These Guys Can Help You Fix Your Car Live On The Air
About this episode
Russ and Shannon tackle a variety of listener car issues, providing expert advice on troubleshooting and repairs. They discuss common problems like electrical issues in a 2006 Trailblazer, idle issues in a 2006 Volvo, and oil consumption in a 2015 Silverado. The duo emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance, such as checking PCV systems and fuel filters, and shares insights on aftermarket solutions for AFM systems. With a mix of humor and practical tips, they guide callers through their automotive dilemmas.
Talking calls and helping diagnose car repair problems without going to a repair shop. Check out Under The Hood
car-part.com
"And by car-part.com, over 200 million recycled originally."
car-part.com is a website where you can find used car parts from different sellers, making it easier to repair your vehicle without buying new parts.
car-part.com is an online marketplace that connects consumers with recycled auto parts from various suppliers, promoting sustainability in automotive repairs.
Berkeley One Classics
"Under the Hood is brought to you by Berkeley One Classics, your key to collector car insurance celebrating 50 years in business."
Berkeley One Classics provides insurance specifically for classic cars, helping owners protect their valuable vehicles.
Berkeley One Classics is an insurance provider specializing in collector car insurance, offering coverage tailored for classic and vintage vehicles.
Honda Accord
"...and we'll talk to Bob and Georgia with an 07 accord. Hey, Bob, how you doing?"
The Honda Accord is a popular car that many people use for everyday driving. The 2007 version is known for being reliable and comfortable to ride in.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability and comfort. The 2007 model is part of the eighth generation of the Accord, which features a spacious interior and a variety of engine options.
coil
"Oh, look, the coil is not plugged in. Let's connect it back. I don't know if I've ever had one come in that the coil wasn't."
An ignition coil is a part of the car's engine that helps create the spark needed to start the engine. It takes a small amount of electricity from the battery and turns it into a much larger electric spark that ignites the fuel in the engine.
A coil, specifically an ignition coil, is an essential component in an internal combustion engine that transforms the battery's low voltage to the thousands of volts needed to create a spark at the spark plug. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders, enabling combustion.
injectors
"Now injectors, yes, but coils, no. So yeah, you just be real careful with that."
Injectors are parts of the engine that spray fuel into the engine's cylinders. They help mix the fuel with air so that it can burn properly and make the car run.
Fuel injectors are critical components in modern engines that deliver fuel into the combustion chamber. They spray a fine mist of fuel, allowing for better mixing with air and more efficient combustion, which is essential for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
"So for that trailblazer, problem is in cold weather, I'm going to say 20 degrees or below."
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a type of SUV that can carry people and cargo. It's known for being able to drive on different types of roads, including rough ones.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a midsize SUV known for its versatility and capability. It has been popular for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities.
throttle body
"And they cleaned the throttle body in January 24."
The throttle body is a part of the engine that helps control how much air goes in. This affects how fast the car can go and how well it runs.
The throttle body is a critical component in an engine that controls the amount of air entering the engine. It plays a key role in regulating engine power and performance.
PCV system
"...coming through the PCV system, and it is getting in the throttle body and causing it to stick when it's cold."
The PCV system helps recycle gases from the engine to reduce pollution. If too much moisture gets in, it can cause parts like the throttle body to stick, making the car hard to start or run smoothly.
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is designed to reduce harmful emissions by rerouting gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold for combustion. Moisture buildup in this system can lead to performance issues, like a sticking throttle body.
hot soak
"I mean, that's called a hot soak. You shut it off while the motor is hot. You let it rest for a few minutes."
Hot soak happens when you turn off a hot engine and then try to start it again shortly after. The heat can cause problems with parts that need to cool down before working properly.
Hot soak refers to a condition where an engine is turned off while still hot, causing residual heat to affect components like fuel injectors or throttle bodies. This can lead to issues like vapor lock or difficulty starting the engine after a short period.
Dorman
"Our partner at Dorman makes throttle bodies that have better seals in them so they don't have problems with moisture getting into the motors and causing this issue."
Dorman makes replacement car parts that are often better than the original ones. They focus on fixing common problems that cars have, especially from big brands like General Motors.
Dorman is an aftermarket parts manufacturer known for producing replacement parts that often improve upon the original equipment (OE) specifications. Their products, like throttle bodies, are designed to address common issues found in vehicles from various manufacturers, including General Motors.
fuel filter
"Before I took it back, I thought, well, I'm going to put a new fuel filter on it. Well, I never could find one."
The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it goes into the engine, helping it run smoothly and efficiently.
A fuel filter is a component that removes contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. A clean fuel filter is essential for optimal engine performance and longevity.
returnless fuel system
"...one in the tank on the filter, returnless fuel system. OK, but when you say..."
In a returnless fuel system, the fuel goes straight to the engine and doesn't go back to the tank. This makes the system simpler and can help save fuel.
A returnless fuel system is a type of fuel delivery system where fuel is delivered directly to the engine without returning unused fuel back to the tank. This design helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces the complexity of the fuel system.
Chevrolet Silverado
"... and we'll do that. We talked to Mason with a 15 Silverado. How you doing, Mason?"
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for work or to haul things around. It's popular because it's tough and can handle a lot of different tasks.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, versatility, and durability. It's significant in the automotive market as one of the best-selling trucks in the United States, appealing to both work and recreational users.
transmission
"What is it? A transmission? Is it a is it a?"
The transmission is like the car's gearbox. It helps control how fast the car goes by changing gears, similar to how a bicycle works with different gears.
A transmission is a crucial component in a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. It can be automatic or manual, affecting how the vehicle accelerates and performs.
GMC Yukon
"...the transmissions in the in the 14 through 19 Silverado, Yukon, Denali Escalades, we are putting so many of those in now."
