Common Issues with Isuzu Impulse: Engine, Suspension, and Electrical

By Brian Wong, Reviewed by: Kurt Niebuhr, Updated on April 24, 2024

1. Common Issues with the Isuzu Impulse

1.1 First Generation Isuzu Impulse (1983-1989)

1.1.1 Engine Problems

The Isuzu Impulse is a sporty and compact car that was produced from 1983 to 1993. The first generation Isuzu Impulse was produced from 1983 to 1989 and is known to have a few common engine problems that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common engine problems with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is overheating. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat or water pump, which can lead to the engine becoming too hot and potentially causing damage. Owners should be sure to regularly check the engine coolant levels and have their thermostat and water pump checked and replaced if necessary.

Another common engine problem with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is oil leaks. This can be caused by a faulty valve cover gasket or oil pan, which can lead to oil leaking onto the engine and other components. This can be dangerous if the oil leak is not repaired, as it can cause a fire. Owners should regularly check their engine oil levels and have their valve cover gasket and oil pan checked and replaced if necessary.

The first generation Isuzu Impulse can also experience rough idling or stalling, which can be caused by a clogged fuel filter or malfunctioning fuel injectors. This can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Owners should have their fuel filter and fuel injectors checked and replaced if necessary to ensure their car is running smoothly.

1.1.2 Suspension and Steering Issues

The Isuzu Impulse is a sporty and compact car that was produced from 1983 to 1993. The first generation Isuzu Impulse was produced from 1983 to 1989 and is known to have a few common suspension and steering issues that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common suspension and steering issues with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is worn out ball joints and tie rod ends. Over time, these components can become worn out, which can cause the car to have poor handling and stability. Owners should regularly check their ball joints and tie rod ends and have them replaced if necessary to ensure their car is safe to drive.

Another common suspension and steering issue with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is steering wheel vibration. This can be caused by unbalanced tires or damaged rims, which can lead to poor handling and a rough ride. Owners should regularly check their tires and have them balanced, and replace any damaged rims to ensure their car is running smoothly.

1.1.3 Electrical Problems

The Isuzu Impulse is a sporty and compact car that was produced from 1983 to 1993. The first generation Isuzu Impulse was produced from 1983 to 1989 and is known to have a few common electrical problems that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common electrical problems with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is a faulty alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the car's battery and providing power to the electrical components in the car. If the alternator is not functioning properly, the car may experience dim headlights, a dead battery, or other electrical issues. Owners should have their alternator checked regularly and replaced if necessary to ensure their car is running smoothly.

Another common electrical problem with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is a malfunctioning ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for starting the car and providing power to the electrical components. If the ignition switch is not functioning properly, the car may not start or may experience other electrical issues. Owners should have their ignition switch checked and replaced if necessary to ensure their car is safe to drive.

The first generation Isuzu Impulse can also experience issues with its power windows and door locks. This can be caused by faulty wiring or a malfunctioning switch. Owners should have their power windows and door locks checked and repaired if necessary to ensure their car is functioning properly.

1.2 Second Generation Isuzu Impulse (1990-1993)

1.2.1 Engine Problems

The Isuzu Impulse is a sporty and compact car that was produced from 1983 to 1993. The second generation Isuzu Impulse was produced from 1990 to 1993 and is known to have a few common engine problems that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common engine problems with the second generation Isuzu Impulse is oil leaks. Oil leaks can occur from a variety of sources, including the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or oil seals. If left unaddressed, oil leaks can lead to low oil levels and engine damage. Owners should regularly check their engine for signs of oil leaks and have them repaired if necessary.

Another common engine problem with the second generation Isuzu Impulse is overheating. Overheating can be caused by a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning thermostat, a blocked radiator, or a leaking coolant system. Overheating can cause significant engine damage, so it is important for owners to address the issue as soon as possible by having their car inspected and repaired by a trusted mechanic.

