Manufacturers have turned mechanics/technicians into parts changers. The way engineering is going you're really going to be in trouble with electric only vehicles.
So many people think that a scan tool just reads out exactly what is wrong, but you have to know how to read it and how to read between the lines, and of course the very basics that you just explained very well. Ps. If you get a 3.5 ford 15 or newer show me a trick to replace the crankshaft sensor. My arthritis makes it almost impossible
Scan tools tell you where the cars computer noticed something going wrong. But like diagnosing regular computers, the system or subsystem that you first notice doing weird stuff... that might be working fine and just be getting bad input from somewhere else. What it tells you is probably useful for finding the problem, but you need to always keep in mind it might not be the actual problem.
The next question is to figure out WHY the tire is in the condition it is in. Defective tire? Bad alignment? Bent control arm? Bent rim? All of the above? Bushings didn't look that bad. The age isn't a factor and the rest of the tires look OK. Since the car is AWD, they should change all four tires. and for sure get an alignment.
Definitely looks like too much negative camber on that wheel. I had a front tire worn like that because of bent mcPerson strut. But in this case it must be either loose bushings or wheel bearing.
Great Tip about the "Either" & also about testing the Intank Pump Motor! I've learned a lot about Diesels, from changing my own fuel filters & listening at the fuel filler opening, for when the pump shuts-off after 25 secs., to prime the system. Although I never have run a Diesel out of fuel before, I have heard stories about how hard it was on the old Mechanical Systems, to bleed the air out of the system. Back when I was hauling RV's, the Factory Fuel Pump that was mounted on the Side of the Cummins 5.9, failed on me & the garage I had it towed to, told me that Mopar had an Factory Upgrade where they re-placed it with an Intank Fuel Pump at a cost of about $1500USD. I had this done & next time I was talking to my employer's husband, he told me that I should have called him, because he was a Dealer for an aftermarket manufacturer that I could have got a re-placement for about $300USD + installation & I wouldn't have been down for a couple days. So what did I learn from this experience? 🤔 That I could have installed the pump myself & got away with the cost of the pump itself & I wouldn't have been down for as long & at least $1200USD richer! 🤢
Sniff its butt. Seriously, if it won't start, go sniff around the exhaust pipe. If you smell gasoline, you probably have an ignition issue. If not, then you might be out of gas, or the fuel pump or it's relay have gone bad. Swap the relay with another and see if it will start. Or, just disconnect the battery for about 30 seconds and try again. This resets the EFI computer, and that may get you going again as well. Great video!
Wizard! You typically ALWAYS give us the answers to automotive problems but could you tell us about any that have completely baffled you or those that you've had to give up on?? Nobody's perfect - not even the Mighty CAR WIZARD!!
There was that one time with hoovies m5 where the car ninja had to fix it after wizard put it back together and there was a problem, but he said he didnt have experience with those cars which is totally fair
You are right on the money Wizard. Unfortunately a lot of the young so called mechanics today have not been mentored in the subtleties of proper diagnostic procedures before reaching for computer technology. Computer tech does have its place given the electronic complexity of cars these days but this does not substitute the basics. Great videos.
Again brilliant! Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. You crested a fault tree and then eliminated branches with no fruit. I like how you give credit to the ones who taught us. Very nice!
I use ‘my car won’t start’ as a troubleshooting example - for IT troubleshooting. Start with the easiest possible cause and work to the more difficult.
Very true about our generation (Gen-X) - we grew up with a foot in both worlds, which leads to some interesting problem solving abilities and knowledge. While my field is IT, it's still true in similar ways - lot of analogue tech from the 1970s upward is still there in modern systems, but I find I lot of younger workers don't understand it. The divide is a lot more obvious in cars though, as they remain a very mechanical thing, but, technologically driven. Cool to demonstrate how sometimes going old-school offers the quickest path to resolution.
I am from the same generation. I remember the early personal computers and working with DOS commands before GUI. The computer club In high school (the early eighties) still used punch cards for programming.
@@yoadrian5897lol spent many a Sunday morning (because Saturday morning cartoons) Typing in some basic program from the back of a cereal box on a trash 80 you could sign out from grade school for the weekends. Spend 2 hours typing to see a blip go across the screen, but first you had to go back and find all your errors 😂 Good freakin times 😂
Wow Mr. Wizard, I am a total amateur car repair person, yet I literally nailed both these issues in about 10 seconds. I would have done as well as you, except looked at the tires first. I'm so proud of myself right now. Thank you, enjoyed this one.
