How to PERFECTLY Maintain your First Car
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Date: 2024-03-02
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Comments and reviews: 20
heatshield
Chris, this is a great list and awesome video.
Maybe you should do one to focus specifically on using fuse taps.
Two quick safety points for anyone who wants to use them:
1: Use your fuse box diagram to find a fuse which isn’t critical to safety and vehicle operation.
Don’t tap from the airbags, fuel pump, power steering or anything else that is labeled as something you really don’t want to mess with while on the road.
Look for power mirrors or seats or something else that won’t suddenly make the car stop being safe if your wiring interferes with it and blows the fuse.
This shouldn’t be a problem in any proper installation because the fuse tap creates a second protected circuit completely independent of the original one, except for a couple important things to consider.
1. a: Wire gauge. If you’re running two things at once on wires designed to run a lot lighter, it could overheat.
1. b: Computers. Just stay away from anything that is computer controlled like the stereo, navigation, etcetera.
Some modern computers tend to freak out if there are voltage fluctuations while in use.
1. c: You might just do it backwards by accident which is easy. LOL
(This is an entire topic on its own)
2: Only run the tap from a fuse which is of higher amp rating than the one you plan to add. (Referencing 1. a)
The original wiring itself going into that fuse might only be large enough to handle 5 amps and if you use a fuse tap to power something that draws a lot more power, let’s say ten amps, it could fry the wiring that leads to the fuse slot.
So, pick an original fuse slot of high enough rating that matches or exceeds the new device. (Your crazy air horn needs a 30 amp fuse Do not run it through the fuse slot marked Reverse lamp/ trunk release 3. 5amp)
Make sure it’s something that isn’t used to make the vehicle operate safely. Go for something high enough power and basic, like a horn (which is important so keep looking, seat heater, retractable side step motor, power lift gate motor, you get the idea.
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Chris, this is a great list and awesome video.
Maybe you should do one to focus specifically on using fuse taps.
Two quick safety points for anyone who wants to use them:
1: Use your fuse box diagram to find a fuse which isn’t critical to safety and vehicle operation.
Don’t tap from the airbags, fuel pump, power steering or anything else that is labeled as something you really don’t want to mess with while on the road.
Look for power mirrors or seats or something else that won’t suddenly make the car stop being safe if your wiring interferes with it and blows the fuse.
This shouldn’t be a problem in any proper installation because the fuse tap creates a second protected circuit completely independent of the original one, except for a couple important things to consider.
1. a: Wire gauge. If you’re running two things at once on wires designed to run a lot lighter, it could overheat.
1. b: Computers. Just stay away from anything that is computer controlled like the stereo, navigation, etcetera.
Some modern computers tend to freak out if there are voltage fluctuations while in use.
1. c: You might just do it backwards by accident which is easy. LOL
(This is an entire topic on its own)
2: Only run the tap from a fuse which is of higher amp rating than the one you plan to add. (Referencing 1. a)
The original wiring itself going into that fuse might only be large enough to handle 5 amps and if you use a fuse tap to power something that draws a lot more power, let’s say ten amps, it could fry the wiring that leads to the fuse slot.
So, pick an original fuse slot of high enough rating that matches or exceeds the new device. (Your crazy air horn needs a 30 amp fuse Do not run it through the fuse slot marked Reverse lamp/ trunk release 3. 5amp)
Make sure it’s something that isn’t used to make the vehicle operate safely. Go for something high enough power and basic, like a horn (which is important so keep looking, seat heater, retractable side step motor, power lift gate motor, you get the idea.
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aserta
13: 17 the problem is apparent. For confirmation, i checked pictures of other second hand units. all had the same thing. That housing hits stuff in use. I genuinely don't get why they aren't making these modules integrated into the metallic part, with a recess. It's not like the old days when stuff like cameras used to be stolen. They're everywhere now. Almost nobody steals them anymore, so being visible isn't an issue.
15: 46 there's nothing controversial about filling your oil filter. An air gap in an oil system is even more dangerous than an air gap in your cooling system (on account of viscosity AND depending on weather, so even worse in the winter oil changes. In some instances, you can't fill the oil, it's sideways or upside down. That leads some people to believe that it's ok not to. That's not the case, those engines are designed to account for that. The housings are made to deal with that oil gap. That's why some cars, not all, but some cars suffer after you add a relocation kit. At the end of the day, regardless of anything else, if you can fill it, it's not like it makes any difference to you the user. The way i personally see it, i took something from the engine and i'm putting it back in. Simple as that.
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13: 17 the problem is apparent. For confirmation, i checked pictures of other second hand units. all had the same thing. That housing hits stuff in use. I genuinely don't get why they aren't making these modules integrated into the metallic part, with a recess. It's not like the old days when stuff like cameras used to be stolen. They're everywhere now. Almost nobody steals them anymore, so being visible isn't an issue.
