TOTY mechanic shop

09/08/2026

Another Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI back on the road.

This truck came into Toty Mechanic Shop with one of the most common exhaust problems found on 5.7L HEMI engines: broken exhaust manifold bolts.

After disassembly, we found 6 broken manifold bolts on the driver side and 3 on the passenger side, for a total of 9 broken bolts.

This is a well known issue on many Ram trucks equipped with the 5.7 HEMI. Repeated heating and cooling cycles cause the exhaust manifolds to expand and contract. Over time, that movement can place excessive stress on the manifold hardware, eventually causing bolts to loosen or break. Common symptoms include a ticking noise, especially during cold starts, exhaust leaks, and increased engine noise.

For this Ram we:

Repaired and removed the broken exhaust manifold bolts

Installed new exhaust manifold hardware and gaskets

Reassembled and sealed both exhaust manifolds

Modified the exhaust system

Removed the factory muffler

Completed and inspected the exhaust installation

This was not just about making the truck sound better. The priority was repairing the exhaust leaks correctly and addressing the broken manifold hardware before completing the exhaust modification.

If your Ram 1500 has a ticking sound when you start it, especially when the engine is cold, do not ignore it. It may be an exhaust manifold leak or broken manifold bolts.

TOTY Mechanic Shop
Norfolk, Nebraska

Professional diagnostics. Quality repairs. Work done right.

Send us a message to schedule your Ram or HEMI repair.

08/27/2026

RAM 1500 — 3.5” Lift Kit Installation

Another suspension upgrade completed at Toty Mechanic Shop.

For this RAM 1500, we installed a 3.5-inch lift kit to give the truck a taller, more aggressive stance while maintaining a clean and functional setup.

Before starting the installation, we documented the stock ride height and took measurements at multiple points. We then disassembled the suspension, installed the new lift components, reassembled everything correctly, and performed final measurements to verify the results.

The photos show the complete process: stock height, installation, final measurements, and the finished truck.

The result is a noticeable increase in height and clearance, with a much stronger overall stance.

At Toty Mechanic Shop, suspension work is more than just installing parts. We measure before and after, inspect the components during installation, and make sure the job is done correctly.

3.5” Lift Kit Installation
Suspension Upgrades
Lift & Leveling Kits
Before & After Measurements

Toty Mechanic Shop
Norfolk, Nebraska

Looking to lift or level your truck? Send us a message for an estimate.

08/23/2026

Jaguar XK X150 in for an electrical fault that turned out to be much more than a simple bulb or fuse issue.

The license plate lamps had voltage present with no load, but the circuit dropped to 0V as soon as the lamps were connected. After a full electrical inspection and system-level diagnosis, the fault was traced to the Auxiliary Junction Box / Body Control Module B (BCMB), where the solid-state output for the lighting circuit had been electronically disabled after a fault condition.

We carried out circuit testing, module access, fault analysis, reset and initialization procedures, and reconfiguration of the existing BCMB/Auxiliary Junction Box through the Jaguar diagnostic system.

After completing the recovery procedure, the output was restored and verified under real load.

Final result: license plate lights operating correctly, module functioning normally, and no active BCMB faults remaining.

At Toty Mechanic Shop, we don’t guess and we don’t replace parts unnecessarily. We diagnose the system, identify the root cause, and repair the problem correctly.

Toty Mechanic Shop
800 E Norfolk Ave
402-713-6218

08/23/2026

Today at Toty Mechanic Shop we worked on a 2013 Nissan Juke that came in with the battery light and the red BRAKE light staying on all the time.

The customer had previously been told that the problem could be related to the ABS system, modules, and other expensive electronic components. Before replacing anything, we decided to go through the basics and diagnose the vehicle properly.

We started by cleaning the battery terminals to rule out corrosion or poor contact. After that, we began checking the electrical system and battery condition.

The battery itself was already in very poor condition. It is rated at 550 CCA, but during testing it was only producing about 290 CCA, with around 28% battery health. The tester gave a BAD / REPLACE result.

The bigger problem showed up once the engine was running. Instead of the voltage going up and staying in a normal charging range, it started dropping. We saw readings around 11 volts, then 10 volts, then 9.38 volts, and it continued falling into the 8-volt range and almost down to 7 volts.

At that point the vehicle was basically running off the battery alone. The interior lights started getting weaker, the electrical systems began losing power, and the vehicle was getting close to shutting down.

To confirm the problem, we connected our Viking 250-amp jump starter to support the electrical system while the engine was running. Once the external power source was connected, the system voltage immediately came back up to around 13.4 to 13.8 volts.

That was the key part of the diagnosis. As soon as the voltage was brought back into a normal range, the battery light went out, the red BRAKE light went out, and the vehicle started operating normally again.

