'01 Rodeo Hard Starts

I have 61k on the V6. Over the last week, I've had problems starting (when engine is cold). The engine has to crank a couple of seconds longer than usual, and then when it does turn over, it sputters a little bit and sometimes stalls. I usually hit the gas and then it settles down at around 1100 rpm's until it warms up. It will start up fine as long as the engine is not cool (usually after being parked for 4 hours or longer, is when I have the problem)
I've had the EGR changed about 15,000 miles ago, just changed the fuel filter today, still the same problem. I've been putting Chevron Techron into the gas tank at every oil change for the last 20k miles or so.
The last time I had this problem (about one year ago) the CEL came on after a couple of weeks and the dealer changed a couple of sensors along with the EGR. IMG changed at 35k.
I cleaned the PCV valve Friday, but the problem is still there.
Any other ideas?

Jason in NYC

Try cleaning the idle air control valve. If that doesnt do it then it might be the fuel pressure regulator (dont think I've seen one go bad at 60k though).

Are you getting your fuel at the same gas-station everytime?? If so, try a different gas station for a few fill-ups, see what happens.

Any loss of antifreeze?

Are you getting your fuel at the same gas-station everytime?? If so, try a different gas station for a few fill-ups, see what happens.

Any loss of antifreeze?

Try cleaning the idle air control valve. If that doesnt do it then it might be the fuel pressure regulator (dont think I've seen one go bad at 60k though).

Does the drive by wire setup use an IAC valve, or motor? I thought the computer would open the throttle blade some for idle air.

Like Tom says, there's no IAC with TBW. The throttle motor takes care of maintaining idle speed adjustments. Jason, are you getting a CEL now? This could be a failing fuel pressure regulator or possilby another set of bad IMG's.

Joel

Like Tom says, there's no IAC with TBW. The throttle motor takes care of maintaining idle speed adjustments.

DOH! my bad. At least I learned something today :smokin:

Try leaving the ignition in the ON position for a few seconds before starting. That would let the fuel pump run and build pressure first. If that helps then that would indicate either bad FPR or weak fuel pump.

OH.. when was the last time the fuel filter was changed. Could be plugging up causing pressure problems.

Thanks for all the answers. I've changed gas stations, still have the problem. Ran it down to 1/8th of a tank today and put in a bottle of Chevron Techron prior to filling up. I had the fuel sending unit and pump replaced in the winter (warranty)
I'm thinking it's a bad throttle position sensor and/or pedal position sensor. I had both those replaced last summer when the truck gave me the same problem and all was well after that until last week. The CEL at that time didn't come on until a few weeks after the problem started. Then, when it felt like the engine wanted to stall at times, the CEL came on. So far, no CEL, but I'm sure it will come on sooner or later.
I am planning to make an appointment at the dealer to have the transmission serviced (flushed, filter changed). Of course if the CEL has not been on by then, they have no way of telling what the problem is. Even though I have a pretty good idea (thanks to this site) about what the problems have been in the past, the service manager always gives me the same answer: "we have to check it to see what the problem is" Then, they usually don't have the part in stock, so I have to wait until they get it. If it's not a warranty item, I will get the part myself (at a cheaper price) from St. Charles Isuzu. Otherwise, I am stuck waiting for them to get the part and then schedule me for another appointment.

Jason in NYC

Another thing often overlooked is to clean the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) with an electronic cleaner. We did that and cleaned the throttle body entrance with throttle body cleaner on my brothers' suburban, which is also a drive by wire system. He was having all sorts of idle problems, stalling, etc. Cleaning those two things fixed it right up. You can get an automotive electronic cleaner made by CRC at most auto parts stores.

it's the FPR (fuel pressure regulator). Had the same problem. $51 part from st.charles or free from the dealer if under warranty.

Hello ... I have the same problem with 2001 rodeo 3.2. Engine when cold idles very rough, maybe 100 RPM and it dies if gas pedal is not pressed. Could anybody mention if the
it's the FPR (fuel pressure regulator) fixes it or not? Also, is it covered under the 120,000 miles drive train warranty or not? I have a 2001 3.2 with 85,000 miles THANXXXX

Went to the dealer on Friday for transmission fluid/gasket change ($250!!) and told them about the hard starts when the engine was cold. Service manager replaced the fuel pressure regulator under warranty and the problem is still there.
I talked to the mechanic at the dealer and he said that sometimes the fuel pump (which I had replaced along with the fuel sending unit a few months back) goes bad after a few months and doesn't build up the pressure properly. This will not show up in the computer. The only way to check this is to leave it at the dealer overnight and when they start it in the morning, they hook it up to a guage to see how much pressure is being generated by the fuel pump when the engine is cold. This is a pain in the neck, the dealer is about 15 miles away from me (in NYC traffic, the trip takes about 30-40 minutes) wife has to pick me up, then drop me off the next day. I guess it's the only way they can figure this out.

Jason in NYC