Denny Long's Last Car Care Show
About this episode
From shop updates and booking lead times to deep dives on modern maintenance, the hosts field listener questions across a wide range of car-care topics. They explain how transmission fluid service has evolved from pan cleanouts to flushes and drain-and-fills, and why “lifetime fill” is controversial. The show also covers steering-wheel vibration checks, critter damage (including cabin-filter protection), towing and brake overheating, and troubleshooting intermittent electrical issues.
electric cars
"people talk about electric cars and hybrid and they don't understand them so it's frightening"
Electric cars run on electricity stored in a battery. They don’t use a traditional gas engine, so the service and troubleshooting can be different.
Electric cars are powered primarily by one or more electric motors drawing energy from a battery pack. They rely on different systems than gasoline cars, so technicians and owners often need new diagnostic and maintenance knowledge.
hybrid
"people talk about electric cars and hybrid and they don't understand them so it's frightening"
A hybrid uses a gas engine and an electric motor together. It can switch between them or use both to save fuel.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor/battery system. The car can blend power sources to improve efficiency and reduce emissions compared with a purely gasoline vehicle.
carbureted vehicles
"when i started back at the you know back at the gas station for that matter we were still working on carbureted vehicles"
Older cars used a carburetor to blend fuel and air. Newer cars usually use electronic fuel injection instead.
Carbureted vehicles use a carburetor to mix fuel and air before it enters the engine. It’s an older fuel-delivery method that was common before modern electronic fuel injection took over.
fuel injection
"and then with fuel injection electronic ignition now we have all these safety systems in the vehicle"
Fuel injection is how modern cars spray fuel into the engine using controlled valves. It helps the engine get the right amount of fuel at the right time.
Fuel injection delivers fuel into the engine using electronically controlled injectors rather than a carburetor. It allows more precise fueling across different driving conditions, improving drivability and efficiency.
electronic ignition
"and then with fuel injection electronic ignition now we have all these safety systems in the vehicle"
Electronic ignition controls when the spark happens in the engine. That timing helps the engine burn fuel more efficiently and reliably.
Electronic ignition uses sensors and an electronic control system to time the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture. Compared with older ignition systems, it’s more consistent and easier for the engine computer to optimize.
safety systems
"now we have all these safety systems in the vehicle"
Safety systems are features that help the car avoid accidents or lessen how bad they are. They often use sensors and computers to watch what’s happening around you.
Modern vehicles include multiple safety systems designed to prevent crashes or reduce injury severity. These can include driver-assistance technologies that monitor the road and vehicle behavior.
keep on top of things
"we always train our guys and we do what we can to keep uh keep on top of things and you and i talked in"
He’s talking about staying current with new car technology. As cars change, mechanics need training so they can diagnose and fix newer systems.
In this context, “keep on top of things” refers to ongoing technician training to stay current with rapidly changing vehicle technology. As cars add electronics and new powertrains, service knowledge has to be updated continuously.
carbureted cars
"recent shows about carbureted cars do you ever see and you don't work on those as a rule no we don't"
A carburetor is an older device that mixes fuel and air for the engine. These cars often need more tuning than newer cars that use electronic fuel injection.
Carbureted cars use a carburetor to mix air and fuel before it enters the engine. They’re different from modern fuel-injected engines, and they often require more hands-on tuning and adjustment to run correctly.
drum breaks
"so uh you know the carbureted cars drum breaks there's a lot of those things that have just evolved and changed you know everything's electronically controlled"
Drum brakes are an older brake design where brake pads press inside a drum to stop the car. They’re different from the more common disc brakes you see on many modern cars.
Drum brakes use brake shoes inside a rotating drum to create friction and slow the vehicle. They’re common on older vehicles and can behave differently than disc brakes, especially in how they handle heat and wear.
coolant
"when i started we were changing coolant like every other year now as we talked about it could be 100 thousand miles same with spark plugs"
Coolant is the liquid that keeps the engine from overheating. Over time it can break down, so it needs periodic service.
