Rojie

Hello Dazman,

Welcome to the Forum.

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to the Forum. Happy Motoring.

2 hours ago, raoul said:

Hi, you said you had to add the relay in the passenger side footwell. can you explain that to me? did you have to buy this relay?

Hi Raoul,

Those part numbers appear to be for switch assemblies; not the rear fog light cluster.

I am glad it ended happily.

Enjoy your weekend.

And, thanks again Picasso.

Hello Stuey,

Welcome to the Forum.

50 minutes ago, Nigel Henry said:

Hi Rojie many thanks for your comments and you knowledge about the Alphard, l will be asking a few more questions also do the hand test, change the fuel to E5 and also do the full oil change with filters. I will be doing each test over a period of time to see if there is a change with the smoke or steam so l will keep you posted on my findings many thanks again cheers 👍🇺🇦😎.

How many miles has your Alphie done ?

I am currently in discussions with a UK manufacturer of gas struts.

I am looking to replace my tail gate struts as my gate operation is rather jerky and does not open fully.  I have a Gen 1 facelift.

I have supplied approximate dimensions, and received an estimated price.

I would be extremely grateful if any member could provide me with an unwanted strut. I'll pay the postage.

Condition is not important, but the item needs to be dimensionally intact.

In my opinion, although these are not as inexpensive as some sourced from a well known foreign ebay type business. They are considerably less costly than Toyota OEM parts.

Feel free to send a PM if you prefer.

I will not be selling these items, or acting as an agent; but will disclose the supplier (if it all pans out).

2 hours ago, Chris.ac said:

I might do, resell it here if it works

Both Starider and I have facelifted Gen1 though.

I assume the size is different, nice id they are identical sizes.

I need to look at the rear of a Gen 2.

26 minutes ago, Nigel Henry said:

Good evening guys hope your all well, this is just an update on the Alphard l have which is using alot of oil but also showing lots of smoke still coming out of the exhaust when the vehicle is first started. It still drives amazingly well with no issues but after being in three independent garages all doing different tests ;

1st Garage pcv valve all good.

2nd Garage checked the engine and also lifted the car up on ramps and noticed that there was alot of water coming out of the exhaust, l mentioned to him that l never really need to top up the coolant so this is a mystery to where this amount of water came from.

3rd Garage the vehicle was put on a diagnostics machine checking the pressure in the engine for cylinder head gasket also piston rings everything is showing that its ok.

The next thing I'm thinking of trying is to do an oil change .

Also someone has mentioned that it could possibly be the type of fuel because of when they did some changes last year, so maybe  l should try the more expensive one, l do welcome anyone's input and thoughts on this issue many thanks cheers 👍🏻🇺🇦😎.

Hi Nigel,

Sorry to hear this problem still persists !

If the 'smoke' is white, and not blue (or darker) it is almost certainly steam.

Some exhaust systems seem to retain water, or moisture, in the pipework, probably overnight condensation.

(You haven't got any local mischief makers with a water pistol, squirting water into the tail pipe).

As the engine warms up, it boils off quite quickly.

The colder the temperature the more steam you will get as, of course, the engine is breathing air and any moisture therein.

I am not a mechanic, but if this white smoke does not persist after the engine is fully warm I would not worry about it.

If it does persist, or is present when starting a warm engine, I would start to worry about a head gasket.

However, the garage three result seems to confirm that a head gasket failure is not the problem.

Did garage three test all six cylinders for pressure ?

The new E10 fuel, I have read, can 'deposit' small amounts of water in the bottom of the petrol tank; but mainly when the vehicle is left for some period of time unused.

You could try E5 after running your tank quite low. I am not aware of how to rid any water from the tank!

Have you held your hand very close to the exhaust pipe outlet. BE CAREFUL.

What, if anything, gets deposited on your hand, or GLOVE.

These 3.0L engines are, I have read, very fussy about their oil, otherwise gelling can occur.

