Doublereeder

I just took my 2000 Rodeo in for the 45K service and I need a reality check. In addition to the factory maintenance, the writer called and told me that the transmission fluid was a bit "gunky" and suggested a transmission flush at an additional $135. He also suggested a fuel injection cleaning at another $125. Of course the serpentine belt was a bit cracked and needed replacing at an additional $60. The rear window hatch had been rattling a bit, and since the warranty did not seem to cover that, they only charged me an additional $35 in labor to "tighten it up". From the menu, I chose the belt and the window tightening. Perhaps it should have been the other way around--a belt tightening and a window replacement (joke::silly2: ). In one conversation, the guy hit all the hot spot "junk" deals I have heard about. This is the first such experienc I have had in almost 30 years of car ownership.

I live in the Los Angeles area, but my driving is mostly freeway at 65 miles per hour plus (just to keep up with the traffic flow, you know). I usually put about 25K miles per year on my cars and I am on pace with that now. My tires have plently left to go. No brake work suggested or needed yet. Pretty easy miles on the truck. Am I naive, or did the guy try to hose me?

Thanks, folks.

poweredbyisuzu

well first of all tranny fluid needs to be replaced every 30000 miles n e ways, but i wouldn't pay 135 bucks for them to change it. Then for the drive belt, u can get a belt over at an autoshop for 15 bucks and change it yourself with ease. The other stuff might be a good recommendation but the dealer prices do sound a bit high, that's why i work on my own cars. N E ways, good luck

rodeo02

Hey DoubleR, At 45Kmi & 3yrs old, I would DEFINATELY changeout the tranny fluid & filter - this is critical at this point (get a reputable tranny shop to do it if you dont like your dealer), changout the engine coolant and replace the fuel filter. If the serpentine belt is not looking good, may as well replace that too. Original replacement belts always seem to last longer. Some dealers recommend the front wheel bearing grease/repack at this point also. I'd hold off on that until you need to replace the front brakes - since the hubs have to be pulled apart (and re-greased) as the brake rotors are removed & replaced anyway, so this will save you on labor. You'll likely need a brake job at 60-70Kmi, get the spark plugs changed at that time also. Run a 20oz bottle of chevron techron concentrate fuel system cleaner every 3-5Kmi & you will never have an injector/clogged fuel system issue. Dont let your oil go more than 5Kmi between changes (synthetic oils can go a bit longer) & check the oil level OFTEN, change the tranny fluid every 30-40Kmi, change the engine coolent every 30Kmi and your rodeo will last 200Kmi+ G/luck
Joel

Doublereeder

Rodeo02--

Thanks for the advice--the tranny fluid was changed per factory specs--the writer suggested transmission flush as an "add on". He implied that if did not have it done, my warranty might be in jeapardy if something happened. I have had all the required maintenance done and the truck really runs very well. Especially after the software upgrade to take care of the engine ping problem we all have heard about. My mileage actully improved a bit as well. I am fairly religious about the oil changes and the brakes seem to go a bit longer considering my driving style--lots of freeway, very little stop-and-go.

Overall my Isuzu experience has been very positive--I really like the truck and, MOST importantly, so does my wife. I just have a tough time with anyone attempting to hose me, and I believe that the service writer was more interested in his commission than he was in keeping a happy customer comming back. Too bad. Thanks for the reply post, Rodeo02. Always remember to keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.

poweredbyisuzu

Hey doublereeder, just a quick question for ya. Where did you get the software upgrade for your ecm??? does it cost alot. I've been lookin around on the web and can't seem to find a satisfying answer. If you could tell me where you got yours done, i would appreciate it. I agree with you about the rodeo, it's an awesome truck. u know what, i've found out that the truck only puts out 139 hp. to the wheel, that's sad. A whole 80 hp lost from the engine to the wheels. N E who, if you could give me some info on that upgrade to the ecm, i would appreciate it. thanks

Doublereeder

Poweredbyisuzu--

The upgrade was done as a warranty item. I told the service writer that the engine was losing power on any kind of grade (not much, but noticable) and that it seemed have quite a bit of engine knock or ping. I was running premium unleaded and it still did not help.

Once the upgrade was done, I have lowered the octane and engine runs fine.

Hope that helps.

Cheers!