🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Isuzu

Model:

KB Series

Model Generation:

TF

Production Years Covered:

1993-1996

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck / Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Key Competitors:

Toyota Hilux/4Runner, Nissan Hardbody/Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Triton/Pajero Sport, Ford Ranger/Bronco II, Mazda B-Series/Navajo

Vehicle Reputation:

Known for durability, reliability, and strong off-road capability, particularly in 4WD variants.

Benefits For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving money and extending vehicle lifespan. Provides access to factory-level technical information.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Global (designed for various international markets, primary focus on regions where KB series was prevalent)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All gasoline and diesel engine variants, including: 4ZE1 (2.6L), 4JX1 (3.0L Diesel), C223 (2.2L Diesel), C240 (2.4L Diesel). Coverage includes diagnosis, disassembly, assembly, and specifications.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmissions (e.g., Isuzu AR5, MUA5). Includes removal, installation, overhaul, and component specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, transfer case, axles, driveshafts, differentials. Includes servicing and repair procedures.

Suspension:

Independent front suspension (IFS) and solid rear axle. Includes shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power and manual steering systems, steering rack/box, tie rods, steering column. Includes diagnosis and repair.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brake systems. Includes hydraulic system, calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, parking brake, ABS (if equipped) and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, including: battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, wipers, horn, and fuse/relay locations.

Fuel System:

Fuel delivery (pump, lines, filter), carbureted (if applicable) and fuel injection systems. Includes diagnosis of injectors, fuel pressure, and ECU controls.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cooling fans. Includes flush and fill procedures, leak diagnosis.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, catalytic converter, muffler. Includes inspection and replacement guidance.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Includes blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant system diagnosis.

Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, seats, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components. Includes removal, installation, and adjustment.

Body Electrical:

Body control modules (BCM), power locks, power windows, mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant checks and flushes, brake fluid checks, tire rotations.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues across all major systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Component Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, aiding in diagnosis and repair.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Precise torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and diagnostic data for all components.

Special Tools:

Identification of specialized tools required for specific procedures.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Yes (Searchable PDF content)

Print Options:

Printable (user can print sections or the entire manual)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options Gasoline:

4ZE1 2.6L SOHC (G260Z) 4-cylinder gasoline engine.

Engine Options Diesel:

C223 2.2L Diesel, C240 2.4L Diesel, 4JX1 3.0L DOHC Turbo Diesel (later models).

2.6L 4Ze1 Horsepower:

Approx. 120-130 hp (varies by market and year)

2.6L 4Ze1 Torque:

Approx. 150-160 lb-ft (varies by market and year)

Fuel Delivery Gasoline:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for most models in this range.

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Indirect injection (IDI) or Direct injection (DI) depending on engine. Turbocharging on 4JX1.

ECU Type:

Various ECU models (e.g., Mitsubishi, Denso) depending on engine and market. OBD-I or OBD-II diagnostics may be present.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Manual:

Commonly a 5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

4Wd System:

Part-time 4WD system with manual or automatic locking hubs (depending on trim/year) and transfer case.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Short wheelbase (SWB) and Long wheelbase (LWB) configurations available for pickup models.

Body Styles:

Single Cab, Extended Cab (Space Cab), Double Cab pickups; 2-door and 4-door SUV variants (often called Isuzu Rodeo internationally).

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3000 - 4000 lbs (1360 - 1815 kg) depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Varies significantly by engine and configuration, typically 3500 - 5000 lbs (1588 - 2268 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Info:

Limited official crash test data available for these specific model years and regions; however, construction is generally robust.

Braking System:

Front disc, rear drum brakes. ABS was an option on higher trims or specific markets.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was standard or optional depending on market and year. Passenger airbag generally not available in this generation.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts in the front, 2-point or 3-point in the rear depending on cab/body style.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on some models and markets.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic power accessories (windows, locks on higher trims). No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports typically.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendation.

Engine Coolant Interval:

Initial change at 30,000 miles (50,000 km), then every 2 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) thereafter, depending on coolant type.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Manual: Check periodically, change every 60,000 miles (100,000 km). Automatic: Check periodically, change fluid and filter every 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact specification. Diesel engines may require specific diesel engine oils.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (green color). Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Do not use silicates unless specified for the specific engine.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or specified power steering fluid.

Engine Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially on 4ZE1), timing belt wear (on some engines), diesel injector pump issues, turbocharger failure (on 4JX1).

Transmission Common Problems:

Clutch wear, synchro issues in manual transmissions, occasional leaks or slippage in automatics.

Suspension Common Problems:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, leaky shock absorbers, worn bushings leading to noise and handling issues.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common in older vehicles, particularly on body panels, frame rails, and exhaust systems, depending on climate and maintenance history.

📚 Vehicle History

Isuzu Legacy:

Isuzu has a long history of producing robust diesel engines and commercial vehicles, which influenced the engineering of their light trucks and SUVs.

Kb Series Tf Generation:

The TF generation (produced 1985-1997, with facelifted models in the mid-90s covering the 1993-1996 range) was a significant update, offering improved styling and drivetrains.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan (Fujisawa Plant), with significant assembly in other countries through partnerships (e.g., Thailand, Australia, South Africa).

Rebadging:

The KB series was sold under various names globally, including Isuzu D-Max (in some later markets, though the D-Max nameplate is more associated with the subsequent generation), Holden Rodeo (Australia), Chevrolet LUV (earlier generations, but concept of badge engineering persists).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability Awards:

While not a specific award-winning vehicle in the traditional sense, the KB Series and its SUV variants (like the Trooper/Bighorn) consistently received praise for their off-road prowess and reliability in enthusiast communities and adventure publications.