Nov's video above deals with this. Frequent oil changes are necessary.

Did I ask you your current mileage ?

I can't see why you should not be changing your oil and filter.

You will need 4.7L of oil for both filter and sump.

Is your oil pressure OK.

Red light should be on before you start engine, and should go off immediately engine starts, and it should stay off; no flickering.

It is proving quite a mystery !

30 minutes ago, starider said:

Hi Rojie, been trying to find any firm recommendations or definitive comments on "inflatable drive away awnings". We are looking at the Outdoor Revolution Cayman Low. My main concern is the fitting of the awning rail, either a permanent or magnetic rail, any ideas or comments please. Thanks.

Hi Starider,

No, sorry. Nothing to say other than there are some threads on here discussing this.

I am looking at small tents but only so I can 'unload' on arrival at camp sites.

Hopefully, some awning users will respond to your enquiry.

2 hours ago, Chris.ac said:

https://www.jauce.com/auction/k1038214245

https://www.jauce.com/auction/t1010370578

 

These are for 10 series - they both appear to have reflex reflector properties and lighting - one part is a private seller, and the other is available on bulk.

Hi Chris,

Nice to hear from you again.

I have my doubts about these, but if I needed one, I'd go for the first. It's only £20, plus postage!

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

36 minutes ago, Picasso said:

the fluid is red to be honest before putting more fluid in i would get the rack tested and rebuilt as i do believe you have a seal blown 

Hi Picasso,

Do you have a suggestion where Andy could get this work done ?

Thanks in advance

2 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/power-steering-fluid-colour-wtf.145943/#:~:text=Power steering fluid can either, are the hardest to locate.

 

Red or pink !

 

I read (sorry for the pun) up on this and apparently Toyotas are not too fussy about the fluid. BUT what I read may not have been referring to an Alphie.

 

I'll see what Toyota Direct has available for you.

 

Toyota part number – 08886-81210 £16.00 for a litre.

I think it is the same as ATF, auto transmission fluid, but do check before using as I may be wrong.

13 minutes ago, AndyJThompson said:

Thanks for your responses.  I keep getting asked if the fluid is red or green.  As my reservoir is totally  empty I do not know.  Could any one help?

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/power-steering-fluid-colour-wtf.145943/#:~:text=Power steering fluid can either, are the hardest to locate.

Red or pink !

I read (sorry for the pun) up on this and apparently Toyotas are not too fussy about the fluid. BUT what I read may not have been referring to an Alphie.

I'll see what Toyota Direct has available for you.

2 hours ago, Jig said:

Hi I’m looking to purchase a vellfire need some advice on which is the best spec model also looking for one that is chain driven rather than belt also not sure on engine size any help would be appreciated 

Hi Jig,

Welcome to the Forum.

2.5L or 3.5L, both chain driven; or a Hybrid of course.

5 hours ago, ThuMentaliss said:

Photo albums show  ' Hulkster77' towing with his Alphard why don't to post him the query😎

Thanks for finding this.

I had it in 'my minds eye' but just could not locate it. I looked everywhere.

The caravan looks huge !

1 hour ago, Groucho21 said:

Hi. I have similar worries about towing having now bought one. 

It appears you should not tow with an Alphard as Toyota never stamped the Vin plate with a weight it is capable of pulling. 

All info I have suggests although capable you could have null insurance if you have an accident. I've written to Toyota and will post if I get any more info. 

Hi Groucho,

I hope you get an helpful answer from Toyota, but  I doubt you will.

Their attitude to Grey imports is often somewhat 'hands off'.

However, I am hoping that some of our non UK members may be able to help you with an answer; as I believe, the Japanese imports don't have a European style VIN plate.

But other Asian nations may have better 'Vin plates'.

You may find the link below informative, but is does not answer your question.

https://www.trailertrek.co.uk/towing-weights/.

Your ability to tow can also depend on your Driver's Licence, and your age.

