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Old 07-13-2007, 10:54 AM   #1
Another_Drummer
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2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Ok, so the transmission shop just called and told me that the transmisson is fine. Supposedly the alternator is ok, and new battery.

He's telling me that it's something between the alternator and the transmission....basically something in the wiring, that could need a new wiring harness.

I'm really wondering what this is going to cost me. Rental car for this whole time is almost $1K. Jeez.....

Any suggestions?
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Old 07-13-2007, 11:46 AM   #2
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

The GM 4L30-E Tranny is a very very delicate operation; if it was not rebuilt correctly or thoroughly, you will continue to have issues.

Can you tell us the reason behind the previous rebuild?? THis may have something to do with it's current issues, if it was not rebuilt correctly.

Also, has someone double checked the ATF level?
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Old 07-13-2007, 12:40 PM   #3
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Thanks man! I just typed it all out, and submitted it, and the website cleared the whole thing. Now I need to try again.

Ok. The transmission was doing so fluttering a few years back and making what seemed to be a circular-type grinding (it would make the noise between 35 and 45 mph....would do it about every 5 seconds between those gears). And beyond that, it would shake an rattle my dashboard going into overdrive. I took it to a transmission shop and they said that it was a wonder how the car was even driving. So they 'fixed' after a week. It was working great after that for a while, then I started hearing that noise again, and started to feel the fluttering a few months later again. I took it back, and they overhauled it again, taking 3 weeks to do it. After fighting with them fist and foot, they decided to fix it for me, and keep it off the books since I had to pay so much for a rental car. Since it was off the books, there was no paperwork given, no records....and you can see where this is going....they had "no memory" of it when I started having the same issues again.

So i took it to ANOTHER shop. He said that the magnet looked like a Chia Pet, there was so much metal. So they redid the entire transmission, keeping only the metal casing as original. They changed sensors, solenoids (which they said wasn't replaced the first time), and everything. Everything inside the transmission is new. I drove it off and it worked great! That night, I was driving it very conservatively, and it happened again. It started to putter as if it was trying to die. So I took it back to that shop and they pulled the transmission again. Nothing was wrong. They did test after test and could find nothing wrong with the transmission. They did an electric test and replaced solenoids, sensors, and said that the electrical was spiking, so they thought it may be the alternator. Before they were going to do that, they put in a new battery and said that the electric surge had subsided and was normal again...not the alternator. So they worked on it some more and test drove it...the same issues occur. Now they're telling me that it's an electrical issue between the alternator and the transmission, quite possible the wiring harness, and that I need to take it to an electronics specialist.

Here's what happens. When I try to start driving in D...it takes a while for the car to even do anything, and acts like it's in neutral. After aggressive acceleration, it finally kicks in. However, when I do it manually from L, it works just fine. Manually shifting has a hesitation when shifting into 2. 3 and D work fine. Once I'm in D, the car works great. When I slow down to turn the downshift is fine, and once I start accelerating again, it seems to be fine. Just starting off in D, and the hesitation from L to 2. Also, I tried to start off in 2 to see what happens...it does the same thing as if I were starting off in D from a stand still.

Does this make any sense at all?
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Old 07-13-2007, 03:34 PM   #4
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Quote:
So they worked on it some more and test drove it...the same issues occur. Now they're telling me that it's an electrical issue between the alternator and the transmission, quite possible the wiring harness, and that I need to take it to an electronics specialist.
well maybe that is what you are going to have to do, or continue to somehow diagnose things. actually the last guys are on the right track because the symptoms indicate that you are going into limp mode or backup mode which the trans computer does to protect itself from especially electrical abnormalities which most often can be traced to the charging system especially the alternator, but also wiring.
Quote:
Here's what happens. When I try to start driving in D...it takes a while for the car to even do anything, and acts like it's in neutral. After aggressive acceleration, it finally kicks in. However, when I do it manually from L, it works just fine. Manually shifting has a hesitation when shifting into 2. 3 and D work fine. Once I'm in D, the car works great. When I slow down to turn the downshift is fine, and once I start accelerating again, it seems to be fine. Just starting off in D, and the hesitation from L to 2. Also, I tried to start off in 2 to see what happens...it does the same thing as if I were starting off in D from a stand still.
all this is the limp or backup mode thing. it's not that you are in neutral, it is that it is trying to start off in 3 third. in limp mode, you should manually shift and it goes like this

gear selected: D 4 equals (Fourth)
Manual 3 4 = (Fourth)
Manual 2 3 = (Third)
Manual L 1 = (First)
R Reverse

so that part is working correctly. and since it is, it more than likely indicates that the hydraulic stuff is working ok, but the problem is the electrical/electronics.

and after *definitely* making sure the charging system components are functioning as they shoud and that the alternator is spitting out volts >9v and <16, the next logical step is to look at the wiring, and that will require measurements at the pcm etc.

i'm not sure whether an 'electrical specialist' will do this for you or not. but it is labor intensive so $ intensive too. i guess call around and make a judgment as to their competence.

the only thing is, is that 'flutter' symptom still current?

