'01 Rodeo V6 gas guage acting funny

[Tom01Rodeo]

I've got the same problem with the gas guage. I'm out of the factory warrany but have an extended warranty w/$100 deductable. I usually try to do most work myself and was wondering if parts would cost over $100, I'd have a shop do this. Any suggestions? In other words, I wonder if they'd try to repair only the sender or would they need to change out the entire fuel pump ass'y?

[weathermedic]

You can replace just the sending unit (I think the price for that is around $40) if you want. Price for the entire fuel pump is about $250 I think.
They recommend to change the entire fuel pump becuase I'm sure it doesn't lag too far (timewise) behind the sending unit in going bad.

Jason in NYC

[Tom01Rodeo]

Originally Posted by weathermedic

You can replace just the sending unit (I think the price for that is around $40) if you want. Price for the entire fuel pump is about $250 I think.
They recommend to change the entire fuel pump becuase I'm sure it doesn't lag too far (timewise) behind the sending unit in going bad.

Jason in NYC

Looking at the Isuzu FAQ's, seems the sending unit only isn't an option for my '01 model. It may not even be available, only the entire fuel pump ass'y.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Tom01Rodeo

I've got the same problem with the gas guage. I'm out of the factory warrany but have an extended warranty w/$100 deductable. I usually try to do most work myself and was wondering if parts would cost over $100, I'd have a shop do this. Any suggestions? In other words, I wonder if they'd try to repair only the sender or would they need to change out the entire fuel pump ass'y?

If you've got a shop that will work with your AM warranty, $100 would be a bargain to have the fuel pump and sending unit assembly changed out. The FSU/pump assembly itself is like $300+, labor would probably be a few hundred on top of that.

Joel

[Tom01Rodeo]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

If you've got a shop that will work with your AM warranty, $100 would be a bargain to have the fuel pump and sending unit assembly changed out. The FSU/pump assembly itself is like $300+, labor would probably be a few hundred on top of that.

Joel

Ok, I got it fixed yesterday. They replaced the entire fuel pump ass'y. Total cost was $527 and my part was the $100 deductible. So far, the extended warranty has paid off for this vehicle and I still have 2 years left! Last year the AC went out, cost $1200 to fix!!

When I took it in for service, I also complained about an ongoing acceleration problem that seems to be getting worse. On the on-ramp the other day, I was about 3/4 throttle and the RPMs were climbing normally until about 4K, then there was a dip in the RPMs then it picked back up. Its always had an acceleration problem since I've owned it.

Fuel pump must've been getting weak, as the new one seems to have solved the problem!!

BTW- the dealership said they keep 3-4 fuel pumps on hand since its so common :

[rodeo02]

You can't beat that deal on the FP/FSU!

Originally Posted by Tom01Rodeo

.. On the on-ramp the other day, I was about 3/4 throttle and the RPMs were climbing normally until about 4K, then there was a dip in the RPMs then it picked back up. Its always had an acceleration problem since I've owned it.

My 2002 has done that since new as well, If I wind it out at WOT, the RPM's waver a bit almost feeling like the tranny is slipping. I dunno if it's the variable runner intake switching, the throttle by wire or the ion sensing stuff . Either way, it runs/shifts like a top, just does that weird stuff if I mat it.

Joel

[Tom01Rodeo]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

You can't beat that deal on the FP/FSU!



My 2002 has done that since new as well, If I wind it out at WOT, the RPM's waver a bit almost feeling like the tranny is slipping. I dunno if it's the variable runner intake switching, the throttle by wire or the ion sensing stuff . Either way, it runs/shifts like a top, just does that weird stuff if I mat it.

Joel

I was in the same boat. Did the egr cleaning, replaced plugs, IMG replacement trying to fix without taking it in. I was sure happy when it turned out to be the FP ass'y and I didn't have to pay a separate deductible! When I took the Rodeo in, the service writer suggested it may be the fuel pump and his tech would replace the ass'y before trying to diagnose the acceleration problem. He took it out for a spin afterwards and said he didn't sense any trouble. I was sceptical and told them I'd return quickly if it wasn't fixed. Didn't need to!

Not sure how you'd troubleshoot a fuel supply problem. Do their scan tools report fuel pressure? There would have to be some sort of fuel pressure transducer in the fuel system for the processor to know what the pressure is.

[joewildlife2001]

WHEW!

