The Live Under The Hood Car Repair Show Stream with a Live Audience in Studio
About this episode
Thursday-morning live in-studio talk sets the tone, with sponsors and a steady stream of real repair questions. The crew compares high-volume UK recycling operations and how EPR rules reshape parts supply, especially for EV batteries. From there, diagnostics dominate: fuel-gauge wiring/grounds, hazard lights stuck on due to airbag/SRS commands after collisions, and battery-service voltage glitches. The show also covers ignition no-spark checks, key programming on fleet vehicles, and EVAP troubleshooting where corroded canister vent connectors often trip things up.
We are the Motor Medics working in our shop every day for decades now and broadcasting on over 250 radio stations and podcast helping people fix their cars and trucks since 1990. The call cost nothing but could save you thousands. Call us any day 866-594-4150 and leave us a message to get back to you or call live during the show. Thursdays from 9-11am Central. We have a live studio audience today! 99 Silverado why is my fuel gauge broken? 19 Range Rover why are my flashers always on? 86 F150 No spark 87 Blazer no fuel to injectors 09 Fusion keys won't program 22 Tacoma battery was changed no window, and auto lights won't work 07 Sierra Evap codes after multi parts replacement
Silver Lake
"And so that was quite an experience to go see our friends at Silver Lake and they're in, [116.9s] I guess, what they call the South Hamptons outside of London."
Silver Lake is the name of a company the hosts visited. They’re involved in recycling cars and pulling usable parts, and the facility they mention processes a lot of vehicles.
Silver Lake is referenced as a company operating a vehicle-recycling facility near London. In this segment, it’s notable because the hosts describe high-volume processing and a parts-harvesting workflow.
South Hamptons
"And so that was quite an experience to go see our friends at Silver Lake and they're in, [116.9s] I guess, what they call the South Hamptons outside of London."
“South Hamptons” is mentioned as the area outside London where the recycling facility is located. It’s included here because it anchors the story geographically for listeners.
breaking
"They have a combination, what they call breaking, you know, they're breaking the cars. [128.9s] And then they're also harvesting parts along the way."
Here, “breaking” means taking apart damaged cars to pull out parts that can still be used. It’s basically the dismantling step in a salvage operation.
In the context of salvage yards, “breaking” refers to dismantling wrecked cars to remove usable parts. The segment describes a facility that both “breaks” cars and harvests parts, emphasizing the workflow and throughput.
circular economy
"And then we went to a conference and sat with a lot of folks there. [163.6s] They had industry stakeholders from Toyota... [168.0s] And they were just chatting a lot about just the circular economy, the sustainability is a much bigger push there right now..."
A circular economy is the idea of keeping materials in use instead of throwing them away. For cars, that means reusing parts and recycling materials so less is wasted.
A circular economy is a sustainability approach where products and materials are kept in use as long as possible through reuse, repair, and recycling. In the segment, it’s tied to how vehicle recycling and parts harvesting fit into broader environmental policy goals.
end producer responsibility
"...the circular economy, the sustainability is [173.0s] a much bigger push there right now because of the end producer responsibility, the EPR laws."
This is a rule concept where the company that makes the product has responsibilities after you’re done using it. The goal is to make sure products get recycled or handled properly instead of becoming waste.
End producer responsibility (often discussed as “extended producer responsibility” in policy contexts) is a regulatory idea where manufacturers are held responsible for what happens to a product after it’s sold—like recycling and proper disposal. The hosts connect it to why sustainability rules and recycling practices are stronger in Europe.
EPR laws
"...the sustainability is [173.0s] a much bigger push there right now because of the end producer responsibility, the EPR laws. [180.6s] The EVs are more prevalent over there."
EPR laws are rules that make the maker of a product responsible for what happens to it at the end of its life. That can push better recycling systems and clearer requirements for handling things like batteries.
EPR laws refers to “extended producer responsibility” regulations that shift recycling and end-of-life obligations toward the product’s manufacturer. In this segment, EPR is presented as a driver for more aggressive sustainability and recycling infrastructure, including how EVs are handled.
EV batteries
"And so their supply chain of trying to figure out what to do with all the EV batteries [187.1s] and the things that are harvested out of those vehicles."
EV batteries are the large battery packs that power electric cars. Recycling them is more complicated than recycling many other car parts, so the process and supply chain are different.
EV batteries are the high-voltage battery packs used in electric vehicles, and they require specialized handling during recycling. The hosts highlight that the supply chain for dealing with EV batteries and harvested components is “a lot different” than for traditional vehicles.
99 Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup truck
"I've got a 99 Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup truck. It's like maybe 160,000 miles on it."
This is a Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup (a heavier-duty truck). The problem here is that the gas gauge on the dash doesn’t read correctly, even after replacing the fuel pump.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup, and the “2500” indicates a higher payload/towing class than the standard half-ton models. In this segment, the owner’s 1999 Silverado has a fuel-level (gas) gauge that stopped working, which points to an issue in the fuel-sending circuit rather than the fuel pump itself.
gas gauge
"And when I bought it about actually about 67 years ago, the gas gauge didn't work. So finally, I didn't want to drop the tank because all the rust."
The gas gauge is the meter on your dashboard that shows how much fuel you have. If it’s not working, the problem is often in the wiring or the sensor in the fuel tank, not necessarily the fuel pump.
A gas gauge is the dashboard fuel-level indicator, which is driven by the fuel level sending unit in the tank. If the gauge doesn’t work, common causes include a failed sender, broken wiring, or a bad ground—so replacing the fuel pump alone may not fix it.
rusty bolts
"So finally, I didn't want to drop the tank because all the rust. And as I took the bed off and put a new fuel pump in the tank..."
Rusty bolts are bolts that have corroded over time. They can be hard to remove and can also mean other parts nearby may be corroded too, which changes how you do the repair.
