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Isuzu Axiom

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  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    My seats do not heat up too much either. Actually it is not a question on how hot they get, but how long it takes to feel the warmth. I usually can't go for very long with the setting at high anyway, but I wish the heat would come on instantly, before the rest of the vehicle warms up.
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    Mine work okay. I usually have to put them on low after they heat up. To me, high is too hot but my wife likes them on high. Women are always cold.

    Anyways, I think if they heated up instantly, it would be a lot harder on the system and the leather seats themselves. Just my thoughts!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They don't have the system the troopers have. Ours is variable with a "heat" and "Hold" setting. Basically let it warm up and when it's at the temp you want, you hit "hold" and it keeps it there.

    -mike
  • malsuamalsua Member Posts: 17
    I got my 2002 Ax in June 2003.

    200 miles after driving it, it needed a new transmission. I got mine from a dealer that got it from a defunct dealer whom I suspect I used it as a parts car. They(the first dealer) eventually closed. It stickered for 30,495. I ended up getting it for 21,495. All the options cept moon roof.

    After getting the tranny replaced by a factory refurb, I was skeptical. I was proved right...for about 3000 miles, the the tranny "flared" into 3rd gear. That is, on shifting into 3rd the rpms shot up 1k or more.

    I called the dealer, the mgr said "that's because of a tight tolerance issue, it will go away shortly or you can bring it in, we'll replace the tranny again. Well, it went away since I didn't relish spending another 10 days waiting for a new transmission. The service manager told me that driving it wouldn't void the 120k mile warranty.

    Now that I've driven it for just over 8k miles, I find that the mileage is tolerable at around 18. I drive 80 miles a day to/from work. The 4x4 TOD works well on wet roads where it unplants the right rear. I.E. Right turn, uphill, wet road.

    I've found that if I drive this vehicle uphill on a curve in 2 wheel drive, it can get "loose". I find that's an issue of the garbage goodyear invicta tires. If it wouldn't cost me $500 to replace them, I wouldn't complain so much. The stock tires really stink.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    I've purchased an Aussie Locker for my Axiom, it is an automatic locker from Torq Masters. Will installing the locker void my powertrain warranty? I'll keep my old parts for an install if anything goes wrong, should this be a problem.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    My dealer has not dinged me for any modifications. They have maintained that as long as the problem isn't related to the modification, it is still covered...I.e. If your engine fails it is covered. Though with the way Isuzu is going I think we are all hard pressed to get warranty coverage and if so even harder pressed to get "good" warranty coverage (I am not too bitter).

    I say go for it. Any links for the locker, I would like to check it out.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    And not count on having a warranty if you install it. Isuzu is in serious trouble, so if you get a dealer who wants to be a PITA, Isuzu is gonna back them up on it.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just as a backup on the isuzu one.

    -mike
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    Are not available in CA. Warranty Gold and a bunch of others keep sending me solicitations but when I go to their website and select CA for the state I get a disclaimer regarding legislation in CA. I'll keep my spares and cross my fingers. I'll also try to do a write up on the install hope to get it done on Saturday.
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    I am getting ready to dump these garbage Goodyear Integrity tires before the snow comes. One winter with these was more than enough. I am leaning towards the Michelin Cross Terrains.

    I could get a great price on them from Tire Rack in size 255/60-17 ($113.00 a piece). The tire wheel calculator says they will only be off by 0.07% or .05 mph at 70mph.

    My question is will this size work on the stock wheels and has anyone else gone up to this size?
    What kind of problems could I expect if any?
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    I never really noticed this before but I was running Cabin Temp on Auto today set to 75 degrees (outside temp around 45) and the air-conditioning light stays on all of the time in auto temp mode no matter what the temp is set to.

    On previous vehicles the air-conditioner would definitely cycle off during the winter months as it is not required when heating the interior.

    Any thoughts on this one? Do your Axioms do the same thing?
  • axguyaxguy Member Posts: 16
    All my cars with auto temp control run the compressor year round. If you want to turn the compressor off, just press the ac button after you've pressed the auto button. The little ac light should go off. The compressor is needed in winter when it's humid,ie raining or snowing. Keeps the windows from fogging up. When the compressor is on during the winter, it still cycles on and off.
    Jeff
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    This is a question that always bothered me. When I press Auto of climate control, the A/C kicks in no matter what the outside temperature is. This happens on all cars with climate control, at least on cars that I had (Nissan Maxima, Nissan Altima) and currently have (Isuzu Axiom, Mazda Millennia). Why?! I do not need A/C when I need to heat up the interior to certain temperature level. The problem is that when you press A/C while Auto is ON to turn off the air compressor, it disengages the Auto mode. You try to change the mode of air flow - it also disengages the Auto. Anything you try to change while in Auto - the Auto goes off. I don't want climate control to decide for myself how and where to blow the air! I want it to do its main job - keep the temperature at certain level!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It puts the AC on in auto-mode, but you can hit the AC button to disengage the compressor and it works in auto-mode w/o AC.

    -mike
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I can turn off the AC in auto mode in my Axiom and it remains in auto mode.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    I, too, can hit the a/c button in "auto" mode and it will not disengage "auto" mode. But, if you tinker with the blower setting or directional setting - "auto" mode goes off.
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    I confirmed that Auto mode stays on when turning A/C off in Axiom. To be honest, this is the first vehicle that I have seen that allows climate control to work in Auto mode after turning the A/C off. My second car (Mazda Millenia) disengages Auto when A/C is turned off. Other previously owned cars (Nissan Altima GLE and Nissan Maxima GLE) also would disengage the Auto mode.

    But, still, it is inconvenient to turn the A/C off every time going to Auto mode. I wish the previous Auto settings stay in memory when turning climate control to Auto next time.
  • pocket78pocket78 Member Posts: 1
    Anyone know where to find a rear wiper or blade for an '02 Axiom? Nobody seems to carry them. I'ld hate to have to order this thru the dealer. :(
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    I just leave my settings the same and don't screw with them and don't have to reset anything. As long as you don't hit the "auto" button when in auto mode and with the a/c off...your settings will stay that way as long as you don't hit the "auto" button or mess with the blower, temp, or directional settings.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Snagged a piece of firewood or something on an exit ramp and all it caught was the skid plate that is supposed to protect the tranny. Well, long story short...the bolt holding the skid plate to the transfer case held fast and instead of stripping or the plate breaking...the surrounding metal around the hole for the bolt securing the skid plate now has a jagged hole in it. Damage from a super strong bolt - $2840.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That seems a bit excessive.

    What exactly did they replace for $2800?

    -mike
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    I'd like to see what was repaired, a cross member maybe? Possibly transmission mounts as well? Give us a breakdown of the parts.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Claims rep just called to break down repairs and just for the transfer case alone...it was $2,391.00. The rest was labor and to replace the fluids. I think they called it the transfer case assembly. I asked the rep to send me the pictures so I can maybe upload them so you guys can see the damage.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    Maybe everyone should be looking into a custom skid plate. Well, I don't need one, had mine produced without a transfer case.... i.e. 2wd ;)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Your insurance company is getting taken I think...

    :(

    -mike
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Oh, I'm sure of it. But I also considered that Isuzu probably wouldn't honor my warranty on the powertrain if they didn't replace the whole transfer case. Seems like that is something that could've been welded or even just a new casing/pan for the transfer case like an oil pan can be replaced. However, I don't know much about trannies and again I think the warranty would have been questionable barring a complete replacement of the part. Of course the insurance company doesn't care since they can just raise my rates to something astronomical to more than pay for the difference in my deductible and their out of pocket.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    I had a GMC Jimmy and the transmission went out. The replacement transmission only had a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty. You should get the powertrain warranty after the replaced transfer case in writing. I.e. powertrain warranty includes transer case replaced on xx/xx/2003 at xx,xxx mileage.
    You need to check on the warranty after a large component has been replaced.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    They advised that since it was a genuine Isuzu part and that the Isuzu dealer did the repair...it would not affect my warranty.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Is it the tires on the Ax that cause the ABS to engage at the slightest slippage?! I cannot stand it if it is. I don't know if it is the difference in this being a 3-channel ABS system vs. a 4-channel, but I hope it is the tires. Anyone changed tires and had enough experience with them to tell a difference in how the ABS reacts with different tires?
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    I replaced my tires and tested the ABS in a parking lot, the Axiom performs much better now! I usually take the truck out every year and test it when the first rains fall.
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I have had mine for exactly two years (XS 4WD). I have only had the ABS engage once and that was with me trying to egage them on an empty snow covered street (with the integritys). I wanted to see how sensitive they were. It actually wasn't that easy to get them to engage. I have heard several accounts about Axiom owners complaining about the ABS but fortunately it hasn't been a problem on mine.

    I have never had trouble braking with the Integritys but could break the rear end loose under hard acceleration on both dry and wet pavement if I wasn't in TOD. Since I have put the Cross terrains on, I haven't had the rear end break loose once. The traction and all around performance of the cross terrains are very good.
  • scoobyaxscoobyax Member Posts: 51
    k2rm... when you bought the cross terrains did you stay with the original size of 235/65 or did you go up at all? Looks like the Michelins are the way to go...

    Anyone buy a larger tire without any mods? I'm not looking to lift the ax at all, just curious what others have experienced.
      
