48k on the truck and the tranny is going out (slips unless I baby it on takeoff). One transmission shop I hit yesterday estimates $2200-2400.

So I have a truck that was worth about $6k. I owe about $5k. It needs $2k worth of work. I thought i had the warranty, but I didn't know that it is not transferable to second owners, so I'm out of luck.

If I could, I'd trade it in (I'm in the market for a new sedan anyway) but it's not in tradable condition.

Anyone have any idea what i should do here, other than to leave in unlocked in Washington DC and hope someone takes it for a joyride?

Well if it is toast you have your options.

I have a personal theory that you have a 90% chance of being told you need a transmission rebuild/replacement if you take your car to a transmission shop, especially a chain one. This is true even if you are complaining about full ashtrays.

That being said what exactly is the condition of the fluid? What is the level (the no dipstick design can throw off many shops)? Have you read the posts about the mode switch and do you have any tell-tale symptoms like funny gear indicator lights or dropping out of cruise control?

I really doubt even with no service that you would truly need a new tranny at 48kmis even if you totally neglected it to date, assuming of course the fluid level is still ok.

Maybe it is dead maybe it isn't. I would get a better second opinion before proceeding.

If you don't have the experience to trouble shoot and repair your trooper, I would suggest asking this forum and http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/index.php for a recommendation of a tranny shop or 4 wheel drive shop in your area where you can get an honest diagnosis. Planetisuzoo has a much larger membership thus the possibility is greater that someone has knowledge of honest shops in your proximity. Hope it works out for you.

Keep networking with folks until you find a tranny shop that you can trust. 48k should be no big deal unless you let it get over heated or low on fluid. BTW, does it have enough fluid in it? Have you checked? Worst case is you call around and negotiate a rebuild with warranty. With only 48k though, I don't think thats the deal...

Good luck. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the replies.

The tranny slips on takeoff. If I baby it, and accelerate very gently, it's fine. If I take off from a stop sign normally, it's not fine.

On a couple of occasions in the last 2 months, again on takeoff, there has been a bind. As I give it gas, it binds and then pops. Everything is normal after that.

I believed the guy at the tranny shop just from talking to him and getting a read on his style.

Every time I've tried to have the fluid checked (by someone else) they tell me it's a sealed unit and they can't do it. Frankly, I know nothing about the mechanics of the 2nd gen troopers. I did fine with my 1st gen, but I have too many other things going on to get acquainted with this one.

How do I check the fluid on a sealed transmission?

"Every time I've tried to have the fluid checked (by someone else) they tell me it's a sealed unit and they can't do it."

That quote just proves that you have yet to find a decent shop. At least you didn't pay them to do something they don't know how to do (i.e. check the fluid level when they don't have a clue). One can only imagine what kind of rebuild or swap such shops would do.

Anyhow as to how to check the level it is the FAQ - http://isuzufaq.ibctech.ca/ It is item #42. A search of this Board will no doubt also pull up plenty of other information.

Check that fluid then post back. Do it ASAP as these trannies do not like dirty or low fluid levels for any extended period of time.

It's not a sealed transmission... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

IIRC underneath on the pass side there is a fill/level check plug, big rescessed aleen wrench looking thing, check at operating temp with engine running in N or P. I can't remember which... BE CAREFUL IT'S GOING TO BE HOT. I'm pretty sure you'll have to take off the skid plate, even if you don't it will make it easier.

PM JLEMOND on planetisuzoo or just post your message up over there for definitve answers.

HTH <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

JLEMOND participates in this forum as well.

This is great. Thanks.

They guy at the dealer said something about an actuator pump that often leaks, but said he didn't see any signs of it. I'll get it checked tomorrow and report back.

Well, it has been a while... What did you find?

Was the fluid low? I agree with everyone else about the fluid level and overwelming ignorance of shops not knowing a d#@! thing about the Trooper trans. I have a great shop here in Richmond, VA.

As for the "thing" on the trans that goes out. Mine went out at 50k and I started having the same symptoms that you are having. Just replaced the soliniod and added fluid and problem solved.

Good Luck!