1994 Isuzu Trooper Transmission not shifting automatically

Tiny
CKNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 ISUZU TROOPER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
My transmission is not shifting automatically. The check trans light is flashing as well. It will shift If I shift it into low gear then up shift as I accelerate. If I don't do this it seams like it is trying to take off in 3rd gear and accelerates very slow.

OK it is a 3.2L SOHC enginge. Not sure if it is the S or LS but the VIN is JACDH58V7R7918645. It does not have an OBD II port to check for codes. It only has a three terminal port hanging from under the dash.

When I ground the two outside terminals on the port together as it describes in the not so helpful Haynes manual, I do not get any fault codes. It just keeps flashing the # 12 system acknowledgment code. The check engine light has not lit up yet but I have a check trans warning light that keeps flashing. I'm sure this is trying to tell me what the problem is but I can't find any info on what this warning lite is for.

I did drive it on the highway today and found out that it is not shifting into O/D either.

Thanks for your quick response in trying to answer my question. Let me know if I can give you any more info that could help with trouble shooting.

Thanks
Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 5:34 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

Also, one of my tech manuals wants to know if it is a LS, RS, S, or SE. I know you were not sure, but is there an emblem on the back or side?

I was able to find some info on the VIN for you. . ..I would keep this. It did answer my door question. . .. . ..


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture2_10.jpg



I am going to use the RS model for now.

Of course, you need a TECH 1 scan tool. . .. . ..can you break in. . .. . ..sorry. . .just kidding. . ...but, this does show you can jump pins 1 and 3 and get the Check Trans Light to flash also and count the codes. I attached the info for you. Now I know you did that for the check engine light, but this says for the trans light also. As a matter of fact, the pic I am giving you shows the Diagnostic Connector as a 2 pin and the TCM/ECM as a 3 pin. That way you can hook the TECH 1 scanner up to the 2 pin and still jump the TCM. If you can not, then you need to at least have the shop do this for you, give you the codes and tell you what they are also. But get the code numbers.

This would be great if you can get the codes though.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture1_11.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_1_90.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_2_58.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_3_40.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_4_24.jpg



Right now, based off what you said that it is not shifting, the TCM contains a fail-safe system. When failure or problem exists in transmission electronic control system, the TCM may go into a back-up mode using pre-programmed values, allowing vehicle to be driven. The CHECK TRANS light on instrument panel will flash to inform the driver of a problem. The vehicle can be driven BUT shifting must be done manually. So, back to the codes. . .. . .. . .. . ..but at least you know why you have to manually shift.

Based on what you said about starting off in 3rd gear. . .it may be. The transmission has 3 different shift modes, Normal, Power, and Winter as I said. There is a TSB on the winter switch has failed. I have attached that for you.

Well, if you can not get the codes. . ..you cold take a chance and replace the winter switch and see if that fixes everything. Or, have the codes checked to make sure what is wrong.

Last, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.

Hope this helps.

TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 248

DATE 1994

TRANSMISSION: 4L30E

SUBJECT: Third gear starts

APPLICATION: ISUZU 4L30E

Third gear starts

This condition can be caused by a winter switch (if equipped) that has failed, closed. When the winter mode is selected by the driver, the computer commands third gear starts for better driveability on snow or ice (the unit will still shift to fourth gear at the appropriate speed).


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_42157742_1.jpg



If the switch fails (closed) it can continually send a winter mode signal to the computer. For a quick test of the switch, turn the key off, disconnect the winter mode switch harness connector and drive the vehicle. If the transmission returns to normal operation replace the switch. The Isuzu part number for the switch is: 8-94368-568-1.

Recalls


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture4_8.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture3_8.jpg



Next please go to Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

Provide this info back and we will have a starting point.
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Friday, November 21st, 2008 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
CKNAPP
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Thanks for the info. I will see if I can get a Tech II scanner. I will be out of town this weekend so I don't know how far I will get so you may not hear back from me until Monday or Tuesday.

Thanks again for the info, it looks to be very helpful.
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
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No problem. But remember, I don't think you need the scanner. Try shorting 1 and 3 pin together on the 3 pin connector and see if the trans light flashes. Then that way you can just count the flashes and you won't need the scanner.

Have fun this weekend
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
ALENN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi all,

(Sorry for my poor english)

i have same promlem but my car is opel omega-b.1997 model, x20xev and gearbox is 4L30E. All symptoms are same, not shifting automaticaly. Suddenly automatic gearbox check appeared on high way. Shifting manually, but not shifting by itself. No kickdown-no sport-no winter mode. Disconnected winter and sport mode but no result. When automatic gearbox check appeared, I checked by tech 2 scanner and fault was 130-130-1110-0430, o2 sensà  r and camshaft. Checked the transmission by tech 2 and fault was -pressure regulator solenoid circiut open. Later checked many times no camshaft error. Runing without problem at first start. RPM is okey, up to 4500-5000. Rpm.

