🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Isuzu Model: Rodeo Years Covered: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Codes Chassis Codes: UXA (second generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle Market Niche: Affordable, capable off-road oriented SUV, often competing with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Cherokee/Liberty. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Key Features Powertrain Options: Robust body-on-frame construction, available 4WD system with low-range gearing, reliable V6 engines. Value Proposition: Offers good utility and off-road capability at a competitive price point, known for durability. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Component Overhaul Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Equivalent / Professional Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, but confirmation pending) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4WD/RWD), Transfer Case, Differentials Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS), Wheels, Tires Electrical: Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories, Cruise Control, SRS (Airbag) System Body: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Seats, Bumpers Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting flowcharts, DTC code interpretation and resolution, system testing procedures, sensor data analysis Repair And Overhaul: Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair Specifications And Tolerances: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance/voltage readings Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printability. Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution diagrams, schematics, and illustrations for clarity. Binding Type Physical Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Physical Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 3.5L V6 (3500) - RPO: LG3 Displacement: 3.5 Liters (3475 cc) Configuration: SOHC V6, 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder) Bore X Stroke: 93.4 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Horsepower: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended) Engine Alternatives Alternative Engine: 3.5L V6 (3500) - RPO: L50 (later models, minor updates) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4L30-E) Optional Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual (NV3500) Features Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) 4Wd System: Electronic-shift 4WD system with 2H, 4H, 4L modes (depending on trim/options). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 111.4 inches (2830 mm) Length: Approximately 184.5 - 188.1 inches (4686 - 4778 mm) Width: Approximately 71.7 inches (1821 mm) Height: Approximately 67.3 - 68.9 inches (1709 - 1750 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,800 - 4,200 lbs (1724 - 1905 kg) Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package Payload Capacity: Approximately 1,100 - 1,500 lbs (499 - 680 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: Good (for driver and passenger) - for models equipped with side airbags. IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Standard front airbags; available front side-impact airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. Child Safety Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and subwoofer. Navigation: Available factory-installed GPS navigation system on higher trim levels. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Parking Assist: Available rear parking assist sensors on some models. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not commonly found on early models; aftermarket solutions are typical. Bluetooth: Not available from the factory on most models; requires aftermarket installation. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Engine Coolant Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for automatic, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for manual. Check manually for specific conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs. Timing Belt Replacement: N/A (Both primary engines are chain-driven). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL; SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade. Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter change. Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron-VI for newer compatible fluids). Manual Transmission Fluid Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Coolant Type: GM/Isuzu specified Long Life Coolant (Blue or...
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories, Cruise Control, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Seats, Bumpers
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, DTC code interpretation and resolution, system testing procedures, sensor data analysis
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printability.
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams, schematics, and illustrations for clarity.
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Physical Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
3.5L V6 (3500) - RPO: LG3
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3475 cc)
Configuration:
SOHC V6, 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder)
Bore X Stroke:
93.4 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Alternatives
Alternative Engine:
3.5L V6 (3500) - RPO: L50 (later models, minor updates)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4L30-E)
Optional
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Features
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
4Wd System:
Electronic-shift 4WD system with 2H, 4H, 4L modes (depending on trim/options).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Length:
Approximately 184.5 - 188.1 inches (4686 - 4778 mm)
Width:
Approximately 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approximately 67.3 - 68.9 inches (1709 - 1750 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,800 - 4,200 lbs (1724 - 1905 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 1,100 - 1,500 lbs (499 - 680 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Good (for driver and passenger) - for models equipped with side airbags.
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; available front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Available factory-installed GPS navigation system on higher trim levels.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not commonly found on early models; aftermarket solutions are typical.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory on most models; requires aftermarket installation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for automatic, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for manual. Check manually for specific conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Both primary engines are chain-driven).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL; SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter change.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron-VI for newer compatible fluids).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Coolant Type:
GM/Isuzu specified Long Life Coolant (Blue or Orange depending on specific formulation).
Known Issues
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common occurrences include leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals due to age and mileage.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmissions (4L30-E) can sometimes develop shifting problems or solenoid failures. Manual transmissions are generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends are wear items, especially in vehicles used for off-roading.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Canister purge valve or vent solenoid failures can trigger Check Engine Lights (CEL).
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional pump whine or leaks can occur.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Origin:
Isuzu Motors Ltd., Japan
Brand Reputation:
Known for durable diesel engines and robust off-road vehicles. Partnership with GM influenced many models.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation Isuzu Rodeo (1998-2004) continued into 2003-2004. Models from 2005 onwards are part of the third generation (2005-2008) but often share many mechanical underpinnings.
Second Generation Updates:
Minor styling and equipment updates for 2003-2004 model years. Introduction of the 3.5L V6 as the primary engine.
Third Generation Introduction:
The 2005 model year saw a significant redesign for the Isuzu Rodeo. This manual covers both the later second-generation (2003-2004) and the complete third generation (2005-2008).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Isuzu's Lafayette, Indiana plant (joint venture with Subaru and later GM).
Production Discontinuation:
The Isuzu Rodeo was discontinued in North America after the 2008 model year, largely due to Isuzu's shift away from light-duty consumer vehicles in the US market.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Jdpowers Initial Quality:
While specific awards may vary by year, the Rodeo generally received average to above-average ratings in initial quality surveys from publications like J.D. Power and Associates in its earlier iterations.
Ratings
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings from Consumer Reports varied over the production run, with some years showing average to good reliability, while others experienced more issues, particularly with powertrain components.
Certifications
Emission Standards:
Certified to meet EPA emission standards for its respective model years (e.g., LEV - Low Emission Vehicle for some California-compliant models).
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