starider

Hi, had a similar problem with my Ford Van, after much searching I found the heater ducts were blocked with leaves and crud, cleared out and management light went out. Also similar problem with a Vitara when the air intake filter became damp during wet weather and the filter needed changing,the dust etc in the filter became solidified, a new filter cured the problem and once again management light extinguished.We get an aweful amount of wet weather!! Hope this helps,in both cases a simple fix.

Hi, will investigate further by contacting my supplier.

If anyone needs to enter the Central London Low Emissions Zone[ULEZ] you can check if a vehicle is compliant i.e. no charge incurred go to:- tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your- vehicle/ To check for any other charges:- tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/pay-to-drive-in-london

Hi, it doesn't appear that our Alphard has front cameras,the only front parking aid is a special mirror on the front N/S wing which has small integral mirrors to give views of the kerb and wheel which are so small, so being useless. I think I will have to put up with a pretty useless rear camera. Perhaps a rear LED floodlight??

Hi,haven't a clue about these batteries and what fits what, but cells are available on fleabay.

If you find my previous posts ref. fitting an awning rail,I explain in great detail how to fit a rail together with details of the type and sizes of rail I fitted. I know many members "glued" down the rail, but I glued and screwed[with stainless self tappers]. Modern adhesives are fine, but do deteriorate with time and temperature variations. We did try the magnetic method but found it difficult to slide the joining strips into place and never felt confident with strong winds.

Hi Rojie, Must admit,I'm not sure if ours has front cameras?? If there are' where is the switch?? Is that the button switch on the steering column with a wire from it which disappears into wiper arm void?

Hi, if you trawl back a few weeks I posted quite a number of posts on this very subject. I hope in the next week or so, to publish some pics showing how[once the awning rail is fitted] how the drive away fits to the camper.

Hi Rojie, Managed to accidentally play a DVD once,, but hadn't a clue how I managed it, so have never been able to repeat! When I have half a day to spare I'll have another go! Thanks for all your trouble, will let you know if and when.

Yes, all cleaned, first job I did. Tony.

Have taken little interest in the reversing camera as it's very difficult to see on the screen in the dash.The image is very dark and I've only ever seen a clear image once when the area I was reversing into was in very bright sun light. The multi media unit is the usual Japanese one which only a Japanese speaker can read. Does anyone know if the brightness of the screen can be adjusted' if so how? or any useful comments. Thanks.

Hi Rojie, thank you for enquiring about my wife, she had an op a couple of weeks ago to remove 2 stones on the stump of her Bile duct stub[had her Gall Bladder removed years ago]. She is progressing really well and hopes to re-start her on-line business this week.

Hi, We recently purchased a 2 berth caravan[19ft overall].Towed it up from Cornwall a couple of days ago and can report the Alphard is an excellent towing vehicle. I am pleased I had previously had heavy duty rear springs fitted as there is little or no droop in the rear suspension. Will post some pics of the outfit[ I have to get the wife to do the technical stuff].

Dry bushes will often cause squeaks,try spraying the bushes with some water from a spray bottle and see if the noise disappears.

Thanks for the good wishes for my wife. I'm pleased to report that after a long difficult operation on Monday, I was able to fetch her home on Tuesday afternoon.

Apologies, went to Minehead CCC set up awning etc. then my wife was taken ill during the early hours and had to de-camp at 4-00am, drive home.She was admitted to hospital. Op today. I was going to take pics when de-rigging but obviously couldn't. When I get time I'll pop the top and take some pics.

Hi, Just remembered we are using the awning next week, will take a series of pictures to show fitment and how the awning connects to the camper using the Kadar strip and figure of eight joiners.

Will do ASAP.

Just returned from a very wet and windy 5 nights in St.Mawes Cornwall and I am happy to report that the newly fitted awning rail worked perfectly,5 mins to fit and erect the awning [plus longer for pegging down] and once the pegs and guy ropes released,about 3 mins to take down and bundle into the camper before it rained again.