Rust on fasteners (like bolts) can make disassembly difficult and can also indicate corrosion in nearby components and wiring. Here, the owner tries to avoid dropping the tank because the surrounding hardware is rusted, which affects how you approach repairs and diagnostics.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...bolts and rip the box off? Because that's on a 99 Silverado can sometimes be no fun. Be worse if it was a For..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a large pickup truck used for hauling and everyday driving. Older versions can sometimes be annoying to fix because some parts are difficult to reach. That’s why people may mention it when talking about troubleshooting problems.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its work-focused design and wide range of engine and drivetrain options. In a podcast discussion, it may come up in the context of older models (like a 1999) and how certain repairs or failures can be frustrating—especially when components are hard to access. That kind of “under the hood” talk often centers on troubleshooting and what it takes to get the truck running reliably again.
heat shrink
"Oh, yeah. And if you can't just cut the thing off, splice a new wire into it with some heat shrink,"
Heat shrink is a little plastic tube you put over a wire connection. When you heat it, it shrinks tight and seals the splice so it’s protected from water and shorts.
Heat shrink is an insulating sleeve that you slide over a wire splice and then heat so it tightens and seals the connection. It helps keep moisture out and prevents the splice from corroding or shorting out.
splice
"And if you can't just cut the thing off, splice a new wire into it with some heat shrink,"
A splice is where you connect two wire ends together to repair a broken wire. It’s a common way to fix damaged wiring without replacing the whole harness.
A splice is a repaired connection where two wires are joined together, usually after cutting out a damaged section. In automotive repairs, splicing is often done when a wire is corroded or broken and needs to be replaced while maintaining the circuit.
ground
"and then run a better ground because that ground fails all the time on those because of the rust you have."
A ground is the electrical “return path” that lets electricity flow correctly through the car. If the ground is corroded or loose, the car’s wiring can act weird because the circuit isn’t completing.
In automotive wiring, a ground is the electrical return path back to the battery/vehicle chassis. If the ground connection is weak—often from corrosion or rust—gauges and sensors can act erratically because the circuit can’t complete properly.
driveshaft
"Between the driveshaft and that tank, you can reach up over the top."
The driveshaft is the spinning shaft that carries power from the drivetrain to the wheels. They’re mentioning it because it’s between you and the fuel tank wiring area.
A driveshaft is the rotating shaft that transmits power from the transmission to the differential/axles. Here, it’s referenced as a physical location barrier/guide for reaching the tank wiring from above.
wiring diagram
"If you unplug it and look at the wiring diagram, you get a purple and gray wire in there."
A wiring diagram is like a map of the car’s electrical connections. It shows which wires go where, so you can test the right one instead of guessing.
A wiring diagram is a schematic that shows how electrical components are connected—often including wire colors, connectors, and which circuit is powered. In this segment, the diagram is used to identify the correct wire (purple and gray) for a targeted test.
fuel gauge
"And if you ground out that wire with the key in the on position, the fuel gauge is going to go to pass full if the wiring is working."
The fuel gauge is the dashboard meter that tells you how full the gas tank is. The mechanic is checking it by testing the wiring so they can tell if the problem is in the wiring/sender or elsewhere.
The fuel gauge is the instrument that displays how much fuel is in the tank, typically driven by a sender unit in the tank. By grounding the correct wire (with the key on), the host is using the gauge’s response as a diagnostic to confirm whether the wiring and sender circuit are behaving.
gauge sweeps
"So if that gauge sweeps like that, you know, you've either got a ground problem back there [433.0s] or a thing."
That phrase means the fuel gauge moves around when the signal changes. Watching how it moves can tell you whether the problem is in the wiring/ground or in the fuel-sending part.
A “gauge sweep” is how a fuel gauge moves across its range when the sender signal changes. If the gauge responds in a predictable way, it helps you separate an electrical problem (like grounding or wiring) from a failed fuel level sender.
E
"It's 99% of the time it just sets on E. [442.5s] Okay. If it's sitting on E, that means your ground is fine [446.0s] because it has to have a ground to go to E."
“E” means the fuel gauge is reading “empty.” If it stays there, something in the fuel gauge wiring or the fuel-sending unit is usually not working right.
“E” on a fuel gauge stands for “empty,” the lowest indicated fuel level. When the gauge sits on E, the sender circuit or its electrical connections (especially ground) are often suspect.
sending unit
"Unplug it, see if it goes to full. [451.9s] If it does the problems in the sending unit and guess what? [453.9s] You get to take it back out or just keep the tank full."
The sending unit is the part in the fuel tank that tells the dashboard fuel gauge how much gas is in the tank. If unplugging it makes the gauge move to a different reading, the sending unit is likely the culprit.
The “sending unit” (fuel level sender) converts fuel level into an electrical signal for the fuel gauge. If unplugging the connector changes the gauge behavior, it points to a problem in the sending unit rather than the gauge itself.
fuel tank
"If it does the problems in the sending unit and guess what? [453.9s] You get to take it back out or just keep the tank full. [457.7s] Yeah, at least it'll come apart easier this time."
The fuel tank holds the fuel. The fuel gauge usually gets its information from a sensor inside/attached to the tank, so tank access matters for repairs.
A fuel tank is the reservoir that stores gasoline/diesel and houses the fuel level sending unit. Many fuel-gauge diagnostics involve accessing the tank sender through the top or service opening.
sawzall
"It's even easier, man, if you get a sawzall out and just cut a small hole in the top of the bed [469.9s] and put a patch over it."
A Sawzall is a type of power saw (a reciprocating saw). Here, it’s mentioned as a tool to cut an access opening so the tank can be repaired.
A “Sawzall” is a brand name commonly used for a reciprocating saw. In this context, it’s being used to cut an access hole in the top of a truck bed/tank area to reach the tank for repair.
patch
"and just cut a small hole in the top of the bed [469.9s] and put a patch over it. [471.4s] Oh, I thought of that."
A patch is a piece of metal used to cover a damaged spot. Welding in a good patch helps stop leaks and strengthens the area again.
A “patch” is a replacement piece of metal used to cover a damaged area (like a hole or corrosion spot) before welding. Proper patching restores strength and helps prevent fuel leaks from spreading.
tack it back down
"We see a lot of trucks come in where they've cut it and then they have a, [476.5s] they just flap it up and then tack it back down again."
