{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 26, 2015 - Hour 1 - Volkswagen in the Hot Seat: Emissions Scandal","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-classic-car-doctor-september-26-2015-hour-1-volkswagen-in-the-hot-seat-emissions-scandal","audioUrl":"https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/23b3ebcc-d509-4d04-8003-ae32006cd9bb/00e27831-ab9d-4066-8a29-b44a003cb54d/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=6079d671-6a0e-4c7c-bb47-ae32006cd9c9","description":"Volkswagen in the Hot Seat: Emissions Scandal, Transmission Questions & Real-World Repair Advice On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with his thoughts on the growing Volkswagen emissions controversy and what it could mean for consumers, automakers, and the future of vehicle technology. The calls keep coming as Ron helps a listener with a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue wondering whether a PCM replacement can affect transmission operation, and another caller dealing with transmission concerns on a 2011 VW GTI. Also joining the program is automotive journalist Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau to discuss the developing VW emissions scandal, how it happened, and the larger impact on the auto industry. The hour wraps up with a call from a technician reaching back out to Ron after advice given years earlier—another reminder that good diagnostics and honest repair guidance never go out of style. Car Advice Done Right.  Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com  Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes   Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel   Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900   Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":138.7,"endTime":298.72,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Beetle","url":"/cars/volkswagen/beetle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/2011_Volkswagen_Beetle_R_Concept_%286158707986%29.jpg","quote":"But this ninety eight Volkswagon came into the shop a beatle and the complaint was that while you're driving along after a while, the red light on the dashboard started flashing and that meant overheat... found out the cooling fans were not coming on at all.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:beetle","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is the classic air-cooled/early liquid-cooled-era icon, and this story focuses on a cooling system failure that shows up as a dashboard warning. In this case, the cooling fans weren’t running, causing the engine to overheat and trigger a flashing red warning light.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a Volkswagen Beetle, and the big issue here is overheating. The car’s cooling fans weren’t turning on, so the engine got dangerously hot and the dashboard started warning the driver.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":148.4,"endTime":218.5,"type":"term","title":"overheat","url":"/glossary/overheat","quote":"the red light on the dashboard started flashing and that meant overheat... approaching meltdown.","canonicalId":"term:overheat","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overheat is when the engine temperature rises beyond safe operating range, usually because heat isn’t being removed effectively. Many cars use a dashboard warning light (sometimes flashing) to alert the driver to stop and address the cooling problem.","simplifiedExplanation":"Overheat means the engine is getting too hot. The dashboard warning is telling you the cooling system isn’t keeping up and the engine could be damaged if you keep driving."}},{"startTime":189.1,"endTime":286.3,"type":"term","title":"cooling fans","url":"/glossary/cooling-fans","quote":"ran it did my usual coach, went through my diagnostic routine and found out the cooling fans were not coming on at all. It would get up to two hundred and forty five degrees and then the red light would start flashing on the dashboard","canonicalId":"term:cooling-fans","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Cooling fans are electric fans that pull air through the radiator when the car isn’t getting enough airflow (like at low speed or in traffic). If they fail to run, engine temperature can climb quickly and trigger an overheat warning.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cooling fans help move air through the radiator to keep the engine from getting too hot. If they don’t turn on, the engine can overheat fast."}},{"startTime":223.1,"endTime":286.3,"type":"term","title":"fuse block","url":"/glossary/fuse-block","quote":"you go through the way they wire the cooling fans on this... They mount the fuse block... on top of the battery... Turns out that the thirty in fuse... was melted.","canonicalId":"term:fuse-block","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fuse block is the housing where multiple fuses are installed to protect electrical circuits from overloads. If a fuse block area is exposed to corrosion or heat, it can cause fuses to fail and knock out critical systems like the cooling fans.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fuse block is where the car’s electrical fuses live. If something goes wrong there—like corrosion or heat damage—it can blow a fuse and stop important electrical parts from working."}},{"startTime":246.4,"endTime":277.5,"type":"term","title":"fusible links","url":"/glossary/fusible-links","quote":"mounts something as delicate as a fuse box and fusible links on top of a device that spews acid as it gets older.","canonicalId":"term:fusible-links","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fusible links are heavy-duty, replaceable electrical safety elements designed to melt if a circuit draws too much current. They protect wiring and components by sacrificing themselves before damage spreads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fusible links are like stronger fuses for high-current wiring. If too much electricity flows, they melt to protect the rest of the car’s wiring."}},{"startTime":262.2,"endTime":277.5,"type":"term","title":"corrosion on the terminals","url":"/glossary/corrosion-on-the-terminals","quote":"this Volkswagen on the top of the battery was a little wet, and it had corrosion on the terminals","canonicalId":"term:corrosion-on-the-terminals","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Corrosion on battery terminals is buildup of oxidation and other deposits that increase electrical resistance and can lead to poor connections. That can contribute to overheating or abnormal electrical behavior in nearby components.","simplifiedExplanation":"Corrosion on the battery terminals is gunk that forms on the metal contacts. It can make the electrical connection worse and cause heat or electrical problems."