Newbie - Couple Questions

I just found this board yesterday . . . and I have a couple questions about my 98 Passport LX.

1. This just started today. When I first start driving the car, the "Battery" and "Brake" warning lights are coming on when I come to a stop . . . and they stay on while idling. But as soon as I give the car some gas to get going again, the lights go out. This patern happens for about the first 15 minutes of driving and then it stops.

I checked my brake fluid and it seems fine--not low at all. The battery has been struggling just a bit on starts recently, but could a battery that is going out cause the warning light issue? Any suggestions or ideas?

2. This SUV has 128k miles on it and is due for a timing belt and water pump (I bought it used about 2 yrs old, but it was well kept and I have been good about maintenance). My question is, how many miles should I expect to be able to get out of a 98 Passport?? I'd like to drive it for a couple more years, but don't want to bother with these repairs if I'm near the end of the vehicle's life expectancy.

Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thanks!

1. those 2 lights usually mean the alt is dieing. search for info here about alts. Isuzu's are very picky about them. Don't buy a cheap replacement.

2. 128k is pushing it. There have been some reports on here about guys going 160k - 180k with no issues. If it does break it is a non-interfearance engine so nothing should break.

For piece of mind I would have all the timing belt things changed out.

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll check out the other threads for alternator info.

Should clarfiy my timing belt question . . . I had it replaced at 60k, so I am just wondering if I get it replaced again now can I reasonably expect to be able to get another couple years out of the car? Is it fairly common to get 150 - 160k miles out of Passports/Rodeos if they have been well maintained?

..2. This SUV has 128k miles on it and is due for a timing belt and water pump (I bought it used about 2 yrs old, but it was well kept and I have been good about maintenance). My question is, how many miles should I expect to be able to get out of a 98 Passport?? I'd like to drive it for a couple more years, but don't want to bother with these repairs if I'm near the end of the vehicle's life expectancy.

1.ditto amigo-2k on the alternator. dealer new or dealer rebuilt or quality (i.e.not cheap) rebuild such as rebuilt by bosch. others will give you grief.

2. if you're asking about about miles to change the timing belt -- what amigo-2k said -- except you are significantly over the isuzu recommendation, which depending on year is 60,000, 75,000 or 100,000 miles. you will w ant to do at the same time: timing belt, timing belt tensioner and water pump; also timing belt idler pulley if it is indicated by bearing roughness when you inspect it. here too, you want to use quality parts. i suggest dealer parts.

if on the other hand, you're asking about the durability of the isuzu 3.2L v6 engine, which is what i thought you meant, then with care don't be surprised that you are at the half-way mark or so. . . give or take. i think there is a sticky thread around here somewhere with people giving their odometer readings...look around.

//bc

I had the belt changed at 60K and 140K. Both times the belt looked great. If they changed the tensioner and water pump as well as the belt at 60K, I'd expect you'd get another 20K out of the works easy. No rush anyway. I have the SOHC engine and have no problems at 158K. There were some issues with the DOHC engine heads cracking, but I can't remember if that was your year...

I really like the Passport, so I am leaning toward getting the repairs done. Guess I need to find out how much an ALT is as well, though, from the sounds of it. It's only money, right :grinyes:

The driving reason for the timing belt is that my water pump is starting to leak a little. Not major, but I have to think that I should not keep rolling the dice there much longer. So if I am going to do the pump . . . might as well do the timing belt (since it's pretty much "due" and the mechanic would be in there anyway). It's one of those deals where I'd rather put in the $$ if I am going to drive it for 2 or 3 more years. I hate the thought of buying another car.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone . . . really appreciate it!

I'd get on it, then, if the pump is leaking. It was a no brainer for me because I did it myself and didn't have to pay for labor.

It's about $200 for a quality alternator that'll work in these trucks. Even if you invest a grand, you're ahead after less than a year without a new car payment. Good luck!

what is your history on the tranny fluid?

Ever clean out the EGR?

what is your history on the tranny fluid?

Ever clean out the EGR?

I've had the tranny fluid changed a few times before . . . I'd have to look at when the last one was for sure.

Have never done anything with the EGR. I am not a great do-it-yourselfer on cars, unfortunately. What needs to be done to clean that?

... I am not a great do-it-yourselfer on cars, unfortunately. What needs to be done to clean that?

don't look now. . .but Amigo-2k just hooked another one...:lol:


//bc

For the alternator, do I need a 90 amp? It's a 98 V6, 4wd. I have done a few web searches for parts and I see both 70 and 90 amp listed.

For the alternator, do I need a 90 amp? It's a 98 V6, 4wd. I have done a few web searches for parts and I see both 70 and 90 amp listed.

