ALSALPHARD

Thanks Ted, very comprehensive, though I might need one of the kids to go through it with me:)

Hi, a recent battery swap has the engine and VSC lights on. (2011 2,4L) lots on the net about this as a common fault on a swap. I have tried the disconnect negative battery lead trick = no good I have tried wheels left / right /straight on trick = no good I tried my launch crp123x despite having a sub menu with an Alphard reset - that didnt work. So I need a better diag' tool and pondering which one, tempted with an " icarsoft jp v3" or maybe up the anti to a "cr max " to maybe deal with the kids cars just in case in the future! Any advise would be appreciated

eBay have roofbars but big ask for Friday delivery

Hi Best person to ask is https://uk.alphardclub.com/profile/4644-carl-millis/ . he designs towbars at towtrust and might have an answer for you.

When i researched buying one : i came across a fairly common issue with the steering column itself can develop a rattle, will try to find the source, maybe

Hi, just a guess, I'm not a mechanic but might be an ABS wheel sensor not reading to the PCM

We had a replacement in our car and fitter (autoglass) said they can get them for Alphards

Hi, lots on eBay to choose from. Tow Trust fiited my Gen 2 with a detachable-very neat, though not sure if they make a Gen 1 bar.

Hi, a couple on eBay at the moment, It might repair with hot staples.

Hi again, if you are after a specific vehicle it might be better to self import - I went through Algys OK but not without a few issues.Even the garage this end had good things to say about:-

Hi I changed one on our yaris and it doesnt rotate- thats why you need a special socket with slot in to remove

Hi, I was adamant about having a 3.5 v6 then reality dawned! Even though i do few miles in the Alphard i was after reliability, after many many hours of research it seems the 2.4 with the cvt has a better reputation longer term- on forums i visited than a torque converter set up. Early hybrids were trouble later ones much better. We have an Auris hybrid and its great, battery is guaranteed for 15 years if you get a service or £35 check up every year (10 years on drive train. We are finding our dealer staff less accomodating than previous years) Youtube "car care nut" knows them all inside out and there shouldn't be many issues with a toyota hybrid if serviced properly but its finding a good centre that can actually fix them if you do have a problem. There was a problem mainly in America with early 2.4 buring oil but there was a dealer fix.(new rings) i put the recommened 0w20 oil in my Alphard and it did seem to loose a splash every tank full petrol, now put in 5w30 and will see how that goes. ( the permissible loss is quite high on Toyota vehicles)

just spotted one on ebay £250 plus £100 post not cheap though says oem.

Hi potential problem will be getting hold of LPG as a few big names are no longer going to sell it.