Coolant is the heat-transfer fluid that carries heat away from the engine and helps maintain proper operating temperature. Service intervals matter because old coolant can lose corrosion protection and cooling effectiveness.
filters
"well i know the difference but there's a flush and then i've read about some filters are there filters or gaskets what's the deal"
A transmission filter is like a screen that catches dirt in the transmission fluid. Some transmissions let you service the filter more easily than others.
Transmission filters help trap debris and contaminants in the fluid. Depending on the transmission design, the filter may be serviceable during fluid service, or it may be integrated in a way that requires more involved work.
gaskets
"are there filters or gaskets what's the deal actually before that i want to know"
A gasket is a seal that prevents fluid from leaking where parts connect. If it’s worn or not replaced when needed, the transmission can start leaking.
Gaskets are sealing materials used to prevent leaks at joints in the transmission and related service points. If a gasket is damaged or not replaced when required, it can lead to fluid seepage and contamination over time.
transmission fluid services
"what about transmission you're talking about 100 000 miles for plugs or what about transmission fluid so transmission fluid services have definitely evolved"
Your transmission uses fluid to keep its moving parts lubricated and cool. Over time that fluid gets dirty, so mechanics periodically change it or refresh it to help the transmission last longer.
Transmission fluid services are scheduled maintenance tasks that remove old, contaminated fluid and restore the fluid’s ability to lubricate and cool the transmission. In the segment, the host contrasts older “pan drop” cleaning with newer methods like flushes and drain-and-fill intervals.
torque converter areas
"because you know there's a lot of different ports the torque converter areas where that fluid would not drain from that evolved kind of into a a flush"
In an automatic transmission, the torque converter uses fluid to transfer power. Some of that fluid sits in areas that don’t empty out easily, so a simple drain might not remove everything.
The torque converter is a fluid-coupling component in an automatic transmission, and the host notes that fluid in the torque-converter areas may not drain completely during a simple pan service. That’s why service methods evolved toward flushes or more frequent drain-and-fill intervals.
flush
"would not drain from that evolved kind of into a a flush where you'd connect a pump with a reservoir and we'd flush the fluid out and exchange it"
A flush is when a shop uses equipment to push fresh transmission fluid through the system and remove more of the old fluid than a simple change. It’s meant to refresh the fluid throughout the transmission.
A transmission fluid flush is a service where a pump and reservoir are used to push new fluid through the transmission while expelling old fluid. The host describes it as an evolution from earlier pan-cleaning methods.
drain plug
"more recently now is that the norm now would be a drain fill where there's a drain plug in a fill plug and you're doing that"
A drain plug is the part that lets a mechanic empty the old transmission fluid. It’s the starting point for a drain-and-fill service.
A drain plug is a fitting on the transmission used to remove fluid. The host contrasts drain-and-fill services (using a drain plug and a fill plug) with more involved, higher-fluid-cost approaches like pan drops or full flushes.
lifetime fill
"some might even say i don't agree with this lifetime fill because that makes me more worried to be honest"
“Lifetime fill” means the maker says you never need to change the transmission fluid. The host is skeptical because old fluid can still wear out and cause problems over time.
“Lifetime fill” is a marketing/service claim that the transmission fluid doesn’t need routine changes. The host expresses concern about this approach, implying that periodic service can be important even if a manufacturer suggests otherwise.
maintenance vs repair cost
"you do have to pause every so often take it in have it serviced it like you know we say often it costs much more to repair a vehicle than maintain a vehicle"
The idea is that regular upkeep costs less than letting something fail and then paying for expensive repairs. Keeping up with services helps avoid bigger problems later.
The host emphasizes a common ownership concept: preventive maintenance is usually cheaper than waiting for a breakdown and then paying for repairs. In this segment, that idea is applied to transmission service intervals and the cost difference between maintaining vs fixing a failed component.
vibration in the steering wheel
"what could cause a slight vibration in the steering wheel at speed above 70 had the tires rotated with regular maintenance"
If the steering wheel shakes at highway speeds, it usually means something on the front wheels isn’t spinning smoothly. It can be caused by things like uneven tire balance, tire problems, or worn front wheel parts.