The second generation Isuzu Impulse can also experience issues with its fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump. These issues can lead to poor fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, or even engine stalling. Regular maintenance and inspections of the fuel system can help prevent these issues and keep the car running smoothly.

1.2.2 Suspension and Steering Issues

The Isuzu Impulse is a sporty and compact car that was produced from 1983 to 1993. The second generation Isuzu Impulse, which was produced from 1990 to 1993, is known to have a few common suspension and steering issues that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common suspension issues with the second generation Isuzu Impulse is worn or damaged ball joints. Ball joints connect the steering knuckle to the control arms and are responsible for allowing the wheels to move up and down while also allowing the steering knuckle to turn left and right. Worn or damaged ball joints can lead to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and even loss of control while driving. Regular inspections and replacement of worn ball joints can help prevent these issues.

Another common suspension issue with the second generation Isuzu Impulse is worn or damaged shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are responsible for smoothing out bumps and vibrations in the road and help provide a comfortable ride. Worn or damaged shock absorbers can lead to a bumpy ride, poor handling, and even damage to other suspension components. Regular inspections and replacement of worn or damaged shock absorbers can help prevent these issues.

The second generation Isuzu Impulse can also experience issues with its power steering system. Common problems include leaks in the power steering pump or hoses, as well as damage to the power steering rack and pinion. These issues can cause difficulty turning the steering wheel, a whining noise when turning, and even loss of power steering assist. Regular inspections and maintenance of the power steering system can help prevent these issues.

1.2.3 Electrical Problems

The second generation Isuzu Impulse, which was produced from 1990 to 1993, is known to have a few common electrical issues that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common electrical issues with the second generation Isuzu Impulse is a malfunctioning alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the car's battery and providing power to the electrical system. A malfunctioning alternator can cause the battery to drain, which can lead to starting problems or even cause the car to stall while driving. Signs of a malfunctioning alternator can include dimming or flickering lights, unusual sounds coming from the engine, and difficulty starting the car. Regular inspections and maintenance of the alternator can help prevent these issues.

Another common electrical issue with the second generation Isuzu Impulse is a faulty ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for turning on the car's electrical system and starting the engine. A faulty ignition switch can cause issues with starting the car or even prevent the car from starting altogether. Signs of a faulty ignition switch can include difficulty turning the key in the ignition, unusual sounds coming from the ignition, and the car stalling while driving. Regular inspections and maintenance of the ignition switch can help prevent these issues.

The second generation Isuzu Impulse can also experience issues with its electrical wiring. Common problems include corroded or damaged wires, as well as faulty connections. These issues can cause a variety of electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights, intermittent power to various components, and even the car failing to start. Regular inspections and maintenance of the electrical system can help prevent these issues.

2. Recommended Solutions for Isuzu Impulse Issues

2.1 Engine Repairs

The Isuzu Impulse is a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it can experience engine issues that require repairs. Here are some common Isuzu Impulse engine issues and their recommended solutions:

One of the most common engine issues with the Isuzu Impulse is a malfunctioning fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and a malfunctioning pump can cause the car to stall or fail to start altogether. Signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump can include difficulty starting the car, engine misfires, and the car stalling while driving. If you suspect a problem with your fuel pump, it's recommended to have it inspected and replaced by a trusted mechanic.

Another common engine issue with the Isuzu Impulse is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the oxygen levels in the engine exhaust and adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio accordingly. A malfunctioning sensor can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which can lead to a variety of issues, including poor fuel economy and increased emissions. If you suspect a problem with your oxygen sensor, it's recommended to have it inspected and replaced by a trusted mechanic.

The Isuzu Impulse can also experience issues with its ignition system. Common problems include malfunctioning spark plugs and ignition coils. These issues can cause a variety of issues, including poor fuel economy, engine misfires, and difficulty starting the car. Regular inspections and maintenance of the ignition system can help prevent these issues.

Finally, the Isuzu Impulse can experience issues with its cooling system. Common problems include malfunctioning thermostats, radiator leaks, and clogged coolant passages. These issues can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to serious engine damage. Regular inspections and maintenance of the cooling system can help prevent these issues.

