Turbo Diesel Tune Up for Under $100 - Better Economy + Better Response || DIY Diesel Tune Up

G'day Guys and Gals!
Is your turbo diesel 4x4 not returning that great economy or response that it once did when you first got it? In this video I show you 5 simple steps to getting better fuel economy and response from your vehicle.
These steps can be easily carried out at home with simple tools that we all have! For carrying out this job on the Isuzu MU-X you only require a Phillips head screw driver! That's it!
The 5 steps are -
- Replacing Air Filter
- Cleaning Air Flow Meter
- Cleaning MAP Sensor
- Adding Diesel Fuel System Cleaner / Injector Cleaner into Fuel System
- Checking and Adjusting Tyre Pressures
I use RYCO Air Filter, Penrite fuel system conditioner and Liqui Molly Air Flow sensor cleaner.
With these 5 simple steps you will gain back your great fuel economy and response and also ensure your engine is running in tip top condition.
I have fitted every modification to the MU-X myself and really enjoy filming and teaching you guys how to do the same to your own 4x4 vehicles. The modifications I have done are listed below -
-AFN Bull Bar
-AFN 9" LED Spotlights
-Domin8r Extreme 12000IB winch
-AUXBEAM S3 LED Foglights
-Oricom DTX4200 UHF Radio with Town and country Aerial Kit 3dbi + 6.5dbi
-Atturo Trailblade M/T - 265/70r17
-Fuel Vector - Fuel off-road racing rims - 17x8.5 Pos 7.4mm offset
-Outback Armour Expedition H/D Lift Kit
-ECU Shop Super 4 Touch Tuning Module
-HIKEITX9 Throttle Controller
-SCF Flat step rock sliders with checker plate - Satin Black
-Genuine Towbar
-Full size 265/70r17 A/T spare on steel rim
-Custom rear draw setup
-CF50 Waeco Fridge
-Giant 85AH AGM secondary battery
-Redarc BCDC1225D Smart Charger
-TITAN 900mm Single draw
-Genuine ISUZU Floormats
-ILANA Neoprene Seat covers
-Dashmat
-Provent 200 Catch can kit from Western Filters
-Diff, Transfer, Gearbox Breathers
-LED interior light upgrades
-LED reverse light upgrade
Thanks a lot for watching guys! If you enjoyed this video and would like to see more videos like this. Please like and Subscribe to my channel : )
LowRangeNick -
Instagram - / lowrangenick
Facebook - / lowrangenick

[@LowRangeNick]

Hi Guys! Here's a link to some parts I used to get my vehicle running great again! - Injector Cleaner: amzn.to/3ng9Lfo - Air Flow Meter Cleaner: amzn.to/3wQfDyX Cheers Guys 😊🛠

[@hearliam]

Have learnt a lot from you Nick, great videos mate, keep them coming.

[@derekcouper9237]

Thanks for this did my Dmax today all ready seeing a great results

[@metinhalil574]

Great vid Nick, keep them coming 👍

[@PickldPeanut]

Nice to see you back 👍 your videos are great mate, keep them coming!!!

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks Andrew 😊

[@brendankelly8606]

Thanks for all the information Nick much appreciated mate

[@troyharpley6358]

Hey great info nick I've done all the things overtime you've shown us and it's all been great good job mate. well worth watching 😉👍

[@LowRangeNick]

Cheers Troy!

[@brn781]

All videos are awesome greatly appreciate the knowledge mate

[@leonardocervantes5069]

i'd learned a lot on your video. Thanks a lot it is a great help. Im from Phiippines with 2012 Isuzu Dmax.

[@WeaponXSentinel]

Enjoying the vids mate keep it up👍👍👍

[@marquesmayurjasvantlal4824]

I like your videos Nick ,i have a same engine in my isuzu dtec 3000,and i learn more things with your videos.thank you

[@KrisH-mc8hd]

I don’t have a 4wd but I still love your videos 👍

[@ALmaKKawi02]

Good job Nick, 👏

[@sammykarim3826]

Great video's mate

[@jimmyy9273]

The beauty of a lil bit of maintenance

[@MohsinLaguindab]

Thanks for this Nick! As always, your contents are awesome. Have you tried cleaning your intake manifold and and EGR? I really hope to watch your video of it in case you did one. 😄. Cheers!

[@Zero-wt7xf]

if ya can mate, invest in a lapel mic for that audio. love ya videos, now to get a MUX myself... one day.

[@4bnewb969]

Some good tips there Nick. FYI I just purchased a Hike-It throttle controller using your discount code 👍....can’t believe the difference it can make to my ‘13 Hilux. Cheers...