}},{"startTime":292.3,"endTime":298.72,"type":"term","title":"thermo wax switch","url":"/glossary/thermo-wax-switch","quote":"It comes down out of that fuse. It goes down to a thermo wax switch in the bottom of the radiator.","canonicalId":"term:thermo-wax-switch","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A thermo wax switch is a temperature-activated switch that uses wax expansion to change state as it heats up. In many cooling systems, it controls when the radiator fans should turn on based on coolant temperature.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a temperature-triggered switch. As it warms up, the wax inside expands and the switch changes, which can tell the cooling fans when to come on."}},{"startTime":299.24,"endTime":308.6,"type":"term","title":"vacuum switches","quote":"Thermo wax, which just went out about nineteen seventy four, because that's where we started to have vacuum switches with wax pellets in them to open and close.","canonicalId":"term:vacuum-switches","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.62,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A vacuum switch uses engine vacuum (a pressure difference created by the intake system) to actuate a valve or electrical contact. In older emissions and control systems, vacuum-operated switches were common for routing signals to sensors and actuators.","simplifiedExplanation":"A vacuum switch uses suction from the engine to move a mechanism. It was often used in older car systems to control how parts respond."}},{"startTime":336.6,"endTime":348.1,"type":"term","title":"high speed fan","url":"/glossary/high-speed-fan","quote":"There's a smaller gauge wire which runs over to this two hundred and fifty dollars fan controller module which runs only the high speed fan.","canonicalId":"term:high-speed-fan","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Many cars use multiple fan speeds to manage engine cooling efficiently. A high-speed fan circuit typically engages when temperatures rise enough that the cooling system needs maximum airflow."}},{"startTime":336.6,"endTime":348.1,"type":"term","title":"fan controller module","url":"/glossary/fan-controller-module","quote":"There's a smaller gauge wire which runs over to this two hundred and fifty dollars fan controller module which runs only the high speed fan.","canonicalId":"term:fan-controller-module","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fan controller module is an electronic control unit that manages how the cooling fans run, often selecting between low-speed and high-speed operation. In this description, it specifically runs only the high-speed fan.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is the electronics that decide how the radiator fans should run. It can control things like whether the fans run on low speed or high speed."}},{"startTime":348.1,"endTime":361.4,"type":"term","title":"relay","url":"/glossary/relay","quote":"a normal car per se, most are run fan switch, computer command or a fan switch that goes to a relay which will just flip one way or the other and run a higher a fan.","canonicalId":"term:relay","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A relay is an electrically operated switch that uses a small control current to turn on a larger power circuit. The speaker contrasts typical setups—fan switch/computer command to a relay—with the more complex Volkswagen approach.","simplifiedExplanation":"A relay is like an electrically controlled switch. It lets the car use a small signal to control a bigger power load, like a fan."}},{"startTime":361.4,"endTime":402.6,"type":"concept","title":"diagnosing an electrical cooling-fan circuit","quote":"Not Volkswagon. We're going to overcomplicate it. We're going to put everything in the system this way. Everything has to be looked at and diagnosed... Bottom line that to repair this Volkswagon very tedious, very time consuming.","canonicalId":"concept:diagnosing-an-electrical-cooling-fan-circuit","priority":0.42,"confidence":0.66,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Diagnosing a cooling-fan circuit involves tracing power and control paths through switches, fuses, modules, and wiring to find where the logic or current flow fails. The host emphasizes that Volkswagen’s fan control strategy required step-by-step electrical troubleshooting rather than a simple on/off relay behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is figuring out why the radiator fans aren’t working by following the electrical path. You check switches, fuses, and control boxes to see where the problem is."}},{"startTime":467.2,"endTime":475.5,"type":"term","title":"hot light","url":"/glossary/hot-light","quote":"She did the right thing. She came in when the hot light was on.","canonicalId":"term:hot-light","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “hot light” is a dashboard warning indicating the engine is overheating or running too hot. The host uses it to explain why the vehicle came in for diagnosis rather than having parts replaced blindly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “hot light” is a warning light on the dashboard that means the engine is getting too hot. It’s a reason to stop and get the car checked."}},{"startTime":484.0,"endTime":488.2,"type":"part","title":"fuse box","url":"/glossary/fuse-box","quote":"Put a Thermo wax switch, change the fuse box which there could have been on someplace other than the battery, and put a set of fans in it.","canonicalId":"part:fuse-box","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fuse box houses fuses that protect electrical circuits from overloads. The host suggests the fuse box issue could have been located somewhere other than the battery area.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fuse box contains fuses that protect the car’s electrical system. If a fuse or wiring is wrong, certain components may not work."}},{"startTime":486.8,"endTime":488.2,"type":"part","title":"set of fans","url":"/glossary/set-of-fans","quote":"and put a set of fans in it.","canonicalId":"part:set-of-fans","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “set of fans” refers to the cooling fan(s) used to move air through the radiator and help control engine temperature. The host says the repair involved installing fans after diagnosing the cooling system.