That confirmed that the main problem is a failed alternator that is not charging the vehicle properly. Because the vehicle had been running for so long without proper charging, the battery also became heavily discharged and damaged.

This is also a good example of why warning lights do not always mean that the module behind that light has failed. When system voltage drops this low, modules throughout the vehicle can start receiving unstable power. That can cause warning lights, strange readings, communication issues, and fault codes that may point someone in the wrong direction.

Before replacing expensive ABS modules or other electronic components, the charging system, battery, grounds, and main power supply should always be checked first.

At this point the recommended repair is to replace the alternator, replace the battery, replace the accessory belt while the alternator is being serviced, inspect the belt tensioner and pulleys, and then perform a complete charging-system test and final scan after the repair.

The repair has not been completed yet. This post is showing how we arrived at the diagnosis and confirmed the actual cause of the problem.

At Toty Mechanic Shop, we believe in testing first and replacing parts only after the problem has been properly confirmed.

08/23/2026

Another successful transmission diagnosis and repair at Toty Mechanical Shop.

This GMC came in with a serious transmission issue. The truck was not recognizing the gear selector correctly, it would not allow the engine to start, and the transmission control module was showing multiple electrical fault codes. The transmission temperature sensor was even reading -40°F, which was a strong sign of an open circuit or loss of communication inside the transmission.

Before replacing any parts, we performed a complete diagnostic process. We checked battery voltage, transmission-related fuses, power and ground circuits under load, TCM communication, reference voltages, external connectors, gear range signals, and circuit continuity. The electrical system outside of the transmission was working correctly, so we continued the diagnosis internally.

After removing the transmission pan and filter, we found the real problem: internal electrical connections had been installed incorrectly, one connector was damaged/broken, and part of the internal harness was not making proper contact. We repaired and secured the damaged connection, properly reconnected and inspected the internal wiring, installed a new filter and pan gasket, and refilled the transmission with the correct Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid to the proper level.

After the repair, the truck immediately began recognizing Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive correctly, the transmission temperature reading returned to normal, and the system began operating as it should.

At Toty Mechanical Shop, we do more than just remove and replace parts. We have the diagnostic and programming equipment needed to work on modern transmission systems, read and interpret fault codes, monitor live data, communicate with transmission control modules, and perform programming and setup procedures when required.

We can also help with replacement transmissions that need electronic setup, module configuration, relearns, or VIN-related programming so the replacement transmission can properly communicate with the vehicle.

Modern transmission repair is not just mechanical anymore. Bolting a transmission into a vehicle is only part of the job. The electronics, modules, programming, and communication systems also have to be diagnosed and set up correctly.

If your vehicle has a transmission problem, does not recognize the gears, is stuck in limp mode, will not start because of a range fault, or you installed a replacement transmission that still needs programming or setup, contact Toty Mechanical Shop.

Diagnose first. Repair what is actually needed. Program it correctly.

Thank you for trusting Toty Mechanical Shop.

08/17/2026

TOTY Mechanic Shop is now offering advanced transmission programming and electronic diagnostic services for modern vehicles

If you replaced a transmission and the vehicle needs programming, relearning or adaptation, we can help

We can also diagnose vehicles with harsh or erratic shifting, PRNDL recognition problems, limp mode, communication faults and other transmission related electronic issues

Our services include transmission programming after replacement, TCM PCM and ECM programming, transmission relearns, adaptive value resets, factory software updates, module coding, calibration procedures, advanced electronic diagnostics and complete system scanning

We also work with other repair shops that need help with programming or advanced diagnostics

If you have a vehicle that needs programming, coding, relearning or a more in depth diagnosis, send us the year, make, model and a short description of the problem

TOTY Mechanic Shop
800 E Norfolk Ave
Norfolk, NE

Call or text
402 713 6218

08/16/2026

2007 Ford Edge SEL 🚗🔧

This vehicle came into the shop with a serious power issue and would not start properly. After diagnosing the problem, we found a weak battery along with heavily corroded battery terminals and electrical connections.

Work performed:
• Complete vehicle diagnostic scan
• Cleaning and restoration of battery terminals and electrical connections
• Re-clamping and securing battery cables
• Installation of a new DieHard Gold H6 750 CCA battery
• Multiple start-up and operating tests

Result: the vehicle is now starting normally and operating correctly.

TOTY Mechanic Shop
Proper diagnosis, professional repair, real solution.

08/07/2026

Every vehicle that enters our shop gets the attention it deserves.

Today’s jobs included a complete transmission service on a Ford Mustang and a full diagnostic, repair and system verification on a Cadillac Escalade.

We believe in diagnosing problems correctly before replacing parts. That’s how we save our customers time and money.

If you’re looking for honest service and professional diagnostics, we’re here to help.

08/06/2026