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‘I Guess if It Works, It Works:’ Mechanic of 23 Years Works on Ford Ranger. He’s Never Seen Something Like This

'Improvise-adapt-overcome.'

Ford Ranger knob

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Natasha Dubash

By: Natasha Dubash

Jul 3, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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A mechanic with 23 years on the job shared an interesting DIY fix that he came across on a Ford Ranger.

The TikTok account for Xerowerx (@xerowerx) went viral after the mechanic, Trevor Farid, shared what he found while working on the car. He claimed he had never seen anything like it in all his time as a “mechanic of all things automotive.”

In the video, the autoworker speaks directly into the camera and explains, “I’ve been a mechanic for 23 years now, long time. And I’ve seen some stuff. … I’ve seen some stuff that you just wouldn’t think was physically possible that works.”

“But I want to show you something I never seen before,” he continues.

Farid explains that while he was trying to get the mileage off the truck he was working on, he happened to notice a fix the owner had done. But what stopped the professional in his tracks was the unusual nature of the DIY repair job.

“Let me show you,” he says before walking over to the truck.

“Got a Ford Ranger,” Farid says, and moves in closer on the driver’s side. He then zooms the camera in toward where the headlight controls are usually located and reveals the strange fix.

“Got a valve stem for his headlight knob,” the mechanic exclaims. He then clicks it over a few times to show that the valve stem is completely functional as the headlight knob.

“I guess if it works, it works,” Farid says, while wondering how many people not in his profession would know what the valve stem really is.

Motor1 reached out to Xerowerx via Instagram and TikTok direct messages.

Was the Fix a Bad Idea?

The video garnered over 11,000 views, and several viewers found the repair as unusual and amusing as Farid. However, they all seemed to agree with him, a fix that works, works.

“Improvise-adapt-overcome,” one person commented.

“Gotta fix it somehow and cheap,” another wrote.

The mechanic replied, saying that he somehow liked the valve stem even more than a normal knob.

Several mechanics also expressed their surprise in the comments section, while some also shared unusual things they had encountered on the job themselves.

“Forty years as a mechanic, never seen that,” one wrote.

“Ingenuity at its finest,” said another.

“I’ve seen someone actually take wood and use them for brake pads,” a third recounted.

Tips for Simple At-Home Car Repairs

A trip to the mechanic can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars in repairs. But there are a number of fixes that car owners can do safely and easily by themselves. These DIY maintenance checks ensure that their cars continue to run smoothly, while also saving drivers money.

Checking the engine’s oil is a simple task, and doing so regularly can help catch major problems before they begin. Locate the oil dipstick and pull it out. Use a clean rag to wipe it off.

Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again. The level of the oil should be between the two markings on the stick. If the oil is too low, add the type of oil specified in the car’s manual.

Check the engine’s belts and hoses while looking at oil levels. If there are any leaks or strange noises, it might be a good idea to have the engine looked at by a professional. Once a month, it’s also recommended to check the car’s tire pressure.

What do you think?

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Changing the cabin filter, cleaning battery terminals, and replacing wiper blades are other simple tasks that car owners can do by themselves. However, if the car’s check engine light comes on, or if it requires a more complicated repair like brake or transmission fixes, it’s best to call a professional mechanic to do the job.

Motor1 reached out to Ford via email for further comment.

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