How Is Your Car Doing? We Can Help Repair It With Live Advice
About this episode
Listeners get live automotive advice as the hosts tackle various car issues, including a persistent P0171 code on a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, a wobbling sound from a 2003 Toyota Corolla, and oil burning in a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The team discusses troubleshooting techniques, the importance of proper part replacement, and the nuances of older vehicles. They also share insights on brake problems, engine repairs, and the best practices for maintaining classic cars. The episode is filled with practical tips and real-life examples from callers seeking help.
How Is Your Car Doing? We Can Help Repair It With Live Advice
Pontiac Bonneville
"I've got a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. I've had the upper, lower and upper intake manifolds."
The Pontiac Bonneville is a large car made by the Pontiac brand. The 1997 version is known for being roomy and comfortable to drive.
The Pontiac Bonneville was a full-size car produced by Pontiac from 1957 to 2005. The 1997 model is part of the eighth generation, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
O2 sensor
"I've changed the O2 sensor. I've changed the map sensor."
An O2 sensor checks how much oxygen is in the exhaust from the engine. It helps the car's computer make sure the engine runs efficiently and cleanly.
An O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, helping the engine control unit adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions control.
P0171 code
"They keep giving me a P0171 code where the car will race the engine, the codes, and then it will come back on pretty quick."
The P0171 code is a warning from the car's computer that says there's too much air and not enough fuel getting into the engine. This can cause the car to run poorly.
The P0171 code indicates that the engine control unit has detected a lean air-fuel mixture, meaning there is too much air and not enough fuel in the combustion chamber. This can lead to performance issues.
plenum
"The plenum, I heard, can go bad. I bought a new plenum, but they didn't put that on."
The plenum helps direct air into the engine. If it breaks, it can cause problems with how the engine runs.
The plenum is a component in the intake system of an engine that distributes air to the individual cylinders. If it malfunctions, it can lead to performance issues and error codes.
intake manifold
"...went around the intake, see if there was any leaks spraying around it. Well, then if I push on that plastic piece that comes out of that plastic out of the plenum..."
The intake manifold is a part of the engine that helps get air into the engine. It's important for how well the engine runs.
The intake manifold is a component that distributes the air-fuel mixture to the engine's cylinders. It plays a crucial role in engine performance and efficiency.
brake booster
"...on that vacuum that comes from that brake booster."
The brake booster helps the brakes work better by making it easier to push the brake pedal. It uses air pressure to give you more stopping power.
The brake booster is a device that uses vacuum pressure to help amplify the force applied to the brake pedal, making it easier to stop the vehicle. It's an essential part of the braking system.
lean codes
"And that'll throw a code for an oxygen sensor pretty quickly. You can get lean codes that way."
Lean codes are warnings from the car's computer that say there's too much air compared to fuel in the engine. This can cause the engine to run poorly.
Lean codes are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that indicate an air-fuel mixture that is too lean, meaning there is too much air and not enough fuel in the combustion process. This can lead to engine performance issues and increased emissions.
Dorman
"I mean, we use a ton of Dorman products intakes in our shop. We replace these 3-8s, not as many on the 3-8s as we used to, because we don't see the cars as many."
Dorman makes replacement car parts that can be used instead of the original parts. They are popular for fixing cars when the original parts are broken or hard to find.
Dorman is an aftermarket parts manufacturer known for producing replacement parts for various vehicles. Their products are often used when original parts are unavailable or too expensive.
PCV valve
"Well, when we get them in, we put a Dorman products intake on it, and I have not had a problem with that. What you do have to make sure of, though, is that you pull that little PCV valve cap off"
The PCV valve is a small part in the engine that helps control gases and keeps the engine running cleanly. It helps reduce pollution from the car.
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is a component that helps regulate the engine's internal pressure and reduce emissions by allowing gases to be recirculated back into the intake manifold.
intake leak
"An intake leak that's, let's say, you've got an eighth inch hose on an intake. This one doesn't have that."
An intake leak happens when air gets into the engine in a way that the engine computer doesn't expect. This can cause problems with how the engine runs.