//bc
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Last edited by trooperbc; 08-11-2007 at 12:17 AM.
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Old 07-13-2007, 03:51 PM   #5
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Hey man,

Thanks for the reply!

The fluttering is gone, and the shaking is gone as well. I called an Electronics Specialist in Plano, TX that said he may know what's wrong with it, since they get this same issue in a lot of Chevy's. Some kind of sensor within the electrical system. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping he can find it. If he does, then I may consider keeping this Trooper and start doing some fix-ups. It's been great, except for this tranny issue. Well, and going out of alignment really easily too.

Thanks for your response(s). I'll post back and let you know what the specialist says about the electric. At this point, it just seems more like process of elimination and narrowing it down.
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Old 08-10-2007, 02:42 PM   #6
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

A common cause of "transmission problems" on Troopers w/the 4L30E is actually the switch mounted on the shifter linkage.
It tells the tranny ECM what gear is selected, and when they go bad you will get all kinds of shifting problems. One clue this is the problem is if the gear indicator lights on the dash are wrong or erratic.
GM vehicles withe the 4L60E tranny have a similar switch and similar problems.

I had to replace the one on my 2000 Trooper last spring. Takes about 1/2 hour to do.
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Old 08-11-2007, 12:19 AM   #7
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Another_Drummer
Hey man,

Thanks for the reply!

The fluttering is gone, and the shaking is gone as well. I called an Electronics Specialist in Plano, TX that said he may know what's wrong with it, since they get this same issue in a lot of Chevy's. Some kind of sensor within the electrical system. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping he can find it. If he does, then I may consider keeping this Trooper and start doing some fix-ups. It's been great, except for this tranny issue. Well, and going out of alignment really easily too.

Thanks for your response(s). I'll post back and let you know what the specialist says about the electric. At this point, it just seems more like process of elimination and narrowing it down.
hey Another... you still around ? what ever happened with this? was the guy right about it being "some kind of sensor ...."?

//bc
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Old 08-15-2007, 06:55 PM   #8
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Angry Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Yes, I am. Sorry.

The nightmare continues.

My car is at the electronics specialist...they're looking through it all.

As it stands now, it will be the computer, or the wiring harness.

Here's the kicker...they have to test the computer OUTSIDE of the vehicle, so they shipped it to 'a specialty testing facility' who is able to do this. Now, they're saying that they can't test just the module...apparently, Isuzu's PCM Module's are that effing unique. I'm still blowing money, and this car isn't worth it anymore, but I have no choice.

Bottom line...I'll NEVER...EVER buy an Isuzu again. This thing has been more of a headache than it's worth.

I'll let you know what i find out about the module. Until then, it's more f*cking rental car fees...and the electronics specialist pointing the finger at Eagle Transmission, and Eagle Transmission is pointing at the electronics system. I don't think anyone really knows anymore....seriously. As soon as this thing is paid off...I'm going to do a neat little science experiment with it.

120,000 miles, and this sh*t. I wasn't lying...I'll sell it to you for the payoff.
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Old 08-21-2007, 06:06 PM   #9
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

My 99 Trooper all of a sudden started having shifting problems and acted like some of the transmission positions were not available.

It turned out to be the electronic shift module the connects the transmission to the floor shifter.

This module can be rotated for "fine" positioning of the shift locations.

Purchased this GM/Isuzu module and installed it myself, cost over $125 for the part.

It took a few times to get this right, this happened kust after it hit the 100K mark and a long trip through the mountain in old mexico when quick down shifts were required for steep down hill grades.
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Old 08-21-2007, 06:20 PM   #10
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

"Would the real auto mechanic please stand up, please stand up, please stand up" (sing it like Eminem to get the full effect)

You're not going to believe this sh*t!!!


OK......

This has been the most exciting experience of my life (insert sarcasm)
SO...after the one place says that they can't test the PCM Module. I drive my computer to an Isuzu dealership here in Dallas called Clay Cooley Isuzu (this place is like a coupon booth in the middle of the fair ground...SUCKS!)...spoke with Mr. Powers. My fiance calls and talks to him...she asks specifically, "Can you test the PCM Module?" He responds..."Yes". She clarifies, "Can you test the PCM Module without the car being there....just the module?" He says, "Yes we can do that."

So she tells me, and well...she's a woman...I'm sure she didn't ask the right questions. So I call up there...asked the same questions...he sarcastically said, "Yes we can test the PCM Module for this vehicle WITHOUT the car...we have the adapter that can test the module alone." SCORE! So My dad does me a huge favor and wakes up at 5am to get to the Isuzu shop on the other side of the metroplex. It's about 35 miles from where I live. My dad gets there....and they say, "We need the car to test the module." Keep in mind this is after I scheduled it a week in advance. SON OF A B*TCH!

