2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS from North America - Comments

One more comment. I forgot the CD-changer stuck CD problem.. This one is a pain to deal with, but it is not all that hard to do yourself. Here is what I have found to work:

You first have to remove the CD changer. Remove the 2 screws at the bottom of the bezel and remove the bezel (4 clips hold it in so it may need a tug), then remove the 4 screws that hold in the CD changer. Once the CD changer is removed and the cables are removed from the back of the unit (antenna and main electrical connector), you can remove the small screws that hold the top metal cover on the unit. Once the cover is removed, you can remove the CDs (lifting up the top of the CD holder, which is spring loaded) or slide them further into the player so that they are no longer stuck. With my unit, I found that there are little pieces of fabric tape (fabric on one side, tape on the other) that are used to keep the CDs from getting scratched when inserted, and these pieces of tape start to peel off and eventually cause the CDs to become stuck when loading. I removed the tape that was peeling and the unit works normally again. You can test the fix by connecting the main electrical connector in the back of the unit and see if the CDs load and eject properly. If there is still a problem, with the top cover of the unit open, you should be able to see what is causing the problem.

This is truly a pain, and I have had to do this on several occasions (maybe every 6 months or so). Sometimes it is impossible to tell what caused the stuck CD, and I just remove the stuck CD and all is working again.

The best thing to buy with any vehicle is a Haynes Repair Manual. The one for the Isuzu Rodeo 2001 has saved me lots of head time and money. The small investment is worth the long hall. This is true cause I just hit 176,000 on my Rodeo with just having regular maintenance done according to the mileage.

The Haynes Manual can be purchased at any parts store, Auto-zone, Pep Boys, O'Riley, etc. Sad to say, but the first couple of chapters are on troubleshooting that is good and bad.

Best of luck and listen to your Rodeo, it can

tell you a lot.

chef.tom@hotmail.com

To the second to last poster before my comment: thanks for all the fixing advice.

I have a '99 Rodeo LS with auto trans. Have had these problems others mentioned:

- Jammed CD player (6 CD changer)

- Rear wipers don't work period

- Front wipers don't work in intermittent

- Transmission jerks.

I had the transmission rebuilt for $2300 a couple of weeks ago at 80,000 miles. The mechanics said they found metal in the pan and showed me a spring that was worn down. But I still have the problem on occasion. I had them try to check it. They refilled the fluid, drove it around, couldn't detect the problem. They are waiting for me to come by when it's happening so they can feel it. Unfortunately or fortunately the jerking is relatively rare, so it's hard to reproduce, but with so many Rodeo/Passport owners having this problem, it's obviously a common issue with the truck. Apparently if it's the transmission computer switch, then that's a much cheaper fix. I don't know if I'll bother fixing it as I want to get rid of the car ASAP.

For the CD player, I might try to fix it in the meantime.

The wipers - anyone know what's going on here?

I had a Honda that went 120,000 miles with no major or minor issues so I expect very good reliability with regular maintenance. The Rodeo had been good for about 8 years (bought it new) but now at 80,000 miles, it's just annoying me. 80,000 miles doesn't seem like much. I'm now thinking of going to buy a Honda/Acura soon. I wonder how much I can sell the Rodeo for. At least it looks very clean, no dings, chips, or crashes. No obvious mechanical difficulties.

2000 Rodeo purchased new. Major problem has been transmission. Take it to the oil places where they check "all fluids" and, of course, they fail to tell us they cannot check the transmission fluid b/c there's no dipstick. Had to be towed twice in one day because of the fluid going out. That was a year ago. Today she's in the shop with a "leak at the case linkage seal." Translation: $165.00 and two days in the shop. My engine light has been on for two years. My six-CD player died about four or five years ago when a CD got stuck. After about six months, it finally ejected. Radio works fine. So does the cassette player (yes, it came standard). Otherwise, I love my Rodeo.

I have bought 2 new Rodeos - a 95, driven 155k miles, and then traded in for a 2001, driven 107000 miles.

I kept both in great shape, all maintenance done regularly, no mechanical issues, no body rust in excellent shape.

In Sept. 08 the frame rusted out in three different places, causing the rear end to break off.

