2002 Rodeo Head Blown / Tranny Overheat!

[Waldog]

HELP!!!!

I've had my Rodeo since it had 14k miles on it. Drove it for almost a year now. About two months ago it overheated on me on the way to work. It's the 4cyl 2.2l auto. Thought it was fishy, gave it coolant, went on my way. I work 50 miles from my home, so on the way it started again. Realized it was boiling back into resivoir... blown head gasket. Took it to dealer, they were happy to fix. Warped head, cyl 4 blown. Replaced head. I got it back, and two weeks later I'm coming back from a two hour drive, and it shuts off at a red light. I restart it, pull into gas station and smoke is pouring out from underneath. I have it towed to dealer. They call me and tell me tranny overheated. I asked them why, told them it was there for repair a week ago. They said, it boiled out the fluid, claimed it was due to my 20" wheels! Refilled it and sent me on my way. I tried to get them to explain or take a further look, they threatened to VOID my drivetrain warranty! I told them, there is NO WAY my 20" wheels caused this! They are the same diam as the stocks! Yes, they are just a tiny bit wider, but that should not make a difference! This vehicle is designed to TOW 1000lbs or more from what I've read! I've talked to engineers and mechanics who both told me that it's BULL!! I think they screwed up the tranny when they fixed the head, but now they told me since the wheels were on there they will void me if I make a stink! They also told me they think it was the cause of the blown head?! Does anyone agree? Am I screwed?

AND I can't believe this is no tranny dipstick in these! I can't even check or fill it!?

I know what you are thinking. TOWING. I DO NOT TOW WITH THIS VEHICLE! IT DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A HITCH!

So, it has been fine... until tonight... tranny is slipping again! I know it's on it's way to over heat! Has anyone seen this problem? Can I just add a transmission cooler? Is this truck a lemon? I heard these trannys are BULLETPROOF!? PLEASE HELP! This is my only dependable vehicle! I'm going to take it back to them, but I'm afraid they won't do anything!

Anyone?

[Dober89]

You could add a tranny oil cooler but dont do that until you give the dealership some hell. If you were to add that, that might void your warranty.

As far as the transmission goes, if its the same one thats in my 2000 rodeo, its certainly not bulletproof. They are a decent transmission as long as you regularily change your fluids...from what Ive read anyways.

If I were you I would go to another dealership if there is one around. See how that goes and maybe call the Isuzu head office and start bitching your way up their corporate ladder.

[rodeo02]

Sounds like a major cooling system malfunction somewhere . Make sure your clutch fan moves a bunch of air when hot & at idle + check the radiator for plugging/debris & possibly replace the thermostat. The tranny will overheat along with the engine since the ATF cooler is built into the bottom tank of the radiator. A 4L30E will die in no time if it's run hot, plus the GM/holden/isuzu 2.2L is not known for it's hardiness (gotta keep'em cool, oiled & with a good timing belt). By the book, isuzu can only deny your warranty if they can prove your 20" wheels is the cause of all this. Stand your ground, stay calm & start a letter writing, phone calling campagn. They'll do right by you.
G/luck
Joel

[Waldog]

Hmmm Well the fan does run when the truck is off... I notice this since the day I bought it. The dealer check the cooling system when the head was blown... at least they SAID they did. Hmmm good to know about the warranty... sounds like they were trying to pull a fast one at the dealer. I have pictures to prove my wheel diam is the same. It's a larger wheel, but a lower pro tire!

Thanks again.

I am going to take it in tomorrow.

[Waldog]

Well Dealer has had it since Friday afternoon. I am still waiting on word from them. Who had the number to Isuzu America? I think I am going to call them no matter the outcome.

[mospeed1]

tell the stealership to suck itcheck this out
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...#Magnuson-Moss

baslicly says that a dealership cant void your warrenty for a non realeted aftermarket part (ie big rims and now the body starts to rust) also check out sema site http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome...MAorg/HomePage search for warrenty denied they will show you steps to get it fix
if you go into the dealership with some legal knowledge and know your rights as a consumer they might back down and fix it for ya

[Waldog]

Well dealer called... they said they can find absolutley nothing wrong with it.... LIARS! I am going to trade it. I don't need this hassle.

