Hi. I purchased a 94 Isuzu Trooper in 2000. It had 76K on it and (aside from the usual tapping noise) ran great. I got several years out of it with nothing but routine maintenance, but last winter things started going wrong left and right. I had to replace the radiator and the converter, the clutch went, and it started burning oil. Something is rattling underneath so I?m thinking a new exhaust is on the horizon. I?ve chalked these issues up to the fact that it was a 10-year-old vehicle.
Unfortunately, at 140K it now has this infuriating starting problem. This morning it turned over and then stalled immediately. After trying to start it every 15-30 minutes I?ve finally given up and called out of work. Some days it doesn?t start at all. It usually happens in the morning, but sometimes it will start normally and then when I leave work at the end of the day?nothing. Sometimes if I walk away for a few hours it will start on its own, other times I need to be jumped. Whether it starts on its own or is jumped the car makes this horrifying ?clunk? when it finally does turn over.
I can go for weeks with no problem and every time I bring it to the mechanic they cannot get it to act up. I?ve replaced the battery and the computer diagnostic says that the ignition system is fine. Any ideas? I seem to have more trouble on rainy days. Could moisture be a factor?
Thanks! -Celia