This is one of the best informational videos on trouble shooting. Keep it simple, test the obvious. I will be keeping a can of starting fluid from now on! Thank you for sharing you common sense wisdom!
It's pretty easy to reach under the fender and check tread depth all the way across the tire. My current tires date back to 2017 but they still have some tread left. But, because of age, this is the last summer for those tires.
Understanding the basic principles and being able to test things correctly and actually hear and see the issues kinda feels like a super power. The sense of satisfaction is amazing! Thanks for sharing this approach!
I learned troubleshooting in the Canadian Air Force. It's helped me more times than I can count...the key thing is look at the cheapest, easiest, and most obvious things first.
This is how proper mechanics work, as problems solvers who understand a vehicle’s systems. No matter how complicated, the basics are the same. Wizard is part of a dying breed…
I guessed the 'test' would be starting fluid. So fast to rule out spark and compression right away. I'm guilty of abusing starting fluid haha. My mr2 lost its fuel pump, and we were able to push it to my garage but driveway is sloped up and we couldn't push the car uphill. So I had my brother in law walk beside the car spraying starting fluid into the intake as I just drove it in. Probably not the best idea but it worked and nothing blew up.
👍 Ahh, childhood memories! I remember abusing my 63 VW late at night to the point where I broke off the gear shift lever. Got it home with some lucky tools on hand, a smart buddy, and a big screwdriver.
Thank you, Wizard and Mrs. Wizard. Love the Audi TT. A great tip for us shade tree mechanics, post carboretor who kept starting fluid around? Like the 2Vintage channel, always a learning moment
If ever a car wouldn't start, my first check was sniff the exhaust. It tells you straight away whether fuel is actually getting through! Greatly enjoy the vids Wizard! Greetings from UK to Kansas!
This reminds me of ChrisFix video quite a while back with not starting car. This clearly shows that you need to be methodical and modern tool sometimes can't or won't give you a right answer.
And be smarter than me, don't check the tire by running your hand over it. Also, whenever I have a vibration or a shake or some other problem that's happening to one or more wheels, I always look for a tire problem. Last weekend I fixed a case of death wobble on my Samurai by getting new tires.
Yup! We see stuff like this everyday. One that got me was where the fuel pump was working enough to start the car but when you floor it, could not provide enough fuel. Had to measure the fuel pressure for that one.
Same thing happened to my brother's MB. Both rear tires were worn down to the belts on the inside - but you couldn't see the problem casually looking at them from the curb. Those tires were ready to pop at any moment. The fronts looked brand new...
although possible its not likely , the newer cars have a better tolerance to worn tires, if it was an old cavalier or calibra or sierra 4x4 in the uk or similar, prob wud blown the transfer box or rear diff before the tyre got that bad hahah
I was 2 for 2 🙂. Guessed fuel first…….need two things to start……fuel and spark. Guessed tire next ……but something caused tire to wear that way on one side. Great video ! 👍
I have an 2010 Audi S5 that I just know the wizard would not know how to fix. It starts and runs fine but it has so many warning lights flashing and so many fault codes that would make for a great entertaining video to run through but I don't have the desire to ship it to his far away shop!
Thank you, people rely on scan tools a bit too much. You see it in the forums all the time you need a star xentry scanner that costs as much as some cars are worth, to diagnose a bad CPS
I've taken care of all my own cars since I was born. Never used a scan tool, have no idea how it works...and yet can pretty much diagnose all the issues that happen with my cars (there really isn't much because Toyota/Honda).
Yes, I have been using starting fluid as a "starting" place for years on everything from lawn mowers, motorcycles, boats and cars. When it starts on starting fluid I know it is fuel related but not so quick to figure out why like you.
Last fuel pump issue I diagnosed was by sound. Or put better: the lack of it. I had this happen to the Mrs some time ago. Was able to diagnose remotely by having her use her ears. No humming noise when switching on the ignition, no weird things happening on the dash, engine turning as expected... Just about had to be the fuse or fuel pump. Had it towed by a local shop (no, I'm no mechanic) and got the confirmation of my diagnoses. Did not know about the fuel pump vs car signal testing. Great low-tech way of diagnosing. Scan tools are a great tool if used properly.
Worked on "optimizing" 2 stroke engines when I was young. We had no OBD on those 2 strokes. Everything done by hand, eye, ear & nose. Engines need air, gas, spark at the right time. Just do one by one and you will fix it.
Yes, that's the way for a simple yet effective diagnosis. :) I have a simple probe with a light in. It fixes a lot of problems without even thinking of the OBD.
