Author Biography
Derek Miller is a seasoned automotive technician based in Colorado who brings over 12 years of hands‑on expertise to every engine bay he opens. From his first summer job sweeping floors at a neighborhood repair shop to leading major diesel performance upgrades, Derek has built a reputation for practical problem‑solving, meticulous attention to detail, and a friendly, customer‑first approach.
Background & Early Career
Derek grew up tinkering alongside his father's old Chevy pickup, learning how to swap spark plugs and patch leaky hoses before he could drive. Fresh out of school, he dove into the garage world full‑time. By his mid‑20s, he was the go‑to mechanic for friends, neighbors, and local small‑fleet operators.
Career Progression
Shop Lead
At age 28, Derek was promoted to lead technician. He managed a four‑bay team and trained new hires in best practices for engine diagnostics, safety protocols, and high‑torque drivetrain alignment.
Independent Specialist
Eager to tackle complex diesel jobs, he branched out as an independent consultant, focusing on heavy‑duty pickups, commercial vans, and small industrial equipment. He’s consulted on everything from truck maintenance schedules to 24‑hour emergency repair programs for local delivery fleets.
Performance & Reliability Expert
Over the last five years, Derek has specialized in performance tuning for Ford F‑Series and GM Sierra trucks, blending factory‑grade scan‑tool diagnostics with carefully calibrated aftermarket modules to boost power without sacrificing longevity.
Diesel Performance Upgrades: Skilled in recalibrating ECM parameters and optimizing exhaust system modifications to extract up to 30% more torque while maintaining fuel efficiency and reliability.
Preventive Maintenance: Designs fleet‑wide maintenance plans that reduce unplanned downtime by up to 40%.
Customer Communication: Known for breaking down technical issues into clear, jargon‑free explanations and offering cost‑effective repair options.
Articles
September 05, 2025
What Does P04DB Mean? How to Diagnose and Fix It
This article explains the P04DB OBD code for diesel trucks. Read on to learn common symptoms, likely causes, step-by-step diagnostic checks mechanics use, repair options and cost ranges, and practical prevention tips for both street and race applications. It is written for DIY owners and service technicians seeking reliable, actionable guidance.
August 22, 2025
How to Delete 2013-2017 6.7L Cummins Diesel Truck
Diesel Emission Parts
,
Diesel Engine ·
Cummins
,
Diesel Engine
,
Diesel Emission Parts ·
EGR
,
Diesel Emission Parts ·
DPF
,
Diesel Emission Parts ·
CCV
This guide outlines what a "delete" entails for 2013–2017 6.7L Cummins trucks and answers common owner questions about components, sequencing, tuning needs, and choosing DIY versus professional installation. It also highlights legal considerations and legal alternatives for track or off-road use.
August 15, 2025
How to Delete a 2011-2019 Powerstroke Diesel Truck
Diesel Engine ·
Powerstroke
,
Diesel Emission Parts
,
Diesel Emission Parts ·
EGR
,
Diesel Emission Parts ·
DPF
,
Diesel Emission Parts ·
CCV
This guide explains deleting a 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke (F-250, F-350, F-450). It outlines what components are affected, risks, tuning needs, and whether to DIY or hire a shop, giving you clear answers to common delete questions for these model years.
August 11, 2025
What Is a Straight Pipe? Guide to Performance, Noise and Legality
This article explains what a straight pipe exhaust is, why enthusiasts install one, and the real tradeoffs involved. You'll learn expected performance and sound changes, safety and legal concerns, installation basics, and practical tips for truck and diesel owners so you can decide whether a straight pipe makes sense for your use case.
August 01, 2025
Prevent and Fix P2003 Code: Your Diesel DPF Troubleshooting Guide
This article covers everything you need to know about the OBD‑II code P2003. You’ll learn how to recognize its symptoms, identify common root causes, follow a step‑by‑step diagnostic process, and explore repair options with typical U.S. costs.
July 29, 2025
How to Diagnose and Repair P2002 DPF Code on Your Diesel Truck
This article walks you through everything you need to know about the OBD‑II code P2002. You’ll learn how the DPF system works, common symptoms and root causes, step‑by‑step diagnostic methods, repair options with typical U.S. costs, and practical maintenance tips to help you avoid or resolve P2002 issues.
July 25, 2025
Understanding and Fixing P2453 Code in Diesel Vehicles
This guide covers the essential facts about the P2453 trouble code in diesel vehicles. You'll find helpful information on identifying the symptoms, understanding possible causes, and exploring diagnostic and repair options—ideal for diesel truck owners and anyone dealing with DPF sensor issues.
