1996 Isuzu Rodeo Problem-Help?!

[RodeoSteve]

This is my first post, as I am a proud new owner of a 1996 Rodeo, 4WD 3.2L V6, Automatic, 116K, Great shape for $2300 bucks--for that price, I figure I can afford to attack any problems there are.

I have two problems sofar:

1. Belts? squeek when I first start up, goes away in about 15 seconds after I get going. The shop I bought it from (reputable guy) said he'll change them out for me N/C. no problem here.

2. When I start the truck up, and put it in gear to go, it gets runs really loud and "breathy" and has a hard time getting shifting to second gear until you rev it up to about 2500, then it shifts into 2nd and works perfectly fine after that, for as long as I am driving, in any gear until I turn it off and let it sit for awhile. Then when I start again, it does the same thing again.

I have only had the truck since Thursday at 7:00, so I have until Sunday at 7:00, according to Wisconsin law to terminate the deal if this is going to be a big problem. Although the shop I bought it from is great, and said they will fix anything at thier cost (written into the contract). The range sensor went out the day I was going to pick it up, he replaced that for free ($200 I didn't have to pay. I am just hoping this isn't the sign of a bigger problem on the way.

Thanks in advance for your input. It would be hard to give the truck back, because I am already lovestruck (pun intended). But if am looking at a major tranny or engine problem, I would have to let her go.

Steve

[Cat Fuzz]

$2300 is darn cheap for that truck. Around here it would go for twice that price.

Anyways, the sound you here, is it like a loud rushing air sound? That could be your fan clutch kicking on. Normal.

The squealing belt is most likely the alternator belt. You can usually get away with just tightening it unless its been slipping for so long that the belt is glazed.

[RodeoSteve]

The fan seems to make sense, it gets louder the more gas you give it until the truck shifts to 2nd, then it immediately stops and doesn't return until the next time the truck sits off for a bit.

[Ramblin Fever]

Wow! That's a darn good deal, in my opinion for only 116k miles.

Take heed in the fact that it may be due for a new timing belt, water pump and tensioner, if it's never been done before - they typically last 100K miles before needing replaced.

These engines are very stout and will provide you with peace of mind - but do check to see if that water pump's ever been replaced, if not, I would do it soon on an 8yr old truck. These 3.2L are all aluminum and will fry quickly.

[hazegrey]

The transmission on mine does the same thing. It is a normal thing and only happens when the tranny is cold and as you have noticed already it does go away after the truck has warmed up. I would keep that truck Mine has given me over 5 faithful years over 8 long road trips and I will probably drive the wheels off someday