This level of diagnostics is pure gold. This is one of many reasons why I follow Eric. Also the extremes of technical wizardry, from a PC running a Pico oscilloscope / logic analyzer, to the endoscope, to the water bottle on a screwdriver as a megaphone. Pure gold.
Yes, an excellent video. I like the diagnosis of strange problems the best. I still like all the other videos. You can only fix what comes into the shop.
I love these diagnostic docudramas! As a 77 year old retiree from an engineering background who has built many engines back in the day where a dwell-tach was the most sophisticated electronic tool I ever used, these vids serve to keep me on the edge of my seat learning and replenishing lost cognitive reasoning ability. We seniors need Eric's expertise shown so illustratively to keep what's left of our functioning brain cells motivated. God bless a man willing to share his knowledge so expansively without any agenda other than to educate. Many thanks Eric O!
For me, diagnostic videos where one or more other shops have failed to find the problem are the most interesting. It’s solving a puzzle. Routine parts replacement videos are the ones I skip!
I like these diagnostic vids for the educational value, but I also like the parts replacement vids because Eric usually in a goofy mood and it is pure entertainment, especially when Mrs. O is around. Those 2 are hilarious.
Eric, I've been in the heavy equipment/truck repair business for 45 + years and have worked with or managed dozens of various skill level mechanics and have never seen any with you patience and troubleshooting skills , your ability to logically build a case without pre determination of a cause and to gather evidence without destroying it, is what puts you where you are, yes the tools at your disposal helps but at the end of the day it is your brain power that gets the job done. Well done !
"logically build a case without pre determination of a cause" That is the key right there my friend. Preconceived notions, preconception or unconscious bias's lead you down the preverbal diagnostic rabbit hole. It's good to have an educated guess or to be thinking of pattern failures but you better be proving or disproving it along the way.
I have been an endocrinologist for 35 years and making a medical diagnosis is subject to the same pitfalls of "Preconceived notions, preconception or unconscious bias's". These human limitations commonly lead to delayed or erroneous diagnoses. The best diagnosticians have the ability and experience to avoid falling into those rabbit holes, and the best of the best have the additional ability to teach the rest of us the science and art of successful diagnosis. Thanks Mr. O for a great lesson. @@SouthMainAuto
@@SouthMainAutoall to often we get the 'last guy did this etc' so you might focus on what they looked at. But best ask..what are the symptoms and then 'build a formula' on your own past knowledge.
Dying breed? I think rare breed. How old do you think he is? He's at the good age where he has a good amount of experience to know what to look for and how to diagnose. If you get older guys, they're going to be like, "I don't know how to use a laptop. Back in my day, it could have only been 3 things. We didn't need all these sensors." You want a well-rounded 30-45 year old working on your stuff. Not saying everyone in that age range will fit the bill because there are some people out there who just don't care, but that's where you'll have your best chance of getting someone good. But there will be more. The next generation will keep pushing forward and learning. These guys aren't going anywhere. They've always been a rare breed. It takes talent, skill, will, and integrity to be good at your craft. But more will come, and they are out there. Just gotta find them.
Its because there is no money in it. The amount of tools you would need to do this type of stuff, diagnosis and reprogramming, is actually insane. Thats if the manufacturer will sell you the tools to work on the stuff to begin with. You will see on youtube the only people doing it are people who own their own businesses and can fully extract every dollar of profit from the work they put in. Thats literally the only way its fiscally feasable anymore.
Another perfect example of why this channel should be required watching for all car tech students. We need more people like you! You really should be a tech college instructor (or guest presenter). This car would be an excellent use case for a Pico Scope Lab.
Boring? No. That was brilliant! Love that we saw the issue digitally and then physically. This one was, obviously, way over the head of those first two shops. Great video
I agree. I am an engineer and just fascinated with the complexity of cars today. How do the great shops and techs capitalize on their knowledge? Sometimes Eric will find a bad wire where other shops have thrown $1000s in parts at a problem. How do great techs get paid their value? They save customers time and money.
That’s because the first two shops are like many of them out there they suck! they’re not real mechanics they’re part replacers any real mechanic with real skills can find stuff at this level !there are a good amount of them out there like Eric but the ignorant ones far out number the good ones
Never boring at all. What a pleasure to see a true professional mechanic at work. What I mean is, a trouble shooter, NOT a parts changer! Thank you for your channel. For your effort & time to produce these clips.
I thoroughly enjoy watching a real diagnostic process. I'm so tired of folks throwing the parts cannon at things because the code says a part lost communication. I want to know why? Bad ground, broken tone ring? Loose wire? What is it? Eric will find it
Best detective on the tube, brilliant to watch, skill, talent. Intuition ,experience, know how and so well explained,pure genius, Charles in lanzarote.
As a DIYer (with some shop experience) it's awesome to see videos like these, I love the problem solving aspect and I don't get to see oddball problems like these, but Eric takes us on the diagnostic journey with him!
Eric, I’ve been in the electronics industry for over 40 years (and still a shade tree mechanic) ranging from starting as a tech on an assembly line to becoming director of R&D for one of the world’s premiere electronics companies. I’ve taught electronics diagnosis and troubleshooting for many years and how to “walk the walk” of logical deductive reasoning based upon an understanding of how a circuit should work versus what we observe. I’ve been following your videos for a few years and try to second guess the diagnosis as you go along. You are an incredible diagnostician and never shotgun or “swapaneer”, so common these days since there are few true automotive mechanics anymore. This was a great example of the process, independent of the technology. You’d have made an incredible (and wealthy) physician and I’d hire you in a nanosecond. The electronics part is an easy learn. The process of troubleshooting to root cause is a skill not quickly learned. God bless and keep challenging us with you.
As a past mechanic, electrical is the hardest thing to diagnose. You make it look so easy. A person can say the other two shops should have found this, but it's not that easy. You need the tools, understanding, skills and above all the patience. You have it all. Excellent work.
@@milesmahan It's a mechanical problem that would have been next to impossible to find had it not been approached as an electrical problem. To accurately diagnose modern vehicles you need a complete understanding of both and how they interact.
