How to Add Transmission Fluid to a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
by Grace MclainThe transmission fluid in the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo keeps the moving parts inside of the transmission lubricated and cool. Once that the transmission fluid starts to break down, it can't protect the moving parts as it should and will need to be replaced. The 2001 Isuzu Rodeo does not have a transmission dipstick on the engine. The transmission fluid needs to be replaced anywhere between 50,000 miles and 75,000 miles. You can add or change the transmission fluid on the Rodeo in less than an hour.
Step 1
Drive the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo around for a while to heat up the transmission fluid. The hotter the transmission fluid, the easier it will come out of the transmission. Park the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo on a level surface and turn the engine off.
Step 2
Crawl under the Rodeo on the driver side and locate the transmission pan. The pan is on the bottom of the transmission. There are two bolt heads located on the bottom of the transmission. One bolt head is for draining the transmission fluid and the other bolt is for adding the transmission fluid. The drain plug is in the center of the transmission pan on the bottom. The fill plug is at the rear of the transmission pan and is sitting inside of a recessed groove. Slide the fluid catch pan under the rear fill plug. Remove the fill plug with the 3/8-inch ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Turn the bolt head counterclockwise to loosen and remove the fill bolt.
Step 3
Slide the plastic hose inside the recessed hole that the fill plug came out of. Crawl out from under the truck and attach the other end of the long plastic hose to the fluid pump. Crank the engine and let it idle. Now fill the transmission with SAE-30 oil with the fluid pump. Keep pumping the SAE-30 oil into the recessed hole until the fluid starts to run out of the hole. Once the fluid runs out of the hole, the transmission is full.
Step 4
Turn off the engine. Crawl back under the Rodeo and slide the plastic hose out of the recessed fill hole. Screw the fill plug back in and tighten with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket. Slide the fluid catch pan out from under the truck.
Step 5
Crank the engine and let it idle. Inspect the fill plug to make sure that it is not leaking any fluid from around the plug. Turn off the engine. Job complete.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual;1991-2002 Isuzu Rodeo;" John Haynes-2003
Tips
- The purpose of the fluid pump is to pump the transmission fluid from the pump through the long plastic hose up to the recessed fill hole. This type of transmission setup requires a fluid pump.
Things You'll Need
- 3/8-inch ratchet
- Ratchet extension
- Socket set
- Fluid catch pan
- Fluid pump
- Long plastic hose
- SAE-30 oil
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
