In July 2025 I was a noob and in last 12 months I think I have learnt a lot but I know to keep this car for next 15-20 years which is the goal. I have to learn a lot more. Unavailability of the parts have been a real pain but I have managed to source most things from across the world. and I hope will always be able. Used parts UAE Sellers, Amayama Website & Australlia eBay have really saved my life. Listing all the work done for kind humans to assist me in what else needs to be done as well as some current issues that I need help with;
The Vehicle has Engine & Body differently captured due to it being from the early era of importing scams (the plate reads KH-KZJ95W-GKPET / KZJ95-0040385, which is a J90-series designation and doesn't match the physical J120 vehicle) but it's well documented and registered and I have a solid contract with the seller who sold this to me. But still in ordering parts I have faced a lot of challanges due to not knowing actual VIN number. Below is what I know for sure -
Vehicle: PradoJ120 - 1KDFTV - 2005
Engine: 1KD-0971409 (Confirmed)
Model: KDJ120W-GKAEY (Unsure but logically deduced) - VX Variant - Has AHC (Electronic + Rear Airbags - No Oil for shocks)
Transmission: A343F, 4-speed automatic - Aisin 30-43LE, JDM full-spec
Meter Reading On Purchase: 74000 KM / 46000 Miles (Verified by mechanics via the IC of the Cluster as we as tires on the Car were still from 2011 and the spare was from 2003)
Core Issues on inspection:
- Car had surface level rust as it was in Mumbai (near Ocean) but being parked Indoors helped in it being only on surface so I got it scraped with sanpaper and iron brushes and then did Rust Protection with Liqui Moly Underbody protection
- The crankcase breather pipe/hose was cut and left open in Engine Bay - I installed a Oil Cath Can (Evil Eye)
- Check Engine light was covered forcefully as P0710 Error was persistant since the sensor 8942934010 is not connected to ECU and wiring is missing - This I have not been able to solve
- Other wear and tear as per age
- The Car was not shown love and care as it was one of many cars in the household so as long as it ran they did not do much other than oil changes
while I also drove around 10,000 KM and at least 10 long distence drives (500KM). The Car runs well but kept showing new - new issues as it was properly being used after a long time. so below are list of other work done in last 12-13 months
1. Engine
2. Shocks & Bushes
Why am I typing all this -
1. To connect with people who can help with future needs & to understand anything else I need to take care of
2. Anyone who can help me source the exact connecting wiring for 8942934010 and educate me as to where in the ECU it should connect. Believed to be the No. 2 ATF temperature sensor (external, near the oil cooler line, separate from the internal No. 1 sensor already addressed)
3. Help confirm the exact complectation/grade code beyond KDJ120W-GKAEY or different, since parts catalogs sometimes need the full build-spec to disambiguate between similar variants.
4. Wiring & Connectors - This is the problem I want to solve in advance as everything is old and brittle so zipties are helping but how can I source enough of those for future use. I understand these use Sumitomo-series connectors (090 series, 2-pin/3-pin waterproof) for most engine sensors - looking for the best source for assortment kits, and confirmation on which specific series covers the TEMS/AHC-related sensors specifically.
I am heavily invested in the car and I want to use it for 15 - 20 years. Any and all help is welcome.
Thank you very very much. The community for these cars is a real blessing.
And to anyone wondering why a noob dared to buy this old car and invest so much time energy and time - My best friend who is a car nut made me do this and I trust him. in his words 'These cars never get old and they always are fixable' He works on cars himself just unlucky for me he lives on a different continent.
