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Auto Correct | All Email, All Call - December 2025

Auto Correct | All Email, All Call - December 2025

Auto Correct Dec 18, 2025 47 min
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About this episode

A heartfelt farewell to the Auto Correct show as hosts Coach Charlie Melton and Jermaine Flood reflect on their journey over the past four and a half years. They discuss the transition to a new podcast, 'The Car Coach', launching in January 2026, which will continue to provide automotive advice and insights. The episode features listener calls and emails addressing various car issues, including ABS lights, check engine lights, and vehicle recalls. The hosts emphasize the importance of education in car maintenance and the joy of helping listeners solve their automotive problems.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

noises of cars

"...you can't do this without somebody who knows who knows noises of cars. And that's the person, you know, knowing coach."

Cars make different sounds when they're working properly or if something is wrong. Learning to recognize these sounds can help you figure out if your car needs repairs.

Part

brake light switch

"I remember the guy was replacing a brake light switch, a brake light switch underneath his dash while we were talking."

The brake light switch is a small part that turns on the brake lights when you press the brake pedal. This helps other drivers know when you're stopping.

Car

Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC

"It's an ML350 formatic. It needs your transmission."

The Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC is a luxury SUV that offers a smooth ride and good handling. The '4MATIC' means it has all-wheel drive, which helps it grip the road better, especially in bad weather.

Part

transmission

"It needs your transmission. And I wonder if you knew anyone with a like 100 to 150 mile radius of here that could rebuild one or put a use one in."

The transmission is what helps the car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. If it has problems, the car might not drive properly.

Brand

Mercedes

"...I love Mercedes, they're good vehicles, but they did have some problems. You know, like all manufacturers, they do have problems."

Mercedes is a well-known car brand that makes luxury cars. They are famous for their quality and advanced features.

Car

Nissan Armada

"This is light work, including its Armada full size SUV, Murano midsize SUV and Infinity QX80 full size SUV."

The Nissan Armada is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has a lot of room for luggage. It's good for families or trips where you need extra space.

Car

Infiniti QX80

"...a full size SUV, Murano midsize SUV and Infinity QX80 full size SUV. It includes the two twenty twenty..."
Car

Nissan Murano

"This is light work, including its Armada full size SUV, Murano midsize SUV and Infinity QX80 full size SUV."

The Nissan Murano is a medium-sized SUV that is comfortable to drive and looks nice. It's a good choice for people who want a mix of space and fuel efficiency.

Term

rearview camera

"A software error in the in vehicle infotainment system at vehicle startup may cause the rearview camera image not to display when the vehicle is in reverse decreasing driver visibility because you can't see."

A rearview camera is a camera that shows you what's behind your car when you are backing up. It helps you see if there is anything in your way.

Car

Toyota Corolla

"...Toyota is recalling more than 55,000 examples of its Camry, sedan and Corolla cross hybrid SUV over an issue with the hybrid powertrain..."

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a smaller SUV that is easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's part of the Corolla family, which is known for being reliable.

Car

Toyota Camry

"...ta is recalling more than 55,000 examples of its Camry, sedan and Corolla cross hybrid SUV over an issu..."
Term

hybrid powertrain

"...over an issue with the hybrid powertrain that could lead to a fire. This is not an easy one."

A hybrid powertrain is a system in some cars that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. This helps the car use less fuel and be better for the environment.

Term

inverter

"a bolt inside the inverter of the hybrid powertrain may become loose"

An inverter is a part that changes the type of electricity from the battery so that it can be used by the car's electric motor. It's important for making hybrid and electric cars work.

Term

motive power

"and cause a loss of motive power or a fire, both of which increase the risk of crash or injury."

Motive power is the energy that makes a car go. In hybrid cars, this energy can come from either the gas engine or the electric motor.

Car

Ford Lightning

"So they just did away with their cutting production on the lightning."

The Ford Lightning is a new electric truck from Ford that is designed to be powerful and useful for work and everyday driving. It's part of Ford's effort to make more electric vehicles.

Term

brake fluid

"So I know, you know, when you buy your car, it's got brake fluid in it. But how did it come off of the the manufacturer ramp?"

Brake fluid is a special liquid that helps your car's brakes work. If it gets dirty or contaminated, your brakes might not work properly, which can be dangerous.

Term

master cylinder

"and water would get up in there and that would go back to the master cylinder. OK, so it would contaminate the whole system."

The master cylinder is a part of the brake system that helps push brake fluid to the brakes when you press the pedal. It's important for making sure the brakes work properly.

