Beached Benz AMG - Part 4 (PHAD Thanksgiving Special)

It's the MOMENT OF TRUTH!!
Will the 550hp AMG Beast fire up with the new $1500 ECM??
Not so fast...obviously some heavy duty PROGRAMMING is required.
Can we avoid towing the Beached Whale to the local Mercedes DEALER?
LAUNCH X431 PAD V: *****SAVE $400!*******
www.amazon.com...
THINKTOOL PROS: ******SAVE $240 !!!**********
www.amazon.com...
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ivan

[@Diagnosedan]

I've never seen you this nervous before🤣 Great job and i enjoyed watching this case! And thanks for 4 episodes working on a European vehicle without saying Eurotrash even once💪

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

No Euro trash any more 😊

[@JohnSmith-wb6kq]

Hiya Dan, I found Pine Hollow through your channel, a viewer mentioned Ivan's chanell, and boom, been a fan ever since 🙂

[@Diagnosedan]

@@JohnSmith-wb6kq that's great! 👌👍

[@Diagnosedan]

@@JoelAutomotiveInaction 👍👍

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

More like euro cash cow 😉

[@adotintheshark4848]

You kept us in suspense for 24 hours after part 3! Asking the dealer if their tech knew how to use an oscilloscope probably pissed them off, if not telling them that you had the car diagnosed after a few hours.

[@themechanic6117]

Amazing! I was sweating bullets alongside you 🤣 . I'm not surprised the dealer techs didn't reply, nobody likes to be told they're wrong. I think it's funny that whenever you get a statement from a dealer they always say " we put our senior (best) tech on the job" 😅

[@jormalonnberg1578]

And that best of them is some 23 years old trainee in their shop? Who can only look that fu--- ing screen and still dont know what they are lookin to.

[@russellhltn1396]

I be honest, I cringed at "do they know how to use an oscilloscope?" I'm sure they would have taken it as in insult. I think a better parsing would be "I checked using an oscilloscope and found no problems."

[@baldy95307]

@@russellhltn1396 Agreed. Sometimes what people write is read with a different meaning than intended. I wouldn't be surprised for the dealer after reading the email to say "Well. f*** this guy and the horse he rode in on."

[@brianw8963]

@@russellhltn1396 I think it was an appropriate question, if their top notch tech had used the scope, they would not have quoted the astronomical price to replace the wire harness, which would not have remedied the situation.

[@mikekendall5870]

What an achievement Ivan. Your star power continues to grow. Thanks to KZbin, your channel and others like you we have a front row seat to witness how difficult proper diagnostics are on modern cars and how destructive the wrong call can be to our wallet.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Oh man I'm so glad the customer said NO to the $20k harness replacement 😳😂

[@mikefoehr235]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics I mentioned this to my wife....so 20K USD is about well almost 30K CAD...I can buy a real reliable brand new Corolla or Civic with that or one hell of a down payment. I am of German ancestry and I WILL NEVER NEVER drive a German car. I curse the Sprinter i drive at work 5 days a week.

[@davidheinzmann4403]

@@mikefoehr235 I am 100% German and will never own another Volkswagen after dieselgate

[@E3kTheCat]

@@davidheinzmann4403 no one in America cares about emissions, don't let that be the reason for not owning a vehicle you like

[@mikefoehr235]

@@davidheinzmann4403 VW isn't terrible...they are OK but the parts are so pricey...the German Luxury brands are total duds.

[@mrkttrdr2919]

just amazing that u can do what senior tech at the dealer cannot, people are shipping their beached whales from allover to u, it is so cool to watch ur legend grow, been watching u for last 5 yrs, and wish u nothing but the best going foward ! it was 5 pt series!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you for your support 🙏

[@user-ee1ki5lz5e]

who said that he senior tech at the dealer couldn't do this? they never got a chance to

[@randy1ization]

@@user-ee1ki5lz5e I guess they couldnt get to it in the 3 months they had it?

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

@@user-ee1ki5lz5e Did you miss the part where they were about to order a $20,000 wiring loom which was NOT THE PROBLEM?

