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Car Questions Live and Loosing Your Collection in a Fire

Car Questions Live and Loosing Your Collection in a Fire

Under The Hood show Feb 09, 2026 48 min
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About this episode

Listeners are treated to a lively discussion about automotive troubleshooting, particularly focusing on transmission issues and sensor problems in vehicles. Russ Evans shares insights on the importance of matching transmission control modules with replacements and offers practical advice for diagnosing ABS and Stabilitrak light issues in a 2012 GMC Terrain. The episode also features light-hearted banter about winter adventures and the challenges of maintaining vehicles in extreme weather conditions, making it both informative and entertaining.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Ford Model Ford

"A lot. The old wood model Ford with the old wood body or something. Model T wit..."

The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually afford to buy. Made over a hundred years ago, it changed how cars were made and helped more people get around. It's important in car history because it made driving accessible to everyday folks.

Part

transmissions

"I've got a 2001 Subaru that has had two transmissions put in it now."

The transmission is a part of the car that helps it move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. If it has problems, the car may not drive well.

Term

transmission control module

"If they're used, when you put it in, you need to put it in with the transmission control module that came from the car. So if we sell a transmission here at Nordstroms, we will sell the transmission."

The transmission control module is a part that helps the car's transmission work properly. It tells the transmission when to shift gears for better performance and fuel efficiency.

Term

engine computer

"It's got its own little module there. And then we strap them together and we send it out with the part, and we always have to put that in with it."

The engine computer is like the brain of your car's engine. It helps the engine run smoothly by making adjustments based on information from different sensors.

Term

CVT

"But with these separate ones, especially CVTs, the constantly variable transmissions, you have to have that module included with it. So my guess is that if they're putting in a used transmission, they're not getting that module with it and it's not operating."

A CVT is a special kind of car transmission that doesn't have fixed gears like regular ones. It can change the gear ratio smoothly, which helps the car accelerate more smoothly and can save fuel.

Term

used part

"Whether that's a used part or a brand new part, whatever it is, it may, maybe they were"

A used part is a car part that has been taken from another vehicle instead of being bought new. They are often cheaper but might not work as well as new parts.

Term

new part

"Whether that's a used part or a brand new part, whatever it is, it may, maybe they were"

A new part is a car part that you buy brand new from a store. These parts usually work well and often come with a guarantee.

Car

GMC Terrain

"I have a 2012 GMC Terrain that I just purchased. I just got 123,000 on it and the Stabilitrak and ABS lights are on..."

The GMC Terrain is a type of vehicle called a compact SUV. It's designed to be comfortable and spacious, making it a good choice for families or anyone needing extra room.

Term

wheel speed sensor

"...it said the right front wheel speed sensor was bad according to my little fix finder. So I replaced them all..."

A wheel speed sensor is a part of your car that checks how fast the wheels are turning. This information helps the car's systems work properly, especially when braking or during slippery conditions.

Part

ABS computer

"What we do is we go to the computer, we unplug it, the ABS computer, we go to that module, we back probe there..."

The ABS computer helps your car's brakes work better by stopping the wheels from locking up when you brake hard. It makes sure you can still steer while braking.

Company

Dorman

"Our partner, Dorman product sells a lot of wire connectors for those. So Dorman's got, you know, speed sensors, they've got wiring..."

Dorman makes replacement parts for cars, like wires and connectors, that help fix problems when the original parts break or wear out.

Part

speed sensors

"Dorman's got, you know, speed sensors, they've got wiring, the little connector..."

Speed sensors tell the car how fast the wheels are turning. This information helps the car's systems work correctly, especially during braking.

Part

wiring harness

"...the jumper harness that goes between the body harness and down below is a common thing to be reproduced from them."

A wiring harness is like a bundle of wires that connects different parts of your car, helping them communicate and work together.

Term

check engine light

"Sometimes you don't even get a check engine light because the traction control portion, it can't communicate, right?"

The check engine light is a light on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong with the engine. It can mean anything from a small issue to something more serious, so it's good to check it out.

Term

traction control

"Sometimes you don't even get a check engine light because the traction control portion, it can't communicate, right?"

Traction control is a system in your car that helps keep the wheels from spinning too much when you accelerate, especially on slippery roads. It helps you maintain control of the vehicle.

Term

scanner

"You should be able to raise the vehicle in the air, to narrow it down, plug that scanner in, put it on data, spin each tire individually."

A scanner is a tool that mechanics use to check what's wrong with a car. It connects to the car's computer and tells them about any problems or issues.

Term

miles per hour

"It should read miles per hour. Okay, there's two miles an hour, three miles an hour, four on each wheel as we spin it."

Miles per hour is a way to measure how fast a car is going. It tells you how many miles the car would travel in one hour if it kept going at that speed.

Part

oxygen sensor

"Like an oxygen sensor that says, um, it says failed low because it's stuck low. Oxygen sensor bank one sensor one stuck low."

An oxygen sensor is a part of the car's exhaust system that checks how much oxygen is in the exhaust. This helps the engine run better and produce fewer emissions.

Term

lean condition

"No, it's actually stuck low because it's very lean and it's so lean that it's sticking the sensor low and you replacing that didn't fix it."