I’ve been doing the starter fluid trick for years, don’t even remember where I heard it but it’s been pretty useful. If I go to buy a project car and it starts with a spray, then I know it should be a fairly easy project that just needs some work on the fuel delivery.
Wowpy what a hero I’ve been a mechanic for 43 years and it’s still shit job spent so much money on tools with minimal wage hating Lego cars today what a hero
good job, on a no start I always check for spark then fuel I guess you could check fuel first then compression, if the car cranks any good mechanic can tell by the sound of the starter if it has compression you got lucky and started on the right thing, good job
Can you imagine if that pump had failed WHILE in your shop? ‘You sabotaged my car, wizard!’😮 Convincing the average customer can be an uphill battle. (Been there, done that). Great job, keep it going my friend.
That was a easy one for you. Just watched a video where a oscilloscope was needed to narrow down the problem. There was no check engine light on & the car would run, but die out.
Old school maybe better then all the stupid electric stuff. 100% nice video. The way I do it exactly! Step by step testing, thinking and reparing. Not replacing parts with no reason. Excellent! Greetings from Belgium.
Hi, this video is very informative and helpful in many ways. I would like to add a small big detail in correlation with the fuel issue. There are cars that dont get fuel because of a bad crank-sensor, the pump relay gets it "switched current" from the ecu, wich needs a present crank signal to do that. cars like these, incuding mine, also dont prime the fuel pump with "ignition on", the pump runs only when the engine is cranking. My car is a european 28 year old Opel Vectra or Vauxhall Cavalier. The same GM-Engine was also used in North America in early Saturn Vue and L300 models, its the L81 or 54° GM V6 with 3.0L displacement. Keep up the good work !
These tricks are learned and passed on These tricks are not in books. The basics are the same. Old school or new school. And I will say it again. Experience has its own reward. Customers must know and appreciate that experience comes at a cost to us and to them. The old school guy.
Believe it or not, I was right on both counts! Pump and tires! Love your channel, Wizard! But I've been doing my own "backyard mechanics" for a while now!
Next best thing: Google Maps. Look for at least four stars and a decent number of reviews. Not all reviews are fair or even accurate but even if they "only" manage four out of five stars, if they have a large number of reviews that business at least tries to run an honest shop. Just my two cents worth. Anything under four stars is a trip to Vegas. Buyer beware. Post honest reviews about the business. Over a million people read Google reviews every day and you can even attach photos of your experience. Extremely well done or extremely shoddy work? Let the whole world see it. Help grow good businesses in your community.
Not bragging but I guessed the fuel pump. I was thinking old school though by pouring a little fuel down the carb definitely not how this particular car works. Had no idea modern cars have a fuse for the fuel pump but glad you taught me.
The scarything is that now rhat im working on Evs i only deal with gas on my pwn or friends and family so my diagnostics have goke down alot, i get more frustrated on gas cars and have thrown the towel on some. Evs are soo mu h easier and i got major respect for all you guys in the industry still on gas, def good diag techs
Wife had an olds aurora, northstar v8. Ran rough. Checked coil packs with an old timing light I had, 2 were dead. After market a yellow coils didn’t last very long either, had to go back to stock. Got rid of car after wiring harness started shrinking & pulling away from connections all over. Was a rocket when it ran!
Woo hoo, for once I got it: Fuel Pump and Tires. Thanks for the great tips Wizard. BTW, how you feel about BMW, I feel about VW/Audi. Not surprised it would die the day it is going to the shop. True story: the day I put a For Sale sign on my first car, a 1979 VW Scirocco, it broke down on me. Clutch cable went bad
This is pretty much what I have been doing for 30+ years also, except sometimes I'll use combustible brake clean, t-body spray or whatever I have closest at the time, they all work. Starting fluid will get you going though even if you have a pretty weak spark from what I have seen. Whatever it's all good and good video. BTW, I had to re subscribe to your channel again because for some reason UA-cam screws up some of my subscriptions, this has been happening for a few years with certain channels. Keep up the great work!👍🏻👌🏼
Fuel pumps are so random you just have to roll with it! My 02 Tahoe lost its fuel pump at about 150K miles when I pulled up to my mailbox on the way outta town. Pushed her back into the driveway, diagnosed, got a new Delco pump in it a couple hours later, and headed back out to start my road trip.......could have left me stranded a thousand miles, or a thousand millimeters from home.....glad it was the latter!