The Vehicle has Engine & Body differently captured due to it being from the early era of importing scams (the plate reads KH-KZJ95W-GKPET / KZJ95-0040385, which is a J90-series designation and doesn't match the physical J120 vehicle) but it's well documented and registered and I have a solid contract with the seller who sold this to me. But still in ordering parts I have faced a lot of challanges due to not knowing actual VIN number. Below is what I know for sure -
Vehicle: PradoJ120 - 1KDFTV - 2005
Engine: 1KD-0971409 (Confirmed)
Model: KDJ120W-GKAEY (Unsure but logically deduced) - VX Variant - Has AHC (Electronic + Rear Airbags - No Oil for shocks)
Transmission: A343F, 4-speed automatic - Aisin 30-43LE, JDM full-spec
Meter Reading On Purchase: 74000 KM / 46000 Miles (Verified by mechanics via the IC of the Cluster as we as tires on the Car were still from 2011 and the spare was from 2003)
Core Issues on inspection:
- Car had surface level rust as it was in Mumbai (near Ocean) but being parked Indoors helped in it being only on surface so I got it scraped with sanpaper and iron brushes and then did Rust Protection with Liqui Moly Underbody protection
- The crankcase breather pipe/hose was cut and left open in Engine Bay - I installed a Oil Cath Can (Evil Eye)
- Check Engine light was covered forcefully as P0710 Error was persistant since the sensor 8942934010 is not connected to ECU and wiring is missing - This I have not been able to solve
- Other wear and tear as per age
- The Car was not shown love and care as it was one of many cars in the household so as long as it ran they did not do much other than oil changes
while I also drove around 10,000 KM and at least 10 long distence drives (500KM). The Car runs well but kept showing new - new issues as it was properly being used after a long time. so below are list of other work done in last 12-13 months
1. Engine
- EGR cleaning
- Vacuum pipes replaced
- Vacuum switching/regulating valves - Ordered - yet to replaced
- Timing belt + tensioner
- Glow plugs x4
- Air filter, fuel filter
- Diesel Purge injector clean
- Front engine mounts
- Oil catch can (Evil Eye Brand)
2. Shocks & Bushes
- Rear air Shock Airbags
- Rear TEMS shock (KYB)
- Front Shock Bushes
- Front lower arm bushes
- Front/rear stabilizer bushes
- Headlights LED, taillights
- Floor mats (Australia - ausgo4wd)
- Dashboard wrapping
- Alloy wheel painting
- Teflon coating
- Bumper repairs + paint
- Windshield reglue
- Rear wiper arm/blade + Front Wiper Arms / Blade
- Wiper Linkage with Motor - Old one was broken
- Cowl Panel
- Roof Rail covers
- All AC Vents
- All windows Weather strips
- Fog Lamp Bezel
- 7 harnesses trialled
- Transmission wire replaced
- Transfer case overhaul
- Gear Shifter with Cable
- Used Steering Wheel with Music and other controls (In same piano wood - old one had leather torn off and scratches)
- Front + rear disc sets
- Master cylinder
- Hand brake liner - Old one was getting stuck due to rust
- Brake fluid flush
- Caliper and Pins - Making noise on Bumpers
- Central locking module (Old one was rusted and done)
- Clock housing
- Keyless entry unit
- Keyless entry unit
- ABS sensor connectors - Cleaned
- 5x new (incl. spare) - Continental CCHT 265/65R17 112S (More of a highway driver)
- Center console silicone cover
- Woofer/audio upgrade
Why am I typing all this -
1. To connect with people who can help with future needs & to understand anything else I need to take care of
2. Anyone who can help me source the exact connecting wiring for 8942934010 and educate me as to where in the ECU it should connect. Believed to be the No. 2 ATF temperature sensor (external, near the oil cooler line, separate from the internal No. 1 sensor already addressed)
3. Help confirm the exact complectation/grade code beyond KDJ120W-GKAEY or different, since parts catalogs sometimes need the full build-spec to disambiguate between similar variants.
4. Wiring & Connectors - This is the problem I want to solve in advance as everything is old and brittle so zipties are helping but how can I source enough of those for future use. I understand these use Sumitomo-series connectors (090 series, 2-pin/3-pin waterproof) for most engine sensors - looking for the best source for assortment kits, and confirmation on which specific series covers the TEMS/AHC-related sensors specifically.
I am heavily invested in the car and I want to use it for 15 - 20 years. Any and all help is welcome.
Thank you very very much. The community for these cars is a real blessing.
And to anyone wondering why a noob dared to buy this old car and invest so much time energy and time - My best friend who is a car nut made me do this and I trust him. in his words 'These cars never get old and they always are fixable' He works on cars himself just unlucky for me he lives on a different continent.