A 'lean condition' means the engine is getting more air than fuel, which can cause it to run poorly and create more pollution. It's important to fix this to keep the engine healthy.

Part

catalytic converter

"...we look at their car and we say, yeah, your system's failed. You need a catalytic converter."

A catalytic converter is a part of your car that helps clean up the exhaust gases before they leave the car. It makes the air less polluted by changing harmful gases into safer ones.

Car

Subaru Outback

"...My son has a, uh, 2019 Subaru Outback."

The Subaru Outback is a type of car that is great for driving on different types of roads, including rough ones. It's popular with people who like to go on adventures or need extra space for their family.

Term

oil change

"The issue is it, uh, it burns about a quarter of oil. Every oil change about every 4,000 miles or so."

An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and can prevent damage.

Term

engine overhaul

"Is there anything other than a total engine re, uh, overhaul that would, uh, be causing that oil consumption?"

An engine overhaul means taking apart the engine to fix or replace parts that are worn out. It's done to make the engine work better and fix problems like using too much oil.

Term

PCV system

"Uh, it could have a, the PCV system could be, have failed and it's sucking too much air through there."

The PCV system is a part of the engine that helps get rid of gases that build up inside. If it fails, it can cause the engine to use more oil and not work as well.

Company

CRC

"you could use a CRC emission system cleaner kit. That's something you can do at home on that car and clean out the whole."

CRC makes products that help keep cars running well, including cleaners that can help fix problems in the engine. Their kits are designed to clean out dirt and buildup that can cause issues.

Company

Justice Brothers

"...you could, um, you, if you go to a professional shop, our partner at justice brothers has a professional service kit that can be done at a shop where they do the same thing..."

Justice Brothers makes products to help clean and maintain car engines and emissions systems. They work with professional shops to provide these services.

Term

burn oil

"...disclose that it uses the oil and let somebody buy it, knowing that it's going to burn oil and it's not a lot of, that's not a ton of oil. They'll have a good car."

When an engine 'burns oil', it means that the engine is using up its oil while running, which can be a sign of problems. If this happens, it can lead to engine damage if not fixed.

Part

throttle body

"...you clean the throttle body. There's a, a kit that's introduced through the, the, um, the end, into the intake system."

The throttle body helps manage how much air gets into the engine. Keeping it clean can help the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently.

Part

PCV valve

"...you got to check that PCV system too. You got a PCV valve for it and replace that."

The PCV valve is a part of your car's engine that helps control gases that come from the engine. It helps keep the engine clean and reduces pollution by sending those gases back to be burned again.

Company

Road Ready Wheels

"...road ready wheels has both aluminum alloy and new steel wheels to fit many cars on the road today. They stock thousands of wheels ready to ship..."

Road Ready Wheels is a company that sells wheels for cars. They have a lot of options and often offer discounts, making it easier to find the right wheels for your vehicle.

Part

steel wheels

"...you want to upgrade from an old rusty steel wheel, road ready wheels has both aluminum alloy and new steel wheels to fit many cars on the road today."

Steel wheels are the basic type of wheels made from steel. They are usually heavier and cheaper than aluminum wheels but can be less stylish.

Part

aluminum alloy wheels

"...you want to upgrade from an old rusty steel wheel, road ready wheels has both aluminum alloy and new steel wheels to fit many cars on the road today."

Aluminum alloy wheels are lighter and stronger than regular steel wheels. They can make your car look better and help it perform better on the road.

Car

Nissan Pathfinder

"...d specifically I've got a, um, a, uh, 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. It's a all wheel drive and it's got the CVT tra..."

The Nissan Pathfinder is a larger SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff, making it great for families. The 2019 version has a special kind of transmission that helps it drive smoothly, whether you're on the highway or going off-road. It's a good choice if you need space and versatility.

Car

Volkswagen Beetle

"...s bolted, like a Volkswagen or something, like a Beetle bolted under the dash, I need that module. And i..."

The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round-shaped car that many people recognize. It became very popular because it was affordable and fun to drive, and it has a quirky design that makes it look different from most cars. Many people love it for its history and unique style.

Car

Gmc Sierra

"Hi guys. I got a question with a 2013 GMC Sierra with about 54,000 miles on it. It has that abili..."

The GMC Sierra EV is a new electric truck that can do everything a regular truck can, but it runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it's better for the environment and can save money on fuel. It's important because it shows how trucks are changing to be more eco-friendly.

Car

Honda Accord

"...at can we do for you? Hey, I've got a 2014 Honda Accord. And it's got the four cylinder in it and it's g..."

The Honda Accord is a popular family car that is known for being dependable and easy to drive. It has a comfortable inside space and gets good gas mileage, which makes it a favorite among many drivers. The 2014 version is especially liked for how smoothly it drives.

Car

Ford Thunderbird

"...s eighties had a beautiful car collection of old Thunderbirds and different things. Had a whole shop full of be..."

The Ford Thunderbird is a classic car that many people admire for its stylish look. It started as a small sports car but later became bigger and more luxurious. It's often talked about because of its cool design and its place in car history.

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