Segment:
Mid-size SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle
Market Niche:
Affordable, capable off-road oriented SUV, often competing with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Cherokee/Liberty.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Powertrain Options:
Robust body-on-frame construction, available 4WD system with low-range gearing, reliable V6 engines.
Value Proposition:
Offers good utility and off-road capability at a competitive price point, known for durability.
Primary Coverage:
Full Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Component Overhaul
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) Equivalent / Professional Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, but confirmation pending)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4WD/RWD), Transfer Case, Differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories, Cruise Control, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Seats, Bumpers
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, DTC code interpretation and resolution, system testing procedures, sensor data analysis
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance/voltage readings
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
3.5L V6 (3500) - RPO: LG3
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3475 cc)
Configuration:
SOHC V6, 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder)
Bore X Stroke:
93.4 mm x 85.0 mm
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Alternative Engine:
3.5L V6 (3500) - RPO: L50 (later models, minor updates)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Length:
Approximately 184.5 - 188.1 inches (4686 - 4778 mm)
Width:
Approximately 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approximately 67.3 - 68.9 inches (1709 - 1750 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,800 - 4,200 lbs (1724 - 1905 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 1,100 - 1,500 lbs (499 - 680 kg)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Good (for driver and passenger) - for models equipped with side airbags.
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; available front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Available factory-installed GPS navigation system on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not commonly found on early models; aftermarket solutions are typical.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory on most models; requires aftermarket installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for automatic, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for manual. Check manually for specific conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Both primary engines are chain-driven).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL; SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter change.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron-VI for newer compatible fluids).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Coolant Type:
GM/Isuzu specified Long Life Coolant (Blue or Orange depending on specific formulation).
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common occurrences include leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals due to age and mileage.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmissions (4L30-E) can sometimes develop shifting problems or solenoid failures. Manual transmissions are generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends are wear items, especially in vehicles used for off-roading.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Canister purge valve or vent solenoid failures can trigger Check Engine Lights (CEL).
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional pump whine or leaks can occur.
Manufacturer Origin:
Isuzu Motors Ltd., Japan
Brand Reputation:
Known for durable diesel engines and robust off-road vehicles. Partnership with GM influenced many models.
Generation:
Second Generation Isuzu Rodeo (1998-2004) continued into 2003-2004. Models from 2005 onwards are part of the third generation (2005-2008) but often share many mechanical underpinnings.
Second Generation Updates:
Minor styling and equipment updates for 2003-2004 model years. Introduction of the 3.5L V6 as the primary engine.
Third Generation Introduction:
The 2005 model year saw a significant redesign for the Isuzu Rodeo. This manual covers both the later second-generation (2003-2004) and the complete third generation (2005-2008).
Manufacturing Location:
Isuzu's Lafayette, Indiana plant (joint venture with Subaru and later GM).
Production Discontinuation:
The Isuzu Rodeo was discontinued in North America after the 2008 model year, largely due to Isuzu's shift away from light-duty consumer vehicles in the US market.
Jdpowers Initial Quality:
While specific awards may vary by year, the Rodeo generally received average to above-average ratings in initial quality surveys from publications like J.D. Power and Associates in its earlier iterations.
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings from Consumer Reports varied over the production run, with some years showing average to good reliability, while others experienced more issues, particularly with powertrain components.
Emission Standards:
Certified to meet EPA emission standards for its respective model years (e.g., LEV - Low Emission Vehicle for some California-compliant models).
