Episodes

A challenging no-start issue on a 2014 Ford Fiesta leads to a deep dive into diagnostic techniques, focusing on starter engagement and control module signals. Despite initial assumptions about voltage and starter relay faults, the root cause was traced to a severe voltage drop on the transmission ground cable, affecting the transmission control module's park/neutral signal and causing the ECM to release the starter relay. The episode highlights the complexity of modern diagnostics, the importance of thorough voltage drop testing, and lessons learned from real-world troubleshooting.

Exploring the fascinating world of kei vehicles, this episode dives into their popularity in Japan and their emerging presence in the U.S. Bobby and Aaron discuss the unique designs, efficiency, and practicality of these compact cars and trucks. They share personal experiences from Japan, highlighting the modification culture and various models like the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino. The hosts also debate the recent bans on kei vehicles in some U.S. states, questioning the safety concerns and advocating for their utility in small businesses and everyday use.

A rainy Saturday leads to discussions about upcoming car shows and events in the Hampton Roads area, including the Creepy Car Show and Liberty Transmissions' grand opening. The hosts share a bizarre story about a woman arrested for wrapping her car like a police vehicle, sparking debates about car wraps and auction practices. They also explore the future of automotive technology, including VR for car repairs and Tesla's new lift kit, while brainstorming ideas for interactive car games. The episode is filled with humor and insights into the automotive community.

Ford declares it has reached its limit in UAW contract negotiations amid ongoing strikes, with GM and Stellantis likely nearing their top offers. Tesla faces unionization efforts in Germany, prompting wage raises at its Berlin plant. Ford and SK On boost wages at their US EV battery plants, while the UAW pushes for full contract inclusion. Kia reveals EPA ranges for its new EV9 SUV, and the US is on track to sell one million EVs this year, with Tesla's market share declining despite sales growth. VW reports strong EV sales globally but below targets, and BMW secures a massive battery deal to support its EV expansion.

A detailed diagnostic journey on a 2009 Honda Civic with a crank-no-start issue reveals complexities beyond a simple starter or battery problem. The host explores communication failures with the PCM and immobilizer modules, unusual power feed configurations, and the impact of a potentially reversed battery connection. Through methodical testing of grounds, power supplies, and data lines, the culprit is identified as a dead PCM. The episode highlights the importance of systematic troubleshooting, understanding module interdependencies, and the quirks of Honda’s electrical systems, culminating in a successful PCM replacement and vehicle start.

John Vincent from U.S. News joins the In Wheel Time Podcast to discuss the ongoing UAW strike and its implications for the automotive industry. The conversation delves into General Motors' recent concession to allow UAW representation in new battery factories, the complexities of labor negotiations, and the potential impact on vehicle prices. The hosts and Vincent explore the challenges faced by the Big Three automakers, the significance of CEO compensation, and the future of union negotiations amidst rising costs and competition from non-union manufacturers.

Matt Farah drops a wide-ranging car origin story: from memorizing magazine specs as a kid, to working for an exotic rental company where he learned what actually breaks in supercars, to the early YouTube era of selling DVDs and doing reckless “content” that still circulates online. The conversation also covers minivan love, obscure Japanese weirdos, and the realities of hybrid/EV driving. Later, they get into creator consistency, algorithm headaches, and why Matt speaks his mind—plus debates on body kits, clout-chasing, and comfort vs performance.

Bill Clem, CEO of e-bliss, discusses the future of electric vehicle infrastructure, particularly the role of truck stops in providing charging stations. He highlights the need for improved charging facilities to support the growing demand for electric vehicles. The conversation also touches on the challenges of electrifying heavy-duty trucks and the misalignment between government regulations and market readiness. Additionally, Mars reviews the 2023 Kia PHEV SX Touring, noting its features and performance, while the hosts share insights on upcoming automotive events.

Exploring the automotive culture in Japan, the hosts share their experiences from a recent trip, highlighting unique vehicles and the practicality of Japanese cars. They discuss their visits to Mazda and Honda facilities, showcasing factory tours and the impressive range of vehicles. The episode also touches on the differences in car ownership and design philosophy in Japan compared to Australia, emphasizing the appeal of K cars and the efficiency of smaller vehicles. The hosts share personal anecdotes, including their adventures in go-karting through Tokyo, making for an engaging and informative listen.

Vernon Wilhelm from Northside Mustang joins the discussion to unveil insights about car show judging and the upcoming judging clinic. Listeners learn what judges look for, the importance of car owner interactions, and how to present vehicles effectively at shows. The episode also covers the latest automotive news, including recalls and industry trends, making it a well-rounded listen for those interested in car culture and community events.

Insights on auto insurance and road safety take center stage with Richard Johnson from the Insurance Council of Texas and Daniel Armbruster from AAA Texas. They discuss the alarming rise in auto insurance rates due to increased distracted and aggressive driving. The conversation also touches on the importance of having a good relationship with your insurance agent, the impact of technology on driving safety, and the benefits of behavior-based insurance programs. Additionally, the episode features a segment on synthetic oil and its advantages over conventional oil, making it a well-rounded discussion for car enthusiasts.

Exploring the evolution of engine tuning, this episode delves into the shift from traditional boost control to torque-based tuning in modern ECUs. Paul from Ecutech explains how drive-by-wire technology revolutionized power delivery and torque management, enhancing drivability and performance. The discussion highlights the complexities tuners face when adapting to these systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding torque limits and safety parameters to achieve reliable performance. Insights on the integration of torque control with automatic transmissions, particularly dual-clutch systems, are also covered.

