Rojie

2 hours ago, Teekay said:

Thankyou for detailed reply. I'll look up what blueprint part means and sellers you mentioned.

 

QUESTION - Is there a paper or soft copy of service manual, owner manual or Hayes repair book? They can be really handy 

There are Owners Manuals published by JPNZ available on ebay.

I would recommend the correct edition to EVERY Alphard Vellfire owner.

They are not service manuals.

Chris.ac has access to Japanese and Russian information (if you can understand it).

1 hour ago, Chris.ac said:

if you mean a permanant solution so you can always open from inside, i.e. you are using as a camper and want to get out the back, then yes, it would involve cutting a small aperture in the lower panel and perhaps spot welding a small handle to the manual release latch.

 

Much simpler on the 2nd gen, as there already exists a removable panel to actuate the mechanism with a screwdriver.

I have discussed this approach with my convertor, creating  a small access opening.

As of today we have not progressed if.

Fortunately, my rear conversion does not have a fridge in the usual place but does have a cupboard with access from inside and outside BUT.

The rear cupboard doors open outwards, impossible if the tail gate is closed !!

Possible if I create access through them, or remove them. NO.

Another solution needed.

1 hour ago, Kimmy said:

Hi there.

 

My partner has a white 2003 Toyota Alphard 2.4

We are looking for a lever for the 2nd row passenger seat which slides the seat back and forth as my puppy has chewed it. Or looking for a complete new/used seat to replace it. Seat colour is light to medium grey 

Many Thanks

Kim 

Hi Kimmy,

Welcome to the Forum.

Try a nearby convertor, if there is one.

Romahome / NorthStar at Cowes may be able to provide a surplus one.

Or a chap near Exeter.

As the seats are heavy you will probably need to collect it.

2 hours ago, Ross said:

Hi. Anyone got a Roofbunk or other roof top tent on their Alphard? Just checking it would work fine. Thank you

Hi Ross,

Welcome to the Forum

2 hours ago, Ian24 said:

Hi all, I've a series 20 and does anyone know how to adjust the sensitivity of the automatic headlights, if it's possible.many thanks Ian24.

Hi Ian,

If you mean delay time, there is another thread just started.

Please switch to that one.

1 hour ago, Chamaco said:

I am Chamaco a new member, I drive a first generation Alphard 3.0 AWD.

Hello Chamaco,

Welcome to the Forum.

Nice van. Enjoy.

3 hours ago, Teekay said:

Company who bid at auction for me. 

Ask them for a copy of the Auction sheet.

Very informative when you learn how to decode them.

9 hours ago, Teekay said:

It is made by the part division of exporter. Hopefully they will do half decent job. I don't even know yet how many keys are there with the car. Waiting for post auction pictures..

Have you bought it at auction, or from a  dealer ?

1 minute ago, Teekay said:

Thanks Rojie, your help is appreciated. I wonder if there are known / semi reputed chip fitters in and around London? Last thing I want to someone ruining the car..😑😀

My chip was fitted by the seller near Heathrow.

Send me a personal message for the contact.

I don't see why he couldn't help you.

10 minutes ago, Teekay said:

Car exporter in Japan is happy to get extra key made for approx £100. I wonder if it's cheaper to get one made in UK?

For a Gen 1 facelift. £15 for the correct key, £80 to programme it.

As your vehicle is a grey import, Toyota dealers won't do it.

I would go Japanese, assuming the key will be OEM.

1 hour ago, Teekay said:

Thankyou Rojie. I'll check the car once it arrives if it is digital display or sticker can be added on top. I understand OBD scanner can be placed on dashboard and some GPS based speed calculator with overhead display. Chip if it is for gen 2 and is confirmed to be bullet proof long lasting option I'll go for it. Starting to study options. If car stays in km/h, will be super useful to drive in EU..bonus 🙂

The odometer will be digital, you need the correct chip to reduce the increments as you travel.

The 'stick on' speedo dial is just a 'card'. It is a passive device.

When I drove in Europe, not in an Alphie, I used a simple conversion sticker in the top right of the windscreen. About £5 from Halfords !

Depends where you van while spend most of its time.

If there is a chip for Gen 2, and I can't believe there isn't, it is a very professional approach.

1 hour ago, Teekay said:

Is Epc the part number list of the car? Where to get the epc? Below?

https://toyota-general.epc-data.com/alphard/

How to get "Frame Number" of my car?

I believe that is the link, or something very similar.

