BigNev

Absolutely superb job you're doing there, especially with the outdoor aspect!!

I would err on a battery too, voltage can be fine, but not the amps. And they're what crank the engine. If it really is that old, it's done blooming well!!!

These may help with it. Is there any chance whatever the key is in could be reducing its signal strength at all?

Ditto the JPNZ Owner manual - VERY useful!

Hi there! Ours was 3 years in the UK with its one previous owner, one owner in Japan, we've had it a mere 4 months, but loving it. We too had Galaxy's, and Grand Voyagers, this is far and above a better car. Parts - so far, 🤞, the very few I've needed (front brakes and rear washer motor) - haven't been a problem for my local autofactors. And the Amayama site is great for bits I wanted (but didn't need!) Cheers! Nev

Ooh you're getting me envious 😄

Hi guys! An obvious reason for the consumption would be the type of driving youre doing. Lots of round town, stop start ? Ours dropped to a dreadful 19mpg, but recently, with my wife back at work, and a 20 mile drive, even with her "lead wellies" heavy accelerator foot, it's up to 25. Just done a drive to North Wales and me driving, and it appears to be up to 28, still not exactly frugal, but it is on LPG at least.

And don't forget - that 8.6 litres would be for a full strip down. It will likely be half that for a drain and fill fluid change. My 2010 3.5 took a bit under 4 litres, after all the "excess" dribbled out following the procedure for mine, which is not necessarily the same for yours.

Smashing! Nice job finding that!

It's Tayna, not Tanya, and yes they are good.

Hi there! Yep, either Tayna batteries in Bodelwyddan, North Wales, or Advanced Battery Supplies in Stockport. Both great places, I have used them both personally, and delivery is fast. On both websites, with the battery size code from the one you have, (or if it doesn't have a sticker on it then the physical size and post arrangement). you'll be able to choose from a selection of them with varying amp hour ratings and cost.

Hi guys, whilst I don't have a Hybrid, I'm interested in the differences on the "standard" Panasonic 12v battery, obviously a very special thing, to say current "Stop Start" types nowadays, does anyone know this? I'm possibly interested enough so that next time I'm passing my local battery specialists, Advanced Battery Supplies in Stockport, I'll probably pop in!

Hi there! Have you checked to see if you're lucky, and it's in the seat back pocket of the rear row drivers side seat?

Hi there! Have you still got the old plugs, to swap back in, in case you've got some fakes in the engine now?

Hi there! My guess is the battery is dying. Voltage is not a full indicator of its condition. Poor electrical health will cause lots of strange electrical communication faults on "new" cars. And my other guess, on the low charge voltage when running, is that it had just been fully charged off the car, so the charging system may have "thought" it was good, so not pulling in the alternator. Could well be wrong on that. If you try it again, then put the lights and all other electrical kit on, it should make the alternator work - or not - then you'll have a bit more info. I've got an old battery from my work van, still holds a good voltage, but when tested its cranking amps are down at 550 from the rated 900. Still plenty enough for tests and a standby jump start for most cars though!

If the "engine light" is on, then there's something electrical gone South, probably, but by no means definitely, related to the lack of gear selection. A solenoid failure, not too likely as it won't do forward or reverse, or if you're lucky it could just simply be the plug connector to the gearbox! So the rest of the car can't "see" it. So it needs code reading, and I know even a cheap one will see some codes, I have the Car Scanner app and ELM327 box. I've tried it on ours and it sees it. It had no current codes so therefore I can't know how deep it can read it. If it comes up with really odd codes, then it could, as was said, be interference from dodgy wiring, or poor earth connections - as these are a communication path nowadays, not just electrical.

Confused.com did recognise the Alphard / Vellfire models, and got me a "good" price with Admiral insurance. But absolutely positively definitely shop around!

Sadly no idea, I just put your part number in and that's what came up. I didn't research it any further, just pointed in a direction that may help, as you said you hadn't been able to find one.

Yes, Amayama have alternative manufacturers listed, quite a few, including Febest! As well as the original, but at £512 I would certainly be looking at one of the others, round figures £40 plus £35 shipping in just over 2 weeks. And at that cost, from what I've had from them, no VAT on arrival.

Hi there @Malcontents did you get further on your investigations? Just so we can all share in the knowledge?

Ah yes of course! Well then, its not impossible I'm wrong! But, into the mix, the DSG gearbox cars we've hired on holiday the last 2 years both drove like a "normal auto", and they aren't. I'll be watching for @Clutha response after checking on the actual vehicle!! As that's the ultimate test report! Or anyone else with the correct model of course! We learn something new everyday! About 15 years ago I did a supercar driving experience as a present, and a Ferrari had a gearbox that didn't creep, but was therefore very jerky on take off. So maybe it's "engineered in" for the masses?

Yep. All creep forward. Stuck brakes? Etc Etc Etc

I did the filter as well, if you take the sump off be aware there is still about a litre and a half of fluid, have a bowl under there!

No worries mate! Yes, my best guess is an an air leak. Check for any loose connections on the intake system, cracked hoses, and anything else like that. It's beyond my abilities, but as you said the car was running lean, do you have the kit to see the long term fuel trims? And are they still lean? Not that I know what the figures should be! Possibly, if there aren't any obvious leaks, try some fuel system / injector cleaner, in case it's that side of the system.

I'd say at about 15 years old or when I just bought it 😄 As that's what I did personally. It's not too hard at all, but you do need to be able to see transmission fluid temp to get the level right with the "overflow tube" method it uses.