Understanding the MIL fault codes on a Jackaroo Turbo Diesel

The Jackaroo, as with all vehicles intended to be supplied to the USA market, (as the Isuzu Trooper) is fitted with OnBoard Diagnostics (OBD) to enable rudimentary servicing of the vehicle by non dealer mechanics. It was introduced in the USA as a mandatory requirement in 1996 to ensure that air pollution standards could be maintained. The MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) or commonly labelled Check Engine light is located in the instrument cluster.

(Download the full tip here – “How to Read Your Jackaroo Fault Codes” )

Setting up camp

• Set up in daylight - an obvious remark you say, but how often do we not allow ourselves the time.
• Look over the ground for bull ants nests. There is nothing worse than finding out after you’ve set up that they are there. Be mindful if you find a nice clear spot, clear of ground vegetation (grass etc) as this is often an ants domain.
• Beware of tree fall and dropping branches. A nice shady spot is wonderful, but the good old Aussie gum will drop branches of considerable size very easily. Better to make your own shade than wake up in an ambulance.
• Consider where the sun is in the morning – if you’re breaking camp early you will want the site in full sun asap, to dry out the tents.

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JACKAROO TECHNICAL TIPS

The Holden Jackaroo has been generally found to be a reliable vehicle …. provided that it has been serviced regularly according to the factory schedule! Deferring oil and filter changes is a sure way to cause future problems.

The turbo diesel Jackaroo with the 4JX1 engine is a very sophisticated design and requires special care to maintain performance, nevertheless with care, engines have been known to go to over 300,000 km and still continue to provide satisfactory service. Unfortunately this reliable performance has had the effect of few mechanics gaining exposure to the vehicle. The larger Holden dealers should have the resources to solve any problem. That is, people with knowledge, test equipment and access to Holden service bulletins and factory support personnel (who are very experienced!). Unfortunately the Holden Dealer service charge rates are more expensive than your local mechanic but the upside is that they may be able to identify problems quicker than someone starting afresh without appropriate knowledge and experience with the Jackaroo.

Above all, we would recommend that the Factory Service schedule be followed. The service schedule is contained within the Driver’s Handbook supplied with the vehicle.

The following tips are offered to assist 1999-2003 Jackaroo owners in understanding their vehicle (and perhaps guiding local mechanics) in servicing and determining possible causes of poor performance. They are downloadable separate pdfs and you might consider putting a copy of the MIL Fault Codes (Tip 10) in the glove box. There are a number of “common” problems that might be experienced with the Turbo Diesel that can be identified reasonably quickly to allow you to get moving again.

Disclaimer: The Jackaroo Club Victoria and the document authors offer this information in good faith, however they accept no liability for any misinterpretation of the information or damage to a vehicle that might result from application of the procedures contained therein.