Before You Load The Parts Cannon....

[@robertlevandowski4457]

"I'm not the best teacher," says the natural teacher giving another masterclass in auto repair.

[@thk7513]

Eric O is the Yoda of auto repair. Learned many lesson have we.

[@tuckerizer666]

Eric ,your grounded😮😉

[@Shododaan]

This just shows how grounded he is (ta-da-dum)

[@wtlwoods]

My thought exactly... and SMA can be trusted IMO.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Humility goes a long way!!

[@peterhodgkins6985]

What a great example of how important it is to take an organized and methodical approach to diagnostics! The customer likely has no idea how much money they saved bringing it to you!

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

...and by fixing the other two grounds he may have saved the customer from issues with other components down the road.

[@dannylinc6247]

This kinda thing eventually got me put on hind teat.

[@emylrmm]

Yes, Eric demonstrates a classic technique of going from top down, from the general to the specific. It's the only effective approach.

[@robertsmith2956]

I just got burned by removing the switch and testing it out of the car. Yep, works. Put it back in, nope it doesn't work. Went down got a new switch, yep, it triggers much earlier, bought it. Install, and doesn't work. the plate it presses against was the problem. $13 shot to h*ll. That will teach me to remove the seat so I can get up inside the dash with my eyes. LOL At least the dealer felt bad for me, and gave me the $1 pad for free.

[@notchback93]

It wouldn’t be a complete experience without the Lawnmower Man in the background doing his daily routine

[@andrewfidel2220]

What will we do when lawnmower man finally discovers electric tools =)

[@scrappy7571]

@@andrewfidel2220 You mean when the government FORCES us to buy electric.

[@lvsqcsl]

@@andrewfidel2220 I had one of those electric lawnmowers and the battery doesn't last long if you are mowing on anything other than level ground. Also, unless you mow often it won't hardly go through tall grass.

[@andrewfidel2220]

@@lvsqcsl sorry you bought a crappy electric mower, modern ones are fine and will do the same job as an equivalent gas mower.

[@patrickinottawa27]

@@andrewfidel2220 A few vids back Eric said he had bought himself a battery powered mower, but still pulled out the gas mower every once in a while. I guess every once in a while translates to as often as Eric is shooting a video.

[@royalaxe]

I don't think many people realise the honesty and integrity we see with SMA's videos. I've always loved these essential "rare" qualities in the modern human. Eric and Mrs O, beautiful people

[@MarcusSandoval-kx2th]

His mama raised him right 👍

[@olduhfguy]

For someone who won't admit to being an electronics 'techie', your knowledge of how things work suggests otherwise. Good job !

[@markh.6687]

Eric: "I am not an electronics guy." Also Eric: Has a pocket oscilloscope.

[@MichaelSmith-mk2uj]

almost every time you start out a video, I swear I hear: "Welcome back to The Self Made Auto Channel." Kinda seems to fit, doesn't it? You didn't get here by dumb luck, gubmint handouts or someone else's hard work. Got lots of admiration for you, sir

[@duanebuck193]

One thing I always appreciate is that both Eric and Ivan tell us "powers and grounds", and both of them always insist on using a known good ground, and likewise a known good power, not trusting the wiring harness until it's been tested. This one is proof positive of that logic and is beyond value as shown.

[@ericpaul4575]

A soon as I saw the MAF harness used a chassis ground I figured that was going to be the issue.

[@elcomandante9299]

Known good ground? From which location?

[@ischmidt]

@@elcomandante9299 The battery negative terminal.

[@elcomandante9299]

@@ischmidt Negative Ghost Rider. What if the battery has zero charge?

[@ischmidt]

@@elcomandante9299 If the battery has zero charge, you're perfectly set up to measure resistance from the negative battery terminal to whatever suspected bad ground you're looking at.

[@MeMakeSparks]

That's the problem today. Nobody goes the extra mile. Remaking those grounds just saved that customer from another headache in three months. You're my hero, E.O.!!!

[@kenmohler4081]

Yes, you are the best teacher. That’s why we are here. Well really Mrs. O is the reason we are here. But the teaching is good too.