1 hour ago, PeteSpringfield said:

Not an Alphard owner yet but seeking whatever wisdom I can glean form the forums here. The features and pricing of these Japanese imports are hugely attractive in comparison to their European rivals and the vastly overpriced coach built vehicles. 

 

Happy motoring and camping to you you all,

Thank you Peter,

Welcome to the Forum.

Hi Gruf,

Welcome to the Forum

1 hour ago, Gruf said:

Afternoon to you all, I thought it was time that I said Hello to you all. My name is Barry but when on forums I normally go by the name Gruf. We have owned (Buzz) 2006 3ltr Alphard G since December last year, this is our second JDM as we owned a  2002 3.5ltr Nissan Elgrand Highway Star for just over six years. When we were looking to replace the Nissan we were looking for something with alot more options like four wheel drive, electric curtains, cruise control but still have two sunroofs and air conditioning also still have a useful amount of power and be comfortable for the longer drives. While driving the Nissan around we had seen a number of the Alphards around but very few locally. I put the feelers out for a new motor and got contacted regards the possible purchase of an Alphard. Having seen the images and got all the checks done we arranged a meeting and a test drive. All went perfectly and a deal was done, so now we own an Alphard called Buzz. I must say thank you to this forum as the amount of knowledge it holds is amazing. Regards Gruf

2 minutes ago, AndyJThompson said:

I drove it Thursday and all was fine in fact I was thinking it was exceptionally light.  It had its last MOT last month.

 

I will get some fluid and fill it up.  I have see a video of someone putting fluid in seems easy enough.  If we get more problems I will take it to a garage.  

It may help if your wife adds some fluid (get more then you need) while you check for leaks underneath.

Run the car up a curb and lie in the gutter !

Capacity is 1.0 Litre.

Good Luck

57 minutes ago, AndyJThompson said:

Ok thanks,  why would the reservoir be totally empty.  Fair enough I could have a leak.  Over time would I expect to loose fluid?

Hi Andy,

I don't know why it would leak. Is it a high mileage vehicle ?

I am not aware of a common fault like this, but, to be honest, I wouldn't be.

When did you last check your fluids ?

From the sudden effect your wife experienced is seems something burst, not leaked.

Some Toyota Dealers will work on Alphards, many won't.

You may need a competent garage to take a look underneath at the piping etc.

When was your last MOT, because leaks and steering issues would be noted, for sure.

I don't have a maintenance manual yet, we are hoping for one this year, so I don't even know how the steering pump is powered.

It may help you to understand the steering system parts, if you can read mechanical drawings, by looking at the ToyotaAlphardEPC.com.

I'll take a look myself. Yes, it's pulley driven.

Take at look at the EPC, it should help you understand the 'geography and assembles that constitute the power steering system.

BfN

28 minutes ago, AndyJThompson said:

Hi everyone,

 

So yesterday when my wife was coming home after sitting in some local traffic for over an hour, she finally made it home.  Reversed into the drive and the steering became very heavy.  I have looked this morning and the power steering fluid is empty.  Can I buy and top up?  I am not a mechanic but working in engineering.  Are there Alphard specific failures I should know about maybe pipes or leaks that are common to the Alphard.  Any advice would be welcome.   Andy

Hi Andy,

Toyota Power Steering Fluid is what the owners manual states. No specs i'm afraid !

Perhaps from Toyota Direct if you are not close to your 'local' dealership

Toyota Super Long Life Coolant.

3 minutes ago, Des Oakers said:

Can anyone help or advise on an easy way to remove water that has got into the headlight. Due to the very heavy rain and storms we have recently had my nearside Headlight has got water behind the glass and sits in the headlight housing. Any ideas how to remove it. Its an conversion to a Camper 2007 model 4wd.

Hello Des,

Welcome to the Forum.

I am thinking a long small bore pipe made of polyethylene, or something similar.

I have never had the problem so don't know how infeasible my suggestion may be.

Do you know where the water is getting in ?