Rojie

10 hours ago, Beverley King said:

Worrying technical comment from the Alphard owner's handbook; in the event of a rear puncture, you should not fit the spare get home wheel to the rear of the vehicle as it may cause problems with your rear transmission and damage the  transmission due to the sensors. Their advice is to take a front wheel and put it on the back and then put the get home wheel on to the front.

Does anyone know if this is applicable to all models (both 4 and front wheel drive?)

I doubt it applies to the front wheel drive cars as they have no rear transmission.

Which page are you referring to ?

So we can read about it and decide whether it applies to 4wd and Hybrids

5 minutes ago, Daniel said:

Hi all,

 

Any idea where I can buy replacements?

 

I have just replaced the front shocks on the alphard (2006 ah10 2.4) as there was a nasty noise from the front left. 

 

All was going well until I was struggling to the 2 bolts out that hold the bottom of the shock to the top of the hub (I believe this is called the steering knuckle). I had to put a  impact gun on one side and hit the other they were so stiff and I've ruined the thread. 

 

They're a simple nut and bolt with no camber adjustment and I believe the code is 43212d.

 

Thank you in advance

Dan

 

 

Hello Daniel,

Welcome to the Forum.

46 minutes ago, Morrison said:

My aluminium heat deflector that sits above the Exhaust dropped off somewhere and the garage says they can only get a replacement from Japan . Does anyone know of a source in the UK ?

Hello Anne,

Welcome to the Forum.

11 hours ago, MicroMike said:

 

Thank you, but I'm not sure what other Toyota vehicles parts would be compatible with my Alphard?

 

The bloke at the garage is an experienced and friendly old guy, but he's definitely not used to working with imported cars. If I could make it simple for him (e.g. "John, you can use the brake pads from a Toyota Rav4 on the Alphard") it would make things much easier. 

 

For the benefit of all members.

There are many ways to acquire parts, as noted above.

I just wanted to point out that Toyota Direct is an option, once you have the part numbers.

Toyota Direct will not find the part numbers for you.

There is, of course, the Toyota Alphard epc; which hasn't been mentioned on the forum recently.

IF, you have a (Alphard) friendly local Toyota dealer they will get the part number for you, and, probably source it for you; not normally the cheapest option.

44 minutes ago, Voodoo101 said:

 I was going to do this and wrap them, but I have found some plastic stick on covers on AliExpress

Can you provide a link please for members ?

Have you considered getting OEM pads from Toyota Direct.

If they are the same as fitted on any other Toyota your local dealer should have them or be able to get them very quickly.

As has been mentioned above; the MOT is the acid test.

Pass that, as you must, and the rest is your 'feel' for the brakes and yyour personal preference.

39 minutes ago, Chris.ac said:

Yeah, i need to do mine, plus the paint between windscreen and sunroof. 

 

I did find colour matched wrap, bit not used this, not sure if it's as they state. 

 

https://www.colorxlabs.com/products/color-match-wrap-vehicle-wrap-that-matches-oem-paint-color

Hi Chris,

Did you notice it's American ?

it may be difficult to get.

Brake fluid is hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture.

It is important to keep the cap on the brake reservoir tightly; and any brake fluid you may have at home.

If the brakes are 'spongey', need pumping, I think a brake fluid change will improve the braking efficiency.

Furthermore, brake fluid that has absorbed moisure can be very dangerous.

Under severe braking, the brake fluid will get hot, and the moisture absorbed within in it can boil.

The nearer the moisure is to the disc, the higher the tendency to 'boil'

You cannot compress hydraulic fliud, or water (but you can increase the pressure of both), but water vapour can be compressed.

Changing your brake fluid is not expensive.

If the brakes have a better feel it's money well spent; if they don't at least you know the fluid is not the cause.

7 hours ago, Michael Brown said:

Don't forget in many cases some of these Alphards are up to 20 years old + and parts don't last forever. They have a lifespan. One hopes when buying one that you are going to get many happy years driving your Alphard without having to fork out shed loads of money to keep your pride and joy on the road. They are a joy to drive when everything works as it should. I enjoy driving mine, the gremlins are on board again and Alfie is off the road presently waiting to have the rear trailing arm bushes replaced next monday. So I am driving Mother's 07 Auris till its fixed. Her car has only just clocked up 60,000miles as its not used much. So I am looking forward to getting Alfie back.

Hello Michael,

The bushes are, as I am sure you know, a common maintenance issue.

Not an easy job either, but most capable mechanics should be able to complete the job.

So, another 60k miles before they need replacing again.

Happy Alpharding.

10 hours ago, vxc12 said:

same for me except it happens during the drive randomly. orange 4WD light. i have a 2008 4wd 3.5 velfire. 

