Toyota Problems

We have had a number or reports of cracking dashes in the Prado like yours, and we have previously contacted Toyota about it. We again contacted the company following your letter and they told us that their engineers had been working on the issue for some time, but without finding a solution. Further, we were told that the company was assessing each report on an individual basis and taking action based on the findings, and it was suggested that you contact them so their engineers can check your car. I think you can read into that that there has been a problem and the company is fixing cars on the quiet if owners approach them about it. We have sent your contact details on to Toyota, so you can expect a call from them.

It's almost an automatic thing these days to machine the disc rotors at the first change of pads and then replace them at the second pad change. The first skim is usually to smooth the surface so the pedal doesn't pulsate under braking, and shouldn't really affect the braking performance. The replacement of the discs is usually because they are worn out, and below the minimum thickness. Now this varies considerably from brand to brand, European brands generally have softer discs that wear faster than discs on Japanese brands like your mate's Toyota. Getting 400,000 km out of a set of discs is amazing.

For starters, don't take no for an answer. Go back to the dealer and ask that they contact Toyota head office with a request that your car be inspected with a view to replacing the dash.

Electrolyte evaporates as the battery warms up when being used and the vapour escapes from the vents and finds its way to the battery terminals where it becomes the crystalline deposit you see. The best way to clean it off is to use boiling water, as you are doing, and then apply a smear of petroleum jelly over the outside of the terminal and clamp once the clamp is tightened on the terminal to provide a protective shield.

No, I doubt very much that you would be able to see any marked effect of running 2 psi lower.

The person repairing your cylinder head should have used LPG -  compatible valves and valve seats; had they done so you would not have any further trouble. We have been asked about the upper cylinder lubricants you refer to many times, but we have never been able to establish their worth beyond the claims made in the brochures etc. Running on petrol will only be effective on valve train degradation whilst running on petrol; periodic petrol operation is to recommended to protect the petrol system components, keep the fuel volatile, etc . Keeping the LPG system in tune should be in line with the manufacturer's recommendation for periodic scheduled maintenance and should be provided in the operators manual for the gas system. The petrol system should also be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. As a precaution, have the valve clearances checked every 10,000 km.

Impco has a certified kit for your car that is available through IMPCO installers. Check www.impco.com.au for your nearest installer or call 8788 1000. Typical price is around $3600.

Our understanding is that the government grant you refer to is not available on a novated lease, so you should go back and check that. Generally carmakers do not void the entire new vehicle warranty when an LPG system is installed, but they do exclude from the warranty any part of the car affected by the installation. That means the engine, the fuel system, etc. is not covered, but the warranty remains in place for the rest of the car. LPG systems are generally covered by a warranty that covers the system itself and its components, and there are also a number of insurance companies offering LPG warranty packages, which specifically cover potential engine damage, for people concerned about premature engine failure. Your LPG installer can give you the warranty information relating to the system you are planning to install. With reference to the FJ Cruiser, the LPG system manufacturers maintain a list of vehicles that should not be converted to LPG and the FJ Cruiser is not on that list.