For the epc you will need the model number which is normally on the nearside B pillar.

It will look like ANH20, or similar.

The 'plate' should also have your VIN number.

For some search engines the VIN is helpful; some not.

There are only two sources for struts, that I know of. Toyota and Aliexpress.

15 hours ago, Lukeysell said:

Does anyone know if you can adjust the automatic headlights on/off sensitivity in the settings somewhere?

 

They are overly sensitive.

Every other vehicle I've driven you can change the delay to 'x' amount of seconds so they're not just coming on as a shadow passes.

 

Many thanks. 

Hello Lukey,

Welcome to the Forum.

I have not come across this before.

I can't remember every reading that you can change that setting.

Hopefully, I am wrong.

25 minutes ago, Darren Eyles said:

So the magnetic strips don’t work on the roof as it’s probably fibre glass, it works perfect if you use Velcro strips

Interesting, magnetic strip worked for Starider, as above.

Pop top will be fibreglass, I doubt very much that the roof is !

Maybe a stronger magnetic strip was needed.

Great that the Velcro worked though.

Hi Jenny,

After recently researching buying replacement struts thoroughly, and still getting it wrong.....

I have applied WD40 to the hinges, carefully and sparingly, to reduce the friction.

That action made a big difference.

Having read Chris.ac post above, I decided to lightly oil the piston rods with thin oil.

Slowly, slowly with multiple manual openings and closing of the tailgate between applications.

It has improved things enormously; almost no judder now.

I had been concerned about the electric mechanism, but Chris.ac reassured me it was unlikely to be that.

I have a rear conversion, which limits access severely, but decided to very carefully apply some WD40 to the pivoting mechanism.

I also 'lubricated the stay bar from the motor lever arm to tailgate. This had previously been tightened as it was rather loose.

I'll probably need to lubricate this again, but it is easier, and much cheaper, that replacing the struts with OEM ones.

If this method doesn't work I'll go OEM.

Make sure you keep the lubricants well away from your interior trim !

This is an alternate method, not a tried and tested long term solution !

If you go OEM, there should be a large letter on the lower end of the strut body. That is the type ID of the correct fitted part.

Struts, yes, good suggestion especially if you are tall !

If buying struts, be careful.

As I discovered, there are several.

On my Gen 1 facelift, there is a large letter on the strut.

That is the type you need.

Read the ToyotaAlphardEPC carefully (and fully).

Good Luck

2 hours ago, Hfgjgjhlhfdhfhdfhfdhdf said:

Hi all,

 

possibly stupid question but is there any way to open the tailgate from inside the vehicle (1st gen Alphard, non-motorised tailgate). If not, is it the kind of thing that an independent garage might be able to cobble together a solution for?

Hi Mr Secretive,

Welcome to the Forum.

Try Cuttothechase on Youtube. Or Ldrego on here.

I believe he did a video on this problem.

It involves disconnecting the main battery.

This thread is intended for information only.

It is not intended for discussion.

The list was supplied by pcous regarding work done on his Alphard.

Motorhome Habitation Annual Service Schedule

UNDERBODY

Body to chassis mountings - check security

Cab to body junction - check

Underbody tanks & auxiliaries - check

Spare wheel retainer - check operation & lubricate

Corner steadies & folding steps (where applicable) - Check operation & lubricate

Chassis - lubricate axel tube (AL-KO) & Inspect non-original suspension components

12V ELECTRICS

12n & 12 plugs/cables (where applicable) - Check condition & test

Road lights & reflectors - check condition & operation

Fridge - check operation

Interior lighting & equipment - check operation

Habitation battery (where fitted) - Check condition, security, electrolyte level & lubricate terminals

Wiring, earth's & fuses - inspect condition & correct fuse ratings

Awning light & outside pump socket - check condition & operation

Fan maste – test

VENTILATION

Ventilation openings - check for obstructions & free flow of air

Adjustable ventilators - check for function

Roof lights - check to ensure free of obstruction

GAS (FRIDGE NOT SERVICED UNLESS REQUESTED)

Regulator - check performance

Carry out gas leak test

Appliances (including water heater, cooker, heating & fridge) - check operation

Pipe work - check condition & replace flexible hose & clips when necessary

Flame failure device - check operation

Cylinder - check security

Gas dispersal holes - check for blockage

MAINS ELECTRICS

Inlet plug, hook up cable (when available) earth bonding & RCD operation - check

Outlets & permanent connections - carry out visual & functional check

WATER SYSTEM

Water pump, pressure switch & heater - check operation & clean grit filter

Taps, micro switch, valves, pipes & tank (If fitted) - check condition & operation

