Rojie

13 minutes ago, Moon Uk said:

Hi Guys I need to service my 2.4 petrol 2010  vellfire.  Does anyone know what oil filter I need and where to buy it from? Any help would be greatly appreciated.. 

Have you looked in the Technical area of this forum ?

11 hours ago, amina boda said:

You have send me your personal messages I don't know how too read I am sending you my WhatsApp no is 07833297706 ??

Hello Amina,

I do not use Whatsapp !

At the top (right) of your home page there is the silhouette of an envelope; click on that and you will be in your Personal Messages folder.

Any messages sent from there, or received into there, are Private.

All other areas of the Forum are, indirectly, in the Public Domain.

5 hours ago, Nuvolablue said:

Hi All,

 

I'm new here. Starting my journey in looking for an 8 seater. 

Budget is between £7k and £9k.

Car will be used occasionally to ferry around 8 adults (including the driver). I'm aware the second and third row seats only have a lap belt for the middle passenger.

Looking for a 3 litre (as worried the 2.4 may be underpowered). What should I look out for .......Is it right that this engine has a cam-belt (as oppose to chain) ?

Car must be ULEZ compliant ( as I live in the zone). I believe post 2007 versions are all compliant. Is that right ?

Also recently joined the equivalent Elgrand forum, and just weighing up pros & cons of both models (Elgrand E51 is the one I'm considering)

 

Looking forward to get to know you all.

Hello Ghazali,

Welcome to the Forum.

Have you taken a look at the For Sale section yet ?

3 litre V6 has a cam belt.

When you have a prospect purchase Enter the registration in the Transport for London website to check the ULEZ status.

1 hour ago, amina boda said:

Please help me too solve boot tallgate please thank you 

Amina,

I have sent you a Personal Message.

Do you know how to read it ?

In it I mention two companies that should be able to help you.

One in Coventry and another in Dudley.

Please contact them and ask for their assistance.

Topic is 

Insurance Companies for Your Toyota Alphard.

Search in the search box on your home page. Top Right

2 hours ago, amina boda said:

I brought this car for help me in mobility wheelchair and I love this car Toyota Vellfire it as good space I can put everything for my needs electric wheelchair and electric scooter I carried both in my car now I come independent myself 😊😋 after 20years later this car change my life I love it but I spent money for my insurance policy £1,500.50 yearly payments if I drive small car my insurance policy £450.only my friend told me buy this car it will benefit for you and she told me insurance is cheap around £350.pound only she was shook and I was as well we both was shocked so high price insurance policy please give me advice on how can I get cheap insurance policy if anyone got other companies names cheap insurance policy please let me know. .thank you 

As you will know, insurance premiums depend on your personal circumstances, driving record, age, and where you live; among other criteria.

Those are not for discussion in this public workspace !

Not withstanding the above, 1500 is ridiculous ! Even though the cost of insurance is generally on the rise.

Before my machine was converted I found Aviva to be be very good.

Try and read the section in this forum regarding insurance companies, and members experience of them.

(I will locate the section for you and advise).

I have just renewed my insurance.

My van is older than yours (making it cheaper, but is converted (making it more expensive).

I am retired so no commuting. I pay 400.

Phone Aviva; I am not with Aviva but was until I had a conversion.

59 minutes ago, amina boda said:

Hi everyone I have Toyota Vellfire 2011 my car boot tailgate is not working properly sometime it works but unfortunately is not working the reason I need to boot tailgate working because I am disabled wheelchair. I use the wheelchair inside my car please anyone can you help me too fixed it I live in Coventry West Midlands and also I am looking for car insurance when I search online for car insurance Toyota Vellfire it's so expensive where can I get cheap insurance please help me in this topic?? Thank you 

Hello Amina,

Welcome to the Forum.

Insurance should be about 400 to 600 pounds.

Try Aviva. Call them direct.

Ensure your starter battery is fully charged at all times.

Does your tailgate operate properly with the engine running ?

Which switch(es) are you using to operate the tailgate.

2 minutes ago, WideCharlie said:

Hi, just saying hello as a new owner of a 2.4 Alphard, 2007 vintage with rear camper conversion but still tin top. Only had it for 3 days and just finding my way around the various controls and driving characteristics. Things aren’t helped, of course, by Japanese being the language of choice of the computer but I’ve sent off for an English translation of the manual which I suspect might ease the pain.

 

I confess I quite like the van thus far but I think I’m going to have to work out how to make the ‘beds’ a little more comfortable if I plan on spending nights here and there. At the moment, sitting drinking coffee in the front seat while staring out over Plymouth Sound is a good start.

 

Many questions to follow!

Hello Charlie,

Welcome to the Forum.

5 hours ago, MichaelT said:

Hi -I'm new to the forum. Just purchased a 2008 Alphard 2.4 petrol. When I type number plate into Insurance quote sites - only Vellfires come up in the drop-down box - anyone else experienced this? 

Hello Michael,

Welcome to the Forum.

This is a common problem.

There is an extensive thread on this forum regarding insurance.

I would suggest you search for it and then start to phone a few of your selected companies.

4 minutes ago, Paula M said:

Can anyone please advise me where I can get one?  

Hello Paula,

Welcome to the Forum.

Is this the complete headlight unit ? Or the Headlight Bulb.

Headlight unit you could try Topsham Car Sales.

There is a listing for all the bulbs in the Technical Section.

Once you know the type you can buy them anywhere !

Try Snows, Exeter Toyota dealer, but they will be more expensive than Halfords, etc.

1 hour ago, Alan John Walker said:

I have recently purchased a 2006 Alphard with a LPG conversion.

With the limited availability of LPG at service stations etc can I fit a second tank to increase my range?

External ?

Internal ?

I have also thought about home filling from LPG bottles?

I have a well established supplier in Telford, Watling Street, so filling up here is no problem.

 

I would appreciate your comments on which is an issue we all face.

 

Hello Alan,

Welcome to the Forum.

As LPG is inflammable I would not even think of home filling (which may be illegal anyway) as, potentially, it is far too dangerous.

It is also held under pressure, which could be equally dangerous. I don't know what pressure is needed to keep LPG liquified.

The pressure in the source vessel must be much higher than that in the receiver vessel, (unless a pump is used), otherwise the pressures will equalise and no more gas/liquid will flow !

Several large companies have already announced their intention to withdraw from providing LPG on their forecourts.

Imho, this will only get worse.

An interesting discussion.

What's my view.

I believe if a thief sets their gaze on one of my vehicles, the number plates will be the last of their concerns.

Overcoming anti-theft systems should be more troublesome.

I can't even remember which have stick-on and which have (plastic) bolt on !

Hi guys,

Please exercise caution here.

As far as I know, no Alphards were made in the USA.

However, many Toyota engines were/are.

Do not assume that the Japanese and American engines (Alabama) are identical, they almost certainly are not.

American made engines have suffered issues leading to class action law suits.

As far as I know, that is not true of Japanese made engines.

So, spare engine parts (indeed whole engines and ancillaries) etc may be common, but may not !

So Brandon,  be careful when buying spares in Canada or the US; as the spare parts issue may spill over into the Battery and Inverter arena.

1 hour ago, nonfatal said:

Thanks Rojie! Are you talking about this? https://tpmswarehouse.co.uk/product/toyota-alphard-2014-replacement-tpms-sensor/ ? Or are you talking about an aftermarket kit?

 

This is what I'm confused by - my link implies that Alphards do have built-in TPMS, but I've looked through the system menu, the translated car manual and at all the dashboard lights and I can't find any reference to TPMS.

Yes I was. Sorry, I didn't read the advert properly.

It seems to be for just the sensor.

Your vehicle is far to new for me to have knowledge of.

I thought the kit was an after market fitment.

You could try Amayama.

3 hours ago, Adele said:

Hello everyone

I am about to take ownership of an Alphard camper.  I've got window shields & curtains but I'd like to fit a curtain behind the cab to provide easy privacy to the rear in any quick stop. There seem to be lots of  'universal' curtains on the web but I haven't yet met my van & will have very little time on receipt of it before heading off in it.  - so need any advance advice much appreciated. Does anyone know of a good fit or have any recommendations?  

Thanks

Hello Adele,

I believe some of the pre face lift Gen 1 machines had these fitted.

Perhaps a (Alphard) scrap yard could help.

