2002 Rodeo hesitates/jerks into gear

[kimbyut]

Hello - I've come here out of desperation! I tried to do some searches in the forum before posting so I apologize if the answer is out there somewhere already.

I have a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo with about 56,000 miles. I have had problems with this thing since day one and feel I have been taken advantage of at the dealership because I know absolutely nothing about cars, and to top it off, I'm female. Anyway, currently when I step on the gas, the car jerks/sputters into gear. Once I get going at a higher speed (prob. about 40MPH) I don't seem to have the problems. Also, the problem seems to be not as severe if I let the car warm up for about 15 minutes before driving it. Additionally, if I put the car in drive with my foot on the break, it is as if the car tries to accelarate for a brief time, then it's normal, then tries to accelarate again, sort of in a cycle. I got my oil changed a week ago, I replaced my battery a week ago. Last month, I had my serpentine (?) belt (maybe it was the timing belt?) replaced and I had a problem with the wire harness, so the dealership found/fixed that problem. Last month, I also replaced my brakes. Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be? I appreciate your help, I want to be a bit informed when I bring the car to a mechanic.

[amigo-2k]

is this a 4cly or v6?


recent post where the owner added a bottle of Heet to the gas to remove water from the system:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=376310

as the the foot on the brake thing. See if the ac is on. Also make sure you are NOT on the defrost setting (thing will automatically turn the ac on).

[kimbyut]

It is a 4 cyl

[amigo-2k]

auto or stick?

[kimbyut]

Automatic, sorry i guess i should have included all this!

[amigo-2k]

I would start with the heet and a bottle of injector cleaner (dirty injectors can cause your problem).

Have you changed the plugs yet? If not 56k is more then enough miles on them.

Replace the fuel filter? Again if not 56k is more then enough.

ever had the tranny fluid check? If it is low it can cause the jerking. Have you had it flushed? It should be flushed every 30k.

Also check your paper work and determine if you have had the timing belt replaced. 2.2L have problems with snaping belts. If that happens it will distory the engine. Replace it asap if you haven't already.

[kimbyut]

Thanks for your help. I will start there. My paper work says "insp/repl belts" and it was 54.95, not sure if that is the timing belt or what (are there other belts besides the timing belt?" The paperwork mentions that the EGR System needs attention (based on miles) and the fuel system/throttle body needs attention (based on miles). Could those things contribute to the problems I'm having as well?

[sumhotguy]

amigo would know more about that particular vehicle but my first guess depending on how hard the car jerks when you step on it, i would guess that the transmission has started to fail in the first gear, hence it is fine in the higher gears as you speed up. my car does the same thing... it jerks and sputters until you get it above 35 because the first part of the transmission is shot. unless your car is truly a piece the transmission should not have failed at that low of mileage. but it may have, you may also want to check to see if it had a recall on any parts perhaps that may help you too. good luck

[amigo-2k]

i would guess that the transmission has started to fail in the first gear

never heard of this on an Isuzu before.

--------------

your belt price sounds about right for the s belt not the timing belt.

[steveb_92rodeo]

How does it idle? Does it idle nice and smooth when you 'let it warm up'?

What about if you have the vehicle in park, or neutral and stomp the gas suddenly? Does it rev up really quick, or is there a second or two of hesitation?

Steve

[kimbyut]

It seems to idle normal. But if I put it in drive, then back into park and let it "warm up" it feels like it tries to accelerate, then idle okay then tries to accelerate again...in a cycle. I'm not sure what it does if I step on the gas quickly as you suggested, I'll have to try it tomorrow. I haven't driven it in about a week. I miss my car!!

[rodeo02]

Does your check engine light come on? Do the "PRND321" lights on the dash ever go crazy? (bad range sensor) Check those next time it feels like the transmission is acting up. Only other things I could think of that would cause idle issues with the 2.2L is the IAC - idle air control valve, or maybe the MAF- mass airflow sensor. Do you still have warranty left on the truck? also, like Ryan says, get that timing belt changed ASAP as they are known to pop off right around 50-60K miles which will cause bent valves ($$$) sorry to rain on the parade!! Keep posting symptoms. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this!
G/luck
Joel

[kimbyut]

Okay, thanks for your help everyone! Here's an update: I brought my car in and it was a leak in my transmission. I brought it to two places, the first telling me that they had to seal the "governor" on the transmission. Then I brought it to my dealership for the repair, under warranty. They replaced some accumulator cap. My question to those "in the know" - is the "governor" and the "accumulator cap" the same thing? I don't trust my dealership at all so I'm just looking for some verification that those are the same things.

Also, I'm almost due for my 60,000 tune up. Would you all recommend having it done at the dealership? (It cost me over $600 to have my 30k tune up done at the dealership) I wish I knew how expensive rodeos are to maintain before i purchased mine. Oh well

Thanks again,
Kimberli

[rodeo02]

Kim, the accumulator piston cover is a known issue with the 4L30E transmission. They leak, causing a low ATF condition, which will create harsh, erratic shifts and ulitimately transmission failure. The govenor is a seperate trans. component & sounds like that mechanic *mis-diagnosed* that one. Glad to hear you got it resolved.
G/luck
Joel