to all rodeo experts out there...my 2001 rodeo is killing me

ok i have a few issue w/ my rodeo... and i need some serious help...2001 auto 110k miles highway

1) tranny...this thing sometimes shifts smooth sometimes doesn't ... downshift to a really low gear when i punch it but goes no where... ???
when slowing down this gears feels like there having a hard times downshifting..help pros...?

2) i bought some ngk sparkplugs for my truck i paid like 12.00 a pop casue the online store all said use ONLY NGK laser platinum ? is this correct? im getting a misfire code and the checkengine like flashes like crazy... what damn plugs are suppose to work right?

3) al of a sudden my steering got crazy ... its harder to turn... and wobbles like a mother... i got and alignment... the had the wheel bearings tightened..... and it got worse...

4) is there anyone in the northern nj area that can help me out who really understands this F ing truck i love it but its drving me crazy the money i'v spent trying to get it to run right..

please help me out... maybe this thread can be used to help others with the same problems...

also... how quick can you make these truckss?... i found this gratenellli maf sensor and they make a jet chip for it... anyone made there isuzu quick..?

please repost and help a jersey boy fix his rodeo@!

[QUOTE=kidcaffeine]ok i have a few issue w/ my rodeo... and i need some serious help...2001 auto 110k miles highway

1) tranny...this thing sometimes shifts smooth sometimes doesn't ... downshift to a really low gear when i punch it but goes no where... ???
when slowing down this gears feels like there having a hard times downshifting..help pros...?

When was your last tranny service? How often are you changing fluid, cleaning filter?


2) i bought some ngk sparkplugs for my truck i paid like 12.00 a pop casue the online store all said use ONLY NGK laser platinum ? is this correct? im getting a misfire code and the checkengine like flashes like crazy... what damn plugs are suppose to work right?

I have a different year, different requirements for plugs, my particular year is not as picky as the newer models, so hopefully someone with a 2000+yr will chime in. I'm running NGK plug's without an issue.


3) al of a sudden my steering got crazy ... its harder to turn... and wobbles like a mother... i got and alignment... the had the wheel bearings tightened..... and it got worse...

How old are your tire's? If they are original, it may be time for new ones - could be rotting from the inside out. Also, check your steering linkage, tie rods, general suspension


also... how quick can you make these truckss?... i found this gratenellli maf sensor and they make a jet chip for it... anyone made there isuzu quick..?

Personally no, I've never tried to make mine quicker, it's a truck, I drive it like a truck and use it like a truck. I have no need for extra speed, gets to 70mph pretty quick on normal take-offs and I wouldn't be able to afford the extra gas it would consume anyhow, plus, increasing your take-off speed increases wear/tear on automatic transmissions.

You probably need to get your tranny serviced (Basic fluid and filter change is about $150)... It's a real b**ch to do yourself so unless your a mechanic don't even try. . Some places will tell you that skid plates need to be removed and will charge $250-275 but i had no problem getting it done at Pepboys for $129.
At 110,000, you should not have the tranny flushed as it will probably kill it.
I hate to say it but it sound like you might have a mechanical problem. Have someone look at it, just be sure to get a second opinion if it's bad news.

Your 2001 uses the spark plugs as sensors and is a little particular which plugs it likes. I was told "off the record" by my Isuzu parts manager to use NGK or Bosh NON-PLATINUM plugs. I have run them for thousands of miles with no trouble, and at a buck-and-a-quarter each the price is right. I guess Denso plugs are reccomended by the factory.

Your Zu has a pretty strong engine in it with some potential for HP gains. But..... it is a truck... not a Honda Civic. It wasn't made to be pushed to 5500 rpms at every red light and at 110,000 miles, if you're slamming it around with the peddle to the floor every day, your plugs and steering will be the least of your worries. Sounds like your tranny is already crying mercy.

Oh yeah... you might try having the wheels "load force balanced". Probably not your answer but it did solve my shaking steering wheel problem.

1) I'd first get a look at the ATF level and condition. Then look into the transmission range sensor which can cause harsh shifts. Common problem. A full trans service or ATF 'flush' will be fine provided there are no pre-existing internal trans problems.
2) Word has it, regular NGK's will work fine on the 2000+ 3.2's. Have not heard anything about the fancy 'lazer' ones. Denso are the failsafe (OEM) plugs.
3) That is odd. I'd lift the front end off the ground and check the front suspension for play. Could be a bearing, tie rod end or ball joint. All rare problems for a rodeo of this age.
4) Sorry man, I'm in Buffalo NY.

Most importantly, keep an eye on your engine oil level until you get into a routine. These engines can use oil at an alarming rate.

G/luck
Joel