1998 Isuzu Rodeo First Gear Shake

1998 ISUZU
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MONKEYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 1998 Isuzu Rodeo consistantly has transmission problems. It's had 2 rebuilds and a replacement just in the last year and a half. I recently went on a road trip (abt 500 miles) and now it feels like it won't engage in first gear. The whole car shakes really bad when starting from a stop, but it's fine once I get going. What could be causing this, and why does my car seem to eat transmission? Also, the check transmission and check engine light go on every once in a while, but every time I've taken it in, there's been no problem. Has anyone else had problems like this?

Thank you!
Mar 26, 2006 at 5:45 AM
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KENB79764
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52 POSTS
it sounds like you may have a cracked or unbalanced flywheel. Have you replaced the flywheel on any of these rebuilds? also make sure the torque converter is replaced. either of these problems can destroy transmissions. another possibility for the shake is u-joints but they would not tear up trannys.
Apr 5, 2006 at 1:43 AM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect the flywheel for cracks or imbalance and replace it if it was not replaced during prior transmission work. Replace the torque converter as well, since either fault can destroy a transmission. U-joints can cause shaking from a stop but would not damage the transmission.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Isuzu Rodeo owner reports two transmission rebuilds and one replacement in about a year and a half. After a roughly 500-mile trip, the vehicle shakes badly when starting from a stop and feels like it will not engage first gear, then drives fine once moving. The check transmission and check engine lights come on occasionally, but shops find no problem. The expert suggests a cracked or unbalanced flywheel and says the torque converter should be replaced, noting either can destroy transmissions. U-joints are mentioned as a possible cause of the shake that would not damage the transmission.

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