Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck / Light Commercial Vehicle
Target Audience:
Work utility, personal transport, light commercial use.
Key Competitors Era:
Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton/L200, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara.
Vehicle Strengths:
Ruggedness, durability, reliability, capable off-road performance, straightforward mechanics, value for money.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine repair, diagnostics, and overhaul for gasoline and diesel variants.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on fuel injection systems (common rail diesel, MPI gasoline), ignition systems, emissions control systems, and ECU diagnosis.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, including differentials, driveshafts, and transfer cases.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including components, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake system service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS diagnosis, and component replacement.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays, lighting systems, and battery maintenance.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, and chassis component service.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Body Control Modules:
Diagnosis and troubleshooting of body control modules and related sensors.
Maintenance:
Detailed scheduled maintenance procedures, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and common fault finding for various vehicle systems.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and specific diagnostic trees for various components.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, and electrical values.
Coverage Level:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Detail Level:
High; includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, and precise technical data.
Gasoline Options:
2.4L (2398cc) 4G64 SOHC 16-valve I4; 2.5L (2477cc) 4G69 SOHC 16-valve I4.
Diesel Options:
2.5L (2499cc) 4JA1-TC I4 Turbo-Diesel (Direct Injection); 3.0L (2999cc) 4JJ1-TC I4 Turbo-Diesel (Common Rail).
4Ja1-Tc Power:
Approx. 79 kW (106 hp) @ 3500 rpm
4Ja1-Tc Torque:
Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 2000 rpm
4Jj1-Tc Power:
Approx. 100-120 kW (134-161 hp) @ 3200-3400 rpm
4Jj1-Tc Torque:
Approx. 320-370 Nm (236-273 lb-ft) @ 1800-2000 rpm
Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
4Ja1-Tc Fuel System:
Direct Injection (DI) with Turbocharger
4Jj1-Tc Fuel System:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) with Turbocharger and Intercooler
Ancap Rating:
Varies by market and specific test year; generally 3-4 stars during this period.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims.
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) often paired with ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, CD player, and optional MP3 compatibility depending on trim level.
Display:
Simple digital or analog displays for audio and climate controls.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels and certain engine/transmission combinations.
Bluetooth:
Rarely standard; may be an aftermarket addition or available on very late/high-spec models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and engine oil used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-40,000 km, or sooner if operating in dusty environments.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 30,000-60,000 km for diesel engines.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific engine requirement).
Engine Oil Diesel 4Ja1-Tc:
API CF-4 or CG-4, SAE 15W-40 (check specific requirement).
Engine Oil Diesel 4Jj1-Tc:
API CI-4 or CJ-4, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (low ash content recommended for CRDI).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., ATF Dexron-III).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Long-life (red/pink) coolant may be specified for later models.
Diesel Injector Wear:
Potential wear on diesel injectors and injection pumps with high mileage or poor fuel quality, particularly on older 4JA1 engines.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Turbocharger failures can occur due to lack of oil changes or oil contamination. Intercooler hoses can split.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is common in manual transmission models, especially under heavy load or towing.
Rust Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion can be an issue on chassis components, particularly in coastal or high-humidity environments.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Occasional reports of rear main oil seal leaks on some engine variants.
Isuzu Legacy:
Isuzu has a long-standing reputation for building robust diesel engines and reliable commercial vehicles.
Dmax Lineage:
The D-Max is the successor to the Isuzu Rodeo/TF series pickup truck, evolving into a global platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Thailand, with assembly plants in other regions for specific markets.
Generation Introduction:
The second generation D-Max (RB) was introduced globally starting around 2002/2003, with the 'Colorado' nameplate used in several markets, including Australia and South America, for this generation.