[@nm8834]

Here for Luna

[@KStewart-th4sk]

Well i am here for Eric but Mrs. O is a nice distraction. I'll give you that. I'm a dog person, no cats for me. Besides i am highly allergic to some cats.

[@johnbeckett2624]

Thank you Eric and Ivan for showing me the importance of both good Power and Ground, I recently fixed my Grandsons motor bike, starter dead, had been taken to two local so called professional motor bike repair shops failed to fix it, just wanted to throw parts at it a lot of money he couldn't afford, checked power from the starter button, good checked ground nothing, put in a new ground from the bike frame and off it went, as Ivan would say No Parts Required!! Thanks to you both I was able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly, and the smile on my Grandsons face when he was told his bike was fixed was just priceless....

[@robiecarmichael9958]

I don’t think I have ever watched a video of yours and not learned something. Your thought process and diagnostic process is second to none. Your golden rule is always the same test and verify. Thanks for all you take the time to show us.

[@TheBry_Guy]

agreed! I came to learn how to fix cars, and last year I learned how to smoke ribs, chickens and mac N Cheese!!!

[@subzeromjc]

You're a real soldier doing all that soldering.

[@Kryten4000]

Finally, someone pronouncing solder correctly.

[@MotocrossGuru-zf8pk]

hard to find good advanced diagnostic mechanics plenty of parts replacers at goodyear

[@waynegontoski6862]

I was an hvac technician for 25 years and I trained many new techs right out of school. They never learned dionostic procedure in school, just what things were and basically how they work. I love your videos, you are an amazing tech and teacher.

[@throttlebottle5906]

parts changers.... same with all fields( and college!), everyone wants a quick study and jump out making big bucks $$. it's all coming into a focal point now.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

When testing properly makes for a simple repair, instead of blindly throwing parts at it. Great job, Eric.

[@davidgriffin14]

@7:08 when he said "I'm not the best teacher" i had to chuckle. I'm in my 3rd. Year of auto tech school, and i can say without a doubt, i have learned more watching SMA videos than what I've learned in classroom. Give yourself some credit Mr.O

[@michaelskinner896]

My life doesn't require me to have your kind of knowledge of auto repair, but there is a little part of me that wishes I had at least half of your skills. I really enjoy watching your process and seeing how you solve a potentially complex problem. Processes that could be applied to many parts of life, really. Thanks for sharing!

[@danlemke6407]

This is not the only example of proving voltage drop you have shown us on many issues and has taught me a valuable lesson on how to track down or eliminate issues before firing the cannon.

[@CruisinComPTon]

I sometimes watch another channel of someone who says he a car "doctor". When a problem comes in that requires an electrical diagnosis he claims he doesn't have time for it. Yet when I watch South Main Auto, Eric takes in these problems and gets down to pinpointing the eletrical issue or diagnosis and makes it look easy. Tells me that "car doctor" is more like a dr's assistant than anything.

[@SouthMainAuto]

If a shop can not fix basic electrical problems on cars they should close up shop. Cars have had fuel injection and "electronics" for over 35 years

[@markh.6687]

@@SouthMainAuto Other shops and mechanics! HMPH! We don't wanna mess with electrons; we got brake jobs to do!

[@alexdragomirescu5084]

A lot of youtubers became mechanics, detailers, car flippers and doctors in the last period... our hero here is probably the only technician that has close to 1 milion subscribers. I noticed that most of the real technicians don't even get close to 100k. Which is great for me...less ads during the videos 😂. Anyways...a big thank you Eric! You have captivated me for the last 5 years and tough me trics that would have cost thousands in courses. ❤

[@Ivo--]

"Doctor I have this cough I can't seem to get rid of, is there anything you can do?" *Doctor* "You're gonna need a double lung transplant."

[@s.j.5850]

Any good automotive repair course can teach the basics of electrical testing.