A steering-wheel vibration at speed is a common symptom of problems in the rotating parts of the front end. It often points to tire/wheel imbalance, tire pressure issues, worn or damaged tires, or brake-related issues like rotor problems or wheel bearing wear.
2014 camry
"the car is 160 000 miles on it's a 2014 camry what do you think typically if we have a vibration we always want to think what's rotating"
This is a Toyota Camry, a common everyday car. Here they’re using the 2014 Camry as the example while figuring out what might be causing a shaking feeling in the steering wheel at highway speeds.
A Toyota Camry is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (most trims) midsize sedan known for smooth commuting and long service life. In this segment, the 2014 Camry is the specific car being diagnosed for a vibration in the steering wheel at speed.
tires rotated
"had the tires rotated with regular maintenance 1700 miles uh ago"
Tire rotation means swapping the tires to different wheel positions. It helps tires wear more evenly, and in this case it’s also used as a clue to see whether the vibration is tied to a specific tire position.
Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires from one wheel position to another (front-to-rear and/or side-to-side) to even out tread wear. The host uses it here to narrow the vibration cause by checking whether the issue follows the tires to a new corner.
wheel bearings
"the tires the wheels the brakes wheel bearings all those things at the four corners of the vehicle could create a vibration"
Wheel bearings help the wheels spin smoothly. If they wear out, the wheel can vibrate or make noise, especially as you go faster.
Wheel bearings allow the wheel to spin with minimal friction and play. Worn or damaged wheel bearings can create vibration and noise, and they’re one of the “four corners” items technicians check when diagnosing speed-related shake.
balancing the tires
"we can try balancing the tires take a look at the run on the hubs"
Balancing is when a shop adds small weights to the wheel so the tire spins evenly. If it’s not balanced, the car can shake—often most noticeable at higher speeds.
Tire balancing corrects uneven weight distribution around the wheel/tire assembly so it spins smoothly. If a tire or wheel is out of balance, it can create a vibration that becomes noticeable at certain speeds and may feel like it’s coming through the steering wheel.
brake rotors
"take a look at the run on the hubs of the uh at the brake rotors themselves"
Brake rotors are the discs the brake pads squeeze to stop the car. If they’re bent or uneven, they can make the car shake or vibrate.
Brake rotors are the metal discs the brake pads clamp onto to slow the vehicle. If rotors are warped or have excessive runout, they can contribute to steering-wheel vibration, especially during braking, but sometimes even at speed depending on the condition.
run on the hubs
"take a look at the run on the hubs of the uh at the brake rotors themselves"
This is a check for wobble. If the hub or brake part isn’t perfectly straight when it spins, it can cause shaking or vibration while driving.
“Runout” (spoken here as “run on”) refers to how much a hub or rotor deviates from perfect straightness as it spins. Excess runout can cause vibration or uneven brake feel, so checking it helps determine whether the issue is wheel/brake hardware rather than the tires alone.
tire pressures
"i suspect that that vibration will not go away but at least change uh for those just joining us excuse me ... get the tire pressures adjusted"
Tire pressure is how much air is in the tires. If it’s too high or too low, the tire can ride differently and cause shaking or uneven wear.
Tire pressure is the correct amount of air in the tire, measured in PSI. Incorrect pressure can change how the tire contacts the road and can contribute to vibration or uneven wear, so adjusting it is part of the troubleshooting process.
2019 rav four
"okay so uh red squirrel ... put them all in my 2019 rav four's engine there's lots of different"
This is a Toyota RAV4, a compact SUV. In this story, something like a squirrel got into the engine area and brought debris (walnuts) that could cause problems.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV built for daily driving, with a layout that commonly places the engine in the front and the drivetrain underneath the hood. Here, the 2019 RAV4 is the vehicle with a critter-related incident (nuts/plant material in the engine bay) that can cause damage or drivability issues.
nesting
"“...compartments underneath there it’s called nesting... she came in one morning... there’s all this noise under the hood and the squirrels had nested under her hood... fine come back two days later the same thing happened...”"
