AHC Paranoia?

Do you have AHC PARANOIA? Are you worried about system breaking?


  • Total voters
    52

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Honest Q…can Techstream bypass that EVAP canister issue?
It can clear it, I don’t believe you can actually bypass the EVAP checks though
 
Once you clear it, then AHC (and other stuff) can go back to normal? If so, then how long ?

with the gas cap at least it will clear and you’re OK with everything working, until it checks again. I believe that’s done after you turn it off 3-4 hours later.
 
it's true that techstream can't replace the faulty sensor, so it can only provide a short term fix until the root cause is resolved. But short term fix is what trail repair is often about. And your ratchet strap doesn't even have to get dirty.

"techstream' here can be interpreted as any number of OBDII tools which range in complexity and cost. But Techstream would be the biggest hammer.
 
it's true that techstream can't replace the faulty sensor, so it can only provide a short term fix until the root cause is resolved. But short term fix is what trail repair is often about. And your ratchet strap doesn't even have to get dirty.

"techstream' here can be interpreted as any number of OBDII tools which range in complexity and cost. But Techstream would be the biggest hammer.
Thank you. I need to get one.
 
For those of you with AHC (LX570), do you worry about it going out? Do you adjust your driving NOT to hit bumps or potholes at high speeds to protect the system?

I have a LX470 and used to have AHC paranoia until I finally stripped and replaced it with ARB suspension. I know AHC was improved greatly in 200 but I can't imagine it being perfect. I don't mind paying $4000 every 200k miles on suspension but I want to feel 100% confidence I am indominable.
I mob the crap out of my LX570... Was passing RZR's just this morning. Flogged the ever loving hell out of the AHC on my previous LX570 as well and never had issues. I did a flush and refill of the AHC system on both when I took possession of them. (Always baseline ALL fluids on a new to me used vehicle for peace of mind. Just stating that because I don't think there is any inherent weakness to the AHC system that makes doing a flush prior to the recommended maintenance interval a must do item.)
 
Thanks guys, I had some PTSD with my previous suspensions (LX470, Ford E550, S600) and just wanted to triple check. Im thinking of getting a second 200 LX570 with 35s this time for passenger comfort. I just want to make sure before I lost my mind on my LX470 with AHC repairs. I was going to the shop weekly for it. Until mechanic suggested to remove it.

AHC in the 100 has seen monumental improvements recently, as far as our collective understanding of maintenance and diagnostics. The irrational fear and lack of understanding in the past were overstated, to put it lightly.

With the exception of the lines themselves, every part of the system can be serviced easily and cheaply - even when buying all genuine parts. A complete AHC delete is more work and $$ than all but the most extreme and rare AHC repairs/maintenance.

This is all to say, your past experiences with AHC in the 100 were likely rooted in ignorance (no shade intended at all, this applies to everyone's knowledge - the community's, the dealers, independent mechanics, etc..) and not necessary the AHC system itself. That ignorance problem has been washed away, IMO. I believe it's similar to an old school mechanic that's only worked on carb'd engines trying to work on a modern EFI. They'll swear it's the most troublesome and expensive piece of engineering garbage they've ever seen - and they'd be completely wrong.

Knowing that the 100's are better understood now and that the 200 is even more robust should help put your mind at ease. There are lots of things you can do wrong, but doing it right isn't difficult.

The problem with AHC is not that it fails by doing things.

The problem with AHC is the maintenance…more like, how difficult it is to maintain. Sure, it is reliable in that it requires flushes every 60k miles. And if done correctly (and the metal line don’t rust), then it should last a long time (unlike other air/hydraulic suspension of other companies).

As can be seen on this forum with numerous posts, maintenance is (very) difficult. A wrong flush…such as not priming the pump…can be disastrous and $$$$$. Dealers have issue with doing it correctly (a member here had dealer screwed up and could not drive his LX for months!)…and unless you’re really handy mechanically, it can be a major headache. For that member who could not drive his LX for several months, Lexus dealer brought in ”AHC experts” after experts tracing the issue.

For an average Joe, AHC can become a dilemma. Too tough to do it alone in your garage…yet dealer can **** it up…and no 3rd party shop will even touch it. Maintaining AHC is not like changing your engine oil. There is no leeway for mistakes.

From a recent thread, the AHC pump can be clogged…and requires an extensive digging around by a great member here to know how to fix it. How many average Joe can do this? Heck, dealers don’t even bother to fix this! Thus, pump is on national backorder due to frequent “failures,” as noted by one dealer.

And then you have the issue with rusted metal line. Painful to trace to the cause. And once found, then you’re now force to reflush/refill the AHC fluid, which brings with it issues noted above.

