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Dirt Road Auto & Diesel LLC., Wichita, KS (2026)

06/18/2026

Is your vehicle truly highway-ready? 🛣️☀️

We just wrapped up a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper inspection on a customer’s 2013 Honda Ridgeline Sport 3.5L. The owner brought it to us because the steering wheel was violently shaking at 60 mph, and they wanted it dialed in sooner rather than later.

Our deep-dive vehicle health check uncovered several critical maintenance items that needed immediate attention to restore safe, smooth handling and engine longevity.

🛠️ Our Top Technician Findings:
* The Shake: Traced to worn suspension and drivetrain components, including a leaking driver-side front strut and a passenger-side CV axle boot that was actively throwing grease.
* The Engine Vital: The truck arrived with no oil showing on the dipstick.
* Critical Engine Maintenance: The timing belt (recommended every 60k miles) was showing medium fatigue and was due for a replacement alongside the spark plugs.
* Braking Issues: The rear brakes were down to 3mm with uneven wear, signaling a potentially seized driver-side caliper bolt or line.

✅ The Solution:
The customer gave us the green light to tackle the full repair order. We replaced the critical timing belt and spark plugs, addressed the suspension issues to eliminate that 60 mph highway shake, serviced the braking system, and got the engine oil levels safely topped off.

This Ridgeline is now completely refreshed, safe, and riding smoother than ever! Thank you for trusting our small-town shop to protect your investment and keep your family safe on the road.

Does your vehicle need a reliable health check before summer travel? Drop us a message to get on the schedule! 🗓️

06/17/2026

Big summer road trips require big peace of mind! ☀️🚙

We hadn't seen this customer’s 2014 F-150 3.5L since 2024, but they brought it back to us ahead of a massive out-of-state trip planned for the second week of June. They were noticing an intermittent Check Engine Light, a burning oil smell, and a strange "whoosh/woow woow" noise during hard acceleration.

Our team did a comprehensive, top-to-bottom vehicle inspection to make sure this truck is safe for the highway. Here is what our technician uncovered and resolved:

🛠️ The Inspection & Findings:
* The Check Engine Light: Traced to a slow O2 sensor reading, which was actually caused by a broken exhaust manifold stud letting unmetered air into the system.
* The Burning Smell: The passenger side valve cover was leaking oil directly onto the hot exhaust manifold.
* The Mystery Noise: Under the hood, we found heavy evidence of mice! A rodent had chewed up the engine cover and completely chewed through the driver’s side turbo boost tube boot, causing that massive air-rushing noise under acceleration.

✅ The Fix & Results:
The customer gave us the green light on the mechanical repairs while choosing to tackle the battery and rear brakes themselves. We replaced the turbo lines and fittings, fixed the exhaust manifold and broken stud, installed a fresh valve cover, and replaced the chewed-up boost tube.

The result? That loud acceleration noise is exponentially quieter, the oil leak is sealed, and the engine is breathing happy again. This Ford is officially ready to dominate the highway this summer!

Thank you for trusting us to get your rig road-trip ready!

06/09/2026

🤠 7.3 LITER POWERHOUSE SAVED FROM A DISINTEGRATED THERMOSTAT FAILURE! 🤠

This classic 1993 Ford F350 7.3-liter powerhouse rolled into the shop for some serious cooling upgrades, critical safety fixes, and a brand-new transmission temperature gauge to keep tabs on its recently rebuilt transmission. We love keeping these old-school haulers working hard on the road!
Here is how our tech team sorted through the project and caught a few major issues before they caused a breakdown:

🔧 Cooling & Transmission Upgrades:
* Customer Parts Installed: Successfully installed the customer-provided radiator, coolant reservoir, fresh coolant, and an upgraded transmission oil cooler.
* The Save: During tear-down, we discovered the factory thermostat water outlet was completely disintegrated. We replaced it on the spot to avoid a catastrophic coolant leak!
* Transmission Monitor: Added a new aftermarket transmission temperature gauge so the owner can protect their investment.

❄️ A/C System Deep Dive:
* The truck came in needing an A/C top-off, but our inspection revealed a deeper issue.
* Our tech pulled the or***ce tube and found internal debris and metal flakes. To fix it right, the A/C compressor and drier will need a full replacement alongside a total line flush.

