1997 Isuzu Rodeo Consumer Discussions

Isuzu Rodeo Door Problems

• Re: 1997 Isuzu Rodeo Tailgate Issue [rberrydiamonds]

  Written by: jo8908 on Nov 25, 2011 7:15:21 PM

  were you ever able to figure out this problem!?

• 1997 Isuzu Rodeo Tailgate Issue

  Written by: rberrydiamonds on Feb 6, 2011 12:15:25 PM

  Hi everyone - I just bought a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo a few days back. I had to use the tailgate for the first time yesterday, but I cannot get the window to latch back and lock. The tailgate open button inside the car works, and also the lock on the tailgate itself. Everything works but the window? Is there a trick I am missing to locking the window? Thanks for your ... Read More

Isuzu Rodeo Frame Rust

• Re: rust recall [roy54]

  Written by: west357 on Dec 28, 2010 4:23:16 PM

  Hi, I called Isuzu at the number you posted, i explained that I have a 1997 Rodeo with frame rust, the lady that i talked with said that Isuzu would not cover this year and there was nothing that I could do about this problem. I filed a complaint with NHTSA. My next step is to take it to a dealer and see what they are willing to help out with ... Read More

• Re: Pittsburgh Rodeo Story [rodeopa]

  Written by: marinaky on Oct 22, 2010 12:13:54 PM

  Thanks for sharing, first time I have seen this broadcast. I am in the broadcast, from Kentucky. My Passport is the one raised behind me, as my husband and son replaced the frame with a rust free one from a 1998 2 wheel drive Rodeo. It seems that the 2 wheel drives are not affected by the rust, only the 4x4's, for whatever reason, I don't know. As everyone knows by ... Read More

Isuzu Rodeo Check Engine Light

• Check Engine light just came on

  Written by: trick0440 on Oct 22, 2010 10:22:45 AM

  I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, it has been a great car. The check engine light just popped on and I don't want to take it into the auto shop just for them to tell me a bunch of stuff is wrong. Car still runs great, the light popped on yesterday. Any ideas on what it could be? I have about a 600 mile round trip coming up pretty soon...want to ... Read More

Isuzu Rodeo

• tranny will only engage with winter button

  Written by: travis2503 on Aug 8, 2010 10:29:51 AM

  i got a 1997 isuzu rodeo 4x4. When i put it in drive it want move unless i press the winter button and every time i reduce speed or stop i have to press the button again to go but reverse works fine with out the winter button pressed could some one help

Isuzu Rodeo Frame Rust

• Re: 2001 Rodeo starting a process [rodeorot]

  Written by: marinaky on Feb 26, 2010 3:26:30 PM

  Hi Rodeorot, I am with you. I have done all that you have done, the certified letter to Derek Rinehardt, the NTHSA notification and opened a case with them. Contacted Honda, opened a case with them (as helpful as Isuzu, which was not at all). Let me know what else you need. I kept a folder of all the Car Complaints and Auto Beef posts that took place before I found ... Read More

• Re: Model year 2000 & 2001 [marinaky]

  Written by: rodeostinks on Feb 10, 2010 12:00:27 PM

  I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo with 70000' miles on it that cannot be inspected (Since 2008) due to a rusted out frame. If you lay under it rust literally falls in your eyes. Complained to NHSA and Isuzu and was totally ignored. If the Titanic was made out of this crap steel it would have totally disappeared after 11 years!!!!

• Re: Rusted 1997 Rodeo [bru75]

  Written by: howardru on Jul 22, 2009 7:57:06 PM

  See my post on the Isuzu Axiom message board here. They use the same frame.

• Re: Rusted 1997 Rodeo [hbriggs]

  Written by: bru75 on Jul 21, 2009 6:14:01 PM

  me and my wife bought a 2001 isuzu rodeo 4 years ago last year i brought to a mech 4 the front bearing to be fixed when on the lift i noticed the rear stabalizer bar on drivers side had completly rotted off.then we inspected the whole frame and the whole frame was junk.still have a year of payments left on this pos.sad because the car only has 85.000miles and the ... Read More

• 97 Rodeo Frame repair/overhaul/re-intro duction

  Written by: cdnoverhaul on Jul 12, 2009 4:43:34 AM

  I would like to know if you could suggest a source of supply for the front frame cross member for a 1997 Isuzu rodeo. The Rad support went, and the front cross member seems "crispy" and in need of replacement by welding in a new one if practical. Who could provide a new one? Any help or ideas would be very much appreciated.. I have the 1997 and we shipped a ... Read More

