Newbie - Couple Questions

tahusker · #1 12-31-2006, 06:40 PM

I just found this board yesterday . . . and I have a couple questions about my 98 Passport LX.

1. This just started today. When I first start driving the car, the "Battery" and "Brake" warning lights are coming on when I come to a stop . . . and they stay on while idling. But as soon as I give the car some gas to get going again, the lights go out. This patern happens for about the first 15 minutes of driving and then it stops.

I checked my brake fluid and it seems fine--not low at all. The battery has been struggling just a bit on starts recently, but could a battery that is going out cause the warning light issue? Any suggestions or ideas?

2. This SUV has 128k miles on it and is due for a timing belt and water pump (I bought it used about 2 yrs old, but it was well kept and I have been good about maintenance). My question is, how many miles should I expect to be able to get out of a 98 Passport?? I'd like to drive it for a couple more years, but don't want to bother with these repairs if I'm near the end of the vehicle's life expectancy.

Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thanks!

amigo-2k · #2 12-31-2006, 06:48 PM

1. those 2 lights usually mean the alt is dieing. search for info here about alts. Isuzu's are very picky about them. Don't buy a cheap replacement.

2. 128k is pushing it. There have been some reports on here about guys going 160k - 180k with no issues. If it does break it is a non-interfearance engine so nothing should break.

For piece of mind I would have all the timing belt things changed out.

tahusker · #3 12-31-2006, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll check out the other threads for alternator info.

Should clarfiy my timing belt question . . . I had it replaced at 60k, so I am just wondering if I get it replaced again now can I reasonably expect to be able to get another couple years out of the car? Is it fairly common to get 150 - 160k miles out of Passports/Rodeos if they have been well maintained?

trooperbc · #4 12-31-2006, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tahusker

..2. This SUV has 128k miles on it and is due for a timing belt and water pump (I bought it used about 2 yrs old, but it was well kept and I have been good about maintenance). My question is, how many miles should I expect to be able to get out of a 98 Passport?? I'd like to drive it for a couple more years, but don't want to bother with these repairs if I'm near the end of the vehicle's life expectancy.

1.ditto amigo-2k on the alternator. dealer new or dealer rebuilt or quality (i.e.not cheap) rebuild such as rebuilt by bosch. others will give you grief.

2. if you're asking about about miles to change the timing belt -- what amigo-2k said -- except you are significantly over the isuzu recommendation, which depending on year is 60,000, 75,000 or 100,000 miles. you will w ant to do at the same time: timing belt, timing belt tensioner and water pump; also timing belt idler pulley if it is indicated by bearing roughness when you inspect it. here too, you want to use quality parts. i suggest dealer parts.

if on the other hand, you're asking about the durability of the isuzu 3.2L v6 engine, which is what i thought you meant, then with care don't be surprised that you are at the half-way mark or so. . . give or take. i think there is a sticky thread around here somewhere with people giving their odometer readings...look around.

//bc

surferfletch · #5 12-31-2006, 07:39 PM

I had the belt changed at 60K and 140K. Both times the belt looked great. If they changed the tensioner and water pump as well as the belt at 60K, I'd expect you'd get another 20K out of the works easy. No rush anyway. I have the SOHC engine and have no problems at 158K. There were some issues with the DOHC engine heads cracking, but I can't remember if that was your year...

tahusker · #6 12-31-2006, 07:55 PM

I really like the Passport, so I am leaning toward getting the repairs done. Guess I need to find out how much an ALT is as well, though, from the sounds of it. It's only money, right

The driving reason for the timing belt is that my water pump is starting to leak a little. Not major, but I have to think that I should not keep rolling the dice there much longer. So if I am going to do the pump . . . might as well do the timing belt (since it's pretty much "due" and the mechanic would be in there anyway). It's one of those deals where I'd rather put in the $$ if I am going to drive it for 2 or 3 more years. I hate the thought of buying another car.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone . . . really appreciate it!

surferfletch · #7 12-31-2006, 08:34 PM

I'd get on it, then, if the pump is leaking. It was a no brainer for me because I did it myself and didn't have to pay for labor.

It's about $200 for a quality alternator that'll work in these trucks. Even if you invest a grand, you're ahead after less than a year without a new car payment. Good luck!

amigo-2k · #8 12-31-2006, 08:44 PM

what is your history on the tranny fluid?

Ever clean out the EGR?

amigo-2k · #9 12-31-2006, 08:44 PM

what is your history on the tranny fluid?

Ever clean out the EGR?

tahusker · #10 12-31-2006, 08:53 PM

I've had the tranny fluid changed a few times before . . . I'd have to look at when the last one was for sure.

Have never done anything with the EGR. I am not a great do-it-yourselfer on cars, unfortunately. What needs to be done to clean that?

trooperbc · #11 12-31-2006, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tahusker

... I am not a great do-it-yourselfer on cars, unfortunately. What needs to be done to clean that?

don't look now. . .but Amigo-2k just hooked another one...

//bc

tahusker · #12 01-01-2007, 11:02 AM

For the alternator, do I need a 90 amp? It's a 98 V6, 4wd. I have done a few web searches for parts and I see both 70 and 90 amp listed.

trooperbc · #13 01-01-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tahusker

For the alternator, do I need a 90 amp? It's a 98 V6, 4wd. I have done a few web searches for parts and I see both 70 and 90 amp listed.

I suggest you call the following dealer in MO who sells parts over the phone and gives 15% 'internet' discount, free shipping from the distributor warehouse to your door (or to your mechanic's door), and expert assistance from MERLIN, ask for and wait on hold for him, i suggest. he will tell you what you need. get the part number from him and if you don't get a rebuilt by bosch, i suggest call him back and order it from him,.
http://isuzu.stcharlesauto.com/Department-Parts.aspx

and/or you can go to this honda dealer site in CA which has a very good online site with all the illustrations etc. this is a very good resource for even non-honda and non-rodeo isuzu owners to get an idea of what's what and where and how ~how much.
http://www.slhondaparts.com/

hth

//bc

trooperbc · #14 01-01-2007, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tahusker

For the alternator, do I need a 90 amp? It's a 98 V6, 4wd. I have done a few web searches for parts and I see both 70 and 90 amp listed.

reply#2
it is going to depend on your manufacture date (month and year) posted on on the driver's side pillar. i believe earlier 98 were 70A and later 90A. the parts store or dealer database will provide the uptodate info. they may also want to know auto or manual trans, a/c or not, and VIN.

and i am going to add my nag for the final time -- part with the $$ and get a quality alternator from a dealer or a rebuilt by bosch.

//bc

tahusker · #15 01-01-2007, 04:54 PM

Thanks, trooperbc . . . I'll definitely take the advice and go with the Bosch. I'd rather spend a few extra $$ but have the peace of mind. Think I'll probably try to do the alternator replacement myself. Seems like it's pretty straightforward and only have to work with a few bolts and the electrical connection.

Appreciate everyone's advice and assistance!

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