Rojie

Hello Arthur, If you are 'dead set' on having a Captains seats that fold flat you may consider those fitted to the previous Evo 1 Alphard. Although they have very nice armrests, which fold flat, they also fold flat in a rearward direction. They do not fold flat in a forward direction. If this may be of interest to you, I stress that you would must ensure that the seat rail spacing is the identical before purchasing any. The previous Captains seats do not swivel, nor is there a simple way of achieving that; but I doubt that yours swivel either. If you need more info please PM me as I can offer other ideas.

Hi Geoff, Type number should be somewhere on the surrounding bezel. I suggest you explicitly ask your dealer about retaining full control before you have it replaced. After their confirmation you would have a legitimate comeback if needed.

I have a 2006 5 speed auto. If I were to fault the car; it would be the gear selection ! Compared to all other autos I have ever driven ( a lot, as I lived in the US twice) it is quite agricultural. I am speaking of the gear shift, not the auto gear changes themselves. Many people who have not driven autos can struggle when challenged by an auto. They are easy. Just keep your left foot on the floor; not the pedals ! Like riding a bicycle, or swimming, once you accomplish it you will wonder why you never had an auto. There is a notification of which gear you have selected on the dash. If in auto, let the box do the work. Also you can read the JPNZ Owners Manual as it has a section on 'hill driving'.

Hi Geoff, Welcome to the Forum. I'm sure that lots of our Members will be offering advice on this topic. As you suggest, there is a lot of info, and opinion, on this topic. Please do the reading, it may be confusing, but will probably be enlightening. 2008 is a crossover year for Alphards. (So is 2005!). It would help our members to help you if we knew what model your 2008 might be. 2008 is a late Evo 1 (facelifted) or an early Evo 2. 2005 is an early Evo1 or a facelifted Evo 1 The body side panels, among other things, differentiate between the two. If you are sure both engines are 3.0l V6 then you will have a Evo 1 (as the Evo 2 is 3.5l V6). If you don't know, upload a side view photo. It may also help to know the head unit type number (or a photo). Whatever, if you upgrade your head unit, be careful. Some upgrades will cause you to lose camera functions and/or steering wheel control (of the head unit).

But which AA ? !

Reading your history again. It must be reassuring to note the items in the first section.

Hello Nov, Thanks for this insight. Somewhat disappointing, in my view. However, it must be a relief to know your vehicle wasn't involved in, or too near to, the Fukushima nuclear accident. I assume that Japan would not allow any radioactive vehicles to be exported. But, it's nice to know. I was expecting more 'full service detail'. Not being familiar with the Japanese system, perhaps "Inspection" means that any work needed was carried out. This isn't even as good as the DVLA MOT history, albeit that doesn't cover servicing; and nowhere near would we Brits would regard as full service history record. It would seem to me, that, unless this report is almost zero cost; it isn't really worthwhile. What is you view for other Alphard users/owners ? I really appreciate the detail you have provided for all us Alphie fans.

Most autos give a little 'bump' when changing. The harder the acceleration or retardation, normally the larger the 'bump'. In my experience, the smaller the engine the larger the bump! Have you driven automatics gearboxes before your Alphie ? Yours should be a 5 speed and quite smooth. (I am talking V6 here). I have another car which has a very expensive auto gearbox and that has a 'slurring/slipping' effect when changing (unless your driving style is foot to floor then there is a jolt as the box shifts quickly). As you say, wait and see. Perhaps other Alphie drivers will comment.

Hi Nov, Thanks for this. Looks very general ! Is this supposed to be specific to your vehicle ? The first posting in this thread is for a specific vehicle, and has real value as it includes status. Do you have a copy of the actual service history of (your) vehicle from this company ?

I've had my first two jabs; waiting for the third. I do have my senior moments; but forgetting the Jab won't be one of them ! Glad you have almost fully recovered. I think we should consider starting a youtube channel, or make a TV programme about maintaining an Alphie. Gerry and the Atrics, or, Codger and Rodger, or Heaven in Devon.

My guess is, this is just cold auto oil. Have you checked the auto oil level ? Autos do need oil changes from time to time, and the filter. Someone on here recently did an oil / filter change, but I don't know why. I'll try and find them and ask As we don't have Service manuals yet, it is difficult to know when we need to change the auto oil.

Morning Shawn, Oh dear ! That does not look like a quick or cheap fix. Good luck.

I found the link to the provider of Full Service Histories, for those of us who may want, or need, one. I have not (yet) used this company. https://carvx.jp/

This posting is not intended as a discussion thread. I post this as there has been many mentions of Ben Hau upgrading the HDD head unit whilst retaining full steering wheel and camera functionality. I have no financial interest in Ben or his company.

Hi Jenny, This is the person I put you on to. I am so glad it worked out for you. He has written to me requesting a photo. I'll reply that he has already helped you. HE HAS OFFERED TO DO THIS FORUM 10 USD FOR FORUM MEMBERS. So anyone else should mention this Forum and expect aa discount. M Shukarno Bin Shareef +8801672761737. I have no financial interest in this company.

So I know where to visit when I need some braided brake pipes fitting !

I agree with wjvh, losing the steering wheel functions, if they were working, after the radio install sounds suspicious. Your dealer needs to check the Kenwood install for a stray wire end, or wiring error.

Depending on which 'radio' you have you may decide to upgrade it. Many do. I have the usual HDD head unit, and many of us keep them as they are so good (although somewhat difficult to use unless you are fluent in verbal and written Japanese). Many users upgrade, but just be careful you don't loose any functionality you need or care about. Depending on your head unit, you can connect a smart phone via Bluetooth. Which, I believe, gives you major functionality. Various head units are in the Owners Manual, as you know, but the HDD units (there are two that I know of) aren't. Enjoy your Alphie.

Welcome to this Forum, Lucky you, and you can always count on this Forum to try to help you if you need it Ldrego is near you. He puts up very useful youtube videos. Best of luck with your Alphie, and the conversion. Happy Camping

Thanks to you, Starider, for warning us all of this. The JPNZ manual does specify 105nM torque. Slightly over 80 foot pounds. I have a really good torque wrench and, without checking, I doubt it goes to 80 ! I'll check, but it seems, more investment required. I wish you the very best of luck with your repair. Where did you get the parts ?

OK, Picasso; you have helped so many of us, so let's (as a club) hope we can help you. Clearly you have the correct Owners Manual, and have identified and checked the fuses. I think Chris.ac has wiring diagrams, perhaps you could PM him and ask if he can help. Is your vehicle a direct import or through a dealer ? You may find it a difficult task, but go back to your dealer/importer and request their help. My only thought is a battery disconnect; BUT, as far as I know, these features are not effected. I very cautiously suggest you ensure your battery is fully charged, disconnect it, wait a few minutes and reconnect it. Hopefully you can relearn the windows, moon roof and mirrors. I am guessing here. I suppose it is possible you have fault issues. Do you have the auction sheet ? Perhaps if you are able to decode it you may come across something that identifies a pre existing issue, or not.

Hi Chris, thanks for this. Dewatte, do you have a 20 series? Check the label on your door pillar, and let us know. Chris, can you be a bit more explicit on how to achieve this for Dewatte. Perhaps a button sequence with a screen shot or two. TIA.

As ever, Chris the technical whiz, has the answer. But not all of us have his ability! Hopefully you understand his reply and can act upon it successfully.

These do not appear to be an obvious plastic match of the parts (fitted to my Alphie). Bit, if they fit, who cares what the material is. Good luck, hope they fit.