Deciding Which Truck Is Better and More Car Repair Questions Answered on Under The Hood
About this episode
Listeners dive into the debate over which truck reigns supreme: the Ram 1500 or the Toyota Tundra. A caller shares his experience with his 2009 Ram, questioning its value compared to the Tundra, which he hears is more reliable. The hosts discuss historical performance, reliability, and market presence of both trucks, providing insights into their longevity and common issues. Additionally, another caller seeks advice on a transmission problem with a Chevy Tahoe, leading to a technical discussion about potential causes and solutions.
This is the live Automotive show Under The Hood. A great Car Advice Show with Auto Repair Help giving live tips to each caller. We take calls during the show, have fun, and help you sort out what may be wrong with your car so you can save money on needed repairs. Maybe you can save a trip to the repair shop by calling Under The Hood. Here are today's callers 1. Which Truck is better a 09 Ram or a Tundra? 2. Why does my 09 Tahoe not shift right? 3. Why does my hot rod GMC Sonoma run bad? 4. How do you remove a stuck brake fluid cap on a Berkley One Classic 65 Ford Fairlane? 5. How do you fix Cruise Control? 95 Honda Accord 6. What oil additive should I use? 07 Saturn Veu 7. What is a Leak Detection Pump? 12 Caravan
Ram 1500
"...I have an 09 Ram 1500 and, you know, the value of these trucks, the brand I have, you know, dropped the fastest of any of them..."
The Ram 1500 is a large truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work or towing. It's known for being comfortable and having good technology inside.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. It has been a popular choice among truck buyers for its versatility and capability.
Toyota Tundra
"...everyone online says that, you know, the Toyota Tundra is the best half-truck that there is..."
The Toyota Tundra is another large truck that is known for being very dependable and good for towing. People often choose it for its strong build and features.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its reliability, strong towing capacity, and off-road capability. It competes directly with other full-size trucks like the Ram 1500.
brake rotors
"And they advertised how much bigger their brake rotors were and they advertised how much heavier duty their axle shafts were."
Brake rotors are round metal discs that help stop the car when you press the brake pedal. Bigger rotors can help the brakes work better and stay cooler.
Brake rotors are crucial components of a vehicle's braking system, providing the surface against which brake pads clamp to slow down or stop the vehicle. Larger rotors can improve braking performance and heat dissipation.
axle shafts
"And they advertised how much bigger their brake rotors were and they advertised how much heavier duty their axle shafts were."
Axle shafts are parts that help turn the wheels of a car. Stronger axle shafts can carry more weight and are important for trucks that do heavy work.
Axle shafts are components that transmit power from the vehicle's differential to the wheels. Heavier-duty axle shafts can handle more torque and are essential for durability in trucks, especially under heavy loads.
Ram
"But that's a problem that we don't see in the Rams. No, because they don't have it."
Ram is a brand that makes trucks, and they are known for being comfortable and powerful. They are popular for both work and personal use.
Ram is a brand of trucks known for their performance and comfort. They compete directly with other full-size trucks like the Toyota Tundra.
corporate average fuel economy
"...easier to lower the corporate average fuel economy that way than changing the horsepower on the Viper."
Corporate Average Fuel Economy is a rule that requires car companies to make their vehicles more fuel-efficient. It helps reduce fuel consumption and pollution by setting a standard for how many miles per gallon their cars should get.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) refers to regulations in the United States aimed at improving the average fuel economy of cars and trucks produced by a manufacturer. It sets specific fuel efficiency standards that manufacturers must meet across their fleet of vehicles.
Toyota Prius
"...but Toyota has way more cars and way more hybrid cars."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to save fuel. It's very popular for being environmentally friendly and getting great gas mileage.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. It was one of the first mass-produced hybrid cars and has become synonymous with hybrid technology.
miles per gallon
"...Cars getting 40, 50 miles per gallon."
Miles per gallon is a way to measure how far a car can go using just one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better the car is at saving fuel.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It is commonly used to indicate the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, with higher numbers representing better efficiency.
GM
"Let's just look at GM. We got Suburbans."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars and trucks. They own brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
Chevrolet Suburban
"We got Suburbans. We got Escalades."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that can carry many people and their stuff. It's great for families or for towing things like trailers.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production since 1935, known for its spacious interior and strong towing capacity, making it popular for families and commercial use.
Cadillac Escalade
"We got Escalades. We got Taho's."
The Cadillac Escalade is a fancy, large SUV that has a lot of luxury features. People often buy it to show off their wealth.
The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury full-size SUV known for its opulence, advanced technology, and powerful performance, making it a status symbol among luxury vehicles.
GMC Yukon
"We got Yukon's. We got Sierra pickups."
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV that is similar to the Tahoe. It has a lot of room for people and things, making it great for families.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV similar to the Chevrolet Tahoe, known for its spacious interior and upscale features, often appealing to families and those needing significant cargo space.