    Thanks, Happy Holidays Everyone!
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I went with the same size. The tire shop had to special order them since the stock size isn't very common. Only took two days to get them though.
  • kurtaaeekurtaaee Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to replace my suzuki grand vitara for a more powerful SUV.I found ,between others 02 Axiom with 4k for 18000.Is it a good deal or I should keep looking? Need opinion =02Axiom verse 01JGC with 33k or 01 Panth. with 29k,prices are about the same.I live in NH,local dealers are too expensive ,I can't afford new car right now.Do you have any sugestions?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Stay away from the JGC - too many mechanical problems. Either the Pathfinder or Axiom would be a great vehicle. I had an Axiom that did great - no problems but finding a dealer for service was getting harder and harder. I now have a Subaru Forester which I like very much and is cheaper than either the Axiom or Path. Good luck.
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    Well, go figure. A 33K miles on JGC vs. 4K mile Axiom? That should be a no brainer.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    As you all may recall, I had to have my whole transfer case replaced due to the skid plate bolt getting snagged and tearing a whole in the transfer case body. Just wanted to advise that since the replacement...I am not having the "bump" noise/sensation in the brake that I had before that lots of us have complained about. I had my old tranny's yoke lubed per directions from this club, but it didn't cure it. This, so far, seems to have fixed that problem in either mode (normal/sport). However, now I have a rattling noise eminating from somewhere. I hope it is either a loose heat-shield or the new skid plates may be loose and rattling.
  • scoobyaxscoobyax Member Posts: 51
    Okay this was just too funny to pass up. An Isuzu ad ran on the Sci-Fi channel on New Years Day. I saw it 3 or 4 times. The ad was nothing amazing, but Isuzu's choice for a TV slot sure was interesting... during the Twilight Zone Marathon!

    Here's my take on what Isuzu is trying to tell us...

    Key the music...

    You have a truck that will last you a lifetime.. The only problem is trying to find service... Your traveling down a road and see an Isuzu dealer... Then you realize... You have just entered... The Twilight Zone!

    See what happens when you watch too much TV!

    Happy New Year Everyone!
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    I had rattling noise coming from the engine area under hard acceleration. I started looking for the problem myself and discovered that a heat shield on the exhaust pipe was vibrating against the pipe. One move with a long screwdriver took care of the problem.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    I hope that is all this is. Really ticks me off that not only did they initially fail to replace my skid plates...but now I'm betting they didn't tighten them good. I had a similar problem on a 1990 Bronco II and merely tore the thing off! It had been welded and the weld broke so off it went! ;) No more rattle.
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    I have recently took a 10-mile ride on an empty expressway, reset my fuel consumption meter and kept the speed between 55 and 65mph. The reading was 26.2 mpg. That is really good! Unfortunately, by the time I got home (in the city), the reading was showing 18 mpg and the next day, it was only 15.6. It is the city driving that's killing fuel economy even when traffic is light and I accelerate as slowly as I can.

    What's your best and worst fuel economy for your Axiom?
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    City driving is tough now matter how "light" your foot is. The worst city I have seen is around 13.5mpg. That was a full tank and only city driving. A lot of stop and go.

    The best highway I have recorded was I believe 23.2 or something like that. Mostly flat with cruise set at 65.
  • axguyaxguy Member Posts: 16
    Mine stays between 13.4 and 13.5. All City driving and lots of short trips. Oh, and a heavy right foot. lol
    Jeff
  • socalstevesocalsteve Member Posts: 34
    I haven't reset the mpg gauge, but my '04 Axiom, with about 2000 miles on it, has inched up from a cumulative 15.8 or so to about 16.6. This is mixed city/freeway driving.
  • axinutzaxinutz Member Posts: 2
    My Ax is a 03 XS 2WD, Anthracite with vapor wheels.

    I have been getting reasonable gas mileage, have about 4400 miles on the vehicle, I drive a 60+ mile roundtrip commute daily over the expressway system. The MPG on the first tank was 16.9 MPG this has gradually improved to about 18.9 MPG over the same roads.

    I just took a 1200 mile trip, about 900 miles was interstate driving at 70-75 MPH, averaged 20.0 mpg, the highest highway gas mileage on the first leg was 20.2 mpg. The remaining 300 miles was running around in the city. All of these MPG figures are based on the trip computer reading.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Well, the mysterious "thump" during braking is back. Guess it is just in the nature of the beast.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    BTW, the rattle I heard was a bolt laying out the drain hole in the new skid plate. Concerns me to find a bolt just laying around, but I didn't see anything loose or anywhere it might logically go.
  • grn95grn95 Member Posts: 48
    new to townhall, wanted to comment on MPG. 2002 Isuzu Axiom Base 4x4. Have been averaging 15.8 since purchase, after installing Calmini air filter cone could not get better than 10. After messing with filter cone finally installed original airbox and still can not get better than 13. Have checked all hoses, etc. Have reset computer multiple times and even disco negative battery cable. Very frustrated, any ideas out there?
  • grn95grn95 Member Posts: 48
    cptsesso, re: tire size on stock wheels, i went with a set of 265/60/17 Kuhmo Escta STX's on stock wheels. No rubbing probs @ all> I had test fit a 275/55/17 on a 17x8 wheel but there was hardly any clearance @ all-they would not have worked without lots of rubbing in the front over bumps/curbs/etc. The Kuhmo's are a vast improvement over the skinny Goodyears in dry and rainy pavement. As they are "V" rated they do not handle great in the snow but overall not too bad. The Axiom looks 100% better also with these beefy tires.
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