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Isuzu Trooper Transmission Problems

159 messages,  Last post on Apr 24, 2013 at 5:38 PM

You are in the Isuzu Trooper Forum.

What is this discussion about? Isuzu Trooper, Isuzu Trooper II, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 16 of 17

#144 of 159 Re: 2001 v6 Trooper [gh007] by speedrover2

May 27, 2012 (6:38 am)

Replying to: gh007 (May 26, 2012 3:07 pm)
Unfortunately, it was always the Torque Converter. The OEM converters can't even be purchased anymore because they were GM junk. Good news is the new Converters (upgrade) are $125 more but they are super strong, made of carbon-fiber mesh and even somewhat lighter.
Eventually, your rpm increase will be noticebale. If you went tinto a transmission shop talking about rebuild then that's often what they do. The TC is your issue.
Check you differential fluid as well.

#145 of 159 2000 trooper trans just rebuilt-new probs by kather

May 30, 2012 (10:17 am)

Hi fellas, and thanks for all your help a few years back after my first rebuild nightmare in 2008.
A "hack" tranny shop "rebuilt" my trans, it was never right, they even gave it to me, I found out much later, with 5 stripped pan bolts, one of which they had literally stuck a PAPERCLIP in so that the bolt would tighten at all.
I've had a horrible 3 years of little or no income, so I've been driving it it limp mode using 1st and 2nd manually, and to my amazement, it's kept letting me.
Recently, I was able to get my finances in better shape, and at first decided to unload the trooper as many mechanics had recommended I do, and try to find a reliable car for around $3,500. After months of car shopping, I wound up paying homage to my reliable engine and too much attention to my deep adoration of my huge double-size moonroof, and decided to fix this transmission again instead.
One of my main problems has been deciding just what to do. I came close twice to trading in the trooper on small car lots, but I was too unsure about the replacement vehicle. I did a lot of research on all of the cars I looked at, too. I ALSO CAN'T GET A HANDLE ON WHETHER THE
TROOPER IS SOMETHING I SHOULD KEEP, LET ALONE SPEND BIG BUCKS ON.
 
My current dilemma:
I just spent $1,900 getting my tranny rebuilt again, by a shop who was helpful during the last siege. When he was done, he said "it has a vibration that is coming from the front axle" I told him there was no vibration before, but I was so sure he had truly fixed the transmission, and as I drove away I felt nothing noticeable.
By the time I had driven 8 miles or so, there was a horrible grinding, catching, and shuddering as I came to a stop, and as I began to accelerate. In subsequent days this has continued consistently, as soon as it's warmed up. I called the rebuild place, they insisted it was the axle, but said I could bring it back Tuesday after Memorial day. Over the weekend I decided it would be prudent to get some more local opinions for ammunition before I went two cities over to the rebuild shop.
Two general mechanics whom I believe are less likely to be dishonest than most had multiple mech's drive the car and believe it is the tranny, not the axle. I went to an AAmco in town (to whom I told the whole story) who supposedly did a lot of testing and to my surprise, showed me that it was the axle (both boots are blown) and he wiggled the front tires and said that the wheel bearings were bad. He then said that these two conditions would produce the symptoms I was having. HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF THIS?
I went back to my trusted mech, who put it back on the rack, drove it again, specifically paying attention to the axle, bearings, and the rest of the drive train, and cannot produce while on the rack, any friction or wobble that would create the problem. I went to another general mech and the-most-respected tranny people in town (expensive #$%) this morning, and they also believe it is an internal transmission problem.
Unfortunately, I called the rebuild shop after seeing AAmco and told them it looks like he was right. I no longer believe that.
The rebuild shop had said my tranny was extremely burned, and that he had to go into the valve case 3 times (with test drives in between) to get it clean. Can my symptoms be related to remaining grunge, or does it sound like something else?
 
Most of all, is there any chance that the axle and wheel bearings CAN produce these symptoms? Should I have my mechanic fix them for another $1,000 against his better judgement? Should I put another $1,000 into this car at all? It has occurred to me that since I told AAmco everything, they knew they were'nt going to make any TRANNY money off me, and came up with something I had reason to buy into that they could do.
 
PLEASE HELP. In 2008 I went through all the appropriate channels and filed all the appropriate complaints, thru to DACS and the office of the Atty General, and even went to ABC Action News for help. At least the ABC volunteer assigned to my case had the integrity to be appalled by the blatent lack of appropriate response from the officials.
 
I've read your wonderful forums and know that these Isuzu transmissions can reduce grown men to tears. I'm a girl.

#146 of 159 Re: 2000 trooper trans just rebuilt-new probs [kather] by speedrover2

May 30, 2012 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: kather (May 30, 2012 10:17 am)
Wow! I'm exhausted just reading your dilemma... The front end noise is, in fact, the wheel bearings. Repacking the wheel bearings is to be done every 50k anyway and is usually $50-80 a wheel. It sounds like you have a 4WD, however 2WD vehicles require the same. It's the SUV nature.
 
