2000 Rodeo 4WD Tranny problem

[BMackKC]

57,000 miles on a recently purchased 2000 Rodeo SL. Rough shift from 1-2. Tachometer jumps, and vehicle shudders as it shifts. 2-3 and 3-4 shifts are smooth, as are downshifts. Is this a textbook case of the range sensor problem I was reading about?

Also, I just tonight noticed a transmission fluid leak. I believe it's coming from the pan, but haven't completely isolated it yet. The reservoir is still full.

Any suggestions/ideas?

Thanks for a great site!

Mike

[BMackKC]

Also, if this is a range sensor issue, it will probably be a day or two before I have time to take it apart. Will I do any damage to the transmission by driving it? How about starting in second gear?

[amigo-2k]

Auto or manual tranny?

if auto and you notice a tranny fluid leak, the ruff shifts could be due to low tranny fluid level.

See the faq's for the common place for the tranny to leak.

If you are the orginal owner leaks are covered by the 10yr 120k warranty.

[BMackKC]

Ryan,

Thanks for the reply. This is an automatic tranny. The fluid level was the first thing I thought of. The reservoir is full.

I am not the original owner. Is Isuzu flexible at all?

What about the range sensor? Is that a possibility?

[amigo-2k]

reservoir is full.

???

What reservoir? Something inthe engine bay?

No flex on the isuzu warranty.

the second owner is 5yr/60k.

[BMackKC]

D*mn do I feel stupid. The reservoir I was speaking of is the power steering reservoir. I looked at the cap and saw "use Dexron..." When all else fails, read the manual...Now is makes sense as to why people have written all these posts about the difficulties in changing fluid. I'll go back to the faq for information on that.

I also need to change my description of the behavior. The transmission slips when I am starting from a dead stop, and it slips whether I start in 1 or 2. Something tells me that's not the range sensor.

What now?

MB

[amigo-2k]

does it feel like a thump or a clunk?

If so it could be the U joint on the drive shaft that needs to be regreased. See the FAQs for the how to.

[rodeo02]

MB- You are probably low on ATF!!! DO NOT drive the truck until you can verify proper ATF level. The 4L30E AT will burn up within a very few miles if run low on ATF. It's a PITA to check & add ATF, but not impossible for the DIY'er. Check Ryan's FAQ's and other "ATF" or similar posts.
G/luck!
Joel

[BMackKC]

Joel and Ryan,

Thanks so much for your input. We just bought this car for my son; I was impressed with its condition and mileage. I should have done more research on some of the quirks of Isuzu, though. Would you guys buy another one, knowing what you know now?

Thump or clunk, Ryan? Not sure, but it's definitely a transmission slippage thing.

I'll tell him to park it until I can add some ATF. Now, here's the concern: There is a definite leak...I mentioned before that I thought it was under the pan. However, upon closer inspection, I believe it's coming from the transfer case. I didn't see any mention of a leak there in the faqs. Possibly a shaft seal?

Also, is there any REAL answer to the question of "why doesn't this freaking thing have an ATF dipstick?" That is unbelievable to me!

Thanks again.

Mike

[Tom01Rodeo]

Originally Posted by BMackKC

Would you guys buy another one, knowing what you know now?

NOPE, sorry to say. Its one of the best looking SUV's out there... but looks can be deceiving

[rodeo02]

BMac- for the ATF leak thing, check the accumulator piston cover on the pass side of the trans. I bet that's where she is leaking. VERY common on the 4L30E. As far as buying another rodeo? I dunno.. I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling isuzu (North America) will pretty much be caput as far as passenger vehicles go withing the next few years. The last year for the rodeo was 2004, trooper was 2002. For daily driver purposes, I think this will be it for me unless they make a come-back .
G/luck
Joel

[kcorry]

BMac - Joel is on the money with this solution. There is a TSB from 2001 that shows a default in the O-ring on the accumulator piston cover. Once the O-ring is gone, ATF leaks out. Get it to a mechanic/shop immediately or you will have some more serious tranny issues to deal with. I had it repaired for $250.00. Hope this helps.
KC

[BMackKC]

Followup--> Leak was coming from one of the pans, and also a sensor or switch of some sort on the right side of the transfer case. Had the pan gaskets replaced, but haven't found a replacement switch yet (midwestern small town tranny shop). Does anybody know what the function of that unit is?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for the future of the tranny, though. A mild coating of sludge on the pan magnet. any thoughts there?

thanks again

Mike

[amigo-2k]

so far so good. A mild coating is not bad.

[wb4lbg]

I can personally attest to how quickly a 4L30E can turn to mush. I made a trip from my house to local airport -- about 25 miles. About halfway there the ATF temperature light came on. By the time I got to the airport, I had to push my truck into a parking spot. It cost me $2080 to get my rig back on the road.

I think mine had been leaking around the accumulator cover because I had seen some drips on the pavement. I was going to have a good look around on the next oil change but I didn't make it that long. It was an expensive lesson learned.

Are you sure it's not the accumulator cover on yours? It's on the right side and it's round. Check this

Accumulator Cover

BTW, about a week after I got my truck back from the transmission shop, it started slipping when starting from a dead stop but only when it was warmed up. The transmission shop was able to 'adjust' something and make it stop. Maybe you could be so lucky.

It's odd that as rough and tough as these trucks are that they have such a wimpy transmission.

I've had my 99 Rodeo about 1 1/2 years now. I bought it because Honda sold the same truck as a Passport and I am a big Honda fan. I had a 93 Accord for 9 years and 240K miles. I've already spent more on my Rodeo than I ever spent on the Accord.

I really like my Rodeo but if I knew then what I know now, I'd have dug a little deeper and bought a Pilot.