15: 46 there's nothing controversial about filling your oil filter. An air gap in an oil system is even more dangerous than an air gap in your cooling system (on account of viscosity AND depending on weather, so even worse in the winter oil changes. In some instances, you can't fill the oil, it's sideways or upside down. That leads some people to believe that it's ok not to. That's not the case, those engines are designed to account for that. The housings are made to deal with that oil gap. That's why some cars, not all, but some cars suffer after you add a relocation kit. At the end of the day, regardless of anything else, if you can fill it, it's not like it makes any difference to you the user. The way i personally see it, i took something from the engine and i'm putting it back in. Simple as that.
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GodLikeMikeLive
The 2013 Ford Escape Titanium was my first car as well and it's still going, problem free, at nearly 140k miles. Highly recommend as a first car. Great for modding too as it has the same 2. 0 engine as the Focus ST. I'd just recommend swapping the screen for the newer SYNC 3 screens for Apple Carplay & Android Auto. Also, don't bother with the 2017-2019 Titanium Escapes as they have coolant intrusion issues due to Ford changing to an open deck block on those model year 2. 0 engines.
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The 2013 Ford Escape Titanium was my first car as well and it's still going, problem free, at nearly 140k miles. Highly recommend as a first car. Great for modding too as it has the same 2. 0 engine as the Focus ST. I'd just recommend swapping the screen for the newer SYNC 3 screens for Apple Carplay & Android Auto. Also, don't bother with the 2017-2019 Titanium Escapes as they have coolant intrusion issues due to Ford changing to an open deck block on those model year 2. 0 engines.
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chrisfix
Hi, electrical engineer here,
Please don't use a lithium ion battery for your 12V. 12V batteries on cars are typically charged to the max constantly. Lead-acid batteries are great for this, and barely degrade under those conditions. They do have issues when you discharge them too low but this is a car so thats unlikely. Lithium ion batteries on the other hand degrade rapidly when kept at a full charge, and are needlessly expensive and bad for the environment.
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Hi, electrical engineer here,
Please don't use a lithium ion battery for your 12V. 12V batteries on cars are typically charged to the max constantly. Lead-acid batteries are great for this, and barely degrade under those conditions. They do have issues when you discharge them too low but this is a car so thats unlikely. Lithium ion batteries on the other hand degrade rapidly when kept at a full charge, and are needlessly expensive and bad for the environment.
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Zachhhhhhhhhhhh
Filling up the oil filter is fine to do, but not necessary. If it was 100% necessary, all cars would have a vertical orientated oil filter with the screw connection at the top. Not all cars have this, which makes it impossible to pre-fill some oil filters.
The residual oil left in the engine from the oil you just drained provides adequate lubrication long enough for oil flow to be established with the new oil.
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Filling up the oil filter is fine to do, but not necessary. If it was 100% necessary, all cars would have a vertical orientated oil filter with the screw connection at the top. Not all cars have this, which makes it impossible to pre-fill some oil filters.
The residual oil left in the engine from the oil you just drained provides adequate lubrication long enough for oil flow to be established with the new oil.
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garyi8608
Very nice Escape and you put a bit of work into it especially with a new turbo. Ouch. I hope it's not an All Wheel Drive and anytime one tire can't be fixed need to replace all four tires, etc. It seems like everyone drops dead and suddenly a family gets a new slapped together identical community house. I hope it last the family a long time and no major issue's. Ouch on the mileage and that it's an all wheel drive.
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Very nice Escape and you put a bit of work into it especially with a new turbo. Ouch. I hope it's not an All Wheel Drive and anytime one tire can't be fixed need to replace all four tires, etc. It seems like everyone drops dead and suddenly a family gets a new slapped together identical community house. I hope it last the family a long time and no major issue's. Ouch on the mileage and that it's an all wheel drive.
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rigelrogers5264
Thanks heaps from aus
Got tboned in a crash and due to no dash cam or anything for that matter to support my case I got a $400 fine for failure to give way w weeks into my licence when in reality the guy whom hit me sped up and hit my ute tub (truck bed) while under the influence and he got off pretty much free and due to volunteer work with army cadets rendering me unable to help them as much as I need
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Thanks heaps from aus
Got tboned in a crash and due to no dash cam or anything for that matter to support my case I got a $400 fine for failure to give way w weeks into my licence when in reality the guy whom hit me sped up and hit my ute tub (truck bed) while under the influence and he got off pretty much free and due to volunteer work with army cadets rendering me unable to help them as much as I need
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chrisfix
Baught a 1998 ford a few months ago, thanks to your videos I’ve been able to work on it very comfortably and have saved over $1, 200 so far still have more work to go but I’ve invested in tools and time. I can’t thank you enough, I’ve binged all your videos despite not needed to replace a windshield let alone stripping a car down but non the less I enjoy them all. Thanks man!
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Baught a 1998 ford a few months ago, thanks to your videos I’ve been able to work on it very comfortably and have saved over $1, 200 so far still have more work to go but I’ve invested in tools and time. I can’t thank you enough, I’ve binged all your videos despite not needed to replace a windshield let alone stripping a car down but non the less I enjoy them all. Thanks man!
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CaptainFalcon92
15: 28 you can have the paper fins soaked if you want. Fill then pour off the excess, no need to fill it to the brim. Especially if like me the filter lays on it's side x)
Truly the engine will never run dry so long you add oil before you crank it. And even then, there's plenty of oil film still everywhere in the engine. The oil mass is mostly for cooling.