AHC is a good system. Works great. It should not fail from off-roading. The problem is the long-term maintenance / cost for an average Joe. If you’re very handy, then it should be a good system to tinker with. If you’re not, then AHC presents a long-term potential risk.

As happened with the 100 AHC, we're now seeing lots of 200 folks discover maintenance tips and procedures that make "living with AHC" more accessible to Average Joe. For the 100, I think we're "done" and a simple set of tools and a few forum links can tell you (or your mechanic) all they need to know. I expect the 200 to get there shortly.

I think you've got a point that it requires more work and finesse than a simple traditional setup, but I disagree that any of it is out of reach. Removing the pump and clearing the internal filter screens isn't something only an expert mechanic can tackle. It's in line with most any other piece of engine accessory work on a modern vehicle.
 
it's true that techstream can't replace the faulty sensor, so it can only provide a short term fix until the root cause is resolved. But short term fix is what trail repair is often about. And your ratchet strap doesn't even have to get dirty.

"techstream' here can be interpreted as any number of OBDII tools which range in complexity and cost. But Techstream would be the biggest hammer.
I am all about getting the biggest hammer available, but having and OBDII scanner on board already, I was wondering if using it to clear the fault code would work (at least until the next sensor check). Sounds like it should?
 
I mob the crap out of my LX570... Was passing RZR's just this morning. Flogged the ever loving hell out of the AHC on my previous LX570 as well and never had issues. I did a flush and refill of the AHC system on both when I took possession of them. (Always baseline ALL fluids on a new to me used vehicle for peace of mind. Just stating that because I don't think there is any inherent weakness to the AHC system that makes doing a flush prior to the recommended maintenance interval a must do item.)

Truth. The system can take it and honestly I've yet to find its limitations. Whether that's chasing my buddies Raptor, 2000lbs payload, 6" additional clearance with 35s, or dropping down to help load/unload at camp.

I find the system uncanny in its ability to keep things off the bump stops, even when really mobbing on it. I keep thinking I'll need to add aftermarket jounce stops for really hard running, but then again, the system keeps proving itself, managing and dialing in plush or stiff, and maximizing use of the available suspension travel.

I find for my setup when really hitting it hard down washes, it can be advantageous to run in sport damping mode. The system does automatically increase damping, but this helps even more to provide additional wheel control in my setup. Probably because of the larger and heavier 71lb 35x12.5s I run. Then right back to comfort for the slow crawling sections.
 
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I am all about getting the biggest hammer available, but having and OBDII scanner on board already, I was wondering if using it to clear the fault code would work (at least until the next sensor check). Sounds like it should?
Maybe? There is a pretty large variation in the OBDII tools what 'additional' modules (ECUs) they can see and report on. Techstream can see them all. It may be that your OBDII scanner or bluetooth module can as well. But it depends. Probably also depends on the 'host' software if it is app based.
 
I am one of the people that has had this AHC flush by the dealer and now it doesn't work. In fact they still have my truck and its been 3 weeks. So I am pissed about that.

That being said, I absolutely love the system. My main concern with getting the LX over the LC was the AHC. However, now that I have it, I love it. Its way way better than the system in the 100. I constantly use the adjustments, I go to sport+ when towing or driving at high speeds on curvy mountain freeways (I70 for example). When towing, it always stays level too. I love lowering it for garages. It lifts up extremely high when off-roading, probably higher than most LC's with lifts. And when I slam on the brakes it doesn't nose dive. Maybe Im getting older but I love that its lower for getting in and out of it. When I drive my old 100 with a lift (my brother now owns it), I am surprised how much more trouble it is just to get in and out of. Again, that's not a big deal, but I kind of like that its lower day to day.
 
I am one of the people that has had this AHC flush by the dealer and now it doesn't work. In fact they still have my truck and its been 3 weeks. So I am pissed about that.

That being said, I absolutely love the system. My main concern with getting the LX over the LC was the AHC. However, now that I have it, I love it. Its way way better than the system in the 100. I constantly use the adjustments, I go to sport+ when towing or driving at high speeds on curvy mountain freeways (I70 for example). When towing, it always stays level too. I love lowering it for garages. It lifts up extremely high when off-roading, probably higher than most LC's with lifts. And when I slam on the brakes it doesn't nose dive. Maybe Im getting older but I love that its lower for getting in and out of it. When I drive my old 100 with a lift (my brother now owns it), I am surprised how much more trouble it is just to get in and out of. Again, that's not a big deal, but I kind of like that its lower day to day.
Since the LX starts off with worst approach/departure angles than LC, lifting a stock LX matches the LC in clearance angles. But remember, that when you AHC lift, you pay for it in less articulation/wheel travel.

As for on-road handling/performance, by most metrics, LC slightly outperforms LX.