2.2 Suspension and Steering Repairs

The Isuzu Impulse has a well-tuned suspension system and a precise steering feel. However, over time, wear and tear can lead to various suspension and steering issues that can affect the car's handling, ride quality, and safety. Here are some common suspension and steering issues with the Isuzu Impulse, along with recommended repair solutions.

1. Worn Suspension Bushings: The suspension bushings, which are made of rubber and help absorb shocks and vibrations, can wear out over time, leading to a rough ride and increased noise and vibration. Replacing the worn-out bushings with new ones can restore the car's ride comfort and reduce noise.

2. Faulty Shock Absorbers: The shock absorbers, which are responsible for controlling the car's suspension movement, can wear out or leak, leading to a bumpy ride and reduced stability. Replacing the worn-out shock absorbers with new ones can improve the car's ride quality and stability.

3. Loose Steering Components: The Isuzu Impulse's steering system comprises many components, including the tie rods, ball joints, and steering rack. Over time, these components can wear out or become loose, leading to a wandering steering wheel and reduced steering accuracy. Inspecting and tightening the loose components or replacing the worn-out ones can restore the car's steering precision and stability.

4. Unbalanced Wheels: The Isuzu Impulse's wheels can become unbalanced over time, leading to vibrations and uneven tire wear. Balancing the wheels can restore the car's ride comfort and reduce tire wear.

5. Power Steering Fluid Leaks: The Isuzu Impulse's power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to assist the driver in turning the steering wheel. However, over time, the power steering hoses or the steering rack can develop leaks, leading to a loss of power steering fluid and reduced steering assist. Inspecting and replacing the faulty hoses or steering rack can restore the car's power steering function.

Overall, regular maintenance and inspection of the Isuzu Impulse's suspension and steering components can help prevent these issues from occurring and ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience.

2.3 Electrical Repairs

Electrical issues can be some of the most frustrating problems to deal with when it comes to a car, and the Isuzu Impulse is no exception. One of the most common electrical issues with the Isuzu Impulse is a faulty alternator. Symptoms of a bad alternator can include a dead battery, dim headlights, and a warning light on the dashboard. If you suspect your alternator is faulty, it's important to have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle's electrical system.

Another common electrical issue with the Isuzu Impulse is a malfunctioning starter motor. This can cause the car to fail to start, and may also result in a clicking sound when you turn the key. In some cases, a failing starter motor may also cause the engine to stall while driving. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to have your starter motor checked by a professional mechanic.

Faulty wiring is another potential electrical issue with the Isuzu Impulse. Wiring issues can cause a wide range of problems, including intermittent power loss, malfunctioning lights, and electrical shorts. It's important to have any wiring issues addressed as soon as possible, as they can cause damage to other components of the car's electrical system.

If you're experiencing any electrical issues with your Isuzu Impulse, it's important to have them diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic. Attempting to fix electrical issues on your own can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your vehicle. A qualified mechanic can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action, whether it's a simple repair or a more involved electrical system overhaul.

3. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Isuzu Impulse is a unique and sporty vehicle that can be prone to a variety of issues, particularly in its first and second generation models. Engine problems can range from oil leaks and overheating to timing belt failures and ignition system issues. Suspension and steering issues may include worn-out bushings and ball joints, as well as problems with the power steering system. Electrical issues can involve faulty sensors, malfunctioning ignition switches, and problems with the charging system.

To address these issues, it is important to perform regular maintenance, such as oil changes and replacing worn-out parts. In some cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary, such as replacing the timing belt or repairing the power steering system. It is also recommended to address any electrical issues as soon as possible, as they can lead to more serious problems down the line.

Overall, the Isuzu Impulse can be a reliable and enjoyable car to drive, but it is important to stay on top of maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise. With proper care and attention, the Isuzu Impulse can provide many years of driving enjoyment.

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