Eric O., I had a two hour diagnosis fee added on to a bill with a new battery cable solving my problem. $249.00 bill that I was ecstatic to pay. I'd been chasing a slow start on my 2014 Ford Expedition for 7 months, the cables looking brand new. But 7'' from the battery post there was green corrosion between the cables, the outside sheaf hiding the defect. Tech. said he'd never seen that on my model. Now I take everything to this guy because he doesn't guess, he tests. Best money I 've spent in a long time. This is the way to go.
@bethcaruso88554 жыл бұрын
I don't think luck is involved. Mr. O is a pure diagnostician of the finest caliper. Give him credit for all his knowledge and tenacity. Great work done professionally by a master mechanic.
@ironecampbell7274 жыл бұрын
True master.....
@compteck74 жыл бұрын
You are right, Beth..it isn't luck, it's logic and Eric has a full head of it. I could never stand "part cannon shooters" "Hey let's throw parts at it till 1 sticks" Glad Eric is around to investigate, determine..and then repair properly.
@alanbutterfield80574 жыл бұрын
Beth DeCarlo I Call him the Diagnostic Professor simply one of the best technicians I have seen in a long time and I live in the U.K. and when dealerships send him their own cars well what can you say.
@SeanONeill133 жыл бұрын
Caliper? Or caliber? Or was that a pun?
@RezaQin3 жыл бұрын
@@SeanONeill13 I would say caliber but caliper makes sense too haha
@slowride554 жыл бұрын
This is why I work on my own vehicles. If someone screws something up, it's going to be ME!
@MsPokemonsoulsilver4 жыл бұрын
i love working on my own vehicles, the only problem is "the guy who touched it last is such a hack" lol.
@ToyManFlyer11004 жыл бұрын
I think some people are just lazy AF !!!. I like working on my own stuff too. Now, I can't bust down a motor, tranny, or dif, but, I'm purty handy with ev'ry thang else. Plus KZfaq channel and Google are your friends. Case in point. Drum brakes. KZfaq channel and Google got it done.I have a friend. Helicopter mechanic. Refuses to work on his cars. Got the tools, space and time. Mercedes Benz needs a driving lite. $360.00 USD to shop replacement. Told him I would do it for a nice dinner. 1 year later, it's still broke. Door handle on SUV, same thing. Won't have me do it, Can't afford the shop, sooo ???
@johnhiggins39434 жыл бұрын
My wheels stopped falling off on the highway,since I went back to working on my own vehicle's
@eizzle784 жыл бұрын
jjt228 yeah I have the same problem but at least he doesn’t charge much...
@1HotLegendLS4 жыл бұрын
@@ToyManFlyer1100 I'll mess with anything but an Autotragic Gearbox
@glenjamindle4 жыл бұрын
Please do more "other shop drop offs" please. I love seeing how easy the actual problem was haha
@rustypotatos2 жыл бұрын
Ya we love these ones but who the heck wants to work on them hahaha
@wyattoneable4 жыл бұрын
Your experience shines here and it's very apparent you've gained a reputation for being spot on in your diagnostics. Hence, the other shops say "Take it to SMA"!
@chrisbayne35124 жыл бұрын
Well said wyatt
@PaulHigginbothamSr2 жыл бұрын
Thank goodness most of the time you do it correctly. When watching the Arabs over at Northridge electronics, he always says, better than factory. Now that is what I may aim for, better than factory, but since I am 74 that may not happen but it won't fail in the next year Gott em Himmel accordingly.
@aaronlobato52683 жыл бұрын
Technician with cool hand Luke reference..... I trust him....
@stevebennett97504 жыл бұрын
I work for advance auto parts, and I can tell you that at least at my store, we don't tell people the code means replace this part and you're all good. We'll give them the codes and recommend one of our commercial shops to have it properly diagnosed and repaired. Matter of fact I recommend your KZfaq channel to customers including commercial customers.
@hikerJohn4 жыл бұрын
Too bad Eric is 3000 miles from me or he would be my mechanic.
@gwcrispi4 жыл бұрын
@@hikerJohn He's 3000 miles away from everyone.
@YouSoundButtHurt4 жыл бұрын
@@gwcrispi I used to live a few miles from him.
@craigsmith82174 жыл бұрын
My Advance auto store diagnosed a missing cylinder on my daughter's chevy truck. He told me which cylinder it was, told me how to swap the coils and bring it back to confirm. I did. He was right. $45 coil and a happy truck. He's my parts man of choice.
@waynegowland23754 жыл бұрын
I worked at O'Reilly's. There was this lady that asked to get her vehicle scanned, and it came back with some O2 sensor codes. I let her know that it could be anything and recommended her to head to one of our commercial customers to diag. She refused and bought all new O2 sensors, spark plugs, wires, etc. Her and her boyfriend/husband changed em out in the parking lot, didn't fix the issue (Surprise!). They threw about 300 bucks of parts at it all while I was recommending getting it diag'd lol. Some folks just don't get it.
@bjr23794 жыл бұрын
Charging a customer to diagnose a problem is the proper way to operate a success automotive repair shop. I've been "turning wrenches" for many years and I think you're a top notch guy. Great videos!
