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Isuzu 4JJ1-TC engine: known problems

Used in 3 guides · 3.0L diesel · 5 known problems

Displacement
3.0L
Layout
I4
Fuel
diesel
Timing
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Known problems5

Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.

Medium
EGR carbon
Standard 4JJ1 EGR carbon - same as later D-Max.
Fix: EGR clean or block. Easy DIY.
From 120k+ km · ~$300-600 DIY
Listed for: Holden Colorado RC · Isuzu D-Max RA
Medium
Body / chassis rust (coastal)
Examples used coastal develop rust on body mounts and chassis.
Fix: Avoid known coastal-history vehicles. Treat dry-state preventively.
Any · Varies
Listed for: Holden Colorado RC · Isuzu D-Max RA
Medium
EGR carbon buildup
Standard 4JJ1 EGR carbon - rough idle, hesitation, fuel economy drop.
Fix: EGR delete plate or walnut blast clean.
From 100-150k km · ~$300-600 DIY
Listed for: Isuzu D-Max RT
Medium
DPF clogging on short trips
DPF fails to regen on short trips. Eventually limp mode.
Fix: Highway speed drives. Force regen with scan tool.
Any · ~$0-2000
Listed for: Isuzu D-Max RT
Low
Front lower control arm bushes
IFS bushes wear, vague steering.
Fix: Polyurethane bush kit. DIY-friendly.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400
Listed for: Holden Colorado RC · Isuzu D-Max RA · Isuzu D-Max RT

Cars with the 4JJ1-TC3

Holden Colorado RC
2008-2012 · 3.0L 4JJ1-TC (common-rail turbo diesel)
Top pick
Isuzu D-Max RA
2008-2012 · 3.0L 4JJ1-TC (common-rail turbo diesel)
Top pick
Isuzu D-Max RT
2012-2020 · 3.0L 4JJ1-TC (pre-MY17, 3000kg tow) / 3.0L 4JJ1-TC (MY17+, 3500kg tow)
Top pick

From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.