 

Hello Calwu,

You and Dan should check your tyre wear.

I have read that uneven tyre wear and/or pressuree can effect the wheel speed sensing on 4wd vehicles.

The tyres should be all of identical size and manufacture; and best to stay with the original tyre / wheel size combination; ie no larger wheels or lowering of the vehicle. 

At least it is a place to start your investigation

Braided brake pipes may help. 

I agree with the others; the brakes can feel a little soft.

Of course you need to consider your driving style too.

Comparison with other vehicles, although quite natural, may not be the best approach.

I have another car with Brembo brakes, so any comparison I make is largely meaningless.

Perhaps your VWs do have better brakes.

Presumably you have checked the fluid level.

Changing the fluid can do no harm.

Are the disc rotors a little thin ?

I respectfully suggest you find any empty car park and do some familiarisation stops.

Try and sit closer to the pedals if you comfortably can, and try and avoid a (partially) reclined driving position.

When is your MOT due ? I am sure your local guys can perform an objective brake test for you.

Good Luck, I hope you find them satisfactory.

12 hours ago, Henkka said:

I've been trying to find rear brake shields for a month, but I can't find them except in Asia, but the shipping costs are insane. Can i get help here? If someone knows can the rear brake shield can be ordered from somewhere else, or is there another brake shield suitable perhaps? I can only find a set that comes with handbrake shoes and other parts, but I would only need the shields...

 

Part sets are:

46504-28141

46503-28181

 

 

Hello Henry,

Welcome to the Forum.

Please send your VIN to Picasso. He will do what he can to help.

You can send a personal message if you prefer.

Onnea

Is Coventry too far ?

Agreeing with Chris, you should also consider where you will get the hybrid system checked, diagnosed, and repaired; should that become necessary.

Do not assume that (most) Toyota dealers will help you, they won't.

Even if they would, the cost would be considerable.

Read all about it (Michael Brown) on this forum.

Michael spent a small fortune but was very safified with the outcome, if not the expense !

5 hours ago, NorthBoy said:

Hi,  can anyone recommend a garage in the Northamptonship area that is capable and reliable for general work (service) and repairs on series 20 vellfire/alphard.  Thanks in advance.

Have you checked for recommendations in the servicing section of this Forum.

Any motorcycle shop will sell small stick-on reflectors.

There are some parking locations near me with excessive camber (or poor road laying skills).

You must remain aware and cautious and avoid them.

You could raise the height of the vehicle, which I would not recommend; and that appraoch is very expense.

19 hours ago, craftycrofty said:

Hi all,

My partner is in awe of my new Alphard and would like to buy one to transport his mother to Italy. She is disabled. Does anyone have any advice on buying an Alphard/Vellfire with Welcab in the middle row. He is also interested in having reclining seat in the front and other side of the middle row. Reason for not having Welcab in front is due to the doors hitting the curb. Any advice on where to look and value would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

craftycrofty

Hello Charlotte,

Most (if not all) Alphards/Vellfires have reclining seats, front and middle.

Regarding the Welcab, a fantastic piece of equipment; but make sure you know where you will get it serviced / repaired.

They are not common and therefore, imho, there won't be many servicing oportunities.

The Welcab "on the other side" while embarking disembarking the middle row makes sense in Italy / The Continent, but could be very dangerous in the UK.

Surely having the vehicle face the 'wrong' way may be a better idea.

It depends on where the vehicle would see most use. UK or Continent.

PS. Alphards and Vellfires are all Right Hand Drive.

Good Luck

22 hours ago, D4NN 4d said:

Hi all, we have a 2006 Alphard which has just decided to tease us with shutting one of the rear doors. It thinks it's funny to shut it half way then open it again. (not so funny when we had just got back from the airport at 6:30am in the rain) 

 

Anyways, I turned off the power doors and forcibly shut the door. Now it is dry, I tried the power door again, it releases the catch and the door pops out as if it is going to open then click back in shut again. 

 

Is this likely to be a sensor issue or a motor issue? If anyone has had the same or has any advice please feel free to share. 

Hello Daniel,

Welcome to the Forum.

5 hours ago, Heth Smeth said:

I have had my camper a couple of years now and started with making curtains that were shaped exactly like each window and suckered onto the window itself. these worked quite well but the suckers didn't like the stripy window glass (heating elements) so i am working on plan B. I've seen a cool idea of using net curtain wire that is connected with hooks round self-tapping screws into the plastic bodywork. however, I would like to use the half poppers that seem to be placed for curtain tie backs. Question: has anyone found the other half of the poppers that can be attached to straps to attach the tie backs to the popper on the bodywork? thanks in advance for any advice given,

Hello Heather,

Welcome to the Forum

2 hours ago, Chas cherrett said:

Yesterday i was driving my alphard and it was juddering on idle.

as i got home all the lights cane up in the dash. ( engine, vsc and trc).

i tried reading the codes and it cane ip with 3 on the obd reader but wouldnt show what they were.

i took the car out later that day for another test drive and the car went into limp mode and had no power. What would have been second gear reved up hight as i accelerated but went hardly anywhere.

today as i went to move the car it wouldnt start.