⚠️ Safety & Belt Drive Updates:
* Failed Pulley: Discovered the accessory belt tensioner pulley had completely failed and replaced it to prevent the truck from throwing a belt.
* Wiring Protection: Proactively removed the wire loom on the main battery-to-battery positive cable right where the holding clamp meets the loom. This simple tweak eliminates friction and avoids a major short-circuit down the road!
* Steering Notice: Noted the steering wheel is cocked to one side and feels loose, which will require further diagnostic time in the future.

The engine oil cooler was backordered, so we will see this big rig back in the shop soon to finish up the lubrication system! Thank you for choosing us to maximize the life of your classic truck.
.3

06/08/2026

🐎 CRITICAL COOLING RESCUE: 2016 MUSTANG GT OVERHEATING DIAGNOSIS! 🐎

This 2016 Mustang GT was towed to our shop after a major overheating scare on the road. The customer noticed a sudden coolant warning on the dash, added coolant, but it didn't fix the issue- and then the engine started rattling. With a 1-hour diagnostic budget approved, our team got straight to work tracing down the root cause of the failure.

Here is what our diagnostic tear-down and pressure testing revealed:

🔍 Tech Findings & Catastrophic Pump Failure:
* The Culprit: We pressurized the system and found the water pump was leaking severely right out of the snout.
* The Damage: Upon removing the water pump, our tech discovered the internal impeller was completely in pieces!
* The Repair: We replaced the shattered water pump and recommended replacing both drive belts, which were heavily soaked and saturated in coolant (preventing future squeaks, squeals, and premature wear).

🧪 The Ultimate Test (Checking the Head Gasket):
* Because the engine overheated severely and suffered a rattling noise, checking for engine damage was our top priority.
* After installing the new pump, we performed a combustion leak test. Good news: The head gasket test came back negative!
* While an intense overheat can sometimes cause minor structural stress that shows up down the road, there is absolutely no head gasket leak or engine block failure at this time.

💧 Post-Repair Status:
* All coolant hoses are holding tight with zero leaks.
* We cleared out a massive list of over-temperature and module codes (including P0217 and P06B8), and the vehicle currently has no active DTCs.

We love keeping our local drivers informed every single step of the way, giving them honest answers so they can line up their budget and make the best decisions for their ride. Thank you for trusting us to save this Coyote V8!

06/05/2026

🚗 MYSTERY NOISE DIAGNOSED: 2015 CHEVY IMPALA LTZ INSPECTION! 🚗

This 2015 Chevy Impala LTZ came into the shop for a full vehicle inspection and a steady, frustrating rear-end noise that sounded like constant road noise while driving. Since this is our customer's primary vehicle, we wanted to be incredibly thorough, scan every system, and pinpoint exactly what was going on.

Here is what our comprehensive inspection uncovered:

🔍 Critical Engine & Drivetrain Findings:
* The Oil Leak: On arrival, the engine was extremely low on oil, barely registering on the dipstick. Our tech tracked the issue down to an oil filter that was hanging on by just a few threads and leaking significantly. We properly secured the system to prevent immediate engine damage.
* Potential Leaks: Found evidence of a potential rear main seal or transmission leak. The area will need to be thoroughly cleaned down the road to pinpoint the exact source.

👟 Suspension & Road Noise Diagnostics:
* Blown Struts: Both front struts are completely blown, with the passenger side actively leaking fluid, majorly impacting ride quality and handling.
* The Mystery Noise: During our test drive, our tech could hear the steady noise changing and becoming more pronounced when turning the vehicle. This indicates a wheel bearing is likely on its way out, though old or unevenly worn tires could also be contributing to the sound.

💻 Electrical & Computer Health:
* Ran a full diagnostic scan on arrival and caught a handful of communication codes across multiple modules, including the Body Control Module (BCM), Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), Radio, Amp, and Keyless Entry.

We got the green light from our customer to move forward with the necessary repairs to make this daily driver safe, smooth, and dependable again! Thank you for trusting us to take care of your primary ride and stretch your hard-earned dollar.

06/04/2026

⛽ BUDGET-FRIENDLY FIX: 1993 JEEP WRANGLER ROAD-READY 4 SALE! ⛽

This classic 1993 Jeep Wrangler came into the shop needing some attention on the fuel system. The owner is getting ready to sell the vehicle, so the goal was simple: keep it budget-friendly but make sure the repair is safe, reliable, and completely fixed for the next driver!

Here is how our tech team took care of it:

🛠️ Fuel System Repairs:
* The Problem: Located a broken clamp on the fuel line that was causing issues.
* The Line Fix: Replaced the 5/16" rubber hose stretching from the hard fuel line directly to the fuel tank.
* The Tank Update: Installed a customer-provided fuel filler neck and vent hose to ensure the system seals up perfectly.