Oh I can appreciate that its difficult to find these kind of problems, but the annoying part is that all these other shops keeps throwing in replacement parts because they try to be helpful? Id rather they admit that they cannot find the problem without starting to make me pay for parts I don't need.
I've worked, in automotive shops for 20 years. I've seen good mechanics, great mechanics, Mr. O you are by far the best I've ever seen. I've known mechanics that pass the ASE exams with flying colors, but they still have problems just doing a coolant flush.
This is easily my favorite diagnostic ever. You had an electronic issue with a mechanical cause, and no codes or sounds or smells to point you in the right direction! Fantastic job!
That was not boring at all. I love your excitement when you discovered the banging on the sensor and the improvised "stethoscope" to let us hear it. Your ability to take complex data and simplify it to reach a diagnosis is impressive.
What sets Eric O apart from other automotive channels is his understanding of the diagnostic tools he uses, but also his knowledge of how an engine and electrical system function in congruence. This is not only world class repair, but something most mechanics are not willing to put in the effort.
Way to go, pro. Your understanding of mechanics is second to none! Your ability to explain problems to us is incredible too. I wish I lived in your area.
Eric, I don’t believe any other tech on the planet would diagnose this so in depth. Your showing the picture of the part then watching it move in the engine and seeing the problem happen as you rotate the engine… so cool! And I’m 75 years old so I’m super impressed
Me to but this is impressing at any age. The young guns need to get into this Tech me I'm 59 and don't like dealing with all this new stuff . I like saying they don't make them like they use to !
I have to put this out there - SMA is the best auto mechanic channel on YT by so much, it's crazy that some other guys have more subscribers. Must be that those guys still have subscribers from years and years ago, when they had the field to themselves. Eric O has got to be the hardest working man in the "working and making a video at the same time" business. This is another good one.
Fantastic diagnostics on this one. You combined visual inspection, electronic inspection, tactile inspection, and testing your hypothesis and followed the evidence to exactly where it led instead of guessing or giving up because it was a pain in the butt. This is a true lesson in how diagnostics are supposed to be done. Very well done!
It amazes me how many shops with "mechanics" don't do the basics of diagnostics and simply throw parts at it. Especially a lot of them on UA-cam, great video as always Mr O!
Not even so much that, I'd completely accept a garage not being able to diag this fault. In reality your likely not finding that without a scope. The issue is who's paying for all the guess work, yes it might be an educated guess, but the problem is how much has the customer shelled out for work that wasn't necessary. The industry would be much better if garages were honest and said we don't know.
The problem is, the shop only pays the mechanic 1 hr and that’s all the time they get to diagnose a car and then pressed to give a best guess. That’s sufficient only for about 70% of the jobs. Other diags like this one need to pay more time but shops fear asking for more time and the mechanics get screwed over.
@@renewedautodiagnosticsllc1789 doesn't really apply here in the UK. People are on hourly in terms of if they have a bonus system their hours are tracked, but no garages pay mechanics based on hours booked out. You earn a basic salary for doing your job
Super impressed with your diagnostic skills Eric. This was not at all boring, held my interest all the way. Your ability to actually show us what's happening is a huge plus. Thank you.
Your episodes are of Great Value to anyone who is/was in the trade. We have all run into that problem vehicle that has us banging our head against the wall. The art of diagnosing and explaining the steps is a Great asset to you and your shop.
These episodes are my favorite. Thanks for keeping us entertained, Eric. We may even learn something from time to time. I don't understand how that is not a sensor correlation or performance error. The PCM should know and keep track of the length of the pulses and their edges. They just aren't even looking for that probably, or it doesn't fit some idea of what a failed sensor or sensor error looks like. A loose reluctor wheel should be a failure that make it into the DFMEA.
Great job troubleshooting Eric! As a former electronic technician on some of the world’s most advanced airborne radar systems, NOTHING was more rewarding than finding the “root cause” of an intermittent failures that others simply wrote CND! Kudos!
Eric that was the most entertaining show of not giving up, finding the problems that other shops cant. I just want to say you are one of the best mechanic that I watch on you tube. Keep the videos coming!!!!
Honestly Eric your one in a million. You have an inherent interest in root cause analysis. This to me is your TOP #1 VIDEO OF ALL TIME. What's kind if sad is it took passes by 2 previous shops and tons of $$$$ before a true problem solver diagnosed it. Like I always say, when I need surgery I'm having my doctor call you in for assistance. Your the best man!!!
There has never been a better diagnostic video done. It very much proves that true diagnostic gets to the actual source and doesn’t melt the barrel of the parts cannon. From one tech to another,amazing job and analysis. Breaking it down for the viewers was spot on. 👍🏻
I have to say, your diagnostic skills are amongst the elite in this industry. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. If all mechanics were like you then there would be not junk yards, except when they rust apart...A+ video!!
This was Awesome! Actually showing the timing wheel and how it relates to the two big and two little spikes on the scope, then following it up with the bore scope inside the sensor hole was awesome! On so many other diagnostic videos I don't understand what the sensor is telling us. So cool to have a confirmed diagnosis too, your work and your videos are top tier.
You outdone yourself with visual aids on this video Eric! The excitement in your voice when you saw the vane phaser move out then in was gold! Seeing the smoking gun, especially an unexpected one clearly brings you some joy. It is a good feeling when your day brings you something new - even when you have been around in your job for a while. Great work Eric 👍.
Excellent job! As a fellow mechanic, your videos are always intriguing. From diags to brake jobs, you’re the standard! I send your videos to young techs getting started. The small details you include, that take years to figure out is invaluable to this industry. Much love Erik, many blessing to you and your family ❤
Eric. I love the fact that you are so humble. You are a brilliant diagnostic technician. It was great to see the digital problem and the physical damage that was causing it. This is one of your best vids. Far from boring.
Superb thought process and diagnostic, Eric! That timing disk is completely loose. No parts cannon would solve this - only a scope could give you insight on what was going on. Well done!
You did it again. You elevated yourself far above the rest of the crowd. The real value is not so much your tools, it’s you and your experience. Very impressive.
