1985 Isuzu Trooper ii problems

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The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between September 1981 and September 2002. In the domestic Japanese market it was sold as the Isuzu Bighorn, the car was exported internationally mainly as a Trooper but it also received several other nameplates including Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.

In total, there were two generations of this vehicle: the first, produced between 1981 and 1991; and the second (UBS) produced between 1991 and 2002, with a substantial refresh in 1998.

The Trooper began as a rather basic and somewhat underpowered on- and off-road vehicle, offered only with four-cylinder motor, four-speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive. The first generation evolved to add both amenities and luxuries, including optional air-conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6 engine. The second generation was even more refined and available in two-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive.

1985 Isuzu Trooper ii

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Common 1985 Isuzu Trooper ii problems

The Isuzu Trooper II, produced between 1981 and 1991, is known for its reliability and versatility, but like any vehicle, it has certain common problems that owners have reported.

One of the most common issues is a loss of power, which can be caused by failed injectors. This problem is more likely to occur in warm or hot engine conditions and can be resolved by replacing the injectors. The replacement process can be challenging, but there are video tutorials available to guide you through it.

Another common problem is an engine oil light illumination due to a leak in the differential. This issue tends to occur around the 55,000-mile point and can be resolved by replacing the differential. This can save on high mechanic fees if you install the replacement yourself.

Excessive fuel use and starting problems can also be indicative of a failing fuel pump. This problem can be resolved by ordering a replacement fuel pump and installing it yourself, with the help of online guides if necessary.

Rough idling is another common issue with the Isuzu Trooper II, often caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket. This problem can be resolved by replacing the gasket, which is a relatively straightforward process.

A ticking sound from the engine valve train area can be caused by varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters. This problem can usually be resolved by using a higher quality oil.

Oil leaks are a known issue with the Isuzu Trooper II, often caused by a faulty front crankshaft oil seal. A revised design is available from Breakeryard to remedy this issue.

A rattling sound coming from the front of the car can be caused by timing chain tensioners wearing out faster than in other cars. This problem can be resolved by replacing the tensioner, which is available from Breakeryard.

Power loss and a check engine light illumination can be indicative of a failing catalytic converter. This problem cannot be repaired and requires the replacement of the catalytic converter.

The 4WD indicator staying on even when in 2WD can be caused by a faulty vacuum hose, solenoid, or engine valve. This problem can be resolved by replacing the faulty part, which is available from Breakeryard.

Differential leaks can cause oil weeping or leaking out from between the two rear wheels where the axle meets the prop shaft. This problem can be resolved by replacing the differential.

In summary, the Isuzu Trooper II has several common problems, including loss of power, engine oil light illumination, excessive fuel use, rough idling, ticking sounds from the engine valve train area, oil leaks, rattling sounds from the front of the car, power loss, and differential leaks. These issues can be resolved by replacing various parts or using higher quality oil, with the help of online guides and video tutorials.

1985 Isuzu Trooper ii engine

Why did they stop making Isuzu Trooper?

Eventually, middling popularity and Isuzu's burgeoning partnership with General Motors led to the Trooper's demise in 2002, replaced by the smaller and stranger Isuzu Axiom, and eventually the Ascender.

What size engine is in a 1986 Isuzu Trooper?

2.2L 4 -cyl

1986 Isuzu TROOPER (2.2L 4 -cyl Engine Code [U] U Diesel Turbo) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

Does an Isuzu Trooper have a Honda engine?

Around the same period, General Motors, Isuzu and Honda established a working relationship that saw the two-box design of the 5-door Trooper designed by GM with Honda providing petrol engine options and Isuzu providing diesel engine options.

What was the last year Isuzu Trooper made?

But even as SUV sales skyrocketed Stateside throughout the late '90s and early 2000s, sales for the Trooper began to decline. Isuzu ultimately opted to pull the plug on the Trooper in the early aughts despite the increasingly robust market for SUVs. The vehicle's final model hit showroom floors in 2002.

1985 Isuzu Trooper ii car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu Trooper ii problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Isuzu Trooper ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Isuzu Trooper ii complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Isuzu Trooper ii.

1997-06-10

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE CAN NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Isuzu Trooper ii problems:

How reliable were the 1984 Trooper? | Isuzu SUV Forum
How reliable were the 1984 Trooper? | Isuzu SUV Forum
https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/how-reliable-were-the-1984-trooper.85502/

Jan 20, 2016 ... ... common problem on a lot of Jap and European cars with ally heads. ... 1985-85-Isuzu-T ... T8&vxp ... 1984 Isuzu Trooper 2 door 4speed im located ...

Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars
Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/687ev0/why_are_isuzu_troopers_so_cheap/

Apr 29, 2017 ... We finally sold it with around 250k miles to a friend, with 2 known issues. Needed a clutch and ignition coils. He beat the poor thing worse ...

1988 Trooper 2.6 Stalls, Hesitates, Won't Accelerate | Isuzu SUV ...
1988 Trooper 2.6 Stalls, Hesitates, Won't Accelerate | Isuzu SUV ...
https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/1988-trooper-2-6-stalls-hesitates-wont-accelerate.147085/

Feb 24, 2021 ... 1985 Trooper 1.9 4 speed (sent ... Another common ITEC failure area is the electric fuel pump. ... Previously owned: 1987 Trooper II LS, 1989 ...

Reliability of older Isuzu Troopers | Expedition Portal
Reliability of older Isuzu Troopers | Expedition Portal
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/reliability-of-older-isuzu-troopers.200473/

Dec 7, 2018 ... I know that some maintenance will be inevitable but don't want to volunteer to rehabilitate a vehicle with known issues fleetwide. Concerning ...

Isuzu Trooper Maintenance and Repair — Car Forums at Edmunds ...
Isuzu Trooper Maintenance and Repair — Car Forums at Edmunds ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/5612/isuzu/trooper/isuzu-trooper-maintenance-and-repair

Aug 1, 2006 ... This is a common problem for this engine. ... 1985 Isuzu Truck Trooper II L4-1949cc (G200z) ... P'UP (KB) and Trooper II (KT) models with 4ZD1 ...

Other years of Isuzu Trooper ii

isuzu trooper ii 1986 photo
Trooper ii 1986
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Trooper ii 1987
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isuzu trooper ii 1988 photo
Trooper ii 1988
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isuzu trooper ii 1989 photo
Trooper ii 1989
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Trooper ii 1990
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Trooper ii 1993
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1985 Isuzu Trooper ii photo