AHC Automatic Height Control stuck on low LX470 lexus

[aderbeast]

Ive got a 2000 Lexus LX470 with Automatic Height Control (AHC) Issues.

When I purchased the truck in 2011 the AHC worked perfectly. I’ve used it for towing an enclosed 14’ trailer carrying a quad and dirt bikes. I think i’ve exceeded the tongue weight many times. Whenever I loaded the trailer onto the truck hitch i’ve always kept the AHC in Normal setting and lower the trailer onto the tongue. The AHC would change heights or get stuck in high or low when I raised the trailer off.
Currently the AHC is stuck in the LOW setting and the light on the dash is flashing.
I took it to a local Toyota Dealership Service in Montana and they diagnosed the issue to be the Pressure Sensor and replaced it with a new one. After hours of diagnosis and talking over the phone with Lexus, they are saying that the issue is now with the AHC ECU Computer. They are quoting me approximately $2900 for the part. With approximately 2 hours labour.
Any suggestions or advise on what to do?
The description notes from the mechanic are attached...

 

[TXLX100]

For $2900 you could convert to a non AHC suspension and have money left over. Perhaps this and airbags for towing would be an option for you. If not, sounds like you are stuck with $$$ repair.

 

[artwerks]

Yes, buy an OME lift, remove the AHC and never look back.

 

[gtfour43]

Or just buy someone's stock bars and coils for $100.

 

[SWUtah]

I'm fixing mine next week at Slee off road. OME fix it once better suspension and better long term fix.

 

[arbetrader]

Hey Bro


This thread gives a bit of insight:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/716383-replacing-ahc-globes-accumulators.html

Anyway try this:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/100_suspension.htm - I'd take the 1.5" medium kit.

Or look under the parts section and get someone's stock springs/Torsion Bars on the cheap. You could crank the TB's and run small spacers in the front to level along with airbags in the back to solve everything - Likely around $1k including labour for everything... Also, you'd have room for a dual battery set-up

Does anyone know of any reputable shop in the Billings area that they'd trust to rip out a factory AHC system?

 

[Actualeyes]

Maybe someone here who has removed their AHC fully would donate their computer which is probably excess baggage these days!

 

[artwerks]

Maybe someone here who has removed their AHC fully would donate their computer which is probably excess baggage these days!

There is no separate computer for the AHC as I understand.

 

[Actualeyes]

There is no separate computer for the AHC as I understand.

Yes, I think you're right... I misread the Tojo service report to say 'AHC ECU' but it is 'AHC ECU terminals'... It did surprise me that there was a seperate computer because obviously there is only one OBD-II connector.