Here, “nesting” means animals making a home in or around your car. It can start as noise and debris, but it can become a bigger issue if they chew or get into important parts. If they keep coming back, it usually means they’ve found a safe place and you need to change where you park.
In this context, “nesting” is animals (like squirrels) making a home in or under parts of a parked car. The host explains that the real risk isn’t just mess—it can escalate when animals get into wiring and hoses, causing damage and creating electrical or mechanical problems. It’s also why repeated incidents can happen if the animal keeps returning to the same spot.
cabin filter
"“...found debris or critters in the cabin filter area of a car yeah... as things are starting to nest... inspect that cabin filter... that cabin filter is kind of your last line of defense before they're inside the vehicle...”"
A cabin filter is like an air filter for the inside of your car. It helps keep dust and debris from blowing into the cabin through the vents. If critters or leaves get into that area, it can block airflow and is a sign something may be getting into the car’s air system.
A cabin filter is a filter inside the HVAC system that cleans the air coming into the vehicle’s interior. If squirrels, leaves, or other debris get into the cabin filter area, they can reduce airflow and potentially introduce odors or allergens. It’s also a useful diagnostic clue for signs of nesting or entry points into the air ducts.
vehicle service
"“...back to maintenance if you have your vehicle service have them inspect that cabin filter any that debris...”"
“Vehicle service” means bringing your car in for regular checks and maintenance. The point here is to have the technician look at the cabin filter so you can spot debris or critters early. Catching it sooner can prevent bigger problems later.
“Vehicle service” here refers to scheduled maintenance/inspection work performed by a shop or technician. The host is emphasizing that during service you can have the cabin filter inspected for debris and signs of critters. This is meant to catch nesting problems early before they spread to other parts of the HVAC/air duct system.
clay bars
"as we know the expert on waxing your vehicle would be who it'd be denny denny even clay bars his vehicle"
A clay bar is a car-cleaning tool that pulls off tiny dirt and grime stuck to the paint. People often use it before waxing so the wax can stick better.
A clay bar is a detailing product used to remove bonded contaminants from a paint surface. It’s typically used before waxing to create a smoother surface so wax can bond more effectively.
ceramic touch
"i still like a paste wax especially the newer ones that have kind of a ceramic uh touch to them"
“Ceramic touch” usually means the wax has additives meant to make the paint easier to clean and help it resist water. It’s basically a more durable type of wax/coating than plain paste wax.
When waxes are described as having a “ceramic touch,” they usually refer to ceramic-infused or ceramic-like polymers/coatings that improve slickness and durability. It’s a marketing term, but the idea is longer-lasting water beading and easier cleaning compared with basic waxes.
wax on wax off
"you like the cry to kid wax on wax off yeah i go through the machine that does it for me"
“Wax on, wax off” is the usual waxing routine: put wax on the paint, wait a bit, then wipe/buff it off. Doing it right helps the wax look better and last longer.
“Wax on, wax off” describes the basic waxing workflow: apply wax to the paint, let it haze or set, then buff it off. The timing and technique affect how evenly the wax bonds and how cleanly it removes.
tow package
"I have a 2012 deep liberty jet with a tow package and i have a small uh travel trailer"
A tow package is the set of parts and wiring a vehicle gets so it can tow a trailer. It usually includes the hitch and the connections for trailer lights, and sometimes extra cooling help.
A tow package is a factory (or dealer) bundle of towing-related upgrades on a vehicle. It commonly includes wiring for trailer lights, a hitch receiver, and sometimes cooling or braking-related hardware so the vehicle can tow more safely.
tongue weight
"that uh 21 foot trailer that's less than 5 000 pounds and the tongue weight is about 300 pounds"
Tongue weight is how much weight the trailer pushes down on the hitch of the towing vehicle. If it’s too high or too low, the vehicle can feel unstable and harder to control, especially when stopping.