July 20, 2025
2008–2010 6.4L Ford Powerstroke Guide: Specs, Issues & Proven Solutions
This article dives into the 2008/2009/2010 6.4L Ford Power Stroke’s core specifications, key upgrades over the 6.0L, real‑world reliability data, and the most common failure points. You’ll also find practical maintenance tips, model‑year comparisons, and owner‑tested solutions to help you troubleshoot issues, improve longevity, and get the best performance from your diesel truck.
July 09, 2025
Is the 2007.5–2009 6.7L Cummins Reliable? Full Breakdown for Truck Owners
Below we explore the design, key specifications, and performance characteristics of the 2007.5–2009 6.7L Cummins engine, comparing it to its 5.9L predecessor, evaluating real‑world reliability, diagnosing common failure points, and outlining maintenance and upgrade strategies, delivering truck owners the essential insights to optimize durability, avoid pitfalls, and improve long‑term dependability.
June 28, 2025
How to Straight Pipe a Diesel Truck on a Budget in the US
This guide explains how to straight pipe a diesel truck on a budget in the U.S., covering key considerations without overwhelming technical detail. You’ll learn what a straight-pipe system is, why enthusiasts choose it, how to select the right exhaust diameter and material, installation basics, tuning and cost comparisons, plus ongoing maintenance. It’s a clear resource for any diesel owner exploring this upgrade.
June 20, 2025
Fix P2452 DPF Pressure Sensor Error Code Like a Pro
The following guide to OBD‑II code P2452 offers clear insights into Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) pressure sensor faults on all diesel vehicles. You’ll learn how the DPF and its differential pressure sensor work, recognize symptoms like limp mode or failed emissions tests, pinpoint common causes, and apply effective repair and prevention strategies. Expert tips help you maintain optimal DPF performance and avoid future P2452 faults.
June 09, 2025
2017–2023 6.6L Duramax L5P: Specs, Improvements & Reliability
This article provides a comprehensive look at the 2017–2023 6.6L Duramax L5P diesel engine, covering its core specifications, reliability factors, common issues, emissions components, and popular modification strategies. Whether you need to know how much horsepower a Duramax L5P has, understand maintenance considerations, or explore safe upgrade paths, this guide will answer your key questions about maximizing performance and dependability from your L5P.
June 03, 2025
2008–2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke: Specs, Reliability & Maintenance
Below, you’ll find an in-depth overview of the 2008–2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke engine. This guide addresses its origin, performance specs, typical failure points, lifespan expectations, and preventive maintenance measures. Additionally, you’ll learn about common repairs, upgrade paths, and legal considerations related to emissions, helping you make informed decisions for a more reliable and long-lasting Powerstroke experience.
May 30, 2025
What Does It Mean to Delete and Tune a Diesel Truck
The following article offers a comprehensive overview of tuning and deleting a diesel truck, outlining essential considerations for performance enhancements, legal compliance, and associated expenses. It aims to answer common questions about what deletion and tuning entail, how they affect engine behavior, and what costs to expect. Readers will gain clear insights to make informed decisions about modifying their diesel pickups or heavy-duty trucks.
May 29, 2025
P0400 Code: Understanding EGR Flow Malfunction
This article explains key aspects of the P0400 code, including its meaning, common symptoms, underlying causes, and diagnostic steps. By breaking down how EGR flow malfunctions occur and how to address them, it helps you understand what actions to take when this trouble code appears—ensuring better engine performance, reduced emissions, and long-term reliability for your diesel vehicle.
May 28, 2025
How to Diagnose and Fix P0402: Excessive EGR Flow Issues
Discover the meaning of the P0402 code, its common causes, symptoms, and effective solutions. A comprehensive guide for diesel truck owners and DIY enthusiasts.
May 27, 2025
P0401: EGR Flow Insufficient – Symptoms, Causes & Fixes
Learn what DTC P0401 means, its common causes, symptoms, and how to fix “EGR Flow Insufficient” issues. Practical guide for diesel truck owners and DIYers.
May 26, 2025
Diesel OBD Explained: DTC Structure, Scan Tools, and Diagnostic Workflow
Explore the history and core functions of OBD-II for diesel trucks. Understand fault code formats, scan tool usage, and emission system diagnostics like EGR and DPF.
May 25, 2025
Overview of Diesel Truck Exhaust Systems in the U.S.
Diesel trucks in the U.S. use complex exhaust systems with turbos, DOCs, DPFs, and SCRs to meet EPA regulations. Emission laws since 1991 have shaped each stage, with tougher NOx rules driving EGR and SCR use. Understanding this system is key before exploring its evolution, components, upgrades, and engine-specific applications.