Agree that most mechanics today either do not know the fundamentals are chose to ignore the basics. However, the first thing an auto electrician will do is a visual inspection including checking fuses. I will power the system in this case the fuel pump from the engine area using a wiring diagram, thus testing the complete circuit with one simple and quick test. If the pump does not run the problem is the wiring or the pump. If the pump does have power or runs the problem is a missing signal
I got a 1998 K1500 With the 5.7L Vortech and I just did this same test..cranks no start. runs on starter fluid. checked fuel pressure at the rail..good! solved with out my pico scope in 30min. Good customer information "Changed timing chain wont start". Timing Crank Sprocket had damaged key-way and shifted on the crank. First thing i did was crank it over for crank smoothness and noises. then tried starter fluid to check spark and fuel. checked fuel pressure , good. Pulled timing cover and found the damaged crank senor gear. without good customer information I could have spent hours diagnosing this.
Don't forget the cam adjuster gasket with the valve cover. Might as well just put a chain tensioner in it while you're in there it will fail after you touch it hahaha. Love your videos!
You continue to illustrate the critical difference between mechanics, and parts changers.
You left out techs, they can’t survive without a scan tool. Nobody is more savvy than an old school mechanic.
@@clintprice2123 Gifted mechanic triumphs diplomas or tech.
Manufacturers have turned mechanics/technicians into parts changers. The way engineering is going you're really going to be in trouble with electric only vehicles.
Not only parts changers, but also money chargers.
A mechanic is a problem solver who understands vehicles and it’s systems. “Techs” and modern “mechanics” are just scanner users who swap parts
As a hobby mechanic from the era before OBD2, I'm so happy to hear that my problem solving process was very similar to the wizard's.
So many people think that a scan tool just reads out exactly what is wrong, but you have to know how to read it and how to read between the lines, and of course the very basics that you just explained very well.
Ps. If you get a 3.5 ford 15 or newer show me a trick to replace the crankshaft sensor. My arthritis makes it almost impossible
A ton of issues can be resolved with that scan tool, both things can be true of course.
it can take some time for a module to detect a failure, the car can die before the ecm knowing it
Scan tools tell you where the cars computer noticed something going wrong.
But like diagnosing regular computers, the system or subsystem that you first notice doing weird stuff... that might be working fine and just be getting bad input from somewhere else. What it tells you is probably useful for finding the problem, but you need to always keep in mind it might not be the actual problem.
And of course, a car that won't start usually won't set a code, since those codes are set when the engine is running.
@@Oddman1980Yup! 😊
I'd like to say car wizards word is gold when it comes to his opinion on vehicles and doing honest work !!!
First generation TT is a rolling example of Bauhaus art. Beautiful lines.
Via ITALIA! thanks to Walter DeSilva! One of his 10 top masterpieces. He became chief of design after running Alfa Romeo design.
The next question is to figure out WHY the tire is in the condition it is in. Defective tire? Bad alignment? Bent control arm? Bent rim? All of the above? Bushings didn't look that bad. The age isn't a factor and the rest of the tires look OK. Since the car is AWD, they should change all four tires. and for sure get an alignment.
Definitely looks like too much negative camber on that wheel. I had a front tire worn like that because of bent mcPerson strut. But in this case it must be either loose bushings or wheel bearing.
Think alignment is an issue.
Front is wearing on the inside.
Likely swapped to rear.
Rinse and repeat.
If nothing upfront was found, then alignment.
I faced something like that before in the past. It was bad strut mounts in the rear.
Age isn't a factor?!?!
@@jsims2985nope, 7 years isn't really that old.
Great Tip about the "Either" & also about testing the Intank Pump Motor! I've learned a lot about Diesels, from changing my own fuel filters & listening at the fuel filler opening, for when the pump shuts-off after 25 secs., to prime the system.
Although I never have run a Diesel out of fuel before, I have heard stories about how hard it was on the old Mechanical Systems, to bleed the air out of the system.
Back when I was hauling RV's, the Factory Fuel Pump that was mounted on the Side of the Cummins 5.9, failed on me & the garage I had it towed to, told me that Mopar had an Factory Upgrade where they re-placed it with an Intank Fuel Pump at a cost of about $1500USD. I had this done & next time I was talking to my employer's husband, he told me that I should have called him, because he was a Dealer for an aftermarket manufacturer that I could have got a re-placement for about $300USD + installation & I wouldn't have been down for a couple days.
So what did I learn from this experience? 🤔 That I could have installed the pump myself & got away with the cost of the pump itself & I wouldn't have been down for as long & at least $1200USD richer! 🤢
Sniff its butt.