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV that's great for families and hauling stuff. The 2014-2019 models are spacious and powerful.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that shares its platform with the Chevrolet Silverado. The 2014-2019 models are known for their spacious interiors and strong towing capabilities.
Cadillac Escalades
"...he in the 14 through 19 Silverado, Yukon, Denali Escalades, we are putting so many of those in now. We got ..."
reduced engine power message
"...and I got a reduced engine power message. I've had that pop up twice before in the last month or so on a couple..."
When you see a 'reduced engine power' message, it means your car is having a problem that could make it unsafe to drive. The car is trying to protect itself by using less power until the issue is fixed.
A 'reduced engine power' message indicates that the vehicle's engine control unit has detected a problem that could affect performance, prompting it to limit power to prevent damage. This is often triggered by issues with the engine, transmission, or electrical systems.
body control module
"What that indicates is a loss of power and memory in the, in the body control module."
The body control module is like the brain for many electrical parts of a car. It helps control things like windows and lights, making sure they work properly every time you use them.
The body control module (BCM) is an electronic control unit in vehicles that manages various electrical systems, including windows, lights, and locks. It helps maintain the functionality of these systems by storing settings and preferences.
battery terminal
"Battery terminal is corroded, not making as good a connection as it should. From the body to the battery."
Battery terminals are the spots on a car battery where the wires connect. If they get dirty or rusty, it can cause problems with starting the car.
A battery terminal is a connection point on a car battery where the electrical cables attach. Corrosion at these terminals can lead to poor electrical connections, affecting the vehicle's ability to start and operate properly.
load sharing program
"It drops off things that are, so it's, it's got a load sharing program. It wants you to be able to start the car because that's the emergency thing."
A load sharing program helps balance the power used by different parts of the car. If the battery is low, it makes sure important things like starting the engine still work, even if other features have to be turned off.
A load sharing program in a vehicle manages the distribution of electrical power among various systems to ensure that critical functions, like starting the engine, are prioritized when battery voltage is low.
Berkeley Classics
"...Berkeley Classics ensures a wide range of vehicles from sports cars and rare exotic cars to antique vehicles, including cars, trucks, tractors, military vehicles and antique motorcycles."
Berkeley Classics is a company that offers insurance specifically for unique and classic vehicles. They help protect cars, trucks, and even motorcycles, so you know what your vehicle is worth if something happens to it.
Berkeley Classics is an insurance company that specializes in providing coverage for a wide range of vehicles, including sports cars, exotic cars, and antique vehicles. They offer agreed value coverage, ensuring that there is no disagreement on the value of the vehicle in the event of a claim.
Road Ready Wheels
"Road Ready Wheels has the very best aftermarket OEM replica wheels available with a direct fit of the factory center caps and TPMS sensors, so you don't need special caps and sensors."
Road Ready Wheels is a business that sells replacement wheels for cars. They make wheels that fit like the original ones, so you can easily swap them out without needing new parts.
Road Ready Wheels is a company that specializes in aftermarket OEM replica wheels, providing options that fit the specifications of factory wheels. They offer a variety of wheels, including aluminum alloy and steel, catering to different consumer needs.
TPMS sensors
"with a direct fit of the factory center caps and TPMS sensors, so you don't need special caps and sensors."
TPMS sensors are devices in your car that check the air pressure in your tires. If the pressure gets too low, they let you know so you can fix it before it becomes a problem.
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. These sensors monitor the air pressure in your tires and alert you if the pressure is too low, which is crucial for safety and tire longevity.
aluminum alloy wheels
"Road Ready Wheels has both aluminum alloy and new steel wheels to fit many cars on the road today."
Aluminum alloy wheels are a type of car wheel made from a mix of aluminum and other metals. They are lighter than regular steel wheels, which can help your car drive better and look nicer.
Aluminum alloy wheels are made from a mixture of aluminum and other metals, offering a balance of strength, weight savings, and aesthetic appeal. They are often lighter than steel wheels, which can improve handling and fuel efficiency.
Volvo V70
"It's a V 70. It's a 70. Okay."
The Volvo V70 is a type of car called a station wagon, which is designed to be spacious and safe, making it a good choice for families.
The Volvo V70 is a mid-size station wagon known for its practicality and safety features. It has been popular among families and those needing extra cargo space.
fuel pump
"...you've got to pull the tank in order to switch it. But before we pull any fuel pump like that, we checked fuel pressure."
The fuel pump is what moves gasoline from the tank to the engine. If it fails, the car won't get the fuel it needs to run properly.
A fuel pump is a critical component in a vehicle's fuel system that delivers fuel from the tank to the engine. It ensures that the engine receives the proper amount of fuel for efficient combustion and performance.
fuel pressure
"and it's bleeding that fuel pressure off, you turn the key on, pressure comes up to say 55, 60 pounds."
Fuel pressure is how much force the fuel has in the system that sends it to the engine. If it's too low, the engine might not start or run well.
Fuel pressure refers to the pressure of the fuel in the fuel system, which is crucial for proper engine operation. It needs to be at a specific level for the engine to start and run efficiently.
evaporative emission system
"maybe the engine in that evaporative emission system. The canister is the most likely culprit on this."
This system helps keep harmful fuel vapors from leaking into the air. It collects these vapors and sends them to the engine to be burned instead.
The evaporative emission system is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. It captures and stores these vapors in a canister until they can be purged into the engine for combustion.
canister
"The canister is the most likely culprit on this. The canister and vent valve under there."
This part holds fuel vapors so they don't escape into the air. If it gets too full of liquid fuel, it can cause problems with how the engine runs.
The canister in the evaporative emission system stores fuel vapors until they can be purged into the engine. If it becomes saturated with liquid fuel, it can cause performance issues.
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