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fans help cool the engine by pulling air through the radiator. The host says they replaced the fans as part of fixing the overheating issue."}},{"startTime":522.0,"endTime":543.7,"type":"concept","title":"emissions cheating software (test-only compliance mode)","url":"/glossary/emissions-cheating-software-test-only-compliance-mode","quote":"Other than that, the software is cheating and running the car in a different mode to give it better performance, but emitting higher emissions levels.","canonicalId":"concept:emissions-cheating-software-test-only-compliance-mode","priority":0.85,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host describes a “test-only” compliance strategy: the car detects when it’s undergoing emissions inspection and switches into a mode that reduces emissions for the test. Outside the test, the software allegedly runs in a different mode that improves performance but increases emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The host is describing a situation where the car behaves one way during the emissions test and another way afterward. The claim is that it passes the test but pollutes more during normal driving."}},{"startTime":522.0,"endTime":534.0,"type":"term","title":"emissions test","url":"/glossary/emissions-test","quote":"The Volkswagon problem is that they basically designed a bunch of their diesel cars to run on software that only when they do the emissions test for inspection does the vehicle come into compliance.","canonicalId":"term:emissions-test","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An emissions test is a regulated procedure used to check how much pollution a vehicle produces. The host claims Volkswagen diesel software behaves differently during this test to meet legal limits.","simplifiedExplanation":"An emissions test is how the government checks how dirty a car is. The host says Volkswagen’s software can act differently during that test to pass."}},{"startTime":534.0,"endTime":543.7,"type":"term","title":"federal speck","url":"/glossary/federal-speck","quote":"And I've read reports where the emissions levels are thirty to thirty five percent above federal speck.","canonicalId":"term:federal-speck","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Federal speck” refers to the U.S. federal emissions standards a vehicle must meet. The host claims the reported emissions were about 30–35% above those standards."}},{"startTime":645.4,"endTime":699.9,"type":"term","title":"PCM","url":"/glossary/pcm","quote":"You have a question. I recently had a PCM and sawed in my car. It takes on my car because it quit all together, right, But I was wondering if dead had anything to do with the hard shifting I had with the transmission problem them earlier, because I had a solenoid.","canonicalId":"term:pcm","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"PCM stands for Powertrain Control Module, the vehicle’s main engine/transmission computer. In this segment, the host explains that an electrical fault (like a solenoid circuit reading out of spec) can damage the PCM and cause shifting problems, then later be corrected by replacing the PCM.","simplifiedExplanation":"PCM means the car’s main computer that controls the powertrain. If it’s damaged or not reading signals correctly, it can cause problems like harsh shifting or even the car shutting down."}},{"startTime":649.0,"endTime":681.9,"type":"term","title":"hard shifting","url":"/glossary/hard-shifting","quote":"it quit all together, right, But I was wondering if dead had anything to do with the hard shifting I had with the transmission problem them earlier, because I had a solenoid.","canonicalId":"term:hard-shifting","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hard shifting describes an automatic transmission shift that feels abrupt or harsh rather than smooth. In this segment, it’s the symptom the caller associates with a solenoid replacement and later a PCM replacement, suggesting the control electronics were commanding shifts incorrectly."}},{"startTime":651.3,"endTime":736.6,"type":"term","title":"solenoid","url":"/glossary/solenoid","quote":"because I had a solenoid. Replaced my transmission three weeks before that, and the problem came back three weeks after... I changed my PCM. So, and I'm wondering if the solenoid was even a problem to begin with.","canonicalId":"term:solenoid","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A transmission solenoid is an electrically controlled valve that helps route hydraulic fluid inside the automatic transmission to command shifts. The host notes that solenoids have a required electrical resistance range; if the solenoid circuit is out of range, it can create electrical issues that may damage the PCM and lead to incorrect shifting behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"A solenoid is an electrically controlled part that helps the transmission decide when and how to shift. If it’s failing or its electrical readings are wrong, the transmission can shift hard or cause computer-related problems."}},{"startTime":722.0,"endTime":736.6,"type":"term","title":"resistance value","url":"/glossary/resistance-value","quote":"All solenoids that generation vehicle require a certain resistance value, typically twenty homes or less. And if it was if it was a problem, if it was out of range and or twenty homes or more, I'm sorry, there's a range there.","canonicalId":"term:resistance-value","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In diagnostics, resistance value refers to the electrical resistance a component should measure when tested. The host explains that solenoids for that generation require a specific resistance (he mentions “typically twenty ohms or less” and an acceptable range); being out of range can indicate a fault that may cause shorts affecting the PCM and shifting.","simplifiedExplanation":"Resistance value is an electrical measurement—basically how much a part resists the flow of electricity. If a solenoid’s resistance isn’t within the expected range, it can signal a bad component or wiring issue that leads to shifting problems."