Top notch! As a home remodel/repair contractor, I never would have found this, but I'm thankful folks like you exist who are willing (and able) to track down the root causes. I try to do the same in my field, instead of smearing lipstick on the pig's behind and letting another sucker kiss it, and you're an inspiration to that. Thank you!
EXCELLENT video. The old saying is true, "Third shop is a charm!" This is proof that AI will never replace technicians. I always love a video that starts with "no codes". Those are the best.
The same goes for pilotless planes or cars for that matter. Take a driverless car on a windy mountain road with adequate line markings and you will end up crashed because AI can't keep up. The important part of landing a plane is dealing with wind variations and a computer cannot react like a person can. In reality this car would be destined for the scraper if it can't be fixed. The eventual way repair work is headed. (throwaway society)
@@larrybe2900 Everything gets thrown away eventually. I got called very dark when I was sitting in a room and said everything in this place will be disposed of in a small period of time (including the people). The car is 12-13 years old. It lived a useful life. Is somebody going to put timing chains on it for 3-4k? Maybe, maybe not.
Th3 only thing I can say is “wow”, what a skill ! There are over 50 thousands parts to build a car, you, right away point to the right direction, absolutely amazing.
A workmate had a similar issue with his brand new SAAB. It would die randomly sometimes restart others not. After having been towed to a bunch of shops over half the country it was bought back to be thoroughly examined. They found the cause, a loose or missing nut on a ground lug under the rear seat (multiple wires)!
You are so much more animated and involved when the problem is complex. Electrical issues are so much harder and challenging than something like brake repair which you were bored with a couple of weeks back. Thanks for taking us through your thought process. Great instruction in moving the problem way down the road! Thanks again for another great video!
Yeah, he even said "Lemme just check this one thing before I go home for the night..." and then he's taking the tire off, running a borescope, and turning over the engine. He was about to go home but he knew he was close to figuring it out and he was just as excited as we were to get the answer.
Brilliant, truly excellent the way you found this fault, great video as usual, I have been a mechanic for 35 years and I am still learning stuff everyday. All the best from the UK Thanks Eric 👍
It's interesting to watch both you and Ivan when you are doing diagnostics and see not only the process, but hear the thought behind it in a manner that is super easy to follow and understand. Even more so when you show us the problem as it's happening - which isn't always easy to do, but it explains it far better than anything else.
@0:17 - "it's gonna be kinda boring"????? I say "Nay, nay!" Best video you've ever made! This level of diagnosis is superlative. No parts canon required.
As someone who loves nitty gritty, how-it-works, behind the scenes parts of life, I love the case study videos. I also love the videos where the Dawg has to come out and just abuse some rusted junk down to generic brake jobs. I learn something every time. Keep it up, SMA!
You make it sound logical and even easy. I can follow your thinking but the knowledge of how all the digital electronicals work is irreplaceable. You are NEVER boring to learn from. Thank you Eric.
This channel has some of the best procedurals. I swear you could make a series of diagnostics like this and sell it to the networks as a reboot of House MD.
Love the channel even though I'm not all that interested in vehicles. I'm IT and electronics so I greatly enjoy the troubleshooting videos like this one. Your knowledge of the electronics, sensors and communication systems in a vehicle and how to use meters, scopes and other measurement tools to troubleshoot along with a systematic, logical approach to isolating faults sets you apart from most mechanics. You are among the best in the business and on this platform. You're a great teacher.
This video is so good that when I accidentally started rewatching it, I didn't move on to something else. This is perfect example of "real world" crap that goes wrong and can ruin a household if there weren't good shops & techs
That video was the farthest thing from boring! Extremely interesting diagnosis from a goofy waveform, to an obvious rapping sound, and finally the visual confirmation of what was happening. Kudos Eric and yet another reason why you have such a loyal following on UA-cam.
Wow - how is an engine with only 100k miles on it needing such a massive repair already? Great work Eric on finding the cause and using some deductive reasoning. Even though I'm not a tech, I enjoy watching you solve these strange problems
This was amazing! It's not surprising to see other shops that couldn't diagnose it, but it's incredibly sad to see some of the cannon parts that were thrown at it.
I cant say I never threw parts at a car to try to fix something but I'm atleast in the ball park, spark plugs and ign coils for a car that's stalling 🤔,
Brilliant work Eric. In my work as as a HW (electronics) design engineer I'm often tasked with debug and root-cause analysis of hardware and firmware and it's often the most enjoyable part of my job: Catching your "prey" after a good "hunt" is most satisfying. Your systematic, logical approach, taking a step back and seeing a ten-thousand-foot view of a problem to really root-cause it is so refreshing in an industry where the parts cannon generally seems to be the weapon of choice.
Lights off in the office, no Mrs. O appearances, no phones ringing, no front door ringer from customers walking in. Eric O stayed late getting this one figured out! There’s not a better feeling as a tech than a car making multiple shops throw in the towel. Plus giving you no clues and being dumbfounded but still not giving up. Putting in the extra hours and late at night and FINALLY figuring it out! This is by far my favorite channel on UA-cam, with nobody there to share the story with so he grabbed the video camera and made a video for us
As a former Electronics Technician and a currently semi-retired Electrical Engineer (as well as a shadetree automotive tinkerer), I found this video to be extremely entertaining and informative. I still get that giddy feeling when I zero in on a fault in piece of equipment, and when you saw that cam phasor reluctor flopping around on the borescope, I had an inkling that you felt the same feeling. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and I wish I lived closer to you (I live south of Pittsburgh) so I could glean some of your wisdom. I would definitely bring my vehicles to you! Keep 'em coming, Eric!
“According to Napa, they got the know how, this is what it looks like.” I absolutely died when he said that! This guy is good and he’s gonna make you laugh so why not take a half hour and see for yourself
As a retired engineer, I agree. Eric comes about the closest to using good engineering troubleshooting skills as any mechanic I have ever known. And he is very competent in many skills, mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding, etc. He reminds me somewhat of Dave Engel at Engel’s Coach Shop in Joliet, MT. They work on completely different things, but Dave is similarly versatile and logical in his approach.
As a retired electronic technician, I find this kind of video to be my favorite. I have always found the hunt to be far more enjoyable than the actual fix. ESPECIALLY, when others before me have tried and failed. Fascinating video! How do you keep from being swamped with overwork?