[@donniev8181]

Thank you Eric O for not one, not two, three new educational videos! You spoil us lol!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Ahh typical ground having voltage higher then 0 simple broken and Corroded ground nice quick video Eric O 4:16 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@JenkinsLocks]

Always a master class in common sense and applying logic instead following the 1st 5 results of google.

[@richardmullins9299]

Well as I say some people can't work there way out of a wet paper bag. Eric O isn't one of them.

[@davidcollins7667]

'Soldered' !! With an 'L'! I'm impressed - that's how we say it in Australia!

[@MrBrucebarrett]

Awesome advice. I have been a mechanic for 40 years but I learn something from every video.

[@Mike_Engel]

You are a great instructor Eric.... You take the time to show the proper steps to solve the problem.... not short cut it like some others out there that think they know how to teach....

[@elcomandante9299]

Meanwhile the clock is runnin n the customer pays for a six hour diagnostic charge when it only took less than 1 hour.

[@Pantherman1979]

As an engineer, I can confirm what Eric's saying. ESPECIALLY if you're chasing power problems, always use a known good ground and never assume a provided ground is good.

[@axispowerdiesel]

Here I was watching the Nissan Rogue window repair and this Buick shows up!

[@onenikkione]

Your videos keep me grounded.

[@richardhemingway6084]

I'm an electronics hobbyist. I fix stuff, including my own vehicles. My Dad did national service in the Royal Corps of Signals, as a radio repairer. His advice to me, on fault finding was, 'always check your power supplies first'. It has stood me in good stead many times. 'Power and grounds' baby. (BTW. Thanks for the 'solder' pronounciation. Instead of 'sodder'. LOL)

[@jack002tuber]

Known good ground and known good power should be compared to the points in question, check them and see if they're what they should be. Assuming they are ok and not checking will go really badly real fast. Good video. Anyone who understands simple circuits can follow you

[@peacefrog0521]

ScannerDanner would get a huge grin on his face watching this. You even used his favorite saying, “Test, Don’t Guess “.

[@rfahlsing]

I understand almost nothing, but it’s still amazing to watch a highly skilled mechanic such as yourself work.

[@jamesspendal7175]

I've listened to several of the skies youtube videos. He is smart intelligent thorough and an excellent mechanic. You should be a automotive teacher.You are in great demand for your knowledge

[@FuManchu5ltr]

When you said, “Soldered” with the L, I cried a little bit. Tears of great joy. Thankyou. Finding the fault on this car wasn’t the only Easter egg.

[@Travis141123]

Content like this should be a "must watch" for any technician program. God knows there's a lot of hacks on KZbin; but Eric and a handful of others are the gold standard.

[@jboz1435]

Ready, Aim, don’t Fire!

[@92Pony]

Your customers are so lucky to have you!!

[@pontiacsrule8761]

That is a great point about not using the signal ground as the ground. Thanks for making this video for us.

[@ppeters480]

Great grounds and parts cannon lesson here. Sitting over 2000 miles away in Mesa AZ while watching, I had to chuckle over "its a real scorcher here today." You should come out here and see the real definition of "indian Summer' Although, maybe the lack of Krusties in the Southwestern automotive wiring harnesses out here have held you back from a summer visit ! Stay cool in the Empire state !

[@richardmullins9299]

Well it's going to be hot and humid day here in San Antonio. Wouldn't mind being in West Texas right now.

[@ppeters480]

@@richardmullins9299 , yes most of Texas east of El Paso is more miserable than here in the summer with the humidity !

[@benrichards5160]

It's pissing down here in the UK 😂

[@tedsaylor6016]

I'm in Mesa too, the whole valley is still above 110dF. We usually don't get real heat relief until Halloween.

[@MrHiyasu]

Scorching Eh! Its 1:30 in the morning, its still 35C /72% humidity and my Aircon has died until Wednesday. Welcome to Spain.

[@REDBIRD-95]

Eric commenting about the heat: "We're not used to this, us New Yorkers" This Canuck is in 100% agreement. This has to be one of the most brutally hot and humid summers ever. Even after a rain it's still horrible outside. 😰😰😰😰 Have a great Sunday Eric.