 

i took the plugs out to check and they were dry. I also out my ear to the petrol cap and couldnt hear any prime of the fuel pump.

my fan also come on right away with the ignition now which is odd. And my obd reader doesnt connect now. I also find that my dash cam is no longer working which is hardwired in the back of a fuse. (Cant remember what one but i puller it and wasnt dead and it had power going through it).

im baffled as to what my issue is and suspected a dead fuel pump relay at 1st but couldnt quite locate it. I check the efi relay whether this is the fuel pump relay or not im not sure but it was clicking and seemed to work fine.

Hello Chas,

Welcome to the Forum.

Is your battery fully charged ?

That is where I would start.

Probably won't hekp, but always worth ensuring you have it fully charged.

Check all battery leads for tightness, at both ends too.

On 8/24/2024 at 3:27 PM, LukeyLukey said:

I returned from holiday and saw the wing mirrors were unfolded and doors unlocked on my 20 series 2009 Vellfire. The keyfob did not work to lock it and the battery seemed flat, which is odd as its only a few months old. I'm certain I locked it before going on 2 weeks holiday, although there is a light in the boot area that can be switched on when the ignition is off and so could drain the battery. I doubt the vellfire would unlock itself in the event of a dying battery, though.

 

I used a lithium battery jump starter (normally works instantly even with a damaged battery) and the electrics of the dashboard flicked on and off a few times before dying with quiet ascending electrical noise (maybe a signal through the audio system). I tried it a few times, but couldn't get it to turn over enough to start during one of the brief moments of flickering on. Doesn't quite match other people's description of the Immobiliser being activated.

 

Can't see any evidence of anyone having stolen anything, or moved stuff around. No evidence of forced entry on the locks/outside the vehicle. We get scumbags checking for unlocked car doors at night/early morning and taking sat nav screens, money, and other items, but no break-ins. Sometimes, houses have been broken into and fobs taken to aid stealing of a car. No evidence of house being broken into and the fobs are all present.

 

I thought I'd share in case anyond else experienced similar issues. I will try removing and charging up the battery and see if that helps and update my progress as I try to get it back working again. It has been running perfectly since I replaced the battery in March 24, even with the previous damaged battery, the jump starter aways worked instantly whenever needed.

 

Wish me luck!

 

Update:

Battery tester showed just 1.5v. Hooked up a battery charger and the dashboard came to life and remained on as it charges. Keyfob recognised, but not enough power to lock/unlock with fob. The start button worked to turn on the power, but I leave the battery to fully charge before trying to start the engine. The central locking worked from the door switch and the window would slowly open and close. Looks like the electrical system is okay. I've switched off and locked up whilst the battery charges up. Feeling optimistic 😌 

So, it sounds like your battery was fully discharged.

On a previous battery I had a cell short out, which dropped the voltage to 10.5v; even on a fully charged battery.

My symptoms were similar to those you have experienced.

The goods new is that a new battery, after being fully charged by smart charger, cured all the issues.

You may need to reset your windows and power roof.

IF you battery won't fully charge, or discharges again quickly; you will need to find the faulty circuit draining the battery.

One other thing to check is that you haven't left your room lights on dim.

Quite difficult to see in daylight.

Whichever, good luck.

On 8/23/2024 at 2:45 PM, kev226 said:

Hi everyone,

 

I am after a little help. We have a 2008 Aplhard which was imported into the UK In 2021 and has had an MOT since.

 

I'm in the armed forces and have been posted to Germany so we brought the car with us and now need a TUV

(German MOT) before we can register it.

 

We had it in this week but because the seat belts, head lights and indicators within the mirror do not have an EG number on (european conformity number) it won't pass.

 

Does anyone know how or where I can get this data to prove they meet standards? Japan is a first world country with high safety standards so I'm sure it's all good but there aren't any markings.

 

Any suggestions welcome.

 

Thanks in advance 

 

Kev

Hello Kev,

Welcome to the Forum

On 4/22/2019 at 6:52 PM, kendo said:

Anybody know where I can get a handbook or a manual for a 2006 3 litre Alphard?        Have looked online but the only place is on Amazon and they are currently unavailable.   

Did you ever get one ?

JPNZ Owners Manual ?

5 hours ago, Hema said:

How did you get it going?? DVD plays on the front screen but can’t get it showing on my roof mount monitor 

Hello Pedro,

Welcome to the Forum