[@baldyslapnut.]

Nobody at MB has heard of Occam's razor? $20K for a wiring loom is not keeping it simple, especially if they traced it to 2 possible open wires (mistakenly anyway it appears!). Ivan is calm(ish😉), methodical, takes copious notes, covers all possibilities before making the call. Everything the 'main stealers' don't seem to recognise as adding value to their brand. Awesome work Ivan, more power to you👌

[@jackrichiedei]

I have to get a life ! Been waiting for this since this morning . 😁

[@mikenonameneeded3485]

Same

[@ap1687]

Ivan, you are killing it with these videos. This whole series is amazing! Can't wait for the test drive :)

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Buckle up 😎

[@ricfair9919]

FANTASTIC JOB! I am surprised that MB sold the control unit, they are always telling shops " this is a high risk security part" and cannot be sold by the parts department. It was a cliff hanger. Great to see the look on your face after the car started!

[@wwdiesel]

You are one brave soul! It took a lot of guts to do what you did to this vehicle. Your best series yet. Bravo!

[@pookatim]

Well, many years ago when I worked at a Pontiac dealership, when a customer brought it a car that was too difficult to diagnose, they would routinely quote a ridiculously high repair knowing that the customer would take the vehicle elsewhere. This was true especially with used cars they sold. The term for this was called "floating". If they didn't want to do anymore diagnosing they would just tell the Service Manager to "float it". BTW-if the customer for some reason agreed to pay the ridiculous price, they would then give a ridiculously long time until it would be fixed. Usually several weeks. If that also did not dissuade the customer, they would let it sit for many weeks and when the customer called they would give excuse after excuse. It was sad. I don't know if something like this is still happening or if it was what happened in this case but I have to wonder.

[@keltecshooter]

It still happens, half of my work comes from the "experts" at the dealership and 90% of the time its a simple fix with a pain in the butt diagnostic

[@sblagg527]

Guarantee this is what happened here, and it still happens- I actually benefited from this a few weeks ago by flipping through FB marketplace I found a 2013 Subaru Outback listed for $3000 because it had flashing lights on the dash and the local dealership service dept had told the young couple who owned it that it needed a new CVT transmission to the tune of $10k. I bought it from them for $2200 and replaced the valve body in the transmission for $300 and about 3 hours time, and not a problem with it since. This was a very simple diagnosis and repair; but for whatever reason the local dealer's service dept simply didn't want to mess with it, thus the outlandish "diagnosis" and repair quote.

[@cardiaglexia995]

@@keltecshooter it's just sad for an honest custumer

[@mrjamespenske1881]

Bonneville GXP is a line that is a pain to program. Starter is more work than it should be. Shade tree mech can do it. Local shop said $771 for starter. I did it for under $200 including new intake seals. $20,000 for a harness is highway robbery.

[@thomas316]

If the cars are too sophisticated for the people trying to diagnose issues why not contract in external expertise and avoid looking incompetent? 🤔

[@normyanke2515]

I felt his suspense as a retired electrical electronics engineering technologist,(computers, remote communication sites, data collection etc.) I love his videos and troubleshooting techniques, exactly what I used to do. Today's mechanics I think would have to also be electrical electronics engineering technologists. How many could do what Ivan is doing, he must have a background in electronics.

[@Lunchman.d]

Believe he stated while ago b.s. in engineering physics. I majored in mechanical engineering with minor in electrical and these modern vehicles still drive me up the wall. Courses and labs are barely preparation for these vehicles. Need the hands on.

[@vpimike2646]

Yes, I believe he said he had a bachelor's from Cornell and a master's from Penn State in engineering. He could be designing or testing these cars for the manufacturers.

[@oldjesus8978]

The look on your face when that car started made it worth watching all 4 parts !! 🙂

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I still can't believe that it actually fired up 😅

[@lvsqcsl]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics I can.

[@serge4856]

The dealer didn't want to mess with it, they had easy money cars to fix, quoted him a go away or trade your car in price.

