The transmission gasket on your Isuzu Rodeo seals the junction between the transmission fluid pan and the transmission housing. This keeps fluid from leaking out of the pan and also prevents dirt and grime from working their way into the transmission fluid. Over time the gasket can wear out and require replacement. Luckily, changing the transmission gasket on an Isuzu Rodeo can easily be accomplished by the home mechanic.
Drive the Rodeo up onto the wheel ramps, and put the vehicle in park. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward.
Pop the hood, and remove the transmission fluid dipstick and cap (both are on the driver's side of the engine, near the rear of the engine compartment). Crawl under the Rodeo and find the transmission pan, a rectangular metal protrusion in the middle of the engine compartment.
Locate the drain plug on the back portion of the transmission pan, and use the socket wrenches to unscrew and remove the plug. Move the tub under the transmission pan and allow the fluid to drain into the tub.
Use the socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts around the perimeter of the transmission pan, and then slide the transmission pan off.
Scrape the old gasket material off the transmission pan, using the putty knife. Then slide the new gasket into place.
Reattach the transmission pan to the transmission housing with the mounting bolts, and tighten it down with the socket wrench (according to the torque specifications provided by Isuzu in your owner's manual).
Fill the transmission with the recommended type and amount of fluid, then reinsert the dipstick and cap. Remove the wheel chocks, and drive the Rodeo off the wheel ramps.
