Car Advice Like How To Fix A Gas Tank That Won't Fill and More Live Calls Under The Hood
About this episode
The show dives into automotive troubleshooting and recalls, focusing on a major airbag recall affecting over 200,000 vehicles and the challenges of dealing with Takata airbags. The hosts discuss the legal and safety implications of recalls and parts availability, especially for older vehicles. They also take live calls, including a detailed technical explanation on fixing ABS sensor wiring issues on a Nissan Titan, offering practical DIY advice. The episode blends industry insights with hands-on repair tips, highlighting real-world problems and solutions for car owners.
A fun Automotive repair and advice show with three guys giving accurate advice (most of the time) (: Working in the shop where they gain their knowledge they don't use in-studio computers to answe the car questions. It's all from memory. Call the Motor Medics to get your free advice or maybe just to talk cars. Watch them on YouTube too! HEre are toda's callers. 1. Russ wife visits the show. 2. Stellantis Air Bag Recall 3. Russ wife gets real 4. Why won't my truck take fuel when I fill it? 5. Is my Fords Powerstroke locked up? It won't crank. 6. Dakota air box issues and fueling problems.
vehicle recall
"Stalantis issued a major attention getter for 225,000 vehicles to a do not drive. And their intent was, I think there's a legal side to this too, for sure. But we've been trying to recall these vehicles for 10 years and you haven't responded. And we've tried a lot of measures and your vehicle is still dangerous and you should not drive it."
A vehicle recall is when a car company asks owners to bring their cars back to fix a problem that could be dangerous. It's like a safety check to keep everyone safe.
A vehicle recall is an official request by a manufacturer or regulator to fix or replace a defective part in a vehicle due to safety concerns. Recalls are issued to prevent accidents or injuries caused by the defect.
airbags
"...they'll get more attention to have people for the airbags. It's got airbags. But having said that, that does make me a little nervous."
Airbags are like big pillows inside cars that pop out when there's a crash to keep people safe. They help stop you from hitting the inside of the car.
Airbags are safety devices in vehicles designed to inflate rapidly during a collision to protect occupants from injury. They work alongside seat belts to reduce the risk of serious harm in accidents.
Ford Ranger
""...we know of 12, 14 Rangers or 12 to 14 Rangers that had this airbag in it. That could be a big problem...""
The Ford Ranger is a type of pickup truck that people use for work and daily driving. Sometimes, parts like airbags in these trucks can have problems and need to be fixed.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility and utility. It has been subject to recalls in the past, including airbag-related issues.
Takata
"And someone said, why do they keep using Takata airbags? Are they the only manufacturer of airbags or what? Ha ha ha. Pretty much."
Takata made airbags that are safety devices in cars. However, some of their airbags were dangerous and had to be recalled to keep people safe.
Takata was a major automotive parts manufacturer known primarily for producing airbags. Their airbags were widely used by many car manufacturers but became infamous due to a massive recall caused by defective inflators that could rupture and cause injury or death.
airbag recall
"And how many times did they issue a new one? How many times? And then recall that how many airbags have you had in your element?"
Sometimes car companies ask people to bring their cars in to fix airbags that might be unsafe. This is called a recall and helps keep drivers safe.
An airbag recall is an official request by manufacturers or safety regulators to replace defective airbags due to safety concerns. The Takata airbag recall involved millions of vehicles worldwide because of faulty inflators that could explode dangerously.
Nissan Titan
"... hood show. What can we do for you? I have an 08 Nissan Titan, you know, with the 5.6 and all that. It's a very..."
The Nissan Titan Crew Cab is a big truck with four doors and a strong engine that can pull heavy things. The 2008 version is popular because it’s good for work and also comfortable for people riding inside. It’s a good choice if you need a tough truck that’s also nice to drive.
The Nissan Titan Crew Cab is a full-size pickup truck known for its powerful V8 engine and spacious four-door cabin. The 2008 model with the 5.6-liter engine is appreciated for its strong towing capability and comfortable interior. It’s often discussed in truck communities for its balance of performance and value compared to competitors.
