1st Dec 2007, 21:42
I just purchased a 2000 Rodeo with 60K miles. It's the 4 cylinder 2 wheel drive version. Not a bad looking thing either. While driving it home from the dealer that stuck it to me, the check engine light and fuel gauge start doing exactly what everybody on this board has testified from personal experience. So, I called the Isuzu 800 number, explained my problem to them and asked about their warranty. The answer was, "we've never ever heard of a fuel gauge problem on these cars before mine."
Are you freakin' kidding me? Sounds like everyone that owns one has this problem. How about a CLASS ACTION Suit folks?
And of course any warranty for other than the original owner is finito at 60K miles or 6 years, whatever comes first.
After reading this board, and several others, I found where to buy a fuel sending unit OEM replacement part. After spending several very ugly hours dropping the tank to replace it, I got in, fired it up and guess what?
I still have the exact same problem that I had before wasting my blood, sweat and tears. Does anyone have any ideas where to go from here? A little help here please; all I can say is, WOW, what a piece of crap.
26th Dec 2007, 18:08
I too own a 99 rodeo. I too have the same problems. Someone at the dealership told me that even after the gas gauge on the vehicles have been replaced, they again fail. That's with the pricey $400.00 bill. The scary problem is the car refusing to brake when hitting a UNEVEN or SMALL bump in the road. Now that's a safety issue. Why hasn't this been a recall. Even running out of gas on a highway, on your way home from work, at 2:00 a.m. is a safety hazard. What can be done to have these repairs taken care of w/o having to dish out a small fortune?
Here's my latest problem that left me stranded today: I drove to my work o.k. Two hours later I went to start the car and it spuddered, as if it were running out of gas. Then it stalled. I put in 2 gallons of gas, even though I was sure I had enough gas. It tried to turn over with several attempts of turning the key. called my husband. He said it wasn't getting fuel. He replaced the fuel filter. Still no luck. He's thinking it's the fuel PUMP. Will have it towed home tomorrow and try that. NOW KNOWING MY HUSBAND'S PATIENCE LEVEL with this car's problems, I hate to think what tomorrow hold's in store. {"It' the fuel relay. -her hubbie-."} Anyone have the same problem that may be able to add some helpful info. on what your problem/solution was? Is it the fuel pump or something a little less PAINFUL?
Oh by the way; the driver's side windshield wiper stopped working today too. It happened when I tried to start the car. It can be moved by hand very freely. Oh yes did I mention the it was POURING CATS AND DOGS. Isuzu, I'm not happy with the inconveniences this car as caused me. I like the rodeo, but, not the mechanical problems that SHOULD NOT be happening. Any insight to this latter problem would be greatly appreciated.
THANKS.
23rd Mar 2008, 11:39
Well I gotta say, I really like my Rodeo though I have had many of the problems you all have described included including the fuel gauge issue (twice!) I currently have 183,000 miles on it and she runs smoothly and quietly. No one has mentioned this but I have had the transmission service by having my Independent Honda Mechanic pump out the old fluid and put in new. This seemed to eliminate the sluggish issues. I am having problems with the rear seat belt units and they are costly to replace. Does anyone have a process to replace these? Other than that, the additives mentioned above are excellent for keeping the truck running well. Good Luck All!
30th Apr 2008, 22:47
2002 Rodeo - $3000 for a new transmission. Now the check engine light comes on.
Will remember the unit instead of replacing the whole fuel tank.
Overall, it is a nice vehicle.
21st Jun 2008, 22:06
I, like you guys, have a 99 Isuzu Rodeo. I can deal with the check engine light going off and on. I can even deal with the gas gage going up and down and flashing. I can even deal with the horrible metal rattle when I shift from 2nd to 3rd. But what I can't deal with anymore is having to replace my spark plugs every 300 or so miles. After it sits, it acts like it doesn't want to crank, and when it does it shakes bad and sputters like crazy. I let it idle for a little bit and it's fine. Also, I can smell lots of gas in spark plugs. Anyone think they can help. PLEASE! Getting too much gas??
6th Oct 2008, 17:18
I have had my 99 Rodeo LS 2wd since I drove it off the dealers lot brand new. While it died at about 40k - because of terminal oil failure (which has been written about elsewhere) - with a rebuilt I am currently at 251,230. I have not had a working gas gage in 5 years, but know how many miles I get on a tank. Had a check engine light on for at least 4 years, I only worry if it starts blinking. Just replaced an ignition coil because of shaking, now all is well again. My advice, get a good mechanic you can trust and be grateful for no car payment.
7th Nov 2008, 12:09
Well it looks like I have screwed up again. I recently purchased a 1996 Isuzu Rodeo 4X4 LE. It was the perfect vehicle for me I thought. Tough, heavy, safe and kinda cool looking with the side boards, push bar, sunroof etc. It had approximately 114,000 miles at the time.
Then 2 months later I started hearing what sounded like a rod knocking in the top end of the engine. After driving it for about 10 miles I would lose all my oil pressure and then the best part - it would overheat so extremely that it would just stop running. So I thought - oil pump - no biggy, well guess again. Turns out there was a wrist pin gone bad and the engine could not be repaired. So I ended up donating it to the Cancer Society.
Three weeks later I purchased a 1999 Rodeo LS in excellent condition. Garage kept, all maintenance records, etc. Let me go on to say that my 1999 Rodeo is at the mechanics shop as we speak. Only three weeks of ownership and here I go again. The engine is idling at 2700 rpm's, we have done the diagnostic scanning and replaced the air/fuel component on top, the ERG is shot, rear brakes aren't working, rear bushings rolling around all over the place and to top it off the rear winshield wiper is on the blitz. What gives?
Now here I am three months and 2 Rodeo's later and without transportation as we speak. If ANYONE has any useful information about the high idling and EGR or any of the above, please enlighten me!!!
25th Oct 2007, 12:14
Geez, I wish I had read these comments back in 99 when I bought my Rodeo new. Sounds like a broken record, but I too have had to replace ABS (never heard there was a recall...) rear brakes at 18000 miles (was told by dealer that I probably make more trips to the mall then I remember. Oh yeah, that went over big), 3 more times with brakes, front wipers, gas gauge/pump (I still put the odometer back to 0 after every fill-up out of habit), gas cap, oh and the oil I buy by the case. Lets see, something about the casing around the wheel bearings had water in them (was asked if I had driven through deep puddles... were they kidding?) so yeah, had 3 of the 4 wheels done, and got talked into updating the 4-wheel drive (in the owners manual as maintenance). Lately, after driving on the highway for a while, then slow down at a toll booth, it clunks like the wheels are going to fall off. What the heck is that? I also hear a whine as I accelerate near the fan belt and alternator. About the ignoring the check engine light, in our state, you can't pass inspection with one on. As much as I hate spending a dime more on this car, with 2 kids in college, I can't afford a car payment either. I just hit 150,000 miles. By the way, the stereo system sucks too.