@jeanmeslier94918 ай бұрын
I watch Eric and Ray only. I'm 84 and wheelchair bound. Yeah I modify my wheelchairs 😂. I see the tools these guys use, the cordless tools especially and just marvel. I buy a few tools now just because I would almost have done an Abraham on my oldest brat for some of the tools. Yea, literallyturning wrenches because that was the only way . I watch Curtis in Australia at CEE. He would of course, wrench a spanner. Except when he is using a flogging spanner. The correct name for what we call a washer is' bearing plate." We call them washers because people would by using a chamois impregnated with a grinding compound rub gold coins to wear them down The chamois would therefore be gold laden and burned to recover the gold. A gold coin worn down was called a washer. My meds have worn off and Im out
@klwthe3rd4 жыл бұрын
Most viewers of this channel understand that the reason we love watching a "true technician" perform the correct diagnosis is because we're tired of shops doing this kind of shoddy work. I don't care how much Eric O denies that he's the best, I have never found any other mechanic who has the quality of workmanship and integrity with his customers. It kills me to watch these videos because I know that I have 100 mechanics in my town and not 1 of them could find or fix this problem.
@markh.66874 жыл бұрын
If 100 mechanics miss a diagnosis but get paid, do they really care? Eric does! His 'bring-back' ratio has to be almost ZERO after seeing him do work on various vehicles.
@92powerdiesel614 жыл бұрын
I've found a total of 2 people that I'd trust to work on any of my vehicles. Their both worth the five hour drive.
@the_hate_inside10854 жыл бұрын
You definitely don't know that, unless you have tested all 100 shops with a car with that problem. People that work with cars all day long, tend to learn a thing or two, over the years. A lot of shops are small businesses, and maybe the owner of the shop is the one working on your car.
@ToyManFlyer11004 жыл бұрын
@@the_hate_inside1085 .. Well, I've had several vehicles and 2 brand new ones that I've taken to the dealership and totally effed them up. Brand new Dodge truck. Sprayed oil all over the new engine. Went to the dealership closer by. Overfilled the oil. Almost coming out of the dipstick. Left the hood unlatched. So, could've had a blown motor or ran into a tree and killed myself when the hood flew up blocking my view. ASE certified techs and this is what happens. Toyota dealership locked my clutch and tranny up after work on the clutch.. Had to send a tow truck to pick it up. I got a Coupon for a free oil and filter change.. I laughed... Hell, no. You ain't never working on my vehicle anymore !!!. So, no Mom and Pop business did those kinds of eff ups...
3 жыл бұрын
@@ToyManFlyer1100 because mom and pop businesses tend to treat you and your car better because they have a reputation
@mgherter3 жыл бұрын
That interaction with his younger daughter.....Eric O is my spirit animal.
@bborkzilla4 жыл бұрын
2000 is now "old school." Man, I am old.
@capnskiddies3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I was an adult by then. Now I'm feeling it
@44R0Ndin3 жыл бұрын
In NY, you can now probably get "classic" plates for an '89 vehicle, since it's 31 years old. Not sure but I think the transition happens at 25 years?
@edtillier442110 ай бұрын
too bad you cannot teleport yourself all over to fix everyones car and truck problems, you are truly a joy to watch and listen to, thank you for what you do!
@John-vi5vb3 жыл бұрын
Gotta say, as an automotive warranty inspector I LOVE working with shops/techs like you!!
@kcuhc843 жыл бұрын
"My front tires wear unevenly" "You need a new ECM"
@psdaengr9113 жыл бұрын
Also, you have too many screws holding your car together, and, you didn't really need that part connected.
@justinjeannette80823 жыл бұрын
I disagree...your ecm is low on fluid and the circuits need to be rotated. Also check the ecm for leaks. If no leaks are found, I recommend an ecm flush with full synthetic electrical fluid. Hope this helps.
@skingk26323 жыл бұрын
@@justinjeannette8082 You're such a comfort. LOL
@meritwolf2192 жыл бұрын
It's your Bluetooth that needs to be refilled.
@Jbmc652 жыл бұрын
I am new to this channel, It’s scary to think the previous shops prior to coming here are still in business.
@badcorgis4 жыл бұрын
These videos are so damn satisfying. When you can narrow down, locate and fix a problem 100%. Keep posting, the absolute best repair channel, ever.
@scflooring86584 жыл бұрын
It’s really nice to see such a honest and through mechanic and someone that diagnoses problems instead of throwing parts at it and the entertainment is a bonus!! That’s why we all keep coming back thanks Dr. O keep the videos coming!
@amber077014 жыл бұрын
"Jerry was in there and brought his rig with him". So classic Eric O., so glad I can have a laugh and diagnose cars with you while I watch.
@anderleof4 жыл бұрын
It's jury
@weirdwillie3 жыл бұрын
Damn jerry need to learn to leave shit alone.
@allmorrisvideos3 жыл бұрын
Jerry built but jury rigged?
@mrfish39613 жыл бұрын
JERRY THE JERK
@arthurhilse14803 жыл бұрын
Never stop making videos. You teach me something every video.
@Channel-gz9hm4 жыл бұрын
So this other shop's running theory is that ALL of these sensors that have nothing to do with each other just happened to all fail at the same time? Amazing, what luck!
@crowttubebot30754 жыл бұрын
I am in the industry, and a big part of my income is based upon finding the actual root cause of a problem. And too often, the biggest problem is the guy with a scan tool, but no knowledge about how to use it properly. The guys who just shotgun parts at symptoms make us all look bad, so, if you find someone who can do a proper diag and repair, stick with him. No matter what the sign out in front of the shop he works at says, but be sure to make sure only he works on your car.
