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Isuzu Trooper

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  • marty2marty2 Member Posts: 11
    My daughter has a oo trooper s 4x4 with 55000k and is using 11/2qts of oil every three days,can't find any leaks. Can some one help me with problem?The dealer wants her to bring the trooper in to do an oil change and evaluate it every few days. Thanks Marty
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    don't attempt to turn on the car until the alchol has dried.

    Likewise, don't try to clean your keyboard in this manner until you've turned off your computer!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Does the vehicle have 55,000 miles or 55,000 kilometers? I'll assume miles. If so, that's quite a few miles for a vehicle that's probably been in service 2 years or so, maybe 3.

    How many miles is she driving every 2-3 days?

    Obviously, 1.5 qts oil consumption every 200-300 miles is way too much for any vehicle, even the 3.2L and 3.5L Troopers, which are well-known to burn more oil than most people are comfortable with.

    Is this an April Fool's joke?
  • cknottcknott Member Posts: 61
    It is my understanding that all the extended vehicles(Trailblazer EXT, Envoy XL, and Ascender) will have the 5.3 V8 option.

    I personally, while I really enjoy my Trooper, was interested in the concept of the Trailblazer EXT/ Ascender vehicle. As a result, I must admit that I have been following the Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada forum. If you follow the posts you will see a number of things:
    1) Reference to links that state that all extended vehicles will get the ALUMINUM 5.3L V8 as an option.
    2) Repetitive problems with steel sleeves dropping out of the cylinder walls of the ALUMINUM block.
    3) Repetitive gas mileage complaints (11-14 mpg) with the 4.2L inline six.
    4) Repetitive problems with mirrors automatically changing positions while driving(they call this "wandering" mirrors)
    5) Repetitive paint chipping problems around the vehicle, but primarily around the license plate.
    6) Repetitive problems with the fan clutch "sticking" on the engine driven fan causing poor engine performance.
    7) Repetitive problems with a front axle seal causing a "squeal" at highway speeds.
    8) Repetitive problems with excessive wind noise at highway speeds.
    9) Numerous dealer complaints, but then these are typical.

    Folks, I was able to come up with this list just by memory without referencing their forum. Please see for yourself. To be honest, I have been and was hoping that I would see the problems go away, but they just haven't so far. Therefore, I believe that the Ascender will carry many of these same problems. Based on my automotive engineering experience, these type of problems are both design and execution(manufacturing) problems.

    Perhaps, if the aluminum 5.3 V8 can be built correctly, I'll put this engine in my Trooper along with the third seats from Australia and will be as close as I can get.
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    I have heard references to #2 on that board, but many dissmiss them for some reason. I think it's a real problem

    3 & 6 are the same I think, most get pretty good mileage IIRC

    4 is a problem

    5 is mainly around the plate, but that sucks

    7 I'm not sure on

    8 Yeah, they can't figure out what way to put on the roof racks :-)

    9 I haven't heard too much about this while reading the board.
  • cknottcknott Member Posts: 61
    Die,

    Don't get me wrong. I am not trying to knock the vehicle, but I have been disappointed with the nature of "repetitive" problems. I have only owned GM trucks prior to my Trooper. My father has had five suburbans and will drive nothing-else.

    From what I have read, the gas mileage issue has been the result of potentially two different problems, high transmission shift points, and the sticking clutch fan.

    The axle seal problem has been the result of poorly install axles seals on the front differential housing on 4wd models.

    I have read that the wind noise problems have resulted from the incorrectly installed luggage racks, and from poorly manufactured rearview mirrors. Some of the folks still complaining despite repair/replacement/reinstallation of mirrors and racks.

    Anyway, I am still hoping that GM is able to eliminate these first/second model year blues by this Fall.

    Back to Troopers!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I thought the 5.3 was across the board, but on the GMC and Chevy sites there is no listing for the 5.3 in these vehicles, nor have I seen any indication by GMC-Chevy that it will be an option. That may have been the bone they threw to Isuzu, who knows.