To “tack it back down” means you put a few small weld spots to hold the metal in place. Then you can finish the welding properly without everything shifting.
“Tack it back down” means placing small welds (“tacks”) to temporarily hold a piece in position before doing full welding. It’s a common fabrication technique to keep alignment while you finish the repair.
weld it right over that tank
"You just got to make it work. You got to do what you need to do. [484.0s] Weld it right over that tank. [485.1s] That's a great place."
They’re talking about welding near the fuel tank. Welding around fuel is dangerous, so it usually requires proper tank prep and safety steps before any heat is applied.
This describes welding a repair directly over/adjacent to the fuel tank area. Because welding near fuel systems is hazardous, it implies the repair is being done with careful preparation to avoid ignition risks.
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
"Yes, sir. My wife bought a 2019 Range Rover Evoque. I hear it's a trap."
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a small luxury SUV. The podcast comment suggests that owning one can sometimes lead to unexpected problems or expensive repairs. That’s why it’s being described as a “trap.”
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a compact luxury SUV, and the podcast’s mention of a 2019 model frames it as a “trap,” likely referring to the kinds of ownership headaches some people associate with certain luxury vehicles. In discussions like this, the focus is often on maintenance complexity, repair costs, and how issues can be more involved than on simpler vehicles. The Evoque is a common example because it blends premium features with more complex systems.
leaks
"Of course, they're renowned for leaks and it has that some water in it."
Here, “leaks” means water getting into the vehicle. That can mess up electrical parts and cause weird problems.
In this context, “leaks” refers to water intrusion into the cabin or electronics. Water getting into wiring, switches, or modules can cause intermittent electrical faults and corrosion.
emergency flashers
"The problem we have, the only problem we have with the vehicle right now, the leaks are fixed. The emergency flashers run constantly."
Emergency flashers are the hazard lights that blink all the turn signals together. If they won’t turn off, it’s often an electrical/control problem rather than a simple bulb issue.
Emergency flashers (hazard lights) are the system that flashes all turn signals at once. If they “run constantly,” it usually points to a stuck switch, wiring fault, or a control module not receiving the correct input.
circuit board in the dash
"We've been through the circuit board in the dash with the control switch in it."
The dash circuit board is the electronic “brains” behind parts of the dashboard. If it’s been worked on, it can be because the dashboard controls aren’t behaving correctly.
The “circuit board in the dash” is the electronics PCB that supports dashboard functions like switches, indicators, and communication to vehicle modules. Faults here can cause control issues such as hazard lights behaving incorrectly.
body control module
"The only other thing I know of is the body control module. We have not had it reworked."
The body control module is a computer that controls a lot of the car’s “body” electronics, like lights and switch behavior. If the problem isn’t fixed yet, the BCM is one of the parts technicians look at next.
The body control module (BCM) is an electronic control unit that manages many convenience and body functions—often including lighting, wipers, door-related electronics, and switch inputs. If the BCM hasn’t been “reworked,” it’s a likely suspect when symptoms persist after other components are checked.
scanner
"Have you looked at it with a scanner yet? ... Have you looked at the data on the scanner or just the codes?"
A scanner is a tool a mechanic plugs into your car to read what the car’s computers are reporting. It can show error codes and sometimes real-time data so you know where to look.
In car repair, a scanner is a diagnostic tool that reads information from the vehicle’s onboard computers. It can pull trouble codes and sometimes live data, helping pinpoint what system is acting up even when there are no obvious symptoms.
airbag system
"You need to look at the airbag system. Look at the airbag system and see if it's commanding the hazard lights on."
The airbag system is the car’s safety system that decides when to deploy airbags in a crash. It can also control related warning behavior, like turning on hazard lights after a collision.
The airbag system is controlled by a dedicated safety computer (often called the SRS module) that monitors crash sensors and decides when to deploy airbags. It can also trigger related outputs—like hazard lights—during or after a crash event.
hazard lights
"Look at the airbag system and see if it's commanding the hazard lights on. Because when that vehicle's in a collision, it turns the hazard lights on and they won't shut off until it's reset."
Hazard lights are the emergency flashers you use in a crash or breakdown. Here, the point is that the airbag system can tell the car to turn them on after an impact, and they may stay on until the safety system is reset.
Hazard lights are the vehicle’s emergency flashers, typically controlled by the body electronics. In this scenario, the host is pointing out that the airbag/SRS system can command the hazards to turn on after a collision and keep them on until the system is reset.
SRS module
"But that SRS module for the airbag is going to send a signal out and turn those on."
The SRS module is the computer that controls airbags and related safety actions. It can also trigger other behaviors after a crash, such as turning on the hazard lights.
The SRS module (Supplemental Restraint System) is the airbag system’s control unit. It receives crash sensor inputs and can send signals to other systems—like turning on hazard lights—based on what happened in a collision.
airbag module
"And one way you can go around that is disconnect that battery for about 10 minutes and then just disconnect the airbag module under the floor and then hook the battery back up with that module, not powered up. Don't disconnect anything on the vehicle related to that module."
The airbag module is the computer that controls the airbags. If it’s unplugged or disconnected the wrong way, the car may think something is wrong and turn on warning lights.
An airbag module is the electronic control unit and sensor/trigger hardware that decides when to deploy the airbags. It’s connected to the vehicle’s wiring harness and monitored for faults, so unplugging or disconnecting it incorrectly can trigger warning lights and diagnostic trouble codes.
codes
"With it in there because then you get all sorts of codes and they're hard to clear on those. But if you disconnect the whole module, you're fine."
In this context, “codes” refers to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored by the vehicle when it detects an airbag system fault. Some codes are difficult to clear if you disturb the wrong components, so the recommended procedure is to avoid disconnecting other parts tied to the module.
harness
"They put that airbag module on the floor. So it's a great place for the harness to get wet."
A wiring harness is the bundle of wires that connects the car’s computers and sensors. If water gets into that wiring, it can cause the airbag warning lights to come on.