Alternatively, the plastic rails are available if you keep a sharp eye on ebay (possibly Amazon too).

You could try and locate the correct part numbers from Toyota/Alphard/epc.com

Or, perhaps, ask picasso to do that for you.

5 hours ago, nonfatal said:

Hi! I have a 2018 Vellfire. I've looked all over, but I don't think it has TPMS. Is that possible? I'd have thought that all recent Alphards/Vellfire would come with this kinda basic functionality?

 TMPS Warehouse, 46 quid.

11 hours ago, discopants said:

Evening folks, just a quick intro. 

Having got some great info from this site in the months beforehand, I started bidding on a few Japanese auctions through a local import agent in November, and after a couple of disappointments secured myself a van a bit quicker than expected, a few days ago - through the Japanese dealer network rather than an auction in the end. 

 

So - hopefully landing around Feb - a 2014 Vellfire 350Z "Golden Eyes II"

 

I'm sure I'll think of a few questions for you all before then 🙂

Cheers,

Dave

Hello dave,

Welcome to the Forum.

18 minutes ago, Dat Guy said:

Hello, 

 

I’m writing from Ontario Canada and I’m hoping to get some opinions from this communities members on a purchase I’m considering. Over the next 16months (approx), I will be working as a courier delivering for an Amazon affiliated company. There has been incentives extended to me if I were to purchase an environmentally friendly vehicle. What this means, is if I show up with an EV or hybrid van, I will get a priority route selection (my own route). This could mean as much as 500/700km less driving/week, 15hrs less/week, while being paid about the same amount per day as I’m currently receiving. It’s a big deal. Regardless of this van and it’s potential purchase, I’m having to put a winter vehicle on the road this winter. To get anything remotely reliable, and pass a vehicle inspection, you will need to spend 3.5-4K on a vehicle in Canada. I have found a 2004 Toyota Alphard Hybrid for a listed sale price of 8.5k. It has 178,000km. I’ve crawled underneath it, and it’s as clean as you could expect from a van of this age and km’s. No dash lites and drives great. I feel I might be able to negotiate approx 1000$ off his posted sales price… purchasing for 7.5k. This means that for only spending 3-3.5k extra on a vehicle purchase, I could significantly improve my quality of life.
 

Over the next 16month, I would drive approx 50–60k km’s. This would put the van at 240,000km near the end of my time.  I should also mention that I would be selecting a route that would be in a town… meaning that it would be mostly stop-and-go, in city driving with very little time spent with vehicle exceeding 50km/hr. So, the bulk use/wear would be placed on the electric system (I’m under the impression that this vans hybrid uses the electric motor at low speeds and the gas at hwy speeds).

To me, this seems like a decision I should move forward with. But, I’m not really in a position to get burned with a silly purchase. I thought I’d run this by members of this forum who are more familiar with this van reliability and get your opinion. Is there something I’m overlooking. I have some understanding of the costs and hassles in the event if it’s hybrid system breaking, but even if this were to happen, it still seems like this purchase would be not be irresponsible. What do you all think? 

 

Hello Brandon,

Welcome to the Forum.

Most people "in the know" tend to advise against buying the early Hybrids.

Batteries being the usual issue.

Battery repairers are scarce in the UK, let alone Canada.

You are lucky as this topic is covered within this forum.

So you have lots of reading to do !

One of our members recently imported a complete set of batteries, had them fitted, and is very happy with the result

EXCEPT FOR THE PRICE. About 9k UKL !

I'll try and find his thread / topic and advise.

Michael Brown, and his posting is very recent

3 hours ago, Jfb101 said:

This morning before I started the van heard an intermittent ticking sound. Engine started first time ticking sound went off however after a short run switched off engine, key out of ignition intermittent ticking sound started again.

Hello John,

Welcome to the Forum.

6 hours ago, Mandy schmidt said:

Hello .. my name is Mandy and I need some help translating my stereo in my Japanese car … I can offer £25 for an hour just to enable me to use the stereo more proficiently … please can you message me if you’re able to help. I live in Hotwells Bristol…I think it is the original stereo ..it’s a Toyota Alphard 2007 .. but the translated manual I got from eBay doesn’t show the same stereo 

Hello Mandy,

Can you please attach a photo to help us identify your unit and help you.

