Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Usp Vehicle:
Renowned for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and reliability, often compared favorably to body-on-frame competitors.
Key Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero
Chassis Construction:
Body-on-frame construction, providing durability and off-road resilience.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in 2WD and robust 4WD configurations with low-range transfer case.
Suspension Design:
Independent front suspension for improved on-road manners and solid rear axle for off-road durability.
Interior Flexibility:
Spacious interior with flexible seating arrangements, often including a third-row option.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed technical information crucial for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, saving on dealership costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, engine management (ECU), turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (including electronic control, torque converter, shift solenoids, fluid management)
Drivetrain:
4-Wheel Drive (4WD) system, transfer case (manual and electronic control), front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, hubs
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (IFS), rear solid axle, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars, steering knuckle
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack/box, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid lines
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, parking brake system
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, multiplexed systems (if applicable)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant lines, controls, cabin air filter
Body And Frame:
Chassis structure, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seals
Body Electronics:
Power windows, power door locks, mirrors, alarm system, remote keyless entry, interior lighting, wipers, horn
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS system), seat belts, ABS (detailed diagnostics)
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, fault code interpretation
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, steering component replacement, HVAC system repair, electrical component repair
Diagnosis:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system information, scan tool usage (for applicable systems)
Adjustment:
Valve clearance adjustment, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment, wheel alignment specifications
Installation And Removal:
Component removal and installation procedures for all major parts, including engine, transmission, axles, body panels, and interior components
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls and repairs.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using specialized tools and diagnostic equipment for advanced troubleshooting.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded for clarity.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of required special tools for specific procedures.
Engine Code Gasoline:
3.5L V6 (3500) - 6VD1
Engine Displacement Gasoline:
3.5 Liters (3494 cc)
Engine Configuration Gasoline:
SOHC V6 (60-degree bank angle)
Horsepower Gasoline:
Approx. 190-215 hp (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Gasoline:
Approx. 220-230 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tuning)
Alternative Engine Diesel
Engine Code Diesel:
3.0L Turbo Diesel (4JX1)
Engine Displacement Diesel:
3.0 Liters (2999 cc)
Engine Configuration Diesel:
DOHC Inline 4-cylinder (with Turbocharger and Intercooler)
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 160 hp
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 260-280 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per market specification)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection, Common Rail (CRDI) with Turbocharger
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel fuel
0 To 60 Mph Gasoline:
Approx. 9-10 seconds (varies with configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
★★★★ (4-star rating for frontal impact driver in some years)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
★★★★ (4-star rating for frontal impact passenger in some years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable to Good (varying by year and specific test configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels for models of this era.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some higher trims/later models.
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional limited-slip differential (LSD) for the rear axle on some 4WD models for enhanced traction.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger) standard. Side airbags were not common for this generation.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, including pretensioners for front seats.
Rollover Protection:
Designed with a relatively low center of gravity for its class, but as with any SUV, driver awareness is key.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), depending on driving conditions. The manual specifies inspection and replacement intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000 - 75,000 miles (80,000 - 120,000 km).
Transfer Case Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CF-4 or CG-4, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (synthetic for cold climates). Specific Isuzu spec is vital.
Coolant:
Isuzu Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) - ethylene glycol-based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid Mtf:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90.
Power Steering Fluid:
DEXRON-II or equivalent (check specific recommendations).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues Diesel:
Early 4JX1 diesel engines (particularly pre-2000) could experience injector issues, head gasket failures, and turbocharger problems if not maintained rigorously. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these.
Common Issues Gasoline:
V6 6VD1 can experience intake manifold gasket leaks, spark plug blow-out (requiring inserts), and potential oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan.
Common Issues Suspension:
Wear in ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends, leading to steering looseness and tire wear. Rear shock absorber leaks.
Common Issues Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, particularly in damp environments. Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues.
Common Issues HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures within the HVAC system, blower motor resistor failure.
Isuzu History:
Isuzu Motors is a Japanese commercial vehicle and diesel engine manufacturing company, historically known for rugged, reliable vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.
Trooper Generation Ubs:
The UBS generation (also known as second generation Trooper) was introduced in 1991 and received a significant facelift and powertrain updates in 1998 for the North American market, leading into the model years covered by this manual.
Design Changes 1998 Update:
The 1998 update introduced a smoother exterior design, a more refined interior, and crucially, the powerful 3.5L V6 engine (6VD1) and the advanced 3.0L Turbo Diesel (4JX1) in many markets.
Production Period Ubs:
1991-2002
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Isuzu, with some assembly or versions potentially handled in other global markets.
Sales Performance:
The Trooper was a strong performer in the SUV market during its production run, known for its utility and durability.