Hello,
Looking for anyones opinion. My 2000 honda passport is in need of service. It had a solid cel 2 days ago which read a po171 and po172. Autozone read these for me, however when i left, the cel was off. Today the cel was flashing only when i accelerated and when i coasted the cel light would go off. It is idleing rough, stalled once at a traffic light but started right up. I could not get it to Autozone to get this read today. I tried replacing the spark plugs with the denso ones, and a new air filter. The passport has 39000 miles on it and was running great until 2 days ago. Now my question. If i need to take this in for service, would I have better luck with the diagnosis at an Isuzu dealer over a Honda dealer? Anyone have any input to this? My problem may be the intake manifold gasket(s) leaking, however i cannot do this job myself, and carb cleaner around the seals have not made the engine jump at all. Anyone with any input, please help out . Thanks to all in advance for your replies.
Jim

check your gas cap and try cleaning the EGR, and EGR port. Reset your codes and report back.

A flashing CEL is not good news.

I am betting on this being the intake manifold gasket. Same symptoms for me a few months ago. Same codes and same idle problem.

I did look at the EGR and port. The flashing CEL now has gone away, but it still idles low and hesitates. Still hoping for ideas on Honda or Isuzu service dept. preference. Let me know, Thanks.
Jim

Call and ask both what the cost is to replace the gasket.

Isuzu is probably going to see more of this, since there is a lot more Rodeo's and Troopers on the road (with the same problem) then there are Passports.

Dealer cost is about 350 - 400.

gaskets cost about 40 bucks.

Cost is not a factor to me, I have an extended warranty with a very low deductable 25-50. I was leaning towards the Isuzu dealer based on their experience with the engine. I have heard that some honda dealers dont really like or prefer to work on the passports. I just want it diagnosed correctly and not have to keep returning for repeat problems.
Thanks again for your input.
Jim

Cost is not a factor to me, I have an extended warranty with a very low deductable 25-50. I was leaning towards the Isuzu dealer based on their experience with the engine. I have heard that some honda dealers dont really like or prefer to work on the passports. I just want it diagnosed correctly and not have to keep returning for repeat problems.
Thanks again for your input.
Jim

You're right on the money. I too, believe Isuzu knows more about the engine, since it IS an Isuzu engine. That's where I'd go, out of the two options.

Cost is not a factor to me, I have an extended warranty with a very low deductable 25-50. I was leaning towards the Isuzu dealer based on their experience with the engine. I have heard that some honda dealers dont really like or prefer to work on the passports. I just want it diagnosed correctly and not have to keep returning for repeat problems.
Thanks again for your input.
Jim

You're right...Honda people really don't like dealing with these vehicles since they've got Isuzu engines in them. I'd take it to Isuzu if you have to take it somewhere.

Cost is not a factor to me, I have an extended warranty with a very low deductable 25-50. I was leaning towards the Isuzu dealer based on their experience with the engine.....

If you have an aftermarket extended warranty, you'll want to take it to a good honda or isuzu service dept. that honors your specific warranty company. Make SURE you verify that first. Read your plan details. You can take it where ever you want, pay out of pocket first, then try to get reimbursed through your warranty company. That route is a royal PITA. Some isuzu shops wont work on passports because of time clocking / larbor hour issues associated with the honda VIN# and part #'s. Same with Honda trying to work on a rodeo.
G/luck
Joel

i stoped by my local honda dealer because it's close to my work..they said they could not work on my rodeo because it didnt say honda on it.i said it's the samething as a passport he knew that but still could not work on it
i hope you have better luck then me

Ok,
Just to update everyone who replied of my situation.
1) I contacted Isuzu this morning, they agreed they could look at it, but could not guarantee me that they would be able to reset my cel because the Passport although Isuzu was "built" by Honda and therefore could have some electronic differences? Ok I explained my symptoms and he told me the same thing you guys and gals have been telling me. "Classic Intake manifold gasket" syndrome. He also said he would not be able to service it until at least Wednesday (today is Monday). He recommended that I call Honda just to see what they say. By the way, very nice customer service, although a bit confusing, but nice.

2) I called Honda. Explained the same senerio and they agreed that the sooner I got it to them, the sooner they could take a look at it. I got it to them at 8:30 AM and got a call from them at 3:30 that I needed 2 Intake Manifold gaskets replaced. This was my problem. Ok they found it. Total cost estimate: $450.50. Im covered mostly with my extended warranty, but is this an acceptable average to what most of you have paid? Anyways, I lucked out with the diagnosis at the honda dealer, just wanted to let you all know. Also the Passport will be back in my hands tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday)
Thanks again to everyone that replied. You have been a great help and asset as this whole forum has been.
Jim