I suggest you call the following dealer in MO who sells parts over the phone and gives 15% 'internet' discount, free shipping from the distributor warehouse to your door (or to your mechanic's door), and expert assistance from MERLIN, ask for and wait on hold for him, i suggest. he will tell you what you need. get the part number from him and if you don't get a rebuilt by bosch, i suggest call him back and order it from him,.
http://isuzu.stcharlesauto.com/Department-Parts.aspx

and/or you can go to this honda dealer site in CA which has a very good online site with all the illustrations etc. this is a very good resource for even non-honda and non-rodeo isuzu owners to get an idea of what's what and where and how ~how much.
http://www.slhondaparts.com/

hth

//bc

For the alternator, do I need a 90 amp? It's a 98 V6, 4wd. I have done a few web searches for parts and I see both 70 and 90 amp listed.
reply#2
it is going to depend on your manufacture date (month and year) posted on on the driver's side pillar. i believe earlier 98 were 70A and later 90A. the parts store or dealer database will provide the uptodate info. they may also want to know auto or manual trans, a/c or not, and VIN.

and i am going to add my nag for the final time -- part with the $$ and get a quality alternator from a dealer or a rebuilt by bosch.

//bc

Thanks, trooperbc . . . I'll definitely take the advice and go with the Bosch. I'd rather spend a few extra $$ but have the peace of mind. Think I'll probably try to do the alternator replacement myself. Seems like it's pretty straightforward and only have to work with a few bolts and the electrical connection.

Appreciate everyone's advice and assistance!

If yours was built 98 - 3/98 then its 70 amp, 4/98 - 7/98 is 90 amp, 7/98 - on is also 90 amp but a different part number.

Took the car into the shop . . . not a dealership, but a place close to work that someone I know recommended. They have been testing the alternator and can't duplicate the "dummy light" issues or confirm that the alternator is bad (everything tests ok). With that said, though, they said that the symptoms do tend to point to an alternator that is starting to fail.

They are telling me that a replacement is $400 (for the alternator itself--not including labor). Based on the feedback here, that seems double the price to expect. Needless to say, I won't be having them replace it. I might just try doing it myself.

How hard is it to replace an alternator on a '98 (for a novice)??? I remember replacing them on some much older cars, but it's looking like it's nowhere near that easy on the Passport.

Unfortunately, you ARE looking to spend $200-300 for a good alternator; $400 should include labor costs, I would think anyway.

If you're paying less then $150 for the alternator, it wasn't meant to be in the truck - I only say this because Isuzu's are volt picky and will eat up a cheap rebuilt alternator in nothing flat.

Forgot to add, I have the '97 3.2L with 166k miles; I'm on my 3rd timing belt set, i.e. waterpump, belt, tensioner, pulley, camshaft/crankshaft seals (2nd set for those) - cost of replacement for all of this from my mechanic $1,103

But this included ALL new belts, hoses, radiator flush, ATF fluid/filter change, and a starter that went out around the same time, along with all of the above items.

When my waterpump croaked last February with 152k miles on the clock, shedding the cost for replacement on all of it was a no-brainer for me. This has been the most reliable vehicle we have owned, and paid it off 3 yrs ago.

There are numerous owners who are well over the 200k mark and still doing very good.

Biggest thing in these trucks, is keep the cooling system up to par - don't allow that engine to EVER get too hot (i.e. get on that waterpump replacement), and within the next year, if you haven't done so already, get ALL of your coolant hoses changed out, not just the big upper & lower.

Perfect time for that, is when the shop has the front all torn down for timing belt, waterpump, etc and make ABSOLUTE certain they replace the timing belt tensioner - this is the weakest link to this system, and an old one will fail on a new belt in a matter of days.

Other very important thing is to change your ATF every 30k at the MOST - these trannies are very tempermental if ran on low or dirty fluid.

Thanks, RF!

The shop is doing the water pump and timing belt (including tensioner, serpentine belt, cam/crank seals, etc) as we speak. So that is going to be all taken care of by tomorrow. The tranny was just serviced recently, so I think I am good there . . . but will make sure I get it done every 30k max based on your advice. I'll call in the morning and see if they can change out the hoses while they are at it.

The owner of the shop definintely said that the alternator itself was $400 for the part (not including the labor . . . it was going to be almost $600 installed). I'll still plan on getting a good replacement per the recommendations here . . . but $600 sounded a bit high all-in.

Very much appreciate your feedback and the comments from all others here. Glad I found this site! I really like this SUV and hope to keep driving it for at least a few more years. The cost of regular maintenance far outweighs taking on a new car payment.