A wiring harness is the bundled set of wires and connectors that carries signals and power between modules. In this segment, the host points out that the airbag module is mounted under the floor, which can let the harness get wet and cause intermittent faults.
wicking
"I actually had a few of them that did some recalls on the harness on those for wicking water into them."
Wicking means water can “soak in” and spread through materials, like a sponge. In wiring, that can let moisture reach the connections and trigger airbag system problems.
Wicking is the capillary action that draws moisture into materials like wiring insulation or connector housings. Here, the discussion is about recalls related to moisture being pulled into the airbag harness area, leading to faults.
Range Rover
"My problems were, and this was an older range rover that I got through our salvage here."
A Range Rover is a luxury SUV made by Land Rover. Here, the problem started after rain got into the car through the sunroof area, causing electrical issues.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capability and complex electrical systems. In this story, the host is describing an older Range Rover that was acquired via salvage and then had a water intrusion problem tied to the sunroof area.
salvage
"this was an older range rover that I got through our salvage here."
A salvage car is a vehicle that was written off by an insurance company and later sold again. These cars can have hidden damage, including electrical problems from things like water leaks.
A salvage vehicle is one that was previously declared a total loss by an insurer and then repaired or resold. Water intrusion and electrical damage are common salvage-related issues because the car may have been exposed to harsh conditions before being fixed.
sunroof vents
"They had plugged sunroof vents and all the water was running down the channels."
Sunroof vents help water and airflow move correctly around the sunroof. If they get clogged, rain can back up and leak into places it shouldn’t, including near wiring.
Sunroof vents are part of the drainage and airflow path around a vehicle’s sunroof. If they’re blocked, rainwater can’t drain correctly and instead flows into channels and down into wiring areas.
butt connectors
"All the wires run down the side. So all the butt connectors were corroded."
Butt connectors are the wire splice pieces that connect two wires together. If water gets in and they corrode, the electrical connection can fail and cause weird problems in the car.
Butt connectors are splice connectors used to join two wires end-to-end. When they corrode—especially after water intrusion—they can create intermittent or failed electrical connections, which can cascade into other modules.
closed area network
"when that stops on a closed area network like that, it's just like a computer network at home."
Cars use an internal network so different computers can share information. If water damage breaks connections or a computer starts sending bad signals, other systems can start acting up too.
A closed area network (CAN-style architecture in many cars) is the vehicle’s internal communications network linking modules together. When water damage or a failing module disrupts signals on that network, it can trigger widespread electrical faults rather than a single isolated problem.
pre event
"If you have a pre event, they call it, you know, where the sensors are all saying, Oh gosh, we're about to go off."
A “pre-event” is when the car senses a crash is coming soon. The safety system may react early based on sensor readings, and the car can still record an error even if the airbags don’t fully deploy.
A “pre-event” is an airbag system stage where sensors detect conditions that suggest a crash is about to happen. The system may prepare or trigger warnings based on sensor inputs before the actual impact, which can still lead to stored diagnostics.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ts off trouble codes. Like if you were to drive a Corvette really aggressively and drive through a ditch and..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car designed to be fast. It has sensors and computers that can record warning information if something happens while driving. After hard driving or a bump/impact, those warnings may show up as trouble codes that you can read with a scanner.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a performance sports car built for strong acceleration and high-speed driving. It’s often discussed in technical terms because modern Corvettes use onboard electronics that can store trouble codes when something goes wrong. In the podcast context, the mention of aggressive driving and impacts points to how events can trigger diagnostic alerts that need to be read and addressed.
Ford F150
"Bradley, what can we do for you? My 86 F-150 302 engine."
This is a 1986 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The problem being discussed is about getting spark to start the engine.
The Ford F-150 is a long-running full-size pickup, and the “86” indicates this is the 1986 model year. In this case, the host is discussing an ignition-spark problem on an F-150 with a V8 “302” engine, which is a common classic-era Ford setup.
distributor
"I'm not getting no spark to my distributor. I got a newer coil."
The distributor is part of the ignition system that helps the engine know when to fire the spark plugs. If it’s not working, the engine may not get spark at all.
A distributor is the ignition component that routes high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug at the right time. On older engines, it also houses parts like the pickup coil that help the ignition control module know when to trigger spark.
ignition control module
"I got a newer coil. I got a newer ignition control module on it. And underneath the dash, there's a ignition relay that that's newer too."
This module is the electronics that tells the ignition coil when to send electricity to the spark plugs. If it’s not triggering correctly, you can have power but still no spark.
An ignition control module is an electronic box that controls when the ignition coil fires. It uses signals from the distributor (like the pickup coil) to “trigger” the coil on and off at the correct moment for spark.
ignition relay
"And underneath the dash, there's a ignition relay that that's newer too. So I got 12 volts."
A relay is like an electrical switch. The ignition relay helps send power to the ignition system when you turn the key.
An ignition relay is an electrically controlled switch that sends power to parts of the ignition system when the ignition switch is turned on. If the relay is faulty, you may have no voltage reaching the coil or module even though the battery is fine.
12 volts
"So I got 12 volts. And I took the connector off the distributor."
Cars run on a 12-volt electrical system. Checking for 12 volts is a basic step to see whether power is getting to the ignition parts.
“12 volts” refers to the vehicle’s electrical system voltage used to power ignition components. In troubleshooting, confirming 12 volts at the coil helps narrow the fault to missing ground or a failed trigger signal rather than a dead supply.
pickup coil
"And what does that is the module that you've replaced outside of the distributor and that pickup coil inside of the distributor. It is extremely common for the pickup coil in that distributor to fail."
The pickup coil is a small sensor inside the distributor that tells the ignition electronics when to fire the spark. If it fails, the engine can lose spark even when other parts are new.
The pickup coil is a sensor inside the distributor that generates a signal used to determine ignition timing. On many older distributor-based systems, the pickup coil can fail, which leads to no spark even if you’ve replaced the coil and module.
sparking
"And more than likely it's going to start sparking again because you've already got power. [1215.1s] And we know we have ground because we're hooked to the end of the block."
