TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE: The Dark Side of Cheap Online Parts!

[@Littles13579]

I replaced the crankshaft position sensor in my brothers car 3 times a few months apart. It was from autozone. The 2nd time I told him to go get one from the dealer. He wanted to put another waranteed one from autozone in. I said okay but next time it fails you are gonna change it lol.

[@AKChryslertech]

For those who are curious about Alex swapping the coils, when you pull a misfire code and find out what cylinder it is on, you can swap the coil from one cylinder to another to see if the error code follows to that cylinder. Each cylinder that misfires, has its own error code. For example; if i have a cylinder 2 misfire, the code should be P0302. If i swap the coil to cylinder 6 and the misfire follows to that cylinder, i should see a code P0306 pop up. Thats how you would verify a failing coil quickly and easily. Note: If you own a chrysler/ fca product, its probably a coil. I do coils more often on chrysler products more than any other make to a point where i stock the coils for the most common motors. 2.4L, 3.6L, and 5.7L.

[@dominicene3647]

Another thing I noticed with both videos is the intellect of the young lady behind the camera is next level. The thoughtful inquiry and responses were spot on. Goes to show you that for every good man, there's a good woman. You can tell they are good honest working people. It comes off on the screen. You all will go far on KZbin. I'm calling it today 1/6/2024 @ 105p cst from the good ole htown!!!!

[@meh-canics9628]

Nothing beats genuine junk yard parts!

[@CheesusSVT]

Amen 😄🙌

[@jimsix9929]

yes a good used part is a better choice than cheap new ones

[@moshet842]

How about new genuine parts whether OEM or aftermarket?

[@ZackAngelMusic]

​@@moshet842so long the reputations good. I put NGK coil packs in replace of AC Delcos. Cost me a bit cheaper actually and bought a couple beers after. I wouldn't hesitate putting NGK spark plugs in as well

[@robbalinski1606]

Nothing beats finding oem supplier and buying those ones instead of paying the markup for the same part......dodge is great at that. Wanted to charge me $250 for a thermostat for my cummins, I went direct to cummins and got it for $75 same day.

[@robbalinski1606]

NGK is the world leader in plugs for a reason. I just find oem supplier and buy from places selling the same part like rockauto etc. Brand is more important then price, japanese you want denso, bosch, timken, ngk etc quality brands

[@pamelapatch4928]

You make even a lay person understand things. Learning from all your videos. Thank you for all ways you explain, show with cameras, and all ways you make it easy to understand- even if need qualified mechanic to do it. At least I am learning what to do to diagnose and understand and even allowed me to do some easier things myself. You are enjoyable to watch and listen too and love wife in background.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback buddy. that is my goal of each and everyone of my videos.

[@dominicene3647]

I was randomly recommended this video and channel. My first impression is you can tell by his energy and vibe he's really a nice caring guy and a calm kindred soul. But not the grocery cart? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I'm dead. I'm teasing. Good stuff. No lies detected on getting cheap eBay coils. Don't do it yall.

[@Littles13579]

I like your channel a lot. You and your wife both seem like cool ppl.

[@Jozefdul]

No lies about the NGK. I purchased a set of spark plugs a few months ago from a Dodge dealership, the box says Mopar but the plugs inside were NGK. More than likely, they manufacture the coils for Mopar as well 😄😄.

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

I've installed cheap parts. While I'm not proud it worked fine, get lucky sometimes but if you can afford it definitely go genuine.

[@moeclampproduction.3591]

Depends on the type of car

[@SFMCOLLECTIVE]

Oh man I’m defiantly guilty of installing cheap coils. When I replaced the ones in my car the car shook more after now it makes sense… thanks you guys as always.