Having been involved with and in the motor trade for more years than I care to remember,I have to say that I have never been a fan of lowering vehicles. All vehicles that are designed and manufactured undergo tremendous testing during pre-production and are hopefully finally produced to give long and comfortable service. During my years when working as a "motor mechanic", there were many occasions where I had to drive/road test lowered cars/vans. Without exception they were uncomfortable and noisy especially on rough and uneven road surfaces,many had unusual handling characteristics especially those fitted with "elastic band tyres". We use the Torpoint Ferry often and sometimes see lowered vehicles unable to board, or produce horrendous grinding noises as they leave lumps of GRP on the ramps. I have to admit that when first owning a car, I had to alter the exhaust to give a racey exhaust sound, which looking back sounded a bit silly coming from a Morris Minor Van. What cured me from this need for"the sound", was that you couldn't hear yourself think or make yourself heard during a conversation! and getting out after a long journey, had Tinnitus for sometime afterwards!. This is a personal opinion and I accept we all have our own ideas and preferences. I hope those of you having problems get them sorted out. Keep us informed.

Hi Rojie, In no way did I accuse Toyota of penny pinching, I thought it was quite clear I have been writing about the Convertor,I didn't feel I needed to spell out that my comments were not directed at Toyota. I would no more name Toyota than I would the company who had done the conversion, as I stated "We are delighted with our Alphard".

Although we are delighted with our Alphard,we keep finding little niggles where it's quite clear that penny pinching is evident,nothing major or expensive, so savings must be minimal but to the owner/purchaser,annoying. I have chuntered previously and put right all the little annoyances,but another came to light today as we were checking the camper over,the fresh water pump to sink feed pipe was completely rusted where they joined,the reason obvious,the jubilee clip was ordinary mild steel! It's just so annoying that a lack of forethought [and I suspect penny pinching, spoiling a good "product!].

Hi, I decided at last to fit a permanent awning rail as I was not too happy with the magnetic one,which did not fit "grip" the roof evenly, and didn't feel that the magnets would be powerful enough in strong winds. After some research and a chat with our nearest van converters[who convert mainly VWs} and have a huge amounts of work, they kindly recommended a company who will supply awning rail in any length. We contacted them and they offered to send a small sample at a minimal cost so that we could try to see if the fitment would clear the pop top when dropped down. A little care full measurement and placing the sample in various positions, my wife ordered the rail. When it arrived in an extremely sturdy tube, it was all systems go! The suppliers advised a tube of Sikaflex which is the caravan and motor industry sealer and adhesive. I had previously ordered a small set of round head stainless steel self tapping screws to fix down the rail. I drilled clearance holes through the rail at 4" centres along the length for the self tappers. [I will not give measurements as I would not want to be held liable for mistakes]. We laid the rail in the correct position and marked along the back edge with a marker, this allowed me to"lay" a strip of sealer[ about 1/2"inch wide ] along the roof,then the rail was placed in position and pushed firmly down, it was noted that the sealer squeezed through the drilled holes and worked really well as it sealed the screws when the correct size drill was used for the self tappers to do their job. It was just a matter of wiping off the excess sealer from both edges of the rail. A small tip: the ends of the rail will need careful filing to remove the burrs left from cutting. Details:- Supplier--Funky leisure.co.uk 02034114640 sales@funkyleisure.co.uk Items purchased----VW T4 C-Channel Awning Rail-Length SWB-2.6m Length. Add Sikaflex 1 x 300ml tube Sikaflex 221. Total @ date of purchase £52-98[inc postage]. Depending on how an awning is fitted to a camper, methods of joining may vary. Ours requires a double edge 6mm x 6mm Kador Strip Awning connector and a set of "Figure of Eight" 6mm x 6mm slide along connectors. As the length we ordered was slightly longer than needed, we have a v.short length left and if anyone would like a small sample, contact myself.

Forgot to mention we use CDs in the unit as fitted. As it is usually difficult to get good TV reception, we have a small TV which will play DVDs,so box sets are useful.

Firstly our Alphard has just passed it's MOT Test but has advisories which I share with you all. The tester on my asking for more details on these advisories said that he could detect movements on these mounting points, but could not come to any concerns as to serious problems. He called over another Tester who agreed with with him. As I have always replaced any parts on any vehicle I have owned which was not 100%, I will be replacing these bushes/pins in the near future. The workshop manager advised that they are replaced with Poly bushes. Advisories:- As written, N/s and O/s suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement, N/side and O/side front[ rear bushes.] N/s and O/s rear axle swivel pin and/ or bushes slightly worn. The vehicle drives perfectly with no noises or steering problems but will replace as previously mentioned with poly bushes which I am assured are a good up grade.