[@LowRangeNick]

That's awesome! Great to hear 😀

[@seventytwo1001000]

Literally just did all these things to my dmax an hour ago, then this video pops up. You tube is staking me. Any way good info so worth a subscribe

[@LowRangeNick]

Nice! Haha it's creepy when that happens! Cheers for the sub!

[@davidmontgomery6170]

Great Video mate, a few comments, 1 if your going to change the air filter it would be best to remove the hose to the turbo and top of filter box clean thoroughly. I had a 2017 Dmax that the air hoses were dusty at 105000km, drove on bitumen had a service at 99000km only had the vehicle 4 months, anyway had some oil usage issues ended up Isuzu failed to warrant the engine because there was dust in the air intake line and the top of the filter. They said the motor was dusted, Manual says change every replace every 20000 inspect every 5000, frankly if your on dirt and bush a lot and don’t have a snorkel I would change every 10,000 regardless. I have a 2019 and am installing a snorkel to keep the dust out and still change the filter

[@offthemeynroad4054]

Great video mate. I'm a bit scared to mess with those sensors but Mine are probably filthy after driving around Aus last year!

[@LowRangeNick]

As long as your gentle with them and use the correct cleaner you will have no dramas. Definately worth checking after your trip 😊

[@offthemeynroad4054]

@@LowRangeNick cleaned the sensors today. I wish i could show you a photo of the air sensor - it was red! Will see how the car goes from now. It's been lacking a bit of juice lately. Not sure if its because ive done 90k in it, or no catch can or what. Hopefully this helps a bit. 2016 Dmax (no dpf)

[@bignig2278]

Hi Nick. any videos on how to change auto filter?

[@tingrigor1392]

Hi Nick! Do you have a video on how to clean the camshaft sensor? Thanks!

[@mjhmech4903]

TIP for free: NEVER use a K&N panel filter on D-Max / MU-X 4JJ1. The edges are too soft do not seal properly engine side + guard side meaning you WILL dust your turbo & engine if you use your vehicle offroad regularly. (Price up a new OEM 4JJ1 VNT turbo and you will realise how important looking after it really is!!) A SAFARI snorkel is also a high priority upgrade if you use your D-Max or MU-X offroad! Keep up the good work Nick.

[@LowRangeNick]

I totally agree, K&N filters are not ideal for off-road work. A good quality aftermarket or genuine filter is the way to go :)

[@geoffreycamm9548]

great videos nic whats your opinion on catch cans i installed one on my 2018 d max and got a small amount off condensation when drained thanks heaps

[@IrishKiller97]

Hey mate can you please do a video on how to change cvs on your mux please

[@Jugugj]

G’day again legend, will contact cleaner be suitable to clean the sensors? Thanks again for your videos and help mate

[@LowRangeNick]

It should be OK, contact/circuit board cleaner would be fine to use.

[@rossloy416]

Hi Nick, just wanted to add that my 2019 MUX has the recommended tyre inflation in the manual as well as the sticker on the body at 29psi! I don't run them at that pressure though. And the Isuzu service dept inflate them to 40psi . Great work and i enjoy your vids

[@LowRangeNick]

Yep thats correct, because I have aftermarket bigger wheels and tyres I run them at 36psi. The standard tyres I found around 34 psi was good to give good ride and economy.

[@samperrin1704]

Good video mate, how often do you use the injector cleaner?

[@Kol-ingGaming]

any advice on how to reset fuel filter warning light? I've changed my fuel filter couple days ago and untill now it wont go off.

[@gilmacamos2128]

mate how do you change the auto trans fluid on the mux? keen to see how its done. your vids are so helpful for maintaining my isuzu. cheers!

[@LowRangeNick]

Hi Gil, stay tuned. In a few weeks I will be doing this video.

[@cb3147]

Class! Keep them coming mate, also, does the injector cleaner go into a full tank of fuel or is a half tank ok?

[@LowRangeNick]

You wont do any damage if you put it in a half tank but they recommend putting in around half a bottle for a full tank of fuel 65L. Each bottle will tell you how much to put in on the back in the instructions if you are unsure.

[@Nick-sd7um]

Ideally if you time its use with a trip with more than 100km (preferably highway driving) it will have the best results.

[@jamesparker8203]

Hey mate love your content - very clear and user friendly tips! Wondering if my 2011 Dmax will have both the MAPs sensor and Air Flow sensor in a similar location??

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks James! Not too sure about the 2011 dmax, the air flow sensor should be in same spot but the map sensor might not be.

[@jamesparker8203]

LowRangeNick Cheers bloke! I’ll be looking into it and doing this once over on the weekend!