[@johnleinen7167]

I dealt with issues like this as an Mercedes apprentice 20 years ago,we had to figure it out ourselves as other techs wouldn't help you even though they may have seen it before.Found lots of corrupted software issues.

[@aleastwood1698]

Ya the old Techs back in the day didn't seem to help the younger up and coming Techs even when they know what the problems are,

[@dannytreadway4561]

Ones and zeros. I have only bricked one computer in my dealing with programing BIOS. That was many years ago. But I too would have been very afraid to program one from scratch. You did a great job on diagnostics. I followed you through the whole process. For some reason at the end of each video it did not link to next but instead goes to random other video on your channel. Thanks for your bravery. I have a dodge truck that vendor installed a new engine and installed a new ecm. He could not get codes cleared on 02 sensors. Two years later I found that the new ecm was programmed for California instead of 49 federal. Its looking for two extra 02 sensors that are not there. It runs great and I check codes periodically but its always the same two codes. I just drive it because I don't have a programmer.

[@mikefoehr235]

The very best part of this was....START THE COMBUSTION ENGINE...The look on your face Ivan was priceless. You sir are becoming a legendary repair tech...I have yet to see you stumped.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

The long awaited conclusion! Good call on the ECM, Ivan! Scary programming - even knowing you already did this and I watched Mario's video, I was as nervous as you 🙂 Well done!! Very strange reply by the senior tech at the dealer. Very curious to see what "verify the repair" means - are you testing it in race track? +500 HP is a beast🙂

[@johnwilson9270]

To be honest, i reckon that dealer deserves a lot of credit. While the tech in charge may not of been all that good, when's the last time you saw a dealer willing to communicate fully with an independent repair shop, and not charge anything for a bad diagnosis !

[@steveo6631]

That was too cool, Ivan... The tension was palpable through the monitor... Nice job and alot of guts....

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Ivan, Very glad the LAUNCH X431 PAD V was able to program the ECU and get the beached Benz running and into your shop. Huge milestone. Hope you can get the trunk release complaint solved for the customer and the test drive goes as expected. When you mentioned the wiring harness cost $20K, my jaw hit the floor. You and your family stay safe.

[@adotintheshark4848]

that's probably just for the harness, not including installing it..and the worst thing, it wouldn't have fixed the car.

[@dmc9535]

seems like the mercedes tech was getting close to figuring it out... he provided a fairly detailed and technical account of what he had found which he didn't have to do, but somewhere he got sidetracked thinking there was an open circuit... cool to see Ivan figure it out!

[@coolcat23]

Given that it was an intermittent problem, what gives you confidence that the actual issue was fixed? It is possible that the ECM caused the intermittent failures but we don't know, do we? It seems unlikely to me that the dealer would diagnose an open circuit if it had not been actually open at the time. Even a multimeter would tell one whether the CANbus connection is open or not.

[@killer2600]

I've seen it twice now. You and diagnosedan got lucky calling a brand new virgin OEM control module (You: Engine module, Dan: HVAC module) for $1,000+ based on erroneous coding values on your respective aftermarket scanner of choice. You both did due diligence in not being a parts changer; but seeing how you both make the leap based on a coding value that didn't seem right and was still present after replacing the part, you both got lucky.

[@LSmiata]

Having two wires open circuits on a wiring harness is not improbable. Damaged harness could easily be cause and believe they are twisted pairs on the CAN bus. You did the correct diagnosis and proved wiring integrity. Dealer did not have your diagnostics skills.....what a shame! I have a GL350d and dealer makes too many mistakes. I service unless covered under a recall. NICE WORK!

[@raula.flores1185]

The suspense was killing me, but your expression when it started was precious. Thank you

[@sabrekat7904]

Only once,in any of your videos, have ever seen you breathing so hard after pressing the "YES" button (to programme the new unit) and that was when you were ready to turn the key for the first start on this one.Think you deserve a huge pat on the back for this repair and a big hug from the customer for saving him a $20K bill for a wiring harness which would not have fixed it anyway.Good on you.