Isuzu bought it back, be persistent with them and you will be very surprised!!!!!!

I bought a 99' Rodeo about a year ago and for the most part really liked it. However, I started experiencing the jerky transmission problem erratically too (hard downshifting to 1st or 2nd). I would try to take it back to dealer and could never recreate. Then winter hit and never happened again. When summer returned so did the problem. I have taken it to different mechanics and they say it is in perfect condition... all gaskets are great, transmission shows no wear. The only good thing is that its only in the morning, so I just swear a lot on the way to work, but drive home is peaceful.

Mechanics believe that it has to do with the computer, but I held off from paying 2k for him to guess. If anyone has very similar problems or has an isuzu computer for cheap, please email me at mows49107@mypacks.net.

I bought a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2 V6 4x4, with 44,000 miles.

Drove it home, engine light came on, took it back to the lot, they can't find anything wrong with it.

I bought it anyway, drove it about a year, rear wiper quit working, drivers window wouldn't go up or down, started working again.

Fuel gauge going crazy, gas light off and on, bad oxygen sensor bout 10 miles per gallon now, heater/AC fan sometimes works.

Vibration in the wheels, engine downshifts when I let off the gas.

About 97,000 miles on it now, won't start at all, possibly the fuel pump about $600.00.

I'm tired of this vehicle, I still owe about $7000, I will be calling the finance company and telling them to come and get it, I quit paying for it..

Very unsatisfied, will never buy ISUZU again.

I own a '99 Rodeo and just started having the "stuck key" problem. It's a problem with the shift/ignition interlock that prevents you from starting the car except in park or neutral. This is a cable that attaches between the shifter button and the ignition. One way I've found to get the key out was to "pop" the shift button with my thumb a few times while jiggling the key lightly. Sometimes that will release the key. Another (guaranteed) way to release the key is to find the interlock cable. If you look under the dash at the transmission hump (near drivers right knee), you'll see the cable running from the center console up into the bottom of the dash. Using your left hand, follow the cable as it goes into the back of the dash (don't worry nothing will bite). You can feel where the cable attaches to the ignition switch. Push lightly (toward the steering wheel), if you find the right spot, you'll be able to turn the key and remove it. For those having a problem with being able to push in the shifter button, this cable (which also works in conjunction with a brake switch, so you must press the brake to change gears) is most likely the culprit.

I bought a 2001 Honda Passport 4WD in 2004 with under 50K miles on it. It now has a little over 100K.

I bought a maintenance manual and have planned on keeping up with it, unfortunately the lack of money has forbidden me to do so. I do check my fluids (not transmission) and change my oil regularly. I have had to replace a timing belt over 2 years ago, no big deal, it was worn down. I had to change my spark plugs because oil is leaking into one of them (I think it was #6, when looking at it it is the top left one... still leaking and need to add oil every other time I fill up the gas tank). My check engine light only goes off right after I get it checked (regularly). It's on for my fuel sensor which I probably won't fix. I go off the mileage.

I had the hard shifting between 1st and 2nd gears like many of you have noted. I got the transmission rebuilt.. should have gotten a new one, it's worth the extra $500 for the extended warranty.

My A/C compressor was going out. I would hear a noise as if someone left a wrench in the engine. I didn't replace the compressor for the $200-300 from Auto Zone or $500 from Napa, instead I just bought a belt made for a Passport without A/C. It seems to be working fine.

My front wheel bearings are a little loose and my tires move more than they should.

My key now gets stuck in the ignition as of 2 days ago which is how I found this site. Thanks for the info on that.

I think most of these issues would seem to be routine for a 100,000 mile vehicle with poorly scheduled maintenance (except for the front wheel bearings). I really hope I don't have more expensive problems before I can get more money! I'm looking to buy a car in the summer but need the 4WD for my country roads in the winter.

I have a 2000 Rodeo, automatic 2WD and 6 cyl. The gear shifter button wasn't going in all the way which meant I couldn't move the gear shifter out of park. I had to completely take out the middle console, take the screw out of the center console compartment, remove the screws that are behind the ashtray and unscrew the shifter knob (the screws are found facing the radio) and the screws on the sides of the radio. You should remove two parts of the interior to get to the solenoid, the part was like 60 bucks at the dealer, auto parts stores didn't carry it so go directly to the dealer for the part. It's not so hard to fix. Hope this helps someone.