@aitorbleda82674 жыл бұрын
Well, follow SMA or DD and can bus is kinda obvious..
@abyssalreclass3 жыл бұрын
There's a difference between a technician and a parts replacer. And the sad thing is the parts replacers don't know any better and call themselves technicians.
@crowttubebot30753 жыл бұрын
@@abyssalreclass Yeah, just yesterday, my first 3 jobs were to correct other people's mistakes. First one was the customer's, fair enough. The other 2 were from the same coworker, and he has no business being in ths industry. Good for me, though, since I got paid. But, the clowns who can't do the job proplerly make me cringe, since their lack of ability reflects on me. They are the ones that the term "grease monkey" was invented for, decades ago. You can't back into auto repair these days, because there is nothing else for yo to do. Many cars have over 50 computers , being good at this job means having proper technical knowledge. Sorry for the long winded response, I love what I do, and cringe at those who refuse to learn.
@rosebarnes96253 жыл бұрын
Possible first guy didn't think 10 different problems all happened at the same time, but rather happened one at a time until customer decided to get it all fixed... but still, a little troubleshooting goes a long ways!
@douglasthrelfall53184 жыл бұрын
We call it a “Parts Dart Board 🎯 “. You throw darts at it and the bullseye is an ECM😂
@NicholasAndre14 жыл бұрын
What percentage of the time does dropping $$$ on a PCM fix anything? I tried it on my '00 GMC Sonoma but the whole kit and kaboodle preprogrammed was $90. As I suspected, didn't fix $&!# (at least I could confirm to the other folks on the forum that it wasn't the problem). Spark advance still flew around like a bat out of hell until I realized a Labrador had adjusted the throttle set screw instead of replacing the failed IAC.
@javaguru71413 жыл бұрын
@@NicholasAndre1 Funnily enough, I avoided it on my car longer than I should have! My dash lights and windshield wipers didn't work, and I kept looking for a wiring problem. Turns out all of the power goes through the ECM! Fortunately the car is old enough that a $25 ECM from the junkyard fixed it with no programming required!
@NicholasAndre13 жыл бұрын
@@javaguru7141 the main ECM problem is a failed driver circuit. They’re pretty resilient computers as is but you need to conclusively identify that the driver and power supply is the problem before you spring for a ECM. There are a lot of other issues that can appear to be a driver problem like corroded or loose terminals and wiring shorts.
@gueyg37644 жыл бұрын
A pleasure to see a real mechanic at work
@danielmerritt40313 жыл бұрын
"heard the story a million times". Truth! Test dont guess. Thank you, Eric O. You the man.
@bruceraykiewicz62743 жыл бұрын
I'm a 50 + year appliance/refrigeration service man/ trainer. (and a pretty good 'geezer gear head'). I was very impressed how you did your trouble shooting. I would run into more than my share of 'jury rigged' appliance and house hold refrigeration repairs. And yes, none of us work for free. I would tell customers that I certainly had to charge them to 'undo' what had been done to their machine, in order to repair it properly. Thank you for your videos.
@twadam52184 жыл бұрын
"Hey girl ... whatcha doin' ... just out scootin on your scooter" ... such a cool family oriented business and always seems to have a calm demeanor and has time for everyone, including this little scooter girl :-)
@touchedouche88063 жыл бұрын
FATHERS. One of the most important parts of a family. MOTHERS. Being the other most important part.
@nickmalone31432 жыл бұрын
Democrat socialism wants "the state" to care for YOUR children. Resist
@poweredbyford872 жыл бұрын
@@nickmalone3143 have you ever tried like, sittin the fuck down and shuttin the fuck up?
@mannys91304 жыл бұрын
Turning to roll down the window to talk to Mrs. O was the ultimate chill flex. You knew it would work. 😎
@drjohn58014 жыл бұрын
This prominent USA airplane manufacturer uses your discipline and methodology to teach aviation maint technicians - you are a industry hero!
@SouthMainAuto4 жыл бұрын
Oh gosh, airlines are dependent on me!?
@drjohn58014 жыл бұрын
@@SouthMainAuto Our group is based in Long Beach CA - named "Charlie Works". The name is derived from 1) Charles Taylor, the first ever airplane mechanic 2) "Works" - akin to the famous Skunk Works - whose doctrine was to work smart and lean.We have four guys in our team - all engineers with FAA A&P licenses. We watch your troubleshooting (TS) vids and use them as discussion teaching points - the principles of TS remain the same, be it applied to an automotive vehicle or a large commercial airplane. Eric, in our world you are a true TS Rock Star !!!!! When this COVID-19 slows and we can return to our main Lab/Office I will send you some swag.
@donniev81816 ай бұрын
@@SouthMainAutonew title idea for cars that come in from other shops, Chop Shop Corrections # whatever or CSC # lol.
@agenericaccount39354 жыл бұрын
It just blows my mind that there's a shop out there that would look at all these different problems and then try to start from the far end instead of looking at the commonalities and starting from what would fail to cause all the other things to fail.
@kellymurphystl3 жыл бұрын
Your troubleshooting skills are quite good. Many people get confused when multiple seemingly unrelated symptoms are displayed, but not you. Very enjoyable to watch your process and understand how you get right to the problem. And Mrs. O - like a ray of sunshine!