[@mjhmech4903]

Yes they are

[@victorhare3707]

Nick....Your videos are absolute gold mate! Any thoughts on using Liqui Molly Diesel injector cleaner vs the Penrite that you used? It's twice the price per liters of fuel treated. Is it any better or just twice the price?

[@LowRangeNick]

It's totally up to your personal preference. It all pretty much does the same job haha cheers

[@TheSquad1112]

Another great video. Any chance of fitting a locker in future videos

[@LowRangeNick]

Definately on the list, yep 😊

[@BenMitro]

@@LowRangeNick Let us know your thoughts on Lokka lockers, although a quick look suggests they don't have them for MU-X

[@BenMitro]

Wonder if the same cleaning approach can be applied to a petrol engine? Great tips Nick. Thanks mate.

[@LowRangeNick]

It sure can be! With great results.

[@paoloreyes2691]

Turbo cleaner and gasket replacement

[@wallacelux]

Hi mate, great one.. Any thoughts on engine remaps? I gotta 2019 SR5 4x4 hilux.. Cheers..

[@LowRangeNick]

Remaps are great! Heaps more power and torque and better economy :)

[@philipwilkin9027]

👍

[@colintranter5162]

Hi Nick another good vid. Just wondering, is the '17 Colorado the same set up as the Dmax?

[@LowRangeNick]

It has a different engine so it would be different. The sensors will be in similar spots though and will respond well to being cleaned.

[@ShanksExcellentAdventures]

Good one Nick. But a word of warning on the use of the Ryco air filter. I have had my Ryco filter leak past the seal. I spoke with Isuzu about it. They said they have had a few aftermarket airfilters leak in the same position as mine. But mine was the 1st Ryco brand that they seen this happen too. Back to genuine Isuzu airfilter for me.

[@LowRangeNick]

I've never had an issue with ryco. Can't go wrong with genuine though!

[@ShanksExcellentAdventures]

@@LowRangeNick Me either until with the dmax. Just thought I'd share.

[@siralucard1669]

Mate love your videos keep them up im still don't know if I should be the mux or Dmax I'm 6'8 and was wondering would the Dmax still have back room for kids if my seat was pushed back

[@Evenstephenss]

Heaps of room in the back in the dmax

[@LowRangeNick]

There will still be enough room for kids, not to sure about Adults though. Might be a good idea to go to a car yard with the family and jump in both a Dmax and Mu-x and see how much room you have. :)

[@siralucard1669]

@@LowRangeNick will do now I'm more excited about the new Dmax about to arrive but at this point, I might go with Mux because your setup is looking immaculate keep up the update man looking good.

[@stevenbern4460]

did the oil change like you said engine light came on do i have to take it to a mechanic to get the engine light taken off

[@razardrones4159]

Hi Nick, Great info on cleaning the airflow sensor's, I have the 2018 also and just curious to know if your running the OEM exhaust system? Also I have a little rattle noise sometimes, and seems like its coming from the front firewall just during acceleration and only when loading up the engine more so going up a incline, any idea what it could be ?

[@LowRangeNick]

I am still running the standard exhaust. If you have a catch can fitted in that spot of the engine bay just check the differential pressure sensor lines aren't tapping on the body.

[@pieternel7109]

Hi Nick can you upgrade GVM in Assie on the MUX thanks for your tips

[@LowRangeNick]

You sure can

[@dam0683]

Hi Nick i have the same model mu-x as yours on my air cleaner box bottom half the two plastic half circle locking tabs have snapped off any suggestions on locking that side down without buying a new air cleaner box for example some shock cord loop bungy like on a chilly bin or tonneau cover. Cheers.

[@LowRangeNick]

Zip ties? Haha they fix everything right. Probably better off getting an airbox from a wrecker though.

[@AlexSwan]

Ha! Nice one mate, I've been meaning to ask you about your fuel economy. Been hearing about high 7l/100 or 8.x/100 and things like that. Mine's more like 11l/100 or 10.5l/100 on mixed roads. (brand new vehicle that is 6,000km) Is that unusual you reckon? I'm running the iDrive on Auto. THanks for another good vid. Cheers

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Alex! I get around 9L per 100Km with all of my gear on the MU-X. Standard i was getting around 8L per 100km. The Idrive probably wont help with fuel economy unless you run it in economy all the time. If anything it will make it slightly worse running it in Ultimate or Auto. Any modifications to your vehicle? The tune on mine has definitely made the fuel economy better.

