1989 Isuzu I mark problems
The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by other General Motors brands, in various markets around the world. While the first generation was of a rear-wheel drive design, later versions were all front-wheel-drive, and the last two generations were no more than badge-engineered Honda Domani until the name was retired in 2000.
First generation (1974)
The first Gemini was the Bellett Gemini, first seen in November 1974. It was based on the third-generation Opel Kadett C on the General Motors T-car platform and came in four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles. The chassis code was PF50, although the later 1.8-liter versions were called PF60 and the diesels PFD60.
In June 1977 the Gemini received its first, light, facelift. The bigger 1817 cc G180 series engine became available, fitted with rectangular headlights rather than the round units used on the 1600. This model offered 110 PS (81 kW), although this output dropped to 105 PS (77 kW) if an automatic transmission was fitted. In November of the same year the 1600 was updated, now with square headlights and an engine with the I·CAS oxidation catalyst ("Isuzu Clean Air System") which could manage the 1978 emissions standards. One year later the Gemini 1800's engine was also upgraded to meet the 1978 emissions standards. Power remained unchanged, and the automatic now offered the same power as cars with manual transmission. The ignition system was now of a transistor less type, and the trunk lid was now opened remotely (not added to the Gemini 1600 until the end of December). The Gemini Black and 1800 Minx were also added, the Minx with a two-tone paintjob and the Black with black paintwork and more sporty yet comfortable equipment including alloy wheels.
In June 1979, the Gemini received a new slant nose with rectangular headlights and a redesigned rear end. The changes were actually more comprehensive than that, also including a redesigned (longer) engine bay and a wider radiator opening for two new engines added in November (the twin cam G180W and the new 4FB1 diesel) which both required wider radiators for more air for cooling.
In Japan, sports models were available originally with the "ZZ" name. Later, ZZ/L (1980), ZZ/R (1981), ZZ/T, and ZZ/E models were added. These were equipped with an Isuzu G180W 8-valve DOHC 1.8-liter engine, most commonly fuel-injected, producing 130 PS (96 kW) at 6400 rpm. These models also came with a shortened remote throw manual shift lever and optional factory LSD differential. There was also a mildly sporting model of the OHC 1800, called the LS/G.
In October 1982 a version of the diesel with Bosch VE electronic fuel injection was also added; this provided 8% more power than the regular version (66 versus 61 PS) and was fitted to the LT-E and LJ-E models. For those who wanted more, a 73 PS (54 kW) turbo diesel appeared a month later. Also featuring electronic fuel injection, this model also received a standard rear anti-roll bar. Counterintuitively, the two more powerful diesels were never available with the coupé bodywork.
The Gemini was complemented in 1981 by the Giugiaro-designed coupé Isuzu Piazza, based on the Gemini's platform, which was introduced in the United States in 1983 as the Isuzu Impulse and in Australia in 1986 as the Holden Piazza. After the front-wheel-drive second generation Gemini appeared in early 1985, the old rear-wheel drive version nonetheless continued to be built. The coupé model was discontinued, and a slimmed down sedan range (including the ZZ and diesel models) continued to be available. This diminished range was produced until February 1987, when the rear-wheel drive Gemini was laid to rest after 768,537 had been built.
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Common 1989 Isuzu I mark problems
The Isuzu I-Mark 1989 is a compact car known for its strong engines and better build quality than VW. However, like any other vehicle, it has some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues is related to the engine, specifically the 90-91 Series 4XE1 Engine. This engine, when modified with solid lifters, larger water pump, larger oil pump, and oil cooler, can develop problems with its pulley set, leading to potential engine damage. The Isuzuperformance Racing Team Aluminum Pulley Set, although designed to improve performance, can cause issues due to its 85 Durometer Polyurethane Motor Mount Bushings, which may not be suitable for all driving conditions.
Another problem area is the drivetrain. The Tracmax ATB Limited Slip Differential, although designed to improve traction and handling, can develop issues with its differential, leading to leaks and potential damage to the rear axle. The Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel, although lightweight and designed to improve performance, can cause issues due to its lightness, potentially leading to instability and damage to the transmission.