Water filter & housing - check for leaks & replace filter if necessary

Waste system - check for leaks

Toilet - check seats, flush & blade operation

FIRE SAFETY

DIY additions - check operation & safety

Security & smoke alarms - check operation

Extinguisher (if fitted) - Check correct type fitted & expiry date

Fire blanket (if fitted) - check location & fixing

BODYWORK

Body panels - check & report on any damage & sealant condition

Door locks & hinges - check operation & lubricate

Body attachments - check security (including ladders, cycle racks, lockers, aerials, satellite dishes etc)

Floor - check for delamination Cab seat - check operation (swivel type or bed configuration only)

Furniture - check condition & operation (incl. hinges, stays etc)

Windows seals & blinds - check operation & condition

Rising roofs - check operation (where applicable.

I respectfully submit this as an example only.

Thanks again to pcous for disclosing this list.

The cost ?

£75, plus VAT.

57 minutes ago, HybridBatteryRepair said:

It was myself that rectified the issue for John.

 

Apologies in advance if this post is not allowed, I did try to find wording which either excluded or included trade

 

If someone could confirm please then I can post more details 

 

Thanks,

 

Fraser

Hello Fraser,

Thank you for asking for clarity on the issue of business users.

The Forum does not allow commercial posts (touting for business) unless the author registers for a Trade Account.

The reason for this is to spare our members from spamming.

To apply for a Trade Account please contact Alphard Club.

Please send specific business details through the personal message system.

However, if John chooses to provide a recommendation, that is generally acceptable.

2 hours ago, Wilma Dyke said:

Does anyone know where I can purchase front passenger seat arm rest

Hello Wilma,

Welcome to the Forum.

Seat and arm covers are available on ebay; or if you need to replace the entire arm rest try the salvage companies.

Good Luck.

2 hours ago, Teekay said:

Hi guys I'm importing second generation 2011 3.5L Alphard and wanted to know if and how should I convert the odometer from kilometres to Miles? Part of me wants to keep it as original and install a secondary device to check speed. Some friend said it is a small chip install and integrate well to change speed display. Any expert opinion or expertise / experience to share? Many thanks 

On the Gen 1 vehicles there is a chip that converts your (digital) odometer to miles.

As the vehicle doesn't know, or care, what speed it is doing (in mph or km) there is a 'simple' fix of adding a mph dial over, or instead of, the kph one.

There is a thread on here, I feel sure, (or maybe YouTube) on how to do this.

21 minutes ago, ScottE said:

Hi everyone!

 

I'm just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a company or garage who would be able to replace the radio in my Alphard, ideally in the Bristol area?

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Hello ScottE,

Welcome to the Forum.

This topic is well covered in this Forum.

Search for Radio Replacement in the search box.

13 hours ago, Teekay said:

I thought Alphard having very little ground clearance (160 mm?) is immune to catalytic convertor theft. Is that not the case?

 

Does 3.5l v6 or hybrids, at their cats same? Or one is more precious?

160mm is not low to the ground. But..

Many Alphards are wearing big wheels and low profile tyres.

That tends to lower the car considerably.

Depending on the rear valance fitted, the rear clearance can be much more.

As the cats are resold for quite large sums, a jack would do the trick !

10 hours ago, Teekay said:

Many thanks for your reply 👍 good points! Actually car is not imported yet, in the process. I'll sequence it roughly as you said 

1. Fog lights 

2. Mot 

3. Road tax 

4. Dvla paper 

5. Insurance 

6. Change tyres 

7. Drive for a bit and then start my exhaustive meticulous maintenance and upgrade routine checklist.

I like to keep car in highest shipshape possible and intend to keep it. Labour of love some of it. I do know some mechanic that I trust will help me do some of the work but he is qualified Honda expert of 25+ years. I hope Toyota should be familiar turf for him.

I'm not sure, but I think you need it insured before you can tax it.

Don't forget the undersealing this summer.

1 hour ago, OldWellhouse said:

I've put about 12 miles on my 2.4 54 plate so far and have zero idea what MPG I'll get but I'm already trying to calculate fuel costs for longer trips I'm planning. 

What's the average MPG you guys are getting with the 2.4l engine on the new regular or premium petrol?
 

With a 4 speed auto it should be (about) 9.4km / litre; according to the Owners Manual.