GMC Sierra
"We got Sierra pickups. We got Silverado pickups."
The GMC Sierra is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is good for work or fun activities. It has a comfortable inside for driving.
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck known for its rugged performance, towing capabilities, and comfortable interior, making it suitable for both work and leisure.
Chevrolet Silverado
"We got Silverado pickups. We've got full size vans."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a large truck that can handle tough jobs and is also good for everyday use. It's popular among people who need a reliable vehicle.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck recognized for its durability, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and personal use.
Dodge Charger
"Stalantis had the charger. The Challenger and the 300."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and has powerful engines. It's popular for its speed and style.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscular design. It has a strong performance reputation, especially in its higher trims.
300
"The Challenger and the 300."
The Chrysler 300 is a large, comfortable car that looks stylish and has a lot of space inside. It's designed for a smooth ride.
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size luxury sedan known for its bold styling and spacious interior. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of engine options.
Dodge Challenger
"Stalantis had the charger. The Challenger and the 300."
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that has a retro design and is known for being fast and powerful. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car that offers a range of powerful engines and retro styling. It is known for its performance and aggressive looks.
towing capacity
"They started raising the bar on towing capacities. And that whole truck race got a new competitor when Toyota entered the market."
Towing capacity is how much weight a truck can pull behind it safely. It's important for people who need to haul things like trailers or boats.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. This is an important specification for trucks, as it determines their utility for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"Thank you. I was calling about my 09 Chevy Tahoe. I've had this truck for, let's say, eight month..."
The Chevy Tahoe is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families or anyone who needs a strong vehicle for trips or towing things.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, strong towing capabilities, and robust performance. It has been a popular choice for families and those needing a versatile vehicle for both everyday use and outdoor adventures.
lifter
"...your brother? He had it maybe four years and it had a bad lifter."
A lifter is a part in the engine that helps open and close the valves. If it’s not working properly, it can cause problems with how the engine runs.
A lifter is a component in an internal combustion engine that transfers motion from the camshaft to the pushrod, which then opens and closes the engine's valves. If a lifter is bad, it can lead to engine noise and performance issues.
solenoids
"...it may have a wiring problem if you got open solenoids. We're good."
Solenoids are small devices that help control how the transmission works by opening and closing valves. If they don't work properly, it can cause problems with shifting gears.
Solenoids are electromechanical devices used in automotive transmissions to control the flow of fluid. They play a crucial role in shifting gears and can affect transmission performance if they malfunction.
transmission codes
"...there were transmission codes and they were saying that a valve open, flash closed, stuff open, flash closed or..."
Transmission codes are special messages that tell you if there's something wrong with the car's transmission. Mechanics use these codes to figure out what needs to be fixed.
Transmission codes are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that indicate specific issues within the transmission system. These codes can help mechanics identify problems and determine necessary repairs.
detergent
"And then you might want to run a detergent through there or a cleaner or that sort of thing. But I wouldn't do that until I've had it inspected electrically..."
A detergent in cars is a special cleaning product that helps keep the engine clean by removing dirt and buildup.
In automotive maintenance, a detergent is often used in fuel or oil to clean the engine and its components. These detergents help remove deposits and improve engine performance.
sixth gear
"Because when you put it in like six gear down the highway, it holds that gear, doesn't slip, tack doesn't keep rising, nothing."
Sixth gear is the highest gear in a car's transmission. It helps the car go faster on the highway while using less fuel.
Sixth gear is typically the highest gear in a manual or automatic transmission, allowing for efficient highway cruising and better fuel economy at higher speeds.
manually shift
"Because with this engine, okay, once it gets out of first and I can manually take it all the way to six, it is still being second gear..."
Manually shifting means the driver can choose which gear the car is in, instead of letting the car decide automatically. This gives more control over how the car drives.
Manually shifting refers to the driver's ability to change gears in a vehicle, often in a manual transmission or in an automatic transmission with a manual mode, allowing for greater control over the vehicle's performance.
Honda Civic
"let's look at a Honda Civic compared to a... Oh, a little CBCC. Compared to..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's been around for a long time and comes in different versions.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been popular for decades, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has gone through multiple generations and is often praised for its practicality and performance.
Chevrolet Vega
"Compared to a Vega or something. I mean, you know, and even a Triumph."
The Chevrolet Vega is a small car that was made in the 1970s. It had some cool features but also had a reputation for breaking down more often than other cars.
The Chevrolet Vega was a subcompact car produced in the early 1970s, known for its innovative design but also for various reliability issues. It was part of Chevrolet's effort to compete in the growing small car market.
carburetors
"Other than the carburetors. The car, yeah, things broke a lot more on the foreign cars, but maybe they didn't want the comebacks."
Carburetors are parts in some older cars that help mix gas and air so the engine can run. Newer cars usually use a different system called fuel injection that works better.
