The Troubleshooter 04-03-26
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The Troubleshooter Show episode delivers a comprehensive mix of consumer advocacy, automotive expertise, and legal guidance, hosted by Tom Martino and featuring a rotating panel of experts including Kevin Culkin and Jeff Vick from Sheridan Auto Tech, national Lemon Law expert Steve Lato, and guest Ralph from Beyond Borders Dental. The episode opens with a compelling story of Larry, who was denied a $992 gap rebate after refinancing his Honda CRV, highlighting how dealerships can unjustly withhold refunds sent by insurers—a situation Tom vows to help resolve. The show then tackles systemic issues in digital advertising, as Ralph recounts Facebook’s arbitrary ban of his dental tourism business without explanation or appeal, underscoring the lack of transparency in big tech platforms. Legal and automotive insights follow, with Steve Lato clarifying that used cars sold 'as is' offer little protection unless fraud is proven, and emphasizing the importance of documentation for Lemon Law claims. The panel also advises on preventative maintenance, the risks of turbocharged engines, and the value of top-tier gasoline, while warning against misleading third-party warranties. Later segments address real-world issues like fluctuating engine temperatures, check engine lights, and speedometer leaks caused by internal transmission seals, with practical solutions and trusted repair sources recommended. Property disputes are also explored, including a neighbor’s fence encroachment by inches, where Tom advises that minor issues may not warrant legal action, but significant ones should be resolved through survey verification and, if necessary, legal recourse. The episode concludes with a reminder to proactively address issues—whether mechanical, financial, or legal—to avoid larger complications down the road.
If you refinance a car and cancel gap coverage, you are entitled to a refund, and dealers cannot legally withhold the check sent by the insurer.
Big tech platforms like Facebook can ban businesses without explanation or appeal, creating a dangerous lack of transparency and accountability in digital advertising.
Used cars sold 'as is' offer minimal consumer protection unless fraud or false claims are proven; always get a pre-purchase inspection and written repair records.
Third-party warranties on used cars are often ineffective due to extensive exclusions and lack of incentive for providers to pay claims.
A check engine light, even if intermittent, indicates a stored fault code that must be diagnosed—never assume it’s harmless.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Larry's Gap Rebate Scam: Dealership Withholds Refund
“You paid off your car early using your own credit union. And therefore, you want a refund for the rest of the gap coverage you're not using. The Gap Company sent the check to Fowler, and Fowler is keeping it. That's it. Okay, and you deserve that money.”
Ralph's Facebook Ban: Big Tech's Hidden Power
“They banned us and said if you keep doing it, you're banned for life, yet he doesn't know what do you mean keep doing? Now, you said did they actually tell you to change your URL or are you doing that on your own? No, that our advertising company has said this is a potential workaround.”
Steve Lato on Lemon Law: Consumer Rights & Real-World Challenges
“The first reported case at the Court of Appeals in Michigan on the Lemon Law back in 1993... was a Ford truck where Ford said we'd like to fix this guy's truck but we don't have parts. And the truck was out of service for more than 25 days. And so we brought the action and Ford said their defense was parts were unavailable. And the Lemon Law specifically says that parts unavailability is not a defense to a Lemon Law claim.”
Reverse Mortgages & Vehicle Buying: Practical Advice
Tom helps Naomi, whose mother has dementia and a reverse mortgage on her home. He advises her to buy the house to avoid Medicaid complications and refers her to an expert. The episode also debates the 'perfect' all-around vehicle, with panelists favoring versatile SUVs and trucks.
Car Temperature Gauge Issues and Cooling System Diagnosis
Tom and the panel discuss a listener's concern about a car's temperature gauge creeping up and cooling down intermittently. They identify potential causes such as low coolant, a sticky thermostat, or a failing fan clutch, emphasizing that the engine should regulate temperature consistently.
“In a couple inches, this fence is actually on my property. I know, I know. Okay. Can we get her back and I'll help her on Monday? I really will.”
“They banned us and said if you keep doing it, you're banned for life, yet he doesn't know what do you mean keep doing? Now, you said did they actually tell you to change your URL or are you doing that on your own? No, that our advertising company has said this is a potential workaround.”
“The first reported case at the Court of Appeals in Michigan on the Lemon Law back in 1993... was a Ford truck where Ford said we'd like to fix this guy's truck but we don't have parts. And the truck was out of service for more than 25 days. And so we brought the action and Ford said their defense was parts were unavailable. And the Lemon Law specifically says that parts unavailability is not a defense to a Lemon Law claim.”
Hosts
Guests
Tom Martino
person
Steve Lato
person
Beyond Borders Dental
organization
Meta
organization
Larry
person
Fowler Honda
organization
Honda Financial
organization
Jeff Vick
person
Kevin Culkin
person
Barbara
person
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