[@DIY-Mark-3]

Thank you for taking the time to explain the diag step even though you knew exactly whats the deal was

[@SFMCOLLECTIVE]

Exactly

[@cuaresmacarpentry]

My f250 has a hickup now and then I just ebay it all the parts the truck is a 2002 almost 400k. I just can't bring myself to buy a $300 sensor that I can get for $15 bucks. I might shell out the ends for new injectors if it comes to that still have the OGs in there. You do take a chance even with OEM parts. A sensor in my wifes Nissan leaf failed its for the seat it can only be changed with the whole seat $3,000 I bought it online $100 fixed.

[@AKChryslertech]

Im the same way Alex. Sometimes the simple tests are better and quicker. I have a nice snapon diagnostics system and i still swap coils around just to verify them. Better safe than sorry!

[@mightyprophet4581]

Man $1300 I couldn’t imagine, I can replace all that in a 1hr 30min tops. Your videos keeps me on my toes, I been working on cars since I was 15years old & this is a 2 out of 10 easy level.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Not bad. Easy to people like you and me. But not to the average consumer lol The radiator and Coils were pricey. Labor wasn’t so bad. I’m glad you can handle your own work though… saves you money. Thanks for watching my vids 👨🏽‍🔧

[@johnnyheckard7185]

⁠@@AlexTheCarDoctor. Question did you repair that striped out hole in that intake manifold if so do you remember is that a 6 mm 1.25 thread pitch I think I’m going to have to drill mine out and heli coil them. I’m also having an issue keeping that gasket from leaking the little round seal that plugs into the back of the Plenum any advice on that I pulled it put a new seal on it still leaks thanks.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@johnnyheckard7185 the customer did not want to get it done the repair for the thread. I know exactly what you mean I had to help my tech get the EGR tube sealed properly. I will have to do a video on it showing how

[@johnnyheckard7185]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor yeah that would be nice. So I’ve seen two vids on the pipe seal install and they both said the opposite of each other on what way the seal actually goes. Idk. I’ve replaced mine once but I’ve still got a leak there. I think that’s causing my lean codes.

[@moshet842]

@@johnnyheckard7185 That EGR tube is a crappy Mopar design. I generally like to make DIY modifications to crappy designs. Try to figure something out while keeping in mind that the modification has to be able to handle EGR gas temps. Off the top of my head, I would consider using a stainless NPT fitting to thread into the plenum and use a silicone tube as a coupler between the plenum and shortened EGR tube. Silicone is widely used in EGR applications if you get the right silicone tube for the application. A lean condition is worse than having something not be stock. Make sure to get the right tap and thread the plastic before installing a fitting if you decide to go this route. It can crack otherwise.

[@johncraine9082]

I got scammed buying AC Delco (looked just like factory OEM) off eBay. Tip of plugs completely gone in 6-7k miles.. had to replace them with real deal.

[@Mike__P]

Owning a Chrysler, I learned my lesson about this. If I'm going in to find a misfire, swap the coil, plug, AND fuel injector. I initially did the plug and coil and nothing changed, so I swapped the injector and the misfire moved. So basically had to take everything apart and put it back together 3 times!

[@Peculiarsafe83]

If you pay attention to the content of Alex’s videos, you’ll notice that the reoccurring brand of vehicle to constantly be in his shop are no other than Stellantis (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep). The newer Chevy’s are in his shop due to the junk lifter design. Simple summary: DO NOT DRIVE OR BUY ANY DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLES. It absolutely blows my mind how Chrysler and Dodge are still in business considering the amount of repairs needed for these Pentastar/HEMI lifter failures or other issues. Compare a 200,000 mile LS/Vortec Chevy engine VS a 200,000 mile HEMI. Not even in the same ballpark. At 200,000 miles the HEMI is on its last leg.

[@lstruggy]

My 07 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo just surpassed 225k miles and still runs amazing all stock 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Peculiarsafe83]

@@lstruggyThat’s because it’s not the Pentastar V6. That or yours has the 4.7 V8 which is miles better than the HEMI with its lifter tick.

