Market Position:
A robust and reliable compact pickup truck, popular for utility, light commercial use, and off-road capability, especially in 4WD configurations.
Key Competitors 1989:
Toyota Pickup, Nissan Hardbody, Mazda B-Series, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma.
Vehicle Strengths:
Durability, proven Isuzu diesel engine options, capable 4WD systems, practical utility, relatively simple mechanicals.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), fuel system (carburetor/injection, pumps, lines), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case (4WD models), clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear independent/solid axle configurations), steering system (power/manual), braking system (disc/drum configurations, hydraulic components, parking brake).
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, ignition system, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules (basic).
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, upholstery, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body panel repair, corrosion prevention.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), lubrication points, belt tensioning, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhauls, transmission repair, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, ball joints), steering rack repair, exhaust system repair, fuel system component replacement.
Troubleshooting Guidelines:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems.
Diagnostic Techniques:
Basic electrical diagnostics, mechanical testing procedures (compression tests, leak-down tests), visual inspection guidelines.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and overhaul procedures. Suitable for full vehicle teardowns and rebuilds.
Engine Options Gasoline:
2.3L (4ZD1) I4, 2.6L (4ZE1) I4.
Engine Options Diesel:
2.2L (C223) Diesel I4, 2.7L (4JB1) Turbo Diesel I4 (depending on market and trim).
Performance Gasoline 2.3L
Displacement 2.3L:
2253 cc
Horsepower 2.3L:
Approx. 100-110 hp @ 4600-4800 rpm (varies by market and fuel delivery).
Torque 2.3L:
Approx. 125-135 lb-ft @ 2600-3000 rpm (varies by market and fuel delivery).
Performance Gasoline 2.6L
Displacement 2.6L:
2559 cc
Horsepower 2.6L:
Approx. 110-120 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm (fuel injected).
Torque 2.6L:
Approx. 140-150 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm (fuel injected).
Displacement Diesel 2.2L:
2200 cc
Horsepower Diesel 2.2L:
Approx. 60-70 hp @ 4300 rpm (Naturally Aspirated).
Torque Diesel 2.2L:
Approx. 90-100 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (Naturally Aspirated).
Performance Diesel 2.7L Turbo
Displacement Diesel 2.7L:
2697 cc
Horsepower Diesel 2.7L:
Approx. 95-105 hp @ 3800-4000 rpm (Turbocharged).
Torque Diesel 2.7L:
Approx. 140-150 lb-ft @ 2000-2500 rpm (Turbocharged).
Fuel System Gasoline:
Carbureted (2.3L) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) (2.6L).
Fuel System Diesel:
Indirect Injection (IDI) with rotary or inline fuel injection pumps.
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based ignition system with electronic control (on EFI models).
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with engine-driven fan or clutch fan.
Oil Capacity Gasoline:
Approx. 4.5-5.5 quarts (4.3-5.2 liters) with filter, check manual for exact specification.
Oil Capacity Diesel:
Approx. 6-7 quarts (5.7-6.6 liters) with filter, check manual for exact specification.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (market dependent).
Drivetrain Configurations
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and Four-wheel drive (4WD) with manual or automatic locking front hubs.
Transfer Case Type 4Wd:
Manual engagement transfer case with 2H, 4H, and 4L (Low Range) settings.
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission).
Transmission Fluid Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Check manual for exact grade.
Transmission Fluid Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or equivalent (DEXRON III may be backwards compatible but consult manual).
Wheelbase Short Bed:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm).
Wheelbase Long Bed:
Approx. 118.1 inches (3000 mm).
Overall Length:
Varies by bed length and cab configuration (e.g., 178-200 inches).
Bed Length Short:
Approx. 6 feet (72 inches).
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 7 feet (84 inches).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3500 lbs (1225-1588 kg) depending on configuration.
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1000-1600 lbs (454-726 kg) depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Approx. 3500-5000 lbs (1588-2268 kg) depending on engine and configuration. Consult owner's manual for specific ratings.
NHTSA Ratings 1989:
Specific NHTSA crash test data for this model year may be limited or unavailable; typically focused on frontal impact. Refer to official NHTSA archives if available.
Active Safety Features:
Rear-wheel anti-lock braking system (RWAL) available on some models/trims.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (three-point in front, lap in rear), reinforced cabin structure, padded dashboard and steering wheel.
Infotainment System 1989:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player; optional premium sound system. Analog instrumentation.
Driver Assistance Features 1989:
Limited to basic active safety features like RWAL. No electronic stability control, traction control, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Connectivity Options 1989:
None in the modern sense. Basic electrical system powers accessories.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment. Check manual.
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on spark plug type. Refer to manual for specific plug numbers and gap.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Check manual; many Isuzu engines of this era used timing chains, but some gasoline models might use belts. If belt, typically 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SF classification, viscosity grades typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 for gasoline engines; 15W-40 or 10W-30 for diesel engines. Consult manual for precise recommendation.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (green), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Ensure protection down to -34°F (-37°C). Check manual for specific type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Use fresh fluid from a sealed container.
Common Issues Gasoline:
Carburetor performance degradation, vacuum leaks, ignition coil failure, exhaust manifold cracks, rust on body panels, rear main seal leaks.
Common Issues Diesel:
Glow plug issues, injector pump calibration, turbocharger wear (on turbo models), head gasket failures, starter motor fatigue, potential for injector line leaks.
Common Issues General:
Rust (particularly wheel wells, rocker panels, frame rails), suspension wear (ball joints, bushings), clutch wear, clutch master/slave cylinder leaks, radiator leaks, power steering leaks.
Isuzu Heritage:
Isuzu Motors Ltd. is a Japanese commercial vehicle and diesel engine manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable utility vehicles and engines.
Isuzu Pickup Generations:
The 1989 model falls within the second generation (1985-1995) of Isuzu pickups, known for significant improvements in styling, comfort, and powertrain options over the first generation.
Production Locations:
Primarily produced in Japan by Isuzu and often rebadged and sold in various markets (e.g., Chevrolet LUV in earlier years, Holden Colorado in Australia).