🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Isuzu

Model:

KB TF 140

Year:

2003

Generation Identifier:

Third Generation (TF)

Platform Code:

TF

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Type:

Light Commercial Vehicle / Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops

Key Competitors Segment:

Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton (L200), Ford Ranger

Manual Advantage:

Factory-level accuracy and completeness, same as dealer-used manuals

User Friendliness:

Designed to be simple to use with step-by-step instructions

Scope:

Covers all parts of the vehicle for repair and maintenance

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete service and repair

Engine Coverage:

Diesel and Petrol variants

Drivetrain Coverage:

Transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain components

Chassis Coverage:

Frame, suspension, steering, brakes

Body Coverage:

Body panels, interior trim, heating, air conditioning

Electrical Coverage:

Body electrical systems, wiring diagrams, diagnosis

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (actual count not specified, implies comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Fuel systems (Petrol & Diesel), ignition systems (Petrol), injection systems (Diesel), cooling systems, lubrication systems, exhaust systems, engine mechanicals

Powertrain:

Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, transfer case (if applicable), driveshafts, differentials

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped), wheel alignment

Body And Interior:

Body construction, doors, windows, locks, bumpers, interior trim, seating, HVAC system

Electrical And Electronics:

Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, power accessories, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for all major systems, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, body components, and electrical systems

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing major components such as engine, transmission, starter, alternator, radiator, brake calipers, etc.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and rebuild procedures

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations

Electrical Diagrams:

Full electrical wiring schematics for all systems

Diagnostic Charts:

Flowcharts and tables for troubleshooting common issues

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of any specialized tools required for specific repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Searchable text, zoomable pages

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction)

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text

Type:

Digital (PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Example:

4JA1 (Common for TF)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (e.g., 2499 cc)

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Aspirated Type:

Naturally Aspirated (common for this era)

Power Output Estimate:

Approximately 75-80 HP (varies by specific engine variant)

Torque Output Estimate:

Approximately 160-170 Nm (varies by specific engine variant)

Engine Code Example:

C24SE (Common for TF)

Displacement:

2.4 Liters (e.g., 2389 cc)

Fuel Type:

Petrol (Gasoline)

Cylinders:

4-cylinder

Power Output Estimate:

Approximately 110-120 HP (varies by specific engine variant)

Torque Output Estimate:

Approximately 180-190 Nm (varies by specific engine variant)

Diesel System:

Indirect Injection (IDI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on variant, with rotary or inline fuel injection pumps

Petrol System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Type Diesel:

5-speed manual

Type Petrol:

5-speed manual

Type Diesel:

4-speed automatic (less common on base models)

Type Petrol:

4-speed automatic

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Four-wheel drive (4WD/4x4)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Manual or electronically controlled transfer case for 4WD models

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Single Cab, Extended Cab (Space Cab), Double Cab

Wheelbase Typical:

Approx. 2850 mm - 3050 mm (varies by cab type and bed length)

Curb Weight Estimate:

Approx. 1600 kg - 1900 kg (varies significantly by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Estimate:

Approx. 2500 kg - 2900 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official global safety ratings for this specific model year from major agencies like NCAP, often basic safety features for its class and era.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or as an option

Traction Control:

Rarely equipped on this generation

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on many models, passenger airbag optional or absent on some variants

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, two-point lap belts for rear occupants in some configurations

💡 Technology Features

System Type:

Basic single-DIN or double-DIN radio/cassette/CD player; aftermarket upgrades are common.

Features:

Limited driver assistance features for this era. ABS was the primary electronic assistance available.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Typically features auxiliary inputs for external devices if equipped.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 20,000 - 40,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Typically 20,000 - 40,000 km, crucial for diesel engine health.

Timing Belt Replacement:

If equipped with a timing belt (some diesel variants may use chains), typically 80,000 - 100,000 km. Check specific engine.

Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:

API CF or CH-4 rated, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 (consult manual for precise grade and capacity).

Engine Oil Petrol Viscosity:

API SG or SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for precise grade and capacity).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, typically a long-life coolant (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible or green coolant, consult manual).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF (consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (consult manual).

Common Diesel Issues:

Glow plug issues, injector pump wear, potential for head gasket failure under heavy load or overheating, exhaust manifold cracks (less common).

Common Petrol Issues:

Ignition coil failure, spark plug fouling, minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, thermostat issues.

Chassis Corrosion:

Rust and corrosion can be an issue on older vehicles, especially in coastal or high-salt environments; check frame, suspension components, and body panels.

Electrical Issues:

Wiring harness degradation, earth point corrosion, minor issues with power windows or central locking on high-mileage examples.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, and shock absorbers can wear over time, leading to poor handling and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Isuzu is renowned for its robust diesel engines and commercial vehicles.

Generation Context:

The Isuzu KB TF (also known as Isuzu Rodeo, Isuzu D-Max in later generations, or Chevrolet Colorado in some markets) is a long-running line of pickup trucks dating back to the 1970s. The third generation (TF) ran from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s and was built in various global markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

South Africa (for the South African market and export), Thailand, and other global locations under various brand names.