They’re talking about the ignition system making sparks. If something in the ignition isn’t working right, you can get sparking that doesn’t properly translate into correct engine ignition.
Here, “sparking” refers to the ignition system producing electrical spark at the wrong time or in the wrong place, often due to an ignition component that’s not triggering correctly. The host’s point is that if power is already present, the system may still spark even if timing/control is off.
Berkeley One Classics
"The end of the hood show podcast is brought to you by exclusive sponsors, [1220.8s] like Berkeley One Classics, celebrating 50 years, your key to collector car insurance."
Berkeley One Classics is a company that sells insurance for collector cars. They’re highlighting a type of coverage where the value is agreed ahead of time so there’s less arguing later.
Berkeley One Classics is an insurance provider focused on collector vehicles, including classic and performance cars. The sponsor message emphasizes agreed-valued coverage, which locks in a pre-agreed amount rather than relying on disputed market value after a claim.
agreed-valued coverage
"and that coverage is agreed-valued coverage so there is no disagreement on what your vehicle [1268.0s] is covered for."
Agreed-valued coverage means you and the insurer pick a value for the car ahead of time. If something happens, the claim uses that agreed number instead of trying to guess the car’s value later.
Agreed-valued coverage is an insurance setup where you and the insurer agree on the car’s value upfront. That agreed amount is used for claims, reducing disputes that can happen with market-value policies.
TBI
"Hey, I got an 87 Blazer and it's got the 350 with the TBI... I'm just not getting pressure up to the throttle body... I can run the engine on gas if I just dump it down the manifold or down the TBI."
TBI means the fuel is injected into the throttle body (the air intake area) rather than through multiple injectors. If fuel pressure is too low, the engine may start only when you manually dump fuel in.
TBI (throttle-body fuel injection) is a fuel-injection system where fuel is delivered into a single throttle body instead of using individual port injectors. On many older TBI setups, correct fuel pressure is critical to get fuel to the injectors and for the engine to run properly.
Chevrolet Blazer
"Hey, I got an 87 Blazer and it's got the 350 with the TBI. And I put a new field pump on it and a new field filter and field lines, but I'm just not getting pressure up to the throttle body."
This is a 1987 Chevrolet Blazer. The person says it has a V8 350 with throttle-body fuel injection, so the problem is likely in how fuel pressure is getting to the throttle-body.
A Chevrolet Blazer (the 1987 model year) is a classic GM SUV that uses a V8 engine setup common to that era. In this call, the key detail is that it’s running a 350 with a TBI (throttle-body fuel injection), so the fuel delivery system is the focus.
throttle body
"I'm just not getting pressure up to the throttle body... I pulled the line off of the pressure side of the throttle body and there is fuel getting up to the TBI unit."
The throttle body controls airflow into the engine. On TBI engines, it’s also where the fuel system delivers fuel, so if fuel isn’t reaching it, the engine may not run normally.
The throttle body is the housing that controls how much air enters the engine and, on TBI systems, it also houses the fuel-injection components. In this case, the caller isn’t getting enough fuel pressure up to the throttle body, which prevents proper fueling.
fuel pressure
"Then you probably have pressure. That run runs seven to nine pounds and sometimes a little more. Compared to the 60 of the modern system, that's a big difference. You need to find that fuel pressure."
Fuel pressure is the amount of pressure the fuel pump builds so fuel can atomize and flow correctly through the TBI system. The host points out that the TBI system typically runs around 7–9 psi (sometimes a bit more), and that you need to verify you’re hitting the correct pressure before chasing other parts.
Chevrolet Spark
"...ot 78 pounds, you're good. Now this engine, it'll spark without a computer. You take the computer out and..."
The Chevrolet Spark is a small car meant for city driving and commuting. It uses an engine that needs spark to ignite fuel. The podcast is talking about what happens to the ignition system if the car’s computer is removed or not working.
The Chevrolet Spark is a small, budget-friendly city car designed for easy parking and efficient everyday driving. In the podcast context, it’s being used to illustrate how some engines can still run and produce spark even when certain electronic components (like a computer) are removed or bypassed. That kind of discussion is typically about how ignition systems work and what the car’s electronics are responsible for.
computer
"it's if you've got 78 pounds, you're good. Now this engine, it'll spark without a computer. You take the computer out and throw it in the lake. It'll work just fine, but it won't have fuel"
The computer is the engine’s control box. It helps control fuel injection; the host is saying the engine might still spark, but it won’t get fuel properly without the computer.
In this context, “computer” refers to the engine control unit (ECU) that manages fueling and other functions on fuel-injected engines. The host notes that spark can still happen without the computer, but fuel delivery won’t work correctly—so the no-fuel symptom points toward the fuel/ECU control path rather than ignition alone.
RPM signal
"because that only controls fuel. So it uses the pickup in the distributor to give it the RPM [1626.8s] signal, which tells it when to go ahead and deliver that fuel."
RPM signal just means the computer is getting a readout of how fast the engine is spinning. If the computer doesn’t get that signal, it may not inject fuel correctly.
An RPM signal is the engine-speed input (revolutions per minute) sent to the engine computer. Fuel injection and ignition timing depend on it, so if the computer doesn’t see RPM, it may not command the injectors to fire.
injectors
"you're going to see the injectors work. I've done [1643.2s] that before with a test distributor."
Injectors are the parts that spray fuel into the engine. They’re controlled by the car’s computer, and you can test whether they’re being commanded to spray.
Fuel injectors are electronically controlled valves that spray fuel into the engine in precise amounts and timing. The transcript describes testing them by observing whether they actuate when the engine is cranked and when the computer receives the RPM input.
OBD1
"Oh yeah. You can still read an OBD1. You don't need a scanner the size of the side of your garage? [1674.6s] No, I just know an OBD1, which most people don't seem to have anymore."
OBD1 is an older type of car diagnostic system. It’s how the car can report trouble codes, but the tools to read it are different from the common modern OBD-II scanners.
