Alphie

Hi Gary, simplest to point you to my post on this topic, for any help I can give.

Thanks again, Paul. I changed the bank 1 lambda sensor, no probs with new error codes or running issues. Unfortunately though, it hasn't stopped the EML coming on, so ill have to move on down the list of possible causes. I haven't been able to obtain the error code yet. The issue, i would say is clearly linked to ambient temperature because on a warm day, as soon as you put the engine under a bit more than normal load (maintaining speed going up an incline), the light is triggered. doesn't seem to happen on cooler days. Still doesn't seem to affect running/power & always resets on shutdown/start-up.

Good luck Mick, wish I had the compressors/facilities to do it my self. Point taken Richard, I just think, they do wear out, part of the MOT, no idea when they were last changed & its a good opportunity with the springs out. Downside is the extra cost of course.

Well I still haven't got around to changing them but have decided on these https://www.autojapspares.co.uk/toyota-alphard-heavy-duty-20-rear-coil-springs--rear-gas-shock-absorbers-35792-p.asp from Auto Jap Spares for when I do. They are heavy duty & so should recover the ride height I seem to have lost due to the extra weight of the campervan conversion.

Cool, thanks ill give it a go.

I've had mine for 5 years, about 120k miles on the clock, so far so good. love it - but it does feel like im living a bit on the edge! 🙂

Paul, thanks for your help - You were right the basic Foxwell OBD tool i used showed no error codes. The EML is only getting more frequent though so Im going to start with (your) bank 1 lambda sensor. I see they are available from AutoJap - My question now is, are they just plug & play or will I need someone to set it up/recode the management system? Cheers

Thanks Paul, that's useful & presumably means it using excess fuel in that condition. I've borrowed a basic OBD & will give it a try. Mine runs on LPG most of the time once started on petrol but I'll also check the exhaust when the light is on.

Its certainly possible to have a towbar fitted & I use a Pendle rack (permanently fitted bracket behind tow ball & two demountable bike support bars) fitted to mine

Does anyone know how to read the cause of the EML coming on. It seems to only do it on warm days & if I stop the engine & immediately restart it, it resets & stays off, makes me think the trigger may just be a momentary fault but that the light latches on until the engine is powered off. It was an infrequent event but now happens on most longish journeys. There is no apparent loss of power or anything else noticeable. If you google it - it can mean a number of things. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced same & thereby work out which on the list of possibles I should try first. [I am thinking dirty mass airflow sensor] Thanks

Yes, you're right that's where my batteries are too. No i haven't boosted the charge voltage & it seems to cope with 13.9, though i suspect it is not reaching full charge. I have also installed a solar panel so this also contributes & through a solar controller (they are both LiFepo's & manually linked most of the time).

I have 2003 hybrid (camper conversion) & have changed the 'ignition' battery twice in 5 years 1st with a cheap lead acid, now for the last year with a LiFepo4 & have had no problems. Remember, as has been said by others in threads on this topic - this battery on the hybrid does not do the engine cranking (this is done by the main hybrid battery) it merely supplies power to the computer(s). I don't have a battery temp sensor. Maybe it was removed or overridden by the importer/camper converter. My battery is mounted under the drivers seat which may not be the manufactures original location. To be clear I am not confusing this (ignition/vehicle) battery with the leisure battery.

Are they perhaps running all the time & you just notice when you turn off & get out? looks like temp sensor fault or wiring short as someone has said then.

Many thanks for sharing 🙂

Ok. The Prins button only displays the gas level as far as I know (5 greens then a red & finally beeping when the gas runs out), so maybe worth just topping up the VSF reservoir just to check. Also maybe the sensor has developed a fault. If your van was converted by Campers Scotland I suspect it is identical to mine. Do you know where the VSF low level warning light has been put on your van, if not this light. I can only suggest giving them a call just to confirm its whereabouts.

Do you have an LPG conversion only that is where my valve saver fluid level warning light is & it looks just like that.

Mine is on a swivel adaptor plate but is just bolted front and back of the rails (4 bolts). Then there may be a cable for seatbelt warning/seat motors if you have them, this has a plug/socket.

Have you spotted this one a little way north of you https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/garage/cambridge-hybrid-vehicle-specialists, might be able to provide a 2nd opinion/confirmation of the fault if nothing else. This is the battery guy in Exeter I believe https://www.hybridrepairservice.co.uk/ all said haven't needed to call on either yet. Good luck

Do you mean it wont move off when in drive? because I don't think they do respond to the throttle like a normal car when in neutral ie you can't rev the engine when in park/neutral.

It seems to have original looking plain (single) coil springs (i don't know what 'coil overs' are however) and I know it hasn't been lowered since import and conversion (4 years ago). I've always just accepted that its down to the extra weight of conversion but now I've seen other camper versions I can see there is a difference. thanks for your reply Lee.

Hi. The ride height / ground clearance of my conversion (with no extra load added) has always been quite poor, causing regular grounding in camping fields. I have noticed (at the club meet) that it sits a good inch or two lower than most other vans. My question is, has anyone sought to improve a situation like this with new or uprated rear springs? Thanks Chris.

Probs depends on who did the conversion. Silly question perhaps, but are you sure it does not drain directly to the floor & if you need to collect it you put collector tank under the vehicle. Mine is like this & is a Campervan Co conversion. My friend has a Wellhouse conversion which does have a built in collector tank beneath the floor in the sink are I think.

Hi Helen, I had a new key (Central locking & engine immobiliser) made a couple of weeks ago by Martyn https://www.autolockmaster.co.uk/toyota-alphard/, in my case he was able to copy the one I still had. He seemed incredibly resourceful & knowledgeable and told me he could if necessary have started from scratch, however it would have been a much bigger job. Though he may be based in Worcester, I met him in Gloucester & he advertises a nationwide service. Best of luck, Chris

Mark, can I just check that you are talking about the surging under load issue, which on the face of it might seem to be a CVT problem, and that this has been solved by replacing the MAF sensor. I ask because I too am starting to notice this uneven drive when the vehicle is heavily loaded and accelerating/climbing. I had though it was some sort of slippage in the drive train. So far it has not raised any fault codes. Thanks Chris

Have you tried this guy, he was recommended to me by someone in the club who had used him & he was lined up to attend the club meet last year, but had to withdraw just before the event. https://www.autolockmaster.co.uk/toyota-alphard/