Wow...that was really something. How could the right tire needing air break that cam trigger.....LOL! Great job finding the problem. Total respect for you an your abilities to not just throw parts at a problem. You always take the time to find the problem, then fix it. Big pat on the back Mr O.
Really hope this woman didn't pay for the other work that was done. If she did, I'd be fighting to get my money back. Nothing against the mechanics, they tried even if by just guessing. Good job and thanks for showing and educating. It's good to learn these things.
What truly separates a great all round mechanic and a parts cannon mechanic ...Eric O takes his skill and knowledge to another level to diagnose a problem ...brill diagnostic video ....as for tracing the problem i would send it to Eric O first 😅😂
This is diagnostic work that probably 95%of techs out there arent able to do. I found a local guy who is honest and good but Eric is next level and there just aren't but a handful of techs like him in this industry. Very awesome video. I love this!
Great job! One tip that may be helpful-- most scopes have a A-B mode, where it displays one trace which is computed as the difference between two channels. Which is exactly what you want to see, the difference between two inputs. It will normally just show small slivers of timing difference. When the engine goofs up the difference signal will get quite wide. This is also useful with CAN net signals. The relevant signal is the difference between the two wires. Any signal in common is ignorable, the difference is the actual data signal.
Wonderful troubleshooting on this problem. It's a shame the ECU is not programmed to flag signal anomalies like this, I guess "ambiguous cam sensor input" or something to help point the tech in the right direction would be nice, but no code stinks. Great video! Thanks for putting forth the time and effort to share this with us! Love your channel.
I've said it all million times, with newer vehicles you've GOT to have the diagnostic tools. Otherwise, you're just changing parts. Another great training program, thanks brother for teaching us!
This level of diagnostics is pure gold. This is one of many reasons why I follow Eric. Also the extremes of technical wizardry, from a PC running a Pico oscilloscope / logic analyzer, to the endoscope, to the water bottle on a screwdriver as a megaphone.
Pure gold.
Yep, he's a stud at diag! Even with a pile of crap like that, the 3.6 was supposed to replace the 3.8 series 2, one of the best GM engines ever
Ditto that !
It's an excellent example of diagnostic prowess. It's how EVERY shop should do it, unless they specialize in old iron, LOL.
For sure!
I always learn something new, that megaphone was genius
In my opinion, this is one of the best videos you’ve ever done. Your diagnostic skills are second to none. Awesome job.
@Jimburgess9205.
I totally agree 👍
Yes, an excellent video. I like the diagnosis of strange problems the best. I still like all the other videos. You can only fix what comes into the shop.
This man does not give up until he find’s an answer. He does know his stuff. Great job.
Yep.
Agreed!!!
I love these diagnostic docudramas! As a 77 year old retiree from an engineering background who has built many engines back in the day where a dwell-tach was the most sophisticated electronic tool I ever used, these vids serve to keep me on the edge of my seat learning and replenishing lost cognitive reasoning ability. We seniors need Eric's expertise shown so illustratively to keep what's left of our functioning brain cells motivated. God bless a man willing to share his knowledge so expansively without any agenda other than to educate. Many thanks Eric O!
I remember my uncle using a dwell tachometer!
I agree completely SAE member).
Agreed! Glad I had my cell phone plugged in with it's power cord.
Add a quality vacuum gauge too..
Truer words were never spoken!!❤
This kind of detective work is just really exciting to watch 👍
For me, diagnostic videos where one or more other shops have failed to find the problem are the most interesting. It’s solving a puzzle. Routine parts replacement videos are the ones I skip!
It's so much easier when other shops fire the parts cannon and still can't fix it. Then I know what IS not the problem.
I like these diagnostic vids for the educational value, but I also like the parts replacement vids because Eric usually in a goofy mood and it is pure entertainment, especially when Mrs. O is around. Those 2 are hilarious.
Agreed. Probably few and far between but this is my content of choice
amen
I like them all but enjoy the diagnostics the most.
Eric is the guy NASA calls when they cant work something out.
"Houston... we have a problem "..
"Somebody better phone Eric and get him briefed"......
He was pretty lucky he actually felt the senser was rubbing,he is a hands on feeley kind of wrench.
@peterwill3699 luck isnt how he consistently fixes cars that have been to multiple shops...
I was just thinking similarly. Traffic analysis would be his game and that game is serious work.
Agreed
Eric, I've been in the heavy equipment/truck repair business for 45 + years and have worked with or managed dozens of various skill level mechanics and have never seen any with you patience and troubleshooting skills , your ability to logically build a case without pre determination of a cause and to gather evidence without destroying it, is what puts you where you are, yes the tools at your disposal helps but at the end of the day it is your brain power that gets the job done.
Well done !
"logically build a case without pre determination of a cause" That is the key right there my friend. Preconceived notions, preconception or unconscious bias's lead you down the preverbal diagnostic rabbit hole. It's good to have an educated guess or to be thinking of pattern failures but you better be proving or disproving it along the way.
I have been an endocrinologist for 35 years and making a medical diagnosis is subject to the same pitfalls of "Preconceived notions, preconception or unconscious bias's". These human limitations commonly lead to delayed or erroneous diagnoses. The best diagnosticians have the ability and experience to avoid falling into those rabbit holes, and the best of the best have the additional ability to teach the rest of us the science and art of successful diagnosis. Thanks Mr. O for a great lesson. @@SouthMainAuto
@@SouthMainAutoyou need to be employed by CSI
Walks up on a body…well there’s your problem lady 🤣
@@SouthMainAutoall to often we get the 'last guy did this etc' so you might focus on what they looked at.
But best ask..what are the symptoms and then 'build a formula' on your own past knowledge.
This guy is a dying breed. Need more Technicians like him.