@Mr79elk4 жыл бұрын
It's frustrating as an apprentice at a company with a heavy duty/CT fleet that they encourage, and pressure you to load the parts cannon. Just last week I had a truck with an open or shot code on a fuel pressure sensor, the sensor is part of a fuel dosing module. supervisor says "well change the module" I throw a $1000 module in. sure enough following week, truck comes back, same code. ends up being a broken wire inside the insulation, right out of the ECU at the 90°. sure it took a couple hours to find, but even if I took three days to find, it would have still been cheaper
@-tr0n4 жыл бұрын
Would have been cheaper, but they don't care. In HD fleet, there is rarely a metric for vehicle comebacks, rarely does anyone care WHAT the repair costs unless it's over $10k, but there is ALWAYS a metric for vehicle downtime. As long as each individual shop visit is less than 2 days, they're happy. Doesn't matter if it makes 5 visits a month. Guess which metric managerial bonuses are tied to? Accountants are a cancer. Fleet jobs are the country club for techs, but you have to check your conscience at the door. Been working HD fleet for the last 10 years and ended up with all the specialty transfer case rebuilds, engine fails and hard diags but rarely will anyone else in the shop even be allowed to get that far. "Throw $5k in parts at it, still fucked. Send it to the dealer, still fucked. Send it to tr0n and let him sit on it for a week." When they get it back, i've re-wired the thing, fixed the hydraulics and whatever problem it came in for initially. I basically refuse to kick shit out the door until I'm happy with it, but I've proven that they can trust me.
@BlindBatG344 жыл бұрын
tr0n You, sir, need to start posting videos. Something tells me you’ve unwound a few bodge jobs in your day. Cheers!
@-tr0n4 жыл бұрын
@@BlindBatG34 Heh, unfortunately I'm always under an NDA/social media ban etc! That and I'm certainly not fast or good, just thorough. Appreciate it, though. I did a little math one month, and I figured between 70% and 90% of my work that month was just unfucking the previous "repairs" or playing cleanup after the parts cannon was fired. Between hooking up air actuators backwards, installing wrong parts, replacing $20k in emissions equipment instead of the $60 MAP sensor that was sooted off, bypassing control relays, rags stuck in intercoolers, sensors only half plugged in and the almighty operator error...man it gets frustrating. Just have to remind myself that if everyone else had half a clue about how to do their job, nobody would need me!
@Mr79elk4 жыл бұрын
@@-tr0n you're right, regarding fleets being a country club, and some of the other guys I work with love it. Luckily my fleet is the perfect size where it's not too big and not too small, where I am able to tinker away in my corner figuring / learning it out to get it done, or if I wanted, I can load up the parts cannon without too much question. It's kind of the ultimate country club
@-tr0n4 жыл бұрын
@@Mr79elk That's awesome. Sounds like a good balance for learning how to become a true master tech without having that flat rate pressure sitting on your shoulders. Good luck buddy!
@boomertsm4 жыл бұрын
I applaud your professionalism, talent, and honesty. Kudos to you and your shop.
@stevericketts8104 жыл бұрын
I don’t own a Dodge, but you never know when you have to ride in one! Excellent work sir!
@curtgomes4 жыл бұрын
20 year old Dodge in excellent condition according to Eric. Worn out ignition switch with the rest of the issues due to human screw ups and garbage work.
@raykrv6a4 жыл бұрын
My 2014 Ram HD with Cummins has been in for recalls, but no problems. My chevys were way more problematic and costly. That's why I changed to Ram.
@boostedmaniac4 жыл бұрын
PaцḶєє BlцєṢтяєєт are you referring to the live front axles? Death wobble can happen on Jeeps too.
@Torsee4 жыл бұрын
Steve Ricketts Love this comment!
4 жыл бұрын
My 01 1500 had 180k and still going. Loved that truck, I only sold it to a friend because I wanted to graduate to a diesel
@bradleyevans8147 Жыл бұрын
Eric, I used to work on TV's back in the day. People would come in and ask for a free est. I would try to explain to them that it costs a tech some time to clearly tell them what is wrong. One guy came in, and told me that the shop down the street could give free est. I was having a bad day, so I put on the invoice - Free Est. Diag: Broken!... The guy came in to pickup the TV to take it to another shop. He was hopping mad.... Long story short, he brought it back 3 days later, and signed for the diag fee. I found a broken wire feed to the power side of the tubes. Bill was only 40.00 to fix it. That customer brought the shop alot of business after that... People don't understand that there is no magic light that tells us where the problem is.. You have to pay for quality repairs. Keep up the great work! Thanks.
@user-ut6ji8my2h3 ай бұрын
Tubes???? Now we know what "Day" you meant. Lololol.
@replica41324 жыл бұрын
These videos are better than trade school I swear, thanks for the uploads SMA!
@wdobni2 жыл бұрын
these electrical problems are tough but its worthwhile teaching yourself in detail and getting really comfortable with electrics because its satisfying to be in a position where no problem and no situation can stump you
@jeffreyarritt42484 жыл бұрын
Nice job. My HVAC and Plumber Step-dad would always say. "When diagnosing a problem always remember, 'If you heard hooves think horses not zebras'.......meaning .....don't make the problem unusual or spectacular when it problem is simple and common.
@glasser28194 жыл бұрын
thank you, that is a great quote! 👍
@michaelszczys83164 жыл бұрын
Some people think rainbow unicorns.
@Dave-ty2qp4 жыл бұрын
You brought up the subject of bad customers, and bad mechanics. They kinda feed off each other. One makes the other possible when you think about it for a bit.
