Engine makes "clacking or pinging type sound" when initially started for about 3-4 minutes. Once engine is warm (or at operating temperature) the engine sound is normal. It appears as though the engine oil takes time to circulate to all engine parts or perhaps valves are loose. I am concerned about excessive engine wear if oil is not reaching internal parts properly. Dealer says engine is normal for this model. Also, dealer no longer services warranty on vehicle I.e. no loner an Isuzu dealer.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Axiom in the spring of 2004. Purchased from stokes Mazda Isuzu and app. 6 months ago my vehicle started hesitating when trying to accelerate. When I go to pull off the tachometer jumps to 3 or 4 rpms but the vehicle is not going anywhere. Finally, it will get gas and suddenly take off. I have had my vehicle at 2 different dealers and they put it on their diagnostic system and say nothing is wrong. Something is terribly wrong because the other day as I was pulling across the road it did this to me and I was almost T-boned by another vehicle. It feels that the gas is not getting to the engine or either the transmission is sticking. This happens almost everytime I get in it but the dealer is saying it is not happening while putting it on a diagnostic machine or when they test drive it. I even suggested that I go with them and they would not acknowledge my suggestion. Do you have any other complaints of this happening?

- Charleston, SC, USA

: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the vehicle intermittently stalled. This occurred with no prior warning at 10mph and above. The engine restarted and was able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. However, the dealer could not duplicate the problem. Updated 03/09/06.

- Prince Frederick, MD, USA