The Isuzu Rodeo was equipped with the 4L30E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Isuzu Rodeo transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Isuzu Rodeo Transmission Models
1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo: 4L30E Transmission
Isuzu Rodeo Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Isuzu Rodeo transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Isuzu Rodeo Transmission Recalls
None Found
Isuzu Rodeo Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Isuzu Rodeo Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Isuzu Rodeo can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Isuzu Rodeo transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Isuzu Rodeo transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Isuzu Rodeo transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Isuzu Rodeo transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Isuzu Rodeo transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Isuzu Rodeo transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Isuzu Rodeo transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Isuzu Rodeo transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Isuzu Rodeo transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Isuzu Rodeo Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Isuzu Rodeo Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Isuzu Rodeo Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Isuzu Rodeo Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Isuzu Rodeo Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
overdrive attenuator seal needs replacement
Transmission struggles to reverse and won’t shift from drive to neutral or reverse
Transmission has been rebuilt at first when driving it shifts really smoothly but then shortly after it starts to not shimmy at first from a stop to go with oil getting hot
1992 Isuzu Rodeo can’t find a clutch for anywhere it is a standard transmission can’t find one anywhere I found one for $1,000 that seems outrageous for just a clutch plate display throughout bearing
Rockauto has an assortment of clutch kits for less than $100.
Got to have a transfer put in my 2000 Isuzu rodeo what’s a price for a machanic to put it in
1999 rodeo 3.2L 4×4.. had a TPS issue for almost a year, also got nailed by another vehicle on the back passenger side, when that happened, had really hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd, and from 3rd to 2nd. 6 months later I finally figured out the TPS issue, thought all was well, it ran so great that night first time it was getting more than 4mpg in almost a year…next day trans won’t go into 4th/overdrive. Shifts ok to 2nd and 3rd, then the tach is running at 3k+RPM at 50+MPH. The tach will jump from 2.5k to 3k as if it’s going back into 2nd. If I get up to 70+MPH and hold it for a minute, check trans light starts flashing. No CEL. No trans leaks. No way it’s low on fluid. I check it regularly. I did have the accumulator piston seal replaced after it sprung a leak around same time my back end got smashed. I did drive with dangerously low fluid for a few days. It was January and wet and cold. And it’s such a pain to check/fill the trans.
I have an automatic Isuzu/Rodeo. Its takes a long time to change gear but revs up when I give it gas. When I put into park it clicks, Neutral it clicks letting me know that I am in the right gear but it does not make that sound when I put into drive but it does good for a few seconds but once again when you gives it gas but revs up and not changing automatically.
I have the same issue with myn as you , did you find out exactly what the issue is?
Have a 1996 rodeo 3.2 four wheel drive with 70k miles. When you put in gear it slips where it will barely move when revving up.
Fluid is full or at least running out top hole when checking.
When I sit at the light,when I take off the transmission jumps and the rpms jumps real high, I have to take my foot off the gas a couple of times before it will go
98 rodeo no 3rd or 4th gear kinda sounds like change rolling around in a jar when in gear. It has great responce when in gear.
2001 Rodeo, bought used. Ran fine until it started sliding and shifting harder and harder, taking a second or so longer to shift into gear. Now it’s parked after I tried to back out of driveway and it wouldn’t go into gear. If I fluttered the gas it would go in gear but only moved a few inches before it was out of gear again. Trans had a hole in it this summer and had it repaired, didn’t last long obviously. I noticed there was fluid all over the under carriage. Tried to check fluid when problem started but didn’t have the equipment and couldn’t fit under neath it. Now I’ve got ramps, but I guess I need a pump (?). Not sure if it’s fixable or if I should scrap it… or sell it.. 199000 miles.
Same issue what you end up deciding
I don’t have 1st or second gear how do I fix it
It has a place to cap off or attach on the passenger side of the Tran. Is 4L30E . I just purchase the Rodeo and have no idea what goes their.
Often slips going into OD sometimes shifts into OD hard and trans light blinks , but resets after turning off eng and restarting, no codes are stored. Sometimes after letting off the throttle it will just jump into neutral and you need to pull it into 3rd to drive .
It’s a 4l30e trans
I bought it with oversized tires (31 in. diameter) and had my perfectly working trans from my other rodeo put in it. It’s taken me a month to get my original wheels / tires back on it. The over sized tires made my speedo read 5mph slower than I was going, and made it much harder to get into overdrive (52 mph the tach drops from 2200 rpm to 1800 rpm). This killed my gas mileage and power. Now the trans seems to be slipping turning right and sometimes going straight (mostly when it’s not warmed up) . I have been babying it , and notice sometimes it seems to work perfectly well. I had a similar problem with another one that would slip when going around corners and they replaced the electronic magnet looking units inside the trans. I will be using this to tow a 5×8 trailer (600lbs.) that has 3,000 lb springs on it. I don’t plan on towing anything tat heavy, but maybe 1,000 lbs on it.
2001 Isuzu rodeo will not go into any gears going forward but it will go into reverse and when I put it in forward their is a winning noise
99 4l30e,no reverse
I have a 2000 isuzu rodeo 3.2 2wd 4l30e. And when it rains it will jump out of gear. If I pull over and turn ignition off for a few seconds then start back up it shifts fine. Also its throwing a b solinoid code. But also when it rains it will shift no problem.
Won’t shift out of 2nd
Hi I have a 2000 Isuzu rodeo 3.2 with automatic four-wheel-drive vehicle 148,000miles and no OBD2 codes no quotes on price
it starts right up but when you go to put it in gear if feels like there’s just an extreme extra load and it shuts right off almost as if the parking brake was on but it’s not
As soon as you put it in gear any of the forward speeds the RPMs climb up to about 2000rpm and then drops then car shuts off like it’s under a load like it’s trying to move and can’t I haven’t checked the fluid yet that could be an instant indicator of maybe what the problem might be maybe the pump on the transmission? Torque Converter? Any ideas thank you
Since there’s no dipstick I’m gonna have to get under there and drain a sample amount or drain it completely look at the fluid and re-pump it back in if it’s OK
Hi 2000 and Isuzu rodeo 3.2 with automatic four-wheel-drive vehicle starts right up but when you go to put it in gear if feels like there’s just an extreme extra load and it shuts right off almost as if the parking brake was on but it’s not
As soon as you put it in gear any of the forward speeds the RPMs climb up to about 2000rpm and then drops then car shuts off like it’s under a load like it’s trying to move the can’t I have to check the fluid yet that that can be an instant indicator of maybe what the problem might be maybe the pump on the transmission? Torque Converter? Any ideas thank you
I don’t know if you’ve recently had transmission out or done work on it but it sounds like the tcc solenoid located in the front pan could be your problem. If stuck it will cause this type of engine stall. The reason I mentioned recent work is the square 4 wire connector for the tcc and force motor solenoids in the front pan section can easily be plugged in incorrectly. The locator tabs are known to break off which allows them to be installed in the wrong position and also cause this stalling condition.