[@daveclark8337]

@@Peculiarsafe83 I just heard the CEO of GM saying that they make up 17% of all US vehicles sales. But when I watch Eric O. from South Main Auto channel , 50% of his videos are Chevy repairs.

[@Peculiarsafe83]

@@daveclark8337If you read my comment clearly, you would understand I’m not talking about Chevy’s older V8’s. I’m referring to their newer V8’s with the junky lifter design and the other models they have like the Equinox which is a failure of a vehicle designed by GM.

[@benbaltazar1236]

As a life long backyard mechanic, going i will not go cheap, you will ending spending more money in the end, thanks bro

[@Tdub66]

My wife use to accompany me when I was servicing customers cars, years ago now we can hardly stand each other!

[@northpoint1039]

I just subscribed to your channel. I like how you do things. My Lucerne blew a coil this last summer. It took the ignition module out and the fuse for one of the banks. I do my own work on the car and was not tempted by the ebay parts :) . Have a great week!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the sub!

[@JasPlun]

This is my slow season too Alex I know the feeling man! I just shelled out about $1100 on my 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4.8l getting some leaks fixed. Needed a rear main Seal, Oil Pan Gasket, and the Oil cooler gasket. I got this truck used from an elderly man for $6500 had 174k, but was garage kept and looks immaculate inside and out, but I have found some hidden problems and one that would have probably cost me an engine had we not caught it. When doing the leak repair I had them check the oil pressure which seemed to be reading lower than normal. When they dropped the pan it was full of sludge. They got all that cleaned out and think the engine is ok, but still reading a little low on oil pressure so its either the off brand sensor from O'Rielly Standard Brand not reading right or Oil Pump could be going bad. I will find out in a couple days which is the culprit. Going to have an AC Delco sensor put on so yes very important to use OEM and I will from now on:P Great Video:P

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Yikes. I’m glad you caught that sludge! I’d definitely go ahead and change the oil pump and pickup tube though. And also check the connecting rod caps for clearance issues. Good luck!

[@JasPlun]

Thank you I will do as you suggest. It is what it is and when buying and trading in used cars sooner or later you will end up with one like this. Good news this truck really is beautiful and kept in a Garage kept the paint nice. It really is Mint. The transmission also is new so my main worry is getting this cleaned before any damage is done. I think I am ok it runs very smooth and no knocking sounds. (Knock on wood!)

[@HowardJrFord]

Your bearings may be worn , may as well replace them while the oil pan is off .

[@chivochivito3786]

We need more videos to watch at the shop! Lol

[@stephenbullock-yn3vh]

I'm new to your channel and subscribed.in my book you did excellent repair 👍

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks buddy

[@Usmanthemecano]

Nice one as usual. I enjoy the vibe

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Appreciate that

[@antwana6288]

I'm learning that now about Amazon coils

[@sethdunn96]

What are your thoughts on getting some parts from like AutoZone/Advance Auto/O'Reilly? Some you are ok getting from there, some you are not? Like brake pads, plugs, etc...

[@Peculiarsafe83]

For the Chevy reference, do NOT use NGK or any other aftermarket spark plug brand, or cheap coil pack set. Use only ACDelco or Bosch spark plugs, and Delphi/ACDelco Ignition Coils. If you do, it will sputter and misfire. Bought a set of OmniSpark plug wires from Oreilly’s and they have been fine for 30,000 miles so far so I don’t think the plug wires matter as much.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I agree with the AC Delco spark plugs. I only use Bosch for German vehicles though.

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

Great video guys thanks for sharing.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for watching! 😎

[@cr2158]

Hey great video good diag question i just bought well mainted 2006 Volvo XC90 with the Yamaha v8 have you worked on them before just curious what you think of those vehicles thanks take care

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there I have worked on a few the problem with this engine is finding someone that knows how to maintain it.look for a Volvo specialty shop in your area and You will be fine.fyi they sound so so good with the mufflers shopped off

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

I won't install cheap parts (ebay) Alex and his wife are good honest people and he goes above and beyond for his clients

[@Rois300]

Hey Alex. Rois300 here - I got a quick question for you when you have a minute...I changed my valve cover seal and spark plug seals and I turned on my 05 Acura TL. But it came out w a check engine p0301 - misfire. What is a good checklist to get my car back to good shape? I had no problems with the coils but it's misfiring.