[@kevin9c1]

For the DIY on Mercedes, I think the best approach is getting the full Star/Xentry setup. There are many different ways to acquire this (and different generations/capabilities) but it will be cheaper than the Launch Pad V and more capable. My biggest issue with the programming is with the real Mercedes setup you can actually understand what you are flashing as far as versions, rather than whatever random version they happened to put in their DB. No doubt, it got this car going again and that's awesome. The other thing is the Mercedes tool integrates the scan tool capability with WIS and gives you exact info from error codes. Obviously you got to the right call without this.

[@bikerider29ir]

Never saw $1500 sweat before. Nicely done.

[@dendkmac]

you got me good Ivan at part 3 just putting in the ECM it was like oh there's going to be a part four I sat there and kept refreshing until part 4 came up LOL. You need to wear a Dr's Smock and have a l senior programming admin badge with a stethoscope around your neck, great job Ivan resident Mercedes technician.

[@PatGreen1830]

.....it was nice of you to reach out to the other techs. Communication and your teaching moments no doubt helped them become better at their diags.

[@howiej4084]

That not only showed that you have confidence in your own skills, but also showed to everyone that you have a pair of big brass ones.. At 1500$ for the computer, the pucker factor when you hit O.K on the 'are you sure you want to perform this operation' prompt must have been at least an eleven !. I hope you get one hell of a pay day for this one. Thanks for the upload.

[@davidmcclain5180]

Ivan: First, thank you for doing such an incredible job videoing your episodes. In this case, I was just as nervous watching it as you were before pressing the "yes" button. Like you said, this is how you learn but making a $1500 mistake is a huge risk. I know I speak for everyone who watches that we thank you for bringing us along and I always wait with anticipation for your next video.

[@kerrylewis2581]

You deserve a standing ovation KZbin style for this diag/repair. I swear I felt the OMG moment when you stepped through the programming phase. Congrats

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Exactly!!!

[@kinglangren]

Always a good feeling when the car starts. I always remember when the car starts after I’ve put a new or repaired engine in the car. Great feeling especially after that much work went into that one. Very good job on the diagnosis. A little over my head on this one, but still learn something every video.

[@Redmech80]

Ivan I work for myself on heavy duty trucks and off road equipment. I use a lot of aftermarket programs to work on all sorts of trucks. I always feel the same way sometimes programming stuff. I used to work for a dealership that had all sorts of support. Also when troubleshooting these problems being an independent you don’t have near the people to ask questions or bounce ideas off of. It’s a nerve racking tough world but also feels so good when you get a problem fixed. I value your channel, heavy trucks and equipment I work on have similar can networks, multiple controllers, good stuff sir. Keep it up

[@davidscott7005]

Ivan, during the "verified repair" I hope the 500hp is "truly verified". Great Job!!!

[@fredautos]

Woaw😮, we finally Got To the Tip End!... Fingers crossed🤞 . Basically awesome troubleshooting and Cool diag! Kudos Ivan! 🎉

[@TrueIndie88]

I have been in that situation before.... If the programming fails, it's bricked. Hats off to you for having the courage. I am sure you were balancing in your mind... Put it back together, tow to the dealer, pre disposition of the repair staff... Etc.

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@TruIndie88 I wouldn't have trusted the dealership not to stuff it up again! I was glad Ivan took it up to do it himself. $20k+ quote to replace a wiring loom that was never faulty? The dealership needs a new senior tech - what a jerk!

[@boydlittou9446]

Ivan I can relate to being nervous. These cars get worse daily. It's to the point every shop needs a computer geek. As for dealers and shops not using scopes it's everywhere. If they have the parts on the shelf or a deal with the parts store they would rather take the easy route and just play swap tronics. As we know that's the difference between a mechanic and a parts changer.