OBD1 (On-Board Diagnostics, first generation) refers to early diagnostic systems used on many older vehicles. It often requires a specific scanner or tool to read codes and live data, unlike later standardized OBD-II.
noid light
"they make a thing called a noid light, a test light, a low voltage test light that like [1701.5s] a digital one will do as well, that you connect between that pink hot wire and that white wire on [1707.2s] either one of the sides of the injectors."
A noid light is a plug-in tester for fuel injector connectors. It helps you see whether the computer is telling the injector to spray when you crank the engine.
A noid light is a diagnostic test tool that plugs into an injector connector to visually confirm whether the injector is being electrically commanded to fire. If it flashes during cranking, the injector circuit is receiving the proper signal; if not, you check for power or computer grounding.
nine volt battery
"I'm sure that's what seems like most everybody does. Yeah, I just took it off and [1737.5s] put a nine volt battery in it. And then it clicked like it made, yeah, it clicked like it made [1742.8s] noise."
They’re using a small battery to quickly test whether the injector will click and spray fuel when powered directly. It’s a simple way to separate a bad injector from a wiring/computer problem.
Using a nine-volt battery to test an injector is a bench-style check to see whether the injector can actuate when directly powered. The transcript suggests that if it clicks and fuel comes out, the injector itself may still be functional.
fuel pump
"And that turns on that fuel pump 100% while the engine's got oil pressure. Otherwise, you only have it for the first three seconds."
The fuel pump moves gas from the tank to the engine. It often primes for a few seconds when you turn the key, and then it needs confirmation (like oil pressure) to keep running.
The fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the engine so it can start and keep running. The host describes a safety/logic behavior: the pump runs immediately, but it should keep running only after oil pressure is established; otherwise it shuts off after a brief prime.
cranks and fires and then just dies right away
"So what usually happens if you turn the key and it cranks and fires and then just dies right away and it won't won't go."
Sometimes a car will start, run for a moment, and then shut off. That usually means fuel delivery or the signals that keep the fuel pump running aren’t staying active.
This describes a common start-failure pattern: the engine starts briefly (fires) but then shuts off immediately. The host ties it to the fuel pump control being cut off—often due to a bad oil pressure sending unit or melted/worn wiring that shorts and drops the circuit.
wires melt
"That's usually an indication that that sending unit is bad and the wires melt on top of them."
This means the wiring got overheated and damaged. Damaged wires can short out, which can confuse the car and stop the fuel system from working correctly.
When the host says the wires “melt,” they’re describing heat-damaged wiring at the sensor connection points. Melted wires can short the circuit, which can pull down the fuel-pump control logic and cause intermittent or immediate shutdown after starting.
2009 Ford Fusion
"[1943.0s] Yeah, I have a 2009 Ford Fusion with a 2.3. And they're limited to four remote, four key [1950.9s] five. It's a program key. But I have an engine light keeps coming on."
This is a 2009 Ford Fusion. The conversation is about problems with the car’s keys and a warning light that keeps coming back on, even after clearing it.
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan, and this one is specifically a 2009 model. In this segment, the host and caller focus on key programming and recurring dashboard warnings (the engine light), which are common ownership issues on late-2000s Fords.
engine light
"[1950.9s] five. It's a program key. But I have an engine light keeps coming on. And I have a Bluetooth [1958.9s] OB-2 hooked up to it. Clear it. But it keeps repeating itself."
The “engine light” is the check-engine warning on the dashboard. It means the car detected a problem and stored information that a scan tool can read.
“Engine light” refers to the check-engine indicator on the dashboard. It turns on when the car’s engine control system detects a fault and stores diagnostic trouble codes that typically require scanning to identify the cause.
Bluetooth OB-2
"[1958.9s] OB-2 hooked up to it. Clear it. But it keeps repeating itself. It [1965.9s] Do I need to take it to a four store?"
OBD-II (often said as “OB-2”) is the car’s built-in diagnostic system. A Bluetooth adapter plugs in and lets you use your phone to read and clear the warning codes.
“OB-2” is shorthand for OBD-II, the standardized diagnostic port and protocol used on most modern cars. A Bluetooth OBD-II adapter lets you connect a phone/tablet to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes related to the check-engine light.
key programmed
"[1978.0s] The main problem is you can't get a key programmed or what is the main problem you're trying to solve? [1983.9s] The main problem is trying to solve. Two of the keys were the other two I dealt with."
Programming a key means teaching the car to recognize that specific key. If it’s not set up correctly, the car may keep showing warnings or not behave as expected.
“Key programmed” refers to pairing a vehicle’s electronic key (remote/fob) with the car’s immobilizer and control modules. If the keys aren’t correctly programmed, the car can behave oddly and warning lights can reappear even after clearing codes.
fleet vehicles
"[2013.6s] you've definitely got something going on with programming. But that car is able to have, [2017.8s] depending on which system it's got in it, either nine or 14 keys because they use these for fleet [2023.2s] vehicles."
A “fleet vehicle” is a car used by a company or organization. Instead of one person keeping the keys, multiple people may drive it, so the key system has to handle that.
“Fleet vehicles” are cars used by businesses or organizations (like rentals, company cars, or employee vehicles) rather than one private owner. Fleet setups often involve multiple keys and tighter tracking of which driver has which key.
program the keys
"And when they try to put the extra two in, they'll turn the key, but they won't program because it's full. So you need to go into the dealer or independent shop that can do it, erase everything out of there, program the keys."
Key programming is when a shop updates the car so it recognizes your key fobs. For some cars, they have to erase the old keys and reprogram everything using all the keys you want to work.
Key programming is the process of teaching a car’s immobilizer/keyless system to recognize specific key fobs or transponder keys. Many modern cars require the dealer or a capable independent shop to erase existing keys and reprogram the correct set, often needing all keys present at once.
VIN data
"But you can see, I mean, if you had access to the VIN data on the original vehicle, you could look and see if that was a fleet vehicle or if it was a private vehicle."
VIN data is information tied to your car’s unique ID number. Here, they’re saying you can use it to figure out if the car came from a fleet, which can explain key-programming issues.
VIN data means using a vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number to look up details about that specific car. In this context, it could reveal whether the vehicle was part of a fleet (like rental or police use), which helps predict why key programming might be set up differently.
