campbeam

Yes the price was too good to resist; $29.95 for the set of 6. I bought them because I could not find my previous eBay purchase of 12 spark plugs. Seller was auctioning off 1 packet of 4 spark plugs at a time so my winning bids were ultra low, much less than the postage. Since then, I have relocated them so they were the ones used, Denso FK20HR11. As an alternative, I have researched Denso IKH20TT. Their lifespan of 120,000 Kms is less than the long life Denso FK20HR11. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/123107471897?epid=244639408&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item1ca9c6f219:g:GCwAAOSwND9iIEjQ:sc:AU_RegularParcelWithTrackingAndSignature!4118!AU!-1&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA4P3UQ5VLQuqSmAXBLtzdhZCfn0RrHjZcJgeCwZV4bp60SAxT62NrG1rDrSCrelcFw4e%2FPOSEI%2F%2FOU3nIy%2Bhzkn8z%2BHsLyhAF8LSsU5mILocLLfyBfUqvLPfzzIWnPlWX2a3uGx8UIP%2BiiAWOWHGzw3BLyMBDoFkBOcalM5dShSWsLIQeapkrzcXt9q0NReugYpeTJAQUjalCvqKneVmK5Cefnr0MwUae%2FsHSPgkntL30J7%2BTpE4nWKAt6CNQaabgrJwx2gmpNqB5DARH1rBrgb5MsNjZplkEfR%2Flb8jPIz%2Fl|tkp%3ABFBMtPiT7YVg

Appreciate the photo of the used oil filter cartridge. Handy to have as a benchmark. Mine always has a fair bit of sludge particles. Too much short distance driving so the oil hardly gets up to operating temperature.

Looks like that bargain set of spark plugs for my Aurion bought on eBay in May 2018 have turned out to be non-genuine. Instead of lasting 192K KMS or 10 years, these have only lasted 3.5 years and 35K KMS. Photos show how badly worn the spark plug on No.1 cylinder is compared to another one [also worn] and a new spark plug [ hopefully genuine]. Certainly explains why the engine was misfiring on cylinder 1. Genuine plugs would not be showing noticable wear.

I remembered this post and did the same using a number of folded up towels to lay on top of the engine when doing that last rear plug. 2nd time for me and went smoothly enough. Missed connecting a vacuum hose to the brake booster and the wiper wiring connector so room for improvement.

Happy Easter 2022 Just noticed a headline about double demerit points and hefty fines. Not applicable to myself because I am staying home. Unfortunately, my Aurion is misfiring on cylinder 1, so I will be busy replacing the spark plugs to get that "Oh what a feeling" back again. Looks like the set of plugs bought on eBay and fitted in November 2018 have proven to be non-genuine. Only lasted 3.5 years and 35K kms whereas genuine ones have a lifespan of up to 192K kms or 10 years.

My current favourite saying is "All is well until something goes wrong." With that in mind, I read a similar article to the following: https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/new-crash-tests-show-modest-speed-increases-can-have-deadly-consequences I am a bit more mindful of my vehicle's speed on the open highway and much more mentally prepared to perform an emergency hard braking to increase my survive ability in a crash. Also getting older and making safer decisions; most of the time. All of the time, I am considering the driving conditions and that both the driver and the car can be considered "elderly" 😇😇

Spoke with my work colleague. Good news is that the solution for his Kluger was to use genuine Toyota parts for both rotors and brake pads. Bad news is that the brake shuddering has returned and the mechanic shops advice was to sell the car. 🤑 I suspect that he is hard on his brakes so has worn them out again after lots of hilly country driving.

Time to reflect and [maybe] consider mending your ways. Still recall the moment when I finally realised that the accelerator was getting me into more accident likely scenarios than what I thought that I had been avoiding. Instead of speeding, I relax and cruise and be amused by the antics of those who are accidents waiting to happen. These days I am light on the accelerator and brakes, most of the time. Still plenty of fun to be had driving within the speed limits.

Work colleague had the same brake issue with his Kluger. Fairly sure that his problem related to the non known brand brake pads that the mechanical shop used. Will ask him on Monday for the details.

I am thinking that you have a possible combination of a very discharged battery and an alternator problem. The engine should run with a fully charged battery. Battery warning light being displayed indicates a battery charging issue i.e. alternator.

I use RedBook to look at a vehicle's specifications and to compare various models. Apparently Standard Equipment includes a remote boot release but this could very well be the manual release lever near the driver's seat similar to the remote fuel lid release. https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2005-toyota-avalon-gxi-auto/SPOT-ITM-280162/

Looks like the rest of the post with all of the details went missing into the ethernet. Interested to hear whether it is a case of turn on the ignition and wait or an initial brief twist of the ignition key or start button to build the engine oil pressure then do again for actual engine start up.