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer’s hitch applies to the tow vehicle. It matters because it affects how stable the vehicle feels, how well the suspension stays balanced, and how much control you have while braking and turning.
class three hitch
"and i got a class three hitch on there but i'm wondering about i haven't pulled it yet"
A class three hitch is a rated hitch type meant for heavier towing. You still have to make sure the hitch rating and the vehicle’s towing limits both fit the trailer you’re pulling.
A class three hitch is a hitch receiver category that indicates its designed towing capability. It’s rated for certain maximum trailer weights and tongue weights, and it should be matched to both the vehicle’s towing limits and the trailer’s actual load.
owners manuals that capacity or weight limit
"i know that these vehicles will tell you in the owners manuals that capacity or weight limit that the vehicle has the capacity to"
Vehicle owners manuals list specific towing capacities and weight limits for safe operation. These limits are based on engineering constraints like braking performance, cooling, suspension loading, and drivetrain stress, and they’re the baseline you should follow when matching a trailer to a vehicle.
Chevrolet Equinox
"[1034.7s] 2010 Chevy Equinox uh Texas says i've got an oil center problem so a mechanic suggested i used 1040 [1042.0s] motor oil i've been running that now for two years"
They’re talking about a 2010 Chevy Equinox that has an oil warning/problem. The key point is that the warning is tied to oil pressure, and you generally shouldn’t switch to a different oil thickness just to try to make the light go away.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is being discussed in the context of an oil-related warning/problem. The host explains that the “oil center” is a sensor reading oil pressure, and advises sticking with the manufacturer-recommended oil weight rather than using a heavier oil as a band-aid.
oil pressure
"Well the oil center is just a sensor that's reading the pressure so i'm not sure why they would recommend it i think maybe what they're [1064.8s] saying is that the oil pressure is low maybe there's some wear and tear there"
Oil pressure is a measure of how well oil is being pumped through the engine. If it’s low, it can mean the engine isn’t getting proper lubrication, which can lead to damage if ignored.
Oil pressure is how strongly the engine’s oil pump pushes oil through the engine’s lubrication system. Low oil pressure can indicate wear or a problem that needs diagnosis, because the engine relies on oil flow to protect moving parts.
oil weight
"i usually would advise people not to change from the oil weight that the [1074.5s] manufacturer recommended if we're trying to fix something we should fix it not try to band aid"
Oil weight is basically how thick the engine oil is, especially when it’s cold versus hot. The right oil weight helps the engine stay properly lubricated, so you generally shouldn’t switch unless there’s a good reason.
Oil weight (like 5W-30 or 10W-40) describes an engine oil’s viscosity—how thick it is and how it flows at different temperatures. Using the manufacturer-recommended oil weight matters because it’s chosen to maintain proper lubrication and oil pressure across conditions.
towing a trailer
"do a follow-up to that fellow that just called about towing a trailer with his jeep um i didn't catch what he was towing"
Towing a trailer means pulling something behind your car or truck. Because you’re hauling extra weight, the vehicle drives and stops differently, so you have to make sure it’s set up to handle that load safely.
Towing a trailer means pulling an additional load behind your vehicle, which changes how the vehicle handles, brakes, and accelerates. It also increases the stress on the drivetrain and cooling system, so matching the trailer’s weight and braking setup to the tow vehicle matters.
electric brakes
"it was a utility type trailer yeah he said it was 3 000 pound trailer so i don't think it was anything equipped with electric brakes which i'm assuming that's what your head is"
Electric brakes are brakes on the trailer that are controlled electronically from the towing vehicle. They help the trailer slow down too, instead of relying only on the tow vehicle’s brakes.
