[onealbd]

I have a 2001 Rodeo LS, 2-wheel drive, 3.2 liter 4-speed automatic vehicle (engine specs 3165 cc, 6 cylinders, dohc multi-point fuel injection).

For the last week I have suddenly been having cold start problems. It starts, revs very high, drops down low, then dies after trying to stay running. It can take up to 6 starts (about 3 to 5 minutes) before everything smooths out and then it run fine for the rest of the day. I have had it into the dealer repair shop 3 times now and they said they cannot fix it. They have even consulted with engineers at Isuzu coporation. They are able to reproduce the problem, they just don't know what causes it.

Here is what they have fixed so far:
Replaced a leaky fuel pressure regulator.
Scan revealed that it misfires on all cylinders. (assume they did something about that)
Checked that it has the latest in PCM.
Sprayed the intake and replaced gaskets.
Replaced the fuel sensor assembly.

They left me with a recommendation to try a different brand of fuel and get a good fuel system cleaner and drive it for a couple of tanks of gas worth.

No body seems to know what is going on (even Isuzu). Any suggestions? - PLEASE!!!

 

[JTK]

You say they sprayed the intake & replaced gaskets. Did they replace the intake manifold gaskets?? This is a very common issue with 1998+ 3.2's & causes the same issues you describe.
Joel

 

[onealbd]

The last time in the shop they did replace the intake manifold gaskets. I started it this morning and, while not perfect, it didn't rev up then die. Just a little sluggish. I will give it a couple more mornings. In the mean time any more suggestions would be great. Thanks.

 

[Randy from Utah]

I'm having the same trouble. 2K1 Rodeo Sport 4X4. Mine doesn't do it all the time, just every once in a while. I am having some work done at the dealer(as soon as the parts come in) and I'll ask them about it
I'm new to rodeos, having owned several Jeeps, It was time to upgrade into a better truck instead of those old 1940's technology bricks.
Thanks... Randy

 

[Randy from Utah]

I've found on mine, the best way to start it cold is to just barely push on the gas pedal, probably about a 1/2". It will start, the rpm's go up and when it starts to die, give it a little more pedal until the engine stablizes. It sounds like to me the initial gas mixture is too rich and it floods out the engine. By opening the throttle plate a little, it will give it just enough air to keep from stalling out. Maybe the coolant temp sensor? TPS?
I hope the dealer has a cure for this, but it sounds like I'm going to live with the problem for a while.
Anybody else out there with the same problem, please jump in...
Thanks :lol: Randy

 

[Randy from Utah]

The dealer replaced the fuel pressure regulator yesterday. Started just fine this morning, the test will be when it starts to get cold in the mornings.
I'll keep you posted.... Randy

 

[Conman]

The dealer replaced the fuel pressure regulator yesterday. Started just fine this morning, the test will be when it starts to get cold in the mornings.
I'll keep you posted.... Randy

I hope all those parts were under warranty. Glad you got it going.

Cheers,
Con