Starting issue too, no CEL

I have a 2001 Rodeo Sport 3.2 v6, 4x4 w/ AT. I am having the same problem in the morning as the other gentleman here on the forum. When I start the motor in the morning the motor sputters hard (gasping for air it seems like) and then dies. This happens a few times until the car actually runs for a moment (warms up I guess) and then it will run fine. I have changed the plugs with the factory Ion sensing ones, cleaned the EGR, changed the PCV, changed the oil, changed the air filter, cleaned the MAF w/ CRC MAF sensor cleaner and ran carb cleaner through the system during the EGR cleaning. My guess is the MAF is going out.... but that is only a guess. Since I do not have a CEL I do not have a lot to go on except some ones experience here on the forum. I want to get this resolved before it leads to bigger issues so any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks guys!

John Gyver

Does it sound like it's gasping for air, literally? Or is that famous Isuzu loud cold fan sucking in air sound?

I know on real cold mornings, my truck can be heard a mile down the road sucking in air - but it doesn't die.

But, what i'm wondering, cause you don't have a CEL issue, is are you hearing that cold Isuzu sound mixed with maybe not enough voltage to turn over the engine?

I can tell you, that if you have any weak ground points, or perhaps loose battery clamps, that Isuzu won't stay running on a cold morning - one reason is that fan really pulls and sucks that voltage.

My suggestion is after everything you've already done, check your volts at the alternator, battery, and starter. And remember to check them UNDER a load.

It does sound like it is gasping for air when it fires up early in the morning. The motor is running VERY rough when it does this (not driving yet, just warming up in the drive way)... and sometimes dies. Once it heats up all is fine for the rest of the day. The car will not move when it doing the gasping for air thing. No CEL so I am baffled. It is not a fan issue from what I can see.

I will double check the battery but I recently checked this during the CEL hunt... so I doubt that this is the case... but you never know if I may have let one slip by me! LOL

My gut makes me think it is the MAF but I truly have no idea so I truly rely on you experts around here! ;)

Thanks!!!!

johngyver

You say it's running very rough - just for curiousity, has it been mild and then suddenly VERY cold where you're at?

Try dumping in a bottle of HEET (water eliminator) in your gas tank and fill up at a different gas station then the one you visited last time.

I've not had any issues with the MAF sensor, so I'm not sure how that reacts; I did have a cracked MAP sensor (with no CEL code specifying) for almost a year. Only symptoms I had was the dreadful CEL code of P0401 (EGR insufficient flow), not one single code to the MAP, and it would idle funny & rough sometimes, but it never died.

Yes it has been mild then cold.... the issue started abruptly. One day it was fine the next day I had the hard start. The day after was worst... and now I fear it will only continue to do so. The tank is low... and the hard starts have been on this tank of gas. The HEET suggestion is awesome! Under the circumstances it makes a lot of sense. I will do this and hope for the best.

Where is the MAP located at? Is it hard to replace? I have a semi wild idle... may be worth spending the $50 just in case that is my issue.

Thanks for the suggestion!

johngyver

Go for the new tank of gas - do not go to the same gas station as your last fill up - put the HEET in before you fill up. If it's a combination of bad gas and/or water in the tank, you'll know within 15-20 miles of the new tank of gas.

Word of the wise, don't let your tank ever get below 1/4 - starts pulling up gunk off the bottom of the tank through your engine, and more likely to burn out your fuel pump.

When you changed the plugs did you notice if any were fouled?

Where is the MAP located at? ... may be worth spending the $50 just in case that is my issue.

johngyver

I don't agree, not yet. Not worth the - just in case that is my issue - theory; what happens if you spend $50 and still have the issue?

FWIW - my situation wasn't common, MAP's don't usually go bad. But yes, mine was easy to replace on the '97 3.2L Sohc, I have no idea where it would be at on your truck or how difficult/easy it would be to replace.

Spend the money to fill the tank, $2 for a bottle of HEET, check your spark plugs again, take it for a drive then see where you are.