We love helping our customers maximize their resale value without breaking the bank! This Jeep is now ready for its next adventure with a fully secured fuel system. Thank you for trusting us with your classic rig!

06/03/2026

🚨 FROM BARN FIND TO PROM RIDE: 1970 CHEVY C20 RESURRECTION! 🚨

This 1970 Chevy C20 came to us after sitting for years with a parasitic draw and a no-start condition, but we dug in deep to get it road-ready just in time for Prom!
Here is a breakdown of the major overhaul our tech team pulled off:

🔧 Getting it Running & Fuel System Overhaul:
Replaced the leaking fuel tank and leaky fuel lines under the cab.
Replaced the seized fuel pump with an OEM equivalent.
Bypassed a cracked metal fuel line under the cab with heavy-duty rubber hose.
Tore down, cleaned, and completely rebuilt the carburetor, which had seized jets, large debris, and missing internal parts.
Replaced the fuel filter twice to clear out years of system debris.

⚡ Electrical & Cooling Fixes:
Fixed incorrect carburetor choke wiring and replaced the undersized HEI battery source wire with a proper -10 wire.
Bypassed a bad neutral safety switch to get it firing up consistently, due to the quick turnaround time required for prom.
Installed a customer-provided key switch facia and a new distributor.
Removed a fire-hazard fan wire and installed a brand-new fan relay kit with a temperature sensor. The fan now kicks on perfectly at 180°!
Flushed out muddy water from the cooling system and cleaned heavy rat nests and dirt from the engine bay.

📊 Gauges & Drivetrain Updates:
Got all stock gauges functioning, though the gas gauge recently started reading empty and will need future in-dash diagnostics (the sending unit tested good).
Resolved 90% of the transmission leak by tightening the pressure line fittings and topped off the fluid.
Verified that the high/low beams, running lights, brake lights, and turn signals are all in full working operation.

📝 Tech Recommendations for Next Time:
Ignition: Recommend new spark plugs and 90-degree plug wire ends (straight ends won't clear the headers), which should clear up a slight remaining stumble.
Gauges: Recommend adding a manual interior coolant temperature sensor, as the stock cluster uses a dummy gauge.
Safety & Maintenance: The body bushings are shot and need replacement, and the exhaust mufflers need turn-downs to direct heat away from the new fuel lines.

We even made sure to leave the original fuel pump in the truck so the customer can rebuild it. Thank you for trusting us with this classic truck project!
&Diesel

06/01/2026

🧩 THE ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTIC PUZZLE: 2001 Ford F-150 5.4L Triton 🧩

Talk about a diagnostic rollercoaster! This trusty 2001 F-150 arrived at our shop with a sudden "crank, no start" condition. The family had owned this truck for over six years without a single major issue, so when it suddenly refused to fire up, they knew it was time for professional eyes.

The customer gave us a 2-hour budget to track down the issue. Our team ended up spending over 3 full days of deep-dive testing, research, and trial-and-error to map out this electrical mystery. Because we believe in true small-town friendliness and fair pricing, we only billed the customer for 3 hours of diagnostic time!

Here is how our master technician cracked the code on this incredibly complex electrical failure:

🛠️ THE FUEL SYSTEM INVESTIGATION
* First Clue: We checked fuel pressure and found it maxed out at a weak 20 PSI. It should safely sit between 40-45 PSI.
* The Test: We used a quick burst of brake cleaner to bypass the fuel delivery. The truck fired up instantly but wouldn't stay running. This confirmed it needed a new fuel pump.
* The Plot Twist: We installed a new fuel pump and the customer-provided fuel filter. But the truck still wouldn't start. Then, a security module code popped up (B2477 Module Configuration Failure).

⚡ THE DEEP ELECTRICAL DIVE
* No Spark, No Fuel: Suddenly, the truck lost both spark and fuel. We noted that the engine was not sending an RPM signal. Without an RPM signal, the PCM (engine computer) does not know when to fire the spark plugs.
* The Oil Intrusion: We pulled the crankshaft position sensor and found the internal connector completely coated in engine oil. The oil had migrated right through the sensor! We replaced it, but the PCM still received zero signal.
* Bypassing the Wires: We hand-ran a bypass harness from the PCM directly to the sensor to eliminate any broken wires. Still no signal. We load-tested every single power and ground to the PCM, GEM module, and Anti-Theft module. Everything passed.