Trooper owner/enthusiasts are an odd and magnificent lot. We like working on them. We love the international heritage Troopers they maintain, and their subtle yet uncanny ability to keep going. Thing is, your previous owners have 4-wheeled that thing rather harshly-that being said, it's really OK.
 
Your car has value, so you probably should sell it and get a 95 Camry (also indestructible yet more reliable)
 
Mechanics pull those stunts all the time, to all of us. It's shameful and shi%%y yet everyone pretends it doesn't happen to them. It appears as if you're doing everything correct, so keep up the fight...
 
Good luck

#147 of 159 Re: 01 Trooper trans Slipping 1st & 2nd Only [jc357] by jc357

Sep 27, 2012 (3:36 pm)

Replying to: jc357 (May 05, 2012 9:56 pm)
I have a 01 trooper that slips in 2nd then drives like new when goes in other gears, also if i shut off the vehicle then restart , it drives great..I Appreciate any HELP. Thx.

#148 of 159 Re: 01 Trooper trans Slipping 1st & 2nd Only [jc357] by 123470

Sep 30, 2012 (10:59 am)

Replying to: jc357 (Sep 27, 2012 3:36 pm)
Need to adjust the band. 40inch pounds then back off 5 turns

#149 of 159 Replace Transmission Pan But Still very small leak by fleischer

Sep 30, 2012 (10:38 pm)

Hello,
I looked through all the threads and couldn't find any information on anyone that actually worked on their transmission. Yeah I know how to replace the transmission fluid in a Isuzu trooper. The problem is I don't know what the recommended torque is for tightening the bolts around the transmission pan. I did a start pattern with a new gasket, but it still leaks. I am wondering about just puting some Lucas transmission gasket seal fluid in with the ATF.
 
Any suggestions would help.
Thanks.

#150 of 159 Re: 1990 Isuzu Trooper Automatic, tranny going limp [branscombesurf] by sofabobb

Feb 20, 2013 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: branscombesurf (May 09, 2011 1:39 pm)
Hey. i was wonderingwhat you figured put as the poroblem .it is happening to me now

#151 of 159 Re: 1990 Isuzu Trooper Automatic, tranny going limp [sofabobb] by fleischer

Feb 20, 2013 (9:26 pm)

Replying to: sofabobb (Feb 20, 2013 6:03 pm)
Yeah, i got it. I used a cheap thin rubber gasket at first and the tranny leaked. I got a good rubber one with some cork composite from Fram. I over tightened one of the bolts trying to torque the bolts at the right inch pounds vs. foot pounds. Anyway, long story short just tighten the bolts with a regular wrench and tighten well, but remember those bolts strip really easy, so don't over do it.
Some people were telling me to use a silicone seal on both sides of the gasket and I talked to a transmission guy who said transmission gaskets are always a dry fit. That's what worked for me. The gasket from Fram is a nice composite of cork and rubber. The cork expands making the fit tight under pressure.

#152 of 159 Isuzu Trooper Engine Heavy/Revving and Drastic Fuel Economy Drop by gabrielledk

Apr 01, 2013 (8:21 pm)

Hi, I have an isuzu trooper, 2000, 6cyl, 4wheel drive, 73k miles. Had been experiencing stalling and some loss of power. Egr valve, air intake manifold gasket, fuel pump changed. Had oil change and fuel injectors cleaned, idle cleaned, had spark plugs, timing belt, oxygen sensor , brakes checked, check for vacuum/fluid leaks, mechanic said they were ok.
No more stalling, but car does not feel right, starts very heavy and rides like that a while, especially when foot on gas, gas economy has suddenly dropped from 15 to 9 mpg. Engine also feels like revving sometimes.
Any thoughts would be grealy appreciated, love this suv, thank you

#153 of 159 Re: Isuzu Trooper Engine Heavy/Revving and Drastic Fuel Economy Drop [gabrielledk] by speedrover2

Apr 02, 2013 (5:49 am)

Replying to: gabrielledk (Apr 01, 2013 8:21 pm)
You must get a diagnostic code reading before going any further. YOu might find an 02 sensor issue, there are 4. Also, the H20 temp sensor is a very important component with these types of issues. Replacing is simple and inexpensive..$20.
How does one "check" the timing belt? I just replaced mine at 99,720 on my 2002 Trooper and it looked fine (although a little dried out).
Finally, you must consider that these if you are not the original owner it has probably been 4-wheeled in deep water, which mean accelerated dry rotting of the vacuum lines/connectors. The fuel consumption issues on this model is usually associated with the fuel system. Also, check the transfer case, axle, differential and LSD fluid levels. You will be amazed at the capacity levels these units hold.
Good luck

Messages Page 16 of 17

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