An intake leak refers to a situation where air enters the engine's intake system without passing through the mass airflow sensor or the manifold absolute pressure sensor. This can lead to incorrect air-fuel mixture calculations, affecting engine performance and emissions.
mass airflow sensor
"It needs to meter all that air, either with a map sensor, manifold air pressure sensor, or a mass airflow sensor."
A mass airflow sensor is a part that checks how much air is coming into the engine. This helps the engine know how much fuel to use for the best performance.
A mass airflow sensor (MAF) measures the amount of air entering the engine. This information is crucial for the engine control unit to calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
manifold absolute pressure sensor
"It needs to meter all that air, either with a map sensor, manifold air pressure sensor, or a mass airflow sensor."
A manifold absolute pressure sensor checks the pressure in the engine's intake area. This helps the engine know how much air is available to mix with fuel for better performance.
A manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. This data helps the engine control unit determine the air density and adjust the fuel mixture accordingly for efficient combustion.
Toyota Corolla
"Yeah, I got a 2003 Toyota Corolla recently getting like a wobbling sound on the passenger side wheel when I get up around 20 miles an hour."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that is popular for being dependable and economical. The 2003 version is one of many models made over the years.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2003 model is part of the ninth generation, which was produced from 2001 to 2007.
wheel bearing
"It sounds like a wheel bearing. Does it? Wheel bearing, okay. It sounds like a wheel bearing to me."
A wheel bearing helps your car's wheels spin easily. It's like a small part that lets the wheels turn without getting stuck, making your ride smoother and safer.
A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls or rollers that allow the wheel to rotate smoothly on the axle. They are crucial for the performance and safety of the vehicle, as they support the weight of the vehicle and reduce friction between the wheel and the axle.
knuckle
"...they'll buy the whole knuckle with a bearing attached and say I'm buying this knuckle because I need a good bearing. And they'll say, oh, so they'll spin it..."
The knuckle is a part of the car's suspension that helps connect the wheel to the rest of the car. It allows the wheel to turn and supports the weight of the vehicle.
A knuckle is a crucial component of a vehicle's suspension system that connects the wheel hub to the suspension and steering components. It typically houses the wheel bearing and allows for the rotation of the wheel while providing structural support.
pre-pressed axle assembly
"...you can buy loaded knuckle assemblies and pre-pressed axle assemblies with bearings on them. That's important."
A pre-pressed axle assembly is a car part that has the bearings already put in place, making it easier to install when fixing the car's axle.
A pre-pressed axle assembly is a component that comes with the bearings already installed, simplifying the process of replacing axles in vehicles.
rotate your tires
"But also, don't be afraid to try to rotate your tires and see if the noise moves. Yes, because if you have tires that are feather edged and cupped..."
Rotating your tires means moving them around to different spots on your car. This helps them wear evenly and last longer.
Rotating your tires involves changing their position on the vehicle to promote even tire wear. This practice helps extend the life of the tires and can improve handling and performance.
feather edged and cupped
"...if you have tires that are feather edged and cupped, you can feel it when you run your hand over the tire. It's don't put a wheel bearing in it because you gotta get the tires smooth first."
Feather edged means the tire tread is wearing down unevenly, making it feel sharp. Cupped tires have dips or waves in them, which can cause noise and make driving less smooth.
Feather edging refers to a condition where the tread of the tire wears unevenly, creating a sharp edge. Cupping is a type of uneven wear that creates a wavy pattern on the tire surface. Both conditions can lead to noise and handling issues.
carbureted car
"Unless it's an old one. If it's a carbureted car, yeah, I'd probably do it."
A carbureted car is an older type of vehicle that uses a device called a carburetor to mix fuel and air for the engine. These cars can sometimes handle different types of oil better than newer cars.
A carbureted car uses a carburetor to mix air and fuel for the engine, which was common in older vehicles before fuel injection became standard. Carburetors can be more tolerant of certain types of oils and fuels compared to modern fuel-injected engines.
catalytic converter
"...because it gets into the catalytic converter and causes problem. But if you got like an older classic car..."
