2002 Rodeo

I bought a 2002 Rodeo in Oct. This is my first SUV. I noticed the first week that when I would start it, it would make a load clicking noise and sometimes it sounded like the starter was dragging. Concerned I took it back to the dealership for them to look into it. They said they could not find anything except that the batter cables were loose. It still does this ever so often. This morning on my way in the RPM's jumed sky high and it sounded like I knocked the shifter into another geer. It scared me. I was driving down the freeway at 60 with both hands on the wheel when this happened. After getting to work I was telling some of the guys I worked with and they said it sound like the transmittion slipping.
This vehicle isn't even a year old. Has anyone else had this problems on the new models?

I've read this post a few times & it didn't occur to me until now, but the "starter-dragging / ticking" issue you speak of could be caused by the "convenience-starting" feature introduced on the 2002 isuzu rodeo's. Basically, with 2002 & up rodeo's, you only need to bump the vehicles ignition & the starter will automatically engage just long enough for the engine to start. Maximum crank time is determined by engine coolant temp. I thought my 2002 had a mind of it's own, until I found this feature described in the '02 owners manual. Maybe you are holding the ignition key to start for too long? - just a guess. G/luck
Joel

hey Rodeo heads,

I bought a 99 Rodeo LSE 4X4... I am not displeased with it. I like it. But, I have a clunk when starting and stopping. I had a Tranny guy look at it and he said it was not the tranny... he said it was the rear axel rocking (trialing arm support issue) has any one else had anyhting like this happen and what was it actually? I called the dealer because all this had me go looking for factory recalls. I found several. One I thought would cure me but it did not and the dealer used the recall as a marketing tool to try to screw me. They actually gave me a healthy inspection report and waited until all recall work was done and told me verbally and in writing that they informed me of the clunk but I chose not to pay them to look for the cause. Now that is service. Going that extra mile for the customer... what a bunch of... anyway if anyone knows what I need to change or tighten or has had a similar experience...help. Thanks