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Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 8:07 pm
by steepcreeker
Hello,
I need help. I bid on a vehicle in Japan. It is a 4.5 /A/B on the auction sheet. There were no notes on the auction sheet. I won the bid, only to find out that it does not start because of a dead battery and alternator that is not charging. I have asked to return the vehicle to auction, and IBC wants to send me the vehicle. It is supposed to depart March 7th. Any suggestions?? Also, IBC is not responding to my emails re this vehicle any more.
Thanks for any ideas
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 8:24 pm
by doodah
Lots of these vehicles have dead batteries and other issues.....it's yours.
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 8:55 pm
by glenn
Mine did too.
Derrick at Pacific Coast went above and beyond for me though, replacing the batteries for me in Japan at a very reasonable cost. It's of no consolation to you I know, but I prefer the trusted small personal importers for the better level of service.
But, if the only thing you have to worry about is the alternator/battery - it's almost routine maintenance.
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 9:00 pm
by Big-Bird
A dead battery and crappy alternator is no reason to abandon a JDM in my opinion. Batteries are usually weak or dead by the time the vehicles get to auction anyway. If the batteries are damaged then it makes getting an accurate amp/voltage reading from the alternator near impossible.
Be ready with a battery or 2 which will get it started and allow it run for a few hours to get it someplace to test alternator output. Partsource and Canadian Tire offer free charging system tests. If you need an alternator then yours can be rebuilt locally in a few days or you can get one from Rising Sun Imports or Amazing Auto or Maximum Overdrive in the Richmond area.
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 9:15 pm
by del_man
Its yours...
Alternator or battery, that's pretty minor.
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 1:33 pm
by dah_hunter
Dead battery is very commen issue on cars from japan.. Rule thumb is replace the battery when it gets here anyways..
4.5 A/B seems like a nice grade.. so dealing with that when it lands shouldnt be an issue.
It must be generating enough of a charge from the alternator to run cause they cant ship No running cars via RO/RO so i would assume the battery is all thats dead. bring a new battery with you to the dock and you should be golden on pickup
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:05 pm
by Big-Bird
dah_hunter wrote:Dead battery is very commen issue on cars from japan.. Rule thumb is replace the battery when it gets here anyways..
4.5 A/B seems like a nice grade.. so dealing with that when it lands shouldnt be an issue.
It must be generating enough of a charge from the alternator to run cause they cant ship No running cars via RO/RO so i would assume the battery is all thats dead. bring a new battery with you to the dock and you should be golden on pickup
I bought my L400 from dah_hunter almost 2 years ago. It had dead batteries after it landed in Canada. Best purchase I have made to date.
Re: Serious problems with IBC Japan
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:31 pm
by William
Everyone here is right. A weak battery or charging system in general often needs to be changed once arrived. Sometimes we're unfortunate to have it fail in transit, but it wouldn't constitute filing a return claim to auction. They would just reject it immediately, especially on a 15+ year old vehicle.
Post some pics of the van. Sounds like a beauty at 4.5 grade
