Episodes

A detailed diagnostic case study of a 2014 Subaru Forester with a persistent C1241 left rear wheel speed sensor circuit code reveals a complex electrical issue. Despite sensor replacements, the code persisted due to voltage bleed within a key connector (B99) in the left front kick panel. The host explores active style wheel speed sensors, circuit testing techniques, and the challenge of detecting voltage on the plastic connector housing, suggesting hidden corrosion or an unusual electrical path. The episode highlights advanced troubleshooting steps and the importance of thorough wiring inspection in ABS sensor circuit faults.

The discussion covers advancements in automotive sensor placement, highlighting Gentex's integration of thermal cameras in rearview mirrors to meet upcoming EU and NHTSA mandates for improved night-time pedestrian detection. The episode also explores the growing interest in 48V electrical systems beyond Tesla, including multi-voltage batteries and ultracapacitors from Clarios. Emerging mobility concepts like vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are gaining traction with automakers and suppliers. Additionally, Magna's sensor fusion technology aims to predict accidents milliseconds ahead, while Tremic develops high-performance electric drive units. The episode touches on shifting vehicle import trends in China and legacy suppliers adapting to EV markets.

Anthony Naanos, a general manager at All Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep, shares his insights on leadership and customer service at the Drive Centric event in St. Louis. He emphasizes the importance of personal development, leading by example, and fostering a positive work environment. The conversation highlights the need for servant leadership and building relationships with both customers and employees. Naanos reflects on his journey from the financial sector to the automotive industry, advocating for a culture of encouragement and growth within dealerships.

Brad Thompson from God's Garage shares insights on the charity's mission to provide reliable transportation to those in need. The discussion covers the vehicle donation process, the challenges of throughput in their new facility, and the importance of reliable cars for single mothers and military families. The episode also touches on the emotional aspects of car donations and the community impact of their work. Listeners will gain an understanding of how God's Garage operates and the difference it makes in people's lives.

John Oates—Hall & Oates’ living legend—swaps music talk for a deep dive into his lifelong car obsession and the mindset behind creative success. He traces his passion from early singing to European sports cars, road-racing magazines, and touring in a Pontiac GTO during the gas-crisis era. Oates also recounts karting, racing schools in England, and a serious IMSA moment in a Pontiac Fiero. The conversation then broadens to mentorship, AI songwriting, EV grid concerns, and how he stays grounded while chasing artistic freedom.

The ongoing UAW strike shows no signs of ending soon, with President Biden supporting a 40% pay raise demand, intensifying tensions with Detroit automakers. The union aims to cause prolonged disruption, fueling a broader labor movement. Meanwhile, EV sales in the US surge 80% year-over-year, led by Tesla, though Volkswagen cuts production due to weak demand. New tech highlights include BMW's expanded plug-in hybrid lineup and Bosch's innovative fisheye backup camera. Affordable options emerge with Nissan's $17,225 Versa, and Germany's solar EV charging subsidies sell out in a day, reflecting shifting automotive trends and challenges.

The latest episode dives into the ongoing UAW strikes affecting the auto industry, highlighting the implications for workers and manufacturers. Michael Woody from Auto Appraisal Network shares insights on selecting trustworthy build shops for car restorations and discusses the upcoming Woody's Waterfront Car Show. The episode also features a review of the Kia EV6, detailing its performance and features. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about the current automotive landscape, restoration tips, and event highlights.

Tensions rise as Ford halts construction on a Michigan battery plant amid UAW strike negotiations, highlighting the complex interplay between labor, politics, and the EV transition. President Biden's visit to striking workers contrasts with former President Trump's anti-EV stance. Meanwhile, global trade tensions surface with the EU investigating Chinese EV subsidies. Nissan commits fully to electric models in Europe, while Honda debuts new EV concepts at a Japanese mobility show. Chinese suppliers dominate automotive display markets, and Ford introduces digital license plates. AAA reports a sharp increase in the annual cost of car ownership, reflecting broader economic pressures.

Jill Seminello and Kristen Shaw share their experiences participating in the all-female Rebelle Rally, a challenging navigational event covering 1200-1500 miles through off-road terrain. They discuss the unique aspects of the rally, including the use of paper maps and compasses, the camaraderie among competitors, and the challenges of off-roading in modified vehicles. The episode also features a segment on diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), explaining its role in reducing emissions and the importance of proper handling and storage.

The ongoing UAW strike has become a major political issue with President Biden and former President Trump both engaging with strikers. Ford's Canadian union deal includes restored pensions, setting a benchmark for UAW demands in the U.S. The strike's expansion to parts depots threatens supply chains and public services, while striking workers face limited financial support. Chinese automaker NEO is preparing for a U.S. market entry, and China leads global vehicle exports. Europe faces potential EV tariffs between the UK and EU, risking significant losses. Meanwhile, manual transmissions are seeing a surprising resurgence in U.S. sales, driven by younger buyers and nostalgia.

Dale Villar Acelar shares his journey from the entertainment industry to automotive sales, emphasizing the importance of customer-centric communication. He discusses how Drive Centric transformed his dealership's processes, enabling better engagement through video and personalized interactions. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships, adapting to technology, and maintaining transparency in sales. Dale's insights on effective communication and customer service showcase how a focus on the customer can lead to success in the automotive industry.

The episode dives into the ongoing UAW strike's impact on the automotive industry, highlighting inventory issues and dealership challenges. Blake Moe from Moe Muscle Cars shares insights about his business, which specializes in classic car restorations and modern upgrades. He discusses the shop's history, the types of vehicles they work on, and the importance of quality service. The hosts also touch on upcoming racing events and the longest bridges in the U.S., making for a well-rounded discussion for automotive enthusiasts.

