AHC: what are the pros/cons?
- Thread starter jumptrader
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Have a new to me ‘04 LX. AHC functions normal. Do I increase the likelihood of issues with the AHC system popping up sooner if I choose to lower into Low every time I park? While not a critical need to do this every time it would be a nice convenience feature but I would rather avoid it if I’m likely shortening the system’s life span.
uHu
Bridgeburner
By always leaving it sitting at Lo, you save a bit on the spheres, but putting more load on the steel springs. Theoretically, that could mean a bit longer life for the spheres, and a bit shorter life for the coil springs; while the adjustable TBs could just be tightened from time to time to compensate, if required.
Then it's the pump, which would have to run a bit extra each time you start. Hard to say how much that is compared to the total runtime, and that would also depend on how often you stop and lower it (once a day or 30 times a day).
I think the extra wear is very minimal. Enjoy the system how it was intended and lower that thing every time. 
Take any of that extra thought and worry and put that into fluid flushes, pump motor replacement mental prep or a sphere replacement fund.
Maintaining a thoroughly used AHC system is relatively simple because the system is so robust. Go nuts man!
Take any of that extra thought and worry and put that into fluid flushes, pump motor replacement mental prep or a sphere replacement fund.
Maintaining a thoroughly used AHC system is relatively simple because the system is so robust. Go nuts man!
I am looking at getting this reader per your guys rec's. Is it simple plug and play to read the pressure for the AHC system? It is my wife and mine favorite feature on the car after our 5 days of ownership. We took it on the trails today and had a blast with it.
Yes simple plug & play. You can play around in the menus a little to find the AHC numbers or whatever else you’re looking for. Choose:
Diagnose
LEXUS (or SCION TOYOTA)
LEXUS (or TOYOTA)
V10.5
North America Area
Manual Select
AHC
Read Current Data
then check what you want (Front Pressure Sensor, Rear Pressure Sensor, Accumulator Pressure Sensor, etc.)
iCarsoft is not as comprehensive or as powerful as Techstream but it’s way more user friendly, more compact & portable, less costly in cash & setup time/aggravation, and you don’t need to track down an otherwise obsolete old clunky laptop just to run it on. I think it’s a great choice. One day I may run up against its limitations and choose to supplement with Techstream for some deeper shop work but I think this will be all you need for 95% of what you’d use it for and to keep in the truck with you if you want.
Diagnose
LEXUS (or SCION TOYOTA)
LEXUS (or TOYOTA)
V10.5
North America Area
Manual Select
AHC
Read Current Data
then check what you want (Front Pressure Sensor, Rear Pressure Sensor, Accumulator Pressure Sensor, etc.)
iCarsoft is not as comprehensive or as powerful as Techstream but it’s way more user friendly, more compact & portable, less costly in cash & setup time/aggravation, and you don’t need to track down an otherwise obsolete old clunky laptop just to run it on. I think it’s a great choice. One day I may run up against its limitations and choose to supplement with Techstream for some deeper shop work but I think this will be all you need for 95% of what you’d use it for and to keep in the truck with you if you want.
Wow hey thanks a lot for the explanation. Ordering....
uHu
Bridgeburner
Yes, well, getting to that point can be a bit of a hassle. Meaning to get the TechStream and driver to play on today's Windows. Solution is to read a thread on the issue in here, or use an old WinXP laptop that you uncle has binned.
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