Dying breed? I think rare breed. How old do you think he is? He's at the good age where he has a good amount of experience to know what to look for and how to diagnose. If you get older guys, they're going to be like, "I don't know how to use a laptop. Back in my day, it could have only been 3 things. We didn't need all these sensors." You want a well-rounded 30-45 year old working on your stuff. Not saying everyone in that age range will fit the bill because there are some people out there who just don't care, but that's where you'll have your best chance of getting someone good. But there will be more. The next generation will keep pushing forward and learning. These guys aren't going anywhere. They've always been a rare breed. It takes talent, skill, will, and integrity to be good at your craft. But more will come, and they are out there. Just gotta find them.
Its because there is no money in it. The amount of tools you would need to do this type of stuff, diagnosis and reprogramming, is actually insane. Thats if the manufacturer will sell you the tools to work on the stuff to begin with. You will see on youtube the only people doing it are people who own their own businesses and can fully extract every dollar of profit from the work they put in. Thats literally the only way its fiscally feasable anymore.
Another perfect example of why this channel should be required watching for all car tech students. We need more people like you! You really should be a tech college instructor (or guest presenter). This car would be an excellent use case for a Pico Scope Lab.
HEY LOOK at @jimburgess9205 BUT DONT THUMB OR REPLY ITS STUCK AT 666.... STAY METAL!! Im Metal AF, Metal For Life, Metal til I die.... 🤘🤘🤘
You are the epitome of what a mechanic should be, everybody else is just parts replacers
He is teaching ALL of us how it's done, even the ones whom are to know are learning.
Boring? No. That was brilliant! Love that we saw the issue digitally and then physically. This one was, obviously, way over the head of those first two shops. Great video
Brilliant indeed. I'm fascinated by these kinds of videos, it's amazing to watch a master at work.
I agree. I am an engineer and just fascinated with the complexity of cars today. How do the great shops and techs capitalize on their knowledge? Sometimes Eric will find a bad wire where other shops have thrown $1000s in parts at a problem. How do great techs get paid their value? They save customers time and money.
Agreed. He's the man when it comes to electrical issues. Great teacher
That’s because the first two shops are like many of them out there they suck! they’re not real mechanics they’re part replacers any real mechanic with real skills can find stuff at this level !there are a good amount of them out there like Eric but the ignorant ones far out number the good ones
I wish I was closer to your shop with your diagnostic skills.
Never boring at all. What a pleasure to see a true professional mechanic at work. What I mean is, a trouble shooter, NOT a parts changer! Thank you for your channel. For your effort & time to produce these clips.
What an jncredidble mix of high tech diagnostics and old school mechanics, Picos and screwdriver stethoscopes!👏👏😅
@@LouisPrive The stethoscope was great.
I thoroughly enjoy watching a real diagnostic process. I'm so tired of folks throwing the parts cannon at things because the code says a part lost communication. I want to know why? Bad ground, broken tone ring? Loose wire? What is it? Eric will find it
Best detective on the tube, brilliant to watch, skill, talent. Intuition ,experience, know how and so well explained,pure genius, Charles in lanzarote.
This is an instant classic. I enjoy all of your videos, but diagnosing strange problems and then explaining them to us is where you really shine.
I couldn't agree more, Hey folks if you want to see Rust move on LOL! Nope, this was one of the more interesting videos!
Great job Eric it’s a pity the techs in the other two shops aren’t as smart as you then the customer could have saved themselves money. 😃
As a DIYer (with some shop experience) it's awesome to see videos like these, I love the problem solving aspect and I don't get to see oddball problems like these, but Eric takes us on the diagnostic journey with him!
@@tomjohntig No codes and the other shops were lost.
Eric, I’ve been in the electronics industry for over 40 years (and still a shade tree mechanic) ranging from starting as a tech on an assembly line to becoming director of R&D for one of the world’s premiere electronics companies. I’ve taught electronics diagnosis and troubleshooting for many years and how to “walk the walk” of logical deductive reasoning based upon an understanding of how a circuit should work versus what we observe. I’ve been following your videos for a few years and try to second guess the diagnosis as you go along. You are an incredible diagnostician and never shotgun or “swapaneer”, so common these days since there are few true automotive mechanics anymore.
This was a great example of the process, independent of the technology. You’d have made an incredible (and wealthy) physician and I’d hire you in a nanosecond. The electronics part is an easy learn. The process of troubleshooting to root cause is a skill not quickly learned. God bless and keep challenging us with you.
Great comment.
But why not leave the sensor unplugged? I realize the was only at idle
Because that sensor plate on the cam will come apart and blow up the motor
You should say hire him in a picosecond! That’s much quicker than a nanosecond. Lol
Great analogy sir!
Freaking amazing! Have a 3.8, V-6. Have never seen this before...
As a past mechanic, electrical is the hardest thing to diagnose. You make it look so easy. A person can say the other two shops should have found this, but it's not that easy. You need the tools, understanding, skills and above all the patience. You have it all. Excellent work.
Why is diagnosing electrical hard.
And why you calling a mechanical problem electrical
@@milesmahan It's a mechanical problem that would have been next to impossible to find had it not been approached as an electrical problem. To accurately diagnose modern vehicles you need a complete understanding of both and how they interact.
Agreed~!
Oh I can appreciate that its difficult to find these kind of problems, but the annoying part is that all these other shops keeps throwing in replacement parts because they try to be helpful?
Id rather they admit that they cannot find the problem without starting to make me pay for parts I don't need.
I've worked, in automotive shops for 20 years. I've seen good mechanics, great mechanics, Mr. O you are by far the best I've ever seen. I've known mechanics that pass the ASE exams with flying colors, but they still have problems just doing a coolant flush.
This is easily my favorite diagnostic ever. You had an electronic issue with a mechanical cause, and no codes or sounds or smells to point you in the right direction! Fantastic job!
No sounds? He had an Edison player with a cam sensor for a stylus!🤣I hope he gets the job because he deserves to.
@@InsideOfMyOwnMind Great point! The windshield washer bottle Victrola!
That was not boring at all. I love your excitement when you discovered the banging on the sensor and the improvised "stethoscope" to let us hear it. Your ability to take complex data and simplify it to reach a diagnosis is impressive.
What sets Eric O apart from other automotive channels is his understanding of the diagnostic tools he uses, but also his knowledge of how an engine and electrical system function in congruence. This is not only world class repair, but something most mechanics are not willing to put in the effort.