The interior of the I-Mark 1989 can also develop problems. The stripped interior, although designed to reduce weight and improve performance, can lead to issues with the electrical system, specifically with the wiring harness and computer system. The custom adaptations made to the I-Mark RS Chassis and Electrical System can cause compatibility issues, leading to potential electrical problems and reduced reliability.
In terms of suspension, the Isuzuperformance Racing Team Polyurethane Suspension Bushings, although designed to improve handling and performance, can develop issues due to their stiffness, leading to potential damage to the suspension and reduced ride comfort.
Finally, the body of the I-Mark 1989 can also develop problems. The custom body work, although designed to improve the car's appearance and aerodynamics, can lead to issues with the body panels and the custom Ten Point Roll Cage. The roll cage, although designed to improve safety, can cause issues with the car's structural integrity and potentially lead to damage in the event of a crash.
In conclusion, the Isuzu I-Mark 1989, while a capable and well-built car, can develop various problems due to modifications and customizations made to improve performance. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the car's reliability and longevity.
How much HP does a Isuzu I Mark have?
The RS weighed just 2,167 lbs., and the new 1,588-cc engine belted out 125 hp at 6,800 rpm. You had to thrash this pocket rocket to go fast, but it was a fun dance partner. It's relative rarity when new and that need to use it hard means survivors are very rare now.
How long do Isuzu engines last?
The rating means that 90% of Isuzu 4HK1-TC engines are expected to last 375,000 miles before they require a major repair or rebuild. Previously, the 4HK1-TC engine carried a B10 rating of 310,000 miles.
Are Isuzu engines any good?
The company is renowned for its high-quality engines that are used in a wide range of applications, including trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine vessels. Isuzu engines are known for their durability, efficiency and reliability, making them a popular choice for many different industries.
What is the most reliable Isuzu?
Defending the title from 2022, the Isuzu D-Max excelled in the award category thanks to its reliability, as well as its versatility and capability.
1989 Isuzu I mark car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu I mark problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Isuzu I mark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Isuzu I mark complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Isuzu I mark.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-07-15
- VIN: JABRT515XK7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ECU HAS CAUSED ERRATIC ENGINE BEHAVIOUR AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE LEAVING US STRANDED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. MECHANICS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNTRUSTWORTHY OVER IT'S ENTIRE LIFE. MANY TIMES THE IGNITION SYSTEM HAS FAILED IN TRAFFIC WITH OUR BABIES IN THE CAR LEAVING US STRANDED IN THE HEAT. THIS UNIT SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOME OF THE HUNDREDS SPENT ON MIS-DIAGNOSIS, MOTEL BILL'S AND TOWING SERVICE, ETC. REIMBURSED BY GM/DELCO -ISUZU. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF NECESSARY. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-18
- VIN: JABRT2151K7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ERRATIC IDLE, IDLE REVVING AND DROPPING, IDLE DIPPING OFTEN WITH ENGINE DYING, IDLE HANGING HIGH ABOVE 2,000 RPM, AND ENGINE DYING OR STALLING FOR NO REASON WITH NO TROUBLE CODES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-05
- VIN: JABRT2155K7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE COMPUTER IN THIS CAR CAUSES FOR AN EXTREMELY ERRATIC IDLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST TURNED ON, THE IDLE SPEED IS NORMAL AND STEADY FOR ABOUT 5 TO 10 SECONDS, AND THEN ALL BETS ARE OFF. SOMETIMES IT GOES UP, SOMETIMES IT GOES DOWN, RANGING ANYWHERE FROM NEAR-STALL TO 3000 RPM. IT DOES THIS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON WHEN COLD, ONLY OCCASIONALLY AFTER IT IS WARMED UP. I WOULD TRY REPAIRING IT, BUT I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF EXPERIENCE WITH THIS ENGINE/ECU COMBINATION, AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM (INCLUDING DEALER-SUPPLIED REPLACEMENT ECUS, WHICH ARE FRIGHTFULLY