[@MikeHunt2053]

Check you plugs, maybe the seals wasn’t seated right..

[@Rois300]

@@MikeHunt2053 it....just started right up a couple days later and ran beautifully

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Excellent all around! Be blessed!

[@stevemccooleq]

Nothing can be more expensive than cheap ignition parts.

[@jesusjuice7592]

Alex such a geniune guy. Great stuff.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I appreciate that!

[@monterreymxisfun3627]

What about repair shops that install cheap parts and charge for OEM with a mark-up? It seems that paying someone to fix your car is mostly non-functional.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

There are some repair shops out there like that, but I’d say ask what brand they are using. The customer does have a say so. Maybe the eye would be more inclined to use the proper parts. Most customers don’t ask questions…

[@chivochivito3786]

Love you guys!

[@Thinkeroutsidethebox]

Yeah knockoff parts are a big problem. Coils, plugs, filters are big ones right now.

[@richardhill2379]

You are a genius, my friend.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

This reminds me, I use a 1/4 impact driver to loosen glow plugs. Gently

[@DIY-Mark-3]

They probably lable the coils due them trying to chase down the misfire. These cheap parts probably lead to the him removing removing the intake a number of times resulting in him damaging the lower intake

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Good point! That’s probably what happened. I didn’t think about that.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

Yup, swapping identical parts is the smartest thing a Pro or a diy can do. It's the next best thing to having a donor car to "borrow" parts from. Yup, I have a few coolant testers, some ranging from $40 to a few hundred. I actually showed a few of them on an older video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4jIoYyEi9d8nqssi=elJLvyWHXnkyfMH1 My favorite tho is the Mityvac MV4525 , this thing pressure tests, it vacuum tests, it vacuum refills, and it even comes with a thermometer to actually touch coolant an read it's temp. Great diag as always a Alex!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

That sounds like the pressure tester kit I have . I’ve had it for a good while now and it’s been good. Thanks buddy

[@skatemafia666]

I disagree. Swapping identical parts is a viable option for sure but imo the smartest thing to do is look at a primary ignition waveform and current draw using a scope. 🙌🏻 it will tell you so much more than simply swapping identical parts

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@skatemafia666 I agree for professionals, but for the diy person which is my main audience. It’s the easiest way for them.

[@skatemafia666]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor absolutely. The average diy-er does not have that kind equipment. And boy has the counterfeit parts selling gotten crazy. Even things like counterfeit OEM oil filters are being sold. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is 😂🙌🏻

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@skatemafia666 absolutely correct buddy it’s getting outrageous These days, crooks are everywhere

[@davidmays5231]

There is fake plugs and coils all over ebay. I found out the hard way. Ended up going to the GM dealership. Everything is fine now.

[@gemeinschaftsgeful]

We need Ebay to pay up if their dealing in fake parts. They should have to pay for labor costs to replace the junk they sold with genuine parts.

[@Nicks_Mobile.Mechanics-service]

IF ITS A CHRYSLER PRODUCT ITS A BAD COIL I CANT COUNT ON BOTH HANDS AND FEET HOW MANY TIMES IVE REPLACED COILS ON A CHRYSLER PRODUCT. GREAT VIDEO ALEX AND IF ITS NOT THE COILS ITS THE LIFTERS THEM DAMN DODGES LMAO

[@iamanme5976]

I need the jumper cause my srt806 Chrysler keep shutting off..I will be coming to see you from Florida...Four new fuel tanks and now two replaced fuel pumps under the back seat like rocket..181k

[@mikehunt908]

9:10 MAP manifold absolute pressure

[@KeithWheeler-ey1pw]

Cover the intake ports, to keep from dropping a bolt in there

[@tgoodm1]

Are the dwell and burn times exclusive to Autel scanners or can I find these PIDs using a SnapOn scanner for this same vehicle?