[Waldog]

Ah... they called back... HEAD IS BLOWN AGAIN! They want me to have it towed to the other dealer! They are refusing to work on it! I called the other dealer and they said they are going to have to call an Isuzu rep and make a decision on the vehicle. WTF?!

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Waldog

Ah... they called back... HEAD IS BLOWN AGAIN....

Sorry to hear about that . I know that these 2.2's have the tendancy to throw a timing belt early, which basically trashes the motor, but I've not heard of one running too hot & trashing heads . Keep on isuzu to get it covered for you. You'll take a HUGE beating on a trade in so hopefully they fix it right this time / replace the whole engine & tranny.
G/luck
Joel

[mospeed1]

can you put your stock wheels back on?and take it to the other dealership????????????????????????????????? act like it just blew up

[Waldog]

did that already... in fact one dealer ship told me to do that! I am going to post my log tomorrow.

[Waldog]

Ok here it is! My complete documented story on this vehicle!

I will keep you updated... I want everyone to know what Isuzu has done for me / to me so far.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo Truck Information / Incident Log

Useful information:

Year: 2002

Make: Isuzu

Model: Rodeo

Engine: 4 cylinders 2.2L

VIN: 4S2CK58DX24330661

Purchased: Car Max, Orlando Location

Jake Sutherlin Isuzu
525 E. MERRITT ISL CAUSWY
MERRITT ISLAND, FL 32952
Phone: (321)453-2050
Fax: (321)453-0487

Bob Dance Isuzu
4113 ORLANDO DRIVE SOUTH
SANFORD, FL 32773
Phone: (321)206-1792
Fax: (321)249-0606

Isuzu Roadside Assistance: 1-800-444-0303

Daniel Paige with Isuzu Corporate: 1-800-255-6727 x7415

Doug's Towing
606 Oleander Dr
Merritt Island, FL
(321) 452-2762
(Never picked up, too busy / never received PO from RA)

Tron’s Auto & Towing: Erica, 321-632-1234



Background information: I have owned this vehicle over one year now. The vehicle had only 14K miles at the time of purchase. After driving the vehicle for over a few months, I decide to buy a set of 20” chrome wheels for my vehicle. This was the plan from the day I purchased the vehicle. The wheel and tire combination is such that the overall diameter is the same if not extremely close to the factory 16” wheel and tire combination. I have pictures to prove this. I can provide them if they are needed. Approximately two months ago, the vehicle overheated on the way to my place of employment. I drive 100 miles a day to work and back. That is 50 miles each way. I live in Orlando, and drive to the Kennedy Space Center. I refilled the coolant, and headed the remaining 8 miles to work. I left work in the afternoon, and head towards home. The vehicle attempts to overheat on the way home. I stop and refill the coolant. I get home with no more attempts at overheating. At this time the vehicle has approximately 35K miles. I decide to take the truck to the dealer as it I discover Isuzu has a 7 year 75K warranty policy. I call the dealer, and they tell me to please drive the vehicle, instead of towing it to them. I drive the vehicle to Bob Dance Isuzu / Dodge in Sanford, FL. They are very courteous, and tell me the truck will be fixed right away. They call me and tell my cylinder 4 is blown. It will take two days or so to repair the head. They tell me that have to order a head. I receive the truck back in two days and all seems well.