[@gan_the_white]

@@REDBIRD-95 When the weather gets warmer you have to Enhance, Enhance, Enhance...

[@Mag_Aoidh]

My Grandfather was from Quebec, I’m from the Southern US. I’ll take your Summers any day, cept for the biting flies.

[@a4000t]

100-107 everyday since June here in Central Texas, unfortunately its normal. Be happy to trade you guys some extra warm if you need it :)

[@lvsqcsl]

I live in Kentucky and was visiting relatives in Lewiston, Maine a few years ago and in the downtown area it was 94 degrees F. I was hoping it would be cooler. I saw on the dashboard of the car yesterday it was almost 100 degrees F.

[@markh.6687]

With the rain and heat, you get wonderful humidity levels. It's like hitting a wall when you step out of an air-conditioned building. Greetings from metro Chicago area, where if you don't like the weather, wait about 20 minutes...it may change. 😁

[@user-gv6hq6se3w]

I want to thank you Eric for sharing your knowledge with us back yard DIY's. The electric steps on my RV quit working and after thinking I was going to have to spend 300.00 dollars on new parts I climbed under the rig and started fishing and found a ground wire with the green crusty puss. Cut the eyelet off and got to clean wire and made the repair like you showed us. Worked great and no money involved except for the new eyelet and heat shrink. Thanks again Eric!!

[@jrbpit1]

So, of all the years I’ve been watching your videos, you are a natural teacher. You are entertaining and engaging and if I can understand what you are laying down, anyone can. It seems to be about 60% of the electrical problems you diag are bad grounds 100% of the time!!!

[@goptools]

I think the explanation of the diagnosis is of great value. If you don't understand what it means and don't care to educate yourself, well then, it's your lose. If you do, then it is one more knowledge tip in the toolbox.

[@geoffschuh5606]

Not the best teacher my foot. Good teaching starts with intimate knowledge of the subject, passion for the subject and, lastly, good communication. You do not have to be slick and polished; just get the point across. You are far better than many I have seen, and I have seen a lot, not just here on you tube. Well Done.

[@deansapp4635]

As a retired mechanic, I love these videos

[@charlesswart]

Good Job Eric! I am a teacher - If i can do it - you can do it!

[@DIYDaveOK]

Fantastic as always, Eric. I still have a mystery bad ground on a friend's 2001 Civic that's causing him problems. Reminded me of that very problem! Thanks as always.

[@iFixJunk]

I've learned SO MUCH watching this channel. Thanks for sharing, Mr. O.!

[@w9awx1]

You taught this well. I frequently hear you say something about test but verify. This is a perfect showing as to why. If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

[@ericsanquist]

see this is why people come to you to fix their cars because you don't just go by the book. not all codes equal the same fix it method. you are a great teacher we garage techs can learn a lot from your videos. keep up the super awesome videos coming.

[@ryans2kidz]

@2:50 .... In today's episode of 'lawn mower man' 😂

[@davidbeachel]

As always, I’m very impressed with your diag skills.

[@raymondmilliganjr5573]

What ever happened to "test driving" a vehicle after a repair? Kudos to you for that, I repaired all of my trucks and cars for almost fifty years and always took them for a test drive, but almost no one does any more, you are a real professional!

[@grahamholmes9737]

7:09... Don't sell yourself short. You are a great teacher. Those who can't do the job teach it. You good sir teach us by doing the work. Thank you

[@darrellhagan6124]

Very good lesson as always from you Eric. I've been an electronics tech for as long as I can remember, mostly repairing TV & radio sets before they became disposable. What you teach in this video is priceless and applies to most any type of troubleshooting no matter if the item is a car, boat, plane, TV set, radio, computer monitor, spaceship, or coffee pot ;). Bravo!

[@garagedad103]

You’re the best car mechanic that I know, awesome job

[@dougjames5960]

very good description of how important it is to sets one potential variable instead of two! i have worked for GM for 35 years and while working on electrical I found this an absolute must!. Well Eric O.

[@OtherSarah2]

A Gibbs Rule from SMA? OMG, sheer joy!