}},{"startTime":736.6,"endTime":743.4,"type":"term","title":"short","url":"/glossary/short","quote":"And if it was out of range, it could cause a short inside that PCM and create the problem of a shifting point. And now it's fixed, so it sort of looks like you didn't need the second rather than the latter.","canonicalId":"term:short","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A short (in electrical diagnostics) is an unintended low-resistance path that can cause excessive current. The host connects this to an out-of-range solenoid circuit potentially creating a short inside the PCM, which then results in incorrect shifting behavior until the PCM is replaced."}},{"startTime":752.9,"endTime":760.0,"type":"term","title":"ECM","url":"/glossary/ecm","quote":"There was a way to go into the connector at the ECM with the manufacturers, the rebuilders, GM or whoever it was...","canonicalId":"term:ecm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ECM stands for Engine Control Module, the computer specifically responsible for engine management. Technicians can connect diagnostic tools to the ECM connector to test circuits and components (like solenoids) and verify electrical behavior such as resistance before replacing major modules.","simplifiedExplanation":"ECM is another name for the engine computer. It’s what the mechanic talks to when they scan the car and check what’s wrong."}},{"startTime":828.5,"endTime":836.3,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen 2011 GTI","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/1986_Volkswagen_GTI.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail","quote":"Let's go over and talk to George and the Bronx New York twenty eleven Volkswagen. George, I'll be gentle, what's going on here. ... I'm having problems with my Volkswagen twenty eleven GTI...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:gti","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen 2011 GTI is a compact, turbocharged hot hatch that uses a modern engine-management computer to control ignition, fuel, and drivability. In this segment, the owner’s 2011 GTI develops misfire and drivability symptoms after a crash, and the discussion centers on scanning for codes and identifying sensor-related causes.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen 2011 GTI is a sporty compact car. Here, the owner’s car starts running badly after an accident, and they’re using diagnostic scanning to figure out what’s causing the misfires.","imageAttribution":"Niranjan Arminius (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":836.32,"endTime":847.76,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Gti","url":"/cars/volkswagen/golf","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/2020_Volkswagen_Golf_Style_1.5_Front.jpg","quote":"... having problems with my Volkswagen twenty eleven GTI, and uh, well I crashed it in early January. I sl...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:golf","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that’s known for being practical for daily driving and available in performance-focused trims like the GTI. In a podcast context, it may come up because owners can experience common wear-and-tear issues, especially after accidents or repairs. That makes it a frequent subject for a “car doctor” discussion about troubleshooting and getting the car back to reliable operation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Golf is a small car (a hatchback) made for everyday driving. The GTI is a sportier version of the Golf, and it can have problems like other cars—especially if it was recently crashed and repaired. A mechanic might talk about what to check to make sure it’s working correctly again.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0"}},{"startTime":905.3,"endTime":918.1,"type":"term","title":"crank shaft sensor","url":"/glossary/crank-shaft-sensor","quote":"Uh? I had a first, it was the crank the crank shaft sensor, right, that was the only sensor that popped up after the miss. It was also the engine misfire or piston misfire.","canonicalId":"term:crank-shaft-sensor","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The crankshaft sensor monitors the crankshaft’s position and speed so the PCM can time ignition and fuel delivery. If it fails or sends incorrect signals, the engine can misfire and the car may become difficult to drive because the engine timing is effectively “lost.”","simplifiedExplanation":"The crankshaft sensor tells the car where the engine’s crankshaft is. If it’s wrong, the engine can misfire and run rough."}},{"startTime":918.1,"endTime":920.12,"type":"term","title":"engine misfire","url":"/glossary/engine-misfire","quote":"It was also the engine misfire or piston misfire.","canonicalId":"term:engine-misfire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An engine misfire means one or more cylinders aren’t combusting properly. The PCM detects misfire patterns and can log trouble codes; common causes include ignition issues, fuel delivery problems, or sensor faults (like the crankshaft sensor).","simplifiedExplanation":"A misfire is when a cylinder doesn’t burn the fuel correctly. The engine will shake and the car may feel like it’s stumbling."}},{"startTime":922.56,"endTime":938.4,"type":"term","title":"misfire fault","url":"/glossary/misfire-fault","quote":"Okay, so, so it had a misfire fault, that had a crank position fault. Was any of that diagnosed and repaired?\nThe the misfiring was repaired.","canonicalId":"term:misfire-fault","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An engine misfire means one or more cylinders aren’t burning fuel correctly. The engine computer detects misfires and can store fault codes, often leading to a check engine light.","simplifiedExplanation":"A misfire is when the engine doesn’t burn the fuel in one cylinder the way it should. The car’s computer notices and may turn on the check engine light."}},{"startTime":922.56,"endTime":930.5,"type":"term","title":"crank position fault","url":"/glossary/crank-position-fault","quote":"Okay, so, so it had a misfire fault, that had a crank position fault. Was any of that diagnosed and repaired?\nThe the misfiring was repaired.","canonicalId":"term:crank-position-fault","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A crank position fault points to an issue with the engine’s crankshaft position sensing. The crank sensor helps the ECU time ignition and fuel injection; if it’s wrong or intermittent, drivability problems and stored codes can result.","simplifiedExplanation":"A crank position fault means the car is having trouble reading where the crankshaft is. That information helps the engine time spark and fuel, so problems can cause rough running and warning lights."}},{"startTime":938.4,"endTime":1019.16,"type":"term","title":"transmission","url":"/glossary/transmission","quote":"it was still jumping on me with the transmission all right.\nSo after that I sent it to my uncle...\nIt's jumped on the transmission every time.","canonicalId":"term:transmission","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In this context, “jumping” and shifting back-and-forth suggests a transmission control or shift-quality issue. Problems can be caused by sensor faults, hydraulic/solenoid issues, or ECU logic that reacts to engine-related signals.","simplifiedExplanation":"Here, “transmission” refers to the parts that manage shifting gears. If it’s “jumping” between gears, it can feel like the car is pulling back and forth instead of shifting smoothly."}},{"startTime":950.2,"endTime":1019.16,"type":"term","title":"check engine light","url":"/glossary/check-engine-light","quote":"Okay, hang on a second, let me let me let me back you up a minute after after the check engine light fault codes were diagnosed and repaired, is the check engine light still out?\nYeah?\nThe check engine light is not on?","canonicalId":"term:check-engine-light","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The check engine light is the dashboard warning that the engine control unit (ECU) has detected a fault and stored diagnostic trouble codes. Whether it’s on or off helps narrow down if the problem is currently active or only stored historically.","simplifiedExplanation":"The check engine light comes on when the car’s computer finds a problem. If it’s on, the issue is likely happening now; if it’s off, the problem may be intermittent or already fixed."}},{"startTime":1133.2,"endTime":1133.2,"type":"term","title":"mass airflow readings","url":"/glossary/mass-airflow-readings","quote":"Number two, take a careful look at mass airflow readings and fuel trim to see if they're anywhere near in space, and then call me back...","canonicalId":"term:mass-airflow-readings","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mass airflow (MAF) readings come from a sensor that measures how much air the engine is ingesting. The engine control unit uses that data to calculate the correct fuel amount, so incorrect MAF readings can trigger drivability issues and emissions problems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mass airflow readings are data from a sensor that tells the engine how much air is coming in. If that number is wrong, the car may add the wrong amount of fuel."}},{"startTime":1133.2,"endTime":1133.2,"type":"term","title":"fuel trim","url":"/glossary/fuel-trim","quote":"Number two, take a careful look at mass airflow readings and fuel trim to see if they're anywhere near in space...","canonicalId":"term:fuel-trim","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel trim is the engine’s short- and long-term adjustment of how much fuel it injects compared to a baseline. It’s used to correct for sensor or airflow issues and to keep emissions and combustion within targets.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel trim is the car’s way of adjusting fuel delivery to stay on target. If it has to constantly “correct,” it can point to a problem with sensors, airflow, or combustion."}},{"startTime":1180.4,"endTime":1180.4,"type":"company","title":"Thedetroit Bureau","url":"/glossary/thedetroit-bureau","quote":"It's quite a bit in the news just out of the Detroit Bureau, Thedetroit Bureau dot com or good friend Paul Eisenstein.","canonicalId":"company:thedetroit-bureau","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Thedetroit Bureau is referenced as the news source for the reporting being discussed in the episode. The segment uses it to frame the scandal’s details and attribution to Paul Eisenstein.","simplifiedExplanation":"Thedetroit Bureau is the publication the host is citing for the news story. It’s mentioned as the source of the reporting they’re discussing."}},{"startTime":1189.0,"endTime":1196.5,"type":"concept","title":"rigging of emission tests","url":"/glossary/rigging-of-emission-tests","quote":"German authorities now say two point eight million Volkswagen diesel vehicles sold in that country or affected by the maker's rigging of emission tests.","canonicalId":"concept:rigging-of-emission-tests","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Rigging” refers to manipulating how a vehicle behaves during emissions testing so it passes under test conditions while not performing the same way in real-world driving. This undermines the purpose of emissions regulations and can lead to regulatory findings, fines, and recalls.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means the cars were set up to look cleaner during official emissions tests than they really are in everyday driving. That’s why regulators got involved and why it can lead to recalls."}},{"startTime":1254.0,"endTime":1254.0,"type":"term","title":"EPA","url":"/glossary/epa","quote":"The scandal was first set into motion a week and a half ago when the EPA announced that there were four hundred and eighty two thousand vehicles here in just the United States likely affected by this problem.","canonicalId":"term:epa","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is the U.S. agency that regulates vehicle emissions. In this segment, the EPA’s announcement is the starting point for how many U.S. vehicles were identified as likely affected.","simplifiedExplanation":"The EPA is the U.S. government agency that sets and enforces emissions rules for cars. Their announcement is what kicked off the investigation and estimates mentioned here."}},{"startTime":1277.1,"endTime":1281.4,"type":"term","title":"recalls","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"We may see even bigger recalls in Europe. Recall, not only is VW one of the largest makers in the world...","canonicalId":"term:recalls","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A recall is a manufacturer’s (or regulator-driven) action to fix a safety or compliance problem in vehicles already sold. The host connects the scandal to the possibility of additional recalls, including in Europe.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall is when a car company has to fix a problem in cars that are already out in the world. The show is saying more cars may need fixes, not just the initial group."