I've just recently bought my first 4wd, a 97 Rodeo. It has the 3.2L with the auto tranny and 96,000 miles. I'm probably just being paranoid about getting a lemon. Here's my question...It seems to run fine, it's just that it usually takes either a good run for a pretty steep or long hill or my foot to the floor to get any kind of power to get up the hill. Once it gets up to speed it's ok but just the initial run up the hill takes some effort. Is that normal for the rodeo or 4wds in general or could there be something wrong. It shifts at what seems to be the right points and smoothly. There is no check tranny light on. Am I paranoid, or should I have it checked out.

Is the truck downshifting at all? Should be, if it's a pretty good hill.

Also, do you know when the last transmission service; i.e. new fluid/filter was performed?

Also, these trucks are heavy for the size of engine they have in them; I mean heavy - they are not your typical standard weight of most mid-sized SUV's, and they are mated to a 190hp engine, in other words, they're not gonna fly.

However, I have the same truck as you, with quite a few aftermarket add-ons and I live in Colorado's high-country; this truck doesn't fly up I-70 by any means, well, at least not in comparison to those that go 80mph, but she can hold her own quite well.

However, I'm a firm believer in believing that if a vehicle is in need of a tune-up, just take it to mountainous country, and it'll surely let you know.

Check the very recent history to see if a full tune-up; plugs, belts, filters, etc have been replaced; also for a few days prior to my timing belt/water pump giving the ghost, truck had lost quite a bit of umph! After it was all replaced, runs like a champ!

Welcome to land of the Isuzu, by the way, if all you have is 96k miles - that truck has a LOT of life left.

Word of wise, keep close tabs on your oil level, until you know whether or not it uses oil; AND very important, make sure to change your transmission fluid every 15-20k for partial drain/refills, these tranny's LOVE clean, consistant fluid, and will wear out prematurely if neglected or severly abused.

Is the truck downshifting at all? Should be, if it's a pretty good hill.

Also, do you know when the last transmission service; i.e. new fluid/filter was performed?

Also, these trucks are heavy for the size of engine they have in them; I mean heavy - they are not your typical standard weight of most mid-sized SUV's, and they are mated to a 190hp engine, in other words, they're not gonna fly.

However, I have the same truck as you, with quite a few aftermarket add-ons and I live in Colorado's high-country; this truck doesn't fly up I-70 by any means, well, at least not in comparison to those that go 80mph, but she can hold her own quite well.

However, I'm a firm believer in believing that if a vehicle is in need of a tune-up, just take it to mountainous country, and it'll surely let you know.

Check the very recent history to see if a full tune-up; plugs, belts, filters, etc have been replaced; also for a few days prior to my timing belt/water pump giving the ghost, truck had lost quite a bit of umph! After it was all replaced, runs like a champ!

Welcome to land of the Isuzu, by the way, if all you have is 96k miles - that truck has a LOT of life left.

Word of wise, keep close tabs on your oil level, until you know whether or not it uses oil; AND very important, make sure to change your transmission fluid every 15-20k for partial drain/refills, these tranny's LOVE clean, consistant fluid, and will wear out prematurely if neglected or severly abused.




Thanks for the reply to my topic. The truck is downshifting, I figured that it was just the weight making it slower but I wanted to make sure being a first time 4wd owner and all. I'm just trying to get all of the bugs out early on to make sure it lasts a while.

I can't find any service records, it was an auction vehicle. But I now plan to get the timing belt changed, the tranny fluid and filter changed, the tune-up and I'm gonna have the 4wd system all looked over. Because I fell in love with this thing the first time I drove it and I would love to keep it a good long while.

Thanks again for the advice! It's good to finally have someone that knows about the rodeos, I really appreciate it!

Any time!

FWIW - when you do the plugs, put in NGK's, and my personal favorite oil for this engine, is the Rotella synthetic gas/diesel rated oil 5w-40 and a Napa Gold filter.

This oil comes very HIGHLY recommend by a long time Isuzu mechanic specialist, for keeping the engine clean and protected.

And, don't worry about running a 5w-40 year round, this particular oil has great cold weather properties too.

Forgot to add: next time you're getting ready to climb a long/steep hill, push the *power mode* button BEFORE you start to climb, this helps keep the truck in the correct gear, AND it will hold a lower gear longer.

However, your speed may still drop a bit, my opinion is just to live with it when it does, you do not want to overwork this auto tranny too much, they cook easy and are $$$ to replace.

I'll try the power mode next time I'm in it. I don't have a problem with it not having the power I'm used to, I'm just paranoid bein my first 4wd and all. Thanks again for the advice and suggestions I'm gonna use every bit of advice. Again it's much appreciated. If you know of any usual "rodeo" problems to look out for, even minor irritations, please let me know.

Thanks again !

:) I dont think it was mentioned, but Id go ahead and change the differentals and tranfer case lube,:) Andie

One question about the 4wd...when I shift mine into 4 wheel high I can hear it humming a little, is that normal?

With a rply to andie j, are the differentials expensive to replace?

:) I should have been clearer, the lube for the front and back differintal and the transfer case. On mine it is about 4 qts. of gear oil for the 2 diffs and 2 qts mortor oil for the transfer case. Your owers manual will give you the correct weight and amounts. The transfer case in the only easy one to change. The front and back diff. are sorta a pain. Andie:)
PS Mine hums for a second before it clicks in.

Ok, I gotcha now Andie J changin fluids sounds alot better than changin parts. Thanks. So if my 4wd is humming do you think maybe its not clicking in all the way?

I went for a ride tonight, used the 4wd and for the first time I heard a clicking every time I would make a turn under acceleration and after going through the forum have come to the conclusion that I need to replace the cv joints. :disappoin Just what I love to find out ! Know what I mean? So I checked on the prices of these things and got even more good news, if you've done them you what I mean about the prices. :eek:

So I checked on the prices of these things and got even more good news, if you've done them you what I mean about the prices

If you have any mechanical ability they arent all that hard to do yourself so you can save a bunch on labor costs.

The front and back diff. are sorta a pain.

The rear one isnt really all that bad. I did mine twice last week in dirt parking lots after destroying my rear diff cover in Moab. And btw, royal purple gear oil is indeed purple. I used up at least 6 quarts of it on my rear diff this last week.

:) On mine I have to take the spare off, then the top of that cross bar, then all the screws. Not really a pain but inconventent. Im going to Santa Fe tomarrow and Im going to pick up some of the RP for my transfer case. Ive just put Mobil 1 in both differentals. Purple would be nice, Andrea:)

Anyone have a guesstimate on how long it takes to do the job? I work 2 full-time jobs so I'm just trying to figure out which would be the best day to start the job on or how much time to free up for it. Are we talkin a 2-3 hour job or a 6-7 hour job.

:) To change the fluids, 2 hours if you take a 45 minute brake. Just make sure you have it all warmed up so it will drain better. You will need one of those oil suction pumps for the front diff, to get the oil in, and the drain for it should be the fifth member bolt in the 5 oclock position. :) Andrea

How long to change the cv joints? They're already bad.

I have to take the spare off, then the top of that cross bar, then all the screws

It can be done with the spare tire in place, just a little easier with it out. I've done it both ways. The panhard bar I just take the nut off on the side attached to the axle (drivers side) and pull it out a little, I dont take it all the way off.

Both times I did mine last week it took about an hour including time spent pounding the cover back into shape. The pump is definatly a good idea. Didnt have mine with me and had to use a tube and squeeze the hell out of the bottle. Not a good way to do it but works in a pinch. With the propper tools for your first time doing it plan 2-3 hrs but you can probably do both of them much quicker.