    -mike
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Seriously, why wouldn't they keep the best stuff for their "own" brands (GM and Chevy), especially when those brands will likely generate many more sales than the Isuzu version.

    Perhaps GM figures the Chevy & GM versions will sell anyway (lots of die-hard American brand buyers and/or captive buyers who get the GM discount), and the Isuzu version will need something special to attract customers?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    In the GMC and Chevy Dealerships if the user wants more power they can get a Yukon or Tahoe with the 5.3 and/or 6.0l engines so they have an avenue to retain the sale whereas at the Isuzu dealer there is nothing to move them up into.

    -mike
  • marty2marty2 Member Posts: 11
    Bluedeveils,

    Thanks for the response. No joke, The trooper has 55000 miles on it,she is driving app.50-60 miles a day at this time.
    Marty
  • savvas_esavvas_e Member Posts: 347
    Bluedevils/Marty,

    I noticed the discussion about oil usage. My 3.5 V6 burns no oil whatsoever and now has 43,000km (about 26,000 miles)on the clock. Is this something that starts with more mileage, or have you always seen this?

    Regards,
    S a v v a s
  • ckmiecckmiec Member Posts: 7
    Hopefully someone can help me here. After being a Jeep owner for the past 5 years, I decided to try out something new, and the Trooper seems to fit the bill. A friend of mine works at a small used car dealer, and can get me a Trooper from the auction for close to cost. What I'm looking at price-wise is '98 with low miles or '99 with average miles. The problem is that I cannot test drive it. I went to a local Isuzu dealer and drove a '02 Trooper, but that's about it. So my question is:

    1. What are the differences between '98 and '99?
    2. What are the differences between the '02 and the old ones?

    I read that in '00 grade logic was added to the trans, and powertrain warranty was added at 120,000 miles. Also, the grill seems to be different on the '02 vs. the '98. Any other major/minor changes?

    Thanks a lot,

    Chris Kmiec
  • boxtrooperboxtrooper Member Posts: 843
    Maybe the dash and controls will be different in the Ascender than in the TrailBlazer/Envoy.

    The Toyota./Chevrolet "Toylet" Prism is a Toyota rebadged as a Chevy and the controls in the Toylet are GM style while the Toyota Corrola version gets Japanese controls like the Camry.

    My 1995 Trooper controls are more like Camry than GM. Dashboard look and feel might be a slight Ascender advantage for some people. I have not seen the dash of the Ascender so I do not know if it is different.
  • schulhofschulhof Member Posts: 71
    In the last two days I have had the opportunity to drive an Escalade and an Expedition in addition to my wifes well used '96 Trooper (which uses no oil).

    Escalade:
    Overboosted steering, lethargic almost scary brake pedal, GM should be ashamed they put Drums on the rear. I felt like I was riding on it, not in it. At 5' 6" I felt like I was swallowed up in the seat (no short jokes folks!). I did like the psuedo wood steering wheel though. Exterior fit and finish was pretty good, interior typical GM.
    Doors were outrageously heavy.

    The only real bright spot was the haull [non-permissible content removed] V8. Oh yeah, and did I mention the psuedo wood wheel, I liked that.

    Expedition:
    Power Steering and brakes were better. I actually preferred the ride to the Escalade too. Inside and out my opinion was rather low quality materials, although the price tag is not too high for such an immense vehicle. Again the V8 hauls [non-permissible content removed]. Doors also quite heavy.

    Overall, the Japanese fit and finish of my ole' Trooper is better than the Ford all around and better than the Escalade in the dash area.