Electric brakes are trailer brakes that use an electrical signal from the tow vehicle to apply braking force at the trailer wheels. If the trailer has electric brakes, the tow vehicle typically needs to be equipped to control them (often via a brake controller) so braking is balanced and predictable.
overload your vehicle
"you should not overload your vehicle because that would potentially create some damage right"
Overloading your vehicle means you’re hauling more weight than it’s designed to handle. That can make the vehicle harder to control and can cause damage or unsafe braking—especially with a trailer.
Overloading your vehicle means exceeding its safe towing capacity or load limits, which can strain the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking system. It can also increase stopping distances and make handling less stable, especially with a heavy trailer.
downshift
"is that jeep would have it too is a manual transmission where you could drop that down in the manual and then use uh use your transmission to slide you down the hill you know without having to ride your brake yeah you could definitely downshift"
Downshifting is when you put the vehicle into a lower gear. It lets the engine help slow the car down, which can reduce how much you have to rely on the brake pedal on hills.
Downshifting means selecting a lower gear to increase engine braking when slowing down, especially on long descents. It helps control speed without overheating the brakes, because the engine and transmission absorb some of the load.
ride your brake
"use your transmission to slide you down the hill you know without having to ride your brake yeah you could definitely downshift"
“Riding your brake” means holding the brake pedal down for a long time. On long downhill grades—especially while towing—that can make the brakes overheat and work less effectively.
“Riding your brake” means keeping steady pressure on the brake pedal for a long time rather than braking in shorter bursts. When towing on hills, that can overheat the brakes and reduce stopping effectiveness, so using engine braking via downshifts is often safer.
2011 Ford f-150 pickup truck
"oh i have a 2011 Ford f-150 pickup truck my cousin there was a uh mechanic tells me with a 5-4 engine uh when you go to replace the plugs a lot of times they're frozen into place and you have to replace the whole head"
This is a Ford F-150 pickup. The issue is about changing spark plugs on a 5.4-liter engine, and the worry is that the plugs can get stuck in the engine so tightly that removing them can damage the cylinder head.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup, and this caller is dealing with a common service job: replacing spark plugs. They specifically mention a 5.4-liter engine and the concern that plugs can become stuck (“frozen”) in the cylinder head, potentially requiring more invasive repair if the plugs break or the head is damaged.
spark plugs
"when you go to replace the plugs a lot of times they're frozen into place and you have to replace the whole head uh is that have you had that problem nick ... the spark plugs were a bit of a challenge to get out of the the cylinder head"
Spark plugs are the small parts that create the spark to start combustion in the engine. If they get stuck in place, changing them can become a bigger job and can even damage the engine head.
Spark plugs are the ignition components that create the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder. If they seize in the cylinder head, removal can be difficult and may risk damaging the head threads or the head itself.
cylinder head
"the spark plugs were a bit of a challenge to get out of the the cylinder head there um and in the heyday of that we got pretty good at it"
The cylinder head is the top part of the engine where the spark plugs thread in. If the spark plugs are hard to remove and something gets damaged there, the repair can become a lot more costly.
The cylinder head is the engine component that sits atop the cylinders and houses parts like the combustion chambers and the threaded areas where spark plugs screw in. Damage to the cylinder head during plug removal can turn a routine spark-plug job into a much more expensive repair.
2017 Chevy Silverado
"i got a 2017 Chevy Silverado it's an LTZ um and my my dash is acting strange or has been acting strange every once in a while i'll hear a clicking like what you hear when you"
This is a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado (LTZ). The problem sounds like it’s coming from the dashboard area and happens sometimes, with a clicking noise—often caused by a component in the dash system turning on and off.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup, and this caller’s 2017 Silverado LTZ has an interior electronics/controls symptom: a clicking sound from the dash area. That kind of intermittent clicking often points to a module, relay, or actuator cycling rather than a straightforward engine mechanical issue.
trailer brakes
"it'll say trailer brakes and it'll come up intermittently sometimes like yesterday ... i hear the ding i look down i see trailer brakes and i'm not towing anything"
That message usually means the car thinks you have a trailer connected with electric trailer brakes. If it shows up when you’re not towing, it can point to a wiring or sensor problem.
