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Isuzu Axiom

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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You must have a speed sensor off or a tire that is too small or too large. I had a similar problem with my trooper when I was having a TOD whine. Turned out to be a tire that was too small in the rear was causing havock on the lo->hi mechanism disengaging, and also caused a whine in the TOD at the same time they also replaced speed sensors so that could also have had to do with it. I can now go from lo->hi w/o backing up or anything.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    No problem with tires and/or system. I noticed that when driving in 4 Low for a few hours on the beach, and then I switch to TOD, it wouldn't disengage for about a 1/2 mile. It was as if it was in a 4 Hi setup, where a 4 wheels were getting all equal power? Even the idiot display would show all 4 wheels going full? If I stopped, and put it in park, waited, it would then disengageand go back to the 85/15 as design, otherwise it would go for a while like that? I now, backup 25 feet after disengaging 4 low and voila!

    It was as if the center differential wouldn't disengage. I don't have to do this, everytime, I have made more of a habit of it to prevent any damage. Maybe the computer sensors need adjustment? Never had any real issues with it.
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Has anybody looked into putting a roof rack on their axiom? I was wondering if the dealer installed roof rack is mounted in place of the black and chrome strips on the roof. It seems like those pieces would come out easy enough. I can't decide if I want to spend $320 for the dealer installed rack or less than $300 by mounting roof rails and buy a Thule Tracker II kit. Any ideas or suggestions?
  • drmpdrmp Member Posts: 187
    I remember my dad with the old 4WD. He used to back up slowly with the steering turned to one side to disengage the 4WD. Instead of reversing straight and far, it might work reversing curved (on short distance).
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Check out the Trooper board on here, there are some interesting discussions on how the TOD works you might be interested in.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    You shouldn't have to back up all the time. But since it is a mechanical system, it may not disengage quickly, backing up is only a helpful thing to remember if in that situation, and for the most part pre-cautionary. That is a good idea about turning, that inceases the wheel travel in short distances.
  • sowrsowr Member Posts: 69
    Dear k2rm


    I have a Yakima rack installed on my Axiom - IMHO Yakima are better than Thule, a little more elegant, with tons of accessories.


    I originally ordered a track system but couldn't bring myself to drill the roof, a lot of it had to do with the fact that the tracks need to be parallel but the Axiom roof seams are not. A mismatch which bugged me. No doubt the official factory roof rack probably has a way of solving the non-parallel problem.


    I admit that I can't slide my crossbars but I genrally only use the basket. If you don't like the "temporary" idea I would recommend the factory roof rack. you can get it from http://www.partscheap.com/axioma.htm for $288.00.


    If you are interested in the Yakima rack see message #313.

  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Thanks for the response.
    I have seen the Yakima rack and have considered it. I mainly carry skis and bikes and think that I would prefer having the rack futher back on the roof than where the Yakima would mount. Do you have noticeable windnoise with your rack system? I have the same concerns you mentioned about the dealer installed rack. I have seen one Axiom drive by that had the dealer installed rack. It looked fine but I couldn't tell how it was mounted on top. I actually wonder if they remove the chrome and black strips on the roof and place the rails there. The funny thing was that the other driver was just as shocked as I was to see another Axiom on the road. It is the only one I have seen since I bought mine. I am still surprised that these things aren't selling very well.
  • sowrsowr Member Posts: 69
    I have no wind noise at all -- I have a deflector mounted on the rack which may help, and looks kinda cool.

    I'm sure that the roof strips would be removed and that screws would be used to mount the factory rack, how else could it carry real weight? Mounting it at the seams is an excellent idea, lots of rigidity there.

    The Yakima rack mounts about where the roofline is at its highest, so it looks okay, I think it would look a little weird if was mounted towards the back.

    My original advice still stands...if you want a permanent rack get the factory one.

    I'm not sure where you live but here in LA there are very few Axioms, and even fewer 4x4 versions - I had a hell of a time finding a 4x4. I feel kinda special.
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I am in the Berzerkeley/Oakland area, there aren't too many 4x4's up here as well, especially in the XS model. I am keeping my eye on dealer inventories up here and the same Axioms I was looking at before I bought mine (2 months ago) are still available.

