2004 intermittent no start issue

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1998-2004 Isuzu Rodeo

Repair and disassembly information for the second-generation Isuzu Rodeo.

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Amanda Smith @amandasmit47539

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Posted: Oct 3, 2026

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2004 intermittent no start issue

I have a 2004 rodeo direct injection, my plastic key fob broke so I ordered a new case for it everything the same just new plastic shell. Now I have a no crank / start issue. It cranks 4 out of 5 times in a row. When it stops cranking I have to shut the door lock myself in with key fob and set alarm then unlock, open door and try again, repeatedly, until it decides to crank. This can take multiple times of locking myself in the car. Why or what is possibly happening here?

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Service manual; "Anti-theft operation -The keyless entry and anti-theft control unit receives various input from switches in the four doors on the Rodeo, two doors on the Amigo, and tailgate to monitor any unauthorized entry. If notified of such case, the control unit will flash the headlights, the parking lights and interior lights, sound the anti-theft horn, and disable the starter."

The starter operating seems unrelated to remote or antitheft immobilizer system, This may be battery, battery cables, their connections or starter issue. And, with an aging vehicle, spark plugs, ignition system, fuel pump and pressure may be other issues with the EFI system.

https://lemon-manuals.org.ua/Isuzu/2004/

Oct 3, 2026 by F Dryer

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Service manual; "Anti-theft operation -The keyless entry and anti-theft control unit receives various input from switches in the four doors on the Rodeo, two doors on the Amigo, and tailgate to monitor any unauthorized entry. If notified of such case, the control unit will flash the headlights, the parking lights and interior lights, sound the anti-theft horn, and disable the starter."

The starter operating seems unrelated to remote or antitheft immobilizer system, This may be battery, battery cables, their connections or starter issue. And, with an aging vehicle, spark plugs, ignition system, fuel pump and pressure may be other issues with the EFI system.

https://lemon-manuals.org.ua/Isuzu/2004/ — F Dryer

jayeff @jayeff Rep: 551.5k 11 425 1.6k · Answer 1 · 2026-10-03T21:08:03-07:00

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jayeff @jayeff

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Posted: Oct 3, 2026

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Hi @amandasmit47539

Sounds like there's an intermittent problem with the immobilizer circuit in the vehicle.

Since the case of the key fob was broken there's a chance that the problem might be in the key fob as it is part of the immobilizer circuit. Open the key fob and use a strong light and a magnifying glass to carefully inspect the circuit board in the key (both sides), for any hairline fractures, dry solder joints or loose components.

If you're not certain as to whether you can see a problem or not, post some images of the board (both sides) in your question so that it can be seen by others who may spot something that you may have missed.

Here's how on ifixit. Adding images to an existing question

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@amandasmit47539 to know for sure if you are dealing with an immobilizer issue, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the 'ON' position (don't try to crank it just yet). Keep an eye on the red 'Security' or 'Theft' light on your dash. If that light flashes rapidly or just stays on solid, your anti-theft system is actively locking out the starter because it doesn't recognize the key. If the light goes out after a couple of seconds, the key is recognized and you are good to crank it

Oct 4, 2026 by oldturkey03

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1998-2004 Isuzu Rodeo

2004 intermittent no start issue

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