ABS
"motor. I love that, but I'm having an issue with not getting my ABS and my slip light off. I'm not being able to turn it off."
ABS helps stop your car safely by making sure the wheels don’t get stuck when you brake hard, so you can still steer.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, helping maintain steering control.
wheel speed sensor
"Now, I've replaced three of the four sensors just because I've bought, you know, and I've replaced one twice,"
Wheel speed sensors tell the car how fast each wheel is spinning so the ABS can work properly and keep you safe.
Wheel speed sensors detect the rotational speed of each wheel and send this data to the ABS control module to help regulate braking and traction.
four-wheel drive
"Let's try this again. It does not go in the four-wheel drive. It's okay, Sam. We're starting, we're still on the ABS thing here. Oh, its four-wheel drive won't work because the ABS, yeah, because the system's not working yet."
Four-wheel drive means all four wheels of a car get power from the engine, which helps the car drive better on rough or slippery roads.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction, especially in off-road or slippery conditions.
body harness
"What is that harness called between there? Can I just buy one online? Nope. You could buy a whole body harness, but they don't sell it anymore."
A body harness is like a big bundle of wires that connects all the electrical parts in a car's body, like the lights and sensors, so they work properly.
A body harness is a wiring assembly that connects various electrical components in a vehicle's body, such as lighting and sensors. It routes electrical signals and power throughout the vehicle's body structure.
Dorman Products
"...front ABS harnesses are made from our partner over at Dorman products. And it's, it's like, oh, there it is..."
Dorman Products makes car parts you can buy to fix your vehicle, like wires for brakes. They help you replace broken parts without buying new cars.
Dorman Products is a company specializing in automotive replacement parts, including electrical components like ABS harnesses. They provide aftermarket solutions that are often used to replace original equipment manufacturer parts.
rust
"...They don't break. They rust. You get a little rust on the body or something and it rubs a hole in it. So a visual inspection, you might look at the whole thing and say, Hey, here it is. I see some rust..."
Rust happens when metal gets wet and starts to break down, making parts weak or broken. It can cause wires in your car to stop working.
Rust is the corrosion of metal caused by exposure to moisture and oxygen, which can weaken parts and cause failures. In automotive wiring harnesses, rust can lead to holes in protective coverings and broken wires.
Dodge Ram
"2019 Dodge Ram 1500. And up until about a month ago, I could go to the gas station,"
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 is a big truck used for carrying heavy stuff and driving on tough roads. It has different engines and cool features to make driving easier.
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong towing capabilities and comfortable interior. It features various engine options and modern technology for its class.
purge valve
"I think the purge valve and some other stuff, hoses all look good."
The purge valve helps get rid of fuel smells by sending fuel vapors from a special filter to the engine to burn them off.
The purge valve is a component of the vehicle's evaporative emissions system that controls the flow of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister to the engine intake for combustion, reducing emissions.
service bulletin
"Now they did say there is a service bulletin on it, but not a recall. And I think the"
A service bulletin is a note from the car maker telling mechanics about a problem and how to fix it, but it's not a big enough problem to make them call back all the cars.
A service bulletin is an official notification from a vehicle manufacturer to dealerships and repair shops about known issues and recommended repairs that are not serious enough to warrant a recall.
fuel tank
""service bulletin, they're requesting a new fuel tank put in it. But do you know anything""
The fuel tank is the part of your car that holds the gas or diesel you put in. It keeps the fuel safe until the engine uses it.
The fuel tank is the component of a vehicle that stores gasoline or diesel fuel until it is needed by the engine. It is designed to safely contain fuel and prevent leaks or contamination.
body work
""They just do some body work on the cab. I had hit a, unfortunately, a light pole at a parking lot.""
Body work means fixing the outside parts of a car if they get damaged, like dents or scratches.