I have viewed quite a few YouTube videos about the ZF automatic transmission. Very much a winner and is used by a number of auto manufacturers for their various models. Looks like it is robust and going to last. Good idea to do the transmission servicing. Appreciate your comparative post between your now past petrol Aurion and your diesel BMW. Interesting that there are 4 magnets in the ZF transmission in contrast to only 2 magnets in the U660E transmission.

Just in AutoBarn yesterday to get a jerrycan on special. Chatted with the manager? who admitted to being a doomsday preparer watching lots of videos on that topic. Current world events are disrupting oil and petrol prices. It could possibly be some time before the next oil special. Something for further consideration. Hopefully I am wrong.

My recommendation is NO. I value my engine a lot higher than to use a budget brand oil. I have a few containers of 15W-40 oil which I will use as a 50:50 ratio mixed with diesel to use as a flushing oil when I am doing an oil change. I previously used it in my mower as a substitute for SAE30. After some research now also using a full synthetic 5W-30 oil in the mower. Current AutoBarn catalogue has Gulf Western full synthetic 5 litres 5W-40 engine oil on special for $17.99 [70% discount] which I have bought to use in my Aurion.

Yesterday I smelt burning oil and could see smoke coming from under the bonnet. There was also oil underneath after I parked the car. Shopping trip was cut short. Jacked up the car and could see oil dripping down. Suspect that the rubber oil cooler hoses have sprung a leak. Now waiting for my 2006 Aurion to have this warranty repair done as an emergency job once parts arrive at the local dealer. Then I can start the return trip home to Brisbane from Wagga Wagga.

Latest Autobarn catalogue has a full synthetic Gulf Western 5W-40 engine oil at $17.99 which is a 70% discount. Supposedly a limit of 2 per customer but no mention in the catalogue. Too tempting for me so adding to my engine oil stockpile.

This is a recent water pump replacement video by The Car Nut. I found it useful from the perspective of the tips and tricks rather than the actual procedure. He mentions a new improved version of the water pump which should be worth noting.

You need to investigate a bit further as to the source of the oil. Start by removing the engine cover which is hold on using 3 rubber grommets, so it comes off easily. Have a look around because it could potentially be a leak from the valve cover. As for the slight movement in the steering wheel when braking or accelerating, I would be inspecting the intermediate steering shaft and lubricating it with some spray grease. There are posts in this Forum for that topic. I do remember one post where the solution was to replace the intermediate shaft steering bolts sourced from Toyota instead of replacing the whole assembly.

I was recently looking on eBay for a high power torch, initially starting with getting another LED torch with 2 18650 rechargable batteries. Located and ordered this " 12000000LM Super Bright Torch 5 LED Flashlight USB Rechargeable Tactical lights " from a China based seller. It should be handy for lighting up the backyard. Price was attractive enough to me given the current extended delivery time of many weeks. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/334324187089 I kept searching and located this " Rechargeable COB LED Inspection Work Light Foldable Hand Torch Lamp Mechanic AU " from an Australia based seller. Current price of $8.99 including free postage is so attractive with other sellers wanting twice the price. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/353855490718?var=623230529959 Initial order was for the W599B version which arrived quickly. So impressed with the working light output and the torch light output, I did a follow up order for the W599A version. This version was just as impressive so I have done another order for more of both versions. Going to be very handy when working on the car, as a standby/regular torch or when the lights go out. Also a very practical gift. Girlfriend has just got another early birthday present. 😁

I looks like it was mainly doing a fuel system treatment then a tank of 98 PULP that ended up clearing the error code. Cleaning the O2 sensors would have also helped.

Current AutoBarn catalogue ends this Sunday 06.03.2022. RRP is the same but only 25% discount. I did a comparison and the NS70L MF battery has better specifications than the 75D23L MF. However, the warranty period is only 20 mths vs 40 mths. Hopefully a 30% discount sale offer will appear in the next few months.

I am going to THANK YOU for sharing this hard won bit of personal experience. At least you have learnt from that oversight. Looks like you were just topping up the oil so sort of surprised that the engine lasted that long before oil starvation spelt its doom. Later engines i.e. 2GR-FE need to be properly serviced with regular oil changes to reduce the high potential for oil sludge accumulation. A lot to be said for the proven old school approach of an oil change every 5000 kms, as a general guideline.

An alternative would be a seat belt extender such as this design. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/294388203462?hash=item448ae77fc6:g:bAwAAOSw-qxhOtnz This eBay listing for " 2x Universal Safety Seat Belt Clip Buckle Locking Alarm Stopper Strap Clamp" does contain photos. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/284228056534?hash=item422d4ff5d6:g:lvoAAOSwt5tgXT~p

I got an email from eBay advising earlier today advising that only 10 items were available.