[@1320pass]

Crimp, solder, seal. Nice.👌💪 another Buick saved from the Grim Wilbert.

[@courier11sec]

Wilbert provides immortality.

[@serbiansfinest]

Mr O is a automotive genius 👏 this guy is just unreal. I have been watching your videos for over 8 years now and man have I learned alot from you. Thank you Mr O 🙏

[@Ro32da72]

It's easy to focus on the component at the end of the wire, and forget that the information that comes from a sensor is only as reliable as the wiring and connectors. And if ground is your reference, make sure that reference is good before relying on it to take measurements. This is quality electrickery content Eric, thank you. And you ARE a great teacher 🎉👍

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Brilliant tutorial and diagnosis Eric, if I can understand and I’m far from someone who understands anything auto electrical then you’re a great teacher, top class as ever Eric keep teaching us 😊

[@duanedelestienne2997]

Another demonstration of getting the data.... and some wisdom regarding the acquisition of said data. Making us all better every time you share!

[@markmoffitt7309]

Signal ground, just another signal, measure it like the others. Very important information you are passing along!

[@danmoseley8547]

Sure wished you were closer!! Beginning to think it’s worth the trip from GA to New York just to get a solution for my Suburban! Keep posting, definitely a rare breed on troubleshooting and honesty!

[@abw121]

Lawnmower man loves you!

[@advancednutritioninc908]

You are a great teacher! thanks for being humble! also great at diagnosing problems!

[@stuartkynoch7289]

Up here in the northern climes, poor grounds and green crusties are a constant companion! Great demo and repair.

[@TheRichardgomm]

Good work Eric, to actually find the fault has gotta be better than bring backs.

[@justincoleman1218]

Enjoying from way up north in the PRNY and yes, the weather has been ridiculous.

[@nokoman85]

You hit another home run with this video. Follow the facts, and take the time to troubleshoot the problem. It will save you dollars and time.

[@goodcitizen64]

Educational and informative diagnostic skills as usual! Thanks Mr. O

[@kmartin5054]

Great tip on what to do when using your scope & how hooking up your leads is important so you’re not wasting your time going in the wrong direction.

[@chrisval78]

At last, an American who knows how to pronounce "solder" ! Good job, as usual.

[@randydugger1101]

Sounds like a classic ground issue on GM cars

[@markh.6687]

That would take like, what, 5 years or so on CFJDR/Stellantis products??

[@ischmidt]

@@markh.6687 In the Salt Belt, no manufacturer is immune to bad grounds.

[@markh.6687]

@@ischmidt But some rusted away or the wiring broke off far earlier after using cheapo wiring components. I live in the Salt belt, never washed my undercarriage, drove older cars, and never had bad grounds like we see so much of today.

[@ChristopherEisele]

I'm a datacom engineer, different type of cabling and signal, etc (same sh** really, all DC, clock rates and signal thresholds). I guess your just humble, but I've learned a heck of a lot more about automotive electrical logic, by watching you, than I have by speaking to actual automotive electrical engineers at conferences.

[@petebach7221]

Hold your (parts canon) fire! As Sun Tzu explains in The Art of War, “To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.” Well done, Eric. Sun Tzu would approve.

[@markh.6687]

"The Parts Cannon is not your friend." -- Ah Choo

[@TIREDOFEVIL]

Eric, spent many years being a NVH Tech for a couple of Ford dealerships before I moved on to other things, and yes, electronics was never my strong point. You have the ability to teach an old dog the understanding that was lacking in his younger career, thank you son.

[@nv1493]

You and Ivan have initiated due diligence in my approach to diagnosis. Greatly appreciate these videos.

[@Apodalont]

You are a scholar and a gentleman Eric. Whenever you identify something that could save someone headaches and time you take the time to upload a very useful video. You're a Rockstar!!

[@johnmeyer4804]

Good job! Clean all three grounds on one service rather than have three visits. In the PRNY you know the other grounds would fail soon.