OB2 system
"No, the Bluetooth was hooked up to an OB2 system trying to clear out your system. While you drive in line, the ease you like keeps coming on."
OBD-II is the car’s built-in computer that can store error codes. They’re using a Bluetooth scanner to talk to that system and clear the codes.
OBD-II (often said as “OB2”) is the standardized onboard diagnostics system used by modern cars to store fault codes. Here, the Bluetooth scanner is being used to communicate with the OBD-II system to clear/reset issues and possibly help resolve related codes.
2022 Toyota Tacoma
"Let's go to Louisiana and say hello to Kelly. You're got a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. A couple of months ago, I headed in for service, regular service, oil change, tire rotation, and a lot."
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck. This listener has a 2022 Tacoma and is describing service work they had done, including battery-related cleaning.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup known for durability and strong off-road/utility capability. In this call, the 2022 Tacoma is the specific truck being serviced, and the discussion shifts to battery and electrical maintenance details.
negative pole on the battery
"They cleaned the negative pole on the battery because it had"
The negative pole is the battery terminal connected to the vehicle’s ground. Cleaning it can improve electrical contact and reduce issues like intermittent starting or sensor/computer glitches caused by poor grounding.
auto
"With the headlights, there's a setting on the headlights that it's off, on, or auto. Auto is the lights come on automatically, as well as go bright and dim automatically, which is a feature I used quite a bit."
“Auto” is a setting where your car decides when to turn the headlights on based on light outside. It can also adjust how bright they are without you touching the switch.
On many cars, the headlight switch has an “auto” mode that turns the lights on and off based on ambient light sensors. Some systems also automatically adjust brightness (and in some cases manage high/low behavior) without the driver manually switching.
battery service
"But those two features stopped working after the battery service. You're not happy about that, are you? I'm not happy about that."
“Battery service” is when the shop works on the car’s battery, like disconnecting it or charging/replacing it. Sometimes that can cause electronic settings or features to glitch afterward.
“Battery service” typically means work involving the battery—often disconnecting it, replacing it, or charging it. Disconnecting a battery can reset or upset vehicle electronics, especially if the car’s systems don’t fully power down or if there’s a voltage transient during reconnection.
voltage maintaining device
"But in your case, they probably could have used a battery maintaining a vehicle voltage maintaining device on the car to keep power to your vehicle while the battery was disconnected."
A voltage maintaining device is a tool that keeps the car powered while the battery is disconnected. That way the car’s computers don’t lose power and cause weird problems afterward.
A “voltage maintaining device” (often called a battery maintainer or power supply) keeps stable electrical power to the car while the battery is disconnected. This helps prevent electronics from losing power and reduces the chance of faults or resets caused by voltage drops or spikes during service.
voltage spike
"What probably happened is when it disconnected, they cleaned it, they hooked it back up, there was a slight voltage spike, and it just got some stuff whacked out, which for you might be as simple as just disconnecting the battery for about five, 10 minutes."
A voltage spike is a quick jolt of extra electricity. If it happens when the battery is reconnected, it can confuse the car’s electronics and cause features to stop working.
A “voltage spike” is a brief, higher-than-normal electrical voltage event. When a battery is reconnected, transient spikes can occur and may trigger or corrupt electronic modules, leading to features like lights or windows not behaving correctly until the fault is cleared or the system is reset.
disconnecting the battery
"and it just got some stuff whacked out, which for you might be as simple as just disconnecting the battery for about five, 10 minutes. When you disconnect, it turned the headlights on, so it'll really draw all the current out, turn them back off, and then connect that cable back up and see if everything works."
Disconnecting the battery can act like a reset for the car’s computers. Sometimes that clears glitches, but it’s not guaranteed and some cars may need additional steps afterward.
Disconnecting the battery is sometimes used as a troubleshooting step to reset certain vehicle control modules. The idea is that removing power for a short period can clear stored faults or reset learned states, though modern cars may require specific procedures to fully restore normal operation.
reprogram all the presets
"but I assume that they would do that at the shop because I think they have to reprogram all the presets on the radio."
Car radios save your favorite stations as presets. If the battery gets disconnected or loses power, the car may forget those saved settings and you have to set them again.
Many modern cars store radio stations and other preferences as presets in memory. If battery power is lost or interrupted during replacement, the car may require reprogramming those presets (and sometimes other stored settings) after power returns.
memory seats
"I don't want them to have to reprogram memory seats, memory mirrors, radio presets."
Memory seats let you save your preferred seat position. If the car loses power, it may not remember your saved setting and you might have to set it again.
Memory seats are power-adjustable seats that store driver-specific positions (like seat height, distance, and sometimes lumbar settings). They’re typically saved in the vehicle’s electronic control memory, so losing battery power can require re-initializing or reprogramming those stored profiles.
memory mirrors
"I don't want them to have to reprogram memory seats, memory mirrors, radio presets."
Memory mirrors save where your mirrors are adjusted to. If the battery is disconnected, the car may forget those saved mirror positions.
Memory mirrors store driver-specific mirror positions, usually tied to a key fob or driver profile. Like memory seats, they rely on stored electronic settings that can be lost or reset if battery power is interrupted.
green gunk
"I think if that battery, when you start getting the green gunk, there is gases releasing out of the round that that post. It's leaking."
Green gunk is usually corrosion on the battery terminals. It can mean the battery is leaking and you should replace it soon to avoid electrical problems.
“Green gunk” is a common nickname for corrosion on battery terminals, often caused by electrolyte residue reacting with air. It’s a warning sign that the battery is leaking or venting, which can lead to poor connections and eventual battery failure.
battery terminal cleaner
"That CRC makes some great battery terminal cleaner and you just, it's cheap, so just use the heck out of it and really clean those cable ends."
This is cleaner you use on the battery’s cable ends. If there’s corrosion there, electricity can’t flow properly, so cleaning it can fix weird electrical issues.
Battery terminal cleaner is a product used to remove corrosion and oxidation from the battery’s cable ends and terminals. Clean connections reduce voltage drop and prevent starting/charging problems caused by poor electrical contact.