My 2001 is doing the same thing.
The dealer told me I couldn't buy just a sending unit, have to replace the whole pump assembly.

I'm the second owner and have 59,700 miles on it!!!!

I'm calling a dealer TODAY!

thanks!

Joe

[chriswatt]

My dealer says it is just the sending unit so it is not covered under warrenty. I also have a 2001 rodeo LS

[joewildlife2001]

Find another dealer!!!!!

The fuel sending unit is NOT a part that can be ordered or gotten separately. It is PART of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is covered under warranty, and comes WITH the sending unit assemply. The Assembly is defective if PART of the assembly is defective, no matter which part.

I had this part replaced under warranty at an Isuzu dealer in St. Louis. They even had Isuzu roadside assistance pick up my Rodeo on a flatbed and bring it to the dealer, some 150 miles, to make sure the warranty did not expire before it got to the dealer, as I was cutting it close.

I think it was Webster Groves Isuzu that did the work. Another dealer, St. Charles I think, was also going to do the work under warranty, but since Webster Groves was closer that is where it had to be hauled by the free roadside service.

So, I got two dealers who disagree with yours!

Get a dealer to replace the whole fuel pump assembly for you. Mine was and the problem is fixed.

Joe

[chriswatt]

I am in PA and tried 2. When I had the corporate call though they said it was the level sensor and not the fuel sending unit. Where in the level sensor?

Thanks

[Gizmo42]

The level sensor IS the fuel sending unit. It IS a seperate part from the fuel pump and can be bought and replaced seperatly ($30-35 from st. charles) though it attaches to the fuel pump. However, it IS covered under warrenty. There are plenty of ppl on this and other boards that had them replaced by dealers under warrenty. Some had to go through the customer service line and get them to convince the dealer though.

[joewildlife2001]

Nope Gizmo, you are wrong on that one.

The fuel sending unit is NOT available as a part by itself. IF it is bad, you must replace the whole fuel pump assembly.

You have a 99 and that may not be the case with yours but it did change with the 2001. I spoke with St. Charles Isuzu myself and that dealership was going to do the work under warranty BECAUSE the sending unit IS part of the fuel pump (assembly) and the (assembly) was malfunctioning.

Chris, the level sensor is the sending unit and it is part of and attached to the fuel pump assembly. Explain this to your dealer's and see if they change their tune. Tell them you want them to replace your fuel sending unit. They will say, sorry, they have to replace the fuel pump assembly. Then explain that the fuel pump (assembly) is covered by the powertrain warranty and rock on!

Joe

[amigo-2k]

http://www.planetisuzoo.com/articles.htm/116

I think joe is right about the +2000 having an intergrated sending unit. And yes it is covered by the powertrain warranty since it is part of the fuel system.

This is from the Isuzu website (I some folks have printed this off and showed it to the dealer to inform them that the fuel pump is covered).

Isuzu's 10-Year/120,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
for 2000-2002 model-year vehicles excludes commercial or fleet vehicles. The Powertrain Limited Warranty is transferable to immediate family members only. See your Isuzu dealer for warranty details.
What is covered:
Engine
Cylinder head, block and internal parts
Valve cover
Oil pan
Valvetrain
Timing gears, chain or belt and cover
Oil pump and cooler
Water pump
Fuel pump
Flywheel
Engine mounts
Gasoline fuel injection equipment
Seals and gaskets

Transmission and Transaxle
Case and all internal parts
Torque converter
Transmission and Transaxle mounts
Seals and gaskets
Steering
Steering gear housing and internal parts
Steering column assembly
Power steering pump, hydraulic cylinder and hoses
Seals and gaskets

Suspension and Axle
Front upper and lower control arms
Knuckle spindles, hub and hub bearings
Front/Rear differential and internal parts
Axle shafts and constant velocity joints
Seals and gaskets
Propeller shaft
Torsion bars
Ball joints
Stabilizer bars
For more information on any of the Isuzu Protection Plans, contact your Isuzu dealer or call 800-343-0305.

[chriswatt]

Thanks Joe and others. I went to the parts dept and they do sell the sending unit by it self. It comes with 2 but you only use one. I talked to 2 different people at the Isuzu customer service and neither one would convince the dealer since they said it was separate part. I tried another dealer over the phone and same thing. they said not covered. I guess I will have to fix myself.