I think Eric is a great tech. He’s smart, but what sets him apart is the methodical scientific approach to isolating the problem.
@@JoeMama-j7sKnowing how to use them is more important.
Way to go, pro. Your understanding of mechanics is second to none! Your ability to explain problems to us is incredible too. I wish I lived in your area.
Eric, I don’t believe any other tech on the planet would diagnose this so in depth. Your showing the picture of the part then watching it move in the engine and seeing the problem happen as you rotate the engine… so cool! And I’m 75 years old so I’m super impressed
So, you're saying old people are easily impressed...
Me to but this is impressing at any age. The young guns need to get into this Tech me I'm 59 and don't like dealing with all this new stuff . I like saying they don't make them like they use to !
I could hear a strange tick on the video. Any mechanic with good hearing should have found this.
I have to put this out there - SMA is the best auto mechanic channel on YT by so much, it's crazy that some other guys have more subscribers. Must be that those guys still have subscribers from years and years ago, when they had the field to themselves. Eric O has got to be the hardest working man in the "working and making a video at the same time" business. This is another good one.
Some (well one in particular) I suspect has so many subscribers due to folks watching to laugh AT not WITH the "expert mechanic" and his opinions!
@@keithcurtis6671 Hmmm... Could that be ol' Scotty?
I ❤ Eric, but Diagnose Dan is the best, if Eric starts pulling EV batteries apart he will be equal.
Good job my man! Great diagnosis and camera work. Really appreciate you bringing us in on this one.
Fantastic diagnostics on this one. You combined visual inspection, electronic inspection, tactile inspection, and testing your hypothesis and followed the evidence to exactly where it led instead of guessing or giving up because it was a pain in the butt. This is a true lesson in how diagnostics are supposed to be done. Very well done!
It amazes me how many shops with "mechanics" don't do the basics of diagnostics and simply throw parts at it. Especially a lot of them on UA-cam, great video as always Mr O!
Not even so much that, I'd completely accept a garage not being able to diag this fault. In reality your likely not finding that without a scope.
The issue is who's paying for all the guess work, yes it might be an educated guess, but the problem is how much has the customer shelled out for work that wasn't necessary.
The industry would be much better if garages were honest and said we don't know.
I throw the parts at it then take it to somebody that has a 5000 dollar scanner.Hahaha.
The problem is, the shop only pays the mechanic 1 hr and that’s all the time they get to diagnose a car and then pressed to give a best guess. That’s sufficient only for about 70% of the jobs. Other diags like this one need to pay more time but shops fear asking for more time and the mechanics get screwed over.
Most shops are hurry,hurry,hurry and fix it.Very little time to really think about it.
@@renewedautodiagnosticsllc1789 doesn't really apply here in the UK.
People are on hourly in terms of if they have a bonus system their hours are tracked, but no garages pay mechanics based on hours booked out.
You earn a basic salary for doing your job
I'm amazed at the pain and sacrifice you will go thru to bring great content to us. Thank you for information we can't get anywhere else.
The extra steps to make what you see and know obvious to the viewer is no easy task. Kudos to you and your channel sir.
Super impressed with your diagnostic skills Eric. This was not at all boring, held my interest all the way. Your ability to actually show us what's happening is a huge plus. Thank you.
And who knew he could read Hebrew?!
That Eric O. is FULL of surprises!
Agree. Thanks.
Your episodes are of Great Value to anyone who is/was in the trade. We have all run into that problem vehicle that has us banging our head against the wall. The art of diagnosing and explaining the steps is a Great asset to you and your shop.
These episodes are my favorite. Thanks for keeping us entertained, Eric. We may even learn something from time to time.
I don't understand how that is not a sensor correlation or performance error. The PCM should know and keep track of the length of the pulses and their edges. They just aren't even looking for that probably, or it doesn't fit some idea of what a failed sensor or sensor error looks like. A loose reluctor wheel should be a failure that make it into the DFMEA.
What is a DMFEA ?
DFMEA stands for “Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis.”
I suppose the slippage might be emphasized when hand turning the crankshaft. Still, odd that those waveforms aren't throwing some codes.
That was some of the best diagnostics I've seen. Very few people with that level of patience to find the gremlin. Well done as always!
Great job troubleshooting Eric! As a former electronic technician on some of the world’s most advanced airborne radar systems, NOTHING was more rewarding than finding the “root cause” of an intermittent failures that others simply wrote CND! Kudos!
Eric that was the most entertaining show of not giving up, finding the problems that other shops cant. I just want to say you are one of the best mechanic that I watch on you tube. Keep the videos coming!!!!
Aside from his immense diagnostic skill, I'm really impressed at how his video skills have improved over the years. Impressive
Eric, you are by far one of the best mechanics out there. I enjoy your “boring” videos more than all the rest.
Honestly Eric your one in a million. You have an inherent interest in root cause analysis. This to me is your TOP #1 VIDEO OF ALL TIME. What's kind if sad is it took passes by 2 previous shops and tons of $$$$ before a true problem solver diagnosed it. Like I always say, when I need surgery I'm having my doctor call you in for assistance. Your the best man!!!
you're one
This is exactly the kind of video I watch this channel for.
There has never been a better diagnostic video done. It very much proves that true diagnostic gets to the actual source and doesn’t melt the barrel of the parts cannon. From one tech to another,amazing job and analysis. Breaking it down for the viewers was spot on. 👍🏻
I have to say, your diagnostic skills are amongst the elite in this industry. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. If all mechanics were like you then there would be not junk yards, except when they rust apart...A+ video!!
This was Awesome! Actually showing the timing wheel and how it relates to the two big and two little spikes on the scope, then following it up with the bore scope inside the sensor hole was awesome!
On so many other diagnostic videos I don't understand what the sensor is telling us.
So cool to have a confirmed diagnosis too, your work and your videos are top tier.
You should be teaching the next generation of mechanics! You know....the ones who aren't watching your videos. Great video!
You outdone yourself with visual aids on this video Eric! The excitement in your voice when you saw the vane phaser move out then in was gold! Seeing the smoking gun, especially an unexpected one clearly brings you some joy. It is a good feeling when your day brings you something new - even when you have been around in your job for a while. Great work Eric 👍.
