🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Isuzu Model: Axiom Model Years Covered: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Codes Vin Code Engine: T for 3.5L V6 (6VD1) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Launch Era Context: Competed in the burgeoning SUV market of the early 2000s, emphasizing utility and a unique design. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder Key Features Design Philosophy: Unique, polarizing styling; robust construction. Drivetrain Offering: Available in 2WD and 4WD (Active Transfer Case - ATC) configurations. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Workshop Service and Repair Intended Audience: Professional Dealership Technicians & Advanced DIYers Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4WD/AWD) Chassis: Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Accessories, Powertrain Control, Body Control Modules, Instrumentation Body: Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Roof, Bumpers HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Troubleshooting Flowcharts Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-Ups Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Component Replacement, Body Repair Troubleshooting: Diagnosis of mechanical and electrical faults, symptom-based diagnostics Installation: Component installation and removal procedures Specifications: Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to full component rebuilds Diagrams: Detailed step-by-step diagrams and illustrations Factory Quality: Authentic dealership-level technical information 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Printability: Printable pages Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 6VD1 Engine Type: V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Displacement: 3.5 Liters (3498 cc) Bore X Stroke: 94.3 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Performance Horsepower 2001-2002: 215 hp @ 5300 rpm Torque 2001-2002: 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Horsepower 2003-2004: 200 hp @ 5400 rpm (slight detuning for emissions) Torque 2003-2004: 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (slight detuning for emissions) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended Lubrication Oil Capacity: 5.2 US Quarts (4.9 Liters) with filter change Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4L30-E variant) Optional Transmission Type: N/A (Automatic transmission was standard) Features Drivetrain Management: Active Transfer Case (ATC) on 4WD models, offering automatic engagement or full-time 4WD modes. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron-III / Dexron-III H (or equivalent) Fluid Capacity Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 6.5 US Quarts (6.2 Liters) for a fluid and filter change. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 185.1 inches (4702 mm) Width: 73.0 inches (1854 mm) Height: 68.3 inches (1735 mm) Wheelbase: 108.7 inches (2761 mm) Front Track: 61.2 inches (1554 mm) Rear Track: 60.8 inches (1544 mm) Weights Curb Weight 2Wd: Approx. 4,012 lbs (1820 kg) Curb Weight 4Wd: Approx. 4,194 lbs (1902 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 5,500 lbs (2500 kg) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approx. 40.3 cubic feet (1141 Liters) Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded: Approx. 77.0 cubic feet (2180 Liters) Towing Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) Tires Wheels Standard Tire Size: P245/65R17 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 6 x 139.7 mm (6 x 5.5 inches) Wheel Size: 17 x 7.0 inches 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver: Five Star (for 2001-2003 models) NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger: Five Star (for 2001-2003 models) NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver: Four Star (for 2001-2003 models) NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger: Four Star (for 2001-2003 models) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver: Five Star (for 2001-2003 models) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger: Five Star (for 2001-2003 models) IIHS Roof Strength: Acceptable (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional (available on some trims) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags; available side-impact airbags Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (Bose), optional rear-seat entertainment on some trims. Navigation: Optional GPS navigation system on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Parking Assist: Rear parking sensors available on some later models. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not standard, aftermarket solutions common. Onboard Diagnostics: OBD-II compliant for emissions and diagnostic scanning. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Cabin Air Filter: Inspect/replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Transmission Fluid And Filter: Replace fluid and filter every...
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to full component rebuilds
Diagrams:
Detailed step-by-step diagrams and illustrations
Factory Quality:
Authentic dealership-level technical information
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
6VD1
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
94.3 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Performance
Horsepower 2001-2002:
215 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque 2001-2002:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 2003-2004:
200 hp @ 5400 rpm (slight detuning for emissions)
Torque 2003-2004:
225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (slight detuning for emissions)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
5.2 US Quarts (4.9 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4L30-E variant)
Optional
Transmission Type:
N/A (Automatic transmission was standard)
Features
Drivetrain Management:
Active Transfer Case (ATC) on 4WD models, offering automatic engagement or full-time 4WD modes.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III / Dexron-III H (or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 US Quarts (6.2 Liters) for a fluid and filter change.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
185.1 inches (4702 mm)
Width:
73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
68.3 inches (1735 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2761 mm)
Front Track:
61.2 inches (1554 mm)
Rear Track:
60.8 inches (1544 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight 2Wd:
Approx. 4,012 lbs (1820 kg)
Curb Weight 4Wd:
Approx. 4,194 lbs (1902 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,500 lbs (2500 kg)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 40.3 cubic feet (1141 Liters)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approx. 77.0 cubic feet (2180 Liters)
Towing
Towing Capacity:
3,500 lbs (1588 kg)
Tires Wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P245/65R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
6 x 139.7 mm (6 x 5.5 inches)
Wheel Size:
17 x 7.0 inches
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Five Star (for 2001-2003 models)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Five Star (for 2001-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Four Star (for 2001-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Four Star (for 2001-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
Five Star (for 2001-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Five Star (for 2001-2003 models)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Acceptable (for models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (available on some trims)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; available side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (Bose), optional rear-seat entertainment on some trims.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors available on some later models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions common.
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant for emissions and diagnostic scanning.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Transmission Fluid And Filter:
Replace fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal driving conditions. Inspect more frequently for severe use.
Coolant Flush:
Replace coolant every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long-life iridium type).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Coolant:
Isuzu Specified Long Life Coolant or Dex-Cool compatible (e.g., ethylene glycol-based)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III / Dexron-III H (or equivalent)
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Timing chain rattle (though less common than some contemporaries), occasional HVAC blower motor resistor failure, early generation ABS sensor issues, power steering leaks.
Durability Perception:
Generally considered a robust vehicle, especially the powertrain, though specific issues can arise with age and mileage.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Isuzu Legacy:
Isuzu has a long history in producing robust trucks and SUVs, known for durability and off-road capability (e.g., Trooper, Rodeo).
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The Isuzu Axiom was introduced for the 2001 model year as a replacement for the Isuzu Rodeo Sport and to fill a gap above the Rodeo. It shared its platform with the Isuzu VehiCROSS and Isuzu Trooper.
Design Inspiration:
The Axiom featured a unique, angular design that was polarizing but distinctly Isuzu, setting it apart from more conventional SUV designs of the era.
Facelift Updates:
A minor refresh occurred for the 2003 model year, including revised styling, interior enhancements, and a slight power reduction in the engine for emissions compliance.
Production
Production Period:
2001-2004
Manufacturing Plant:
LaFayette, Indiana, USA (by Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. - SIA)
Discontinuation:
Production ceased after the 2004 model year as Isuzu phased out its passenger vehicle presence in North America.
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