Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck (Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Commercial users, tradespeople, recreational users, fleet operators
Key Competitors:
Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton/L200, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara/Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado/S-10
Vehicle Philosophy:
Robustness, reliability, durability, capability (off-road and payload)
Distinctive Attributes:
Isuzu's long-standing reputation for diesel engine expertise, simple yet strong construction
Geographic Coverage:
Global (specific regions may have variations)
Vehicle Variants Covered:
All D-MAX variants, including single cab, extended cab, crew cab, 4x2 and 4x4 configurations
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era and vehicle type)
Format:
Printed physical manual
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel and exhaust systems
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual/automatic), clutch, drive shafts, differentials, 4WD system operation
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, basic electrical component identification
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC system, infotainment system (radio/CD player), power windows, door locks, mirrors, seats
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, child restraint systems, lighting operation, warning indicators
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-ups, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement
Inspections:
Regular visual inspections of belts, hoses, brakes, tires, and fluid levels
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic problem diagnosis
Vehicle Operation:
Starting and driving, gear selection, parking, towing information, 4WD engagement
Emergency Procedures:
Changing a tire, jump starting, basic safety precautions
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation, not a full workshop/service manual
Engine Code Typical:
4JA1-TC (2.5L Turbo Diesel), 4JH1-TC (3.0L Turbo Diesel)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Turbocharged Diesel
Displacement 2 5L:
2499 cc
Displacement 3 0L:
2999 cc
Horsepower 2 5L Approx:
76 kW (102 hp) @ 3600 rpm
Torque 2 5L Approx:
240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 2000 rpm
Horsepower 3 0L Approx:
85 kW (114 hp) @ 3500 rpm
Torque 3 0L Approx:
280 Nm (207 lb-ft) @ 2000 rpm
Injection System:
Direct Injection (Common Rail for later 3.0L models, indirect for earlier 2.5L)
Emission Controls:
Euro III/IV compliance (depending on market), catalytic converter
Wheelbase Approx:
3050 mm (Crew Cab)
Overall Length Approx:
5000-5200 mm (depending on cab configuration and bed length)
Overall Width Approx:
1770-1800 mm
Overall Height Approx:
1650-1700 mm
Bed Length Approx:
1500-1800 mm (depending on cab and bed configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:
2700-3000 kg (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Approx:
1700-2000 kg (depending on configuration)
Payload Capacity Approx:
800-1000 kg
Towing Capacity Approx:
1500-2500 kg (braked, depending on market regulations)
Crash Test Ratings:
Varies by region and testing body; generally focused on structural integrity for utility
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (ABS optional or standard on higher trims)
Traction Control:
Typically not standard; Electronic Stability Control (ESC) uncommon on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard or optional depending on market and trim
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear lap and 3-point seatbelts (depending on cab)
Child Restraint:
ISOFIX child seat anchor points (availability varies by market/trim)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, 2-4 speakers (depending on trim).
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input jack may be present on later models, limited Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels, not standard.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors may be available as an aftermarket or dealer-installed option.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era diesel engines)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km or 12 months
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 40,000 km or 24 months
Timing Belt Chain:
Most engines in this era use timing chains, which are generally maintenance-free for the life of the engine. If equipped with a belt (less common), it would typically be 80,000-100,000 km.
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CI-4 or higher, SAE 15W-40 (check specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity 2 5L Approx:
6.5 Liters (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 3 0L Approx:
6.5 Liters (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (typically blue or green)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (especially in heavy-use applications), suspension bushings, brake pads/rotors, exhaust system components.
Diesel Specific Concerns:
Glow plug failure, injector issues if poor quality fuel is used, turbocharger wear over time, potential for EGR valve clogging.
Electrical Quirks:
Older wiring harnesses can sometimes develop corrosion or fraying, especially in humid or off-road environments.
Brand Focus:
Isuzu has a long history of producing reliable diesel engines and commercial vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.
Predecessor:
Isuzu Rodeo (in some markets) or earlier Isuzu Pickup models
Design Basis:
Based on the second-generation Isuzu TF platform, which also formed the basis for several other manufacturers' pickup trucks through OEM agreements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Thailand, but also manufactured or assembled in other locations globally
Market Launch:
The D-MAX replaced the Isuzu Faster/TF in many markets and was globally launched around 2002-2003.
