Why Do I Have Coolant in My Transmission? How Did It Get There?
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and John from Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair in Tempe, Arizona break down a costly and often overlooked issue: glycol contamination in automatic transmissions.
What happens when your cooling system and transmission system mix? It can lead to serious damage and in many cases, a full transmission replacement
We cover:
What glycol contamination actually is
How coolant gets into your transmission
Why it causes irreversible damage
The “strawberry milkshake” warning sign 🍓
Real-world cases (including a $13,000 repair 😳)
Common vehicles prone to this issue (like certain Nissan models)
How to prevent it before it destroys your transmission
If you drive a car with a transmission cooler built into the radiator, this is something you NEED to know.
Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for weekly car advice, diagnostics, and insider tips.
Bumper to Bumper Podcast Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee.
Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com
https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/
Dave Riccio is the Co-creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio, heard on KTAR News 92.3, every Saturday from 11:00 to noon. Dave has created the Bumper to Bumper Podcast with some of the same themes, just more directed toward a YouTube audience.
Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair
What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light Mean?
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood warning signs in your car…the flashing check engine light.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Is my transmission slipping?”
“Can I keep driving with a flashing check engine light?”
“What does a misfire actually mean?”
This episode gives you real answers from experienced technicians so you can avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident about your car.
We explain:
What a flashing check engine light REALLY means
How engine misfires can destroy your catalytic converter in seconds
Why ignoring it could cost you thousands
The different types of misfires (ignition, fuel, mechanical)
How modern vehicles detect misfires (OBD2 explained simply)
Why your car might feel like a transmission issue—but isn’t
When a misfire won’t trigger a warning light (and why that’s dangerous)
Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for weekly car advice, diagnostics, and insider tips.
Bumper to Bumper Podcast Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee.
Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com
https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/
Dave Riccio is the Co-creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio, heard on KTAR News 92.3, every Saturday from 11:00 to noon. Dave has created the Bumper to Bumper Podcast with some of the same themes, just more directed toward a YouTube audience.
Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair
What Should I Look For in a Trustworthy Auto Shop?
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and Jon break down one of the biggest questions drivers have: Can you actually trust your technician?
They dive into the difference between dishonesty vs. lack of competency, why some diagnoses go wrong, and how customers can protect themselves when dealing with auto repair shops. If you’ve ever felt unsure at a shop or worried about getting taken advantage of, this episode is for you.
What you’ll learn:
Why “not knowing” doesn’t always mean a technician is dishonest
The real reason misdiagnoses happen (and why it’s more common than you think)
Why you should NEVER rely on guesses before proper diagnostics
How specialization (like transmission shops) can make or break a repair
The truth about reviews and why they can be misleading
What actually matters when choosing a trustworthy auto shop
A car is one of your biggest investments. Understanding how repairs work can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-world car advice from experienced technicians.
Bumper to Bumper Podcast Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee.
Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com
https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/
Dave Riccio is the Co-creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio, heard on KTAR News 92.3, every Saturday from 11:00 to noon. Dave has created the Bumper to Bumper Podcast with some of the same themes, just more directed toward a YouTube audience.
Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair
Intermittent Car Problems, Explained (And How We Actually Solve Them)
Ever had your car act up… then suddenly work fine again? You aren't crazy. You’re dealing with an intermittent issue, and it’s one of the hardest problems for technicians to diagnose.
It’s no different than going to the doctor, and all of a sudden, you don’t feel sick.
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and Jon from Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair in Tempe, Arizona, break down:
Why intermittent car problems can be difficult to diagnose
The difference between a hard failure vs intermittent issue
Why your technicians can’t always find the problem right away
When it makes sense to take an educated guess vs full diagnosis
How YOU can help fix your car faster with an event log
Why patience is key when dealing with complex modern vehicles
If you’ve ever taken your car to a shop and heard “we couldn’t duplicate the issue”, this episode explains exactly why and what to do next.
What You’ll Learn:
What “intermittent” really means in car diagnostics
Why no codes ≠ no problem
How modern vehicles make diagnosing harder (not easier)
The real reason repairs can take days or even weeks
How small data points can lead to big answers
Bumper to Bumper Radio - Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee.
Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com/
Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair
Before You Replace Your Transmission, Watch This
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down one of the most feared (and expensive) car problems: transmission issues. But there’s good news. Many drivers assume their transmission is failing when the problem might actually be something much simpler.
Dave and Jon share real shop experiences explaining why 70% of the time people think they need a transmission, they actually don’t. From fluid issues to computer adaptations and even weak batteries, there are several common problems that can cause symptoms similar to major transmission failure.
In this episode we cover:
Why a transmission service won’t always fix a problem
The myth about servicing transmissions after 100,000 miles
How torque converter shudder can sometimes be fixed with fluid
Why bad batteries can cause harsh shifting in modern vehicles
What shift adaptations are and how they affect your transmission
When a cheap fix might save you thousands on repairs
Modern transmissions are incredibly complex with computers, sensors, and adaptive learning systems. Understanding how they work can help you avoid unnecessary repairs and make smarter decisions when diagnosing transmission problems.
Like, comment, and subscribe for more automotive insights from the Bumper to Bumper Podcast.
Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Ahwatukee.
Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com
Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair
Can’t Seem to Fix Your Car’s Overheating Issue?
Many cars today have plastic belly pans and undercovers protecting the underside of the vehicle. Most drivers don’t realize how important they actually are. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down why these plastic shields exist, what happens when they’re missing, and how something as small as a $45 piece of plastic can cause major problems if ignored. For many vehicles, a missing splash shield, chin spoiler, or air dam can disrupt airflow and lead to engine overheating.
From airflow management and engine cooling to protecting critical components from road debris, snow, and water, these underbody panels play a bigger role than most people think. Dave and Jon also share a real shop story where a car received cooling fans, a radiator, and even a head gasket, only to discover the overheating issue was caused by a missing chin spoiler. This is a perfect example of how a small missing underbody panel can lead to a misdiagnosed overheating problem.
In This Episode We Cover:
Why modern cars use belly pans and underbody shields
How missing splash shields or air dams can cause overheating issues
Why manufacturers spend money adding these parts
The real reason some oil leaks never reach your driveway
How parking over curbs damages underbody panels
Why some shops struggle to reinstall them during service
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast.
Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Ahwatukee.
Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com
Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair
Is My Transmission Failing?
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle from Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair break down the real signs of transmission problems and the common symptoms people misinterpret.
Before you assume you need a brand-new transmission (and a massive bill), this episode explains what to watch and listen for.
We Cover:
What does it mean if your car won’t move when put in gear
Whining, growling, rattling,“squawk” noises, and what they indicate
The difference between engine-speed noise vs. vehicle-speed noise
Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse
What “morning sickness” is in older transmissions
How low transmission fluid can mimic serious problems
Why “my transmission is slipping” means 10 different things
The difference between slipping, shuddering, misfires, and harsh shifts
Why proper diagnosis (including a road test) matters
Keep in mind:
70–80% of the time, people think they need a transmission and they don’t. It could be fluid level, a sensor, a misfire, or another repair entirely. Don’t guess. Diagnose.
If you're experiencing unusual shifting, noises, delays, or vibrations, this episode will help you understand what might actually be happening before calling for a replacement.
Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more real-world automotive advice from experienced technicians.
Bumper to Bumper Radio - Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee. Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com/
2014 Nissan Pathfinder CVT Shudder In-Shop Diagnosis | $8,000 Mistake Avoided
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, co-host Jon Riggle walks through an in-shop diagnostic on a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder experiencing hard jerks, shuddering, and surging during acceleration.
This one is interesting because the vehicle went to another repair shop first, which sold the customer engine mounts. When that did not resolve the issue, they reviewed the CVT judder code and recommended a transmission replacement. The mounts were in excess of $2,000, and the transmission was in excess of $8,000. CVT transmissions are often misdiagnosed because people jump to a transmission replacement and don’t take the necessary steps. This was one of those instances.