    The Trooper brakes and steering give a much better feel, and I prefer the suspension ride as well.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Our 98 Trooper has been consuming/using/burning oil pretty much since we bought it (was 1 year old corporate service vehicle with 7,000 miles). The consumption rate has not really changed - somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per quart, depending on how closely I'm keeping track.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    One major mechanical difference: 1999 and newer models that have automatic transmission, come standard with the excellent Torque on Demand (TOD) 4-wheel drive system. In 1998, if you had the auto trans, you also needed to buy the Performance Package which included TOD.

    The 1998 Troopers with Performance Package did not include fog lights. I'm pretty sure the 1999 did.

    Personally, I like the front end of the 1998-1999 better than the 2000+.

    Isuzu added an automatic climate control system sometime around the 2000 model year. I don't know if it's much better.

    There's not much to differentiate the 1999 from 1998.

    You'll get the 10yr/120k powertrain warranty only if you are the original owner, and this warranty wasn't available until 2000, if I remember correctly. All subsequent owners are covered 5yrs/60k miles.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    98: TOD was only on the Performance and Luxury Packages, which equate to the LS and Limited respectively
    99: All AT equipped vehicles got TOD
    00: Grade Logic Tranny, Automatic Temp Controls, Nomenclature changed from Perfromance and Luxo to LS and Limited, Moonmist added as color, clear rear turn signals, mesh-rims, slightly different grille, 10/120 warranty std to original owner, drive by wire added
    01: Extra electric fan added in front of A/C radiator, Anniversary Edition with Nagamichi Stereo and leather added to the LS trim level
    02: Rear power outlet added (IIRC), TOD dropped from the S models with AT, price increase, Nagamichi stereo added to Limited trim level

    I think that is all I can think of for now.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I had mine from the get-go, and it has slowly eased back after 15K miles, now at 36K it's only 1Q per 5-6K miles.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    They brought 2wd models back to the US in 01. 00+ also have to have the fuel line recall performed, no big deal, but something to check for.

    My dash and plastic trim resemble a 78 Datsun! However, for I like it and for my use it is great, very durable, solid as a rock. Not one rattle inside.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    00: 2wd Models returned to US, and fuel line recall
    01: No recall on the fuel lines IIRC.
    02: No recall on the fuel lines IIRC.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hey all just figured I'd mention April 26-28 there is a Planetizuzoo Camping and off-roading trip. Lots of stock trucks there. Check the link at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events for more info. It's gonna be a nice weekend, especially cause there will be a bunch of Land Rovers there at a similar event. Usually we have a BBQ and campfire and shoot the breeze til the weee hours of the morning! :)


    -mike

  • boxtrooperboxtrooper Member Posts: 843
    I cannot make it to the April 26-28 Uwharrie trip. I want to go to one of these events and Uwharrie is a short 2hr drive for me. So, when is the next one?
    Thank You
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Probably in July or the fall. No details as of yet.

    -mike
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I don't even know what "drive-by-wire" is, but I seem to remember hearing back on the late '90s that the 1998 Trooper had this. Yet paisan is reporting that it was added to Trooper starting in MY 2000 or something?
  • funitsfunits Member Posts: 55
    According to the pictures at www.isuzu.com, the Ascender dash is identical to my GMC Envoy SLT (differences -- ISUZU instead of GMC in middle of steering wheel; one color seating for Ascender, two-tone for Envoy). Ascender is long wheel base version of Envoy/Trailblazer. New aluminum V8 is also going to be an option for long wheel base Envoy/Trailblazer. Other than sheet metal differences between Envoy/Trailblazer/Bravada, it seems that the Ascender will not offer the ECAS (electronically control air suspension) that is available on the Envoy and Bravada. Standard GMC mid-size SUV platform with slightly different grille/side treatments.
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    just means that a computer controls what is going on instead of a human. On airplanes, the pilot used to fly the plane through direct control. The pilot presses on a pedal which creates pressure on a hydralic/mechanical system which then turns a rudder or a flap. Fly-by-wire means that the pilot presses on a pedal which creates an electric current that goes to a computer. The computer then figures out how much it should actually change the rudder or flap or whatever. Same thing on drive-by-wire, although I don't consider the Trooper to have this. I think the only thing on the Trooper that is drive-by-wire is the engine and tranny, not actual steering controls (some vehicles can break individual wheels to counter act understeer/oversteer, and other situations).
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    In 2000 they introduced the drive by wire on the Troopers and in 2001 on the rest of the isuzu line. Basically your accelerator is not connected to the throttlebody/carburatorthingy via a cable, instead it has a wire that senses how hard you are pressing on the gas and sends a signal to the computer that in turn controls the throttle. MB is coming out with brake-by-wire in some of their newer cars and no one IIRC has steer-by-wire yet.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I used to see the V8 listed on the GMC and Chevy web pages but it is no longer listed on them for the Extended length versions so I'm assuming GM pulled back on the v8 in them. I'm glad there is no Air-suspension on the rear of the Isuzu, it's another piece of garbage to break, like the old caddys from the 80s and 90s that you see with the back hanging low, that is a result of the same type of poor longevity that air suspensions provide.

