Budget Cost for AHC refurbishment?

[Brett Branch]

I've been reading all the threads on AHC, but hoping someone can help me with a quick ballpark figure to refurbish the AHC system? I've been looking possibly purchasing a 2006 LC with AHC, but it doesn't go up and down (even though if you wait a bit, the lights on the dash to indicate a ride height change). I know it could be something simple but a) it's a negotiation point, b) I need to know what it would cost worst-case so if I purchase it, I have a reasonable expectation and then can be pleasantly surprised and feel good if its a relay or sensor or other simple fix...

No back to reading the WHAT and HOW, presuming I do purchase the vehicle...

THANKS!
-Brett

 

[tacoduck]

call lexus and ask . My guess is 3-4k from them.

If it was my truck, I would start with a fluid flush and see what happens. you can do that yourself pretty cheap. If the globes are bad, then new replacement globes are pricey.

I have an 07 with 265k on original globes and its still working well. Im showing the fluid was swapped once, but a visual on the fluid looks good.

 

[PADDO]

You want a worst case estimate? then take it to a Lexus dealer and they'll probably come up with a magical number in the $2-$4k range. Seems to be where their guesstimates fall. Seriously, could be a $50 sensor; low or no fluid; just very high neutral pressure or the ECU is locked out in fail safe and it just needs clearing. Impossible to crystal ball a cost without more, and qualified, info.

 

[Brett Branch]

Yes, was thinking worst case - I won't be able to get detailed info until (or if) I get it home and get/install/setup Techstream, etc.

To go a bit off-topic on my own post: Good news is that the truck seems to run and drive fine, and the dealer knows the truck has issues, so seem willing to negotiate. Main issues on the truck (176k miles) include the AHC not functioning properly, a check engine light which I'm pretty sure is o2 sensor related but will verify before purchase, and the fact that the factory nav stereo is in the passenger footwell without a faceplate while there is a aftermarket unit in its place in the dash (backup camera, climate controls work, I didn't check nor care about the nav). Lack of documentation on TB/WP replacement (despite the fact that Carfax indicates that the vehicle was regularly serviced at this same dealer, I think the sales dept is clueless). I'm thinking take the "clean retail" KBB/Nada values of ~$19k, deduct $3k for AHC, $3k for CAT replacement (likely just o2 sensors, but they 'aint exactly cheap either), $1500 for TB/WP, etc. would be $11,500, then be nice because I want the truck, and because all of the above might be quite fixable for less than I'm deducting and offer $13,500. Stupid?

Thanks - and I know the above should be in the buying advice thread - sorry...

 

[spaber05]

@Brett Branch: Just in case...were all the doors/hatches closed when you attempted to raise/lower it? I made the same mistake at the dealer I bought it from not knowing that all the doors had to be closed for it to raise/lower.

 

[bctlex]

Yes, was thinking worst case - I won't be able to get detailed info until (or if) I get it home and get/install/setup Techstream, etc.

To go a bit off-topic on my own post: Good news is that the truck seems to run and drive fine, and the dealer knows the truck has issues, so seem willing to negotiate. Main issues on the truck (176k miles) include the AHC not functioning properly, a check engine light which I'm pretty sure is o2 sensor related but will verify before purchase, and the fact that the factory nav stereo is in the passenger footwell without a faceplate while there is a aftermarket unit in its place in the dash (backup camera, climate controls work, I didn't check nor care about the nav). Lack of documentation on TB/WP replacement (despite the fact that Carfax indicates that the vehicle was regularly serviced at this same dealer, I think the sales dept is clueless). I'm thinking take the "clean retail" KBB/Nada values of ~$19k, deduct $3k for AHC, $3k for CAT replacement (likely just o2 sensors, but they 'aint exactly cheap either), $1500 for TB/WP, etc. would be $11,500, then be nice because I want the truck, and because all of the above might be quite fixable for less than I'm deducting and offer $13,500. Stupid?

Thanks - and I know the above should be in the buying advice thread - sorry...

You mentioned the same dealer, assuming Toyota/Lexus dealership, I would go to the service dept, and get a quote, then walk it back to the sales dept. Hey, your service dept quoted me $xxxx for AHC, $xxxx for blah blah. I would start with that number as starting point. So be it if it is $11.5K or even lower. You are trying to get the car as cheap as possible, not trying to be their buddy here. $11.5 - I think would be a steal for 06 with 176K even with the problem above. I would be nice and not being an a**, but I would put as much pressure to the sales rep, and keep mentioning the CEL is lighted up, and the AHC is not working and the TB/WP etc. It is not like you are making this stuff up.

Of course, at the end, buy the car, and fix them yourself

 

[Dannyboy lx470]

You want a worst case estimate? then take it to a Lexus dealer and they'll probably come up with a magical number in the $2-$4k range. Seems to be where their guesstimates fall. Seriously, could be a $50 sensor; low or no fluid; just very high neutral pressure or the ECU is locked out in fail safe and it just needs clearing. Impossible to crystal ball a cost without more, and qualified, info.

PADDO how do you know your sensor is gone or not functioning well ?.

 

[Brett Branch]

@Brett Branch: Just in case...were all the doors/hatches closed when you attempted to raise/lower it? I made the same mistake at the dealer I bought it from not knowing that all the doors had to be closed for it to raise/lower.

Umm, probably not - I'll need to recheck