    I think I read that the new concept supercharged Axiom has a recessed roof rack, so it does make sense to mount rails at the seams. I believe they also said it had a touch screen nav system, I would love to see that as an aftermarket upgrade.

    I tried getting some information from my dealer about the dealer installed rack, but they were useless, they didn't even bother calling me back with a quote like they said they would. They didn't seem to informed about their rack at all.

    I went to Sport Rack Outfitters who sell all sorts of racks on Saturday, they said the rails would not need to be mounted parallel and could follow the seams just fine. I will probably go there to have them installed and see if they can mount their rails in the seams, I wonder how hard it is to remove the chrome strips.
  • shawnphshawnph Member Posts: 5
    I bought an Axiom last night. I drove a lot of vehicles and finally settled on the Axiom for price and options and feel of the drive. I had an Explorer that was too noisy and rough. I thought I was going to get a Trooper but hated the feel inside. I wanted a car but like to haul plants and mulch, so I need an SUV. The Axiom seemed a good mid-way point.

    Anyway... I realize the Axiom is controversial and may not be selling that well. I think if it were advertised a bit, it'd probably really take off. My friends really like it.

    Here's my question. The back and sides are pure style. BUT... The front of the vehicle is butt-ugly. The lights should be twice as big and the small grill between the lights should've been extended lower. It also needed a real bumper on the front if for nothing more than looks.

    So the question is this... Is there anything aftermarket to maybe fill in the big vents and make it more flush and appealing?

    Overall, I think I'm going to really grow to like it. I've read good reviews and bad reviews. But compared to my Explorer, it's a step up in luxury. I don't care if it really is a "Rodeo in a tuxedo." Not everyone drives off-road and in the woods. Some of us just want a nice commute to and from work.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The axiom is VERY capable off-road, more-so than and exploder ever will be. Anyway if I were getting an Axiom (I have a trooper already) I'd replace the vents under the headlights with Hella 4000 driving lights. I have these on my nudge bar of my Trooper and they rock. I measured them up at my dealer once and they'd fit right in that grille area! Check out http://isuzu-suvs.com for the lights on my trooper, and see if you could work them in the bumper!


    -mike

  • shawnphshawnph Member Posts: 5
    paisan:


    I just mocked up your recommendation to put big round driving lights under the regular lights.


    I wonder if driving lights are illegal anywhere and I'd be asked to turn them off? It'd be nice just to wire them in with the regular lights so one switch turns them both on if that's possible. I'd hate to drill for a toggle switch. And then I guess it has to be wired into the fuse box. Sounds like a pain.


    Check out this mock-up. What do you think? I know it's crude, but it gets the point across. I also wouldn't want them very deep so they stick way out. I'm not even sure what's available.


    http://www.geocities.com/shawnph1970/axiomproofofcconcept.bmp

  • shawnphshawnph Member Posts: 5
    Sorry... I see the picture won't display on geocities. But trust me. It looks better. You were right.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I think the front end of the Axiom is part of it's uniqueness. I didn't like it at first either and thought about putting Hella's on it (might still do it), but I'm liking it more and more. It now "feels" right for the vehicle.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I got the ones with the city lights. Basically it's a 5w bulb that you can wire-up to your parking lights and will illuminate the big lights, what I did was wire the city light 5w bulb to my parking lights and the 130w driving lamp to my high beams. No wires to go inside the cabin. So whenever I put on my lights they are illuminated, but not enough to get a ticket, then when i fash to pass or put my brights on it's like God himself is reining down on the road! :)

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    My IPF's came with a toggle switch. They are wired to go on and off with high beams, but I can also have them off altogether. The mechanic got the wire into the cabin by drilling a hole though the rubber seal between the cabin and engine compartment. Then he used an epoxy to seal the wire/hole. When I looked at doing the job myself, trying to get the wire through the wiring harness that passes through firewall looked like too much for an average person. Seeing the mechanics workaround made it seem much easier in retrospect.
  • shawnphshawnph Member Posts: 5
    I noticed the new Axiom will drive to the right if I let go of the wheel. Oddly, I have to steer to the right to go straight. It looks like the wheel was put on slightly wrong. I'm taking it in for servicing next week. The can reposition the wheel, right?

