mick85

For anyone wondering, I just took the trim removal tool all around the black plastic surround of the instrument cluster and those popped off, so managed to remove the trim.

The cluster was then held on with 2 white clips at the top right / left, you just push them to the side to loosen.

The bottom 2 white clips you just need to pull with a little bit of force and the full instrument cluster pops out. Hope this may help someone in the future.

Hey @Geralt so I've had a check and my instrument cluster does not have any screws for the removal. I can't see anywhere that you would even start to remove the cluster.

If anyone has any advice that would be great. Thanks 

44 minutes ago, Geralt said:

Yes but he describes how he removed it, starting with the two screws at the top.

 

Are you saying you don't have screws at the top in a similar position?

I have to admit I had a feel for them in the dark this morning, but I will check again tomorrow and report back, thanks

Thanks Geralt, I have seen that video but he already has the instrument cluster removed, I was looking for advice on how to remove the cluster from the dashboard.

I can't see any screws that's holding it in place, so not sure if I need to come in from the side of the dash, or if the stereo needs to come out, etc.

Hi all, does anyone know how you remove the instrument cluster from the Vellfire / Alphard?

I have seen some instructions for the previous 10 series models but not for the 20.

I am looking to have the speedometer changed and need to send the instrument cluster down.

If there's not a specific walkthrough guide does anyone have a rough idea where I can start to remove? Thanks in advance.

Thanks all, I can walk out to the car, open the door, start the engine, get out, take the physical key out of the fob and put it in the door and lock it.

So I can do it all, guess I just need to take a chance and walk away for 10 minutes and see if it lets me unlock it again with the key in the door 😂

If I get locked out I will let you all know haha.

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.

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.

Thanks all, I just went for non XL tyres which are 97V so should be fine, cheers.

Thanks Rojie, my current tyres are not XL and there isn't a lot of additional weight in the car other than me and the kids so I think non XL tyres will be fine, just wanted to ask someone else's opinion. Thanks for the reply.

Hey all, it's time to replace the tyres on my Vellfire, I have seen a set of tyres I want to buy but not sure if I need to get the XL version or not?

My Vellfire is not converted for a camper, just a bog standard 7 seater for carting the kids around in.

I'm going to replace with a different tyre brand but the same dimensions on what's on there currently 235 50 18, but the XL VERSION of the tyres I am going for is an extra £100.

Any advice on whether I need to go for XL or not? Thanks

1. 2010

2. Vellfire 3.5 V6 FWD

3. 90% city driving, traffic lights, stop starts, etc 10% motorway

4. 25 mpg

The 25 mpg wasn't using the computer readout, was me calculating the litres of fuel used over X amount of miles. Should be noted that I used an extremely light right foot, just being very conscious to try and get the best fuel consumption. There was maybe a few occasions where I put the foot down, but only a few.

Yeah I was doing it in park, it could also be my phone, its a Sony Xperia 1 mk 3 running Android OS.

I'll mess about with it some time over the weekend, I do have it currently connected using AUX port, so not the end of the world, but BT connecting media would be better. 

Slightly hijacking this post, I have a standard head unit, one of the NZHN models or something.

I've used Google image translate and works a treat, I am able to BT connect my phone for calls, but can't get it detected for media/audio 

Has anyone else BTd their phone successfully for audio with the standard head unit?

When I am in the media menu with my phone BT connected for calls, the BT tab for media/audio is grayed out, so the head unit definitely isn't detecting it for media playback.

12 hours ago, Voodoo101 said:

I just ordered one from Aliexpress. I went for the 6gb ram / 128gb storage option because it was cheaper then the lower spec ones sold in the UK. It says it can run the rear camera, so will let you know when it arrives next month.

 

Car Radio For Toyota Alphard 2008-2021 Rhd Octa Core Android Car Dvd Gps Navigation Car Stereo Carplay Android Auto - Car Multimedia Player - AliExpress

 

Incidentally, I contacted the one on ebay to find the specs and found it was a low spec unit. Its 2gb ram and 32gb storage. Many reviews I read said to go for at least 4gb ram as anything less will struggle with newer apps.

Let me know how you get on, I'd be interested in the 4gb or 6gb model myself

23 hours ago, ALSALPHARD said:

Hi Mick,

That looks very much like the  head unit i have in mine. (perhaps that one has an updated android software) It came as is from Singapore so cant let you know about actual wiring.

Unit does work ok but to me feels a bit dated. i am still trying to work it all out as i dont use van that much.

I would recommend looking up saab unleashed on youtube  as there are a lot better headunits out there- faster with better menus and functions. He also explains the extra leads needed  to make it almost plug n play.

"TC's Anything goes" has a youtube video of actual changing the headunit +  more,

My main concern when changing the unit is getting the plastic trim off without cracking after 10 years in a hot country:)

I took the head unit and center console apart recently to remove some excess cabling and some additional features that don't work here in the UK and the trim was fine in terms of not cracking, hopefully gives you a bit more confidence with your own 

Thanks @threepot at least now I know the situation with it

Ok ignore my question about the windows, turns out I can press the start/stop button without the foot on the brake pedal and it allows electrics and radio to function without the engine turning over.

If anyone has any advice on the ignition situation with a key would be much appreciated.

This is going to sound extremely daft, because right now I feel daft.

I have the 5 button key style for the 10 plate Vellfire. It has the Start/Stop button as well.

You can pull the key out from inside the key fob itself as well.

I cannot for the life of me see an ignition slot for the key around the steering wheel.

Just curious if I ever lost the fob part and only had the key, would the car still start with the button?

On a separate note, say I want to sit in my car and put the windows down, or turn on the radio, I can't seem to do this unless I turn my engine on, is this the normal way? 

Would prefer if I could at least put my windows down without having to turn over the engine. 

Rather than start another post based on android head units, I've seen this one on eBay, it states it's keeps the steering wheel controls and the rear camera.

I've been doing my research on the 08-15 models and I know fitting am aftermarket head unit can be a nightmare, and it seems to be commonly mentioned that the rear cameras need to be replaced.

Just wondering if this is as plug and play as they say:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125128103884?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=i3ugQjD7R_S&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=F0bWzWlRROe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Just had a quick Google online for your model, these links might help you:
 

No idea how to reset the code, sorry I cant help there, but using the Translate app it looks like its a password authentication prompt asking for Mothers maiden name, very doubtful you'll be able to find that info

The 529175 number at the top is reading back as Serial No. if that helps you with your search.

Thanks for confirming, just wanted to double check

Posting as this might help someone.

I called Admiral to insure my Vellfire 3.5 Z model, they only have X and S (and another one, but not a Z) listed if I try to get insurance on their website.

The rep took my query away to their new business team to get the model added, and have came back to say:

S model is the 7 seater variant

X model is the 8 seater variant

So when I do my insurance quote I've just to select the S variant.

You may want to give them a call if you do decide to get insurance, as I wouldnt want anyone to purely use my own experience for your own.

They actually gave me a pretty decent quote of £360 which I'm going ahead with. 36 yo, 12 years NCB, 19 years driving.

Curious more than anything to know if this forum is linked in any way to the Facebook group The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Owners Club UK?

more to do with double posting things etc when I'm looking for advice. Thanks