AHC Problems on the LX470: How common? (1 Viewer)

[willgabriel]

Greetings All,

I've noticed several more LX470's on the market (2000-2003's) than Land Cruisers. The LX seems to run about $2k more than the same year LC. Anyway, how common are AHC problems on the LX470? Are they so prevalent as to make the LC much-preferred?

Thanks for your insights ...

 

[pman]

AHC problems are greatly influenced by how you treat the system. As long as you don't constantly raise and lower the vehicle because people are too lazy to get it in, dont change the ride dampening settings alot, and aren't constantly hauling a ton a extra weight, it will last for quiet a while.

It will break eventually, but its your actions that will have the greatest impact on its longevity. I have a 00' with 116K mi and a 01' with 112K mi, neither have had any AHC problems and both have been taken offroad, towed a 5000lb boat, and hauled a bunch of people and stuff from time to time.

 

[1loudLX]

and change the fluid.

I'm removing my AHC next week, but it can be removed for the same cost of adding a lift to a LC.

 

[CrusrDug]

What are you going to do with it? If it's a DD then just have a plan in case it does fail. Off Road purpose, then get a pre 2006 LC so you don't have to remove it when you do your lift.

 

[77HesterSue]

I"ve got an 01 LX with 136k and haven't had any problems. I've changed the fluid and rarely change the AHC setting. Good luck

 

[Kigiin]

Never had a problem with mine after 10 years and 121K miles - I do need to change the fluid as I didn't during the 120k service a month ago.

I would like to do myself, but my banana ability is limited to one or two. However, maybe it's time to stretch my comfort level.

 

[arbetrader]

I've got a 99 with 147 miles. Still works like new, however the fluid is quite low (not sure why); just picked up the new fluid today from Lexus, and going to flush the system soon. Hope it still lasts a white, not sure if I can afford a system malfunction at this point, lol!

 

[willgabriel]

What are you going to do with it? If it's a DD then just have a plan in case it does fail. Off Road purpose, then get a pre 2006 LC so you don't have to remove it when you do your lift.

It would be a DD for me more than anything. Nice to read that issues with the AHC seem to be rare. There's a 2000 LX nearby for $15,500 (96k miles). The owner says he has never taken it out of normal position, and that he has never had any issues with the vehicle (he just did the 90k service). The CD-changer part of the radio is not working, but otherwise it seems solid.

 

[cmfhsu]

They're not very common at all. I've got nearly 230,000 miles, and I'm on all original fluid. AHC has been perfect for me throughout the 6 years I've owned the car. Don't let AHC influence your decision. In fact, many of the '06 and '07 LC's have AHC. If you plan on running a new set of shocks, try to go for a 100 without AHC. If you want a good DD with an easy "free lift" when you go offroading, go for an AHC equipped LX/LC. If you find yourself crawlin the rocks more than you expect, you can buy an AHC lockout kit from slee, and basically drive your car in AHC HI all the time.

 

[OursSauvage]

I read a lot of comment from french LC owner with AHC (AHC came standard on VXV wich are close to US LX)
I don't remember having heard about a trouble... except one...you can't carry more than 400kg in the trunk with truck in High position... wich is a big issue for those who do some expedition

 

[1loudLX]

I've got a 99 with 147 miles. Still works like new, however the fluid is quite low (not sure why); just picked up the new fluid today from Lexus, and going to flush the system soon. Hope it still lasts a white, not sure if I can afford a system malfunction at this point, lol!

when you measure, measure in the LOW setting.

 

[pman]

It would be a DD for me more than anything. Nice to read that issues with the AHC seem to be rare. There's a 2000 LX nearby for $15,500 (96k miles). The owner says he has never taken it out of normal position, and that he has never had any issues with the vehicle (he just did the 90k service). The CD-changer part of the radio is not working, but otherwise it seems solid.

The CD changer is a problem on the 2000 LX......been there done that......however that is literally the only thing that has ever been a problem for me

 

[1loudLX]

The CD changer is a problem on the 2000 LX......been there done that......however that is literally the only thing that has ever been a problem for me

been there done that twice...then I put a Kenwood DVD/NAV unit in.

 

[willgabriel]

The CD changer is a problem on the 2000 LX......been there done that......however that is literally the only thing that has ever been a problem for me

Ah, I see. Again, encouraging news regarding the AHC, and the LX470 in general. So, does $15,500 (maybe less as price is negotiable) seem like a good price for a 2000 LX470 w/93k miles (I said 96k earlier, but that was wrong). Also, the timing belt was done at 60k miles, brakes at 73k miles. Vehicle spent most of its life in Florida, and has no rust. Ext color is white; interior is tan.

 

[scrappyslexus]

I am sorry to report that I have had nothing but problems with the AHC on my 2000 lx. I do not think that the dealers I used understood the system. If I had to do it all over again I would of opted for an LC.

 

[cmfhsu]

when you measure, measure in the LOW setting.

Nooooooo don't do that! That'll make it seem like you're too high. The FSM says to put it into low, then back into neutral, then check it. I thought you were supposed to check it while in L as well and I could never figure out why I was running out of fluid every time I tried to go into high. Took a look in the FSM and figured it out.

 

[hoser]

Don't be scurred. You can always revert to conventional suspension.

 

[1loudLX]

Nooooooo don't do that! That'll make it seem like you're too high. The FSM says to put it into low, then back into neutral, then check it. I thought you were supposed to check it while in L as well and I could never figure out why I was running out of fluid every time I tried to go into high. Took a look in the FSM and figured it out.

ah-ha!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I'm not sure on the longevity of AHC but I'm going to take my chances and I'm in for the long haul. I was a sheep* in the beginning and was ready to take it off day one. Since then I have become to like it. I get better flex then a 100 without it and as good if not better ride then stock t-bar. I can run a lower ride height with 35's because I have AHC to raise the vehicle when I need it. Some more testing on my part and you are going to see the AHC RULES thread!




*sheep - one who follows the majority without doing there own research.



.

 

[77HesterSue]

I paid 14,700 for my 01 with 126k. I'd probably try to talk them down a bit, but seems like a pretty good price. Good luck