[@djackson2560]

Is all rock auto parts cheap or can you still get good parts there??

[@renj6531]

I look at radiator caps as an preventative measure like a rad hose the radiator and waterpump if it goes at 150 or 220 k I’ll deal with that when it comes. Btw im not a fan if those internally timing driven Wp i guess they want it to contaminate the oil and wipe out the bearings 🤦

[@ZackAngelMusic]

I go OEM or NGK

[@dc8479]

Yo why youtube trying to play you, they got "translate to english" under your comment 😅😂

[@doranoriega8179]

I have a 2012 Dodge Charger SE 3.6L. It has a hiccup/skip when I'm idling at a stop or traffic light. I do not have a check engine code. Could it also be a bad coil?

[@doranoriega8179]

I do have a P06DD code for the oil cooling housing sensor, which I do know the sensor needs to be replaced... but would this be a possibility why my car has that skip/hiccup?

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

Hold on! I can do the EGR valve on the 3.5 without removing the cowl? I have to do this job on Wednesday and don't want to remove the cowl as I saw in a video.

[@moeclampproduction.3591]

O2 sensor...you gotta use Bosch or oem for that charger..

[@KeithWheeler-ey1pw]

It’s a good idea to use fender covers

[@albertoascencio5935]

Its a method to develop a base line to know for sure if the bad parts were the issueeven if it does run correctly you want to know with physics

[@antoniomarc7174]

Great job on this diag video….👍👍👍

[@Soulo713]

Good video bro I’m working on my charger 👍

[@Eastside318]

I got a set of 3 for 40 on Amazon my van works perfect. After being told multiple times i need 500 to fix it.

[@rhurtadorh32]

Good stuff man like watching your videos new subscriber her. Greetings from chicago

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the sub! Welcome to the fam! 👨🏽‍🔧

[@llwizzoll]

That little blue washer on the egr tube will make it run bad if it’s damaged

[@key981]

60 dollars for a whole set you know that’s suspect 😂😊

[@richardhill2379]

I need to replace my rear shocks because it's speaking badly. Local shop wants 1895.00, is that a good price for a dodge journey

[@DuaneDonaldson]

Bro, the coil swap and the spark plug swap to a different cylinder should have been done up front, you are working by the hour if you are charging by the hour or doing all of this in the first hour on your diagnosis fee, what if you have an engine with the intake covering all cylinders, we have to think worst case and apply that process to every vehicle no matter how easy a 4 banger might be, do all the swaptronics in one smooth move. Dont work by ease, work by proven technique based on worst cases in the past. You are a mentor to your viewers and some of them might be flat raters and they need to learn speed from the Car Doctor himself, cheers.

[@billy33365]

Wow great video thanks bro

[@Bandwidth24]

1. If a radiator tank is cracked and leaking , ALWAYS DO A HEADGASKET COMBUSTION TEST!! 2. If you have a misfire, ALWAYS DO A COMPRESSION TEST. These two things will keep the VERY NASTY demon off of you.

[@orinmangar2333]

Did you fix that stripped out intake thread?

[@rellmonger7935]

How big is your shop with working bays?

[@classicjay7786]

Looks like you put the correct color coolant also back in there instead of that red Toyota Asian color coolant that was in there. Them black challengers in the back ground is that the one that was damaged while being rented out I thought insurance totaled it out?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Nope, they’re gonna pay! Update Video in progress 🎥🎬

[@classicjay7786]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor thanks look forward to it 👌🏾

[@jimsix9929]

but Alex, car shield says those amazon coils are good, lol they think you are overcharging these customers

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Lol they actually make me angry trying to put cheap parts on people cars

[@robertdiehl9003]

Car shield is a total fraud. Look who represents them. 2 faced fake Ice T. I certainly would laugh in his fake 2 faced ass. In 1992, Ice T. samg " F the police" on his Body count album but spent 25 years playing/acting as a cop on Law & Order so u going to buy car repair insurance from that fraud representing Car shield. F Ice T & car shield...