}},{"startTime":1298.1,"endTime":1324.2,"type":"term","title":"diesel engines","url":"/glossary/diesel-engine","quote":"the biggest damage will be to the image of diesel engines. Unfortunately, the people will look at this as and just when diesels were starting to come out of the out of the closet, so to speak, and around away from you know, big old, dirty, smoky, noisy they were getting very high tech the being they were very clean, they were very efficient, and then this just sort of tarnished their image.","canonicalId":"term:diesel-engines","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Diesel engines are compression-ignition engines that typically use higher compression ratios and different fuel/combustion strategies than gasoline engines. In this discussion, the key point is how the scandal affects public perception of diesel technology—especially claims that modern diesels had become cleaner and more efficient.","simplifiedExplanation":"Diesel engines are a type of engine that runs differently than gas engines. The discussion here is about how the scandal makes people think diesels are dirty again, even though modern ones were supposed to be cleaner."}},{"startTime":1373.8,"endTime":1390.1,"type":"company","title":"AutoNation","url":"/glossary/autonation","quote":"Mike Jackson, who runs AutoNation, you know, the largest, the largest auto dealer chain in the country, said, this is a real black eye.","canonicalId":"company:autonation","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"AutoNation is a large U.S. auto dealer chain, and the transcript cites its CEO’s reaction to the scandal. Dealer comments like this are used as a proxy for how quickly consumer trust and sales can be affected."}},{"startTime":1417.6,"endTime":1437.6,"type":"term","title":"defeat device","url":"/glossary/defeat-device","quote":"it turns out that some manufacturers were using or buying these diesels from VW for use overseas, particularly in Europe. Chrysler was using them, apparently through its bankruptcy, which, as you may recall, ran through two thousand and nine, and right now it's unclear not only did they use the engines, but did they also use the suspect technology, the engine control technology that had this so called defeat device basically a bunch of software code embedded in it.","canonicalId":"term:defeat-device","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A defeat device is software or hardware logic that detects test conditions (like an emissions dynamometer) and changes engine behavior to pass the test. Outside those conditions, emissions controls may operate less effectively, resulting in higher real-world pollution.","simplifiedExplanation":"A defeat device is a trick in the car’s software that helps it pass emissions tests. But when you’re not on the test, it may not control pollution as well."}},{"startTime":1424.0,"endTime":1437.6,"type":"term","title":"engine control technology","url":"/glossary/engine-control-technology","quote":"right now it's unclear not only did they use the engines, but did they also use the suspect technology, the engine control technology that had this so called defeat device basically a bunch of software code embedded in it.","canonicalId":"term:engine-control-technology","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Engine control technology refers to the car’s electronic control systems (ECUs and their software) that manage how the engine runs. In emissions scandals, the concern is that this software can alter how emissions systems behave depending on conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Engine control technology is the car’s computer system that controls how the engine runs. In this scandal, the worry is that the software changes emissions behavior depending on the situation."}},{"startTime":1488.4,"endTime":1509.6,"type":"concept","title":"systemic problem","url":"/glossary/systemic-problem","quote":"Again, back to Mike Jackson over at Automation, who has worked inside automakers... And as Mike said, this was a systemic problem,","canonicalId":"concept:systemic-problem","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A systemic problem means the issue isn’t limited to a few isolated employees or one-off mistakes; it’s embedded in how the organization operates. In the transcript, this framing supports the claim that Volkswagen’s emissions cheating was intentional and widespread rather than accidental.","simplifiedExplanation":"A systemic problem means it’s not just one small mistake—it’s something built into the way the company works. Here, it’s used to argue the cheating wasn’t random or accidental."}},{"startTime":1510.2,"endTime":1640.0,"type":"concept","title":"emissions scandal","url":"/glossary/emissions-scandal","quote":"But you're right, this is a company that may may totally be derailed by this... four hundred and eighty two thousand vehicles that violated the Clean Air Act intentionally... already at least four class action suits on behalf of consumers.","canonicalId":"concept:emissions-scandal","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An emissions scandal refers to a situation where a manufacturer is found to have misrepresented or manipulated how vehicles meet pollution standards. In this segment, the hosts frame it as intentional wrongdoing that led to regulatory penalties and lawsuits.","simplifiedExplanation":"An emissions scandal is when a car company is caught not following the rules for exhaust pollution. Here, it’s described as intentional and it led to fines and lawsuits."}},{"startTime":1585.2,"endTime":1591.5,"type":"term","title":"dealer add-ons","url":"/glossary/dealer-add-ons","quote":"The that's an interesting point. Now we'll skip the add ons for a moment. We'll get back to that.","canonicalId":"term:dealer-add-ons","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Dealer add-ons are extra products or services added during the purchase process, often for additional cost. The host says they’ll “skip the add-ons for a moment,” implying these were part of the broader discussion about costs and impacts beyond the emissions penalties.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dealer add-ons are extra items a dealership tries to sell on top of the car price. The host is saying they’ll talk about those later instead of focusing on them right away."}},{"startTime":1591.5,"endTime":1606.0,"type":"term","title":"Clean Air Act","url":"/glossary/clean-air-act","quote":"if you look at what VW's done, they have four hundred and eighty two thousand vehicles that violated the Clean Air Act intentionally.","canonicalId":"term:clean-air-act","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Clean Air Act is a major U.S. federal law that regulates air pollution. In this episode, it’s used to describe that Volkswagen’s vehicles were found to have violated emissions requirements.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Clean Air Act is a U.S. law that sets rules for how much pollution vehicles are allowed to produce. Here, it’s mentioned because the scandal involved cars that didn’t meet those emissions rules."}},{"startTime":1628.4,"endTime":1639.9,"type":"term","title":"class action suits","url":"/glossary/class-action-suits","quote":"as far as I know, they were already at least four class action suits on behalf of consumers.","canonicalId":"term:class-action-suits","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Class action suits are lawsuits where many affected people join together under one legal case. The hosts mention them to indicate consumers pursued legal action over alleged losses tied to the emissions violations.","simplifiedExplanation":"A class action lawsuit is when lots of people with similar problems team up to sue together. The episode mentions these because consumers were seeking legal remedies related to the scandal."}},{"startTime":1725.0,"endTime":1790.6,"type":"topic","title":"cost ramifications and legal fallout","url":"/glossary/cost-ramifications-and-legal-fallout","quote":"Paul, you're still there, sir... you were going to talk a little bit about the the cost ramifications, and then we were gonna talk a little bit about the add ons... You'll have lawsuits, you'll have regulators taking action against them.","canonicalId":"topic:cost-ramifications-and-legal-fallout","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This segment focuses on how the Volkswagen emissions case could translate into financial consequences, including fines and lawsuits. It also covers the likelihood of regulators and prosecutors taking action.","simplifiedExplanation":"This part is about what the Volkswagen emissions problem could cost the company and what legal actions might follow. The hosts talk about penalties, lawsuits, and investigations."}},{"startTime":1855.0,"endTime":1865.0,"type":"term","title":"emissions defect","url":"/glossary/emissions-defect","quote":"The brunt of it is, how are they going to correct this emissions defect, which is the way the software runs the car, run the engine and give the owners the same performance and fuel economy.","canonicalId":"term:emissions-defect","priority":0.85,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An emissions defect is a problem where a vehicle doesn’t meet legal exhaust-emissions requirements under real-world conditions. In this segment, it’s specifically tied to how the car’s software controls engine operation.","simplifiedExplanation":"An emissions defect means the car isn’t meeting pollution rules. Here, they say it’s related to the car’s computer changing how the engine runs."}},{"startTime":1855.0,"endTime":1865.0,"type":"term","title":"software runs the car","url":"/glossary/software-runs-the-car","quote":"how are they going to correct this emissions defect, which is the way the software runs the car, run the engine and give the owners the same performance and fuel economy.","canonicalId":"term:software-runs-the-car","priority":0.8,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Modern cars use onboard software to control engine behavior, including how the engine responds to driving conditions. In emissions scandals, the concern is that software logic can change engine operation to achieve emissions compliance without matching what drivers expect in normal use."}},{"startTime":1884.4,"endTime":1890.2,"type":"concept","title":"emission standards","url":"/glossary/emission-standards","quote":"And so here's the question. They have to meet emission standards or those vehicles have to come off the road.","canonicalId":"concept:emission-standards","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Emission standards are government limits on how much pollution a vehicle can produce. The transcript frames the situation as a choice between meeting those rules or removing the affected vehicles from the road.","simplifiedExplanation":"Emission standards are the legal rules for how clean a car’s exhaust has to be. If a car can’t meet them, it can’t legally stay on the road."}},{"startTime":1887.7,"endTime":1893.0,"type":"concept","title":"buy them back","url":"/glossary/buy-them-back","quote":"They have to meet emission standards or those vehicles have to come off the road. If they come off the road, they have to buy them back.","canonicalId":"concept:buy-them-back","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Buy them back” refers to a manufacturer repurchasing affected vehicles from owners as part of a settlement or regulatory remedy. It’s often used when the company can’t fix the issue in a way that restores compliance and customer expectations.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Buy them back” means the company takes the cars back from the owners. This can happen when the problem can’t be fixed to meet rules and expectations."}},{"startTime":1936.1,"endTime":1941.1,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagon","url":"/glossary/volkswagon","quote":"they wringing their hands in glee or do they feel Volkswagon's pain? What do you think?","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagon","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagon (transcribed; intended “Volkswagen”) is the car brand at the center of the emissions scandal discussion. The host frames it as a major headline issue affecting the company and its diesel owners.","simplifiedExplanation":"This refers to Volkswagen, the car brand. The episode is talking about Volkswagen’s emissions scandal and what it means for owners."}},{"startTime":1941.1,"endTime":1957.2,"type":"term","title":"ignition switch problem","url":"/glossary/ignition-switch-problem","quote":"I think Mary Borrow over at GM's probably glad not to still be in the headlines, as she was only a few weeks ago when GM paid nine hundred million dollars in fines to the Justice Department over concealing for ten years their ignition switch problem.","canonicalId":"term:ignition-switch-problem","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An ignition switch is the electrical/mechanical control that lets the car start and power up systems. A “problem” here implies a defect that could cause starting or power issues, and in this case it’s described as being concealed for years.