[@AlexSwan]

​@@LowRangeNick Hey Nick, thanks for that. It makes sense that the increased throttle response and aggressiveness of the iDrive in Auto or U.2 would contribute to higher fuel consumption. As for mods, mostly just lift kit, wheels, AFN bar. No roof racks or drawer systems that would add a lot of weight. You've seen zee_mux on Insta... pretty low key vehicle and I'm definitely not hooning. haha

[@BenMitro]

@@AlexSwan It does sound like iDrive and other such accelerator pedal position modifiers give one a lead foot.

[@AlexSwan]

Benny I reckon on Auto the iDrive just normalises things as the accelerator is unusable and down right dangerous from factory. Even with the iDrive on U.2, my 2.4l Grand Vitara feels like a race car compared to the MUX. But yeah, that must be where the increased fuel consumption is coming from. Cheers

[@treadlightly.australia3606]

I have a 2011 Isuzu D-Max I used to get about 8 litres per hundred my speedo is about 7 km out so if I sit on 93 Ks I get good fuel economy and as soon as I do 100 fuel economy goes back to about 10 litres.

[@edmundwasilewski]

G'day nick. Ive got a question 🤔. Have you done a vid on adjusting drum brakes on a 15 Isuzu dmax LSU. Mine need adjusting. Hope you can help????

[@LowRangeNick]

I haven't done a video on adjusting the brakes on the dmax. The rear brakes on the mux are disk brake and the handbrake setup is a bit different. It's a pretty easy job though. You just need to remove the rubber boot on the back of the drum, use a small flat blade screw driver to turn the cog on the adjuster to tighten it up. If you have a youtube on how to adjust drum brakes there are loads of good tutorials.

[@petergunczy2497]

Great video Nick, how often would you clean those sensors.? 😊

[@LowRangeNick]

Every service its a good idea to clean them. 🙂

[@petergunczy2497]

@@LowRangeNick Thanks Nick for taking the time to reply👍

[@KYRO1072]

Hello nick im planing to change my headlight to aftermarket projector any idea of serial number of projector headlight.thanks mate!

[@LowRangeNick]

Probably have to talk to isuzu, they should have all of the details you need. Part numbers etc.

[@johnretallack3629]

Just a quick question please .If I use a egr spray cleaner after the air sencor will it affect the mat sencor and if I use the egr spray will it activate the check engine light

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey John! It will be fine to spray into the intake, i usually pop the airflow meter out and spray it down into the turbo. It may put a film on the map sensor so if you are doing the job all together, carry out the egr intake clean then clean your map and maf sensors. I've never had one bring on the engine light.

[@Tassie1966]

LowRangerNick Hi Nick great videos I am looking at purchasing a second-hand D-Max in the near future with low kilometres on it what should I looking out for please ?

[@LowRangeNick]

Awesome! Check out my full vehicle check over and service video that i posted recently, I talk you through everything to check over when servicing and in your case it would help with checking over the dmax before you buy it. On top of that check for good service history and for any rust under neath the vehicle. If it is a DPF model check for siren noise from the turbo when cold as they have issues with turbo failure. Hope that helps :)

[@Tassie1966]

Thanks Nick I will check out your video I'm looking to buy around 2015 prior the DPF filter models.

[@mcatech05]

my map sensor broke a few months ago now i seem to get lost all the time.

[@troyharpley6358]

Just a quick question what do you think about putting a snorkel cover over the inlet to keep those big moths, butterflies and grasshoppers out or do they slow air flow I'm a bit lost with the whole idea?

[@LowRangeNick]

They do restrict air flow slightly, they are not ideal to run all of the time due to that reason. But it would definately stop all the bugs haha! In saying that there is a time and place for a snorkel sock, like up Cape York or other very dusty conditions.

[@troyharpley6358]

I was only gonna use it out west driving that was all its not bad in the blue mountains here thanks mate 👍

[@JT-152]

How often should the diesel injector cleaner be done into the fuel tank?

[@LowRangeNick]

I would recommend every 5,000-10,000 km.

[@simonkirton8521]

Hey Nick, if either of those sensors are dirty would the check engine amber light come on?

[@LowRangeNick]

If they are really dirty it can bring on the engine light.

[@fourbypete]

My mechanic does that at every service. It's not a tune up, it's a service.

[@LowRangeNick]

You've got a good mechanic. Most wont clean the air flow sensor and map sensor and put diesel injector cleaner in the tank unless you ask for them to do it. It should be part of every service but unfortunately it isn't included in "logbook servicing" so therefore it usually never gets done 👍

[@fourbypete]

@@LowRangeNick My mechanic trains mechanics, not like the dealers, which only have technicians, which I wouldn't trust to wipe their own arse.

[@Senninha1960]

U forgot the dyno results! 😂

[@springb0ks]

Hey Nick what is your opinion on the K&N air filters?