The catalytic converter is a part of the car that helps clean the air by changing harmful gases from the engine into less harmful ones before they leave the car.
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that reduces harmful gases from an engine's exhaust. It converts toxic pollutants into less harmful emissions before they exit the vehicle's exhaust system.
Tesla
"...He shipped his Tesla all the way to me because nobody out there would touch it."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for being very advanced and environmentally friendly.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and high-performance electric cars.
battery
"...All the batteries are died and nobody will touch it."
A battery is what powers an electric car. If the battery is dead, the car won't work at all.
Batteries in electric vehicles like Teslas are crucial for storing energy and powering the vehicle. If they fail, the car cannot operate.
Tesla Model X
"I saw your Facebook post of the car toaster dropping off the Tesla Model X from New York to work on."
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for its unique doors that open upwards and has a lot of high-tech features.
The Tesla Model X is a fully electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced technology features. It offers impressive performance and a spacious interior, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
Tesla Model
"...Facebook post of the car toaster dropping off the Tesla Model X from New York to work on. I never made the conn..."
Ram 1500
"I have a 2003 Ram 1500, which is 4.7 with 291,000 miles on it."
The Ram 1500 is a large truck that can be used for carrying heavy loads or towing. The 2003 version is known for being reliable and has many features for comfort and utility.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance and versatility. The 2003 model features a range of engine options and is popular for both work and personal use.
spark plugs
"Because the changing of spark plugs and wires and caps and things should not ever affect your idle"
Spark plugs are small parts in the engine that help start the car by creating a spark. If they are worn out, the car might not run well or could have trouble starting.
Spark plugs are critical components in gasoline engines that ignite the air-fuel mixture, allowing the engine to run. Worn or faulty spark plugs can lead to poor engine performance, misfires, and increased emissions.
coil pack
"No, it was the coil pack. The coil pack?"
A coil pack is a part of the car's ignition system that helps start the engine by providing the necessary electrical spark. It's important for making sure the engine runs smoothly.
A coil pack is an ignition component that generates the high voltage needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. It replaces traditional ignition coils and is often used in modern vehicles for improved efficiency and performance.
coil-on plug
"No, a 3-4-7 would be a coil-on plug. Yep."
In a coil-on-plug system, each spark plug has its own coil, which helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently. It's a modern way to ignite the fuel in the engine.
A coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system places an individual ignition coil directly on top of each spark plug, providing more efficient ignition and better performance compared to traditional systems.
idle air control motor
"And let's say it had an idle air control motor fail, just coincidence, by touching it, that can happen."
The idle air control motor helps keep the engine running smoothly when it's not accelerating. It controls how much air gets into the engine to keep the idle speed steady.
The idle air control motor is a component that regulates the engine's idle speed by controlling the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate. It helps maintain a stable idle when the engine is running, especially during changes in load or temperature.
Toyota Camry
"Yeah, hi. So I have a 2006 Toyota Camry. It has about 93,000 miles on it."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people like because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's a comfortable car for everyday driving and is often chosen by families.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for decades, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
Ford Super
"...k you for listening. I'm calling regarding a 2001 Ford Super Duty with the 7.3 liter power stroke."
The Ford Super Duty Lariat Tremor is a big truck that can handle heavy loads and rough terrain. It's great for people who need to tow trailers or drive off the beaten path.
The Ford Super Duty Lariat Tremor is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for serious towing and off-road capabilities. Known for its powerful engines and robust construction, it is often favored by those who need a reliable workhorse for tough jobs or adventurous outings.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...ht be a good place to do major engine repair on a Jetta, on a 16 Jetta. And they should be able to help y..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that many people enjoy driving because it feels sporty and has a nice interior. It's a good option for those who want a stylish car that’s easy to park and use every day.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that combines German engineering with practicality and style. It has a reputation for being fun to drive, with a range of engine options and a comfortable interior, making it a popular choice among young professionals.
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