Big_Chris

Thanks for the response - CCA is 630. I make that three times the “CCA per inch” rule of thumb ? tbh, I don’t have a problem having replaced the battery, suspect a new one was on the cards soon anyways. As you say, I’ll keep the existing as a spare.

Ok, this is getting frustrating…. Just went out, added the battery meter to NEW battery, reads OK but car wouldn’t start (brake pedal fixed in place and push button not working). I reach for my trusty NOCO booster pack, hook it up and it fires…. So whatever is stopping the cranking can be overcome with a boost… I doubt it’s the alternator as when this first happened I jump started, drove 100 miles home and it worked fine the next day. is it a fuse / solenoid ? Have messaged an auto electrician to come out and run a diagnostic but would be great if I could solve myself ! thanks for the all the help so far btw !

Thanks for replying - that’s interesting and I see what you mean now. That was my suspicion when I first had a flat battery, had one of my children left something (interior light etc) on which would drain it ? I checked and ruled that out. What I think disproves this are two things: On old battery, condition monitor said cranking power was down (which helped conclude I needed a new battery), and yesterday I fitted the new battery and immediately tried to start engine - I’m assuming whatever was draining wouldn’t be able to kill a new battery below crank power level in less than 5 mins ? it’s a good point and I should go and reconnect the condition monitor to new battery (which I lazily left on the workbench then found as I was tidying up but I was cold and hungry so left it rather than relift bonnet and unscrew a couple of bolts !).

Coming back to this - have driven the car a few times this week without problem but had already ordered a new battery so just fitted it. Hasn’t fixed the problem, can still use radio, AC etc but engine wont crank. The last few times I’d solved this by jump starting the car with my booster pack (but obviously don’t want to do this with a new battery). Think I’m going to call an auto electrician and see what they can diagnose as I’m struggling to think what the problem could be ? Cant be low ampage in battery as this is brand new 70AH battery. Battery is connected as ancillary load is being fed for lights, radio etc. is it the 100/120 main fuse ? But if so, why is this solved with a jump start ? Any ideas welcome !

Thanks - new Bosch ordered. Boosted it (which I don’t want to do too often) and it worked fine. No idea on age tbh, there’s a label on it but it’s very faded and VERY Japanese !

Thanks for the reply. I assumed because I’d managed to drive 100 miles last time without a problem (and it working again the next day) that the alternator was probably ok. in any case I’ve ordered a new battery and will see if that solves the problem. cheers, chris

A bit of help for a less technical member please. Owned my 3.5 for two trouble free years now but two weeks ago I drove 100 miles, parked up for three days then on my return the engine wouldn’t start - dashboard lit, radio on etc but no crank. Tried to troubleshoot a bit but in the end I got my booster pack out, fired up the battery and it started. Drove home no problem and then used the car for a very short trip the next day. It’s since been sat unused for 8 days (which isn’t unusual) and now won’t crank again (dash lights etc). Booster pack was flat (rookie error !) so charging that before I start a re-start. Now, I have a battery condition monitor installed and all seems normal (to me) until I crank ? See pic. Is this just the case of needing a new battery to replace one that is 15 years old ? Or do you think I have an electrics issue causing the battery to run down ?

Thanks, any pointers on one of the better units that offers all of the above ?

Hi, I’ve used the search function but can’t quite find the answer to this question - what is a recommended head unit which will give me: * UK DAB * Apple CarPlay * Rear Camera Function * Steering Wheel controls * Compatible with 18 speakers ideally it would also let me run the rear screen as well but I’m prepared to give this up, if needed, in order to manage the above. Thanks, Chris

Hello, I’ve joined the fold this week having put a deposit down on a 2009 V6 Alphard, currently en-route from Japan. Sticking with the luxury passenger van side of things for that moment but might be tempted by a conversion in years to come. Hoping to tap some of the incredible knowledge already floating round this forum. Chris

Hi, is this still available ? I’d be interested in seeing any pictures please - about to dip my toe into Alphard ownership but this sounds like it could be the kind of vehicle which meets my criteria. Thanks, Chris