Two weeks later, I am driving back from Sarasota, FL (a 2 hour drive) from my home. I get off the expressway right near my home, and stop at a light. The truck shuts off completely. I start it back up and pull into a gas station. I stop the truck and look underneath to see white smoke coming from the transmission area. I call Roadside Assistance and have it towed to Bob Dance. The next day, I wait for a call from Bob Dance, and I hear nothing. I am stuck at home, missing work. I decide to call Bob Dance. I speak to Jason (the Service Manager?) He tells me the transmission overheated. I ask why? He informs me that it is because of my 20” wheels. I say that is impossible they are the same diameter, as a stock wheel, the truck is designed to tow 1000lbs (it says on the Isuzu website), and I explain how towing is not the same as rolling a wheel. Jason tells me that it is harder for the engine to turn the wheels than to tow. I disagree. He says they have refilled the transmission fluid and decided to send it on its way. I arrive to pick it up, he is very stand offish. I again ask them to explain they claim now it’s because of the wheel width. They explain to me the wheels caused the transmission to overheat, and boil all the fluid out the vent hole. The mechanic shows me how there is no dipstick to check the transmission. The fluid has to be pumped in from the bottom, and that Isuzu and other manufacturers removed the dipstick so people would not put in the wrong fluid. This shocks and amazes me. Everyone there agrees that the wheels are the problem. They even go as far as to blame the wheels on the blown head. I tell them that I cannot believe this, and ask them if they sure something did not happen when the head was repaired, or maybe there is something wrong with the transmission could they please check for damage. They refuse and threaten that if I continue to make an issue out of it they will have the Isuzu representative come down and void my drive train warranty. I ask to see where it says that in the warranty, they are unable to provide such proof. They recommend I remove the wheels. I decide to take the vehicle and leave for fear of losing my warranty. When I arrive home, I remove my wheels. Approximately one week later, the transmission starts to feel like its slipping. I take it to Sutherlin Isuzu in Merritt Island for two reasons, one it is close to my work, and two I did not want to return to Bob Dance after what had happened, and how they had treated me. The wheels are not back on the truck. I talk to Roger in the service department. He inspects the truck part of the day; he tells me he can find nothing wrong. I tell him that I swear it was slipping and I tell him the rest of the story. He gets upset and says I am wasting his time. I told him that was not my intent. I just wanted to have it checked, that is was slipping on me. I asked him if it was possible they left the fluid out while they replaced the head at Bob Dance. He told me that it is possible, because they transmission lines have to be disconnected on this truck during a head repair. I thank him and pick up the truck the next day. But it still does not explain the intermittent transmission problem.

Fast forward one and half months or so to the following: (wheels are still off the truck)


Thursday May 27th, 2004 – At Albertsons by my home, I put the vehicle in to Drive after backing out of a parking spot. I attempted to accelerate and the truck attempted to move, but did not, the tachometer read 4K. Remove from drive, and then placed back in drive, vehicle started to move, but continued to not want to shift out of 2nd or 3rd gear.

Friday May 28th, 2004 – Attempted to drive to work, but transmission would not shift properly. I was afraid of causing damage to the transmission. Returned to my home and called Roadside Assistance. Roadside Assistance arrived less than 30 minutes. Vehicle towed to Jake Sutherlin Isuzu on Merritt Island. Sutherlin Isuzu called (Alex Shaw Service Tech) and asked what the truck problem was. I informed him of the symptoms, and he said he would call back. Alex also informed me that the truck would not be ready until after the Memorial Day holiday, and I informed him that was fine.

Saturday May 29th, 2004 – No activity.


Sunday May 30th, 2004 – No activity.


Monday May 31st, 2004 – No activity.

Tuesday June 1st, 2004 – (AM) Sutherlin Isuzu (Alex Shaw) called to inform me that they could find absolutely nothing wrong with the transmission. I assured him that it had given me the problems described. I also informed him at this time of the head problem and the previous two other times the transmission seemed to be having a problem. He stated they drove it 18+ miles and could find nothing wrong. He agreed to take a closer look. (PM) Around 1:30 Alex called to inform me that the head was leaking again. Alex told me that after speaking with the service manager at Sutherlin, he decided it was best for Bob Dance to repair the vehicle, since they repaired the head previously. I asked they please reconsider, as I was not happy with the service I received from Bob Dance. Alex told me he would consult the Service Manager and call me back. (2:00) I called back to check on the status since the vehicle would need towed again, and I wanted to do that before Bob Dance was closed. Alex informed me that they did not want to work on the vehicle that I would need to have it towed to Bob Dance. I told him that I would call Roadside Assistance, and have them tow the vehicle. I asked him could he please assist the tow driver in locating the vehicle one he arrived at Sutherlin. He agreed.

(Approx. 2:00) I called roadside assistance in order to arrange a tow. They inform me they cannot tow because the wrong owner information is in the system. I am shocked because they had towed this vehicle twice before without this being an issue. I inform the person (Maria) this is the case. She tells me to call 888-324-7898 in order to change the information, and then call back for a tow. I call the previous number only to find out I am supposed to call 866-631-4992. I am frustrated. I do not call this new number. Instead I call Roadside Assistance again and pretend I changed it in order to get the tow in progress. This time I speak with another lady, but I cannot remember her name. I tell her the info is changed, she agrees to setup the tow. She informs me that Doug's Towing 606 Oleander Dr Merritt Island, FL
(321) 452-2762 will tow the vehicle within the hour. Time now is approximately 2:30. I call Bob Dance and inform them the vehicle is on its way. Jason (the Service Manager for Bob Dance Isuzu?) remembers me and says they will do what they can, but because of the previous issues (the wheels), they most likely can’t help me with the transmission problems, but agrees to look at and fix the head.

(3:00) I search the internet for Isuzu’s corporate customer service number, no luck. I call Sutherlin and ask for this information. The front desk girl provides me with the number. I call 800-255-6727 and ask to speak to Isuzu customer service. I am direct to Daniel Paige. I get his voicemail. I leave a message for him to please call me I have an issue with my vehicle and the dealer.

(3:45) I have left work, and I am headed towards Bob Dance Isuzu. I need to pickup an item from the vehicle, and I would like to speak to them. I receive a call from Daniel with Isuzu. I explain the entire story to him as quickly as I can. Daniel needs the last 9 digits of the VIN number, and I do not have it on me. I hang up with him, call Sutherlin, and ask Linda in service for the information I need. She is very helpful. I called Daniel back and give him the VIN. He informs me the vehicle is under warranty. I agree. He informs me to let Bob Dance fix the head, and call him on Thursday June 4th, 2004 and let him know when the head is fixed. He tells me that when I do that he will call the dealer, and make sure they took a good look at the transmission. I ask Daniel about a loaner car since this is the 3rd time I have had the vehicle in the shop. Daniel tells me it is dealer discretion and that from what it sounds like I deserve one at least that, but they cannot force the dealer to give me one. He also informs me that they should have done the repair correctly the first time. I agree to keep him informed.

(5:00) I arrive at the dealer and Jason (the Service Manager?) is walking out the bay. He asks where my truck is. I ask him the same question. We briefly talk about the problem. I inform him that Sutherlin says the head is blown again, but I took it in for transmission. He is short and curt with me. I ask about a loaner car since this seems to be a problem from the repair, he says he will ask but can assure me the answer will be no since loaners are not covered under warranty, and I did not purchase the truck from Bob Dance. Wanders away, seems like avoiding the problem. Roadside has not delivered the truck. I call Sutherlin, but cannot locate anyone in service. I hold for 15 minutes or more waiting for Alex. (In the mean time Jason is frantically with other customers, seems like he’s avoiding me) Finally I get a hold of Alex, and he tells me that no one ever showed up for it. I tell him that Bob Dance is not treating me politely, and that they want to know why he did not fix it. He says he talked to a Mr. Straighter (sic?) He says he is the service manager for Bob Dance. Alex tells me that he (Mr. Straighter) knows what is going on and he agreed to look at the truck / fix the problem. I hang up with Alex. I ask a mechanic where I can find Mr. Straighter. The mechanic tells me that he runs between the Dodge and Isuzu lots, they are approximately one mile apart. He says that he must be at the Dodge Dealer. The mechanics then come over and we talk about the problem. They inform me that the first time it was in for the head, they recommended the entire engine be replaced, but the Isuzu representative told them no. Obviously they felt there is a problem with the block. I find this very interesting. Then another mechanic claims that is why the transmission is having problems.

(5:30) I decide to head to the Dodge dealer. I park and ask the first person I see where can I find a Mr. Straighter? Turns out the person I ask is Mr. Straighter. He is wearing a green polo shirt. Funny thing is, this is the guy who was at the Isuzu dealer when I first walked in, and he left as soon as he heard me talk to Jason. I think he is avoiding the issue as well! I explain the whole story to him, I ask about a loaner, he tells me the same as Jason minus the fact I did not buy it from Bob Dance. I told him that Jason informed me of that as well but mention that I did not buy it from them. He claims that’s not true, that once the truck arrives, if he determines it’s his fault he will consider giving me a loaner car. (Somehow I seriously doubt it.) He also denies talking to Alex from Sutherlin! He asks why Sutherlin did not take care of the problem. I told him they did not want to touch it because they (Bob Dance) did the repair previously. He tells me this does not bother him, because he will get paid, so it’s just more money for him. He asks why I did not get the warranty from Car Max. I told him I never thought I would need it, plus Isuzu’s warranty is 7 years, 75,000. He says as soon as he determines the problem he will have them call me. I thank him and I realize this is going nowhere, so I decide to leave, and attempt to arrange for the tow early the next day.