Explore the vibrant world of Corvette culture with the Space City Corvette Club as they gear up for their upcoming car show. AJ shares insights about the event, including its charitable focus on Texas EquiSearch, which aids in search and recovery efforts. The hosts also discuss scenic fall road trips, highlighting stunning routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the San Juan Skyway, perfect for enjoying autumn foliage. With a mix of car talk, community spirit, and travel tips, this episode is packed with engaging stories and useful information.

A deep dive into the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, this episode explores over 50 new EVs set to debut by 2024. The hosts discuss the political and economic factors influencing the EV market, including government funding and public perception. They also touch on the challenges of EV adoption, such as charging infrastructure and battery disposal. With a mix of humor and insightful commentary, the conversation highlights the evolving automotive landscape and the place of EVs within it, alongside traditional vehicles.

Tomi Oliva shares a deeply personal journey about health struggles, including weight gain, sleep apnea, anxiety, and the impact of diet on overall well-being. The conversation explores the challenges of unhealthy eating habits common in the automotive industry, the benefits of discipline in diet and exercise, and the importance of mental health awareness. Tomi discusses his transformation through gastric surgery, gluten-free eating, and lifestyle changes, emphasizing how health directly affects performance and quality of life for technicians and everyone else.

The latest episode dives into the ongoing UAW strike, highlighting a significant breakthrough with GM regarding worker compensation at electric vehicle battery plants. The discussion also features Ron Llewellyn from Northeast Texas Community College, who shares insights about the Shelby Automotive Program and its unique projects, including the restoration of a rare Shelby GT350. Additionally, a review of the redesigned 2023 GMC Canyon showcases its impressive features and performance, making it a standout in the midsize truck segment.

The episode dives deep into the story of MotorX, the first company to import and federalize Nissan Skylines in the U.S. Hosts Bobby and Aaron recount the rise and fall of MotorX, detailing how founder Hero Saki's ambition led to a series of missteps, including financial mismanagement and legal troubles. They discuss the impact of MotorX on the car community, the challenges of federal regulations, and how one man's actions shaped the market for imported cars for years to come. The episode is rich with anecdotes and insights into the automotive import scene.

A detailed diagnostic case study of a 2013 Cadillac CTS experiencing a start-then-stall issue. The host investigates whether the problem is related to the anti-theft system, fuel delivery, or sensor data, ultimately discovering a ground fault at a key relay ground point. This faulty ground caused voltage issues that intermittently cut injector pulses, leading to stalling. The episode highlights the importance of not ignoring recurring codes, even if they seem unrelated, and demonstrates thorough diagnostic steps including scanning, data PID analysis, and electrical testing to pinpoint the root cause.

Engaging tales from the Houston Fire Department intertwine with automotive adventures in this lively episode. Retired firefighter Jackie Hansen shares humorous anecdotes from his career, including a memorable encounter involving lipstick and a calendar. The discussion shifts to his prized 1966 Nova, which he restored and showcases at car shows, even landing a role in an upcoming movie. The episode features camaraderie among car enthusiasts, lively banter, and insights into the challenges of restoring classic cars.

Exploring the best engine platforms for tuning, this episode features Conn from Croydent Racing Development, who shares insights on his journey in the automotive world, particularly with the record-holding R32 Nissan Skyline GTR, Jun 2. Conn discusses the evolution of tuning practices, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of tuning high-performance engines. He emphasizes the significance of learning from experience and adapting to new technologies, while also providing valuable advice for aspiring tuners. The conversation dives deep into technical aspects of EFI tuning, engine management, and the intricacies of drag racing.

A lively discussion unfolds as James and his co-host reflect on their recent car show experience at a school, highlighting a mix of impressive vehicles including a guards red 930 and a lava orange GT3 RS. They share stories from a road trip through the Rockies, emphasizing the joy of driving and the camaraderie of car culture. The conversation takes a philosophical turn, questioning the outrage within the Porsche community over limited editions and ownership experiences, ultimately advocating for a more relaxed perspective on car enjoyment. The episode wraps up with a video recommendation featuring a stunning private Porsche collection.

The ongoing UAW strike is severely impacting the US automotive supply chain, with widespread layoffs and financial strains on suppliers. Automakers like GM and Ford have secured large credit lines, signaling readiness for a prolonged strike. Ford's latest offer includes significant wage increases and retirement benefits. Meanwhile, GM's EV sales grow modestly, and Honda updates its Passport Trail Sport with off-road enhancements. Toyota partners with LG Energy for US-made batteries. US Q3 vehicle sales surprisingly rose 20%, with GM leading. Ford's German plant sale fell through, and electric truck advancements from Daimler and Rivian highlight industry shifts. Lucid introduces a more affordable Air model.

Scott Simmons returns for part two of his insightful conversation on personal growth and mentorship in the automotive industry. He shares his journey of transformation, emphasizing the importance of investing in self-development and the impact of strong mentors. Scott reflects on his past struggles with self-image and health, revealing how these experiences shaped his commitment to helping others. The episode highlights the significance of balance in life, the value of relationships, and the rewards of seeing one's children rise to challenges. It's a powerful testament to resilience and the ongoing journey of self-improvement.

James Pumphrey opens up about the gap between his loud on-camera persona and his quieter, shy real-life self, plus how comedy shaped his approach to car content. He discusses handling recognition, criticism, and hate comments, and how Donut balances creativity with YouTube “click” pressure—citing a gross stunt (blood in an engine) as a turning point. The conversation also covers his comedy-to-cars origin story, mental health practices, burnout prevention, and shifting goals toward presence, family, and legacy beyond YouTube.