[@mtebaldi1]

Ivan, you are a very very talented electronic technician. Your expertise with perseverance to correctly troubleshoot and fix issues that dealerships, repair shops, and DIY give up on because they run out of parts to keep loading their cannon or their ability is not deep enough to adequately troubleshoot the problem. 👍👍👍👍

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

Awesomeness! I felt that excitement too, as the tool ssid "success..." I'm not there yet... Got a long ways to go, but you, Eric, Mario, Oz, Tug-test Keith, Maic, Cory, Charles, Paul and a few others, are helping me build MY future! THANK YOU!

[@aleastwood1698]

You forgot DiagonesDan and Scanner Danner

[@fredautos]

​@@aleastwood1698DiagnoseDan indeed💪🏼

[@htownblue11]

This is one of if not the best diag/fix/programming you’ve done Ivan. So cool to have used another great diagnostician as a resource. Wow. What a journey.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I agree TJ sharing knowledge is a great thing 🙂

[@fredsalter1915]

I've been watching Super Mario for about a year now. His vids are beyond informative. Glad you know of him. God bless, Ivan.

[@anthonytekiela1844]

Congratulations on the diagnosis and repair. As a former GM and ford tech, I've replaced pcms for various reasons. For the most part modules are pretty robust and don't fail as much as say 20 years ago. Apon research pcms spaz out do to voltage spikes and corrupt files..Ivan you proved a point that techs do not use basic diagnosis, they pull out the cannon. Techs need more training to be successful.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I've seen more ECM failures from around the 2010 year period than 80s and 90s units... Chrysler is the exception lol

[@crappysockpuppet]

I love your showing emotion. As techs we all have that moment where we amaze ourselves and overcome difficult diagnoses. Great job Ivan and great assist from Mario!

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Ivan, hearing that motor fire up sounded just as sweet on this side as I'm sure it did on your side. Made me recall several situations in my lifetime where you just had to close your eyes and push the button. Whew! Thanks for Sharing!

[@gerardjohnson2106]

Awesome job. If any of your customers have a problem with the charges, they can watch your videos to prove time spent on the job. From dealership $20,000 wiring harness to $1,500 ECM by Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics. I'm sure this customer will be singing praise for you.

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Glad i could be of service! And huge thanks for the shoutout, it's a big help, believe it or not!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Happy to help out and give due credit Mario! Happy Thanksgiving bro 👍

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics happy Thanksgiving!

[@tomtke7351]

You got "big ones" to take the chance of bricking the ECM. But hearing that engine roar again must have been euphoric! What a fascinating video series! 🤯

[@thakiid1013]

Fantastic work. I know the nervous feeling after a semi risky call all too well. Glad to see another one fixed, you're the best. Never seen you sweat a call like that before, nice to see you're human after all! Thanks for all you do!

[@PaulysAuto]

We learn the most by doing the uncomfortable things 🙃. I really love the way you handled this entire case study! Thank you for leading the way up Ivan!

[@mikedaugharty5544]

Ivan!! Being a GM mechanic I was on needles and pins as you were going through this Mercedes programming!!!!!I felt exactly what you were going through I thought what if I were there and it was $1500 call what would I do?? good job boy you do good work you are a dedicated honest man thanks for the video

[@erik_dk842]

It's not just $1500, it's $3000 as you're going to have to buy one more working ECM to try out on

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

@@erik_dk842 ...or call it quits after the 1st one gets bricked, LOL.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

You definitely had me in a no breathing point watching that diagnostic tool programming that Mercedes computer! I've only done Ford trucks and GM trucks and those no breathing/sweat moments using OEM diagnostic tools! Love the tool offer, giving it thought, have to find out what Asian vehicles (Nissan, Toyota, Kia & Honda) it will program. BETTER THAN GREAT,.....FANTASTIC IVAN ! ! !

[@chrissmith7655]

Hi Ivan, fantastic work. My heart was in my mouth hoping all would be good for you. You must never underestimate your thinking and knowledge of these systems. YOU ARE THE MAN!!!! Many thanks from Nr Liverpool UK.

[@johnpetersen8116]

Love that moment "It's alive!!!" Was right there with you on the edge of my seat!