“Trailer brakes” is a dashboard message used on vehicles with a trailer-brake controller. It indicates the car is detecting a trailer-brake wiring/connection and is commanding or monitoring the trailer’s brake system.
fault codes
"we'd gain access to the computer see if there's any fault codes ... we'd start getting fault codes"
Fault codes are error messages stored by the car when something isn’t working right. A mechanic can read them with a scan tool to figure out what part might be causing the problem.
Fault codes are diagnostic trouble codes stored by the vehicle’s onboard computer when it detects a problem. A scan tool reads these codes so a mechanic can narrow down which system or sensor is misbehaving.
wiring diagram
"get out the wiring diagram and start tracking powers and grounds"
A wiring diagram is like a map of the car’s electrical system. It shows which wires connect to which parts, so a mechanic can test the right places.
A wiring diagram is a factory schematic showing how the car’s electrical components are connected. It helps a technician trace circuits and identify where power, ground, or signals should be present.
powers and grounds
"start tracking powers and grounds at some point we're going to find either a break in a wire or something loose"
Cars run on electricity, and every circuit needs a proper power feed and a solid ground connection. If either is weak or broken, the car can act up in weird, intermittent ways.
In automotive diagnostics, “power” and “ground” refer to the electrical supply and return paths that circuits need to work. Intermittent faults are often caused by a loose connection, damaged wire, or poor ground rather than the component itself.
2010 Volvo S40
"texter says this nick uh 2010 volvo s40 130 000 miles on it after filling the car with gas it doesn't always start it cranks"
The Volvo S40 is the car being discussed, and the problem is that it sometimes won’t start right after filling up. The mechanic suggests it may be a fuel sensor or related reading, not just the gas cap.
The Volvo S40 is a compact car where starting issues can be tied to fuel-system sensors and the car’s ability to interpret fuel-related inputs. In this segment, the host discusses how a “doesn’t always start” complaint after refueling can point to sensor/reading problems rather than the gas cap itself.
fuel sender
"but i wonder if we have something like with a fuel sender or a fuel pressure sensor"
A fuel sender tells the car how much fuel is in the tank. If it’s reading wrong, the car can get confused about fuel and may not start properly.
A fuel sender is the sensor (often part of the fuel level module) that reports fuel information to the car. If it’s misreading, the vehicle’s computer may make incorrect decisions about fuel delivery and starting behavior.
fuel pressure sensor
"fuel sender or a fuel pressure sensor ... so there's something that's being misread ... you give it a moment it resets"
The fuel pressure sensor checks how strongly fuel is being pushed through the fuel system. If it reports the wrong pressure, the car may not start until the system resets.
A fuel pressure sensor measures how much pressure the fuel system is producing. If the sensor signal is wrong or intermittent, the engine management system may not deliver the correct fuel amount, leading to hard starts or no-start conditions.
2017 GMC Sierra
"uh texter asked this 2017 GMC Sierra the right rear turn signal starts normally and then goes to hyper flash what's going on there likely the filament"
A 2017 GMC Sierra is a full-size truck, and they’re talking about a turn-signal problem on the right rear. The signal starts normally, then blinks too fast, which often means the bulb is failing or there’s an electrical connection issue.
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck, and this segment focuses on a specific electrical issue on a 2017 model: a right rear turn signal that transitions into hyper flash. That behavior often points to a failing bulb filament or a related wiring/connection problem in the turn-signal circuit.
hyper flash
"uh texter asked this 2017 GMC Sierra the right rear turn signal starts normally and then goes to hyper flash what's going on there likely the filament"
Hyper flash means your turn signal blinks much faster than normal. That usually happens when the car thinks a bulb is out or there’s an electrical problem in the turn-signal system.