AGM battery
"Because if you put it, even if you put a new AGM battery in it, if there's corrosion down in that cable, it's coming the other direction."
AGM is a type of car battery. It’s sealed and uses special material inside, but it still won’t work well if the battery cables are corroded or loose.
An AGM battery (Absorbent Glass Mat) is a sealed lead-acid battery that uses fiberglass mats to hold the electrolyte. Because it’s sealed and vibration-resistant, it’s common in modern cars, but it still needs clean, tight connections to work correctly.
2007 GMC Sierra
"Hey, I have a 2007 GMC Sierra and I keep on getting a PO442 sensor code and I already"
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck. Here, the 2007 model is the one throwing the PO442 code, which usually points to a fuel-vapor leak problem.
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup known for being a common platform for DIY troubleshooting and fleet-style ownership. In this segment, the 2007 Sierra is specifically associated with repeated EVAP-related trouble codes (PO442), making it a practical example of how these systems can cause recurring check-engine lights.
PO442 sensor code
"Hey, I have a 2007 GMC Sierra and I keep on getting a PO442 sensor code and I already"
PO442 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code related to the vehicle’s evaporative emissions system (the EVAP system). It typically points to a leak or an issue with how the system holds pressure/vacuum, which can trigger a check-engine light.
purge valve
"yeah, I replaced the gas cap. I replaced the purge valve and I also replaced the carbon, [2620.6s] I forget what I call it. Vapor canister? Fuel vapor canister? Yeah, the canister."
The purge valve lets fuel vapors from the charcoal canister get sucked into the engine to be burned. If it doesn’t work right, the car may throw an emissions warning light.
A purge valve controls how fuel vapor from the evaporative emissions system is routed into the engine to be burned. When it sticks or fails, the engine can trigger an emissions-related check-engine light and related sensors can keep reporting a fault.
fuel vapor canister
"[2620.6s] I forget what I call it. Vapor canister? Fuel vapor canister? Yeah, the canister. [2626.5s] Yeah, I looked online and they said those are the three things that you would need to do."
This canister traps gas fumes from the fuel tank. When the car is running, it routes those fumes into the engine; if the canister or its vent parts/wiring fail, the car can keep flagging the problem.
The fuel vapor canister is the evaporative-emissions component that captures gasoline vapors and holds them until the engine can safely burn them. If the canister vent valve or related wiring is corroded or not switching correctly, the system can keep failing tests and turning the sensor/check light back on.
vent valve
"either something functional like the [2661.8s] computer is not turning it on or you've got a broken wire because the connectors right at that [2668.4s] canister vent valve in the rear, they're famous for getting corrosion right in the connector"
The vent valve controls how air moves through the charcoal canister. If it doesn’t open/close correctly—or if the plug is corroded—the car can keep detecting an evap problem.
The canister vent valve is the small valve that controls airflow through the charcoal canister as the system cycles. If it’s stuck or the connector/wiring is corroded, the valve may not switch properly, which can keep the evap system from passing diagnostics.
voltmeter
"If you had a scanner, [2687.4s] you could turn it on and turn it off and jump across the two of those with a voltmeter and see"
A voltmeter is a meter that checks electricity in a wire. It helps you confirm whether the car is sending power to a component or if the connection is failing.
A voltmeter measures electrical voltage, letting you verify whether a circuit is getting power or whether a signal changes when commanded. Here, it’s used as part of a diagnostic approach to check the canister vent valve wiring/connection behavior.
smoke machine
"My guess is it's probably not because you've either got that or you got a leak, [2696.5s] one of the two and you've looked at it without using a smoke machine. You never know."
A smoke machine is a tool that pumps in harmless smoke to find leaks. If there’s a crack or loose connection, the smoke shows you where it escapes.
A smoke machine is a diagnostic tool used to locate vacuum or evap leaks by filling the system with visible smoke. The host notes they haven’t used one yet, meaning a leak could still be the cause even if the replaced parts are correct.
Dorman
"But if you're not getting power back there, Dorman sells the canister, they sell the vent valve, [2705.9s] they sell the purge valve, but they also sell that little pigtail that has about six inches of [2710.6s] wire on it."
Dorman makes replacement car parts you can buy after-market. Here it’s mentioned because they sell the specific evap-related parts and a small wiring connector section that often fails due to corrosion.
Dorman is an aftermarket parts brand known for selling replacement components and wiring pigtails for repairs that are otherwise hard to source. In this segment, the host points to Dorman’s canister/vent-related parts and a short wiring pigtail as a practical fix for corrosion-prone connectors.
pigtail
"Dorman sells the canister, they sell the vent valve, [2705.9s] they sell the purge valve, but they also sell that little pigtail that has about six inches of [2710.6s] wire on it."
A pigtail is a short wiring plug-and-lead you can swap in when the connector at the end is corroded. It’s an easier repair than replacing the whole wire harness.
A pigtail is a short section of wiring with a connector on one end, used to replace a damaged connector/circuit without replacing the entire harness. The host recommends it because the evap canister vent valve connector is known for corrosion right at the plug.
diagnostics
"been fired cheaper than diagnostics. But if you have a vehicle that you're working on yourself"
Diagnostics is the step where a mechanic figures out what’s actually causing the problem. Instead of guessing, they test the car to find the real cause before replacing parts.
In this context, diagnostics means the troubleshooting process a shop performs to identify the root cause of a problem (often using scan tools, test procedures, and measurements). The host contrasts paying for diagnostics versus replacing a part that’s commonly failing.
EVAP canister
"So it's right close to the canister then... You'll see the canister and then the ones that aren't attached to the canister are a little closer."
The EVAP canister is a small tank in the car that traps fuel vapors instead of letting them escape. It’s part of the emissions system, and knowing where it is helps you find related parts like valves and hoses.
An EVAP canister is the storage component in the evaporative-emissions system that holds fuel vapors (often using activated charcoal). The host’s description—where it sits and what components attach to it—helps listeners locate the right part for inspection or replacement.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.