EXPENSIVE) DO THIS. THANKFULLY, I AM AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, SO WHEN I AM IN CLOSE QUARTERS WITH A COLD ENGINE, I KEEP MY FOOT ON THE CLUTCH, READY TO SPRING INTO ACTION. THE CAR, DESPITE IT'S MILEAGE, HAS BEEN VERY WELL-TAKEN CARE OF, AND HAS A GREAT DEAL OF POWER. ONE TIME WHEN THE POWER HIT (IN FIRST GEAR, COASTING WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS), IT ACTUALLY SPUN THE TIRES. SPINNING THE TIRES WITH YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IS NOT WHAT I WOULD CALL A SAFE CONDITION, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT MOST OF THEM DO IT. WEREN'T ALL THE AUDIS RECALLED FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS BACK IN THE 80'S? PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY MORE INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT5159K7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ECU HAS FAILED, CAUSING ERRACTIC IDLE/ VEHICLES STALLING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT5150K7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE FIRST ECU FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER WARRANTY AND CAUSED THE CAR TO BARELY RUN. IT WAS REPLACED BY JOHN KRAFT CHEVROLET (THEY NO LONGER SELL ISUZU'S). DURING THE PAST 3 YRS/30000 MI I HAVE EXPERIENCED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: ERRATIC IDLE, IDLE REVVING AND DROPPING (MOST COMMON), IDLE HANGING HIGH ABOVE 2000 RPM, AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, IDLE DROPPING WITH CAR OFTEN STALLING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED FOR A STOP. THE CAR SEEMS TO PICK BUSY INTERSECTIONS TO STALL. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AC DELCO ECU USED IN THIS CAR. AC DELCO USED AN INSULATIVE SPRAY ON THE CIRCUIT BOARDS WHICH SHRINKS OVER TIME WHEN EXPOSED TO WARM AND COLD TEMPS. THE SHRINKING INSULATIVE SPRAY CONTRACTS AND PULLS THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FROM THE CIRCUIT BOARD, BREAKING SOLDER CONNECTIONS AND CAUSING SHORTS. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS FAULT AND HAS SINCE 1996 USED A DIFFERENT SPRAY ON THEIR ECU'S. ISUZU HAS REFUSED TO RECOGNIZE ANY PROBLEM AT ALL. I FEEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THESE DEFECTIVE ECU'S SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACED. MY CAR DYING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK TO MY FAMILY AND TO OTHERS AND GM/ISUZU SHOULD REPLACE THEIR DEFECTIVE ECU'S.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- VIN: JABRT2159K7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTE DFOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT5172K7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE REVS UP TO 2500 RPMS WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THEN WHEN IT'S PUT INTO GEAR IT WILL STALL OUT. MECHANIC SAYS ITS THE ECU. PROBLEM IS HARD TO DUPLICATE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-05
- VIN: JABRT2175K7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE FAILED, SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT FROM ITS POSITION, BOTH SEAT BELT NEEDS REPLACEMENT. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WHEN CHANGED LATER THEY COME OFF IN A YEAR DIFFERENT . TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Isuzu I mark problems:
1989 Isuzu Amigo Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Sep 12, 2011 ... Read 1989 Isuzu Amigo reviews from real owners. Find out what they're like to drive, and what problems they have ... Reliability marks, 8 / 10.
Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars
Apr 29, 2017 ... ... problems, kept the fluids fresh....Live in Alaska, it NEVER left me ... Isuzu is not known for reliability. The ... mark. Upvote 1. Downvote Share.
87 1.9L voltage regulator issues - IsuzuPup.com
Nov 1, 2012 ... My 87 1.9L is having some electrical problems, it seems. ... ISUZU I-MARK (1981 - 1989) ISUZU IMPULSE ... COMMON BUT CAN HAPPEN, ALL SO MAKE CERTAIN ...
Problem changing timing belt 2.6L 4ZE1 engine | Isuzu SUV Forum
Jun 18, 2010 ... You were correct though to make the new mark on the balancer. 1989 Isuzu Trooper S/ 4WD / 2.6 Litre 4 Cyl 4ZE1 Converted to Weber 32/36 Carb ...
COAL: 1986 Isuzu I-Mark - That's No Lie! - Curbside Classic
May 26, 2013 ... In comparison, for 1989, a 1.6 DOHC was also added as the top trim with 125 hp. I'd also like to point out that in Japan (known as the Gemini), ...
Other years of Isuzu I mark
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