@UploaderNine4 жыл бұрын
I feel like I'm in the shop, the fam making appearances. I love it. Great stuff
@romandenney82124 жыл бұрын
I used to work at Advance and I hated it when customers would come in and say my check engine light is on. The commercials deceive people into thinking we could scan it and magically tell them exactly what's wrong. Moving on from that I'm now a vehicle mechanic in the military and I constantly learn something watching your videos. Thank you Mr.O and South Main Auto.
@mbray104 жыл бұрын
Just something soothing about Mrs. O playing with that seatbelt lol so calming
@DJJ81 Жыл бұрын
The little one is so funny when she gets near the camera. That dear in the headlights look is great.
@duncanvincent91064 жыл бұрын
Such fun to see intelligent and systematic diagnoses!!! Great job. Great shop.
@stevelindom6647 ай бұрын
Been turning wrenches since I was 10, but love your videos I pick up tips every time I watch one of your videos. Really like the ones where you fix things that other shops can't fix.
@mikemiller02244 жыл бұрын
Good video. Especially the ending. I allways try an explain to my service manager why diagnosis takes time and we should be payed for all of the time it takes us to do the diagnosis. He is one of those managers that thinks your master tech everything should only take 10 minutes. Thanks for all you do.
@brianchapple75854 жыл бұрын
I love those lights with the back probe pins in them, especially the low voltage one. I plan to make be some. Great Video! I try to watch one a day.
@WCSPete14 жыл бұрын
I loved the Cool Hand Luke reference Mr.O - thanks again.
@dhix2388 Жыл бұрын
diagnosis VS a part changer. Thanks for your time.
@antonioponce65444 жыл бұрын
Thanks Eric for making these videos. I know it must be a pain in the cajones to do them. I've learned a lot and enjoyed them all so keep them coming. Thanks again.
@mikeync92882 жыл бұрын
Watching you for years. You have great talent and integrity. If I didn't live 2500 miles away I'd visit and have you fix my truck.
@kevinbarry714 жыл бұрын
Years ago, I needed a root canal. I went to a dentist who specializes in doing route canals. He said about 2/3 of his practice is fixing the mistakes of other dentists
@LTVoyager4 жыл бұрын
Kevin Barry Every doctor, lawyer, dentist, plumber, carpenter and electrician says that same thing. It is just human nature.
@playdg4 жыл бұрын
@@LTVoyager Accountant. I say the same thing for spreadsheets.
@nestorroman26944 жыл бұрын
I'm actually starting to understand the wiring diagram for automotive watching SMA. Thanks Sir 👍
@scootercurri18154 жыл бұрын
Love mechanics that do the shotgun approach! I make a great living because of them. Eric the same type of "mechanics" are in the aircraft field. Troubleshooting is an art. We have parts changers and true mechanics.
@Embermist694 жыл бұрын
That's a scary thought while bad on land, but for flying crafts in the air?! Holy biscuits that make folks feel a bit uncomfortable. Makes me wonder about ships and trains.
@DogRedful4 жыл бұрын
I’m having flash backs to my Air Force days...nothing like shooting wires out on the wing at 0200 in the morning with freezing rain running down your back.
@billmoran32194 жыл бұрын
They also pay aircraft mechanics sh t wages, at least the big airlines do. Private sector mech make more than union mechanics . But it’s also a crapshoot, union bus mech make more then non, and union truck mech working for government make more than union mech working for the public.
@kevinxcal14 жыл бұрын
@@billmoran3219 the big 3 airlines pay over 50$ an hour, that isn't a shit wage.
@12yearssober4 жыл бұрын
Kevin Myers More money and less drama in general aviation. My son in law can make six figures working on private aircraft.
@cyrusmoser10904 жыл бұрын
I worked at all points towing and service in Stroudsburg pa my uncle's is the owner and his father before. He had the county contract to service there police vehicles. I learned so much from him and working there my teenage years. Eric you sir are a honest trustworthy intelligent mechanic! I can tell you take pride in your work! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!
@mharry8604 жыл бұрын
I guess I've watched every one of your videos, as soon as you said you knew what the problem is, I immediately thought ignition switch. It's the only thing they all have in common.
@MiracleMAX4 жыл бұрын
Gotta love intermittent faults. The problem is, obviously the other shop loaded up the parts cannon, including an ECU (?????) & figured $300 later that they were out of their depth and the customer called in the Master. Good job Mr O!
@richardwarnock27894 жыл бұрын
Well there's your problem Lady!! Bad giggley bits in the ignition switch!!!; )
@Newberntrains4 жыл бұрын
i stuff googly eyes in the ones i work on
@sostrucking4 жыл бұрын
Three guys looking at a lady's car and can't figure it out. She was getting ready to call a wrecker. I fixed it in a min......took everything off her key chain but ignition key. Car fired right up. Free diagnosis and labor...no tow fee no mechanic diagnosis fee.
@austinjames35254 жыл бұрын
You and Joe from Joe’s Auto Electric are some very thorough and reputable mechanics. If I lived in the northeast part of the country, I’d only bring my vehicle to you. Such a shame that so many shops out there can’t figure out the problems, and then end up throwing parts at them.
@georgescott11804 жыл бұрын
Just lost my fresh/recirculate door in my ram last week. 2nd time. Had to pull it out to reestablish air flow. Nice and cool again.
