Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size/Full-size SUV.
Oem Relationship:
Re-badged GMC Envoy, indicating a GM platform basis.
Seating Capacity:
Initially offered as a 7-passenger model, with a 5-passenger model introduced in 2005.
Brand Portfolio Position:
Isuzu's last and only passenger vehicle for a period, preceding the i-Series pickup trucks.
Regional Availability:
Not sold in Canada due to Isuzu's withdrawal from that market.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Cooling System, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Starting System, Accelerator Control System, Clutch, Transaxle & Transmission, Driveline, Front Axle, Rear Axle.
Chassis:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Road Wheels & Tires, Brake System, Parking Brake System, Brake Control System, Steering System, Steering Control System.
Body & Interior:
Seat Belt, SRS Airbag, SRS Airbag Control System, Ventilation System, Heater & Air Conditioning System, Heater & Air Conditioning Control System, Interior, Instrument Panel, Seat, Automatic Drive Positioner, Door & Lock, Security Control System, Glass & Window System, Power Window Control System, Roof, Exterior, Body Repair, Mirrors, Exterior Lighting System, Interior Lighting System, Wiper & Washer, Defogger, Horn, Power Outlet.
Electrical & Electronics:
Body Control System, LAN System, Power Control System, Charging System, Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements, Meter, Warning Lamp & Indicator, Warning Chime System, Audio, Visual & Navigation System, Cruise Control System.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of all vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic steps for identifying and resolving issues.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks and schedules.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive; suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced professional mechanics.
Illustrations And Photos:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations to guide repair and service procedures.
Diagnostic Tools:
While not explicitly stating required tools, the depth of the manual implies the use of common automotive diagnostic tools and possibly a professional scan tool for electronic systems.
Format Details:
PDF format, compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.
Searchability:
PDF format is typically searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific topics.
Printability:
All pages are printable, allowing for custom printing of specific sections or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital download, printable)
Paper:
N/A (Digital download, printable)
Engine Options:
Available with inline-6 and V8 engines. A Displacement on Demand (DoD) V8 was introduced in 2005.
Engine Code Examples:
Manual will detail specific engine codes associated with the inline-6 (e.g., LM7 for V8) and their configurations.
Engine Displacement:
Commonly associated with GM's Atlas inline-6 (e.g., 4.2L) and Vortec V8 engines (e.g., 5.3L). Specific displacements are detailed within the manual.
Horsepower And Torque:
Varies by engine option; detailed specifications (HP, torque curves) are covered in the manual.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), with specific details on injectors, fuel pump, and pressure regulator covered.
Transmission Type Standard:
Likely a GM 4-speed automatic (e.g., 4L60-E) or 5-speed automatic for V8 models, based on GM platform sharing. Specifics in manual.
Transmission Type Optional:
Details on specific transmission variants, including gearing and transfer case options (4WD), are within the manual.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Manual specifies correct Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) type (e.g., Dexron III/VI) and capacity.
Wheelbase:
Varies by configuration (e.g., standard and extended wheelbase like the GMC Envoy XL). Precise measurements are in the manual.
Length:
Varies by configuration; details provided in the manual.
Width:
Varies by configuration; details provided in the manual.
Height:
Varies by configuration; details provided in the manual.
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration and engine. Manual will list specific weights.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR figures for different configurations are provided in the manual.
Crash Test Performance:
While specific Isuzu Ascender ratings might be limited, the underlying GM platform's ratings (GMC Envoy) would be relevant and potentially covered for diagnostic purposes.
Airbag System:
Comprehensive coverage of SRS Airbag systems, including sensors, control modules, and airbags themselves.
Seatbelts:
Detailed information on seatbelt mechanisms, pre-tensioners, and related components.
Audio System:
Details on factory audio systems, speakers, and head unit removal/installation. May include basic navigation systems in higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Service information for the cruise control system, including components and troubleshooting.
Lan System:
Coverage of the Local Area Network (LAN) system, which manages communication between various ECUs.
Oil Change Interval:
Manual will provide recommended intervals based on mileage and driving conditions (e.g., 3,000-7,500 miles depending on oil type).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended service intervals for transmission fluid and filter changes are detailed.
Cooling System Flush:
Schedule for coolant flushes and replacements, including fluid specifications.
Engine Oil Specification:
Manual specifies recommended engine oil viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30) and API service classification, including Dexos compatibility for later models if applicable (though Ascender predates Dexos rollout).
Brake Fluid Specification:
Required brake fluid type (typically DOT 3) and bleeding procedures.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specification for power steering fluid and reservoir capacity.
Coolant Specification:
Type of coolant (e.g., conventional green or extended-life orange/red) and its capacity. General Motors typically used Dex-Cool for its V8 engines during this period.
Common Wear Items:
Manual covers wear items like spark plugs, filters, and brake components with replacement procedures.
Engine Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trees and common faults for engine performance issues (e.g., misfires, fuel delivery problems) are included.
Transmission Troubleshooting:
Guidance on common transmission issues like harsh shifting or slippage.
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Information on whether the engine uses a timing belt or chain and recommended service intervals/inspections. GM inline-6 and V8s of this era typically use timing chains.
Isuzu Legacy:
Isuzu's history in SUVs (Trooper, Rodeo, Axiom) and their transition to GM-based platforms for passenger vehicles.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GMT360 platform, shared with the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Saab 9-7X.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled by General Motors in North America.
Production Timeline:
Produced from the 2003 to 2008 model years.