This Nissan Pathfinder had severe CVT judder and jerking when accelerating. Everything pointed to a failing transmission… until we dug deeper. (this is the part most people skip)
Diagnostic trouble codes on arrival:
P17F0 CVT Judder
P1800 Variable Intake Solenoid
P0101 Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit
The full diagnosis includes:
Road testing with and without scan data
Checking CVT fluid condition and degradation values
Inspecting engine mounts, axles, and suspension
Reviewing fault codes and live transmission ratio data
Performing a full under-hood and under-vehicle inspection
This episode is a great example of why proper diagnostics matter rather than assumptions.
If you’re dealing with:
- Nissan CVT shudder or “judder”
- Hard jerks when taking off
- Hesitation or surging on acceleration
- No warning lights but major drivability issues
…this walkthrough shows exactly how a professional technician isolates the true cause before recommending expensive repairs.
Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more real-world automotive diagnostics, tips, and shop stories!
Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair
Why Your Car Is Making Weird Noises
In this episode, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down one of the most common (and frustrating) problems drivers face: mysterious car noises. From wheel bearing hums and brake squeals to suspension pops, motor mount vibrations, and drivetrain howls. We explain what these sounds usually mean, how to describe them to your mechanic, and when a noise is just annoying versus when it’s a serious safety issue.
If your car is squeaking, rattling, grinding, popping, or vibrating, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
👇 Drop a comment with a noise you’re hearing, and we may cover it in a future episode!
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2012 Mini-Cooper Wind Noise That Won't Go Away
A customer brought in a 2012 Mini Cooper with wind noise. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down how professional technicians diagnose hard-to-find vehicle noises and what drivers should realistically expect from the repair process.
They cover:
Why noise diagnostics are some of the hardest problems in auto repair
How tools like smoke machines and thermal cameras are used to track down air leaks
Why previous windshield or body work can create hidden problems
The difference between nuisance noises vs. serious mechanical issues
How shops decide what’s worth diagnosing and what it costs
Subscribe for more intriguing conversations about car repair, diagnostics, and what's reasonable at the shop.
#autorepair #minicooper #windnoise #carnoise #automotivechannel #carrepair
New, Rebuilt, or Remanufactured Transmissions Explained
Confused about new vs remanufactured vs rebuilt transmissions? You’re not alone. This episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast clears it all up.
In this episode, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down the real differences between new, rebuilt, remanufactured, reconditioned, and recycled transmissions, and explain why these terms are often misleading or loosely defined in the automotive industry. If you’ve ever been told you need a “new transmission” and were quoted $8,000-$10,000, this conversation is a must-watch.
We cover:
What remanufactured transmissions really are (and who actually builds them)
When a used or recycled transmission can be a smart, cost-effective option
Why there is no true industry standard for rebuild terminology
The risks of cheap online transmissions and aftermarket parts
Real-world examples involving dealerships, salvage yards, alternators, AC components, and electronics
How to protect yourself by choosing a reputable, integrity-driven repair shop
Whether you’re deciding if it’s worth fixing your car, questioning a dealership quote, or just want to be a more informed consumer, this episode gives you the knowledge to make confident decisions before stepping into a repair shop.
DIY Car Maintenance - What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do Yourself
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, professional mechanics Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down the top 5 do-it-yourself car maintenance projects and explain which repairs actually make sense to tackle at home and which ones can get you into trouble.
We cover common DIY auto repairs like oil changes, brake jobs, sensors, wiper blades, bulbs, and air & cabin filters, while sharing real-world shop experience, safety tips, and costly mistakes we see every day. If you’re trying to save money on car repairs or wondering “Can I fix this myself?” - this episode is for you.
Topics Covered:
Oil changes: Are they really worth doing yourself?
Brake jobs: When DIY brakes become dangerous.
Sensors & check engine lights explained.
Wiper blades & light bulbs: Easy wins.
Engine air filters & cabin filters done right.
When DIY car repairs actually cost MORE.
Why scan tools matter more than ever.
Common mistakes mechanics see from DIY repairs.
Whether you’re a weekend DIYer, car enthusiast, or just trying to avoid getting ripped off at the shop, this episode gives you honest, mechanic-approved advice you won’t get from most YouTube tutorials.