Body work refers to the repair and restoration of a vehicle's exterior panels and structural components after damage, such as dents, scratches, or collisions.
rocker
""So they're replacing that bottom rocker or cab corner rocker, but there really wasn't any damage done on the box.""
The rocker is a metal part under the car doors that helps hold the car's shape and keep it strong.
A rocker is a structural part of a vehicle's body located below the doors along the side of the car. It helps support the vehicle's frame and contributes to its rigidity and safety.
car-part.com
"recyclers to choose from, giving you the largest selection available. Whether it's an engine, transmission, doors, seats, or wheels, you can find them on car-part.com. We even let you know what parts from other models and years fit your car. Many recyclers supply pictures of their parts too. We even have a mobile app."
car-part.com is a website where you can find used car parts like engines and wheels. It helps you find parts that fit your car and shows pictures so you know what you're buying.
car-part.com is an online marketplace that connects buyers with automotive recyclers offering used car parts such as engines, transmissions, doors, seats, and wheels. It helps users find compatible parts from various models and years, often with pictures and a mobile app for convenience.
Road Ready Wheels
"That's car-part.com, car-part.com. Check it out today. We want to tell you about our partner at Road Ready Wheels. Road Ready Wheels has the very best aftermarket OEM replica wheels available with a direct fit of the factory center caps and TPMS sensors so you don't need special caps and sensors."
Road Ready Wheels makes replacement wheels that look like the original ones and work with your car's existing parts, so you don't have to buy extra pieces.
Road Ready Wheels is a company specializing in aftermarket OEM replica wheels that fit directly with factory center caps and TPMS sensors, allowing easy replacement without needing special accessories.
TPMS sensors
"Road Ready Wheels has the very best aftermarket OEM replica wheels available with a direct fit of the factory center caps and TPMS sensors so you don't need special caps and sensors."
TPMS sensors are little gadgets in your car's wheels that tell you if your tires don't have enough air, so you can fix them before they cause problems.
TPMS sensors (Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors) are devices installed in wheels that monitor tire pressure and alert the driver if it drops below a safe level.
aluminum alloy wheels
"...Road Ready Wheels has both aluminum alloy and new steel wheels to fit many cars on the road today..."
Aluminum alloy wheels are wheels made from a mix of aluminum and other metals. They are lighter and often look nicer than regular steel wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels are made from a mixture of aluminum and other metals, offering a balance of strength, light weight, and aesthetic appeal. They are popular for improving vehicle performance and appearance.
steel wheels
"...Road Ready Wheels has both aluminum alloy and new steel wheels to fit many cars on the road today..."
Steel wheels are wheels made from steel metal. They are heavier but strong and usually cost less than other types of wheels.
Steel wheels are made from steel and are typically heavier and more durable than alloy wheels. They are often used as budget-friendly or winter wheels.
aftermarket wheels
"...Aftermarket wheels can be very expensive and it's so hard to choose what you want. With Road Ready Wheels, you get an OEM looking wheel that fits like it should but costs much less..."
Aftermarket wheels are wheels you can buy that are not made by the car company but still fit your car. They can look different and sometimes cost less or more than the original wheels.
Aftermarket wheels are replacement wheels made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer. They can offer different styles, materials, and prices compared to OEM wheels.
OEM
"...With Road Ready Wheels, you get an OEM looking wheel that fits like it should but costs much less..."
OEM means the parts or wheels that come from the same company that made your car. They fit perfectly because they are made just for your car.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to parts or wheels made by the vehicle's original maker. OEM wheels are designed to fit and perform exactly like the wheels that came with the car.
agreed value policy
"Berkeley One Classics ensured me with an agreed value policy. That means if you suffer a loss, there's no haggle over the value of your vehicle."
This is a type of insurance where you and the insurance company agree on how much your car is worth beforehand, so if something happens, you get that amount without arguments.
An agreed value policy is an insurance agreement where the insurer and the insured agree on the value of the vehicle in advance, so in case of a total loss, there is no dispute over the payout amount.
homeowners insurance and vehicle coverage
"I did not know that my homeowners policy did not cover my car when it was stored in my garage for the winter."
