Hello, I guess I'm a new guy here too* so here's my story.

I just bought a 96 Passport auto 4X4 with 194k from a friend of a friend that needs some work. He needed the cash and the price was right so I bought it without doing much research first, but I figured at the price it would be gone soon. I paid $800 for the truck, and prompty drove it 80 miles home. Here's a pic...



It has a steady CEL but runs fine. I won't get into specifics here since I just got the thing and am going tomorrow to Autozone to get the codes pulled, so I'm sure more questions will come after the code(s) are known.

It had broken rear glass and a dented tailgate, buth of which I have already replaced (we live not too far from pullapart, a self-service salvage yard). I also got the windshield replaced with a new one, hence the blue tape.

My main question is this: If you got a passport like this dropped in your lap with no history, what would you do first? I have already checked that all the electrics work, and tomorrow I'm getting the codes pulled. Any special needs a truck like this has that are not the usual suspects like timing belt / tensioner / water pump / thermostat???

Thanks and it feels good to be *above* traffic now!

*I posted an almost identical post at planetisuzu.com, a site in which I also just joined. I hope there is not a rivalry between you guys so I don't have to choose just one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Welcome.

That's pretty sweet looking. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> But I gotta warn ya, it won't look like that for long if you hang around here much. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Things I'd either replace or at minimum inspect are: belts (all, including timing), hoses (basically whole cooling system), change all the fluids (engine, trans, transfer case, differentials), and then I'd check the condition of the suspension and steering components.

*edit* forgot to include ignition ... plugs/wires (not sure if that year was coil on plug or if it still had wires)

Richard

Thanks, I'll add the t-case and diff fluids to the list, I hadn't thought about those. it has coils on each of the plugs, so maybe I could do an impedance check to verify that they're ok. The engine runs well, but valves are ticking a bit too loudly for my liking. It sounds like a big rig diesel <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

The 'valve tick' is common to that motor and not signs of any kind of major problem. Lots of people switch to 0W30 Mobil 1 synthetic oil and it helps a lot with the noise. You may want to do a couple of treatments with Seafoam on top of the switching oils. Welcome to the board <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to the 'Isuzu' Family! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I wish I could find a`96-97 Rodeo/Passport at that price!



A whole lot people are members of both forums -- No problem there. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


While you're at it, go ahead and check on the frame-mounted ground wire connection that's located near the alternator. -- It sometimes causes headaches, but is a very easy fix (or preventative measure).


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

Thanks for the tips on the ground wire, it does seem to a bit slow to turn over. The previous owner put an optima red top battery in there, I was wondering if it was good enough.

Also, is there a way to pull the codes without an OBDII scanner, like to jumper a connection and have the CEL flash the code???

Go to your local Autozone or Advance auto. They will read them for free.

Joe

OK, the code was a o2 sensor, so I looked under the truck and sure enough the o2 sensor had come unplugged. I plugged it back but now how do I reset the codes? I unplugged the battery for ~1 hour and the CEL did not come on right away but then about 1/4 mile down the road it came on again. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Driving to autozone every time this CEL comes on while trying to fix the problem would get annoying. Is there a way to flash the codes on the dash without a $$$ code reader? Thx!

Unfortunately, no, there's no way to read the codes without a code reader really.

Sounds to me like you might want to look into replacing the o2 sensor.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Ya ... you'll find that it's a lot stronger than what the standard battery for it is. Generally, Optima batteries are revered for being one of the best batteries out there. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> But that doesn't mean it can't go bad either. Get it load tested to make sure it's in good working order.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />