Hi all,
I am new to the isuzu engines/electrics (owned Land Cruisers before), and have a problem. The truck is actually a 1999 4x4 Honda Passport, but to my understanding they are pretty much identical to the Isuzu Rodeos. It has just 22k miles on it. Problem is that the engine sometimes cuts out-rarely, but it happens. There is no correlation to a specific maneuver, and the tank is full. The truck can be started again right away, and runs perfectly well otherwise. Anyone has an idea what this could be? I think if it was fuel delivery related it should happen more often. electrics?
thanks for your input,
J

When you say it cuts-out.Does it die when you first start it
or when your sitting at a red light?Does the idle vary up and down when you start it?
Any CEL's?(check engine lights?
Just need some more info.
Doug

It runs fine when started up, and it does not idle up and down. Idle is around 1000rpm when cold, and then settles at about 500 (engine is 3.2l V6 automatic). I have not observed any CELs, except when it cuts out, but then all lights are on.
It cuts out in the middle of driving, without warning, and can be started up right away again and then runs fine.
thanks, J

the idle is pretty low.

I would take it to the dealer and have them hook their Scan tool up to it and take it for a spin. My guess it is a bad intake manafold gasket (had mine replaced this week on my 2000).

-Ryan

I would check the battery terminals and for any loose wires anywhere.

Dan

is it a pain to replace it myself? I have the manuals, and some experience...any tricks/hints?
thank you,
J

I find it hard to believe that your intake manifold gasket would be failing on a 99' so soon. Its a whole lot of labor for a maybe solution. I would keep searching for other possibilities. I agree that 500 rpms is a very low idle and maybe something else is causing tha problem. It could be a simple vacuum leak or a sensor thats starting to die or maybe your idle control is sticking. I would strongly sudgest checking these before taking off your intake manifold! I think Ed told me once before that you can use a carb cleaner and spray it on your vacuum lines while the engine is running and the idle will change if theres any leaks. Other ideas is maybe the fuel pump? Again I dont think anything serious like that would fail so soon on a 1999 model. Good luck and keep us informed!

Similar problem on an '89 2.6. Engine would sometimes cut out on the highway then restart before I had time to pull over. Sometimes a hard start. Turned out to be corroded wires at the fuel pump. They would make and break once in a while until they arced once to often and stopped me for good. I'd check the fuel pump relay and fuses for tightness and corrosion too. It doesn't take too much resistance to knock some of these gadgets off line.

Don't discount the spark side either. If the problem is intermittent then something is loose and it's more than likely on the electrical side. Push twist and shake until the gremlin reveals itself.

i can almost garantee that is is the battery terminals. I had the same problem, engine stops without notice (even on the freeway <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />) took it to the dealership, said it was the battery cables. Get underthere and clean them, look for any open or loose wires.

kevan

gonna be an electrical sensor, possiblly cam or crank