[@LowRangeNick]

Great for on road use but not really ideal for offroad/ really dusty conditions.

[@omararauz0886]

Hi, I have an Isuzu and in my country they recommend changing the motor oil filter every 5,000 km, in your country every how many km do you change the air filter? and do you do the oil change?

[@LowRangeNick]

Isuzu recommend changing oil every 15000km and Air filter every second service.

[@omararauz0886]

@@LowRangeNick Thank you very much for the information

[@lukewalker7305]

Hi Nick I have heard a few different times people say that injector cleaner is a waste of time and money. I think it would benefit diesels but not so much petrol engines. Does this sound right ?

[@LowRangeNick]

It does make a difference in both petrol and diesel.

[@philwiggins9199]

Hi Nick, another very informative video and have enjoyed watching the entire series. I’m in the market for a new 4WD and the Isuzu is definitely on my list having previously owned a Toyota 4WD. One question that you may be able to help with, have you experienced any issues with the DPF system or the fuel injectors as the Toyota diesel had issues particularly with the DPF system? Thanks.

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Phil! No issues at all with the dpf or injectors that is the reason I chose the MU-X over other brands 😊

[@philwiggins9199]

LowRangeNick Hi Nick, many thanks for the response. Great to know that nil issues re injectors and DPF. Isuzu has some good deals on the current MUX so I’ll start shopping for one now.

[@danieljackson9381]

@@philwiggins9199 I can confirm Nick's response. I also chose the MUX due to its bomb proof reliability.

[@CrazyforCruiser]

Some MAP senors get damaged by the cleaner, I have 1UZFE and once I cleaned it's MAP sensor with the spray and that destroyed it.

[@LowRangeNick]

Sure you didn't use intake cleaner or carby cleaner? That will definately destroy them !

[@CrazyforCruiser]

LowRangeNick 100% sure I used MAF cleaner not carb cleaner. It’s an old school MAF that was also known as AFM that came in the first generation 1UZ-FE engines.

[@samhudson5497]

Are you using these branded products because: A. They seemed good value at your local B. They are better products and you genuinely think they do a better job than the other options. C. You receive sponsorship from them? I'm all good with product placement if I know about it... Just wondering how much the effectiveness of the exercise depends on those brands. I do really appreciate your videos and glad to learn from your expertise!

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Sam! Thanks for the questions. I get no kick backs or sponsorship from any of these Brands. These are the brands that I prefer to use but in saying that you will get similar results using most other brands. Cheers :)

[@Mick_4591]

Excellent question Sam.To many times in videos people use this bran that brand this shop that shop ect and Never disclose if they are using them because they have a "relationship" with a particular product/brand.

[@grego4835]

For purely road driving would a K&n air filter be a good idea?

[@LowRangeNick]

For road driving a k&n filter would be fine. For everything else the paper filter is the best option.

[@grego4835]

​@@LowRangeNick will it have more power? I do t know if they are a gimmick

[@LowRangeNick]

@@grego4835 no real power gain with a k & n filter.

[@user-ls5qi7hk2u]

China isuzu lovers get it！

[@sammykarim3826]

Is it better to turn the traction control off when you are in 4wd

[@LowRangeNick]

I have found it is.

[@sammykarim3826]

Thanks for the quick reply your videos really help, 👍

[@owenroberts6657]

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the air box

[@LowRangeNick]

Great idea!

[@PJSinohin]

Have you cleaned your mux's throttle body ever?

[@LowRangeNick]

No not yet.

[@akshaybhoendie]

Instead isn't better to remap the ecu in stage 1? Is remapping good for your car at all?

[@LowRangeNick]

You will get good power and torque gains from a remap.

[@brianross4057]

I wouldn't go cleaning the MAP sensor, spraying fluid up into it is going to do nothing except damage the diaphragm, the air to the MAP is filtered. "QUOTE"The MAP sensor consists of two chambers separated by a flexible diaphragm. One chamber is the "reference air" (which may be sealed or vented to the outside air), and the other is the vacuum chamber which is connected to the intake manifold on the engine by a rubber hose or direct connection."UNQUOTE"

[@LowRangeNick]

Its fine to clean out with the correct cleaner. The sensor is soaked in oil and EGR soot in some vehicles and they still operate. Cleaning with the correct cleaner wont do any damage. Cheers

[@steve_ohhhhhhh]

I don't even know where my map sensor is

[@BenMitro]

Sure, but millions of people do and many have shared that info on the 'net. Seek and you will find.

[@JanJan-cr5xf]

Its located in your air filter pipe

[@joshfarmer6165]

On intake manifold near fuel filter area