RTH: AHC system just let go (out of the blue) (1 Viewer)

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arbetrader

Joined
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Upon starting my 2008 LX (128k Miles - 206km) my "check AHC system" light just came on, and the vehicle dropped onto the bump stops. It's a very jarring ride over bumps. There were no previous signs of failures that I can think of, but sometimes when I was parked at an angle I've seen it try to level and it tried to level with extra effort a few times previously... But that would be when I parked at a steep angle (our driveway etc) - would that have something to do with it?

FYI I changed the fluid out about 6 months ago with factory toyota AHC fluid. Did all 4 globes, but not the accumulator.

Right now I have the battery disconnected, I pulled the AHC fuse, and started the truck, then disconnected battery yet again, after re-installing the fuse, and am now writing this post while I wait a bit before I try starting again. I doubt that will make a difference.

I don't have techstream nor want to really work on this.

I live in Southwestern BC (Canada) - anyone here know a good shop other than the stealership that knows how to work on this stuff?

Ideas??
 
Check your reservoir level, first. Just for the simple fact you said you parked on a steep angle. Shine a flashlight through the reservoir to ensure it is filled properly. I can’t check specifics right at this moment, but when the truck is at its lowest, the reservoir should contain the most fluid.

The first time I bled one of these I was warned not to let the reservoir run dry, but I didn’t realize the fluid had stained the reservoir enough to fool me into thinking it had an adequate amount. Air entered the entire system, and that was a fun day. Or two.

Can you hear the pump running?
 
Thanks for the reply. I think the reservoir is fairly full, I even added a bit more when I did the last flush) - however I will check in the morning after lowering the spare (easier to see from that angle).

The way the system acted makes me think the pump actually went out. I wonder who can service this in my area? I may have to take it to Lexus, but that'll cost a mint.
 
Is there a puddle? Check read lines above spare tire for leaks as that’s a common place they let go.
 
arbetrader said:
Upon starting my 2008 LX (128k Miles - 206km) my "check AHC system" light just came on, and the vehicle dropped onto the bump stops. It's a very jarring ride over bumps. There were no previous signs of failures that I can think of, but sometimes when I was parked at an angle I've seen it try to level and it tried to level with extra effort a few times previously... But that would be when I parked at a steep angle (our driveway etc) - would that have something to do with it?

FYI I changed the fluid out about 6 months ago with factory toyota AHC fluid. Did all 4 globes, but not the accumulator.

Right now I have the battery disconnected, I pulled the AHC fuse, and started the truck, then disconnected battery yet again, after re-installing the fuse, and am now writing this post while I wait a bit before I try starting again. I doubt that will make a difference.

I don't have techstream nor want to really work on this.

I live in Southwestern BC (Canada) - anyone here know a good shop other than the stealership that knows how to work on this stuff?

Ideas??
Click to expand...
Can you hear the pump starting? Unfortunately your pump may have failed.
 
Worth tracing the lines with a flashlight to check for any ruptures. A common culprit is above the frame near the rear axle. If there are no ruptures, then pump is possible.

Unfortunately, I don't know of a good shop in the lower mainland for AHC work.
 
ryanCA said:
could you get truck to seattle to fix the problematic ahc ?
Click to expand...
I guess possibly... It is driveable, seattle is 2.5hrs from me (I'm right on the Cdn/US border). What shop is in Seattle? I'm going to inquire at a few places... Otherwise I might be out $$$$ at Lexus :(
 
ryanCA said:
torfab

otherwise can you sell it and buy a proper land cruiser with no ahc issues?
Click to expand...
Hehe yeah, I hear you. Man these parts are quite $$$$ but honestly the ride is so awesome, I do love AHC generally speaking. There's a good chance I'm looking at a lot of money to fix this (still will get diagnosed) but what I wonder if it would make more sense to swap to standard suspension (with Coils/Bilstein or something) ?? Given the cost, I could just do a 2-3" lift and be done with it?
 
arbetrader said:
Thanks for this info! Hey, quick question, if It's my pump, why would i need new globes? Is it more or less to just do them anyway? And is the re/re on the pump a difficult job?
Click to expand...
I sent you a link for the pump. So you would save time as well as not be hustled by stealership prices. You are welcome.
 
arbetrader said:
Hehe yeah, I hear you. Man these parts are quite $$$$ but honestly the ride is so awesome, I do love AHC generally speaking. There's a good chance I'm looking at a lot of money to fix this (still will get diagnosed) but what I wonder if it would make more sense to swap to standard suspension (with Coils/Bilstein or something) ?? Given the cost, I could just do a 2-3" lift and be done with it?
Click to expand...
I love my Bilsteins.

My business partner has a Phantom and a RR. Keeps breaking, he keeps trading, since they are all lease. Like my wife with her LX. Excellent lease specials.
Gotta pay to play I guess.

I am poor, I like my LC. Don't have a nice ass to enjoy a good ride. What I don't know, won't hurt me.

Good luck.
 
Like it's possible that the man wants to get into an
ryanCA said:
I love my Bilsteins.

My business partner has a Phantom and a RR. Keeps breaking, he keeps trading, since they are all lease. Like my wife with her LX. Excellent lease specials.
Gotta pay to play I guess.

I am poor, I like my LC. Don't have a nice ass to enjoy a good ride. What I don't know, won't hurt me.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
I don't understand the suggestion that first happens by TLC owners is 'burn that AHC to the ground'. Yes, after 16 years it's possible a component failed or there was some rust through. ANd fixing it might cost a couple thousand $. So what . . . lots of things break and can get fixed. replacing a TLC suspension can easily cost a couple thousand $ and won't last forever either. Different sets of tradeoffs.

