bcbrown

I picked up my Rodeo about 6 months ago for only 3,400 with 85,000. I am not sure about the maintenance on the vehicle until that point but its a good solid running truck. Anyway, the CEL is always on and the 4X4 light is always on as well. The 4 wheel drive works great and is not engaged. I took it to a dealer to get the timing belt and EGR valve replaced as well a tune up. The dealer told me that the 4X4 engagement light switch was bad and needs to be replaced, however they did not have the part on hand and I had a long drive in a few days (1400 miles to New Mexico, pulling a uhaul trailer, which the Rodeo handled very well). I was also told the catayltic converter should be replaced soon because that is what is causing my CEL light. Ok, here is my questions..

1. Anyone know were I can get the 4X4 engagement switch? Or a good fix? Dealer prices are just to high sometimes.

2. My gas gauge reads half a tank when I fill up. I assume a bad fuel sending unit. I've searched the forum here and only could find sending unit trouble/fixes for +98 models. Anyone know where I can find a replacement?

3. As for the catayltic converter. Anyone have any luck with an aftermarket peformance piece? Or should I go OEM?

4. I know this is said a lot, but my gas mileage sucks. Any tips? Im running 255/70 tires, tad bit bigger, but Im getting about 12-13 MPG city... 15 on the trip here. but I was pulling a trailer for that part..

5. This is my first car that I ever have owned built after 1980. I'm an old car guy and love small block chevy V8s. I was going to get an old blazer next to turn into a mild off roader, but I like the Rodeo so much now I want to throw some dollars into it instead to fill that role. Anyone got any suggestions for performance upgrades? The intake, exhaust, tranny...and everything thing else! I'd love to add some more power for possible greater towing capacity as well. I can't find anything for this thing.

6. Other problems include: I noticed sometimes the power locks don't lock the left rear door, and sometimes the drivers window switch for that door won't roll the window up, but the switch on that door did the trick. Now I am affraid to roll that window down. Anyone got any ideas?

7. I had the transmission serviced by a mechanic, and now it appears to slip every now and then. I read somewhere that this could be cuz of improper fluid level and that a special temp gauge is needed to do this. Anyone know were I can get such a thing? Also, how do you put fluid into this tranny. There is not filler neck, just the two holes on the bottum.

Oh, one more thing. the rear window wiper won't turn off after its turned on. I have to kill the truck to stop it. Anyone heard of this and possible know the cause/solution?

Thanks alot, sorry for the length here... I just really like my Rodeo, even with the small bugs I hope to straighten out...

ogfooman

I'm not sure about an engagement switch, never hear of problems with one before. Did the dealer actually investigate (which they rarely do), or are they just suggesting easy replacement parts (read, easy money)?
If your brake and battery lights are glowing faintly as well, it's your alternator thats bad. Wierd, but very common.
The cat conv. on these rarely clog up also. What code exactly was the ECM giving you? Go to any autoparts store for a free reading to find out.

Read my post on another recent thread on gas mileage stuff.

If you want performance upgrades, there isn't much for the engine besides intake/exhaust. For suspension and other 4x4 parts, check out www.darlington-offroad.com or www.independent4x.com.

My driver rear door lock is broken too. This was a TSB, but the replacement part is discontinued. Too bad, it was only a buck or so. Can't help much.

Good luck.