🔍 THE SMOKING GUN
With standard tests exhausted, our tech completely pulled the PCM computer out of the truck and disassembled it on the workbench. Under a high-powered magnifying lens, the hidden truth finally emerged:
* Extensive corrosion hidden deep inside the MOSFET transistors that control the RPM signal.
* Large amounts of corrosion eating away at the circuit board directly underneath the main CPU chip.

The computer was literally rotting from the inside out, making it impossible to process the engine's signals!

🔧 THE RESOLUTION
Repairing the old board was too risky due to the severe internal damage under the chips. The customer approved a replacement PCM, which we swapped in and programmed directly to the truck. While it was on the lift, they also had us install a brand-new-to-him passenger-side running board to freshen up the exterior!

This was easily one of the toughest electrical ghosts we have chased down all year, but persistence pays off. This Ford is finally back to running like a top!

We can handle even the most stubborn electrical issues to get your vehicle back on the road safely.
If you want to keep your truck or family fleet in top shape, let us know!
&Diesel

05/29/2026

💨 MISDIAGNOSIS SAVED: 2021 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 💨

When this 2021 Ram 2500 work truck arrived with white smoke pouring out of the exhaust, the owner feared the worst: a blown head gasket. A combustion gas test fluid had turned yellow, which usually points to a massive engine teardown. Because this is a crucial work truck, the customer needed it back on the job as soon as possible.

Before tearing into a heavy-duty engine, we always verify the facts first. Our team's careful diagnostic process saved this customer massive amounts of time and money!
Here is what our technicians uncovered and repaired:

🛠️ THE DIAGNOSIS
-The Clue: We checked the live and historical misfire data. There were absolutely zero misfires on any cylinder, which strongly indicated coolant was not entering the engine's combustion chambers.
-The Real Culprit: Knowing this, we suspected a failed EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler instead of a head gasket. Our technician scoped inside the EGR system and found it completely flooded with excessive coolant.
-Bonus Finding: We also discovered a leaking hose tucked away right under the intake manifold.

🔧 THE REPAIR & ROAD TESTING
-EGR Replacement: We pulled the failed unit and installed a brand-new EGR cooler.
-System Check: Once replaced, we re-tested the entire cooling and head gasket system. The issue was completely resolved!
-Custom Hose Fix: Our tech hand-fabricated a brand-new hose under the intake to eliminate the secondary coolant leak.
-Catalytic Converter Watch: We monitored the catalytic converters closely. Because coolant passed through the exhaust, we verified they are working fine right now, but we advised the customer to keep an eye on them down the road.
-Maintenance & Codes: The truck had a stored P0405 code that was not active, meaning the truck's PCM just needs a normal driving cycle to run its tests and clear it out. We also knocked out a fresh oil change to keep the engine healthy.

Instead of a multi-week, multi-thousand-dollar head gasket rebuild, we got this vital work truck fixed correctly, safely, and back on the job site in record time!
&Diesel

05/28/2026

💔 ENGINE BREAKDOWN: 2001 Pontiac Firebird 💔

This classic Firebird came to us on a tow truck after it started making a terrifying, loud noise from the engine bay while running. What makes this extra tough is that this is actually the vehicle's second engine, which was installed just about 6 months ago.

The owner had put a lot of care into it- noticing oil in the coolant, pulling the engine, installing a new rear main seal, and keeping the intake clean. But once it fired back up, that heavy knocking noise started. They brought it to us to find out exactly what went wrong.

Our team ran a complete diagnostic dive into the motor:

🛠️ THE DIAGNOSIS
-Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): On arrival, we pulled codes for an alternator/generator performance issue (P0620) and a right front wheel speed sensor malfunction (C0040).
-The Investigation: Our technician first noted that the vehicle arrived 1.5 quarts low on engine oil.
-The Smoking Gun: To find the source of the noise, the tech removed the oil filter and cut it completely open. Inside, we found a catastrophic sight: heavy metal shavings, metal chunks, destroyed rod bearing material, and metal debris.

❌ THE VERDICT
-Unfortunately, the internal metal debris confirms catastrophic engine failure. The rod bearings have disintegrated, meaning this Firebird is going to need another replacement engine to safely spread its wings and get back on the asphalt.

It is never the news we want to deliver to a customer who has already put so much work into their car, but we are here to provide honest answers and help them figure out the next steps.
&Diesel

Dirt Road Auto & Diesel LLC.

06/18/2026

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm