with M + S, but need XL on the rear if you have a rear conversion.

Tyre ratings, according to the Handbook, depend on the model (trim) you have.

95W is the minimum you need, according to the handbook.

10 hours ago, smurf said:

I bought one of these last year. Used it for about a week touring in the van and I was more than happy with it. Easy to put on and take off, a perfect fit, and it is made of sturdy material so I'd expect to get many years use out it. It was perfect for privacy at night, and it did keep the temperature down during the day. 

 

https://amzn.eu/d/eIun2ym

Very similar to the one I have.

I agree with Chris,

If your unit is OEM, or suitable for Japan, the unit will search for certain satellites and never find them.

1 hour ago, Arthur said:

Thanks Rojie, they were my first port of call.  
 

My Internal blinds came from Fuel Lagoon and have been excellent.  However, they don’t seem to have any External wraparounds at the moment - they’re also at the ‘budget’ end of what I’ve been looking at.

I am extremely happy with mine.

I would call them mid budget, although I don't remember their cost.

East to fit, easy to stow, very good blackout.

They don't insulate as many internals do; but I didn't need that feature.

Neither do they leave witness marks after removeable.

30 minutes ago, Arthur said:

Hi.  We’ve had our Gen 1 (2007) Alphie for 4 seasons and our Internal thermal blinds are now looking a bit sad for wear.  I’m also fed up of peering out of a windscreen covered with suction cup marks 😂

Can anyone recommend an External windscreen wraparound (blackout) blind?

 

There seems to be a significant difference between quality and price out there - range to date is £35 to £295 with lead-in times of up to 8-10 weeks!  

Fuel Lagoon.

When I travelled frequently in Europe, not in an Alphie, I used SAGA.

Multiple trips of indefinite length cover, but it was an all inclusive policy; not just breakdown.

2 minutes ago, meliwm15 said:

Thanks

The app I'm talking about is MyToyota: 
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mytoyota/id1617623127 
or 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toyota.oneapp.eu

And when asked to add a car, the only VIN I could find (similar to your suggestion) was "too short" - it's expecting 14 characters?
Could this be due to it not recognising a VIN for an import?

 

We have our Corolla registered - the VIN is (similar to): SBnKnnBEXnEnnnnnn (the"n" denotes a number)
But I cannot for the life of me get the Alphard registered?
The registration is certainly valid for the number plate, but it is not recognised on the app and I cannot find the VIN for it ...again, perhaps cos it's an import?
 

My VIN is on the nearside B pillar.

It features the model number and serial number, as Paul notes above.

My reaction is to look for another.

Some garages are excessively strict, (does it impress the DVLA), but the history could be more 'caring'.

120k is a lot of miles, but it is a Toyota.

You will also need someone competent to work on it, if needed.

As it is a hybrid, I would be worried about replacement battery cost, and where to have that work performed.

Read Michael Brown's thread regarding battery cost.

Based on what I have read about early Hybrids, I would not buy it.

You ought to be able to get a Gen 1 facelift for not much more budget, albeit without a pop top.

Good Luck, whatever you decide

1 hour ago, dave1066 said:

Just introducing myself as a driver owner of a 2005 Alphard and 2010 Vellfire based in Reading.

 

This club has been a great source of information so thanks to you all for your articles etc.

 

I have recently imported the Vellfire and have use some of the information here to help me to understand bits and bobs and specifically to fit a rear fog light including replacement stalk for switching.

 

So hello and hanks everyone.

 

Dave

 

 

 

Glad to have you aboard.

The Forum is about mutual help and understanding.

We look forward to contributions especially on your new Vellie.

Hello Tei,

We cannot read any of this history.

What is the registration of the vehicle ?

3 hours ago, David45 said:

 Can anyone recommend the best headlight bulb for a Toyota Alphard 2006. I had to replace the headlight with a second hand one the other day, sadly the bulb in the replacement one is not working so I removed it and took the one out of my old light I noticed the are different.  One is a D2R and the other a D4S.  Which one would you recommend.

Low beam with AFS D2S

Low beam without AFS D2R

19 minutes ago, LozK said:

Hi all,

 

I just bought an imported Alphard (06 registration plate) and was trying to sort out how to connect to the replaced radio system (a Grundig Gx-3800), especially to try and get phone mirroring working.

 

I was looking fora USB connection, and was wondering if these connectors in the top glove box were maybe something to do with it? Or maybe something else left over from when it was in Japan?

 

Sorry, photos are a bit hard to see.

 

Thank you for any information you can give on this mysterious beast!

Hello Loz,

Welcome to the Forum.

1 hour ago, BilboJ said:

Can anyone advise on the correct tyre Speed rating for a 2007 2.4G Alphy, please?

Mine has Bridgestone 225/55R17 101V's fitted at the moment - which drive really well and are coming up for renewal - but a speed rating of V is something like 149mph which sounds barking to me!

Any advice on what tyre types / ratings other forum members have used would be very welcome.

Thanks!

Hello,

Apart from the cost, I would not be too worried about the speed rating provided you meet the OEM minimum.

According to my Owners Handbook, and it does depend on the model you have, H or W.

What some members do is fit XL tyres. They will stiffen the ride slightly, but offer less roll when cornering.

31 minutes ago, ICEMAN said:

Hey people, I have a 2008 Toyota Alphard  3 litre and I went over a very big dip in the road, front of the car grounded out very badly and pulled over to see fluid coming out the bottom of my vehicle I wasn’t far from home and decided to chance it and drive it home but was in mega traffic while in traffic I noticed the heater Temperature gauge rising big time so I pulled over before it got to over 3/4 of the way and let it cool down, I took a closer look with the bonnet up and noticed the aluminium pipe had fractured, trying to find one which is proving to be bloody difficult, dose any one have one of these or is Breaking one that might have one or the part code for a new one I can ….

 

IMG_4726.mov

 

 

Hello,

I tried to this tidy this for you. but I think I may have messed it up. Sorry.

If you could start again, I will delete this entire thread.