Solving a difficult problem always brings that endorphin rush.
Excellent job! As a fellow mechanic, your videos are always intriguing. From diags to brake jobs, you’re the standard! I send your videos to young techs getting started. The small details you include, that take years to figure out is invaluable to this industry. Much love Erik, many blessing to you and your family ❤
It's the small details that make me a junkie for his content.... I've learned so many cool tricks watching his vids.
Came for the diagnostics, stayed for the carnage! Bravo Mr. O, superb work as always
gpddamn cars,,,they suck when they dont go
I’d have to say, if there was an award from UA-cam of great video techniques this video would be a front runner!
Eric. I love the fact that you are so humble. You are a brilliant diagnostic technician. It was great to see the digital problem and the physical damage that was causing it. This is one of your best vids. Far from boring.
Superb thought process and diagnostic, Eric! That timing disk is completely loose. No parts cannon would solve this - only a scope could give you insight on what was going on. Well done!
What a great and entertaining video. I am no mechanic, but I enjoy these videos so much. I enjoy the "hunt" as much as the repair!
The number of shops the car has been in prior to yours is testament to how good you are at diagnosis. Great job!
You did it again. You elevated yourself far above the rest of the crowd. The real value is not so much your tools, it’s you and your experience. Very impressive.
Top notch! As a home remodel/repair contractor, I never would have found this, but I'm thankful folks like you exist who are willing (and able) to track down the root causes. I try to do the same in my field, instead of smearing lipstick on the pig's behind and letting another sucker kiss it, and you're an inspiration to that. Thank you!
EXCELLENT video. The old saying is true, "Third shop is a charm!" This is proof that AI will never replace technicians. I always love a video that starts with "no codes". Those are the best.
The same goes for pilotless planes or cars for that matter. Take a driverless car on a windy mountain road with adequate line markings and you will end up crashed because AI can't keep up. The important part of landing a plane is dealing with wind variations and a computer cannot react like a person can.
In reality this car would be destined for the scraper if it can't be fixed. The eventual way repair work is headed. (throwaway society)
@@larrybe2900 Everything gets thrown away eventually. I got called very dark when I was sitting in a room and said everything in this place will be disposed of in a small period of time (including the people).
The car is 12-13 years old. It lived a useful life. Is somebody going to put timing chains on it for 3-4k? Maybe, maybe not.
Th3 only thing I can say is “wow”, what a skill ! There are over 50 thousands parts to build a car, you, right away point to the right direction, absolutely amazing.
Eric as it has been mentioned, this type of video is the reason many of us watch your channel. Thank you so much for bringing us along.
A workmate had a similar issue with his brand new SAAB. It would die randomly sometimes restart others not. After having been towed to a bunch of shops over half the country it was bought back to be thoroughly examined.
They found the cause, a loose or missing nut on a ground lug under the rear seat (multiple wires)!
Man. You are the true definition of a mechanic. Not many around anymore. Remind me of my dad, just no yelling lol.
You are so much more animated and involved when the problem is complex. Electrical issues are so much harder and challenging than something like brake repair which you were bored with a couple of weeks back. Thanks for taking us through your thought process. Great instruction in moving the problem way down the road! Thanks again for another great video!
Yeah, he even said "Lemme just check this one thing before I go home for the night..." and then he's taking the tire off, running a borescope, and turning over the engine. He was about to go home but he knew he was close to figuring it out and he was just as excited as we were to get the answer.
The people that live in your area are extremely fortunate to have a person with your abilities & help.
Thank you for producing your videos.
The next time my car breaks Im going to haul it up to SOUTH MAIN AUTO. I live in OK. no problem!
that is probably why he is booked out so far he is honest and doesn't just throw parts at it so as to make more $ of the customer
Me too, I live in Finland.
Brilliant, truly excellent the way you found this fault, great video as usual, I have been a mechanic for 35 years and I am still learning stuff everyday. All the best from the UK Thanks Eric 👍
It's interesting to watch both you and Ivan when you are doing diagnostics and see not only the process, but hear the thought behind it in a manner that is super easy to follow and understand. Even more so when you show us the problem as it's happening - which isn't always easy to do, but it explains it far better than anything else.
@0:17 - "it's gonna be kinda boring"????? I say "Nay, nay!" Best video you've ever made! This level of diagnosis is superlative. No parts canon required.
As someone who loves nitty gritty, how-it-works, behind the scenes parts of life, I love the case study videos.
I also love the videos where the Dawg has to come out and just abuse some rusted junk down to generic brake jobs.
I learn something every time. Keep it up, SMA!
This video is genius without trying.
as a kia master tech, these types of videos are my favorite to watch! huge amount of respect for you sir!
Do Kia Mater Techs use an Automotive 4 channel PicoScope on the job to diagnose vehicles?
@@windward2818 yes we do. we have a one that hooked a up to our own scanner
You’ve got to be one of the best diagnosticians around. People are lucky they found you, but would have been luckier if they had come to you first.
Wants feel that you know nothing about cars? Watch SMA. What a display of brains, determination, hard work, and critical thinking. Always amazing.
You make it sound logical and even easy. I can follow your thinking but the knowledge of how all the digital electronicals work is irreplaceable. You are NEVER boring to learn from. Thank you Eric.
This channel has some of the best procedurals. I swear you could make a series of diagnostics like this and sell it to the networks as a reboot of House MD.
Him and Ivan from PHAD.
Love the channel even though I'm not all that interested in vehicles. I'm IT and electronics so I greatly enjoy the troubleshooting videos like this one. Your knowledge of the electronics, sensors and communication systems in a vehicle and how to use meters, scopes and other measurement tools to troubleshoot along with a systematic, logical approach to isolating faults sets you apart from most mechanics. You are among the best in the business and on this platform. You're a great teacher.
Thanks 👍
Great vid. But why were no codes set?@@SouthMainAuto
This video is so good that when I accidentally started rewatching it, I didn't move on to something else. This is perfect example of "real world" crap that goes wrong and can ruin a household if there weren't good shops & techs
That video was the farthest thing from boring! Extremely interesting diagnosis from a goofy waveform, to an obvious rapping sound, and finally the visual confirmation of what was happening. Kudos Eric and yet another reason why you have such a loyal following on UA-cam.
