Rodeo Stutters Then "Check Trans" and "Cruise Control" Lights Come On...

[Tespin]

Just started two days ago...

My '01 Rodeo stutters and then the Check Trans and Cruise Control Lights come on and go out about 10 seconds later.

It seems like it only happpens when at lower speeds between 10-30 Mph and when first starting out on a drive.

Have you guys heard of this before?... if so What to do?

Thanks for your help....

Vehicle Info...
2001 Isuzu Rodeo V6 3.2L Automatic 2WD with 108k Miles

[amigo-2k]

What brand of plugs are you running?

Have you cleaned up your battery ground points, including to the alt?

Also, it happens with the truck is cold it stutters right? maybe your fuel injectors are a bit dirty.

Or maybe the intake manafold gasket is toast (if you are the first owner it is still covered under your warranty).

Look into the basics and see what happens.

-Ryan

[Tespin]

It stutters/stalls even when its been running for awhile (Over 1/2 hr), I cleaned the battery Terminals but it didnt help.

I changed the PCV valve (thanks to this board) and for now it hasnt happened again.

Im not sure of the plugs Im using (I think NSK's?) but Im sure I need to change them out;

Could it be a timing belt problem?

[amigo-2k]

I would get the codes read. Autozone will do it for free.

still sounds like IMG.

Are you the orginal owner?

[rodeo02]

Are you getting a check engine light? have you read the codes? Could be a bunch o' stuff: 1) Low system voltage (<14VDC) due to a bad alternator, battery, ground 2) EGR stuck open, 3) IMG, etc...etc..

G/luck
Joel

[Tespin]

Check Engine Light has stayed on since just before the first time, but today it has turned off.

Unfortunately, Im NOT the first owner, I bought it from Carmax with 14k miles on it 3 years ago

By the way it happened again tonight (Trans Light and Cruise Cont)

I changed all but one of the spark plugs about a year ago; I couldnt change the one closest to the firewall on the drivers side.

Do you think that would cause this?

I know its on here somewhere, but what are the correct plugs to use and should I have it done at a shop?

Thanks guys!

[amigo-2k]

what was the problem getting off the rear coil/plug?

I can give you a couple of tips, since I recently did it.

[Tespin]

I simply couldnt get to it. It was too tight of a spot, not even sure how you could get the wrench in at that angle.

[amigo-2k]

The key is to remove the front two coils. Then you can feed in your socket, followed by a 3" extention followed by a 3" extention to get the plug out.

To get the coil out I used a U-joint connected to the socket connected to a screw driver handle driver. My main problem was trying to pull the coil off the plug. That is where my homemade rope loop came in handy.

[2eyefishclaw]

sounds like low tranny fluid level or the range switch

[Tespin]

I had the Transmission Fluid changed about 10k Miles ago and the levels seem fine. I think im gonna have the plugs changed out at a local shop. Are the proper plugs hard to find or are they a common find at autozone or pep boys?

[Tespin]

So my local shop says its the EGR and a small transmission leak near the pan.

I told them to flush and fill the transmission and to change out the leaky gasket.

I cleaned out the EGR this weekend, but I guess I'll try it again, cause they are saying the part is VERY expensive and as all of you have said , Cleaning it is the best option.

[rodeosue]

Finally I found someone with the same symptoms. Hesitate -- cruise control light -- check trans light -- then go out.

Did you ever solve the mystery? If so, how was it fixed? I'm about at my wits end. My mechanic is baffled. I've had all of the plugs replaced, replaced fluids, everything. I have a 2000 4wd. It started out at slow speeds, now it has happened at 75 mph. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Rodeosue

[Tespin]

Just got it back from the shop this weekend, and the problem was in the Wiring Harness. A bunch of the wires were loose and or shorting out as you hit a bump or took a right turn. They temporarily fixed it by using zip ties to secure the wires while I wait for a new harness.

Since they secured all the wires with the zip ties I havent had the problem. I still ordered the wiring harness and after all of this its going to cost me $750.

I would try to secure your wires ( they are on the drivers side coming out of a silver metal box....I think) so they dont move around and then see what you've got.

[rodeosue]

Thanks so much for your help. Since I added the last inquiry I have found another person with the same problem. They also seemed to think that it is the wiring harness.

I recently discovered that a mouse had made a nest in my air filter -- perhaps he also decided to snack on the wires. Not unheard of. I'll have my mechanic check it out.

Thanks so much for your response. It has been quite helpful.