Holden Rodeo 1988 FAQs

Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Rodeo here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Why is the dashboard transmission light in my 2002 Holden Rodeo flashing?

  The coincidental nature of these faults would make most mechanics suspect the body computer is having a nervous breakdown. This computer is the one that controls functions ranging from central locking, the immobiliser, power windows, dashboard and even the entertainment system. It’s also responsible for the indicators, climate control and probably the gear selector. See the pattern?

  And because the computer itself – rather than an individual component – has gone on the blink, it won’t always throw an error code. An auto electrician is the first place to visit as your diagnosis of an electrical fault is almost certainly spot on. Don’t rule out a simple bad earth connection, either, as these can also cause electronic havoc.

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• Is the 2008 Rodeo LX Diesel Thai built? Does it have a timing belt or chain?

  Yes, like the vast majority of dual-cab utes sold in Australia, the Holden Rodeo was indeed built in Thailand, at the Isuzu plant (the Rodeo was an Isuzu D-Max under the skin apart from the petrol V6 version which used a Holden-made engine). But diesel Rodeos used the Isuzu 4JJ1 four-cylinder diesel which used a timing chain rather than a rubber toothed timing belt. As such, the chain should be good for the life of the engine.

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• Check engine light still on in my 2006 Holden Rodeo Ute

  There are many, many things in a modern cat that can cause the check-engine light to illuminate. The cause could be anything from a sensor somewhere on the engine or in the exhaust to a problem such as low oil pressure, overheating, a dud fuel-injector or even a stretched timing chain that has allowed the crankshaft and the camshafts to become out of synch.

  Basically, the car’s computer notices and logs anything that’s amiss and warns the owner that some form of servicing is required by lighting up the check-engine light. The other possibility, of course, is that whoever worked on the emissions control system you mentioned, may have neglected to manually turn off the check-engine light. It’s happened before.

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