WOW! I absolutely love your videos where you work through the toughest problems to get a diagnosis. Do more like this!
Absolutely fantastic diagnosis. I'm a retired automotive instructor. The process and explanation is extremely valuable.
Eric, I am the president of your fan club!!!! I love watching you in your happy place.
Wow - how is an engine with only 100k miles on it needing such a massive repair already? Great work Eric on finding the cause and using some deductive reasoning. Even though I'm not a tech, I enjoy watching you solve these strange problems
This was amazing! It's not surprising to see other shops that couldn't diagnose it, but it's incredibly sad to see some of the cannon parts that were thrown at it.
I cant say I never threw parts at a car to try to fix something but I'm atleast in the ball park, spark plugs and ign coils for a car that's stalling 🤔,
Brilliant work Eric. In my work as as a HW (electronics) design engineer I'm often tasked with debug and root-cause analysis of hardware and firmware and it's often the most enjoyable part of my job: Catching your "prey" after a good "hunt" is most satisfying. Your systematic, logical approach, taking a step back and seeing a ten-thousand-foot view of a problem to really root-cause it is so refreshing in an industry where the parts cannon generally seems to be the weapon of choice.
Lights off in the office, no Mrs. O appearances, no phones ringing, no front door ringer from customers walking in.
Eric O stayed late getting this one figured out! There’s not a better feeling as a tech than a car making multiple shops throw in the towel. Plus giving you no clues and being dumbfounded but still not giving up. Putting in the extra hours and late at night and FINALLY figuring it out!
This is by far my favorite channel on UA-cam, with nobody there to share the story with so he grabbed the video camera and made a video for us
Your ARE THE MAN ! ! ! !
NOBOBY else would have done the in depth examination you did!
KUDOS ! ! !
As a former Electronics Technician and a currently semi-retired Electrical Engineer (as well as a shadetree automotive tinkerer), I found this video to be extremely entertaining and informative. I still get that giddy feeling when I zero in on a fault in piece of equipment, and when you saw that cam phasor reluctor flopping around on the borescope, I had an inkling that you felt the same feeling. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and I wish I lived closer to you (I live south of Pittsburgh) so I could glean some of your wisdom. I would definitely bring my vehicles to you! Keep 'em coming, Eric!
Determination is a great strength. 8.00 pm and still hard at it. I think we all appreciate your skill along with your work ethic. Thank you.
“According to Napa, they got the know how, this is what it looks like.”
I absolutely died when he said that! This guy is good and he’s gonna make you laugh so why not take a half hour and see for yourself
This is so much better than a brake job video. Great diagnosis and skills. For a small shop you have a very well equipped shop. Anyway good job Erik
Absolutely phenomenal diagnostic skills and knowledge.
Definitely one of the best videos on UA-cam right now.
As an engineer, love the problem dianosis. Keep em coming.
As a retired engineer, I agree. Eric comes about the closest to using good engineering troubleshooting skills as any mechanic I have ever known. And he is very competent in many skills, mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding, etc. He reminds me somewhat of Dave Engel at Engel’s Coach Shop in Joliet, MT. They work on completely different things, but Dave is similarly versatile and logical in his approach.
I would have traced you down... you seem to have seen about everything at one time or another
Great video as always.
I have to admit with many comments about how wonderful it is to see your diagnostic and thought processes. You’re skills are definitely top tier.
As a retired electronic technician, I find this kind of video to be my favorite. I have always found the hunt to be far more enjoyable than the actual fix. ESPECIALLY, when others before me have tried and failed.
Fascinating video!
How do you keep from being swamped with overwork?
Wow...that was really something. How could the right tire needing air break that cam trigger.....LOL! Great job finding the problem. Total respect for you an your abilities to not just throw parts at a problem. You always take the time to find the problem, then fix it. Big pat on the back Mr O.
Really hope this woman didn't pay for the other work that was done. If she did, I'd be fighting to get my money back. Nothing against the mechanics, they tried even if by just guessing.
Good job and thanks for showing and educating. It's good to learn these things.
What truly separates a great all round mechanic and a parts cannon mechanic ...Eric O takes his skill and knowledge to another level to diagnose a problem ...brill diagnostic video ....as for tracing the problem i would send it to Eric O first 😅😂
I absolutely LOVE these kinds of videos. Its like I'm watching a free diagnostic masterclass. Awesome stuff, and thanks as always, Eric!
This is diagnostic work that probably 95%of techs out there arent able to do. I found a local guy who is honest and good but Eric is next level and there just aren't but a handful of techs like him in this industry. Very awesome video. I love this!
This man is a genius and gentleman. Prove what is wrong, then fix the problem. Don't just throw parts at the problem
"There's your problem, Lady."
Said the best mechanic ever 👍
HEEEEEYYYYYY ITS THAT GUY! lololz
Absolutely brilliant. Patience and knowledge pays off. If I lived in your area, you'd have earned my business from this video alone. Incredible.
Great job!
One tip that may be helpful-- most scopes have a A-B mode, where it displays one trace which is computed as the difference between two channels. Which is exactly what you want to see, the difference between two inputs. It will normally just show small slivers of timing difference. When the engine goofs up the difference signal will get quite wide.
This is also useful with CAN net signals. The relevant signal is the difference between the two wires. Any signal in common is ignorable, the difference is the actual data signal.
Never boring to watch Eric work through a complex problem. Great repair.
Excellent diagnosis. These are the stand out episodes for me. Thanks for bringing us along.
Not boring at all! Your enthusiasm finding the actual issue shows!
Wonderful troubleshooting on this problem. It's a shame the ECU is not programmed to flag signal anomalies like this, I guess "ambiguous cam sensor input" or something to help point the tech in the right direction would be nice, but no code stinks. Great video! Thanks for putting forth the time and effort to share this with us! Love your channel.
Sublime
I've said it all million times, with newer vehicles you've GOT to have the diagnostic tools. Otherwise, you're just changing parts. Another great training program, thanks brother for teaching us!