LX is far superior in towing because it can prevent rear sag. And as you noted above, LX can lower itself which is beneficial in certain situations.

The question you have to ask yourself…after the current fiasco (hopefully) fixed by your Lexus dealer, what are you going to do in 60k miles? Bring it back to same dealer? Look for different dealer hoping for better service? Do it yourself? If you’re out of warranty, then all this can be very expensive.
 
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I am one of the people that has had this AHC flush by the dealer and now it doesn't work. In fact they still have my truck and its been 3 weeks. So I am pissed about that.

That being said, I absolutely love the system. My main concern with getting the LX over the LC was the AHC. However, now that I have it, I love it. Its way way better than the system in the 100. I constantly use the adjustments, I go to sport+ when towing or driving at high speeds on curvy mountain freeways (I70 for example). When towing, it always stays level too. I love lowering it for garages. It lifts up extremely high when off-roading, probably higher than most LC's with lifts. And when I slam on the brakes it doesn't nose dive. Maybe Im getting older but I love that its lower for getting in and out of it. When I drive my old 100 with a lift (my brother now owns it), I am surprised how much more trouble it is just to get in and out of. Again, that's not a big deal, but I kind of like that its lower day to day.

Any chance the issue you're seeing is related to a small build up of gunk on the pump inlet filter that someone else documented so well recently? I think they had similar-ish problems and it was a simple screen gummed up.
 
Im guessing that is the problem, but the dealer is insisting on replacing the pump. They want to make sure it is not going to be a problem in the future.
 
I’m ignorant, aware, paranoid yet confident... I wanted to share my multilayered set of feelings...that drove my vote for paranoid

ignorant - never owned a Lexus, and this is my first vehicle with air suspension, so not familiar yet with what’s normal ... truck is pretty bouncy, but then again so is my 60, and definitely my 40... looking at PO svc records it looks like I’m north of 60k miles since the fluid was last serviced... so will probably flush it and see if all that bouncy goes away or not.

Aware - I know this system is the nuts, it’s an amazing piece of engineering, and like any other car part will need to be serviced and ultimately will have a service life expectancy... my rig is at 195k, so I expect the globs to need replacing at some point, but then again my old gmc was having a lot more issues even before 135k... so I’d say the lx shouldn’t get a bad rap

paranoid - not sure when or how it will go, but just hoping that every little bounce I feel won’t turn into an epic end leaving me stranded... I optimistically assume is a slow death that isn’t detrimental when it ultimately happens... most likely can stink bug drag my def home in low stance worst case

confident - I’ve seen some great write ups and videos leading me to feel I can keep much of the cost down by servicing the fluid myself, and maybe swap out some gloves even when the time comes.

Overall I think the ahc is insanely versatile especially with the sensor hack coupled with the super comfy ride, luxurious features, and good price point makes the LX an amazing platform for many needs and directions to take it... lifting and LC200 a few inches is probably much more expensive than new globes, and then our kids/grandparents wouldn’t be able to get in and out as easily anyway... I just love that auto-Low drop feature...
 
I’m ignorant, aware, paranoid yet confident... I wanted to share my multilayered set of feelings...that drove my vote for paranoid

ignorant - never owned a Lexus, and this is my first vehicle with air suspension, so not familiar yet with what’s normal ... truck is pretty bouncy, but then again so is my 60, and definitely my 40... looking at PO svc records it looks like I’m north of 60k miles since the fluid was last serviced... so will probably flush it and see if all that bouncy goes away or not.

Aware - I know this system is the nuts, it’s an amazing piece of engineering, and like any other car part will need to be serviced and ultimately will have a service life expectancy... my rig is at 195k, so I expect the globs to need replacing at some point, but then again my old gmc was having a lot more issues even before 135k... so I’d say the lx shouldn’t get a bad rap

paranoid - not sure when or how it will go, but just hoping that every little bounce I feel won’t turn into an epic end leaving me stranded... I optimistically assume is a slow death that isn’t detrimental when it ultimately happens... most likely can stink bug drag my def home in low stance worst case

confident - I’ve seen some great write ups and videos leading me to feel I can keep much of the cost down by servicing the fluid myself, and maybe swap out some gloves even when the time comes.

Overall I think the ahc is insanely versatile especially with the sensor hack coupled with the super comfy ride, luxurious features, and good price point makes the LX an amazing platform for many needs and directions to take it... lifting and LC200 a few inches is probably much more expensive than new globes, and then our kids/grandparents wouldn’t be able to get in and out as easily anyway... I just love that auto-Low drop feature...

First - it's hydraulic, not air. Second, if you have bouncy ride, you might need accumulators: LX570 AHC Globe/Accumulator Replacement - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/lx570-ahc-globe-accumulator-replacement.1193703/
 
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