Replacing the pump has been done several times on this forum, it's possible to do. Replacing the tyipcal line that rusts thru is also quite feasible. Neither are 'impossible tasks'.

OP I suggest you get techstream so you can force your pump to run. That will help troubleshoot it. As far as a shop to work on it, it's basically like a brake system. Any shop should be able to replace the pump or pump/reservoir. Just tell them it is under pressure , and that the pump is not self priming.

Make sure to understand ahead of time who is getting the correct fluid (use only 2.5l cans from lexus/toyota), and who is getting parts and from where. Some shops won't install user provided parts.
 
grinchy said:
Like it's possible that the man wants to get into an

I don't understand the suggestion that first happens by TLC owners is 'burn that AHC to the ground'. Yes, after 16 years it's possible a component failed or there was some rust through. ANd fixing it might cost a couple thousand $. So what . . . lots of things break and can get fixed. replacing a TLC suspension can easily cost a couple thousand $ and won't last forever either. Different sets of tradeoffs.

Replacing the pump has been done several times on this forum, it's possible to do. Replacing the tyipcal line that rusts thru is also quite feasible. Neither are 'impossible tasks'.

OP I suggest you get techstream so you can force your pump to run. That will help troubleshoot it. As far as a shop to work on it, it's basically like a brake system. Any shop should be able to replace the pump or pump/reservoir. Just tell them it is under pressure , and that the pump is not self priming.

Make sure to understand ahead of time who is getting the correct fluid (use only 2.5l cans from lexus/toyota), and who is getting parts and from where. Some shops won't install user provided parts.
Click to expand...
STop being high and mighty all the time. Don't be the stereotypical LX owner.

He didn't have a shop to take it to.

So I suggested he take it to TORFAB to fix it.

HE then suggested to do coil spring.

For a rich LX owner, your reading comprehension is lacking.
 
ryanCA said:
STop being high and mighty all the time. Don't be the stereotypical LX owner.

He didn't have a shop to take it to.

So I suggested he take it to TORFAB to fix it.

HE then suggested to do coil spring.

For a rich LX owner, your reading comprehension is lacking.
Click to expand...
That's not how I read it, but I wasn't looking for an opportunity to tell someone that I was better than them because I bought a 'real' Land Cruiser unlike them. That's way superior 'dontcha know. Because it came from the exact same factory and was assembled by the exact same workers, but it's got some brand cachet and a totally way better conventional suspension.

Congrats on your TLC purchase! You got a 200 just like us!

(Edit - I forgot one small thing. op can’t buy a TLC 200 even if they wanted to. Only LX sold in Canada.)
 
Last edited:
I was just looking for some advice, thanks for all your opinions. Yes I'm aware there are reasons for either suspension system. I've owned 100 series with both and now a 200, I love the ride/flexibility and general system of the 200 series - but it does come at a large cost. We can all argue over whether or not it's worth it.

On that note, the reservoir is quite full, so I doubt any actual leaks (I dropped the spare and took a look) - the level is in the upper area of the chamber. I guess could try bleeding one of the zerks to see the actual condition of the fluid (bubbles/air content etc) however not sure how much that would help yet. I changed the fluid out (myself) last spring (2024) and it was a nice pink fluid (factory OEM fluid from toyota 2.5L cans).

It's going to a toyota specific shop about 15 minutes from me that worked on one not that long ago, they ended up doing a full delete, and dobinsons swap.

NOTE: My lines seem to be intact, not too rusty from what I can tell (they look decent)

I'm not hearing the pump even trying to turn (at all) thus I think the pump is shot.

If I'm in there doing the pump anyway, I may have them also install 4 new globes.

Question: IF I replace 4 new globes (with new pump), is it smart to also get a new central accumulator? (OR, is that what it's called?)
 
arbetrader said:
I was just looking for some advice, thanks for all your opinions. Yes I'm aware there are reasons for either suspension system. I've owned 100 series with both and now a 200, I love the ride/flexibility and general system of the 200 series - but it does come at a large cost. We can all argue over whether or not it's worth it.

On that note, the reservoir is quite full, so I doubt any actual leaks (I dropped the spare and took a look) - the level is in the upper area of the chamber. I guess could try bleeding one of the zerks to see the actual condition of the fluid (bubbles/air content etc) however not sure how much that would help yet. I changed the fluid out (myself) last spring (2024) and it was a nice pink fluid (factory OEM fluid from toyota 2.5L cans).

It's going to a toyota specific shop about 15 minutes from me that worked on one not that long ago, they ended up doing a full delete, and dobinsons swap.

NOTE: My lines seem to be intact, not too rusty from what I can tell (they look decent)

I'm not hearing the pump even trying to turn (at all) thus I think the pump is shot.

If I'm in there doing the pump anyway, I may have them also install 4 new globes.

Question: IF I replace 4 new globes (with new pump), is it smart to also get a new central accumulator? (OR, is that what it's called?)
Click to expand...

So there was a bad batch of AHC fluid last year and some notable examples here on mud of folks burning up their pump. Given you where just in there it could be that 1) you had bad fluid or 2) debris was introduced or dislodged. I concur with others that if you dont hear the pump and dont have a leak it's likely the culprit. If you / the shop pull the pump, there is a screen between the resivoir and pump chamber that will tell you for sure what happened.

Wouldn't bother with 5th accumulator personally.
 
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