Carburetors are devices in older cars that mix air and fuel for combustion in the engine. They have largely been replaced by fuel injection systems in modern vehicles due to better efficiency and performance.
Holden Caprice
"...BMW today compared... BMW Z3 compared to a Chevy Caprice. You compare it like the same year."
The Holden Caprice is a large, fancy car from Australia that's known for being really comfortable and powerful. It's a good choice for people who want a smooth ride with extra features.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced in Australia, known for its spacious interior and powerful performance. It has been favored by those seeking a comfortable ride with a touch of luxury.
BMW Z3
"It's not like a BMW today compared... BMW Z3 compared to a Chevy Caprice. You compare it like..."
The BMW Z3 is a small, sporty car that people enjoy driving because it's fun and looks good. It was made in the late '90s and early 2000s and is now considered a classic.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that was produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, celebrated for its sporty design and engaging driving experience. It has become a classic among enthusiasts for its blend of performance and style.
BMW 5 Series
"96 Caprice. 96 5 Series."
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury car that has been around for a long time. The 1996 version is known for being comfortable and having good performance.
The BMW 5 Series is a line of executive cars produced by BMW since 1972. The 1996 model is part of the E39 generation, known for its balance of performance and luxury.
battery
"We just dismantled the Tesla Model S and dropped the battery out of it. When they got to dismantle on it, once you get past the battery..."
The battery is what powers electric cars like the Tesla Model S. It stores electricity so the car can run without using gas.
The battery in electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S stores energy to power the electric motor. It is a critical component that determines the car's range and performance.
Tesla Model S
"...ess, way different. We just dismantled the Tesla Model S and dropped the battery out of it. When they got..."
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and doesn't need gas. It's known for its long battery life and cool tech features that help with driving.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan that has set benchmarks for performance, range, and technology in the electric vehicle market. It is known for its rapid acceleration, long battery life, and innovative features like Autopilot.
Tesla Model
"... lot less, way different. We just dismantled the Tesla Model S and dropped the battery out of it. When they g..."
The Tesla Model Y is a modern electric SUV that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's popular because it has a lot of space and high-tech features, making it a good choice for families.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that offers impressive range, advanced technology, and spacious seating. It represents Tesla's expansion into the SUV market, appealing to those looking for eco-friendly options without sacrificing utility.
drivetrain
"But there again, the drivetrain is still all pretty much the same. It's the same type of car."
The drivetrain is the system in a car that helps move it forward. It includes parts that take power from the engine or motor and send it to the wheels.
The drivetrain refers to the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshafts, and differentials. In electric vehicles, it includes the electric motor and associated components.
gas cars
"...they're not electric cars. They're all gas cars. They're all saying, well, let's see what happens when you stop inspections."
Gas cars are the regular cars that run on gasoline. They have engines that burn fuel to make the car go.
Gas cars, or gasoline-powered vehicles, use internal combustion engines that run on gasoline. They are the traditional type of vehicle and are prevalent worldwide.
electric cars
"...they're not electric cars. They're all gas cars. They're all saying, well, let's see what happens when you stop inspections."
Electric cars run on electricity instead of gas. They use batteries to power the motor, which makes them cleaner for the environment.
Electric cars are vehicles that are powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline or diesel engines. They are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
4.3 V6
"...It's got the 4.3 V6 in it. It's got the stock 4.3."
The 4.3 V6 is a type of engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for providing a good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
The 4.3 V6 is a 4.3-liter V6 engine produced by General Motors. It is known for its balance of power and efficiency, commonly used in various GM vehicles, including the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S10.
GMC Cyclone
"...er than the original, which is good. Still not a cyclone. No."
The GMC Cyclone is a special pickup truck from the '90s that was super fast and fun to drive. It's unique because it combines the usefulness of a truck with the speed of a sports car.
The GMC Cyclone is a high-performance pickup truck produced in the early 1990s, notable for its turbocharged V6 engine and sporty handling. It stands out as a unique blend of utility and performance, making it a collector's item today.
Ford Falcon
"Just something. Well, my dad had a 1964 Falcon he bought brand new years ago and he used it on a..."
The Ford Falcon is an older car that many people loved because it was affordable and easy to drive. It has a special place in the hearts of car fans, especially those who remember the classic models.
The Ford Falcon is a classic car that was produced from the early 1960s to the early 2000s, known for its affordability and practicality. It holds nostalgic value for many enthusiasts and collectors, especially those who remember the models from the 1960s.
Dodge Grand
"... what can we do for you? Yeah guys, I got a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan and I got a code that flashed on it and i..."
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a big family van that has lots of room for kids and stuff. It's great for road trips and everyday use because it's comfortable and easy to drive.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan known for its family-friendly features, spacious interior, and versatile seating configurations. It has been a popular choice for families due to its practicality and comfort on long trips.
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