• Re: Rusted 1997 Rodeo [rodeostinks]

  Written by: hbriggs on Jul 10, 2009 1:12:50 PM

  I have a 2001 Isuzu rodeo 54,000 miles. The entire under body of my vehicle is rotted and is not fixable! My rear torque bar completely rotted off and fell off while I was driving which made my car sway out of control...thankfully I was not driving at a fast speed or my family and I would be dead! I also filed a complaint w/ the NHTSA. I am hoping that ... Read More

Isuzu Rodeo

• Re: 1997 Isuzu Rodeo - Electrical Problem [pwderose]

  Written by: brown703 on Apr 15, 2008 6:28:29 PM

  Hello Pablo! I had the work done at an auto electric shop here in Columbus, Ohio. The mechanic ordered the new alternator for me and put it on! He stated that this has been an ongoing problem with these cars since the 1980's. Use the following link to contact the mechanic and reference Doug Brown (me) and Im sure he will talk to you. He was a really nice guy and ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Isuzu Rodeo - Electrical Problem [brown703]

  Written by: pwderose on Apr 15, 2008 1:20:00 PM

  HEY! I got the same situation with mine Rodeo 95! Where did you find a brand new alternator? did you buy it online? How do you know it's new and ain't reman.? I'm in Fl. Thanks.Pablo.

• Re: 1997 Isuzu Rodeo - Electrical Problem [brown703]

  Written by: brown703 on Apr 5, 2008 9:30:15 PM

  After 3 alternators, all remanufactured I might add, I went to a local auto electric shop and had a new alternator ($330.00) put on and all troubles are gone! From what I was told all remanufactured alternators have voltage regulators that are not up to par as reman alternators have bad voltage regulators in them. On the Rodeo and Passport, the voltage regulators are grounded to the Engine Control Module. The ... Read More

ignition coil on my 2002 rodeo

• My 1997 isuzu rodeo

  Written by: gully707 on Apr 1, 2008 2:25:07 PM

  2.6 4 cyl rodeo isuzu . changed ignition coil and crank sensor, and still it shuts off while driving. Any suggestions please.

Honda Passport Electrical Problems

• Re: 95 honda passport V6 electrictal problem [bob8672000]

  Written by: brown703 on Mar 30, 2008 9:23:09 PM

  I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo V6 which is the same as honda passport. I have an issue very similar with the fan blower not working and the brake and battery light on. Alternator was replaced...still not charging..battery tested ok....I was advised to use a factory alternator instead of OE reman. I have one on order as of 3/29/08. I hope this is the solution otherwise I have been told to ... Read More

Isuzu Rodeo

• 1997 Isuzu Rodeo - Electrical Problem

  Written by: brown703 on Mar 29, 2008 9:59:08 PM

  I have a 97 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2 V6. About 2wks ago alternator belt broke. While able to drive it home, had no fan blower, brake light was on, as well as battery light. Replaced belt and all went away. 2 days ago, battery light on again and same brake light and no fan blower. Replaced alternator with reman from Advanced Auto, still same problems. Alternator tested fine on the bench, but ... Read More

• Left Wheel Squeak / CV Boot replacement

  Written by: jgschmitz on Nov 27, 2007 6:37:09 AM

  1997 Rodeo 3.2 4WD 100K Location: Cordoba, Argentina 1. I have squeak from the left front tire area that increases with velocity. I am wondering if it could be related to the two torn CV Boots on that side. 2. How important is it to replace the CV Boots? While my truck was still state-side, a mechanic just packed the joints with grease. I had told him that I did not ... Read More

Isuzu Rodeo: Looking for mechanic

• Looking for mechanic

  Written by: 4wd1 on Oct 10, 2006 7:05:01 PM

  My check engine light came on the other day and my Rodeo is not running right. When I called my local dealership they told me that they wouldn't work on my truck because it is a 1997. What am I supposed to do? Does anyone know a reliable mechanic in Orange County, CA that will work on a '97 Isuzu Rodeo?

