I recently purchased a used rodeo,1999,3.2,72,000 miles. vehichle was bought in texas and is now in Maryland. First question. CEL light comes on after gas fill-up. When I purchased this vehichle it came with an extra gas cap(one after market) I put the factory cap back on and reset the CEL. Everything was OK up until the next fill-up. After fill up CEL back on. Any solutions? Also other than oil and oil filters changed regularly what else should I be aware of. This vehicle is for my college bound daughter and I hope that I have something that will be dependable.

It's probably an EVAP system code. Make sure you can draw air thru the cap, but not easily blow air out of the cap. The check valves in them hang up. It could be any of 100+ OBDII codes, so you really need to read the code. Regular maint. is the ley to longevity for these trucks. This forum is great, so it this one: http://www.forum.planetisuzoo.com/ and this one: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?Cat=&C=15
G/luck
Joel

It's probably an EVAP system code. Make sure you can draw air thru the cap, but not easily blow air out of the cap. The check valves in them hang up. It could be any of 100+ OBDII codes, so you really need to read the code. Regular maint. is the ley to longevity for these trucks. This forum is great, so it this one: http://www.forum.planetisuzoo.com/ and this one: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?Cat=&C=15
G/luck
Joel
Will the CEL come on if filling the gas tank while the engine is running ? This seems to be the constant in all the evnts leading up to the CEL. I filled up with the engine off ---no CEL, my wife and daughter filled up with engine running---CEL light came on.

there is a sign at the pump that states your engine must be turned off to pump gas dont know about where you are but most places it is a crime to leave the engine running as per risk of fire
(not very likely but possible) just so you know it is also in the owners manual and just seems like the safe thing to do turn the key off and remove it form the ignition. you never know if some whack job might come and steal it after you fuel up

If you do not have an OBD II scanner, AutoZone will scan your truck for free. This will tell you the code to better pinpoint the problem.

Nick

I feel I must clarify rodeo02's point on regular maintanance. Changing the oil every 3000 miles is very important with these motors. You WILL have problems if you don't change the oil often enough.

The sender node could be bad on the gas tank. The oil gasket on top of the engine could be leaking (mine was). Could be time for a new O2 senser. All in all, they are great vehicles and loads-O-fun. However, I truly recommend and encourage regular/preventative maintaince. Lastly, the only thing filling the gas tank with the engine running can do for you (and your family) is KILL YOU. I'd be interested in know how anyone can justify doing such a crazy thing.

I agree that filling you gas tank with the engine running is bad not only because it can get you killed, but also cause you problems with your vehicle. When you a filling up you are stirring all the sediment and contaminats in your tank up. With them all mixed in you have a better chance of sucking this stuff up than if they are settled to the bottom of the tank. This is also why I never run the tank below 1/4. And what ever you do if there is a tanker in the parking lot of the station you are planning to fill up at, dont dot it. When they fill the station tanks they stir up all the water dirt that sits in the tanks (yes ALL tanks have water in them) and you will get some water in your tank, which is especially bad in the winter.

The sender node could be bad on the gas tank. The oil gasket on top of the engine could be leaking (mine was). Could be time for a new O2 senser. All in all, they are great vehicles and loads-O-fun. However, I truly recommend and encourage regular/preventative maintaince. Lastly, the only thing filling the gas tank with the engine running can do for you (and your family) is KILL YOU. I'd be interested in know how anyone can justify doing such a crazy thing.

Thanks for the info. I guess this is more common in my town than it should be. I noticed that there is a lot of people filling up w/o shutting their engines off. Personally I always shut it down. I was at a small gas stationthe other day and it was more of the norm to keep the engine running. I have made it clear to my family to make sure that they shut off the engine when filling and so far I have not had the CEL again. Again thanks for the Tongue lashing, just may have saved a life!!