    The look of the front is growing on me. I even like the tan interior a lot, unlike some folks. I was thinking of getting the "nose guard" to keep off the lovebugs (used to be called a "bra"). Does anyone have one of those?
  • shawnphshawnph Member Posts: 5
    Oh yeah... One more thing. Does anyone know how many have been sold since it came out? I heard Isuzu wanted to sell 18,000. A website I read said only 2,500 were sold by October. My dealer said they sold around 10 over the past month, which I really doubt. I even saw one on the way home from work this week, which shocked me. I don't feel so special anymore!
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    No, they won't 'repositin the wheel' as this won't fix the problem when you let go and it still turns. They will align your wheels with the proper 'toe' and 'camber' adjustments of the wheel. That should fix the problem in most cases. Good luck to you :)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Perhaps the expression "obsessive-compulsive" would be a better choice for a family oriented venue like Town Hall. :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They'll fix the alignment and straighten the wheel at the same time. A bra IMHO is a bad investment for a few reasons. First it lets the paint under it fade slower than the rest of the car, so you have to keep it on forever. 2nd if you aren't totally AR about removing it weekly in "dirty" climates you will get sand and road dirt under it that will act like sand paper and remove your paint!

    -mike

    PS: Corrected to be more PC for our host :) I forgot we need to be all touchy feely.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Make sure you take it to a shop that is qualified to do Isuzu's. Not all dealerships have the right equipment. I personally had a similar issue, but there have been many other posts about tire installations, balancing, alignment issues from shops that do it on "car" equipment. If they align it, and it still pulls, don't give up, do some research and find a shop that has the right equipment. A 4500 lbs. vehicle will pull and be effected more by slightly improper alignment than a 3000 lbs. car.
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    My check engine light came on this morning on the way to work. I have 1500 miles on my Axiom so far and this is the first time it has come on. I have heard that a loose gas cap can cause this to come on, I tightened the cap. How many on off cycles does it take to get the memory cleared? Any other simple suggestions that can cause this?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    With the EPA and ODBII the most common causes of the CEL are:

    Gas Cap loose
    Poor fuel (not poor grade, just a bad batch)
    Sensors

    If it is the gas cap, it will re-set itself after it hits 1/4 of a tank IIRC. My bet is that it is either the EGR valve or the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) we've seen a few CELs thrown due to those 2 items on Troopers.

    -mike
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Thanks Mike,
    If it is from bad gas, how quickly would that cause the CEL to come on? I have used a half tank since my last fuel up. This is the first time that I went to that station and it was definitely cheaper than other stations.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm not sure how quickly the CEL would come on (depends how empty the tank was, and where the pickup is for the fuel, how shaken up it is, etc.) If it came on immediately after filling, it is likely not the gas, most likely the cap.

    -mike
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Mike,
    I called the dealer service department and they pretty much came to the same conclusion you did. They said that here in California with all of the additives, sometimes a bad batch can occur and cause the CEL to come on. He said drive it around as long as the engine seems to be running OK to see if it resets, and bring it in next week if it doesn't. I will top it off on the way home with a more expensive grade, hopefully this will work. I doubt it is the gas cap, I drove about a 120 miles since my last fill up. Thanks for the advice.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I don't work for Isuzu, if I did, they'd have a better marketing scheme! :)

    -mike
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    Maybe its me, but does Isuzu even have a marketing scheme. Wouldn't you love to just meet the head of marketing at Isuzu just to tell him/her how much of a baffooon they are?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    At least that could explain why it is nearly non-existent. They never exploit any of the good features... Best in class in a whole # of things especially on the trooper.

    -mike
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    I haven't been following to closely and this topic may have already been addressed: I am looking for all weather floor mats - black - and having a hard time. I went to performanceparts.com who use Husky Liners. They have tan and gray(?-why) but no black. I think the black would look better plus who wants to have to clean the tan ones all the time.

    Secondly, I had to take my Axiom in for a trans re-lubricant so to speak. I have a 2WD and the it would lurch taking off - either stand still or rolling stop and was starting to "hit" pretty hard from 3rd to 4th. They said the factory did not lube the trans well enough and that the vent hole was improperly sized causing it to clog up.