@juliosantos92894 жыл бұрын
Another quality job by SMA! Mrs.O is part ninja! she just pops out of thin air. I can't believe how much older your kids are getting.
@a_real_nowhere_man4 жыл бұрын
I can tell Eric's an old man like me because he references the same pop culture as I do -- "I got the power," etc.
@hansgruber76804 жыл бұрын
What we have here is a failiure to communicate!
@ShainAndrews4 жыл бұрын
I don't get it.
@MostlyChrisJ4 жыл бұрын
@@ShainAndrews From the movie - Cool Hand Luke (1967)
@ShainAndrews4 жыл бұрын
@@MostlyChrisJ Right...
@sostrucking4 жыл бұрын
I feel ya.
@JeffreyStrader3 жыл бұрын
I, not being an paid mechanic, had to DIAGNOSE and officially inform Chrysler of an Ignition issue with their Key-less vehicles. NONE of their certified technicians could diagnose and confirm what was causing the problem. After 4 weeks of me relentlessly studying, diagnosing and ultimately repairing my RAM, I informed Chrysler that an LED bulb if placed in the 3rd Brake Light of the 2019 - 2021 RAM'S, will cause a signal interference issue for the Key-less Ignition & Fobber System. The LED's emits a frequency that interferes with the communication between the Fobber and Ignition Module. Thus generating the message "FOB NOT DETECTED" or "FOB HAS LEFT VEHICLE".............The moral of the story (I'm smarter than the average rabbit compared to Chrysler's technicians)
@user-ut6ji8my2h2 ай бұрын
Too bad you weren't smart enough to stay away from ANYTHING built by Chrysler/ Fiat. You couldn't GIVE me one.
@JeffreyStrader2 ай бұрын
@@user-ut6ji8my2h they use GM's system as well as Ford. It's the same exact system. Doesn't have anything to do with Maker.
@alanmoffat46804 жыл бұрын
When you relocate to Brisbane, Queensland Australia I will definitely bring you my car when trouble arises. Waiting with hope Please
@harveysmith1004 жыл бұрын
If it is a big job, it may be worthwhile shipping it to him.
@AdamB124 жыл бұрын
They dont use road salt in Australia! Eric wouldn't have much to do lol.
@michaelcosta72354 жыл бұрын
"This just got awkward." Found that funnier than I should have.
@WBOS724 жыл бұрын
Short bus Window licker...lol. Great vid Eric, I love the in depth diagnosis.
@ironecampbell7274 жыл бұрын
Wow! Great guy. I wish that you were in Las Vegas. I truly enjoy watching you. Actually you help me with a transmission oil pan. The mechanic couldn't stop the leak so I just replace the pan ...new. All leaks stopped. Bad pan. I also love how patient you are when it comes to electrical. Keep up the excellent job. Thanks and double thanks.
@spelunkerd4 жыл бұрын
Vintage SMA video, brilliant diagnostics. I hope to see you do the ignition switch, this is a younger version of the truck I drive, ha ha.
@SouthMainAuto4 жыл бұрын
stay tuned for tomorrows vid ;)
@IceBergGeo4 жыл бұрын
@@SouthMainAuto I got me an '06 Dakota... Any help I can get with it is gonna help a crap ton. You rock!
@philvaughan40913 жыл бұрын
The world has an over abundance of “parts replacers” and not enough intelligent experienced technicians. Always enjoy watching the videos. Stay safe..
@TheCowgirlNiamh4 жыл бұрын
Great job as always Eric 👍 Best bit for me is whenever Trinity passes, you turn to mush and say "hey girl!" 😂
@tomcartwright26374 жыл бұрын
Had me laughing too. Had to show to my wife and daughters. They got a kick out if it too.
@neildewald3253 жыл бұрын
You are a blast to watch and listen to. Brings back memories, was a Chrysler tech for over 30 years. I love your honesty and that's exactly how it should be. I always treated a customers car as if it was my own. Fix it right the first time.
@rp50294 жыл бұрын
no better excuse to put off what you were doing than a new SMA video😁
@donaldrackley6264 жыл бұрын
Love weel alignment. You're great when you're you're relaxed self my main man as usual. Just love you America folks
@langer241064 жыл бұрын
Full tank of gas usually means bad fuel pump ⛽️😂
@ericeaton3714 жыл бұрын
😒 sad truth....... just had to replace a fuel pump in a crown vic right after customer "topped it off"
@G31mR4 жыл бұрын
I have a full tank of gas about once a week. Only bad fuel pump was 23 years ago.
@cccpkingu4 жыл бұрын
@@G31mR But flex in your flex.
@G31mR4 жыл бұрын
@@cccpkingu what does that mean?
@FABAutomotiveDetailing4 жыл бұрын
Truth! Everytime!
@farmalltomf4 жыл бұрын
Well done. If you can't figure out what it is, eliminate what it isn't. Diag 101 You continue to be the best.
@brianyoung90144 жыл бұрын
I can't believe how much your daughter has grown in the time you've been making these videos.
@boomertsm3 жыл бұрын
I am always amazed how talented you are in diagnosing and fixing the problems. Great video. Thanks.
@BD-fw2gm4 жыл бұрын
There's your problem lady!
@harveysmith1004 жыл бұрын
Yeaaheeaa!
@bababooey75763 жыл бұрын
Watching Wes and South Main Auto, working hehe
@phillully44722 жыл бұрын
Another GOOD FIX from a real Mechanic who knows his beans and isn't just a parts cannon changer. Good Job Eric O.