[@johnandersen6364]

Retired old fart here, your content is spot on and fun to watch. Nothing like the power of a good known grounds, simple thing like a ground on a trailer plug for instance. Caught many a young tech grounding their test lights to the truck frame rather than the light cord itself with a trailer light flicker complaint. Our fleet hauled gas and other known flammable goods, nothing worse than seeing sparks coming from the truck's 5th wheel and the tankers coupling plate all because the light cord and plug were not checked separately.

[@throttlebottle5906]

no worries, there will be plenty of warning lights and distance kept when it's on fire. 😏

[@22fritts]

If nobody else can do it any better, that makes you "the best teacher," Eric.

[@michaelpatton5012]

You are so right about after market mass air flow sensor

[@joeheck146]

this is a perfect example showing the consequences of a bad ground and why you have to look at your powers ang grounds! good show!

[@terrylaw18]

Ground side often gets overlooked in electrical diagnosis. I think people just assume it’s ok because it “doesn’t carry any power”. Eric O has a bunch of videos that deal with ground issues. Good job.

[@scannerlanier471]

This video brings up my situation. I generally do most of my car repairs, at least what I can. I would have plugged my OBDII in and saw the code and loaded the parts cannon. I just don't have the service info and diag tools that you do. Yet you take it in and the tech would probably suggested MAF also. I agree MAF is OEM only. The trouble is parts like that are non-returnable unless defective. You blow the diag, you own the part. Tech at repair shop blows diag, they will bill out new MAF, even though original was working. In my industry, it would be billed out as part of troubleshooting. We only remove parts that we can return or reuse somewhere else. For example we order an $800 controller as that is likely source of trouble, we own it. What is a reasonable service to get wiring diagrams, bulletins, etc?

[@oaksmith1292]

Lordy, if I EVER have to move back east to salt country I am going to make sure it is within 25 miles of South Main Auto.

[@jeepguymb45]

Thanks again for helping me to sharpen my skills in diagnosing electrical issues

[@bunacarl]

This kind of problem just doesn't happen, down here in North Carolina much except for when someone unloads one of those rust buckets at the car auctions. Great video on how to be sure before you start throwing parts at it.

[@johnchambers12]

You explained it perfectly for me, voltage drop on sensor ground! Good Video, you probably smelled the green crusty when you opened the hood!

[@AB-jk7tw]

Always amazing to watch you think through problems Eric!

[@grominwithrob1339]

Great advice. Especially since so many DIYers are buying scan tools and trying to diagnose and repair their vehicles these days.

[@robertfoilesjr1337]

I didn’t know any better, but thanks to you I now do! Please keep teaching! Newish to scoping.

[@Heretic_Dezign]

As an ex mechanic, and now a mechanical engineer, engineering educator and certified to train the trainer, I can catagorically state, there is nothing with how you explain your logic and the methodical manner in which you get from point A to point B, don't sell yourself short.

[@PhillipBailey]

Excellent example!

[@codycopithorne6294]

Ah yes. Check ground and fluid film after is a motto i've adopted from Eric. A bad ground (rust) was causing my horn relay to blow every couple of months. At first I casually asked some local mechanics what they thought and got blank stares. Then I started tracing wires to find the ground. All I could do at that point was clean and fluid film the grounds for the horn and eliminate that out. Haven't had to change a relay since and that was 8 months ago!!

[@rickcook6867]

I must be lucky I scanned a 2000 Buick Park Avenue came up with a bad Mass air replaced it with an aftermarket works great. Must be one in a million.

[@focusfrenzy9759]

does that guy sit and wait till he sees you turn on a camera before he starts mowing?

[@DonaldWells-wk8dc]

😏

[@throttlebottle5906]

I think he mows daily, probably has the lawn half dead and scalped. or he just runs the mower over daily and keeps it 4" + tall. lol

[@gregsidel3557]

You know I've been watching your stuff for several years now and you always say on electrical problem most the time you check the grounds first I hope I understand that and said that right Eric you're the best I really do appreciate what you're doing thank you again for the video

[@crisprtalk6963]

Sometimes I watch an SMA video not for learning or seeing if ERic can fix it but simply for having the commentary as background noise in my house.