2002 Holden Jackaroo from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Since moving to Defence Canberra from Brisbane, the car won't easily start. It takes some serious turning over before it runs. Once going and warmed up it is very good. Glow plugs don't heat sufficiently to help motor start. Army engineers state this is a general ISUZU problem.

I took my car to an Auto Electrician to have the glow plugs checked. Auto elect stated that the glow plugs and batteries were faulty. In the process of taking out the plugs they found the rear one cracked at the base. Car was then given over to diesel experts to extract and repair. Plug subsequently broke and head given over to a local engineering expert to extract.

Diesel repairers and local GM service personnel state that this particular motor from this model is a lemon. Aluminium block has problems. Finding replacement heads is a problem. General diesel repairers won't touch them. GM want over $3200 for a bare replacement head.

My problem indicates that the manufacturer did not QC the motor build. Glow plug allowed bypass of gases which carboned up and ate out plug seat. New plug sits 3-4mm lower. Head now unserviceable.

Car is just outside warranty. Sydney GM refuse to assist. My original glow plug service and new batteries of probably $600 has turned into a probable $5000 bill if and when I ever get my car back.

Must have the correct oil in it. Preferably less than 10w 30, ideally 5w 30, otherwise it won't accelerate enough to change gear. Check handbook.

Holden have issued a recall on the motor, faulty injectors, mine is a VIN of JACUBS73G27106620.

Comments from local GM and more than one diesel experts indicate that this 2002/3 model 3 Litre diesel intercooled turbo is a lemon. Buyers beware.

I bought it from Doug Barton Holden in Queensland as a second hand probable ex Q fleet in November 2005. No service records.

Owners further comments:

Today, three weeks and one day later, notice was received that the Bill for repair is to be $5113 plus the Auto electricians cut of two new batteries,4xglow plugs and two hours labour. Hope it is worth it. Time will tell.

Owner: One week later, the 4x4 seems to be more powerful with only a few minor ailments needed after a small run-in period. After driving the courtesy car my Jackaroo feels and drives like a limo. Comments by repairer indicate the motor after the mandatory injector fix should go forever. Other comments revealed that other makes of 3.0 L Turbo deisel are having similar probs except maybe Toyota. Food for thought. Will report again in a few months and 15,000KM.

It is now nine months later and the car is running like a dream. BUT I did find the real problem. Never ever use anything, but 5w30 lub oil or better. Believe the handbook. My real problem was cheap and easy to fix. My engine eventually died totally. How problem was found was as follows. The mechanic at GMH Nowra filled the sump to well over full. Engine then worked properly. Reason... The oil pick up tube is a flimsy construction of one bolt and bracket. It worked loose and moved, allowing air to suck up. The engine mgt system says; no oil.. no work.. My car was hard to start and started to stall going up and down hills.. then finally stopped totally. The whole assembly broke off and fell into the sump. Since repair its been a dream. That has been the problem all the time. Owners beware and pass on this simple fix to a wierd fault.

The diesel engine has had lots of trouble (State the obvious!). The engine uses a oil operated injector system. The injector oil system uses its own oil pick up... this is the one that broke in your case. Seen it before. If your engine ever gets called for an engine recall, make sure it gets done. Injector leaks will cause engine failure eventually. Big bucks! 5w-30 is the only oil we use at work now as the injector oil system takes too long to prime on cold starts otherwise.

I've had a Nissan Patrol for a couple of years now. 3.0 ltr engines had trouble initially too. Mine's post trouble. Very smooth and reliable so far. Not a toy underneath in comparison to the Jackaroo. More purchase price tho. Good luck.