@Micko3504 жыл бұрын
Welloilbe, I actually guessed correctly for a change! No parts Cannon required 🤭
@meabob4 жыл бұрын
Guessing is fine but verifying is better. Sometimes even the best guess is wrong.
@368engbn2 жыл бұрын
When it comes to mechanical work on my vehicle(or any thing else for that matter) I admit I am a complete idiot and don't know a thing. I am therefore completely depended on the knowledge and expertise of the mechanic. In my life I have only met 2 mechanic shops that have done a fantastic job with diagnosing and fixing some of the things I had problems with and a number of them have just raked me over the coals. It's nice to see you checking and double checking your work and being as thorough with your work. I wished you were my mechanic.
@southpike10004 жыл бұрын
I ain't done an oil change in 2 years and now my engine blew up. I need a new one. I'm in a hurry so I'll be back tomorrow to pick it up. Some customers are just a little bit selfish and can be a little...let's call it dense.
@gibsonn144 жыл бұрын
It's amazing how alot of the people who call themselves mechanics and have shops are way worse than some home DIYers like myself who don't actually call themselves a "mechanic." I have spent years learning proper diagnoses from real mechanic friends and fix alot of cars/trucks these days and have a decent little garage and I'm constantly amazed by the shotty work that "shops" do to peoples cars and they feel good about charging them money when they can't even figure out the problem right. Watching you diagnose these problems so calmly and collected is so intriguing and I always learn something new.
@WoodNMetalWorkshop4 жыл бұрын
I feel your pain on the free estimates, I just went back to being a full time handyman, and a few people have gotten upset that a) I don't give free estimates and b) that I only do jobs on time and materials. Even so I could be working 80 hours a week if I chose.
@lwilton4 жыл бұрын
You can always do free estimates if you are reasonably sure of getting the job. You just pad the cost of the estimate plus 20% into the cost of the repair. That's how its done. The 20% is to average out the one job in six that you diagnose and don't get.
@arthurrodesiler31094 жыл бұрын
@@lwilton Why should a person pay that for people who just want to know whats wrong so they can fix it. Then the person who wants you to fix it pays for people that don't have you fix it. Not the way to do business IMO.
@highlandminger4009 Жыл бұрын
Man, you make it all sound easy and logical. I have manged to do some of my own maintenance after watching and re-watching your videos. You take the time to explain everything as you go along, thank you for striving for quality in both your videos and your work
@michaelblacktree4 жыл бұрын
How can a shop charge a customer for NOT fixing the problem? I'd be too embarrassed.
@davidvoinier60084 жыл бұрын
I've had a dealership charge me a $100 diagnostic fee to replace a belt idler pulley that was the only reason I brought it to them. Being on the road, I needed it NOW!When I asked the manager what this was for, his answer was every customer gets charged this fee went it comes in for any purpose! Nice going Chrysler! (Jeep)
@2secondslater4 жыл бұрын
I am embarrassed, shops like that give people and shops that have a clue a bad name.
@MsPokemonsoulsilver4 жыл бұрын
@@davidvoinier6008 incorrect. you only get charged the $100 diagnostic fee if we have to diagnose the problem, its not every single car. if you know the problem already then you wont get charged diagnostics, you'll only get charged parts and labor to put it in. for example if you know you need brake pads and say " i want new brake pads installed" thats all you will pay for. if you come in and say "my brakes feel a little squishy and it pulls to the right" then we have to go find the problem and diagnose it hence the "diagnostic fee". this is not a scam you are paying the technician for the skills and knowledge they have acquired and also the time that it will take them to complete the job. do some research on the topic next time or learn to fix your car yourself and these fees are out of your life. but the reason you are paying that fee is because you are incapable of finding the problem and need to pay a professional who is capable. checout 40:23 eric says it himself in great wording.
@neverending7744 жыл бұрын
I've seen everything. I had a guy come in after he had been to a BMW dealership who chaarged him $400 to "reprogram his light module". The problem wasn't fixed at all. One i remember in particular is a guy brought a Escalade to us and we figured out it's probably the suspension module. We told him it's probably that as we tested the wiring to the shock that the module was complaining about and everything seemed fine. We didn't have the scan tool necessary for the module so we told him to go to the dealer. He leaves it with them and the replace the shock without even asking him, it doesn't fix the problem, and he has to argue with them that they should have actually diagnosed the issue rather than just throwing parts at it and charging him without notice. I don't know how they think they can get away with it. I suppose enough can and do do this so they just find it to be common and acceptable practice.
@str8forthakill4 жыл бұрын
Well im glad that the official dealership shop i brought my Seat to didnt charge me for their incompetence. Had an immobilizer issue, dumped it there. 3 days later they said there was nothing wrong with the car, it had no fault codes. Except they had failed to start the car due to immobilizer saying "no" and it was parked in the very same spot i left it in. They were literally helpless due to the computer not showing the exact issue. No clue what to do, no clue how to find the fault. I took it home and was never sent a bill. Took me around 20 minutes to locate the issue and another 5 to fix it (cracked solder in the instrument cluster on the cable from the transponder reader).
@kevinbrooks97404 жыл бұрын
It is so refreshing to see someone that knows how to trouble shoot!!! People don't realize how many people just throw parts at problems until it's solved.
@anthonybass83954 жыл бұрын
That customer needs to go back to the other shop and get a refund For half ass work.