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ignition switch is what you use to start the car. The host is saying there was a serious defect in that switch, and the company allegedly hid it for a long time."}},{"startTime":1941.1,"endTime":1957.2,"type":"company","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"I think Mary Borrow over at GM's probably glad not to still be in the headlines, as she was only a few weeks ago when GM paid nine hundred million dollars in fines to the Justice Department over concealing for ten years their ignition switch problem.","canonicalId":"company:gm","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"GM is the automaker being referenced for a major safety scandal tied to an ignition switch problem. The host notes GM paid large fines to the U.S. Justice Department, illustrating how regulators can punish companies for hiding defects.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM is a big car company. The host is talking about a past safety scandal where GM was fined for hiding a problem related to the ignition switch."}},{"startTime":1962.0,"endTime":1969.2,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"between that case, Toyota's case, the Hyundai Kia lying about their fuel economy numbers.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is mentioned as another automaker involved in a separate controversy related to fuel-economy numbers. The host uses it to argue that multiple cases are pushing regulators toward stricter testing and oversight.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is brought up as another car company that had issues with how fuel economy numbers were handled. The point is that regulators are likely to tighten rules."}},{"startTime":1969.2,"endTime":1974.6,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai Kia","url":"/glossary/hyundai-kia","quote":"Toyota's case, the Hyundai Kia lying about their fuel economy numbers.","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai-kia","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai and Kia are referenced together as automakers accused of misrepresenting fuel economy numbers. The host uses the example to support the idea that repeated misconduct will lead to more government pressure and independent verification.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai and Kia are mentioned as car brands accused of not being truthful about fuel economy. The host’s takeaway is that this kind of pattern leads to stricter testing."}},{"startTime":1974.6,"endTime":1988.0,"type":"term","title":"self certify","url":"/glossary/self-certify","quote":"It used to be that automakers could self certify, they'd run their own tests, give the numbers to the EPA and NITSA, who would probably number crunch those things and say, yeah, the numbers add up.","canonicalId":"term:self-certify","priority":0.8,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Self certify” means automakers run the required tests themselves and then certify/report the results to regulators. The host argues that this approach can be undermined when companies don’t act in good faith, so regulators may require independent testing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Self-certifying means the car company tests its own cars and reports the results. The host is saying that regulators may stop trusting that and require outside testing."}},{"startTime":1974.6,"endTime":1988.0,"type":"company","title":"NITSA","quote":"It used to be that automakers could self certify, they'd run their own tests, give the numbers to the EPA and NITSA, who would probably number crunch those things and say, yeah, the numbers add up.","canonicalId":"company:nitsa","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.45,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NITSA appears to be a transcription error for NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the U.S. agency that oversees vehicle safety. The host groups it with the EPA to describe how self-certified emissions/fuel-economy numbers were previously accepted.","simplifiedExplanation":"This sounds like the U.S. vehicle-safety agency. The host is explaining that companies used to run their own tests and submit results to government agencies."}},{"startTime":1988.0,"endTime":2002.9,"type":"term","title":"independent third party organizations","url":"/glossary/independent-third-party-organizations","quote":"you're going to see pressure on the government to force the automakers to either have the government run those tests, or to pay for independent third party organizations to run tests that they the government can trust to not be paid off.","canonicalId":"term:independent-third-party-organizations","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Independent third-party organizations are outside labs or test firms not owned by the automaker. The host suggests regulators may require these groups to run emissions/fuel-economy tests so the results are less likely to be influenced or “paid off.”","simplifiedExplanation":"These are outside testing companies that aren’t controlled by the car maker. The idea is to make sure the test results are trustworthy."}},{"startTime":2066.9,"endTime":2075.6,"type":"concept","title":"diesel Volkswagen emissions problem","url":"/glossary/diesel-volkswagen-emissions-problem","quote":"because it's going to be a long time until we hear the end of this. Has to be that those people that own diesel volkswagons with this problem are not going to have either the same performance or fuel economy, and it's going to be a real issue for him.","canonicalId":"concept:diesel-volkswagen-emissions-problem","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment is referring to the well-known diesel Volkswagen emissions scandal, where software and testing practices led to incorrect emissions results. The host’s takeaway is that affected diesel owners may see changes in real-world performance and fuel economy.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is about the diesel Volkswagen emissions scandal. The host is warning that owners of affected diesel cars may notice worse real-world performance or fuel economy."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"iHeartPodcasts","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Ron Ananian The Car Doctor","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-classic-car-doctor-september-26-2015-hour-1-volkswagen-in-the-hot-seat-emissions-scandal/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}