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15: 28 you can have the paper fins soaked if you want. Fill then pour off the excess, no need to fill it to the brim. Especially if like me the filter lays on it's side x)
Truly the engine will never run dry so long you add oil before you crank it. And even then, there's plenty of oil film still everywhere in the engine. The oil mass is mostly for cooling.
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General-kh3lc
I do not pre-fill my filters. think about what a filter dose. it filters all those microscopic particles that can cause damage to the engine. by prefilling your putting those particles on the wrong side of the filter. during a fresh oil change everything is lubricated plenty to hold off for a few seconds to get that new oil.
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I do not pre-fill my filters. think about what a filter dose. it filters all those microscopic particles that can cause damage to the engine. by prefilling your putting those particles on the wrong side of the filter. during a fresh oil change everything is lubricated plenty to hold off for a few seconds to get that new oil.
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jacobnaegele8470
When you said the trans fluid was very black, that's about typical for Mercon LV in those 6F35 transmissions. I personally work at a Ford dealer and even at the 60k mark, the trans fluid is very dark. Very good work, great looking Escape Titanium. That family will be very happy with it for a good long while.
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When you said the trans fluid was very black, that's about typical for Mercon LV in those 6F35 transmissions. I personally work at a Ford dealer and even at the 60k mark, the trans fluid is very dark. Very good work, great looking Escape Titanium. That family will be very happy with it for a good long while.
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dykhed6669
Chris the world most definitely needs more people like you in it. from giving your mom her dream car, to giving your dad his dream car, to donating a car to that family in Florida, then donating a giant chunk of change to the charity organization that helped them with the house. WOW!
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Chris the world most definitely needs more people like you in it. from giving your mom her dream car, to giving your dad his dream car, to donating a car to that family in Florida, then donating a giant chunk of change to the charity organization that helped them with the house. WOW!
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starkyslp16
This is a very nice thing to do for a good cause. Not to belittle that, but the Ford Escape isn't known for reliability, and it looks like the 2013 model year is one of the worst rated of all years. Not exactly a great first car. I assumed it would be a Rav4 or CRV or something.
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This is a very nice thing to do for a good cause. Not to belittle that, but the Ford Escape isn't known for reliability, and it looks like the 2013 model year is one of the worst rated of all years. Not exactly a great first car. I assumed it would be a Rav4 or CRV or something.
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caprisun1136
I've heard changing ATF after a certain point (if its never been maintained) can actually harm the transmission is there any truth to this I bought a higher mileage car and dont know the transmission fluid history do you think it's worth trying to change
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I've heard changing ATF after a certain point (if its never been maintained) can actually harm the transmission is there any truth to this I bought a higher mileage car and dont know the transmission fluid history do you think it's worth trying to change
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Zachhhhhhhhhhhh
Awesome to see you helping this family out! Although, I disagree with you about this being the best first car due to the known turbo issues. The typical DIYer won’t want to bother with replacing a turbo; that job is beyond basic maintenance.
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Awesome to see you helping this family out! Although, I disagree with you about this being the best first car due to the known turbo issues. The typical DIYer won’t want to bother with replacing a turbo; that job is beyond basic maintenance.
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itsjake9444
I think the Lexus is250 is the best first car. Super good traction control, 23 mpg, fast, and tons of cargo space. Even comes in awd and rwd, with manual and automatic options. I got my used one from a dealer for only 10k.
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I think the Lexus is250 is the best first car. Super good traction control, 23 mpg, fast, and tons of cargo space. Even comes in awd and rwd, with manual and automatic options. I got my used one from a dealer for only 10k.
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Lukediah
It is not likely the transmission was over filled prior to your service. Most manufacturers, ford included, call for fluid level to be checked while running. If you check your fluid level while running it will be lower.
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It is not likely the transmission was over filled prior to your service. Most manufacturers, ford included, call for fluid level to be checked while running. If you check your fluid level while running it will be lower.
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kylelaw7210
Make sure to provide them with a preventative maintenance schedule so they know the when all this needs to be done again.
Also, it would be a great idea to provide them with a tool kit for working on the car.
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Make sure to provide them with a preventative maintenance schedule so they know the when all this needs to be done again.
Also, it would be a great idea to provide them with a tool kit for working on the car.
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mavricxx
Chris, the ONLY thing I'd add that you missed is to replace the transmission filter. Many people simply forget to do this and this is especially important on vehicles like this one that had overdue fluid change.
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Chris, the ONLY thing I'd add that you missed is to replace the transmission filter. Many people simply forget to do this and this is especially important on vehicles like this one that had overdue fluid change.
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jonmitchell2142
30yrs ago became an ASE mechanic and I enjoy your dedication in all of your videos. The final outcome of this video made me want to comment. We could call you Chris Angel, bravo man, touched my heart.
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30yrs ago became an ASE mechanic and I enjoy your dedication in all of your videos. The final outcome of this video made me want to comment. We could call you Chris Angel, bravo man, touched my heart.
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