    -mike
  • fiveharpersfiveharpers Member Posts: 53
    Have you seen the commercial for the new Mercedes Benz G500 SUV where it runs through the crash test wall and out the building. It cracks me up. It looks like MB is copying the Troopers great box styling. But you can buy 3 Troopers for the cost of one of them.
  • savvas_esavvas_e Member Posts: 347
    The Jackaroos have had drive-by-wire since the introduction of the 3.5 V6 and the 3.0 turbo diesel in 1998. However, not quite as Mike describes it. The cable that controls the throttle butterfly is still there, even on the MY02 models. The electronics at the top of the pedal assembly provides all the pedal movement information to the engine management system.

    It is unlikely that we will see full production vehicles with steer-by-wire or brake-by-wire in the near future. Europe has legislation preventing their introduction, and Australia is following the same line.

    The logic is that steering and brakes are too critical for safety, to depend on an electricity supply being always available.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm pretty sure ours don't have the cable but I could be wrong.

    -mike
  • savvas_esavvas_e Member Posts: 347
    I wonder if there is a difference between the US and Oz V6's? There shouldn't be, it all comes out of Fujisawa.

    Mike ... what is grade logic? And while we are at it, what's IIRC?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

    Grade Logic: Basically what it does is if you are completely off the gas pedal on a downhill slope, it will automatically downshift you to a lower gear (usually 4th to 3rd) to provide engine braking. If you are on the gas at all it will keep it in 4th. That is tied in with the Drive-by-wire I'm assuming so that it knows if you are on or off the gas pedal. It works quite nicely, I love it when I'm towing I can just let off the gas and it will downshift to provide that much needed engine braking on long downslopes with a trailer.

    -mike
  • marty2marty2 Member Posts: 11
    S a v v a s,

    The trooper was purchased this past Oct. with 44000 miles on it,it now has app.55000 miles. At this time the oil consumption is 1-3 qt s. of oil per 3 days with app.300 additional miles. no leaks no sign of burning from the exhaust. SOMEONE HELP! :-(

    Marty
  • savvas_esavvas_e Member Posts: 347
    If a car is burning that much oil, then it must be blowing more smoke than usual. Also, the residue at your tailpipe may have an oily feel to it. Is the case with your trooper? If so, then it is definitely burning the oil.

    If not, then it has to be losing the oil somewhere. If there is no visible external leaks, then there may be an internal one. Have a look at your other fluid levels, particularly transmission and coolant. If they are too high, and/or the fluid looks contaminated, you have found the problem.

    In Australia, Holden recommends a 20W-50 oil. When I do a change, I look for an oil that is thinner viscosity cold, but the same viscosity hot. So generally, a 15W-50 or a 10W-50. And like I said before, absolutely zero oil loss.

    Good luck,

    Savvas
  • ckmiecckmiec Member Posts: 7
    ... for the explanations, they helped a lot.

