Hello!

I have owned a 98 Isuzu Rodeo V6 RWD for almost two years now. I bought with 90k miles on it and it now has 130k. Please forgive me for being mechanically stupid.

My questions are:

1) Does this engine have the kind of timing belt that will destroy other parts of the engine if it breaks? Interference motor I think it what it is called?

2) I haven't replaced the trans fluid since I've owned this vehicle. I am not mechanically smart. I need to know what to tell the mechanic exactly to do instead of just walking in there asking for them to check my trans fluid or change it out. After reading some posts here, I understand it will probably be best to empty half the fluid and fill it up in case the fluid is burnt. But if someone could put together a couple of sentences of what to say to the mechanic that would be great.

3) My check engine light will come on for a couple of days, then it will go off for a week or two. What would cause that?

4) When I first start the engine after work every weekday, it is real slugish after I put it in drive and step on the gas. It only does this the first time after work and occasionally in the morning as well.

5) So far since I've own it, I've replaced the starter, battery, and the alternator twice. I bought a remanufactured one from Autozone with a lifetime warranty, but I do have to pay labor each time to replace the alternator. I think it was about a year or so between replacements. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Any help is gladly appreciated! [img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]


< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" ="text/">< ="text/">_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();

< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" ="text/">

< ="text/">
_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();

< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" ="text/">
</>
< ="text/">
_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();
</>
Edited by: storey13

Anybody?
< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" ="text/"></>< ="text/">_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();
</>

1. It is a non interference fit engine so will not destroy it if the timing belt brakes but should be done soon. Isuzu says to do it every 100k miles. Usually the water pump or belt tensioner go bad before the belt breaks.

2. Tell them you want both pans dropped and the filters replaced then the fluid refilled. Do not let them talk you into doing a flush. That will most likely kill the trans at this point. Thats the advice given from a guy (Jerry Lemond) who worked for Isuzu for 25 yrs training their mechanics.

3. Lots of things can cause a check engine light. You need to get the codes scanned. They should still be stored in the computer. Autozone will scan them for free. Write down the codes they give you and post them here then we can help figure out what the problem is. Have them clear the codes when they are read, then if it comes on again have it scanned and report back here.

4. This can be caused from old/burnt trans fluid. Should get better after having the filters and fluid done.

5. These trucks are picky about power and do not like box store generic alternators. They will go through them pretty quick. Recommended alternators are OEM, OEM reman by Bosch, or Napa OEM reman. Those seem to be the ones that last.

Thanks for answering my questions! [img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]
I think I will contact the local Isuzu service dept to see if they have any service records for this vehicle just to see if anything was done at the dealer.
< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" ="text/"></>< ="text/">_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();
</>

< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" =text/>
</>
when you first start the car after its been sitting for a while you should wait for the idle to come down before driving and thethermostatic air box pulls air from a smaller duct near the exhaust manifold, rather than through the larger main duct while the cars warming up that might explain the sluggish feeling and as far as the transmission goes,they say cars with high mileage that havent had the transmission fluid changedshould be left alone, but my mechanic said change the fluid but not the filter.
< =text/>
_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();
</>

That makes no sense. The new fluid is what will loosen the old junk. You will need a new filter to trap it and keep it from circulating and plugging the small passages inside the trans. The advice from Jerry (jlemond, Isuzu mechanic instructor for over 25 yrs) is to drop both pans, replace filter and fluid lost. If all is ok do it again in 6 months. Dropping both pans will remove about 1/2 the fluid. Just do not get a flush, that will loosen the junk inside too fast and most likely plug the passages.

I just called a transmission place here that was recommended by a coworker and the guy on the phone said that he thought it was odd to drop the front pan and that his daughter has an 01 Rodeo and that it is difficult to get into the front pan due to the exhaust? Does any of this make sense Gizmo?

< src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" ="text/">
</>
< ="text/">
_uacct = "UA-939292-44";
urchinTracker();
</>
Edited by: storey13

Since I have a 5 speed I've never had to do it and never really looked at other rodeos with automatics to compare. I know several ppl on planetisuzoo and automotiveforums with autos and they drop both pans to do fluid/filter changes. Here is some info from the FAQ

http://isuzufaq.ibctech.ca/#faq58

(copy and paste the addy)