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.

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.

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.

Does the 2005 Holden Rodeo come with an intercooler?

Yes it did. In order to produce the engine’s 96kW and 280Nm of torque (291Nm in automatic form), Holden - or rather Isuzu, who engineered the vehicle and provided the driveline - used an intercooler to achieve that level of performance. The factory intercooler was a top-mount (mounted on top of the engine) and there are plenty of aftermarket alternatives when it comes time for replacement. Some owners also choose to fit a front-mounted intercooler for better performance, although in an off-roader like the Rodeo, this can place the intercooler in harm’s way in an off-road scenario.

Problems with the fuel gauge in my 2005 Holden Rodeo

This is very possibly a fault with the power supply to the fuel pump rather than the pump itself. The clue is that the fuel gauge started playing games just before the engine shut down. The fuel gauge is controlled by the sender which is usually in the tank with the pump. They’re often supplied power by the same wiring. So any problem with the power to the fuel pump would also possibly show up as a fuel gauge that’s making strange movements. Start by checking the power supply to the pump, but don’t rule out a poor earth somewhere in there as well. Even though the fuse is okay, if the power wire or earth wire is loose/corroded/faulty/dirty/short-circuiting, then you may have found the problem.

Starting problem with a 2004 Holden Rodeo LX

Any time a vehicle with the DOHC Holden V6 is mentioned as having a starting problem or check-engine light illuminated, mechanics will often go straight to the engine’s timing chain to check its wear. That’s because this engine is notorious for such antics and, when they occur, it can often mean poor starting and the dreaded check-engine light. However, in this case, the engine in question was an Isuzu-designed unit that doesn’t seem to have the same rash of timing chain problems. Which means you need to go back to basics and have the vehicle scanned to see if the onboard computer has logged the root cause of any problems. The fact that the check engine light is flickering and the starting problem is an intermittent one could mean anything, but a good place to start checking would be the various earthing points around the vehicle. Bad earths are a common cause for this sort of problem. The condition of the car’s battery is also a smart place to begin investigations. A lack of power in the battery is enough to make a lot of electronically fuel-injected vehicles throw in the towel on a random basis.

Will I be able to salvage the engine of 2004 Holden Rodeo after the seller drove across a creek without a snorkel and it took in water?

When an engine (petrol or diesel) inhales water through its air-intake system, it's never usually a good outcome. Because water is – as is any liquid – non-compressible, the engine's pistons will try to achieve that but, in the process, the engine will lock up and all sorts of internal carnage can ensue. If you're lucky, the damage will be fixable but can still involve bent con-rods, broken pistons and bent valves. If the lock up was more severe, there's a chance that the engine block could be cracked or a con-rod has broken and punched a hole through the crankcase. Sometimes the force of the lock up is sufficient to smash the main bearing caps and throw the crankshaft out of place. In any of those latter cases, the whole engine would be considered a total loss. But even if you've gotten away with a bent con-rod or two, you'd still need to rebuild the entire engine and, in the context of a 2004 Rodeo ute, you might find you're spending more money than the vehicle is actually worth. A potentially better idea would be to find a good, tested second-hand engine from a wrecking yard or any other sort of damaged Rodeo and do a relatively simple heart transplant.

Holden Rodeo 2006: What does upgrade mean?

There was a mid-model update released on the Rodeo late in 2005. It’s probably relating to that.

What ute is a good first car?

The Brumby would have been a good choice 10 years ago, but finding one now that hasn’t been driven into the ground, beaten to death, or rusted away is nigh on impossible. Instead of buying a dodgy old your son a favour and buy him a decent car, one that doesn’t belong in a scrap yard, and will serve him well for some time into the future. I would go for a Hilux, Triton, or Bravo 2600.

Tip for repairing diesel injectors

Seeking the help of a diesel engine mechanic is a good idea, they often have greater expertise on diesel engines than mainstream dealers and can make repairs at a lower cost to you.

Holden Rodeo 1993 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Holden Rodeo 1993 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Holden Rodeo 1993: Brake pad replacement

Answered by CarsGuide 24 Jan 2003

I don't want to doubt your claims, Robert, but it is hard to believe you've done almost a quarter of a million kilometres on the original pads and shoes and they are only a quarter worn. If you're correct I'd say you're on track to set a world record. I'd be phoning the Guinness Book of Records and getting them prepared for a new entry. Seriously though, commercials do have different braking requirements from passenger cars. They have to carry loads and they are not expected to stop on a 5c piece, as we expect our passenger cars to do today. Also, commercial vehicle operators would not tolerate the wear rates of some passenger cars and there would be an outcry if their utes and vans chewed up brake linings like some passenger cars do.

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Holden Rodeo 1993 Problems

Holden Rodeo 1993: Brake pad replacement

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