[@markbrickey8418]

Thanks Ivan for all you do. I was nervous right along with you. I'm glad the dealer was honest. They couldn't fix it, so didn't charge the customer. Plus, it was nice that they communicated with you. They didn't have to, and most places wouldn't.

[@darrellwells9850]

Your a very smart tech man good to c u put them in check ,making them not charge him

[@Scott-kd4gs]

Well Done! The reason I got into self maintenance of vehicles. Often my cars would come back in worse condition than when I’d dropped it off to be repaired.

[@billbrock5486]

That was tricky. So many ways to get confused. Good Job!

[@BrianMann216]

Fantastic job taking us along ! I know that feeling pulling the trigger on a $$$$ module. Nice work!

[@mike_svt93]

Some amazing work Ivan. I'd say the Launch Pad V just paid for itself. Also, absolute credit to Super Mario Diag video. That sister MB company in Tysons Corner is in my neck of the woods here in NoVa. Will give them credit for not charging and they were likely relieved when the Benz was towed off into the sunset. Another happy customer and learning experience for all.👍

[@dlewis9760]

I'm sure that something else that is stupid expensive will give out on this thing in the next few years. I doubt the customer has seen the last of frustration when it comes to repairing this thing.

[@jeffbilyard7848]

Congratulations I watch the whole process. Just finished number four. I don’t know where you learned all this but you would make a good teacher. Stay safe and sound.

[@robpeabo509]

That is a powerful scanner Ivan. I would need to confirm what it can do on an LR3, LR4 and newer Land Rover all with diesel engines and air suspension. Also whatever time you spent on this, including your self training/learning time is a drop in the ocean compared to the Mercedes Benz cost for the harness which would NOT have fixed the issue. Thankfully the owner had the sense to take the car away and let you have a go! Thankfully the dealership did not charge the customer for the work they did.

[@daineseboy78]

Wow man. Massive congrats. Good call and glad to hear it run 🎉🎉🎉

[@RideCamVids]

Ivan don't ever doubt your capabilities one bit, you are as methodical and diligent as any A class technician can be in your diagnostic processes. It's still a great personal feeling to know you conquered this one with the reprogramming and got it running again. As far as the shop dialogue goes, somethings not adding up as you clearly had no wiring harness issues.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Come on Ivan, you got this. This is entertaining as hell...nerve wracking. Go Ivan Seattle and Boeing are with you!!!!!

[@sjn7220]

$20k for the harness is the “we don’t want to do this job” price.

[@jormalonnberg1578]

No it is not, with this kind of car, they just try to get money of from customer, harness 1500$ labor 18500$ quite good deal for dealership, I think.

[@Usmanthemecano]

Facts

[@randy1ization]

actually its the "were going to steal this car, sell you a new one and auction your car off to a used car dealership,. " senior tech is happy, because they dont have to do any more work, salesman is happy, and customer is pissed off, but his wounds will heal with time.

[@jayp1013]

Exactly, the vehicle is probably not even worth 20k

[@janvanderwal2744]

@@jayp1013 i think the car costs more then 20k

[@shanemcdonald4956]

I agree with you Ivan.Replacing the harness would not have fixed it anyways.Especially at $20,000 for the harness. I would have loved to hear their reason why the harness didn’t do the job.Good job.

[@volvo09]

That's when they would have panicked and probably found the issue, not telling the customer.

[@larrybe2900]

For a business that deals with their own brand this should have been a challenge to figure out. Perhaps they are not up to challenges.

[@tomshaw9846]

Was cheering when that engine started. Brilliant stuff

[@carhacks3590]

That's why I love Diagnostics It's so much fun Nd No one is perfect in this field which encourages to learn more and more Great Diag IVan you should be proud Yourself To solve this kind of insane problem and Salute To ur guts to take risk at that 1500$ or 120000 INR Ecu Great job Man!!