    Is the automatic climate control any good? My wife's car has it and it is great, sort of set it and forget it. But I've driven some cars that had horrible climate control. I guess my question is - is it worth trying to get a '00?
  • tkevinblanctkevinblanc Member Posts: 356
    A vehicle burning a quart every 100 miles will blow a continuous stream of blue smoke out the tailpipe unless you are using Synthetic oil, which doesn't burn nearly as obviously.

    So, it's burning, going into the cooling system, going into the transmission, or going onto the ground. I suppose it is possible that it is being ejected only under pressure onto the ground and so you are not noticing it when the car is not running...
  • savvas_esavvas_e Member Posts: 347
    Hi all,


    There is an outfit in Australia that supplies custom made performance kits for Isuzu V6 models. The kit provides a real increase of 10% in both power and torque, at the driving wheels.


    The kit is quite simple, and is just a new mandrel bent stainless steel sports exhaust system (from engine to tailpipe), and a reusable air filter. More performance increase can be had by modifications to the airbox. There are some Jackaroos getting around with up to 180kw in power, compared to the standard 158kw.


    The principal of the company that makes this kit, is Bruce Garland. Four time winner of the Australian Safari in a Jackaroo/Trooper, and winner of the last Round Australia Rally. Again in a Jackaroo/Trooper. His race V6 is rumoured to belt out around 250kw (or 337 hp) and can achieve over 230km/h (or 140mph)in offroad racing. He knows Troopers better than anyone.


    If you're interested, the details are on -


    http://www.grt.au.nu/Pro/faq.html


    Regards,

    S a v v a s

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Nice stuff.

    -mike
  • radman6radman6 Member Posts: 81
    Today I had the chance to drive a newer Land Cruiser and couldn't help but compare it to my 2000 Trooper S. Overall I found the TLC to be a very solid vehicle that felt a little heavier and a little tighter overall than the Trooper. The V8 was nice and it accelerated smoothly on the freeway. The suspension felt a little firmer and the interior amenities were a little nicer in the TLC - of course the one I drove was loaded with leather and everything else.

    Bottom line - a very nice vehicle, but for me I couldn't see 25K difference between the Trooper and the TLC. I've read several times that owners who had both vehicles felt the Trooper was 4/5 of a Land Cruiser at half the price. I had the same impression after my limited test drive.

    Things I definitely like better about the Trooper include - much better visibility, more airy interior, a better seating position, and better mirrors. I'm also a real fan of the TOD system.

    Some other things I noticed - the TLC has less body lean in the corners but it does lean noticably. The V8 seems a little stronger than the V6 in the Trooper, but much of that extra power is somewhat offset by the heavier wt of the TLC. Would be nicer for towing though. My Trooper has a more nose dive when braking than the TLC. The TLC seemed a little quieter on the road but the steering was a little twitchy for me.

    From my limited test drive I found the TLC to be
    a solid SUV, certainly a world class contender. I'd be happy to own one, but the practical side of me can't see paying that much for what to me would be a marginal gain in performance and functionality. I was pleasantly surprised to find to find the Trooper more than held it's own when being compared to what is arguably the best SUV in the world. I really expected that there would be more difference in the two vehicles, that the TLC would really stand out. Surprisingly, I finished my test drive feeling even better about being a Trooper owner.

    Has anyone else compared the TLC / Trooper lately? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Was it the current body style or the previous? I love the TLC and think of my Trooper as a small version of the TLC as far as capability etc. I should get out and test drive one.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    http://isuzu-suvs.com/gallery/saavas/3row/index.htm


    And updated in the gallery too


    -mike

  • fiveharpersfiveharpers Member Posts: 53
    That much oil loss is above the 1 quart every 1000 miles that Isuzu classifies as normal. You may be able to get Isuzu to look at it, IIRC the powertrain warranty on the Trooper for second owners is half the 10/120 which would be 5/60. Just a thought, Good luck.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I've never driven one but always admired them. Too expensive, even though it's a world-class SUV. I've always considered the newer Troopers to bear many similarities to the LC-- excellent build quality and reliability, roomy boxy shape, outstanding off-road capability, etc.

    A loaded Trooper at a real-world price of $32k would get you about 90% of what an LC offers at $20k more.
  • bstone3bstone3 Member Posts: 97
    That much oil consumption is way out of line - off you go to the Izusu shop and get it fixed while you are still under warranty - I do have this fear that who ever owned that vehicle before you may have had a problem and has passed it on. I bought a used Audi once that did this and I lost the engine - turned out the previous owner did not believe in oil changes - good luck

    The Land Cruise "is nice" but new Troopers (Made in Japan) at $7-8K discount are so much nicer! 17K miles on our 01 LS TOD now - how sweet it is. Wih 5-20 Mobil 1 I use maybe 1 quart every 5k miles - which is when I change it anyway. 18 MPG hiway/16.1 MPG in town - and thats good to normal for any of the truck based SUV's with a 6 cylinder and auto transmission.

    I have the automatic climate control - and its nice - but it would be the last item I would be concerned about if I was looking at a new or used one. You still turn a nob to turn it on and you still slide the other nob to set the temp. Also, when you just want heat that pesky air conditioner light stays on - meaning you are turning the compressor even if you don't need it - so I manually turn it off.

    The biggest issue with the Trooper is suspension, suspension, suspension. Gas shocks, polyurethane bushings do wonders. But the beefier rear springs I've seen talked about on this post would be good too - adds stability to heavy rear loads and I bet it minimizes nose dive while braking.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I leave my AC button in the off position all the time, I only turn it on if it's humid or in the summer.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They don't help the brake dive, but Rancho 9000 or other good Gas shocks do help. I'm also putting in Sway Away Torsion bars as well to help the nose dive and body roll.

    -mike
  • cknottcknott Member Posts: 61
    Savvas,

    Thanks for sending the pictures of 3rd row seats to Mike. Jealousy doesn't adequately describe the feeling.

    Mike,

    Thanks for posting my Jeep pics (you didn't need to) and for posting the pics of the 3rd row seats.

    You guys need to check out the Isuzu Ascender comments made by all the TB/Envoy/Bravada owners in their forum. They are ticked!

    Picture this:
    1) Purchase 2003 Isuzu Ascender with 5.3 V8, 4.10 gears.
    2) Go to GMpartsdirect.com and purchase 6.0L rods and crankshaft, fuel injectors, and computer.
    3) Exchange and install these components into the 5.3 V8.
    4) Purchase 3" suspension lift.
    5) Purchase 305/70/17 tires.
    6) Purchase ARB air lockers front and rear.
    7) Install ARB Bull bar with Warn/Ramsey winch.

    Would that be so bad?

    I was wondering whether the third seats from a Tahoe would fit within the fender wells of a Trooper?

    Chad
  • sdc2sdc2 Member Posts: 780
    I just was looking at the Trailblazer etc. board, and saw this post:

    "I have just bought a Trailblazer LTZ. So far I am very happy with it with one exception. When I fold down the rear seat I have to move the driver seat forward in order to put the seat down. I have to move forward about three inches which makes for an uncomfortable ride. Then when I take the key out and the seat moves back it gets jammed agains the back seat. also the back seat doesnt fold flat. I this the way its supposed to be? I cant believe they designed the truck this way. The only way I can put the rear seat down is to move my seat almost all the way forward. I'm 6'2, makes driving a little difficut and unsafe."

    That is a BIG deal to me, as I am 6'3". I guess the TB/Env/Brav/Asc won't be MY next vehicle.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The extended versions aren't out yet and the 2nd row will likely be moved back a bit. It did suck when I testdrove one that the back seat didn't fold with the front seat all the way back.

    -mike
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