    Any thoughts on the second but really need help on the first.

    Thanks
    Darin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    1st: I bought black ones at Pep-boys. They are nice big ones that hold like a gallon of water! :) Don't know the brand but just check in pep boys.

    2nd: These trannys are pretty hard shifting to begin with, that is what allows them to last 200K+. A smooth shifting tranny basically puts more wear on the torque converter because a smooth shift basically is the torque converter slipping to allow smooth transitions. It could be a clogged vent hole but I'd have to see it first hand to know if it was normal or not.

    -mike
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    a smooth tranny doesn't put wear on the torque converter (well, not really anyway, that's it's job), but on the clutch bands in the A/T which wears them out. But you are right on 'that is what allows them to last 200K_' :) Vent hole sounds like a line they just gave ya to me.
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks. I check at Pep boys. As for the trans, all I can say is that it is 100% better. Taking off gradually should not "cause" the trans to shift hard. I know when I first posted here that yours and other replies said it was normal since the trans will shift strongly coming to a stop (2nd to 1st) but it was really grabbing taking off the line - at a gradual acceleration, never exceeding 2500 rpms (sometimes barely above 2). Then it began to grab from 3rd to 4th. In fact, if I got on it, it didn't happen. Just wanted to see if anyone was having the same problem. Glad to hear that the trans and engine will last awhile. I already have 21k in 8 months of ownership.

    Oh, the steering problem. I had to get my alignment adjusted twice already. No pot holes and haven't touched a curb yet. I also have not gone off roading, except in chem/refinery plants that are pretty muched paved anyway.

    Thanks again
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I found the cause of my CEL to be a bad locking gas cap that I bought at Pep Boys two months ago, it appears that the seal of the locking mechanism went bad. I put the stock non-locking cap back on and everything is fine. Has anybody put a locking gas cap on their Axiom and has had luck with it? If so, what brand of cap was it? I don't like having a non-locking cap for fear of vandalism.
    Thanks
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I have a rattle in the back that I originally thought was the cargo cover but just realized it is the rear seat backs. It seems like the latch mechanisms don't hold it completely tight and the seats can rattle a little bit. Does anyone else have this problem?

    Also, I just found out that the rear seat backs have two positions, it seems like the rattle isn't as bad in the more reclined position. Definitely makes the rear seats more comfortable as well.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The trooper ones have multiple reclining positions. :)

    -mike
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    I believe it's a ratchet kind of a mechanism (sort of) that allows the seat to have multiple positions (down, up, laid back...Troopers have more than one, I'm surprised the Axiom only has two positions other than down :(

    IMO the mechanism does allow for a small amount of play, otherwise it would be a really tight fit which would make it difficult to engage into a locked position. Have you tried putting a little grease on the latch mechanism? If you look hard enough, you should be able to see it. On the Trooper we have these pull-up buttons on top of the seats, next to the head-rests. I believe it just pulls up a rod which engages/disengages the mechanism.

    Let us know what you find out!
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    As far as I can tell the Axiom has only two positions but we have the same pull-up buttons next to the head rests. Do the seats rattle in your Troopers? I can see the mechanism pretty easily. There is essentially a U-bolt attached to the side pillar and the locking mechanism has two slots. In the more up right position, the back slot grabs the front of the U-bolt. In the more reclined positions, both slots on the mechanism lock to the U-bolt. That is probably why it rattles less in that position.

    Normally I don't hear anything unless I hit a large pothole, then I can hear the seats rattle. I would like to fix this since it is the only rattle the Axiom has, but haven't had much luck yet. I tried to put a rubber tubing around the U-bolt so the locking mechanism would have a tighter fit, but it didn't help at all. I will fiddle with it more this weekend.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The trooper seats are one unit. Basically you fold down the back onto the bottom and then the whole thing tumbles up against the front seats. I think yours may be more rodeo-like in that the base flips up first, then the back folds down?

    The trooper ones don't attach to the pillars at all, only the floor.