Term

DOT 4

"OK, they make a dot three, a dot four and a dot five. Those are the three brake fluids."

DOT 4 is another type of brake fluid that can handle more heat than DOT 3, making it better for cars that need stronger brakes.

Term

DOT 5

"OK, they make a dot three, a dot four and a dot five. Those are the three brake fluids."

DOT 5 is a special type of brake fluid that doesn't mix with the others. It's used in some older cars and can handle heat well.

Term

DOT 3

"OK, they make a dot three, a dot four and a dot five. Those are the three brake fluids."

DOT 3 is one kind of brake fluid that many cars use. It helps the brakes work but doesn't handle heat as well as some other types.

Car

Honda Accord

"I have a 2011 Honda Accord that has a weird cranking noise that my car shop hasn't been able to diagnose Java."

The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people drive. The 2011 version is known for being reliable and comfortable for everyday use.

Part

starter bendix

"...the starter bendix throws out the gear, the bendix go out. And if the teeth are war, it can't mesh."

The starter bendix is a part that helps start the engine. If it's broken, it can make a grinding sound and not work when you try to start the car.

Part

crankshaft sensor

"...he said it was bad when he plugged it on the meter or whatever on the scan tool."

The crankshaft sensor helps the engine know how fast it's spinning. If it stops working, the engine might not run properly or could even stall.

Term

scan tool

"Maybe he don't have the right scan tool because a lot of times people don't have the right scan tool to get into those computers because they have history codes"

A scan tool is like a computer for your car that helps mechanics figure out what's wrong by reading error messages from the car's computer.

Term

aftermarket sensor

"Because Nissan was really bad about that. If you got an aftermarket sensor, it would not work. I'd have it on. So he did put an aftermarket on."

An aftermarket sensor is a part made by a different company than the one that made your car. They can be less expensive, but sometimes they don't work as well as the original parts.

Term

case number

"They'll get a case number with the codes. And you take that case number in the codes to the dealer and they'll work from there."

A case number is like a reference number for your car's repair issue. It helps the dealer keep track of what needs to be fixed.

Term

weak battery

"So my trouble was I had a weak battery. That's right."

A weak battery means the car's battery doesn't have enough power to start the engine or run the electronics properly. It might need to be charged or replaced.

Term

horn

"it was like what I call a real Cadillac horn, you know, real loud when you blow it and it gets down the night on sometimes it'll blow loud and you might wait a while."

A car horn is what you press to make a loud noise to get someone's attention. It's important for safety on the road.

Company

Gazoo Racing

"It's the 2025 GR Corolla. And what this one means is it's been finessed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing team has wider wheels, 18 inch wheels,"

Gazoo Racing is a part of Toyota that makes their cars faster and more exciting to drive. They work on special versions of regular cars to improve their performance.

Car

Toyota GR Corolla

"..., the only have this week is love. It's the 2025 GR Corolla. And what this one means is it's been finessed b..."

The Toyota GR Corolla is a faster, sportier version of the regular Corolla, made for people who love to drive. It's designed to be fun and exciting on the road.

Part

18 inch wheels

"It's been finessed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing team has wider wheels, 18 inch wheels,"

18 inch wheels are the size of the wheels on the car. Bigger wheels can make a car look nicer and help it handle better, but they can also make the ride a bit rougher.

Part

turbocharged three cylinder engine

"...upgraded suspension, body bracing, and a 1.6 liter turbocharged three cylinder engine, putting up 300 horsepower..."

A turbocharged engine is one that has a device called a turbocharger, which helps it produce more power without needing a bigger engine. A three-cylinder engine means it has three cylinders, which is fewer than most cars, making it lighter and more efficient.

Car

Toyota Tacoma

"...got another email. This email is for 2013 Toyota Tacoma two wheel drive ABS light. Recently had my front..."

The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that people use for work or fun activities like camping. It's known for lasting a long time and being able to handle rough roads.

Car

Jeep Wrangler

"...e from Bill Martin. Bill says, I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. The check engine light is on, but engine..."

The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle that people love to take off-road, like on trails or in the mountains. It's popular because it can go almost anywhere and has a cool, classic look.

Car

Honda Civic

"...ed friend sell her deceased husband's 2003 Honda Civic SI five speed hatchback. Her husband was a car g..."

The Honda Civic is a small car that's very popular because it's reliable and saves on gas. The 2003 model is especially liked by people who enjoy driving because it feels sporty.

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