Discussion centers on the ongoing UAW strikes and their ripple effects on the automotive industry, including impacts on suppliers and assembly plants. The hosts delve into the complexities of tiered wage structures and negotiations between the UAW and major automakers. Additionally, there's a review of the 2023 Kia Telluride, highlighting its design, performance, and competitive pricing. The episode also features automotive news, including dealer reputation rankings and the transition to electric mobility, making it a comprehensive look at current industry trends.

Malcolm Trammell shares his journey from military diesel mechanic to automotive technician and now full-time instructor at Austin Community College. He discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching automotive electronics and engine performance, the evolving curriculum to include hybrid and EV technologies, and the importance of staying current with diagnostic tools. Malcolm also talks about balancing mobile diagnostics work with teaching, the realities of working in dealership and corporate shop environments, and his passion for mentoring students to succeed in diverse automotive careers.

Exploring the often overlooked R33 Skyline, this episode dives into its unique characteristics, sub-models, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Hosts Bobby and Aaron discuss the R33's design evolution, affordability, and the various models available, including the GTS and GTR variants. They share personal anecdotes, including a nostalgic story about a high school friend who fulfilled his dream of owning a Skyline. The episode also touches on the R33's cultural impact, particularly its appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise, and highlights the rarity of certain models, making it a fascinating listen for fans of Japanese performance cars.

Tensions escalate as the UAW extends strikes against GM and Stellantis, abandoning traditional bargaining tactics to maximize impact. Toyota plans a major EV production ramp-up, aiming for 1.5 million EVs by 2030, introducing new models like the BEZ compact SUV. Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad halts all U.S. sales of ICE motorcycles due to fuel system issues, except for its electric model. The EU proposes strict rules for carbon-neutral e-fuels, sparking debate. Used car prices surge, pushing buyers toward older vehicles. Volkswagen updates its electric Q4 e-tron with better performance and charging.

Excitement builds for ASOTU CON 2023 as hosts Lu Ramirez and Fred Lenard discuss the upcoming event with guests Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier. They highlight the improvements made since last year, including a larger venue and an engaging lineup of speakers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in the automotive industry, with a focus on loving people more than cars. Attendees can expect great food, networking opportunities, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to inspire and energize. Special events like Taco Tuesday and a live concert promise to enhance the experience.

The discussion dives deep into the ongoing UAW strike, highlighting the potential for escalation as union leader Sean Fain sets a deadline for further plant shutdowns. Guests Kayle Hall, Lorie Harbor, and Sam Fiorani analyze strategies, the impact on automakers, and the ripple effects on suppliers and local economies. The episode explores the dynamics of negotiations, the role of social media in shaping public perception, and the challenges of transitioning to electric vehicle production. With insights from industry experts, the conversation reveals the complexities of labor relations in the automotive sector.

Shannon Matus shares insights about the Texas Mile, a thrilling event where participants push their vehicles to the limit over a mile-long stretch. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event invites cars and motorcycles to compete in speed trials at Chase Field in Beeville, Texas. Shannon explains the logistics, including technical inspections and licensing requirements for different speed classes. The camaraderie among participants and the festive atmosphere, complete with a Texas barbecue, make this event a unique experience for both drivers and spectators.

The UAW strike is disrupting Mercedes-Benz production by targeting a key axle supplier, signaling a potential new strategy to pressure transplant automakers and possibly Tesla. The union faces financial strain as layoffs increase, while negotiations continue with no major breakthroughs. Meanwhile, EV sales in Europe surged 102%, impacting internal combustion engine suppliers. Advances in automotive tech include Mercedes’ digital twin manufacturing and AI-driven painting processes, plus Chinese automakers launching smartphones integrated with EV functions. The episode also highlights new automotive-grade chips developed in China and Germany, reflecting the industry's tech evolution.

Two complex diagnostic cases involving cam and crankshaft reluctor sensors highlight the challenges of interpreting circuit codes. A 2016 Mazda CX-9 with a no-start issue revealed a damaged camshaft reluctor wheel missing most teeth, while a 2014 Infiniti QX-80 showed a faulty crankshaft reluctor on the flex plate after timing chain repairs. Both cases emphasize the importance of using oscilloscope waveforms to verify sensor signals and patterns rather than relying solely on code definitions. The episode also discusses how some vehicles run on cam sensors alone and the critical role of timing and sensor integrity in engine management.

Dan Saylor joins the Car Guy Coffee Podcast to share his journey in the automotive industry, discussing his experiences with CRM solutions and the importance of transparency in vendor relationships. He reflects on his past interactions with Drive Centric and how the company's evolution has influenced his decision-making. The conversation highlights the challenges of CRM changes, the significance of building trust with clients, and the value of community within the automotive sector. Dan's candid insights and the camaraderie between him and the hosts create an engaging atmosphere for listeners.

Peter Brown, supervising sound editor for Fast & Furious (including Tokyo Drift), breaks down how movie car sounds get built—down to recording microphones in the engine bay, cabin, exhaust, and trackside for specific “signature” noises. He shares his path from sound-curious kid (radio/BBC Radiophonic Studio) to USC film grad, then into Hollywood sound work via key mentors. Car highlights include the iconic rotary RX-7 Hans sound, diesel “cheats,” and driver-driven performance like Han’s Maverick skids. He also discusses EV sound design, imperfection as character, and advice about knowing yourself.

Faisal Hassan from Carfax shares insights on how consumers can effectively research used cars, emphasizing the importance of vehicle history reports and understanding data points like previous ownership and accident history. The discussion also highlights the growing trend of used car prices and the significance of maintenance records. Additionally, Mars reviews the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, detailing its features, performance, and competitive pricing in the compact crossover segment. The episode wraps up with a calendar of upcoming automotive events.