Isuzu Rodeo

• Re: 1997 Isuzu Rodeo Clutch Problem [chazlink]

  Written by: chazlink on Sep 15, 2006 7:42:14 AM

  Hi Izusudave, I apologize for not seeing your post sooner. My problem was that I slightly installed the clutch incorrectly. The Rodeo uses a pull clutch rather than the traditional push method. That means that when the clutch is installed, the release bearing has to be inserted into the actual clutch so that when the clutch is depressed, it pulls the release bearing, which pulls the clutch away from the flywheel ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Isuzu Rodeo Clutch Problem [chazlink]

  Written by: izusudave on Sep 12, 2006 7:28:51 PM

  Did you ever find out how to bleed the clutch. Having same problem and ready to pull out hair! If you have any ideas on how to bleed the darn thing would you reply? Dave

• 1997 Isuzu Rodeo Clutch Problem

  Written by: chazlink on Aug 21, 2006 1:17:39 PM

  Hello all, I recently had a clutch go out on my V6 rodeo, so I ordered the new clutch and replaced it myself. However, after putting the transmission back up and bleeding the system, I am unable to depress the clutch without a TON of force and really I cannot get it to the floor. It almost feels as if 3/4 of the way down that something is pushing back, but ... Read More

• 1997 Isuzu Rodeo 5-speed manual transmission

  Written by: 45auto1 on Jan 23, 2006 11:19:22 AM

  I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo with the Borg Warner 5 speed manual transmission. I need to replace the tail piece as it is cracked and leaking oil. Where can I find just the tail piece and how hard is it to replace?

• VIBRATIONS

  Written by: pastor1 on Mar 19, 2006 10:08:49 PM

  Does anyone know why the auxiliary gear on 1997 Isuzu Rodeo would be vibrating? We have checked the gearbox mount and it seem to be in order and not the cause.

• CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT

  Written by: pastor1 on Mar 19, 2006 2:59:28 PM

  I own 1997 Isuzu Rodeo V6. Recently I have been observing check trans warning light. Sometimes it goes off. But when it is on, the vehicle moves sluggishly on take off. What is the cause of the problem? Pastor1

• Re: 2002 Rodeo Transmission Harness [pmonty]

  Written by: makaye on Dec 26, 2005 9:40:51 AM

  You might check for recalls or technical service bulletins for this condition. Look from 1998: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 98V170001 Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMHARNESSUNDERHOOD Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTOR, LIMITED Year: 1998 Make: ISUZU TRUCK Model: RODEO Manufactured From: JUL 1997 To: FEB 1998 Year of Recall: '98 Type of Report: Vehicle Summary: Vehicle Description: Sport utility vehicles. A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. ... Read More

• lifters relaced, still ticking...

  Written by: quipie on Sep 15, 2005 8:59:39 PM

  I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo with 64,000 mi on it. I just had the lifters replaced, but the ticking noise is still there. I'm told there's a 100 mi "break in" period. I'm past that. I was told there could be a chance that they could still stick and will have to be replaced again. Could this remedy the problem? Anyone know if this is accurate info?? I am supposed ... Read More

• Re: 1997 RODEO [bgolemo #1385]

  Written by: hemsley1 on Jun 7, 2004 8:24:03 PM

  i just got a 99 isuzu,and it gets about 12mpg...it's pathetic. If i'm driving and let off the gas it does not coast, it starts to slow down immediately as if there is something slowing it down. does anyone else have this feeling or problem when they are driving. maybe there is something going on with the transmission, i dont't know. if anyone has any recomendations i would appreciate it. i ... Read More

• 1997 RODEO

  Written by: bgolemo on Jun 5, 2004 2:45:31 PM

  I own an 1997 ISUZU 3.2L and I am really disappointed with the miles per gallon. In the city I am getting about 12 MPG and on the highway about 15 MPG. Can anyone help me out with their thoughts? It runs really smooth and is well maintained. I do not have 4-wheel drive, winter, or power modes engaged. Any one having similier problems and if so what have you found ... Read More

• sticker shock!!!

  Written by: jtk152 on Oct 11, 2003 7:08:10 AM

  No doubt about it, MSRP's were really shocking up to 2003. Plus isuzu didnt really advertise the huge factory to dealer rebates for 2002 either (isnt that surprising!) You pretty much had to talk to a sales person to find out about that. Most people peeked at the sticker & bailed out! As far as the redesign of the rodeos goes, yes, The 1991-1997 rodeo kept the same look, with some ... Read More