1995.0* Isuzu Rodeo** 3.2L SOHC with automatic transmission and 4WD
*They redesigned the truck in the middle of the model year, switching from OBD-I (which is what I have) to OBD-II, and changing up the interior to add airbags. When I buy parts, I order 1994 parts to make sure I get the right things. I haven't yet found any differences between the 94 and 95, but there are a LOT of differences between the 95.0 and the 95.1 (my numbering system).
**AKA Honda Passport
It's been parked for two years, but it cranked and ran fine in Jan or Feb. Needs a transmission, so once I was finally able to afford a pull-off, I bought one and had it drop shipped to my transmission shop. Now the truck won't run. The only thing I did to it between when it last cranked and when I tried to crank it to drive it onto the rollback was that I put a new battery in. I'm thinking that may have reset one or more codes it may have had.
It was a beater when I bought it, not taken care of at all, and my friend and I nursed it back to health. It ran great for a little over a year. Then the rear dif blew on the interstate. Got that replaced, but it damaged the transmission. Started losing power, wouldn't come out of first gear, even with the pedal on the floor. Almost didn't make it over the hill to get home the last time I drove it. Engine idled fine, just no power. So I parked it, intending to save up for a transmission. Things happened, and it took two years to be able to buy one. Now the transmission has been sitting at the shop for three or four weeks, and I can't get the stupid engine running. It'll crank, but it won't stay running, even with the throttle wide open. And it smells like gas. When I hold the throttle open, the engine pops at a steady rhythm, running very roughly, and it stays below 500 rpm, instead of running smoothly at 800 rpm like it's supposed to. Soon as I release the throttle, the engine sputters to a stop.
Here's what I've done since swapping the battery: Checked and topped off the engine coolant. Checked the oil level. Added six gallons of fresh gas (E10, 93 octane) to the tank, along with some enzyme additive (tank had ethanol-free fuel when parked, and was almost empty). Pulled the aftermarket short ram cold air intake off and partially reinstalled the OEM intake, replacing the return hose in the process, but leaving the cone K&M filter at the end of the intake, instead of reinstalling the breather box. Pulled, cleaned, and reinstalled the idle air control valve. Pulled, cleaned, and reinstalled what I think is the vacuum control for the EGR. Replaced the TPS, after getting nowhere with attempting to probe test with a voltmeter the one that came off. No changes after doing each of these.
Here's what I think may need to happen, based on hours of looking online for answers: Pull, inspect, and either clean or replace the EGR (couldn't figure out how to do it yesterday, and neither the Haynes nor Chilton book was helpful). Find and replace the engine coolant temperature sensor. Pull and inspect each spark plug (I'm apparently not strong enough to do this one on my own, I tried). Maybe pull and replace the crankshaft sensor, if I can find it (I think I gotta pull the wheel to do that, if I'm able to). Rebuild the rather leaky exhaust from the back of the Y pipe to the resonator tip (can't do that until I take it to a pipe shop, and I can't do that until it runs). These are the things I've seen suggested to people who are having the same problem I am.
I'm getting really frustrated at spitballing for solutions, and I almost want to roll the truck across the scales, but I've put so much time and effort and money into it, I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do. Plus, it's a tough little truck. Metal bumpers, no plastic on the body at all. You just can't find those anymore. I work two jobs for a total of six days a week, so I only get one day a week to work on it - if it doesn't rain. And I'm not sure how much longer the transmission shop will be okay with holding onto my transmission for me.
Help?
PS, I'm not a mechanic, I've just been learning about fixing stuff on the truck by watching my friend work on it, and Googling, and watching YouTube videos. My friend moved to another state while the truck was parked, so I'm on my own with this now. :-(