Your house insurance usually doesn't pay for your car if it's just sitting in your garage, so you need special car insurance for that.
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover vehicles stored on the property, so separate auto insurance is needed even when the car is not driven.
Chevrolet Avalanche
"...ack. I still think of Terry Johnson too with his avalanche. We never... That thing was a..."
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a big truck that can carry a lot of stuff and also has space for people to sit comfortably. It has a special feature that lets you open up the back part to make more room when you need it. People like it because it’s good for work and family trips.
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a versatile full-size pickup truck with a unique midgate design that allows the cargo area to be expanded into the cabin. Produced from 2001 to 2013, it combined the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a truck. It’s often remembered for its distinctive styling and practicality, making it a popular choice for those needing both passenger space and cargo capacity.
Ford Fusion
"... a 40 foot run. How fast can you get like a Ford fusion going in 40 feet? Can you get going 50 miles an ..."
The Ford Fusion is a popular family car that’s easy to drive and comfortable. People sometimes talk about how fast it can go from a stop, like how quickly it can get moving in a short distance. This helps show how powerful or quick the car feels when you start driving.
The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan known for its balanced performance and comfortable ride. It's often discussed in contexts like acceleration and handling due to its range of engine options and front-wheel-drive layout. The mention of a 40-foot run relates to how quickly the car can accelerate from a standstill, highlighting its responsiveness in short distances.
Plymouth Fury
"...ad center between the M and the O on his Plymouth Fury. He hit that, you could not, because my other br..."
The Plymouth Fury is an old, big car from many years ago that people liked because it looked cool and had a strong engine. Sometimes people talk about small details on the car, like the letters or badges on it, which help identify the model.
The Plymouth Fury is a classic American full-size car produced from the 1950s through the 1970s, known for its distinctive styling and muscle car variants. It’s often referenced in nostalgic or vintage car discussions due to its cultural impact and robust V8 engines. The mention of the 'ad center between the M and the O' likely refers to a specific emblem or badge detail unique to the Fury.
Ford F-250
"So I have a 2011 F-250 with the diesel that I've been working on."
The Ford F-250 is a big truck used for heavy jobs like towing trailers. The 2011 version can have a diesel engine, which uses a different kind of fuel and is good for power and saving gas.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its strong towing and hauling capabilities. The 2011 model often comes with a diesel engine option, popular for its torque and fuel efficiency.
diesel
"So I have a 2011 F-250 with the diesel that I've been working on."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in some engines that makes trucks and big vehicles run strong and use less gas. It's different from regular gasoline.
Diesel refers to a type of internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel. Diesel engines are known for their high torque output and fuel efficiency, especially in heavy-duty vehicles.
oil leak
"and he realized that a bunch of oil under the vehicle. So then he found an oil leak."
An oil leak means oil is dripping from the engine where it shouldn't. This can cause the engine to run low on oil and get damaged.
An oil leak occurs when engine oil escapes from the engine or its components, which can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not addressed.
battery
"I come out and I check his batteries."
The battery is like the car's power source that helps start the engine and run lights and other things. If it's weak, the car might not start.
The battery provides the electrical power needed to start the vehicle and run electrical systems when the engine is off. Weak or dead batteries can prevent the starter from working.
motor operated system
"Is that a vacuum operated system or is that a motor operated system?"
A motor operated system uses small electric motors to move parts inside the heater or air conditioner. This helps control where the air comes out inside the car.
A motor operated system uses electric motors to control components such as HVAC doors. These motors precisely move the doors to direct airflow inside the vehicle.
vacuum operated system
"Is that a vacuum operated system or is that a motor operated system?"
A vacuum operated system uses air pressure from the engine to move parts inside the heater or air conditioner. It helps control where the air goes inside the car.
A vacuum operated system uses engine vacuum to control components like HVAC doors. It relies on vacuum pressure to move actuators that open or close vents or doors in the heating and air conditioning system.
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