Hyper flash is an abnormally fast turn-signal blinking rate, usually caused by the vehicle detecting a fault in the circuit—most commonly a burned-out bulb or poor electrical connection. It’s a quick diagnostic clue that something in the turn-signal system needs attention.
resistance
"it's all based off resistance that the resistance changes which it does when it's on it might cause it to flash faster"
Resistance is an electrical property that affects how current flows. When the bulb heats up, its electrical behavior changes, which can change the flashing speed.
In the bulb-flashing explanation, resistance is the electrical opposition that affects how much current flows through the bulb. As the bulb warms up, its resistance changes, which changes current and can make the turn signal flash faster.
malfunction indicator light
"all right on my drive home texter says on thursday my malfunction indicator light came on on friday morning i call the car dealership to set up a diagnostic"
That light on your dashboard means the car’s computer found a problem. It doesn’t always mean the car is about to break, but it does mean you should get it checked.
The malfunction indicator light (often called the check-engine light) is a dashboard warning that something in the engine/emissions control system needs attention. When it comes on, the car’s computer has detected a fault and it’s worth getting it diagnosed rather than waiting.
diagnostic
"friday morning i call the car dealership to set up a diagnostic uh three plus weeks to get a diagnosis create a greater risk of things going downhill"
A diagnostic is how a shop figures out what’s wrong. They usually scan the car’s computer for error codes and then test the likely parts.
A diagnostic is the process of using the car’s onboard computer data (and sometimes physical tests) to identify what caused a warning light or symptom. Dealership diagnostics typically start with reading stored fault codes, then narrowing down the failed component.
front and rear sway bars
"this texture needs front and rear sway bars i want you to tell me what those are"
Sway bars help keep the car from leaning too much when you turn or change lanes quickly. Front and rear sway bars work together to make the ride feel more controlled.
Sway bars (also called anti-roll bars) connect the left and right sides of the suspension to reduce body roll during cornering and quick lane changes. Having both front and rear sway bars helps balance how the vehicle resists leaning and can improve stability and ride feel.
Honda Pilots
"this texture needs front and rear sway bars i want you to tell me what those are uh in fact they say what are they and can this fix weight it's a 2008 honda pilot's got 200 000 miles on it"
The 2008 Honda Pilot is a family SUV. Here it’s being used to explain how suspension parts can wear out and make the ride feel less stable.
The 2008 Honda Pilot is a mid-size family SUV known for being practical and comfortable for daily driving and road trips. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how worn suspension components (like sway bar links) can make the ride feel unstable.
bushings
"they're mounted to the subframe with bushings in the center each end there's a link"
Bushings are soft mounts that help parts move smoothly and reduce rattles. If they wear out, the suspension can feel loose or shaky.
Bushings are rubber (or rubber-like) isolators that allow parts to move slightly while reducing vibration and noise. For sway bars, worn bushings can let the bar move too freely, contributing to an unstable or rough-feeling ride.
stabilizer bar
"so the stabilizer bar goes across the vehicle and they're mounted to the subframe with bushings in the center"
A stabilizer bar is the same idea as a sway bar. It helps the car stay more level when you turn or hit uneven pavement.
“Stabilizer bar” is another name for a sway bar/anti-roll bar. It runs across the vehicle and uses links and bushings to transfer forces between the suspension sides, helping keep the car level.
subframe
"so the stabilizer bar goes across the vehicle and they're mounted to the subframe with bushings in the center"
A subframe is a structural frame that the suspension components attach to, often isolated from the main body to help with ride quality and noise/vibration control. In this context, the sway bar is mounted to the subframe using bushings.
links
"each end there's a link and essentially if you're going on the clover relief and the vehicle really has that you know that weighing sensation the stabilizer bar pushes down on that link the link transfers the weight across the vehicle to keep it stable"
Sway bar links are the connectors that tie the sway bar to the suspension. When they wear out, the car can feel wobbly or less stable, especially during quick maneuvers.
Sway bar links are the small connecting pieces between the sway bar and the suspension. If the links wear or fail, the sway bar can’t transfer forces properly, which can make the vehicle feel unstable and degrade ride quality.
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