Seriously, if it won't start, go sniff around the exhaust pipe. If you smell gasoline, you probably have an ignition issue. If not, then you might be out of gas, or the fuel pump or it's relay have gone bad. Swap the relay with another and see if it will start.
Or, just disconnect the battery for about 30 seconds and try again. This resets the EFI computer, and that may get you going again as well.
Great video!
Wizard!
You typically ALWAYS give us the answers to automotive problems but could you tell us about any that have completely baffled you or those that you've had to give up on??
Nobody's perfect - not even the Mighty CAR WIZARD!!
I heard the Wizard thought he was wrong once, but he was mistaken. 😂
It's always the same with UA-cam mechanics. They always right and best. They never tell how long they searched of camera😂
@@Wolfpack310yep
Even quicker Fuel Pump check is just Listen for the Whirr when turn key
There was that one time with hoovies m5 where the car ninja had to fix it after wizard put it back together and there was a problem, but he said he didnt have experience with those cars which is totally fair
That's the BAM 225 2.8T, great engine. Mine easily passed 159,000 without issue. Now pushing 400 hp with internal rebuild ect. 4 wheel drive monster.
You are right on the money Wizard. Unfortunately a lot of the young so called mechanics today have not been mentored in the subtleties of proper diagnostic procedures before reaching for computer technology. Computer tech does have its place given the electronic complexity of cars these days but this does not substitute the basics. Great videos.
Again brilliant! Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. You crested a fault tree and then eliminated branches with no fruit. I like how you give credit to the ones who taught us. Very nice!
I use ‘my car won’t start’ as a troubleshooting example - for IT troubleshooting. Start with the easiest possible cause and work to the more difficult.
The way this video was presented reminded me of the late Pat Goss (MotorWeek's Goss' Garage). Very knowledgeable and well spoken.
Very true about our generation (Gen-X) - we grew up with a foot in both worlds, which leads to some interesting problem solving abilities and knowledge. While my field is IT, it's still true in similar ways - lot of analogue tech from the 1970s upward is still there in modern systems, but I find I lot of younger workers don't understand it. The divide is a lot more obvious in cars though, as they remain a very mechanical thing, but, technologically driven. Cool to demonstrate how sometimes going old-school offers the quickest path to resolution.
I am from the same generation. I remember the early personal computers and working with DOS commands before GUI. The computer club In high school (the early eighties) still used punch cards for programming.
Poor Gen-Xers. They are smart and hard working, yet the nitwit millennials and Gen-Z get all the attention.
@@herculesrockefeller8969Squeaky wheel gets the grease.
@@yoadrian5897lol spent many a Sunday morning (because Saturday morning cartoons)
Typing in some basic program from the back of a cereal box on a trash 80 you could sign out from grade school for the weekends.
Spend 2 hours typing to see a blip go across the screen, but first you had to go back and find all your errors 😂
Good freakin times 😂
Wow Mr. Wizard, I am a total amateur car repair person, yet I literally nailed both these issues in about 10 seconds. I would have done as well as you, except looked at the tires first. I'm so proud of myself right now. Thank you, enjoyed this one.
He didn't check the oil , he failed
Thank you car wizard for the knowledge, content, and the entertainment. You truly are an educator.
This is one of the best informational videos on trouble shooting. Keep it simple, test the obvious. I will be keeping a can of starting fluid from now on! Thank you for sharing you common sense wisdom!
Very common for the rear bushings to fail and cause the tires to lean inward and ware out the inside of the tire.
It's pretty easy to reach under the fender and check tread depth all the way across the tire. My current tires date back to 2017 but they still have some tread left. But, because of age, this is the last summer for those tires.
Just love how Mr wizard goes into simple details .. step by step
A really great and informative video. More tutorials like this please! They’re great for beginners like me.
I've used that sooooooo many times on cars and motorcycles with a no start issue. I always keep a can or 2 in my garage. Saved me so much money.
Understanding the basic principles and being able to test things correctly and actually hear and see the issues kinda feels like a super power. The sense of satisfaction is amazing!
Thanks for sharing this approach!
I learned troubleshooting in the Canadian Air Force. It's helped me more times than I can count...the key thing is look at the cheapest, easiest, and most obvious things first.
I love automotive diag content! Thanks for posting this one and I hope to see more diag goodness in the future.
This is how proper mechanics work, as problems solvers who understand a vehicle’s systems. No matter how complicated, the basics are the same. Wizard is part of a dying breed…
I guessed the 'test' would be starting fluid. So fast to rule out spark and compression right away.
I'm guilty of abusing starting fluid haha. My mr2 lost its fuel pump, and we were able to push it to my garage but driveway is sloped up and we couldn't push the car uphill. So I had my brother in law walk beside the car spraying starting fluid into the intake as I just drove it in. Probably not the best idea but it worked and nothing blew up.
👍 Ahh, childhood memories! I remember abusing my 63 VW late at night to the point where I broke off the gear shift lever. Got it home with some lucky tools on hand, a smart buddy, and a big screwdriver.
I have used brake cleaner to start my stubern lawn mower.
The Lotus Esprit is one of my favorite cars ever! Can’t wait for the video on it! 😃
Thank you, Wizard and Mrs. Wizard. Love the Audi TT. A great tip for us shade tree mechanics, post carboretor who kept starting fluid around? Like the 2Vintage channel, always a learning moment
I stop at the convenience store to get my carbonators..mmm
erm, basically most DIY home mechanics have always kept starting fluid around!
If ever a car wouldn't start, my first check was sniff the exhaust. It tells you straight away whether fuel is actually getting through! Greatly enjoy the vids Wizard! Greetings from UK to Kansas!
Fuel pump was my guess. Starting fluid is an excellent diagnostic tool!
Great troubleshooting guide for newer mechanics and DIYers
This reminds me of ChrisFix video quite a while back with not starting car. This clearly shows that you need to be methodical and modern tool sometimes can't or won't give you a right answer.
Brilliant information for us Weeeezard. Darn that tire couldn't get any worse. Always check the inside of the tire guys.
And be smarter than me, don't check the tire by running your hand over it. Also, whenever I have a vibration or a shake or some other problem that's happening to one or more wheels, I always look for a tire problem. Last weekend I fixed a case of death wobble on my Samurai by getting new tires.
Yup! We see stuff like this everyday. One that got me was where the fuel pump was working enough to start the car but when you floor it, could not provide enough fuel. Had to measure the fuel pressure for that one.
I learned this from a small engine youtuber but I didn't know it could be done with a car engine.more wizardry please 😀
I hink those are racing tires
This is by far my favorite type of Car Wizard video: troubleshooting using logic.
Down-to-earth Kansas folks ! Encouraging to know there are still REAL people who can actually be called people.
When any motor becomes seized or has difficulty turning for mechanical reasons it will draw more current until the fuse blows.
Great video Wizzard.
Same thing happened to my brother's MB. Both rear tires were worn down to the belts on the inside - but you couldn't see the problem casually looking at them from the curb. Those tires were ready to pop at any moment. The fronts looked brand new...
Great car. A 6 speed 1.8 turbo AWD Audi TT is a work of art
It won't start because...Audi 😂😂😂
Facts 😆
And the owner BOUGHT THE CHEAPEST GAS HE COULD FINDO RUN IT ON.
@@noonehere179310 gallons of recycled junk yard fuel syphoned from random cars about to get crushed.
What’s the octane rating? It’s anyone’s guess!!
W/b
like japan not start cause rust
You should do more of these kind of videos!! Diesel related rough idle, egr, turbo issues would be interesting imo
I don't recall Wizard working on diesels very much or at all even 🤔
He did work on big diesels in the army so he should know them well
@@rosen9425
method and simplicity always leads to the best answer.
Do you guys think the Quattro/AWD system received some damage due to the rear tires being worn so badly?
although possible its not likely , the newer cars have a better tolerance to worn tires, if it was an old cavalier or calibra or sierra 4x4 in the uk or similar, prob wud blown the transfer box or rear diff before the tyre got that bad hahah
Ive an Audi TT just like that one . And im pleased to say it drives great no problems at all ..great car. Ive run for 7 years. Without a hickup
IM with you, that was first thing i learned combustion engines need in time fire, fuel and air.
That's a nice little TT. Needs to have the headlights reconditioned and a detail and it will look great.
I do love these type of videos learning how to diagnose failed systems.
I was 2 for 2 🙂. Guessed fuel first…….need two things to start……fuel and spark. Guessed tire next ……but something caused tire to wear that way on one side. Great video ! 👍
For an internal combustion engine to start, it requires fuel, spark and timing.
I have an 2010 Audi S5 that I just know the wizard would not know how to fix. It starts and runs fine but it has so many warning lights flashing and so many fault codes that would make for a great entertaining video to run through but I don't have the desire to ship it to his far away shop!
Thank you, people rely on scan tools a bit too much. You see it in the forums all the time you need a star xentry scanner that costs as much as some cars are worth, to diagnose a bad CPS
I've taken care of all my own cars since I was born. Never used a scan tool, have no idea how it works...and yet can pretty much diagnose all the issues that happen with my cars (there really isn't much because Toyota/Honda).
I use the spray test too, but the first thing that came to mind was FACTS.
Yes, I have been using starting fluid as a "starting" place for years on everything from lawn mowers, motorcycles, boats and cars. When it starts on starting fluid I know it is fuel related but not so quick to figure out why like you.
Wizard, Wizard, Wizard, I wish you lived by me ! It's hard to find an honest knowledgeable mechanic. Please keep making videos !
Exactly!! near 50yrs of auto work & still diagnostic isn't a computer scanner 1st 😜
Last fuel pump issue I diagnosed was by sound. Or put better: the lack of it. I had this happen to the Mrs some time ago. Was able to diagnose remotely by having her use her ears. No humming noise when switching on the ignition, no weird things happening on the dash, engine turning as expected... Just about had to be the fuse or fuel pump. Had it towed by a local shop (no, I'm no mechanic) and got the confirmation of my diagnoses.
Did not know about the fuel pump vs car signal testing. Great low-tech way of diagnosing.
Scan tools are a great tool if used properly.
Perfect video my car wouldn't start today, I had to replace my battery so it will start.
Worked on "optimizing" 2 stroke engines when I was young. We had no OBD on those 2 strokes. Everything done by hand, eye, ear & nose.
Engines need air, gas, spark at the right time. Just do one by one and you will fix it.
There are sooooo many reasons to watch these videos. Thank you, Car Wizard!
Great video! My car has hard start, it takes 3 times to start. its 2.0tfsi engine. The only code it throw is P3137 intake mainfold runner control.
I come from a generation of points and condensers with dwell angle and timing, valves that needed to be adjusted.
Diagnostics is the difference between mechanics and parts changers
Yes, that's the way for a simple yet effective diagnosis. :)
I have a simple probe with a light in. It fixes a lot of problems without even thinking of the OBD.
I’ve been doing the starter fluid trick for years, don’t even remember where I heard it but it’s been pretty useful. If I go to buy a project car and it starts with a spray, then I know it should be a fairly easy project that just needs some work on the fuel delivery.
Wowpy what a hero I’ve been a mechanic for 43 years and it’s still shit job spent so much money on tools with minimal wage hating Lego cars today what a hero
Great minds think alike. Maybe it's because I grew up in Chanute driving a '59 Ford. That was a learning experience but I loved that car.
good job, on a no start I always check for spark then fuel I guess you could check fuel first then compression, if the car cranks any good mechanic can tell by the sound of the starter if it has compression you got lucky and started on the right thing, good job
Super helpful ! Extraordinary detail !! Precise videography !!! I learned lots !!!! Thanks mate 👊🏼 !!!!!
Wizard is the only mechanic in the world that would know to spray starter fluid in the intake! He's a genius! 😅
Can you imagine if that pump had failed WHILE in your shop? ‘You sabotaged my car, wizard!’😮 Convincing the average customer can be an uphill battle. (Been there, done that). Great job, keep it going my friend.
That was a easy one for you. Just watched a video where a oscilloscope was needed to narrow down the problem. There was no check engine light on & the car would run, but die out.
Old school maybe better then all the stupid electric stuff. 100% nice video. The way I do it exactly! Step by step testing, thinking and reparing. Not replacing parts with no reason. Excellent! Greetings from Belgium.
Hi, this video is very informative and helpful in many ways. I would like to add a small big detail in correlation with the fuel issue. There are cars that dont get fuel because of a bad crank-sensor, the pump relay gets it "switched current" from the ecu, wich needs a present crank signal to do that. cars like these, incuding mine, also dont prime the fuel pump with "ignition on", the pump runs only when the engine is cranking. My car is a european 28 year old Opel Vectra or Vauxhall Cavalier. The same GM-Engine was also used in North America in early Saturn Vue and L300 models, its the L81 or 54° GM V6 with 3.0L displacement.
Keep up the good work !
One of my new favorite channels the amount of knowledge I be learning is priceless thank you!
Owned a TT Quattro Coupe 6 speed manual. Sweet car. 225hp and torque monster. 70k good miles.
Big fuel consumption when its small engine
There is a beautiful Citroen DS in your garage. One of my top favorite car. Lucky guy you are.
I did the quiz...as Meatloaf would say, two outta three ain't bad!
These tricks are learned and passed on These tricks are not in books. The basics are the same. Old school or new school. And I will say it again. Experience has its own reward. Customers must know and appreciate that experience comes at a cost to us and to them. The old school guy.
Believe it or not, I was right on both counts! Pump and tires! Love your channel, Wizard! But I've been doing my own "backyard mechanics"
for a while now!
Great advice, thank you. I wish I can find a mechanic like you here locally
Next best thing: Google Maps. Look for at least four stars and a decent number of reviews. Not all reviews are fair or even accurate but even if they "only" manage four out of five stars, if they have a large number of reviews that business at least tries to run an honest shop. Just my two cents worth. Anything under four stars is a trip to Vegas. Buyer beware. Post honest reviews about the business. Over a million people read Google reviews every day and you can even attach photos of your experience. Extremely well done or extremely shoddy work? Let the whole world see it. Help grow good businesses in your community.
Not bragging but I guessed the fuel pump. I was thinking old school though by pouring a little fuel down the carb definitely not how this particular car works. Had no idea modern cars have a fuse for the fuel pump but glad you taught me.
The scarything is that now rhat im working on Evs i only deal with gas on my pwn or friends and family so my diagnostics have goke down alot, i get more frustrated on gas cars and have thrown the towel on some. Evs are soo mu h easier and i got major respect for all you guys in the industry still on gas, def good diag techs
Wizard, you & Mrs. Wizard are wonderful ! I'm hooked.
Love the oldschool ideas on new cars. Greetings from the Netherlands
Wife had an olds aurora, northstar v8. Ran rough. Checked coil packs with an old timing light I had, 2 were dead. After market a yellow coils didn’t last very long either, had to go back to stock. Got rid of car after wiring harness started shrinking & pulling away from connections all over. Was a rocket when it ran!
I had this same car 🚙 in blue it was so much fun and helped me get many tickets lol 😆
Woo hoo, for once I got it: Fuel Pump and Tires. Thanks for the great tips Wizard. BTW, how you feel about BMW, I feel about VW/Audi. Not surprised it would die the day it is going to the shop. True story: the day I put a For Sale sign on my first car, a 1979 VW Scirocco, it broke down on me. Clutch cable went bad
mr wizard YOU ARE THE FOREMOST!!
we need more videos like this
This is pretty much what I have been doing for 30+ years also, except sometimes I'll use combustible brake clean, t-body spray or whatever I have closest at the time, they all work. Starting fluid will get you going though even if you have a pretty weak spark from what I have seen. Whatever it's all good and good video. BTW, I had to re subscribe to your channel again because for some reason UA-cam screws up some of my subscriptions, this has been happening for a few years with certain channels. Keep up the great work!👍🏻👌🏼
The TT is a cool car. The Wizard seems to have these cars in his show a lot.
Fuel pumps are so random you just have to roll with it!
My 02 Tahoe lost its fuel pump at about 150K miles when I pulled up to my mailbox on the way outta town. Pushed her back into the driveway, diagnosed, got a new Delco pump in it a couple hours later, and headed back out to start my road trip.......could have left me stranded a thousand miles, or a thousand millimeters from home.....glad it was the latter!
Agree that most mechanics today either do not know the fundamentals are chose to ignore the basics. However, the first thing an auto electrician will do is a visual inspection including checking fuses.
I will power the system in this case the fuel pump from the engine area using a wiring diagram, thus testing the complete circuit with one simple and quick test.
If the pump does not run the problem is the wiring or the pump. If the pump does have power or runs the problem is a missing signal
More great self help tips from the car wizard 🧙power probe, one of the best tools money can buy!👍
God bless this wizard for sharing his ancient wisdom and teachings with us common folk
At least you were honest with the customer who had no gas in his car. Some other shop would have charged him for parts never installed.
Best diagnostic that any shadetree mechanic can use that I have seen in a long time. Great video Mr and Mrs Wizard, TY Danialsan for the prep work.
I got a 1998 K1500 With the 5.7L Vortech and I just did this same test..cranks no start. runs on starter fluid. checked fuel pressure at the rail..good! solved with out my pico scope in 30min. Good customer information "Changed timing chain wont start". Timing Crank Sprocket had damaged key-way and shifted on the crank. First thing i did was crank it over for crank smoothness and noises. then tried starter fluid to check spark and fuel. checked fuel pressure , good. Pulled timing cover and found the damaged crank senor gear. without good customer information I could have spent hours diagnosing this.
Don't forget the cam adjuster gasket with the valve cover. Might as well just put a chain tensioner in it while you're in there it will fail after you touch it hahaha. Love your videos!