[@borisp9499]

Amazing work as always. I am however surprised at the programming required for the new ECM. Earlier this year I had to replace the engine computer in a late model Cadillac. I purchased it pre-coded to the VIN, and it didn't require any additional coding. Pre-coded to VIN meant just take it out of the box, connect, and you are good to go. I did have to run the crank sensor calibration, but that is obviously not something that can be pre-coded. I don't understand how Mercedes works, perhaps someone can explain it here. If the ECM came pre-coded to the specific VIN, then why do you have to do all of this additional coding/programming? Or did they screw up and said that it is pre-coded when in reality it was not?

[@huntnfishnuts5880]

Win for Ivan and the launch, it’s a great feeling when you get something like this running again where others have failed. 👍

[@jackrichiedei]

Loved the trepidation in your voice before hitting the go button . Great diagnosis and repair .

[@AP9311]

Ah Ivan, that satisfying sounds odd the engine fire up! Super nice to have Mario on hand with his video!! Nice community group! That's fantastic news about this! I definitely will check out the launch 5. Great job Ivan, freaking awesome video!! Many thumbs up 👍

[@Sandmansa]

That was a real nail biter Ivan. Well done my boy! I've worked on a large number of Mercedies in my time, and I've never needed to replace an ECM on any one of them. TCM's? Yeah. Lots of those. So, hearing you say this was a fairly common issue was shocking because its news to me. Going back to the software on the ECM now. Seeing 4matic control availability on a non 4matic car does seem to be common. I've seen that often. I don't know why that is. It doesn't make any sense. But it's there. I just loved that little poke in your email at the main Mercedies tech though. LOL. But to be fair, I've never used an oscilloscope myself. I'm pretty old school and never really saw a need for it. A good multimeter and test light can still give you a lot of valuable info. Now I know you love your ThinkTool Pros. I know first-hand that it is a decent, well-rounded scanner and well worth the money for what it can do. But seeing you finally showcasing what a Launch is truly capable of, reminds me of why I fell in love with my Launch. Those things are lifesavers on imports and work well enough on domestics too. But maybe it's time I finally upgraded my Pad II to a Pad V?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

You've never used a scope?? You're missing all the fun! Can't see variable signals and glitches with a DVOM or test light 😉

[@Sandmansa]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics I've seen you and a couple of other techs use a scope from time to time. But I just don't fully understand how to read and analyze those data transmission packets. Reading what an O2 sensor is doing in a graph on a scan tool is one thing. But this scope stuff just blows my mind.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@Sandmansa scope is nothing more than a very fast graphing DVOM... once you learn the basics it's very intuitive to use. Really neat to be able to "see" real time electrical signals! 🙂

[@Sandmansa]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Are there any local training course on how to setup and use these scope programs? I'm in the north Philadelphia area and I've been very hesitant about using this kind of tech.

[@fredautos]

16:19 🎉😮 Best Series . I had to wàtch this case study over and over. Showing it to few of my techs!

[@for2utube]

The main thing is not to interrupt power during programming. Developers don’t quite handle recovering from a power cycle in all conditions. As long as you’re completing intermediate steps they can usually code safely to get you to the next step.

[@paulmuff9883]

You are that man that makes others stand in ore , brilliant videos and a brilliant diagnosis and it now lives again thanks to you 👍👍👍😀

[@OldManBadly]

I love the moment where "start combustion engine" pops on the screen and I could hear the doubt on your voice... and voom, it starts first crank. Awesome to see this beached whale off to swim again.

[@drm315]

Damn it, Ivan! We have to wait for another video! I'm dying here. I want to see that Merc drive off into the sunset. Whatever you charge the owner, he not only got his car fixed, he got a great deal.

[@kittyhawk9886]

Bravo well done. Not so complicated now that the internet allows knowledge to be shared! Thank you for sharing. MB is no different from any other modern cars these days. An ECU is just so whatever the brand. Your diagnostic skill is portable across all platforms. Just that parts from some brands cost more than others. Amazing work.

[@dosgos]

Upgrading firmware always poses a risk, including bricking the device. Carefully following the instructions, making sure battery is fully charged, etc. might reduce that risk. At $1,500+ that Mercedes programming was stressful.

