Aftermarket Electronics: Convenience vs Electrical Nightmares
About this episode
Exploring the world of aftermarket electronics, this episode dives into the balance between convenience and potential electrical nightmares. Host Nile Modermal Jenkins shares essential tips for enthusiasts looking to accessorize their vehicles without falling into common pitfalls, such as wiring issues and dashboard warning lights. With a mix of humor and practical advice, listeners will gain insights into what to consider before adding gadgets to their cars. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding your vehicle's electrical system to avoid costly mistakes.
Adding aftermarket electronics to your vehicle - light bars, fog lights, gadgets, trailer wiring, and interior accessories - can be convenient, but it can also turn into an electrical nightmare. In this episode we break down why cutting into factory wiring without a licensed installer is a recipe for failure, how poor installs lead to electrical fires, and why insurance companies can deny claims when undocumented aftermarket modifications are involved. If you're upgrading your vehicle, this episode explains how to protect your car, your wallet, and your coverage.
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non-factory accessories
"But anyhow, adding accessories that are non factory to your automobile will and has caused issues. Should there be an electrical nightmare that sparks a fire on your vehicle?"
Non-factory accessories are parts or gadgets you add to your car that didn't come with it when you bought it. If they're not installed properly, they can cause problems like electrical fires.
Non-factory accessories refer to aftermarket parts or modifications added to a vehicle that were not included by the manufacturer. These can sometimes lead to electrical issues if not installed correctly.
trained installer
"And yes, there's techs out there and facilities where you get that stuff done. And that gives you an invoice, a reference number, and a tech number."
A trained installer is someone who knows how to put new parts or gadgets in your car correctly. They make sure everything works well and safely.
A trained installer is a professional who has the skills and knowledge to properly install aftermarket parts or accessories in a vehicle. Their expertise can help prevent issues related to improper installation.
Mercury Sable
"...it was on a Mercury Sable. How many are you use use out there remember those car from hell? Literally, that was Christine times two..."
The Mercury Sable is a car that was made by the Mercury brand, which was part of Ford. It was popular in the 80s and 90s but had some problems that made it hard to work on and less reliable.
The Mercury Sable was a mid-size car produced by Ford's Mercury division from 1985 to 2005. It was known for its spacious interior and was often criticized for its reliability issues.
catalytic converter
"...dripping onto the catalytic converter and it caught fire. And it started the engine bay wiring harness on fire up near the firewall."
The catalytic converter is a part of the car's exhaust system that helps clean up the gases that come out of the engine, making them less harmful to the environment.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces harmful pollutants in the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. It converts toxic gases into less harmful emissions before they exit the vehicle's exhaust system.
engine bay wiring harness
"...no service lights when we were done. But the whole engine bay harness had to come out."
The engine bay wiring harness is like a bundle of wires that connects all the electrical parts in the engine area of the car, helping them work together.
The engine bay wiring harness is a collection of wires and connectors that transmit electrical power and signals to various components in the engine compartment. It is crucial for the operation of the vehicle's electrical systems and components.
wrecking yard
"...had to go into the wrecking yard and harvest an engine bay harness, which is not much fun."
A wrecking yard is a place where old cars are taken apart so people can buy parts from them. It's a good way to find cheaper parts for repairs.
A wrecking yard, also known as a salvage yard or junkyard, is a place where damaged or old vehicles are dismantled for parts. Customers can purchase used parts from these vehicles at a lower cost compared to new ones.
backup cameras
"And one of the biggest things is these backup cameras, it's great now that they're wireless. Those things will so quickly cause a problem if it's not done properly."
Backup cameras are cameras on the back of a car that help you see what's behind you when you're backing up. They make it easier to avoid hitting things.
Backup cameras are safety features that provide a view of the area behind a vehicle when reversing. They help drivers avoid obstacles and improve safety, especially in tight spaces.
aftermarket accessories
"And one of the biggest things is these backup cameras, it's great now that they're wireless. Those things will so quickly cause a problem if it's not done properly. So anything added aftermarket, so non factory accessories need to be installed correctly."
Aftermarket accessories are things you add to your car after buying it, like new speakers or a backup camera. They need to be installed the right way to work properly.
Aftermarket accessories are parts or features added to a vehicle after it has left the factory. These can include anything from upgraded sound systems to performance enhancements, but they must be installed correctly to avoid issues.
fused wiring
"They need to be properly fused. They can't be hacked into wiring."
Fused wiring means that the electrical parts in your car have a safety feature called a fuse. If something goes wrong, the fuse will blow to stop any damage.
Fused wiring refers to electrical circuits that include a fuse to protect against overload. This is important in automotive applications to prevent electrical fires and damage to components.
service light
"...with that. In other words, can the vehicle you're making model that you're driving be happy with..."
The service light is a warning light on your dashboard that tells you when your car needs maintenance or if there's a problem. It's important to pay attention to it to keep your car running well.
A service light is an indicator on the dashboard that alerts the driver to maintenance needs or potential issues with the vehicle. It can signal anything from routine maintenance reminders to more serious problems that require immediate attention.
remote starter
"...a remote starter package that's not on there from the factory. I can't tell you the number of remote starter packages that were added by somebody..."
A remote starter lets you start your car from far away, so you can heat it up or cool it down before you get in. It's usually added after the car is made, not something that comes with the car from the factory.