I bought a 2001 Rodeo LS 4WD 3.2L 5 speed manual transmission. I have owned it now for three and a half years and love it. I've had mostly great luck with mine (hopefully typing here doesn't JINX that...) with exception of -

1. The fuel sending unit - gas light flashes constantly unless it's just been filled with gas. I usually just hit the trip odometer and fill back up when it hits 250.

2. The driver side electric window panel burned out or something about a year ago. Easily fixed with one bought from a junkyard.

3. 6 disc CD changer - hasn't worked from day 1. Unfortunately later the day of purchase I put in a CD and I'll be damned if it took it, wouldn't play it, and never gave it back. Thanks to a previous poster, I think I have an idea...

I'll keep everyone posted if anything else goes down...

derbyz@gmail.com

I am having this same problem. 2001 with 70K and frame is rusted out. Can this person who wrote this below, please e-mail me.

twodogsboxer@msn.com

28th Sep 2008, 13:47

I have bought 2 new Rodeos - a 95, driven 155k miles, and then traded in for a 2001, driven 107000 miles.

I kept both in great shape, all maintenance done regularly, no mechanical issues, no body rust in excellent shape.

In Sept. 08 the frame rusted out in three different places, causing the rear end to break off.

Isuzu bought it back, be persistent with them and you will be very surprised!!!

Hello,

Last year I got a manual transmission 2001 Isuzu rodeo. The ride was okay except an odd chain rattling type noise when I would start to accelerate. About a week ago or so it started jerking sometimes when I would take off and hesitate to shift. I arranged to get a day off at work to get it looked at, but the day before I was going to take it in, I ended up having it towed home. It wouldn't go past 1st gear. Next thing I know, it wouldn't go at all.

I took it to a fix it shop. They said it showed no signs of leaking any fluid, and there was plenty of it... but for only 2800-3800 I needed a new transmission. So not worth it! Stay away from the Rodeo's!!! They are crap! With little warning or time to take it in, I now have a car that I still owe $4000 on. Oh.. but wait, the bank I am financed through said they could add the repairs to my loan... if only it wasn't an interest rate that's about as high as it could get... boy did I get screwed! Hope everyone else has better luck!

Me and my wife bought a 2001 Rodeo 4 years ago with 48,500 miles on it. Last Oct/Nov 2008 I had to bring it to my mechanic. Wouldn't pass inspection due to bad front wheel bearing and exhaust leak that the dealer caused after they had to change the motor, due to the motor burning oil as a factory fault the dealer told me.

So anyways, he puts it on the lift to check the bearing and I noticed the frame was completely rotted on the drivers side in the rear. The rear stabilizer bar hanging by a thread of rot. Called my insurance company and asked them what to do about it; they said it was my problem, because it wasn't in an accident. The car's been sitting for the last 9 months now and I'm still paying on it. Owe 3.000.00 more.

But go to www.nhtsa.com and report your frame rot for there is an investigation ongoing on it right now, so the more we report this problem, the sooner they can rectify it. Thanks.

I just bought a 2002 Rodeo from a couple of dealers 'curbstoning' their vehicles. Thinking I was going to get a great deal bidding them down to $3200, which was still 3K under the bluebook value, I began to notice some problems over the next few days. After a heavy rain I noticed a roof leak occur. The morning after the rain, a foul mold smell in the interior appeared. Apparently this is not the first time the leak has happened.

Next, the interior dashboard lights were out. After doing some research I found many owners to have this problem, and it usually comes down to replacing the bulbs. Which means you have to tear down the dashboard to get to them. Heavy off-road driving can blow out bulbs, just assuming.

The 5 speed manual shifter on the Rodeo has problems getting into reverse gear, as I usually have to force it hard.

And finally I went to a local dealer to get a set of keys made, and out of total disbelief, the service people there could not make a set of keys for me that would work. What a joke...

My Rodeo otherwise runs like a champ. So I guess there are a few items you have to tolerate if your buying a cheap vehicle.

brendtoconnell1@yahoo.com