I have done these;

1-ATF changed
2-solenoids changed (all solenoids)
3-disconnected winter mode button-sport button
4-head gasket
5-spark plugs
6-selector switch

i bought 5 liter gas and ready to fire it :)

i solved

tcm was the problem
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Saturday, October 24th, 2009 AT 2:52 AM
Tiny
CHRIS COXX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 ISUZU TROOPER
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Transmission if in drive does not accelerate dash display shows 3rdgear all the time even in park has to be manually shifted it has no OD working The check trans light is not on but bulb checks good I disconnected the winter and power buttons no change I tried to jump term 1and 3 on the TCM connector and the check trans light still dosent come on. Any suggestions?
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Check the transmission range sensor.
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAPLANE1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 ISUZU TROOPER
  • 3.2L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
94 Isuzu trooper 3.2l transmission is not shifting neither automatically
Or manually.2nd is all I am getting. It appears to be in limp mode.. Ihave changed
1 /2/3/4 solenoid, 2/3 solenoid and band apply solenoid plus filter
I have also traced signal from ECM and TCM back to tranny
Including to solenoid connections. All harness and connections appear
To be ok and intact. I am completely stumped on where to go next
Is it possible tranny is screwed. Check engine light
Showing no codes and check trans light
Working but not flashing. Think I covered it all
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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Have a trans guy check this it is probably shot
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
VAROUTH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 ISUZU TROOPER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
Transmission problem
1997 Isuzu Trooper 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 230000 miles

Hello,
My Transmission will not shift into 2nd and higher. I have already changed the filter and fluid. The fluid that was drained was brown but did not smell burnt. In order to drive the trooper I have to drive it in low gear. When driving it in OD or 3rd it seems to want to shift into a higher gear then all of a sudden the rpms shoots up to max. When I bought the trooper a month ago the transmission was shifting fine then when I was climbing up a incline the RPM's went max. Since then I have driven it in low gear with no problems. Also when stepping on the throttle the voltage drops (looking at the anolog voltage display on the dash). What could be the cause of these problems.
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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That could be either a controller or solenoid problem. Your best bet would be to find a shop capable of puling the codes out of the trans to see what failures it may have recorded
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
  • 2001 ISUZU TROOPER
  • 150,000 MILES
Car will not shift gears into 3rd and 4th
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Auto or stick?

Roy
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MOW4ALIVN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1991 ISUZU RODEO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 265,000 MILES
Transmission problem
1991 Isuzu Rodeo Question 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 265000 miles

I have tinkered with cars for years but I'm a little baffled when it comes to the newer vehicles. I have a 91 isuzu rodeo 2 wheel drive with automatic 5 speed transmission. It started giving me trouble a month ago. When you put it in reverse it drops into to gear as it should, but when you put it into drive it has a slight delay before dropping into gear. After it does drop into gear and you take off it stays in first gear until about 20-25mph the check trans light comes on then shifts real quickly into second and third and does not shift into 4th or 5th gear. When you take off from a stop it will stay in third gear like you have the winter mode button pushed. For a while I could shut the engine off restart it and take off again and it may shift properly through all the gears or it may do the same thing as I have metioned above. But it has got to a point now that the shutting the engine off does not work any more to get it to shift correctly. I have not changed the trans fluid in it but the fluid looks the right color and doesn't smell burnt. I bought a vacum modulator valve for it from O'reillys they said that there was one on it, but when I got under to change it there was no modulator to change (must be computer controlled). The vin is 4S2CG58Z4M4315945. All the info I have found on the net says there is a modulator valve but not on this one. Is there a shift modulator inside the trans maybe? Got any suggestions my wife would really like to get it going again. Thanks
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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All solenoids in that one. Have the PCM scanned to see if it stored a fault code related to the trans. Sounds like one is not working properly, should have stored something for us to start with
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MOW4ALIVN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It is at a local garage now. I replaced the trans filter and fluid before taking it to the shop pan had very little shaving in it just a little around the magnet inside. Had the codes read came up with map sensor bad code they replaced that but still have the same problem. One thing I forgot to tell before is when I got the rodeo I found the wires running down to the trans that plug into the overdrive unit/Main trans body/ and speed sensor all these had laid up against the exhaust manifold and melted together. I pulled the wiring harness out and respliced the wires with good wires and reinstalled. Could this have done something to the computer or does this have nothing to do with the problem? It worked fine for a while after doing this but slowly got worse till now it does it all the time no matter what I do. The shop is baffled too.
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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Could have hurt the computer when it was grounded out. Or with that electrical not working properly, it might have hurt the trans. Did you take it to a trans shop?
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MOW4ALIVN
  • MEMBER
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We don't have a trans specialist shop just regular automotive shops. I bought the rodeo not running. The guy I bought it from said the injectors wouldn't work it would crank over but wouldn't start he had a half a dozen used injectors inside the vehicle. Only after I degreased the engine I found the burnt wiring. The wires going to trans were pretty small all I had was wire about double the size of original wiring. After rewiring it motor started up first crank. Wouldn't the testing equipment be able to tell if the computer was bad or not?
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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On something that old it might not. That is when it must be tested using a meter to check the solenoids, even that isnt 100%
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTOQUEZADA14
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 ISUZU RODEO
  • 6 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I turned on my car last night and it wouldn't let me change gears, I tried while the car is off and on. Neithere worked, also my ignition has a problem where the key gets stuck and I gotta pull a white plastic up to release the key, ive been told those two might be related?
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Do you mean the shifter will not move?

Is this automatic or stick shift?

Roy
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Friday, December 16th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)

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