[@felixnunez4625]

The Amazon affiliate link isnt working, maybe you guys could post it in the channel info as well?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Sorry about that, here you go….. www.amazon.com/shop/alexthecardoctor

[@marcuss6848]

Hello, trying to see , where your shop is ,?

[@k9under]

So would you test the same way if you got spark plugs wires.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Yes if they are similar lengths

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Good stuff

[@joeannhill3766]

You guys are the cutest couple!

[@romanrebisz4205]

I have the same scanner you can live data the misfire

[@orinmangar2333]

Look for cylinder misfires.

[@moshet842]

At 13:20 why didn't you simply switch the coils instead of the plugs? Wouldn't it have been easier and accomplished the same thing?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Not sure if you skipped through the video, Switching the coils was the first thing I did. I switched the spark plugs afterwards to make sure they were good and to make sure a coil was all that was needed.

[@moshet842]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor Well, you switched both coil and plug in the beginning so there was no way to know if the issue was the coil or the plug when the misfire moved to cylinder 2. Then you switched the plugs between 2 and 4 to narrow down the culprit. My question and tell me if this doesn't make sense is why the plugs and not the coils in your second step? It seems to me if you switched 2 and 4 coils instead of plugs, you would have had the misfire shifting to 4 and you would find your culprit as the coil. If the misfire stayed on 2, you would have the plug as the culprit I am not saying your method didn't work, it is just that I don't like taking plugs out unnecessarily because plug threads tend to have a limited lifetime after all the heat and pressure cycles they are subjected to.

[@robertdiehl9003]

Everyone is just a victim of a bad system. Counterfeit or genuine? Who can tell the difference?

[@AlonzoJohnson-l4m]

Honing issue

[@camarozone2751]

Obd type?

[@juliomartinez8052]

Boss man we’re you located

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I’m located at 1850 Joy Lake Road 30260

[@davidvenstra5056]

I need me an Autel 😎

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Yeah man! 😎

[@ericcollins8794]

Whats a good/great place to get parts help a brotha out lol

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I like Auto Zone and Oriellys.

[@stangedude5646]

You are supposed to torque the plugs.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

True. But I have been doing this so long, it’s second nature to me.

[@stangedude5646]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor Great video.

[@odevious8081]

1300 bucks is a deal!

[@robertkenney6002]

Hete likes Xmas way more than Xmas lll

[@llwizzoll]

So good to see a mechanic that still use a ratchet instead of power tools. Power tools = stripped threads.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

💯 Absolutely! Seems like everybody wanna use power tools for everything 😩

[@AlonzoJohnson-l4m]

99 😂😂😂 cents spark plugs

[@jasonhooper7682]

Hey Alex use your nose fine it lol

[@AlonzoJohnson-l4m]

Sludge

[@relaxinglife8329]

part store is paying 60 for the set an d selling to you for 60 each duh buddy talk like a girl and got a man bun thats the first red flag lol

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Man get yo ass on and troll somebody else. You must like what you see and it bothers you lol judging the way another man looks…. Now that’s the red flag 🚩🚩🚩🚩

[@key981]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor that part! 😊 get ‘em

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

For someone who spent $60,⁰⁰ on 6 cheap coils, $360.⁰⁰ is gun a hurt!.. Lot's of people can't afford their ride, let alone maintain it with quality parts.

[@stevemccooleq]

It would hurt less if he just got the proper stuff in the first place. Or maybe it's time to get rid of the 8 cyl Charger and get a nice 4 banger Civic or Mazda 3.