(5:45) I call Doug’s Towing and ask why they never picked up the vehicle. They claim they informed Roadside that they did not have time, they were swamped. He tells me to call Roadside again. After I completed the call, Roadside’s automated callback is calling me. I tell it the tow was not completed, and I get George on the line to help. George confirms what Doug’s Towing just told me. George agrees to help, and arranges the tow for first thing in the morning. He tells me that Doug’s Towing will get it first thing tomorrow. He has us all three on the line.

Tuesday June 2nd, 2004 – (AM) (9:00) Received call from Daniel at Isuzu, he is returning my call from a message I had my wife leave for him to call me. I wanted to tell him what happened at the dealer last night, and about the mechanics telling me they wanted a new engine. He tells me they would not give one for a head gasket. I told him that I understand, but it sounds like the mechanics think there is a problem with the head. He does not really comment. He tells me that he has opened a case file, and he will have an Isuzu rep take a look at the situation. (I do not know what this will mean.) He asks me to keep him informed if they call me (the dealer). I agree.

(11:00) I attempt to call both dealerships. Cannot get either dealer on the phone in order to confirm or deny the truck has been picked up or arrived. I call Doug’s Towing. Doug’s Towing tells me that they no of no such order. I ask to speak with the person I spoke with the night before. He tells me that they never provided PO, so they did not pickup the vehicle. I am shocked to say the least. I hang up and call Daniel. I leave a message for him to please intervene if he can; I need this vehicle towed so that it can be repaired. I call Roadside. Roadside again tells me they cannot tow because of wrong information. I beg the lady on the phone to please let me speak to a supervisor and inform her that my info has been changed, just has not made it there yet. She asks me to please hold on. She comes back on and informs me that Tron’s Towing has pickup up the vehicle and it’s on its way as we speak. Apparently, they gave me wrong tow company information the previous night. This is the only good news I have received.

(PM) (12:45) I attempted to call Bob Dance. Phone rings and no one picks up.

(2:10) Mike from Roadside called. He informed me that they have difficulty arranging a tow because none of the tow companies wanted to drive that far. He tells me that Tron’s Towing has the vehicle and its half way to dealer. I tell him that I spoke with Roadside around 11:30 or 12 and they said it was on its way them. I also let him know that his has not been good because the dealer can’t work on it if it’s not there, and I don’t have a vehicle. It sounds like someone is not telling me the whole story here.

(3:10) I attempted to call Bob Dance to verify delivery. Phone rings and no one picks up.

(3:30) I attempted to call Bob Dance to verify delivery. Phone rings and no one picks up.

(4:45) Arrived at Bob Dance to retrieve some personal items from the vehicle. They informed me the vehicle had just arrived; the tow truck driver claims to have picked it up at 9:00am and had been driving around working other calls with the stinger. Jason and the Service manager Mr. Straighter were present. They informed me they would call as soon as they had taken a look at the vehicle.

[rodeo02]

Waldog- keep in mind that the powertrain warranty for 2000-2002 isuzus is 5yrs/60K miles for second/subsequent owners. 10yrs/120K miles for original owners. 7yrs/75K miles is only for 2003-2004 original owners.
Good luck with your problem.
Joel

[Waldog]

Thanks I am still within that at only 45k. No word from dealer, and it's 1:25EST.

[Waldog]

Thursday June 3rd, 2004 – (PM) (1:30) Spoke with Jason at Bob Dance. He says they are pressure testing the vehicle, but at this time have found no problems. I remind him that originally I took it to Sutherlin for a transmission problem. He says the only coolant marks they can find are old and crusty. I ask him if he thinks it will be today or tomorrow before they determine anything. He does not answer, just says he will call as soon as he knows anything.