#2471: Put a Sock in it
Digest
The episode begins with a sponsor message from Indiana University, highlighting their groundbreaking research. The podcast, Carr Talk, hosted by Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, then introduces a discussion about BMW's mandatory ethical training program for dealership employees. The episode features a caller, Ike, who describes a low oil pressure reading on his 1990 Dodge Caravan. The hosts diagnose the issue as likely a faulty oil pressure sending unit or gauge. Another caller, Pam, reports a strange incident where a hot, molten lead-like substance dropped on her foot while driving her 1980 Toyota Corona. The hosts suspect a faulty electrical connection causing overheating and melting. The hosts reveal the solution to the previous week's puzzler, involving a car that lurches on hills due to a clogged fuel filter. They then introduce a new puzzler about a car that won't start despite cranking and smelling gasoline. Bob describes a bizarre incident where his 1988 Ford Sable sucked a sock into the intake manifold while he was working on it. The hosts discuss the potential damage and advise him to start the engine and see what happens. The hosts share a few lawyer jokes and promote their website, cartalk.com, where listeners can find winter driving tips and a new car ownership survey. They also introduce a new puzzler about a car with a broken distributor cap. Barry calls in with a problem where his 1994 Mazda 626's parking brake won't release. The hosts suggest a few solutions, including using a hammer to free up the caliper mechanism and using olive oil to help the car slide out of the garage. The episode concludes with credits and a reminder to listeners to visit the website for more information and to order copies of the show.
Outlines
Automotive Ethics and Car Problems
This episode of Carr Talk explores ethical dilemmas in the automotive industry, specifically focusing on BMW's mandatory training program for dealership employees. The episode also features callers with car problems, including a low oil pressure reading on a Dodge Caravan and a strange incident involving a hot substance dropping on a driver's foot while driving a Toyota Corona.
Puzzlers and Car Repairs
The hosts reveal the solution to the previous week's puzzler, involving a car that lurches on hills due to a clogged fuel filter. They then introduce a new puzzler about a car that won't start despite cranking and smelling gasoline. The episode also features a caller who describes a bizarre incident where his Ford Sable sucked a sock into the intake manifold while he was working on it.
Winter Driving Tips and Parking Brake Issues
The hosts share a few lawyer jokes and promote their website, cartalk.com, where listeners can find winter driving tips and a new car ownership survey. They also introduce a new puzzler about a car with a broken distributor cap. The episode features a caller with a problem where his Mazda 626's parking brake won't release. The hosts suggest a few solutions, including using a hammer to free up the caliper mechanism and using olive oil to help the car slide out of the garage.
Credits and Outro
The episode concludes with credits and a reminder to listeners to visit the website for more information and to order copies of the show.
Carr Talk Introduction
The podcast, Carr Talk, hosted by Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, begins with a brief introduction and a mention of their broadcasting location at the Center for Automotive Industry Ethics.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with credits and a reminder to listeners to visit the website for more information and to order copies of the show.
Keywords
Ethical Training
A program designed to educate employees about ethical principles and practices within a specific industry or organization. It aims to promote responsible behavior, prevent misconduct, and foster a culture of integrity.
Oil Pressure Sending Unit
A sensor that measures oil pressure in an engine and transmits the reading to the gauge on the dashboard. A faulty sending unit can cause inaccurate oil pressure readings.
Distributor Cap
A component in older cars that distributes high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. A broken distributor cap can prevent the engine from starting.
Parking Brake Caliper
A component in a disc brake system that applies the parking brake. A stuck caliper can prevent the parking brake from releasing.
Creepers
A low-lying platform with wheels used by mechanics to access the underside of a vehicle. They are often used for working on cars in garages or workshops.
Car Puzzler
A challenging automotive problem presented to listeners to solve.
Intake Manifold
A component in an engine that distributes air and fuel to the cylinders.
Winter Driving Tips
Advice and recommendations for safe driving during winter conditions.
Q&A
What is the ethical dilemma presented in the BMW training scenario?
The parts counterperson realizes they mistakenly quoted a higher price for a CD player. The dilemma is whether to inform the customer of the mistake and sell it at the lower price or stick to the original quote.
What are some possible causes for a low oil pressure reading on a cold engine?
A faulty oil pressure sending unit, a gauge malfunction, or a problem with the oil pump itself could all contribute to a low oil pressure reading.
How can a driver determine if a distributor cap is broken?
A broken distributor cap will often have visible cracks or broken pieces. It may also cause the engine to misfire or not start at all.
What are some ways to free up a stuck parking brake caliper?
A mechanic can use a hammer to tap on the caliper mechanism to try to free it up. In some cases, the caliper may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
Show Notes
Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy