Tell her I'm trying to take good care of Minnie haha. Now all I have left to do is pull the transmission out and replace the broken flywheel and she can have her back.
No hyperbole here but this might be the single best video for 2018 among all automotive diagnostic channels. This is EXACTLY the reason why I am drawn to this channel. This type of problem is extremely hard to find and fix and I can assure you that 99% of the shops would have never narrowed the problem area down to the rear floor area. I know to some it's boring but I'm with Eric O on this one. I'm loving it! These are the real world problems that develop with our modern cars and knowing how to attack the problem, narrow it down, so you can fix it correctly is the key skills at play here. Eric O. please never stop making videos like this. These are the creme de la creme of SMA!
@@dwaynechaulk7387 Everytime I tell people in conversation about the SMA channel they never believe all the good things I have to tell them about Eric. They are always like, "how does a small town mechanic fix all these complex problems when my dealership with millions of dollars of technical support can't do it?" I reply that he has honed a skill that most technicians just don't understand nor apply in their diagnosis skills protocol. The Eric O phrase that has the most validity is "sometimes you have to go slow, to go fast." I believe that whole-heartedly. But to most others, it's just about going fast all the time. There might be techs that are smarter but NONE that are BETTER! Period.
Kenneth white is exactly right, but the other shops get 9hrs labor bill and Eric only gets 2hrs labor bill, is that fair? This is why young players in this field turn down learning and schooling to get it right the first time, because they get paid the same or better to do it wrong , over and over again.
OK, I been a mechanic(ill slap anyone that calls me a technician) for about 15 years now and have been watching South Main Auto for a while because Eric always has methods and gadgets that make life easier so I have a question for everyone here.... How in the piss does Scotty kilmer have 1.5million subscribers when Eric has under 250k? This makes no since to me,scotty has no useful information and alot of over exaggerated bs. Meanwhile Eric O should be a role model for all of us, he manages to not only run a busy shop, diagnose appropriately but make a quality video sharing his techniques FOR FREE... This world boggles me
That's it, I am gonna start jumpin out of trunks and yelling at people all while giving nonsense advice about stuff I know nothing about. It's called entertainment sir. Not to mention the vids are all under 5min. People have the attention span of a squirrel. I could easily do what he does, I just choose not to. there is no value in it.
@@SouthMainAuto well thank you for what you do, BTW, do you ever sleep? Your like the Dwayne Johnson of the automotive world I don't see how you fit so much in a day and have a family to.. Good job sir.
@@SouthMainAuto You have to spit some while yelling also. That wire harness is an embarrassment. Why would they rely on just tape to protect from the wire from the anchor? In a cargo area? There should be some convoluted tubing on that harness. Good job finding the problem. Not boring at all.
South Main Auto Repair don't forget the clickbait titles... "why you shouldn't scrap your 2003 dodge grand caravan until you've tried this simple fix..." 😂
Yup, Scotty is all Flash and Showmanship with very little substance ... and most importantly ... very brief. I have not watched anything of his since finding South Main Auto. Kudos to Eric :) ... and this video was far from boring. watching Eric's thought process was incredibly informative.
Not even slightly boring Eric. Your systematic approach to fault finding should be a lesson to be learned by everybody who works on cars. In addition, your videos are just so 'watchable'. Please keep on doing what you are doing, because you do it so well.
Reminds me of something that happened some 45 years ago when I worked at a service station. A lady came in with a Pontiac and bought gas. When she went to leave her power window would not work because the fuse had blown. She said it sometimes happens when she stops for gas but not always. Now this was long before all the modern computer electronics in cars. They could not figure out what filling with gas tank had to do with a power window fuse. They tried moving the driver door around, playing with the window switch etc. They asked the woman if she got out of the car when she bought gas like she did this time. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Finally they had her get in the car with the fuse working and get out again. She did and sure enough, the fuse was blown again. Long story short, when she got out of this big car at the gas station, due to the high curb by the pumps being on the driver's side, she would step on the door sill as she stood up. Yep, under the door sill was wiring that ran to the rear window. When the carpet was installed, the insulation was sliced off the top of the hot wire. It would only short if you placed enough pressure on the metal door sill plate.
I get why you might think people wouldn't enjoy this type of video, but to be honest, THESE are the diagnostic skills that so many people NEED to learn. Keep up the good work!!!!
Interesting? Are you kidding? This is not only interesting, it's instructive and fascinating. With the increasing sophistication of modern vehicles, it's a wonder any repair shop can find an issue like this. You can be proud. You're one of a very few who have the patience and knowledge to even attempt something like this.
Worthy video. Watched it from end to end. Chasing intermittent faults on data pairs can be really time consuming. Especially when the fault clears itself. Had one recently where a wire had shorted one leg of the data on an RS485 network to ground, but another bit of equipment on the same data line had also failed with the same leg to ground on its receiver chip. Finding the issue was compounded further by waterlogged connectors being blamed for the problem. When they were being shaken out they were temporarily clearing one of the shorts.
Man a double whammy on the same line may leave a guy rethinking his diag. Or perhaps a lot of rabbit trailing. That must have been pretty fun to chase down!
@@SouthMainAuto We were chasing our tails until we put in a buffer that fans the data out on several circuits and it instantly showed two sections being pulled down on its output LEDs. (Different kettle of fish to automotive network.)
As an electronics service technician for over 38 years now, I can tell you that your troubleshooting approach and logic are spot on. Isn't it a great feeling when you conquer a tough one like that ? Still the best feeling after all these years.
For reference, if you ever have frequent issues with RS485 style networks you can sometimes make a little dongle up that has a bicolour LED and a resistor between the two data lines, or two separate LEDs each with a resistor to ground. If the data voltage level is high enough to light an LED it gives an instant visual check of open or shorted data lines.
Easy for a guy like you to say haha. Come on man I watch your videos because you are damn genius! I wish I only knew half of what you have forgotten when it comes to electrical circuits. I do understand what you are saying with the LED's though. A 250ohm resistor and an LED with a forwarding voltage of about 2 volts maybe?
Bruddah, this video is probably one of your very best inner mind guides on how to never give up and how to not play with those who would chase the elusive rainbows. Outstanding cannot describe how great this video played out. Awesome Eric!
Funny thing being a mechanic for over 30 years ... I love watching other mechanics doing their thing, and Erics definitely my favorite. He's consistent in his delivery and his attitude is fantastic. He would make a great teacher ... but he already is !!!
Eric, you use logic, commonsense and the right tools to detect problems. I love that you want to be sure you are FIXING the problem not taking the shotgun approach. This was another good example of the true skills you posses in the profession. Be proud that you are boring us with the mystery that most wouldn't solve. You do have the best car repair channel on YT.
This is a great example of why getting every bit of information from a customer is so important. Some customers hate being asked silly questions like, when it happens do you have people in car, cargo, towing, etc. Such a little thing could make finding or duplicating the problem much easier.
Most mechanics don't ask you those questions. That's the real problem. I take the time to write down all my issues and problems on a piece of paper and have the service writer make sure they give it to the technician. Guess what? My paper almost never makes it to the actual technician. People just don't care any more thanks to flat-rate.
@@klwthe3rd Next time, hide it in the car around the area you think the technician will check :D Maybe he will get it then when he finds the note in the car :D So if this had been your vehicle, I would have put it around the tailgate area as he would have to inspect / mess with that.
I am not a mechanic but I am a retired electrical engineer. I recently subscribed to your channel just to learn more about how cars work these days. Especially interested how the electronics work in cars today and your videos have really taught me a lot. I understand busses and when I saw what you were up against I instantly realized the huge task you had ahead of you tracking down this problem. You did an absolutely amazing job! Your channel also helps me understand why it costs as much as it does these days to maintain and fix cars. The amount of equipment that is needed is huge. Sharing your knowledge is also great and I am sure you help a lot of people out there.
Finding the wire broken like that should be a recall!! I used to have a 1979 Dodge Omni with an electric deck lid release. If I needed it open and didn't have the key handy I would 1. Turn hazards on 2. Put the directionals to the right and the deck lid would open right up Dodge and their Infinite Wisdom!!
20 years ago at my job as a maintenance tech I was required to take a course called Kepner Tregoe which is analytical troubleshooting.I thought it was going to be a BS course but it was good and is what you are doing in your everyday trouble shooting. It basically teaches you to look for what has been recently done or what causes the problem trying to recreate it, not shoot a parts cannon. Bottom line that course made me better at my job till retirement. Now that course and watching you makes me a better DIYer. Thanks for another interesting video Eric!
This video is not even close to being boring, it's just the opposite. Troubleshooting electrical problems of any type takes patience and information about the path wiring takes to reach its working point. It also takes someone who is observant enough to spot the funny looking things or the odd looking things that may conceal a problem. This is one video that should be shown in every auto class out there when discussing troubleshooting. It is worth the time to watch.
That is one of those issues some times never is found and causes owners to trade to a new car only to have something weird like that happen after warranty runs out again. I would rather have a rod go through the block as to deal with that type of problem. Great job!
I'm not an auto mechanic, I restore old radios and I think your diagnostics and thought processes in locating an issue are solid. Truly enjoy watching you diagnose a problem.
Thank you Eric!! GREAT example of how nerve wracking electrical problem diagnosing can be!! It can make u crazy; tear your hair out, or think the vehicle is "POSSESSED"!! You are the MAN!!
Great piece of fault finding. Intermittent electrical faults are some of the most frustrating, time consuming jobs out there. Also probably the most rewarding when you find them. Great work.
Eric, you remind me of my brother, who has passed. His approach to repair was very similar to yours (you even look and talk like him). Every time I see you crawling around in a vehicle, or working from underneath, I see my brother. I am a technician and a troubleshooter and I love watching this done by a very good troubleshooter as yourself. I use very similar methods as well. Don't worry about whether the vids are boring, for those of us who love this work, it is far from boring. Keep it up!
I must be reverting to my childhood because you thoroughly entertained me through the whole process. And I haven't been 4 years old for 68 years. Thanks.
I've seen this kind of mystery electrical problem before on an old 93 Caravan I use to own. My sister borrowed it one day to pick up some bulky cargo and while driving through our pot-hole ridden streets she must have hit a particularly bad one. She immediately calls me in a panic and says the starter won't stop. Well I had to laugh and told her "that's why it's called a starter". once the vehicle was towed home we spent a couple days going over the thing to find that a strut tower, which appeared to have a bit of rust at the base, got pushed up far enough to pinch the wiring harness that was tucked in between it and the fender. It was near impossible to get to so we sold it for parts. I think it's safe to say that we all appreciate your videos no matter how boring you might think they are. At least we can follow along with your experiences without tearing up our sweatshirts. Thanks and have a great day!
I enjoy your videos not just for the mechanical work, but also for the way you virtually trap a fault by continuously narrowing down the possibilities until there's nowhere left for it to hide. Fascinating stuff.
No split loom or raceway to protect, and bundle anchors should be plastic- not metal bolts. This design and placement of a critical system is beyond stupid. This is an awesome video, thank you very much, Eric. All vehicles covered by this- should be checked & repaired, using this video as a guide.
I hope you read this comment. I really like your channel and the content. Most other automotive channels are reviews and some tips. You bring us right into the action with your channel. You're a true troubleshooter and i have alot of respect for you. Please dont ever switch up the channel content . This is the kind of thing i love. I appreciate the hardwork it takes to make these videos. I am an automation/electrical troubleshooter in an industrial setting and Programming also. I am going to buy an autel very soon and you are giving me great tips just by watching you work through the process. I love your channel !!!
Excellent diagnosis sir! As an ex-Chrysler service engineer, I've seen many harnesses grounding out primarily on trim screws. Yours happen to be twisted pair on can bus. Very difficult to isolate, but your method of "what is, what's not "and similarities, lead you to root cause. Love your videos, particularly these hard to diagnose electrical issues. That's my area of skills and interest too.
Nuts and bolts are great. These kinds of mystery diagnoses are truly awesome, though. Watching you work through the potential causes, methodically and systematically work through each one, and then find the culprit without ripping the vehicle (or the owner's bank account) apart? Priceless! You, sir, are a credit to your profession.
not a mechanic but as a amateur diy, i find them interesting on reading wiring diagrams and using different diagnostic equipment, especially scope of a rope to find issued. never understood wiring and logic but had to learn in my profession and now at least I can follow thought process to find the problem. love watching ways to fix different issues. not many good professionals who can really diagnosis a problem before they start changing parts. just cost the customer money.
Shows how important it is to not go in 'mob-handed' and to take the time to be analytical. Well done Eric, you constantly show how to save time and effort by using your head. Now, if you could just move to the UK so I can have a friend who's shop I could while away the hours in, that would be lovely!
Eric, Everytime I watch one of your videos I learn something new. There are so many small town mechanics that don't know and don't care to learn how the modern serialized busses on new cars fucntion, same with more advanced EFI. It's refreshing to see that you find it interesting and strive to understand it well enough to teach it. Thank you for making such interesting content, even though I don't go to school in the traditional sense anymore, I'm always happy to sit down to one of your videos and learn something new.
The thing is, I know shops that complain about this stuff. It has been in cars for well over 20 years, heck over 30 years for that matter! Nothing new, there is just a lot more of it now.
@South Main Auto Repair I find that hucking filarious. I, like your employee Josh am also in trade school and finish in May. When I’m faced with a problem in the shop lab my first thought frequently has been “How would Eric O deal with this problem?” And yes I learn quite a bit from your videos.
You may think these videos as boring when I find these informative to the newer generation of mechanics. Not many videos have this kind of hands on problem solving and use of the tools to help narrow down while trouble shooting. I love the videos and look forward to seeing future videos of even the craziest things like this.
Man, don't apologize for videos like this. People who have never found something like this have no idea of the rush you get when you finally fine the issue. Well done and keep 'em coming!
Some dealers just read codes and swap parts with no real detective work. For example my dad has a 2015 Dodge Durango and under the seat there is a wiring harness that goes into a “wire box”. On three different occasions we brought it into the dealer because it would trigger the airbag warning light And the part was replaced on all three of those occasions and this usually fixed it for 2 or three months. After the third time I got confused on why this happening to this car and no one else’s. Long story short after playing with everything and threw observation I realized there was a wire that went from the wire box under seat to under the floor. I figured out the every time the dealer put it back together they would run the wire to the floor threw the wrong hole. What would happen is when the seat was moved a certain way it would yank the wire out of the box. after that I took the floor panel out and routed the wire the correct way. What’s ridiculous is a at the time 14 year old was able to figure out more than these “expert techs” at the dealer could figure out on a week.
In the 1970's -80's my VE dealership does not do diagnostic on my car. They cost me an arm and a leg everytime it needs service. Thanks for that I am not a VW client after that. Never, NEVER !
TYPICAL DODGE CHRYSLER BREAKS DOWN, LEAKS, RUSTS AND ACTS KOOOKY WHEN IN OFF POSITION HAD OLD 97 NEON HAD SINCE 1998- WITH 167K ON IT JUST TRADED IN FOR SUBARU DODGE, FORD WERE TOO MANY ISSUES I HAD IN LAST 25 YRS HEADACHES FROM DODGE- BREAKS DOWN , TOWED ETC
These are my favorite kind of videos! Nobody would have ever believed that putting your knee on the seat would find the problem unless you had it on video.
Definitely not a boring video, electrical fault finding and repair like this is just as important as mechanical today, perhaps even more so (so many wires, so few cylinders). Not getting bogged down in the details once you know what sort of fault is present is good advice.
New Level Auto I am sure Eric has both your phone numbers. How did u guys meet? At a MT 2400 repair class? I used to think topology was a study of geographic elevations. Now I know different
I’d watch you diagnose or nuts and bolts videos over any Hollywood movie any day ! Very entertaining and full of so much great useful information ! Thank you for teaching all of us diy people and regular mechanics the correct way to fix vehicles !
As an IT technician I think your methodology is spot on. The biggest issue is reproducing the fault. I have spent way too much of my life tapping, pulling, pushing etc on wires and connectors trying to break something. On the other hand, the feeling when you find the source of the problem is pretty good! Loving your videos which make me nostalgic for my youth when I spent hours working on my car.
It's always exciting, when you discover the culprit! A reporter and detective follow up a 'hot lead' and when tracing wires, a 'hot lead', wire going to ground is usually the guilty party. Great video!
Saw a video yesterday about bad mechanics ripping off their customers. Then I see you doing as much as you can to diagnose the problem(s) to solve the issue. I’m sure I’m just one of many UA-camrs who say Thank You for being honest & so knowledgeable in your repairs. Good video!
I work on equipment in a tire plant and we have to chase broken or chafed wires a lot there. There is nothing boring about this video. Pressing on things and wiggling wires is all part of the process. Doesn't matter if it is a van or a tire curing press, cables always seem to be in harms way. Great video
I personally find these videos hunting down the problem really interesting. Would love to see more of them.....so don't worry about boring anyone, only boring people get bored!
Eric. Some of us auto technicians enjoy the challenge of chasing down such an issue. We feel a real sense of accomplishment or even victory when we get it fixed. Thanks for taking us along. Take care. BM
We need an "official" Eric O dictionary. This would be good material for printing on official SMA swag! I'll start: 1. There's your problem, lady. [An expression indicating the source of the customer complaint has been found]. Similar to " Halleluyer"
Eeic I think this one of your most practical videos . That show how to trace down problems , using your detective skills that are a+ WHEN DOING WORK. NOT EVERYONE HAS THE PATIENCE TO OR SKILL TO FIGURE THESE KIND OF PROBLEMS OUT! THATS WHY YOUR THE MAN. THANKS FOR THESE KIND OF VIDEOS.
I think that the 'luck' part saved some time but he would have gotten to it eventually anyway. Good technique, common (or not so common) sence and perseverance will "get 'er done!"
Eric that wasn't a boring video at all you showed how you track down that electrical short you're obviously the best want to do in this for those of us car geeks that are scared shitless of following electoral leads like you do , your great teacher .
It's like when you try to kill a spider, think you got him, check your shoe... no splatmark. Where'd he go? When will he turn up again? Will he get his revenge?
LOVE to watch you trouble shoot an electrical problem!! To ME anyway, searching for electrical problems can be so difficult, time consuming and at the end ridiculous results!
Nice find! I was on my couch screaming at you to pull the seats and carpet about 15 min before you did... now you're adding suspense....wise guy huh! Lol! Good work sir!
This is what I like about Eric. He is very methodical in his approach to any kind of work especially when it comes to electrical diagnosis. I have applied his methods and boy his methods have helped me a lot when it comes to diagnosing issues. Not only is Eric methodical, he doesn't bash car makers for boneheaded designs like our friend at the Scotty Kilmer Channel. If Scotty was working on this issue, all you will hear him saying is how Chrysler is this, GM is that, etcetera. Eric doesn't talk in a very condescending manner that Scotty does and that is what makes me come to his channel a lot. Keep up the great work, Eric.
Boring? Not in the least! I'm always amazed at your skill in troubleshooting electrical systems and actually finding a hidden short or broken wire. I know that this kind of problem has driven many a mechanic positively nuts, as they try to track down the source of the anomaly.
Nowadays vehicles have so many computers that argue with each other, if one fails to get its own way it throws a tantrum. It does not matter where in the vehicle the fault is, the fact that you show the process is important. Those of us who like to learn and save money, love your videos, keep up the good work.
Nice job Erick christler for years has run that harness right down the middle of the van I just had fuel pump wires smashed to ground at times move that dam harness to the side christ
10% skill, 10% luck, 80% complete and utter assed it by doing something completely stupid, unrelated and un-nesisery in relation to diagnosing the problem at hand. But, what's the old saying about better to be lucky than good... LOL... I absolutely love this channel, not only have I subscribed and turned on the notification bell, ( which I seldom do for most channels) but I've also gone back and watched every video that's been made over the years, I just can't get enough. Keep up the great work both with your business and the videos. Many thanks to you Eric O and Mrs O and your beautiful family.
If it's not the doorbell, the phone or the fire siren, it's some god damn schoolkids who just HAD to win their championship! Sheesh, can't watch a youtube video in peace.
Network communications boring? Never. A great detective story is never boring! As cars (and everything else in the world) become more connected we had better learn this technology to. Thanks Eric.
So aside from Chrysler running a wiring harness through a cargo area with no protection against the wires being squished, they also left an "unused" CAN bus connector sitting under the carpet between the rear seats? Seems like that would be asking for someone to spill a drink in it or something and cause a bunch of issues..
That's precisely what I thought he would find, but the video was going to be longer than that so I hung on until the end. My brother found a penny jammed in the rear seat cigarette lighter in a Cadillac that caused problems.
@@davidvoinier6008 That is an incredible story. Im currently figuring out my TandC minivan "No Can Bus" problem.....same problems in the video, and now I want to check my open connector between the seat for drink spill or a "penny" stuck between the pins shorting the can bus....omg. Could you imagine???
Your process of elimination technics are VERY similar to mine and tho it is sometimes tedious it usual yields positive results in on fashion or another. That's why South Main Auto is my one and only stop 95% of the time, thank you for the knowledge and please continue what you are doing exactly how you've been doing it!
You certainly have a passion for car diagnosis and repair. I am very impressed at your diligence. You also add a bit of humor which is entertaining! I ALWAYS enjoy each video; the wife and kids add to each immensely. "What's for Lunch Mrs. O? Great!! Please continue. You have a Big fan here in Indiana.
Thank you for fixing our "Minnie". My 4 year old is currently glued to the TV watching "her" van on UA-cam. Yes....you have entertained a 4 year old.
Tell her I'm trying to take good care of Minnie haha. Now all I have left to do is pull the transmission out and replace the broken flywheel and she can have her back.
She's so happy!!!!! We don't have "normal" issues with our vehicles! So glad to have your help!!!
@@julied.3314 You owe Eric a new sweatshirt. LOL.
thats amazing
@@andreykldjian if I could buy him a SMA shirt I would!
I know this is an older video but this is not boring to me at all. Pure entertainment for this old school mechanic. Thanks Eric.
No hyperbole here but this might be the single best video for 2018 among all automotive diagnostic channels. This is EXACTLY the reason why I am drawn to this channel. This type of problem is extremely hard to find and fix and I can assure you that 99% of the shops would have never narrowed the problem area down to the rear floor area. I know to some it's boring but I'm with Eric O on this one. I'm loving it! These are the real world problems that develop with our modern cars and knowing how to attack the problem, narrow it down, so you can fix it correctly is the key skills at play here. Eric O. please never stop making videos like this. These are the creme de la creme of SMA!
I'm lovin it too, Eric just has this way about him that stuff he touches makes it interesting, like you said Kenneth real world stuff.
@@dwaynechaulk7387 Everytime I tell people in conversation about the SMA channel they never believe all the good things I have to tell them about Eric. They are always like, "how does a small town mechanic fix all these complex problems when my dealership with millions of dollars of technical support can't do it?" I reply that he has honed a skill that most technicians just don't understand nor apply in their diagnosis skills protocol. The Eric O phrase that has the most validity is "sometimes you have to go slow, to go fast." I believe that whole-heartedly. But to most others, it's just about going fast all the time. There might be techs that are smarter but NONE that are BETTER! Period.
@@klwthe3rd Nailed it!
Kenneth white is exactly right, but the other shops get 9hrs labor bill and Eric only gets 2hrs labor bill, is that fair? This is why young players in this field turn down learning and schooling to get it right the first time, because they get paid the same or better to do it wrong , over and over again.
I totally agree....
OK, I been a mechanic(ill slap anyone that calls me a technician) for about 15 years now and have been watching South Main Auto for a while because Eric always has methods and gadgets that make life easier so I have a question for everyone here.... How in the piss does Scotty kilmer have 1.5million subscribers when Eric has under 250k? This makes no since to me,scotty has no useful information and alot of over exaggerated bs. Meanwhile Eric O should be a role model for all of us, he manages to not only run a busy shop, diagnose appropriately but make a quality video sharing his techniques FOR FREE... This world boggles me
That's it, I am gonna start jumpin out of trunks and yelling at people all while giving nonsense advice about stuff I know nothing about. It's called entertainment sir. Not to mention the vids are all under 5min. People have the attention span of a squirrel. I could easily do what he does, I just choose not to. there is no value in it.
@@SouthMainAuto well thank you for what you do, BTW, do you ever sleep? Your like the Dwayne Johnson of the automotive world I don't see how you fit so much in a day and have a family to.. Good job sir.
@@SouthMainAuto You have to spit some while yelling also.
That wire harness is an embarrassment. Why would they rely on just tape to protect from the wire from the anchor? In a cargo area? There should be some convoluted tubing on that harness. Good job finding the problem. Not boring at all.
South Main Auto Repair don't forget the clickbait titles...
"why you shouldn't scrap your 2003 dodge grand caravan until you've tried this simple fix..." 😂
Yup, Scotty is all Flash and Showmanship with very little substance ... and most importantly ... very brief. I have not watched anything of his since finding South Main Auto. Kudos to Eric :) ... and this video was far from boring. watching Eric's thought process was incredibly informative.
Nothing is boring when it culminates with a "Well, _there's_ your problem, lady!".
That really needs to be a PSA from SMA... and a bumper sticker, definitely a bumper sticker :)
Not even slightly boring Eric. Your systematic approach to fault finding should be a lesson to be learned by everybody who works on cars.
In addition, your videos are just so 'watchable'. Please keep on doing what you are doing, because you do it so well.
Agreed
Reminds me of something that happened some 45 years ago when I worked at a service station. A lady came in with a Pontiac and bought gas. When she went to leave her power window would not work because the fuse had blown. She said it sometimes happens when she stops for gas but not always. Now this was long before all the modern computer electronics in cars. They could not figure out what filling with gas tank had to do with a power window fuse. They tried moving the driver door around, playing with the window switch etc. They asked the woman if she got out of the car when she bought gas like she did this time. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Finally they had her get in the car with the fuse working and get out again. She did and sure enough, the fuse was blown again. Long story short, when she got out of this big car at the gas station, due to the high curb by the pumps being on the driver's side, she would step on the door sill as she stood up. Yep, under the door sill was wiring that ran to the rear window. When the carpet was installed, the insulation was sliced off the top of the hot wire. It would only short if you placed enough pressure on the metal door sill plate.
Good story!
WTF, is this the American way of running wires!? Of course they get damaged. What junk.
@broomsterm Ah, Joseph Lucas - "King of the Road" was their motto, but in the trade known as the "Prince of Darkness"!
Lucas headlight switches have 3 positions, Dim, Flicker, and Off...
broomsterm
Do you know why the British drink warm beer?
Because Lucas makes refrigerators.
That's the type of problem where, if she would have taken to many shops, she'd have bought allot of modules and still had the problem. Great Job Eric!
I get why you might think people wouldn't enjoy this type of video, but to be honest, THESE are the diagnostic skills that so many people NEED to learn. Keep up the good work!!!!
That is amazing
Interesting? Are you kidding? This is not only interesting, it's instructive and fascinating. With the increasing sophistication of modern vehicles, it's a wonder any repair shop can find an issue like this. You can be proud. You're one of a very few who have the patience and knowledge to even attempt something like this.
Worthy video. Watched it from end to end. Chasing intermittent faults on data pairs can be really time consuming. Especially when the fault clears itself. Had one recently where a wire had shorted one leg of the data on an RS485 network to ground, but another bit of equipment on the same data line had also failed with the same leg to ground on its receiver chip. Finding the issue was compounded further by waterlogged connectors being blamed for the problem. When they were being shaken out they were temporarily clearing one of the shorts.
Man a double whammy on the same line may leave a guy rethinking his diag. Or perhaps a lot of rabbit trailing. That must have been pretty fun to chase down!
@@SouthMainAuto We were chasing our tails until we put in a buffer that fans the data out on several circuits and it instantly showed two sections being pulled down on its output LEDs. (Different kettle of fish to automotive network.)
Hi Clive... good to see you here! This Eric O guy is also a master troubleshooter!
Wow Clive and Eric 2 channels I subbed too on the same page.
All we need now is a comment from Mike Harrison aka mikeselectricstuff.
As an electronics service technician for over 38 years now, I can tell you that your troubleshooting approach and logic are spot on. Isn't it a great feeling when you conquer a tough one like that ? Still the best feeling after all these years.
For reference, if you ever have frequent issues with RS485 style networks you can sometimes make a little dongle up that has a bicolour LED and a resistor between the two data lines, or two separate LEDs each with a resistor to ground. If the data voltage level is high enough to light an LED it gives an instant visual check of open or shorted data lines.
Easy for a guy like you to say haha. Come on man I watch your videos because you are damn genius! I wish I only knew half of what you have forgotten when it comes to electrical circuits. I do understand what you are saying with the LED's though. A 250ohm resistor and an LED with a forwarding voltage of about 2 volts maybe?
A Clive and Eric O co-op, know THAT would be something to see!
Thanks, yoy both have taught me a lot and made me in a good mode many a times!
Ok repeat that in English lol
That's a great idea Clive, I'll be making one tomorrow. Thanks for bringing me here too, I'm bingeing on SMA since you mentioned them the other day :)
Any chance you could do a wee video on making that Clive?
These problem solving videos are your best. Far from being boring.
The suspense and excitement of finding the problem. Felt like I was standing right there. Loved it.
As a mechanic and trouble shooter I could watch this for hours.
Bruddah, this video is probably one of your very best inner mind guides on how to never give up and how to not play with those who would chase the elusive rainbows. Outstanding cannot describe how great this video played out. Awesome Eric!
Funny thing being a mechanic for over 30 years ... I love watching other mechanics doing their thing, and Erics definitely my favorite. He's consistent in his delivery and his attitude is fantastic. He would make a great teacher ... but he already is !!!
Every time I watch one I keep thinking I'd scream and cuss and break stuff by this point. :-D
Ah, the old "chafed wires under the carpet" trick. Well played, Dodge... well played. 🙄
Giving GM electrical a run for their, or in this case the owner's, money.
t happens on all...ya just have to be in it for 48 plus yrs to see it.
Eric, you use logic, commonsense and the right tools to detect problems. I love that you want to be sure you are FIXING the problem not taking the shotgun approach. This was another good example of the true skills you posses in the profession. Be proud that you are boring us with the mystery that most wouldn't solve. You do have the best car repair channel on YT.
This is a great example of why getting every bit of information from a customer is so important. Some customers hate being asked silly questions like, when it happens do you have people in car, cargo, towing, etc. Such a little thing could make finding or duplicating the problem much easier.
Most mechanics don't ask you those questions. That's the real problem. I take the time to write down all my issues and problems on a piece of paper and have the service writer make sure they give it to the technician. Guess what? My paper almost never makes it to the actual technician. People just don't care any more thanks to flat-rate.
@@klwthe3rd Next time, hide it in the car around the area you think the technician will check :D
Maybe he will get it then when he finds the note in the car :D
So if this had been your vehicle, I would have put it around the tailgate area as he would have to inspect / mess with that.
@@CMDRSweeper What is wrong with you clown? Are you seriously trying to troll me with your comment? Smh.
Eric you are the man I have been a mechanic for 30 years and still learning watching your videos keep them coming
I wasn't bored at all but the suspense was killing me. Nice to know i'm not the only one to get obscure problems like that.
I am not a mechanic but I am a retired electrical engineer. I recently subscribed to your channel just to learn more about how cars work these days. Especially interested how the electronics work in cars today and your videos have really taught me a lot. I understand busses and when I saw what you were up against I instantly realized the huge task you had ahead of you tracking down this problem. You did an absolutely amazing job! Your channel also helps me understand why it costs as much as it does these days to maintain and fix cars. The amount of equipment that is needed is huge. Sharing your knowledge is also great and I am sure you help a lot of people out there.
Finding the wire broken like that should be a recall!! I used to have a 1979 Dodge Omni with an electric deck lid release. If I needed it open and didn't have the key handy I would
1. Turn hazards on
2. Put the directionals to the right
and the deck lid would open right up
Dodge and their Infinite Wisdom!!
HAHAHAHA That's a good one.
then 96% of the cars on earth would be recalled multiple times ;)
@@throttlebottle5906 nope just the Dodge Caravan & Chrysler Town & Country of which I was referring too because the video is about a Dodge Caravan
Any video you make is a 100 percent worth watching Eric O 👍🏻🇬🇧
20 years ago at my job as a maintenance tech I was required to take a course called Kepner Tregoe which is analytical troubleshooting.I thought it was going to be a BS course but it was good and is what you are doing in your everyday trouble shooting. It basically teaches you to look for what has been recently done or what causes the problem trying to recreate it, not shoot a parts cannon. Bottom line that course made me better at my job till retirement. Now that course and watching you makes me a better DIYer. Thanks for another interesting video Eric!
Parts cannon people don't know what to do when their cannon guidance systems (fault code generators) are lying or haywire.
This video is not even close to being boring, it's just the opposite. Troubleshooting electrical problems of any type takes patience and information about the path wiring takes to reach its working point. It also takes someone who is observant enough to spot the funny looking things or the odd looking things that may conceal a problem.
This is one video that should be shown in every auto class out there when discussing troubleshooting. It is worth the time to watch.
That is one of those issues some times never is found and causes owners to trade to a new car only to have something weird like that happen after warranty runs out again. I would rather have a rod go through the block as to deal with that type of problem. Great job!
that is 100% what they want to happen ;)
new vehicle, new loan, you take a bending over and further debt with each
A combination of skill, intuition, and good luck. Never thought it would be a failure in the trunk area.
I'm not an auto mechanic, I restore old radios and I think your diagnostics and thought processes in locating an issue are solid. Truly enjoy watching you diagnose a problem.
As a retired HVAC tech of many years I really enjoy watching your trouble shooting process.
Thank you Eric!! GREAT example of how nerve wracking electrical problem diagnosing can be!! It can make u crazy; tear your hair out, or think the vehicle is "POSSESSED"!! You are the MAN!!
Great piece of fault finding. Intermittent electrical faults are some of the most frustrating, time consuming jobs out there. Also probably the most rewarding when you find them. Great work.
Eric, you remind me of my brother, who has passed. His approach to repair was very similar to yours (you even look and talk like him). Every time I see you crawling around in a vehicle, or working from underneath, I see my brother. I am a technician and a troubleshooter and I love watching this done by a very good troubleshooter as yourself. I use very similar methods as well. Don't worry about whether the vids are boring, for those of us who love this work, it is far from boring. Keep it up!
Sounds like he was a smart and DAMN good lookin fella! Sorry to hear he is gone though.
Tear jerker. Sorry your bro is no longer around. You've found the doppelganger to keep the memories alive!
South Main Repair That is a reply that he would say, too! Thanks, I miss him.
I must be reverting to my childhood because you thoroughly entertained me through the whole process. And I haven't been 4 years old for 68 years. Thanks.
I've seen this kind of mystery electrical problem before on an old 93 Caravan I use to own. My sister borrowed it one day to pick up some bulky cargo and while driving through our pot-hole ridden streets she must have hit a particularly bad one. She immediately calls me in a panic and says the starter won't stop. Well I had to laugh and told her "that's why it's called a starter".
once the vehicle was towed home we spent a couple days going over the thing to find that a strut tower, which appeared to have a bit of rust at the base, got pushed up far enough to pinch the wiring harness that was tucked in between it and the fender. It was near impossible to get to so we sold it for parts.
I think it's safe to say that we all appreciate your videos no matter how boring you might think they are. At least we can follow along with your experiences without tearing up our sweatshirts. Thanks and have a great day!
I enjoy your videos not just for the mechanical work, but also for the way you virtually trap a fault by continuously narrowing down the possibilities until there's nowhere left for it to hide. Fascinating stuff.
No split loom or raceway to protect, and bundle anchors should be plastic- not metal bolts. This design and placement of a critical system is beyond stupid. This is an awesome video, thank you very much, Eric. All vehicles covered by this- should be checked & repaired, using this video as a guide.
Way back when I worked at L/M I was the strange problem guy. I really like this type of video.
I hope you read this comment. I really like your channel and the content. Most other automotive channels are reviews and some tips. You bring us right into the action with your channel. You're a true troubleshooter and i have alot of respect for you. Please dont ever switch up the channel content . This is the kind of thing i love. I appreciate the hardwork it takes to make these videos. I am an automation/electrical troubleshooter in an industrial setting and Programming also. I am going to buy an autel very soon and you are giving me great tips just by watching you work through the process. I love your channel !!!
Incredible diagnostic skills combined with teaching techniques beyond compare!
Excellent diagnosis sir! As an ex-Chrysler service engineer, I've seen many harnesses grounding out primarily on trim screws. Yours happen to be twisted pair on can bus. Very difficult to isolate, but your method of "what is, what's not "and similarities, lead you to root cause.
Love your videos, particularly these hard to diagnose electrical issues. That's my area of skills and interest too.
Nuts and bolts are great. These kinds of mystery diagnoses are truly awesome, though. Watching you work through the potential causes, methodically and systematically work through each one, and then find the culprit without ripping the vehicle (or the owner's bank account) apart? Priceless! You, sir, are a credit to your profession.
Doesn't matter what you do I find all your videos very entertaining, and the time you take to make this videos is very much appreciate it.
not a mechanic but as a amateur diy, i find them interesting on reading wiring diagrams and using different diagnostic equipment, especially scope of a rope to find issued. never understood wiring and logic but had to learn in my profession and now at least I can follow thought process to find the problem. love watching ways to fix different issues. not many good professionals who can really diagnosis a problem before they start changing parts. just cost the customer money.
There’s your problem lady 😂 got to love that❤️ Eric is unique.
Shows how important it is to not go in 'mob-handed' and to take the time to be analytical. Well done Eric, you constantly show how to save time and effort by using your head. Now, if you could just move to the UK so I can have a friend who's shop I could while away the hours in, that would be lovely!
Eric, Everytime I watch one of your videos I learn something new. There are so many small town mechanics that don't know and don't care to learn how the modern serialized busses on new cars fucntion, same with more advanced EFI. It's refreshing to see that you find it interesting and strive to understand it well enough to teach it. Thank you for making such interesting content, even though I don't go to school in the traditional sense anymore, I'm always happy to sit down to one of your videos and learn something new.
The thing is, I know shops that complain about this stuff. It has been in cars for well over 20 years, heck over 30 years for that matter! Nothing new, there is just a lot more of it now.
@South Main Auto Repair
I find that hucking filarious. I, like your employee Josh am also in trade school and finish in May. When I’m faced with a problem in the shop lab my first thought frequently has been “How would Eric O deal with this problem?”
And yes I learn quite a bit from your videos.
You may think these videos as boring when I find these informative to the newer generation of mechanics. Not many videos have this kind of hands on problem solving and use of the tools to help narrow down while trouble shooting. I love the videos and look forward to seeing future videos of even the craziest things like this.
2013 model? The stud which wore through the wiring harness is the 5 year warranty timer!!
Man, don't apologize for videos like this. People who have never found something like this have no idea of the rush you get when you finally fine the issue. Well done and keep 'em coming!
Some dealers just read codes and swap parts with no real detective work.
For example my dad has a 2015 Dodge Durango and under the seat there is a wiring harness that goes into a “wire box”.
On three different occasions we brought it into the dealer because it would trigger the airbag warning light And the part was replaced on all three of those occasions and this usually fixed it for 2 or three months. After the third time I got confused on why this happening to this car and no one else’s. Long story short after playing with everything and threw observation I realized there was a wire that went from the wire box under seat to under the floor. I figured out the every time the dealer put it back together they would run the wire to the floor threw the wrong hole. What would happen is when the seat was moved a certain way it would yank the wire out of the box. after that I took the floor panel out and routed the wire the correct way.
What’s ridiculous is a at the time 14 year old was able to figure out more than these “expert techs” at the dealer could figure out on a week.
In the 1970's -80's my VE dealership does not do diagnostic on my car. They cost me an arm and a leg everytime it needs service.
Thanks for that I am not a VW client after that. Never, NEVER !
that is because they get a wage regardless of outcomes / efforts
It is very interesting to watch your technical skills to solve an issue. Very thorough and completely informative. Keep up the great work Eric.
DR,O strikes again YOU ARE A GENIUS!
TYPICAL DODGE CHRYSLER
BREAKS DOWN, LEAKS, RUSTS AND ACTS KOOOKY WHEN IN OFF POSITION
HAD OLD 97 NEON HAD SINCE 1998- WITH 167K ON IT JUST TRADED IN FOR SUBARU
DODGE, FORD WERE TOO MANY ISSUES I HAD IN LAST 25 YRS
HEADACHES FROM DODGE-
BREAKS DOWN , TOWED ETC
These are my favorite kind of videos! Nobody would have ever believed that putting your knee on the seat would find the problem unless you had it on video.
the magical mystery can bus tour . good vid
Definitely not a boring video, electrical fault finding and repair like this is just as important as mechanical today, perhaps even more so (so many wires, so few cylinders). Not getting bogged down in the details once you know what sort of fault is present is good advice.
Finally! Been waiting for this one
Been there, done that Keith?
@@kboomarangfinch167 no and that's why I was so interested!
@@mickkeeps8077 that's what keeps this career interesting 😊
New Level Auto I am sure Eric has both your phone numbers. How did u guys meet? At a MT 2400 repair class? I used to think topology was a study of geographic elevations. Now I know different
@@NewLevelAuto Wait, Keith hasn't seen this problem? That is pretty rare. I am sure you could tell us what all those data packets mean.
I’d watch you diagnose or nuts and bolts videos over any Hollywood movie any day ! Very entertaining and full of so much great useful information ! Thank you for teaching all of us diy people and regular mechanics the correct way to fix vehicles !
I like your videos, full of knowledge, not boring a all, keep them coming.
18.40 THERES YOUR PROBLEM LADYYYYYYYYY
THE ALARM GOING OFF INSIDE THE VAN
As an IT technician I think your methodology is spot on. The biggest issue is reproducing the fault. I have spent way too much of my life tapping, pulling, pushing etc on wires and connectors trying to break something. On the other hand, the feeling when you find the source of the problem is pretty good! Loving your videos which make me nostalgic for my youth when I spent hours working on my car.
Very interesting....I enjoy watching your problem solving technique👍
It's always exciting, when you discover the culprit! A reporter and detective follow up a 'hot lead' and when tracing wires, a 'hot lead', wire going to ground is usually the guilty party. Great video!
Excellent detective job Sherlock!
Saw a video yesterday about bad mechanics ripping off their customers. Then I see you doing as much as you can to diagnose the problem(s) to solve the issue. I’m sure I’m just one of many UA-camrs who say Thank You for being honest & so knowledgeable in your repairs. Good video!
Just found your channel! Loving these how-to videos. Thanks!
I work on equipment in a tire plant and we have to chase broken or chafed wires a lot there. There is nothing boring about this video. Pressing on things and wiggling wires is all part of the process. Doesn't matter if it is a van or a tire curing press, cables always seem to be in harms way. Great video
AMAZING DIAG MY FRIEND KEEP THOSE COMING.....
This is real world experience you can't find anywhere but the shop. Thanks South Main for making my job easier.
20:36
I love wiring and I love a good challenge. So I'm fascinated
I personally find these videos hunting down the problem really interesting. Would love to see more of them.....so don't worry about boring anyone, only boring people get bored!
Wow that was really hard to find well done man great job.
Eric. Some of us auto technicians enjoy the challenge of chasing down such an issue. We feel a real sense of accomplishment or even victory when we get it fixed. Thanks for taking us along. Take care. BM
We need an "official" Eric O dictionary. This would be good material for printing on official SMA swag!
I'll start:
1. There's your problem, lady. [An expression indicating the source of the customer complaint has been found].
Similar to " Halleluyer"
2. "OW! Burnt Chicken Baby" (burning yourself with a torch)
dude don't forget, "Whoooaaaaaa" when Eric O almost falls or the camera too for that matter! Lol
Eeic I think this one of your most practical videos . That show how to trace down problems , using your detective skills that are a+ WHEN DOING WORK. NOT EVERYONE HAS THE PATIENCE TO OR SKILL TO FIGURE THESE KIND OF PROBLEMS OUT! THATS WHY YOUR THE MAN. THANKS FOR THESE KIND OF VIDEOS.
What is that phrase about "rather be lucky than good"? Both were in play here.
Spot on! Being good (read thorough & methodical) allowed Dame Fortune to smile.
100% agree. Sometimes luck is important
I think that the 'luck' part saved some time but he would have gotten to it eventually anyway. Good technique, common (or not so common) sence and perseverance will "get 'er done!"
Not boring at all. Love watching you go through these thought processes
Thanks Eric, doesn't it feel good when you can reproduce the problem for troubleshooting!
Eric that wasn't a boring video at all you showed how you track down that electrical short you're obviously the best want to do in this for those of us car geeks that are scared shitless of following electoral leads like you do , your great teacher .
17:34 " I don't want the problem to go away is my biggest concern".....@SMA Oct 29, 2018 .....
It's like when you try to kill a spider, think you got him, check your shoe... no splatmark. Where'd he go? When will he turn up again? Will he get his revenge?
LOVE to watch you trouble shoot an electrical problem!! To ME anyway, searching for electrical problems can be so difficult, time consuming and at the end ridiculous results!
Nice find! I was on my couch screaming at you to pull the seats and carpet about 15 min before you did... now you're adding suspense....wise guy huh! Lol! Good work sir!
This is what I like about Eric. He is very methodical in his approach to any kind of work especially when it comes to electrical diagnosis. I have applied his methods and boy his methods have helped me a lot when it comes to diagnosing issues.
Not only is Eric methodical, he doesn't bash car makers for boneheaded designs like our friend at the Scotty Kilmer Channel.
If Scotty was working on this issue, all you will hear him saying is how Chrysler is this, GM is that, etcetera. Eric doesn't talk in a very condescending manner that Scotty does and that is what makes me come to his channel a lot. Keep up the great work, Eric.
I've got an '08 Grand Caravan. Nasty thing. Mercedes complexity layered on Chrysler build quality. Recipe for guaranteed grief.
Boring? Not in the least! I'm always amazed at your skill in troubleshooting electrical systems and actually finding a hidden short or broken wire. I know that this kind of problem has driven many a mechanic positively nuts, as they try to track down the source of the anomaly.
Would give it TWO THUMBS up if I could. Super sleuth ! When you love what you do who cares what time it is!!! There is someone to talk to US!!
Nowadays vehicles have so many computers that argue with each other, if one fails to get its own way it throws a tantrum. It does not matter where in the vehicle the fault is, the fact that you show the process is important. Those of us who like to learn and save money, love your videos, keep up the good work.
Nice job Erick christler for years has run that harness right down the middle of the van I just had fuel pump wires smashed to ground at times move that dam harness to the side christ
10% skill, 10% luck, 80% complete and utter assed it by doing something completely stupid, unrelated and un-nesisery in relation to diagnosing the problem at hand.
But, what's the old saying about better to be lucky than good... LOL... I absolutely love this channel, not only have I subscribed and turned on the notification bell, ( which I seldom do for most channels) but I've also gone back and watched every video that's been made over the years, I just can't get enough.
Keep up the great work both with your business and the videos. Many thanks to you Eric O and Mrs O and your beautiful family.
If it's not the doorbell, the phone or the fire siren, it's some god damn schoolkids who just HAD to win their championship! Sheesh, can't watch a youtube video in peace.
Network communications boring? Never. A great detective story is never boring! As cars (and everything else in the world) become more connected we had better learn this technology to. Thanks Eric.
Are you channeling Fire Marshal Bill when you say "Let me show ya somethin'!!! "
Anyone who puts the time in you do to diagnose and correctly repair the customers vehicle CANNOT make a boring or bad video.
Cool another video from my favorite mechanic.
Great video. The thoroughness and patience to not disturb the fault so it temporarily self corrects so it can pop-up later is impressive.
So aside from Chrysler running a wiring harness through a cargo area with no protection against the wires being squished, they also left an "unused" CAN bus connector sitting under the carpet between the rear seats? Seems like that would be asking for someone to spill a drink in it or something and cause a bunch of issues..
Issues that might result in them selling more parts!
That's precisely what I thought he would find, but the video was going to be longer than that so I hung on until the end. My brother found a penny jammed in the rear seat cigarette lighter in a Cadillac that caused problems.
@@davidvoinier6008 That is an incredible story. Im currently figuring out my TandC minivan "No Can Bus" problem.....same problems in the video, and now I want to check my open connector between the seat for drink spill or a "penny" stuck between the pins shorting the can bus....omg. Could you imagine???
Your process of elimination technics are VERY similar to mine and tho it is sometimes tedious it usual yields positive results in on fashion or another. That's why South Main Auto is my one and only stop 95% of the time, thank you for the knowledge and please continue what you are doing exactly how you've been doing it!
Tonight on the Caravan channel the Halloween Gobblins mess with Eric! 👻 A Chrysler product with a wiring problem, shocking!
probably be back in a week with similar issues and bad wire elsewhere :)
You certainly have a passion for car diagnosis and repair. I am very impressed at your diligence. You also add a bit of humor which is entertaining! I ALWAYS enjoy each video; the wife and kids add to each immensely. "What's for Lunch Mrs. O? Great!! Please continue. You have a Big fan here in Indiana.