1988 Isuzu Trooper ii problems
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.
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Common 1988 Isuzu Trooper ii problems
The Isuzu Trooper II, produced in 1988, is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues, along with their causes and possible solutions:
- Warm Start Failure: This issue is often caused by failed injectors, which can lead to the engine losing power and failing to start again while warm or hot. If you encounter this problem, it's essential to replace the injectors. While the process can be challenging, there are many online tutorials available to guide you through the replacement procedure.
- Engine Oil Light Illuminated: If the engine oil warning light is lit even after filling the oil levels, it's likely that you have a leak in your differential, particularly if your Trooper has around 55,000 miles or more. In this case, you should consider replacing the differential to prevent further damage and high mechanic fees.
- Excessive Fuel Use and Starting Problems: These symptoms are often associated with a failing fuel pump. If you notice that your Trooper is consuming more fuel than usual and experiencing starting difficulties, it's advisable to replace the fuel pump as soon as possible.
- Rough Idling: Rough idling on the Trooper is commonly caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket. If you experience this issue, consider replacing the gasket, as it's a relatively straightforward process.
- Ticking From Valve Train: This problem is often due to varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters. Using a higher quality oil can help resolve this issue and prevent future occurrences.
- Oil Leaks: Isuzu is aware of an oil leak issue caused by a faulty front crankshaft oil seal. To address this problem, consider installing a revised design available from Breakeryard, along with a front oil seal retainer gasket to ensure a lasting solution.
- Rattling From Front of the Car: This issue is often caused by a timing chain tensioner that wears out faster than on other vehicles. Replacing the tensioner can help eliminate the rattling sound and prevent further damage to the engine.
- Power Loss and Check Engine Light: These symptoms may indicate that your catalytic converter is failing. In this case, the only option is to replace the catalytic converter with a new one from BreakerYard.
- 4WD Indicator Staying On: If the 4WD indicator stays on even when you're in 2WD, it's likely that you have a faulty vacuum hose, solenoid, or engine valve. Replacing the faulty part can help resolve this issue.
- Differential Leaking: If you notice oil weeping or leaking out from underneath the vehicle between the two rear wheels, it's likely that the differential is leaking. Replacing the differential can help stop the leak and resolve the issue.
These common problems can help you better understand potential issues with the Isuzu Trooper II and provide guidance on how to address them.
What engine is in a 1988 Isuzu Trooper?
1988 ISUZU TROOPER, injected 4-cylinder, 2.6 l, 5-speed, 4-wheel drive. Engine code 4ZE1.
What is the fuel consumption of a 1988 Isuzu Trooper?
15 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1988 Isuzu Trooper | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 4 cyl, 2.6 L, Manual 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 15 combined city/highway MPG 14 city 17 highway 6.7 gals/100 miles |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
Why did Isuzu stop making the Trooper?
SUV market changes and safety concerns doomed the Trooper
Unfortunately for Isuzu, mid-size classics like the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav-4 essentially cornered that market before they could find footing with their oddly conceived Vehicross and other compact models.
What engine is in a 1990 Isuzu Trooper?
The 2.8-liter, 60 degree V6 engine features a cast iron block and cylinder heads, durable five main bearing crankshaft, throttle body fuel injection and transistorized ignition system. Weighing only slightly more than Isuzu's 2.6-liter four cylinder, the V6 motor develops 120 horsepower and 150 ft/lbs.
1988 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Isuzu Trooper ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Isuzu Trooper ii complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Isuzu Trooper ii.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-20
- VIN: JACCH58E5J7
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 ISUZU TROOPER II. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REGULAR SERVICE, THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS REAR SUSPENSION HAD RUSTED AND WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE OR TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 171,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-14
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAVE IN FRONT OF ME NHTSA RECALL NOTICE 01T016000 WHICH RECALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 TIRES WITH DOT SERIAL NUMBERS ENDING IN "7" (AMONG OTHER NUMBERS). I HAVE THESE TIRES ON MY CAR. I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER IN THE RECALL NOTICE FOR FIRESTONE, BUT THEY DENY THERE IS ANY RECALL. HOW DO I GET FIRESTONE TO FOLLOW THE RECALL? *NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-30
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, CONSUMER REDUCED SPEED, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FOUND BOTH REAR TIRES HAD LARGE SEPARATIONS, AND ALSO A BULGE ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALL 4 (30X930 15 LEMAINS TIRES) CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT HIS TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FIRESTONE RECALL. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: JAACH18EXJ7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MULTIPLE ENGINE FAILURES. A PIN HOLE IN THE CYLINDER ALLOWED THE ANTIFREEZE INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-06
- VIN: JAACH18E5J7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CYLINDER COVER CRACKED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-01
- VIN: JACCH58E3J7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE GASKETS AND CYLINDERS FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-14
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JAACH18E6J7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING; SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDERHOOD, PULLED OVER, CHECKED, FIRE IN AREA OF FIREWALL; CAUSE UNKNOWN; VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK
1988 Isuzu Trooper ii recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 Isuzu Trooper ii.
- Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
- Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
- Summary: DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN A BOLT THAT FIXES THE HEATER TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A FUEL DELIVERY PIPE AND BETWEEN A REAR HEATER HOSE CLIP, USE UNDER SERVERE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PIPE RUPTURE AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEW LINES AND A CLIP.
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: GUIDE PIN ON REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER SUPPORT COULD HAVE LOOSENED DURING TRANSPORT AND WOULD NO LONGER HOLD THE CALIPER IN CORRECT POSITION.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE DRAG, PREMATURE BRAKE PADWEAR AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING POWER WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN KIT.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Isuzu Trooper ii problems:
88 Trooper II problems | Isuzu SUV Forum
Nov 30, 2010 ... I have a 88 Trooper II 4x4 2.6 with 199k miles. I am having a few issues with this truck. First, when I am driving it will start to surge.
1988 Isuzu Trooper Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jul 21, 2016 ... Thermal valve, piston rings, head gasket, harmonic balancer spun around is no longer correct for timing, exhaust is rusted, back up lights, and ...
1988 Trooper 2.6 Mechanical Issues - Help Appreciated | Isuzu SUV ...
Nov 7, 2016 ... 1. Stalling after starting. It starts up strong, and after a few seconds starts sputtering, and ultimately dies. · 2. It's pretty loud. · 3.
Reliability of older Isuzu Troopers | Expedition Portal
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 ...
Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars
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 ...
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