Forgot to add, I have the '97 3.2L with 166k miles; I'm on my 3rd timing belt set, i.e. waterpump, belt, tensioner, pulley, camshaft/crankshaft seals (2nd set for those) - cost of replacement for all of this from my mechanic $1,103

But this included ALL new belts, hoses, radiator flush, ATF fluid/filter change, and a starter that went out around the same time, along with all of the above items.


Wow . . . all that for $1,100??? Any chance your mechanic is in Denver?

:lol:

Just outside of Denver, in fact! No kidding - guy I go to is Vern, he owns/runs an import mechanic shop in Parker - Parker Imports.

If you'd like the number, let me know. Been going to him for 20-some years, he's the ONLY guy I trust.

He's opening another shop in Highlands Ranch - don't know the name, yet; and his brother runs his other shop in Castle Rock. But, I like Vern, have known him for a long-long time.

Too funny . . . I'm in Highlands Ranch! What are the odds of that happening???

I would very much like to get the contact info. I PM'd my contact info to you (although I think my email is in my profile anyway).

THANKS!!!!!

Just a followup . . .

The shop called back and the brake/battery light did come on for them eventually, so they are confirming that I should look at replacing the alternator. They verified that their price was $400 for the alternator and another $200 for the installation. $600 total. I told them that seemed high to me, so I am going to call the shop that Ramblin Fever recommended and also St. Sharles Isuzu to see what their thoughts were on a replacement part.

I'm ok with spending the $$ to get the right kind of part, but based on what everyone is saying here, it seems like 600 bucks is a little overboard. The shop I have the car at also said that they don't use Bosch anymore because they had bad luck with them.

???

...The shop I have the car at also said that Bosch anymore because they had bad luck with them. ...

maybe, but of course they want to sell you a $400 one. i've had nothing but good stuff from rebuilt by bosch alternators, starters, etc. for different applicatons. btw, did the shop tell you who rebuilt the one they were planning on installing?

just call the non-bigboxpartsstores around you and see what they have at what price and go from there.


//bc

They did not mention who rebuilt the one they are proposing. They just said that it was the "Honda authorized" part. When I told them I had done some initital checking around and the range seemed to be more like $200 to $300, they hemmed and hawed a bit.

I'll definitely do some additional checking around before I do anything with this particular repair. Hopefully, the Passport will run long enough to let me do the sleuthing. Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill . . . but $200 here and there starts to add up fast with kids, etc.

Last time the lights came on, they went away after 15 minutes and I didn't see them again until the shop had them come on this morning. That was at least a week of driving with no issues. At least I have free towing from AAA.

:grinyes:

My new NAPA alt for $210 or so has worked great for almost a year now.

I have a Bosch in mine, came with a 2yr warranty, IIRC - paperwork says I paid $216 and change for mine bought & put on by Parker Imports/Vern. His number is 303) 840-9355

Don't know the number to his new shop in Highlands Ranch, but if you call the one in Parker they can help you. They are open M-F 7:30-5pm

Probably looking around $350 or so for install & alternator.

Edit to add: mine's been in the truck for 2 1/2yrs & 48k no problems so far, but history shows my truck seems to kill the alternator's right around the 50k mile mark. Mainly, I think, because of it's low amp output mixed with running a lot of accessories, trailer lights, etc.

If I get at least 60-70k out of this one, I will use it again.

RF:

I got a hold of Vern today at Parker Imports and he pretty much confirmed what you recalled . . . $216 for the alternator and another $110 or so for the install. Got an appointment there tomorrow to get this knocked out. Saving me $220+ over the other place I got the estimate from!!!

Thanks to you and everyone else for their help with this issue . . . wish I would have found this board sooner!! God knows how much $$ and misery I could have saved over the last few years if I had.

Cool beans! He's a good guy.

The shop is just a bit south of the E-470 off-ramp.

If you were to get off the highway on Parker, go south, but move as quick as possible to the far left lane; take a left at Pinelane; then make your 1st right.

His shop is in the far southwest corner - 6250 E Pinelane #B

His load is sometimes light on Tuesdays - Wednesday's, so you should have it back by tomorrow evening.

High im new to this forum and i had a couple of questions about my 1998 Isuzu Rodeo:

The first problem is that my gas gage always reeds empty. Ive already had the fuel sending unit replaced and nothing has changed. The mechanic said that the problem could be the gauge its self or the wire is grounded. Is there any truth to this?

The second problem is that in cold weather when i start my car it dies unless i give it some gas then it runs fine. What kind of problem am i having?

Can you give us more info? Which engine, I'm assuming 3.2L V6? How many miles?

Are you getting any CEL codes?

When it stalls, is it only doing this on cold days, or every morning? And only on 1st starts of the day, or throughout the day?

BTW - Welcome to Isuzu world!