A remote starter is an aftermarket device that allows a vehicle to be started from a distance using a key fob or smartphone app. It can be convenient for warming up the car in cold weather or cooling it down in hot weather.
aftermarket accessory
"...what was the last aftermarket accessory that you had? Oh, you know, I had a neighbor put a, you know, a remote starter on it..."
Aftermarket accessories are things you can add to your car after you buy it, like new speakers or a remote starter. They are not included when the car is first made.
Aftermarket accessories are parts or features added to a vehicle after it has been manufactured. These can include anything from remote starters to custom wheels or audio systems, and they are not covered by the original manufacturer's warranty.
trailer wiring
"So trailer wiring. Another huge pet peeve for me. Oh, my goodness, fellas, don't touch it. Please don't."
Trailer wiring is the electrical setup that connects your car to a trailer. It helps the trailer's lights and brakes work when you're towing it. It's important to do this correctly for safety.
Trailer wiring refers to the electrical connections made between a vehicle and a trailer to enable the trailer's lights and brakes to function properly. Proper installation is crucial for safety and compliance with regulations.
Scotch locks
"And when I look at the connections, I'm going, Oh, I don't know why there's a problem here. Scotch locks, Scotch"
Scotch locks are connectors that let you join two wires without needing to solder them. However, they can sometimes cause problems if not used properly, especially in cars.
Scotch locks are a type of electrical connector used to splice wires together without the need for soldering. They are often criticized for being unreliable, especially in automotive applications, as they can lead to poor connections and electrical issues.
electrical fire
"if there's an electrical fire anywhere on that vehicle, and the adjuster comes out and looks..."
An electrical fire in a car happens when something goes wrong with the car's wiring or electrical parts, causing it to catch fire. It's very dangerous and can ruin the car.
An electrical fire in a vehicle can occur due to faulty wiring, short circuits, or malfunctioning electrical components. It poses a significant safety risk and can lead to extensive damage.
trailer hitch
"Oh, who installed the trailer hitch? Why? Who wants to know? Well, we have to know."
A trailer hitch is a part you attach to your car so you can pull a trailer behind it. It's what lets you carry extra stuff, like a boat or a camper.
A trailer hitch is a device attached to a vehicle that allows it to tow a trailer or other load. It is essential for transporting items like boats, campers, or cargo trailers.
claim denial
"They're going to deny the claim. Now what? Now what? Was it worth the savings? No."
Claim denial is when your insurance company says they won't pay for the damage to your car. This can happen if they think something you did caused the problem.
Claim denial refers to an insurance company's refusal to pay for a claim, often due to policy exclusions or issues related to the cause of the damage. This can happen if modifications to a vehicle are not approved.
bidding war
"...It would have been a bidding war to get that Jeep. Absolutely. Because it was gorgeous..."
A bidding war is when several people want to buy something and they keep offering more money to outbid each other. This can happen at auctions for cars.
A bidding war occurs when multiple buyers compete to purchase an item, driving the price higher as they place increasingly higher bids against each other. This is common in auctions and can apply to cars as well.
mint condition
"...Leather interior was, she kept it in mint condition. And I looked at the damage..."
Mint condition means the car looks and works like it's brand new. It hasn't been damaged or worn out at all.
Mint condition refers to a vehicle that is in perfect or near-perfect condition, showing little to no signs of wear or damage. This term is often used in car sales to indicate a well-maintained vehicle.
non-runner
"...that deems the vehicle a non-runner, they don't want to touch it because the claim can..."
A non-runner is a car that can't be driven because it's broken or damaged. It needs repairs before it can be used again.
A non-runner is a vehicle that cannot be driven due to mechanical issues, damage, or other factors that prevent it from operating. This term is often used in the context of buying or selling cars that require significant repairs.
add-on fog lights
"...just don't do it, whether it's add on fog lights, these light bars on the four-wheel drives and hacking..."
Add-on fog lights are extra lights you can attach to your car to help you see better when it's foggy or dark. They shine low to the ground to reduce glare for other drivers.
Add-on fog lights are auxiliary lights mounted on a vehicle to improve visibility in foggy or low-light conditions. They are designed to illuminate the road immediately in front of the vehicle without causing glare for oncoming drivers.
LED lights
"...you got speaker wire that they use to hook up the accessory LED lights that light up the forest so much that the deer can floss..."
LED lights are a type of light that uses less energy and lasts longer than regular bulbs. They're often used in cars for things like headlights and interior lights because they shine brightly.
LED lights, or Light Emitting Diodes, are a type of lighting technology that is energy-efficient and long-lasting. They are commonly used in automotive applications for headlights, taillights, and interior lighting due to their brightness and low power consumption.
muscle car
"...create, rebuild a muscle car or a custom car once a year and then raffle it off, proceeds going to one of the programs that we're tied in with..."
Muscle cars are fast cars that usually have big engines. They became popular in the U.S. in the 1960s and 70s and are known for their power and cool designs.
A muscle car is a high-performance vehicle, typically featuring a powerful V8 engine, designed for straight-line speed and acceleration. They are often associated with American automotive culture from the 1960s and 1970s, emphasizing performance and style.
custom car
"...create, rebuild a muscle car or a custom car once a year and then raffle it off, proceeds going to one of the programs that we're tied in with..."
A custom car is a car that has been changed from its original design to make it look different or go faster. People often personalize them to show their style.
A custom car is a vehicle that has been modified to enhance its performance, appearance, or both. These modifications can include changes to the engine, body, interior, and more, making each custom car unique to its owner's preferences.
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