@boaterbil4 жыл бұрын
good luck with that, charged for diag. prolly sad for all the self made "mechanics"
@EeeDee14 жыл бұрын
I agree, it chaps my a$$ whenever I see someone charged a big garage bill for a problem the garage was not able to fix
@proanswers4 жыл бұрын
unfortunately the time to dispute the bill has passed other than disputing on credit card within 90days most credit cards have some protection (if they didnt pay by cash/debit card) . Small claims court is possible however that would take energy filing and some costs (which could be recouped if the plaintiff won). The lesson learned here for all unskilled or uneducated consumers on knowing how to ask the correct questions of mechanics. Dont hire/contract a mechanic that doesn't find the problem (most charge a diagnostic fee- which dont pay if they dont find the problem in diagnosis and verify- NO GUESSING), fix and test to confirm the fix. We don't refer any of our clients to any other trades companies because most clients dont know how to ask the correct questions to determine qualifications and expertise of a referral.
@RayRay-ov7uw4 жыл бұрын
In my opinion the customer got what they paid for from both shops
@comfortablynumb55824 жыл бұрын
That’s why I use a credit card with satisfaction guarantee for services then you can just cancel it out
@anthonypowell91682 жыл бұрын
I love the way you stop what you're doing to give your family your attention to see what they have on their minds. You seem to go right back to where you were at.
@paulchinn59813 жыл бұрын
Awesome work man. Nice to see a great honest guy doing things the right way and trying to help out other people. My het is off to you. Love watching your videos.
@Tropikaybay3 жыл бұрын
Wish there were more mechanics like you. You definitely have pride in workmanship
@leostlaurent46952 жыл бұрын
You always do a great job and take time to explain how and why. I have learned a few new things from watching and look forward to learning more. Keep up the great job.
@Ratrazor3 жыл бұрын
Man the world needs more mechanics like you that actually diagnosis the problem instead of just throwing parts at it, I am the same way but so often the customer doesn't want it diagnosed correctly they just want a price to change a part that they believe is broken. And then when you change that part and it doesn't fix the problem and then diagnose it correctly and it's something else completely different or much simpler. They get mad that you just changed the part they wanted changed but they didn't want to pay for your time to correctly identify the problem and it's a big I told you so. Anyways keep up the good work. I appreciate the tips and seeing someone else's process of figuring out multiple problems caused by one thing. I used to work for a place with a motto the customer is always right but sadly that is not the case in most cases. But you really show that it's important to do your own diagnosis instead of just throwing parts at a problem, especially intermittent problems.
@milfordcivic67554 жыл бұрын
Bad ignition switch was a really easy diag. The other shop couldn't figure it out? Sheesh, how can they call themselves technicians?
@craigroth87104 жыл бұрын
Yeah, really!! I want to know who the utter brillance was with the wire in the fuse box hooked to nothing!!
@bborkzilla4 жыл бұрын
Probably even ASE certified.
@peterdatechmen55064 жыл бұрын
@@craigroth8710 probably was testing with it and forgot it was there even when opening the door due to tunnel vision.
@DavidD-qr2vn4 жыл бұрын
@Timothy Salomon Or actual common sense (rare these days). All these problems happen at once. The first question should be: What is common to all of them? Basic stuff first. How many cars has Eric fixed with a good visual inspection (The absolutely most simple diagnostic tool)?
@2nickles6474 жыл бұрын
Technicians or ASE certifed are over used terminology. More like parts swappers. I worked with a guy whom is ASE cert. He told. All you do is take test to get your certs..
@Rogues4Ever3 жыл бұрын
"Cuz you always put a BCM in if it doesn't work" :D Eric, appreciate your detailed, logical diag and fixes! If only all mechanics would be this way!
@tim69912 жыл бұрын
Great to see your stuff Eric! Interesting to watch your diagnosis progress and the explanations you provide. Happy New Year Sir!
@billscott24724 жыл бұрын
Hi Eric. Over time, I try get things fixed . When ,I didn't have the tool. Then the shop make other problems. I end up fixing myself. Near the end of the video. You bring up some good points. Very well said
@GOTTRD4 жыл бұрын
You always crack me up with the singing the old school jams! Haha! “I’ve got the power”, gold digga, etc... but you added the bonus today with sending wife to massage parlor! Haha! Mahalo for the laughs and Aloha from Hawaii!
@6476Mike4 жыл бұрын
This is a true mechanic right here, most now just throw parts at cars till the issue is fixed by itself of customer goes somewhere else, I wish i knew of a decent shop like yours around my area
@KStewart-th4sk4 жыл бұрын
36:16 "Where's your hole baby" LOL Informative and entertaining. Doesn't get better than this.
@wakeupamerica29713 жыл бұрын
Love seeing a real diagnosis! "Tech's" of all sorts are turning in to Parts Changers rather than actual technicians. Appreciate you letting us look over your shoulder while you work.
@njsurf19734 жыл бұрын
"this just got awkward" 🤣🤣 Edit: I wouldn't expect to be charged for plugging in a scan tool... But I would expect to pay for the diagnostic work to track down the codes... And without a code I wouldn't expect anyone to work for free to diagnose a condition that isn't setting codes. Always enjoy coming along with you when you get into finding an issue.
@twadam52184 жыл бұрын
You are very good at diagnostic. What a humble and thorough mechanic. I would not think twice about dropping my vehicle off at your shop.