So we're off to the electronics specialists again and they help me locate another dealership. Finally we call Fazeli Isuzu in Dallas....they can test it...but the car has to be with it. Screw it...I'll do whatever. It'll have to be another week before they can get it in. Fine...me and my effing rental cars are getting tight now, anyhow. Fazeli tests it yesterday. "Sir...there's nothing wrong with your electrical system. Your PCM Module is fine, and your wiring harness is fine. Your computer is spitting out TRANSMISSION SHIFTING CODES FOR GEARS 1 to 2 and 2 to 3!!!!!"

"....what???"

"Yes sir...your electrical is fine...your transmission is the issue."

So I call the transmission shop again, and tell him I have verified PROOF that it's not an electrical issue. He acted like he didn't know why that would be happening.

To make a long story short...he got the car today. He's attempting to fix it again...and now...it's war. If he effs it up, I'm going after them for lost wages, rental cars, and electronic diagnostic fees. This is getting flat out DUMB!!!!

That's the latest as of today.
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Old 08-21-2007, 11:31 PM   #11
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

man...i can imagine the frustration.....

during all this, has anyone actually tested the mode selector switch, the thing a couple of posters above mentioned.

especially, the dealer that did the pcm testing and came up with the trans codes, did they test or mention that switch? has the trans shop ever mentioned it?

//bced
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Old 08-24-2007, 09:48 AM   #12
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Angry Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Well, so far it seems to be working.......so far.

I took it back to the trans shop, and they stated that they replaced some "faulty" solenoids.

My receipt showed that they replaced 3 solenoids, when the transmission has 5. Of course they said that they replaced "all" solenoids. Is it also a coincidence that the solenoids that they replaced.....I mean....replaced "again", 2 solenoids that didn't appear on the receipt?

Bottom line is this. It's working for right now.....and they changed the two solenoids in the housing unit, and cleared the computer. Everything is working well now. The only code they are getting now is the CO2 Sensor....and they cleared that off as well. They're saying that sometimes it spits out a code for that, and sometimes it doesn't.

Seriously, anyone want to buy a 2001 Isuzu Trooper with 120K miles on it? I really can't handle this car anymore.
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Old 09-08-2007, 10:11 PM   #13
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

I am a 2001 Isuzu Trooper owner since March. I have been following your nightmare postings and trying to avoid (not go through what you are going through) but it is still happening. I have had my transmission rebuilt, new drive shaft, and new torque converter installed and still having the "fluttering" problem. Before the transmission was rebuilt I was having problems when my transmission should shift from over drive to 3 when passing or pulling up hill, and now I have the fluttering when it should shift from 2 to 3. The transmission shop had my Trooper for 18 days, they were finally so sick of it they told me to come and get it there was nothing else they could do. Thinking tires might contribute I had my Trooper aligned and had the tires balanced and rotated. I am still having problems and don't know what to do or where to turn. I have even taken it to an Isuzu dealership and they don't really know what is going on. I love my Tropper and can't find anything that even compares to it. Please keep posting your current "Nightmare" situation

Trooper Girl
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Old 09-12-2007, 08:59 AM   #14
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Hey Trooper Girl,

As of right now, my tranny seems to be doing great. Seems like the solenoids made a huge impact. Amazing that it took 2 months just to indentify it, after so many processes of elimination...when it could have been eliminated just by replacing two solenoids.

I have a check engine light on right now, but I know it's the CO2 sensor, and now I have to figure out how to replace it/them.

My transmission issues started with the fluttering you're describing...it did it from 2 to 3, and then when my car would go into OD, it would do it then too...sometimes so hard that my dash would rattle. They rebuilt my transmission and it fixed the problem (the first time). They told me that transmission pan looked like a chia pet.

By the way...Isuzu wont allow their dealerships to rebuild transmissions...they are instructed to replace with a brand new transmission due to so many of these issues. Interesting...I wonder if it's just 'easier' for them that way.
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Old 09-26-2007, 09:59 PM   #15
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Re: 2001 Isuzu Trooper Transmission NIGHTMARE "Thread 2"

Another Drummer,
I've been reading your thread and realized I'm experiencing the same problems. Was driving my very reliable 2000 trooper limited 3.5L yesterday and felt what I believed to be an ignition misfire and prayed it was not a transmission problem as I feared. I'm having the same shudder when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to OD. After scrutinizing the entire diagoistics tree it is clear that the engine, ignition system and fuel injection are performing perfectly. At that point my technician discussed troublshooting a possible tranny problem by monitoring fluid pressure at the speed which the shudder was occuring. His preliminary thoughts were leading towards the torque converter, but that was pre-testing. Is your tranny still performing properly or have symtoms reappeared? It is evident that this transmission was designed by some geek engineer that isn't permitted to leave his (or her) cubicle. I fully believe that you should not be allowed to design mechanical equipment if the only dirt under your fingernails is the coffee you spilled on the computer key board last week. Any input is appreciated.
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