If you have an HDD head unit you may find eightseaters.blogspot. com useful.

I often recommend the JPNZ Owners Manual to members. It can be extremely helpful.

The one thing (there may be others) it is not particularly helpful with is Head Units !

Have you tried Google translate on a mobile phone ?

14 hours ago, Chad said:

First time I have been out in my Alph when it’s been cold - turned on the fan and turned temp up - rear heating is working , but front will only blow cold air . Anyone able to help me resolve the problem 

cheers

Hello Chad,

Another member recently started a thread on this subject.

The search box is on your home page at the top right corner.

On 12/1/2023 at 4:50 PM, NickW said:

We've owned our 2008 new shape Alphard for >1yr now and have a done a few good trips to the Alps with incident. We upgraded the stereo/satnav etc to a touch screen at the start of this year and its worked very well. However, about 1 month ago, when playing music quite loud, there was some crackling and then the sound almost disappeared. It came back briefly, and then went again and hasn't come back since. The front speakers do play, but only at a low volume even when turned up to the max. We have the 18 speaker system and the other speakers appear not to be playing but in fact are playing but very very quietly. We took the car to one car audio specialist who just didn't want to know. We then took it back to the chap that installed the touch screen and he checked fuses etc and says it's probably the amplifier. A quick ebay search results in several Alphard amplifiers for sale, which suggests they frequently fail. What I'm in need of is a specialist that has tested and then replaced an Alphard amplifier before. Any thoughts? Many thanks,..   

Hello Nick,

Welcome to the Forum.

I don't agree with your assumption that they 'frequently fail'.

I feel quite certain I haven't read about any failing in this forum.

I have read about many being replaced, but that is quite different as many wish to upgrade the head unit facilities / functions.

As a retired Electronics Engineer I can assure you running any amplifier at, or near, full volume is just asking for trouble.

There are a very few amplifiers or loudspeakers that can withstand that treatment.

Most audio amplifiers will generate increasing levels of distortion (crackling) as maximum power / volume is approached.

That distortion frequently destroys speakers.

My advice ?

Before spending 'many pennies' on a 'new' multi-channel amplifier I would have the speakers checked first.

If all channels are effected equally you may have a preamplifier problem, i.e. the head unit.

Try not to jump too quickly to conclusions; you will need a logical approach to resolve this without spending unnecessarily.

Good Luck, I hope it goes well for you.

4 hours ago, Geralt said:

Try a reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the -VE battery terminal.

and,    Wait a couple of minutes before reconnecting.

You may need to reset you windows and moon roof too.

5 hours ago, mick85 said:

Hey Rojie, it's a remote key fob, just the standard one you can use to open the doors, boot, etc.

 

All I was wondering was when the car is icy, can I start my engine, leave the car, and lock the driver door with the physical key and leave the car running so it warms up.

 

I don't want to leave the car running and go back into the house without locking it.

OK.

Will the vehicle be on your drive, or on private land ?

I have a vague recollection, that I read somewhere, that if you do this on a public road, or public place you will be committing an offence.

I have an earlier vehicle with the smart fob option.

If I walk away with the smart key fob all the doors will lock.

I have never tried this with the engine running !

If I use the normal remote key for the ignition, and have the smart key with me; it could be possible, but I have not tried this either.

However, these vehicles are so smart (pun intended), it would not surprise me if the vehicle would 'intervene'.

Somewhere in this forum there is a thread regarding 'remote starting' which, it would appear, is what you are trying to achieve.

The search box is on your home page, top right corner.

Good Luck.

4 hours ago, mick85 said:

With the cold mornings starting, I usually go out and start the car for 5-10 minutes to de-ice the windscreen while I go back in the house and finish getting ready.

 

I noticed you can't use the remote fob to lock the car once the engine is running, but I can take the key out and lock / unlock the doors.

 

Does anyone else do this?

 

Used to do it all the time in my old Volvo, just wondering if I got too far away from the car I wouldn't be able to unlock with the key or something when I go back. Just me being paranoid but thought I'd ask. Cheers.

I don't really understand your question.

Can you rephrase it please to clarify.

Is your vehicle fitted with a remote start option ?

Is your key a remote key or a smart key fob ?