    -mike
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Yup, that is how it is, the bottoms fold up and then the seat backs fold down. Makes sense why the trooper seats have multiple positions and the axiom only has two. I think part of the problem is that there is no support for the back rests where the seats split, this then puts a lot of torque on the locking mechanism. If I hit the seats close to the mechanism, no rattle, if I hit them in towards the split, it rattles. It really isn't a major issue, I just like fiddleing with things to make them better.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    A lot of isuzu owners fiddle :)

    -mike
  • scoobyaxscoobyax Member Posts: 51
    Hello All,


    First off, anyone who is looking for a new 4WD and does not take the Axiom for a test is making a BIG mistake. This truck is AMAZING! Strong V6 w/230hp, TOD w/4LO, Limited slip differential, Intelligent suspension control, all on a real truck frame. Let's not forget the 17in alloy wheels, 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, you want more?, go for a test drive. Oh yeah, does 0% financing and 10 year powertrain sound enticing?

    No, I'm not a salesman but that's my pitch.

     

    The only thing I don't understand, like has been mentioned before, is why Isuzu can't sell more of these by coming up with an ad plan that works.


    Can't complain though, I got mine and so far it's the only one I have seen on the road.


    ***

    k2rm (or anyone who can help) you mentioned in post#526 that you had a hitch installed. Do you know which brand? Hidden Hitch, Draw Tite, dealer... I contacted Hidden and they told me that their Rodeo model will work but "it does not look very well installed" their words not mine. I was told it sticks out beyond the rear bumper. I found the Draw Tite for $100 which seems decent and is Axiom specific.


    ***

    Next, pitt4, are you still looking for mats? I found Husky liners that are custom fit for the Axiom. I didn't buy them, yet, still looking around. They are not cheap, $70 front, $70 rear but I guess custom costs a little if you want it.


    http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/2002-isuzu-axiom-liners-mats.html


    Well that's it for now. Thanks for any help!

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    All the axiom hitches stick out cause the spare tire I think comes almost up to the bumper. I'd get one specific for the Axiom though.


    Welcome to the Isuzu fold by the way. Be sure to check out http://isuzu-suvs.com and send me Axiom pics for the owner's gallery!


    -mike

  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Congrats with your purchase, you will enjoy your Axiom more and more each day you drive it.

    I got my towing package from my dealer. The first Axiom I test drove had the dealer installed towing package and it looked really nice. It is designed so it curves around the spare tire so only the hitch receiver sticks out. When I bought mine, I just had them load one in the cargo area and installed it myself. It only took 6 bolts to install and maybe 20 minutes, very easy. You just need someone to help you hold it up while you bolt it to the frame. I think I paid $250 uninstalled for it. I knew I could have found an aftermarket one for less, but I liked the design of the Isuzu one.

    Good luck
  • scoobyaxscoobyax Member Posts: 51
    Paisan & k2rm, THANKS for quick reply. I have been reading many, many posts and have checked out tons of sites. This is my 3rd truck, but 1st Isuzu... I've been Isuzuized!


    k2rm does you hitch look like this one?


    http://www.draw-tite.com/index2.asp?page=prodsearch&searchtext=axiom


    I agree, the rounded tube design looks great on the Axiom. There was one at the dealer with a hitch but I couldn't see any brand markings or stickers.


    My friend has a 01 Rodeo and I helped him put a Hidden Hitch on it, looks nice. Since the Rodeo and Axiom share the same frame I was hoping the same hitch would work, my only concern is any difference in the rear bumber size.


    Thanks again.

  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    The draw-tite hitch looks pretty similar. I think the dealer hitch is a little more rounded instead of the angles on the draw-tite. I am pretty sure that my instructions for my hitch were actually written for the Rodeo application so the hitches are probably interchangable between the two types of Isuzus.
  • toyotas1toyotas1 Member Posts: 134
    Edmunds editors seem pretty disappointed! Owners seem pretty happy! Do the seats sit on the floor, or are they proper? Is the ride smooth, or does it suck? Is the dash screen cheap, or like an RX300? Do I have to test drive everything?
  • drmperaltadrmperalta Member Posts: 58
    Yes, you have to test drive it unless it is out of your shopping list.
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