[@simonjones7785]

Ivan I have had a launch x431 for 20 years it has been my go to diag tool I have had 3 or 4 different tools some brands here in the uk would only respond to certain tools , great channel with super content well explained

[@rafflesnh]

Fantastic result, Ivan and kudos to you. Just think of all that experience you just tucked under your belt! Invaluable and every good wish for the future. I can already see your hourly rate heading skywards! 😀

[@GarthGoldberg]

I hit the Yes button, and I've been with her for 17 years.

[@simonjones7785]

Ive had a 431 for 20 years now a great allround tool

[@rick5515]

Don't know what else to say. Everyone has already said it. You are the man, and you teach me so much. Thanks. Number 5 tomorrow. Will also start making notes. Really saw how important they are with this one.

[@petermartinez5573]

You never fail to amaze me Ivan. Another remarkable diagnosis and repair.

[@baxrok2.]

Great job of offering to teach the techs. They need it. On to your reward - the test drive! Thanks Ivan!

[@williamwhite9767]

Ivan, after you give that Mercedes a "test" drive, you want to buy one for yourself!!!! I love driving my 2005 Dodge Magnum Hemi and I never plan to get rid of it. It's only 352 hp with superchips programming but it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[@alabalanutnbolt]

I always wonder that at the dealer pressure from above and workload causes people to rush tests and jump to a conclusion that is beyond economical repair . Just to get rid of a problem vehicle and repair many more vehicles with gravy work. I see it around me every day when guys get pissed at the “how long is this gonna take “ questions, so they fire the biggest most expensive cannon rocket. It’s crap . But luckily for this guy a high quality independent diagnostic specialist was within distance to correct things. Brilliant videos Ivan . I recommended your videos to my pal who is a systems tech on Mercedes in the UK. hope your customer appreciates your service with a Christmas tip.

[@2nsane2005]

I think I speak for everyone when I say that was stressful! Good job buddy!

[@husseinbriedis8700]

WOW!!!!! Ivan I think you just took Reality TV to another level like everyone else I was scared as I’ve ever been when you had to decide to go to the dealer or not and what that would mean, .that took courage but you trusted your own rules and why not take that step . Getting the new engine computer was a big step already then programming it holy moly !!! Congratulations on a fantastic series and watching blockbuster movies just doesn’t do it for me anymore compared with your cliffhangers All the best for the future from Melbourne Australia

[@lanwickum]

Farming, I have had 3 problems I can think of in the past couple years that only needed reprogramming of controllers. Trying to get the dealership to come out and just reprogram controllers was not that easy. Each time I had great doubts I was no correct. All 3 problems have never reoccurred since simply reprogramming. It happens.

[@carguy0000]

great job Ivan, I had my fingers crossed >> I could see the relief on your face when it started.

[@linuspoindexter106]

Seems like if a shop gives a $20k quote, they're really saying "Take this thing somewhere else, we're done with it."

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Or they could just be up front and say "we give up" 😅

[@earlribaudo4807]

Best video of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See, you have all the tools you need to help find the problems. Probably most shops have only a couple or only one. This allowed you to check about everything there is to check. As far as the Mercedes dealer not getting back to you at the end was you embarrassed the hot shot tech. lol. Man when you turned the key and it fired up, I thru my hands in the air and a big, no huge smile came across my face, probably bigger than yours. Such a great, great job job. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@wotnoturbo]

At least the dealer has your contact details if they get out of their depth in future 🤣🤣🤣

[@wbfog]

Very nice video and work! I'm a huge fan of Launch products. I bought the first one back nearly 15 years ago. Thanks for sharing!

[@K43Butt]

Good Job Man! That was rather tense having $1500 on the line.

[@kellygibson7299]

Well, the dealer tech was the best at making the dealership $, not repairing vehicles. But hey, it was taking too long so they stopped the work because that’s a great business decision, right?? They owe you more than a response & an apology to the customer. I am blown away that they even tried explaining their position. The industry loves to withhold as much information as possible. But outside of the shop, people like you keep this world honest. Thank you 🙏