Buick LeSabre: Customer Replaced ECM Now A No Start, No Lights, NO NOTHIN!

In this video we have a look at a Buick LeSabre that the customer replaced his own ECM on. He was told by another shop that this would fix his low power complaint. Now he had to have the car towed here because it will not crank, and NONE of the functions of the car seem to work. It does not take long to find out the whole story! As we have learned many times before, there is allllllways more to the story. -Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair

[@SouthMainAuto]

Scan tool used in this video: *Launch X431 Diagun IV Auto Full System Diagnostic Tool OBD2 Scanner Code Reader with Bluetooth/Wifi Support 2 Years Free Update : amzn.to/2vA7i44

[@edwardalamo2507]

South Main Auto Repair Old saying a doctor just has a male or a female but a auto mechanic has hundreds of different patients

[@Ineptus_Mechanicus]

Christ, I think I'm a bad DIY mechanic and then I see shit like this. "Oh, yeah, it's a delicate part, sure, but I'll bet I can just put the wrong part in and beat the absolute shit out of it until it fits". (By the way, my car's killing a fuel pump just about every month. Slowly loses power over that time until the car starts coughing and won't accelerate. Any ideas?)

[@TechnoTinker]

You don't get to see the true nature of a person until it's 2 AM before a work day and the car they started working on at 5 still won't start. "Hulk mad! Make fit now!" I'm doing my alternator tomorrow, so I'll probably be in the same boat.

[@mikegee8900]

Can you do a review on the launch x431 diagun scanner in a future video?

[@baldy194859]

what year is that Buick ? I had a 97 once and the battery was under the hood !

[@Michigan_Tactical]

If you think hiring a good mechanic is expensive, wait until you hire a bad one.

[@factsdontcareaboutyourfeel7568]

Well those valves aint gonna munch themselves mister, until a hack does the timing. Don't ask me how I know - it's too painful. I loved that motor.

[@Honeypot-x9s]

Johny Harbinger techs and mechanics are two different people as I see it.. a tech is less hands on..techs mostly do diagnostics. mechanics are the ones getting dirty and physical with the vehicle. Both should know each other’s job and be able to do each other’s job. Just specializing more one way than the other. Like Eric O here, Eric is a mechanic, but he also does the tech’s job just as well and as easily. He just specializes in using his brain in more of a physical manner aka physically tracing down issues, opening things up and finding problems to solve that’s what makes him more of a mechanic.

[@Honeypot-x9s]

oh that's rough man! but im glad they not kicking you to the curb and im glad that your honest not a part swapper type. a backstory that triggers me hard core: my friend owns a Nissan GT-R (2016 Nismo Edition) they just quoted him for needing bunch of work almost $15 grand worth of shit! most peopel that own a $175,000 car will just do it and thus Nissan dealer makes good money suckering people in... well he got a second opinion from my mechanic that works on stuff at my farm, and my mechanic started looking around for all of 20 seconds and said, they didn't even touch a damn thing, just visual inspection they probably didn't even pop the hood! pulled out a scan tool and basically they came up with all their ideas from that it looked like.. long story short only costed my friend $800 and most of that was labor fighting with a modern 210+MPH supercar being picky about things, the it only needed 1 part that was freaking the computers out...

[@padroooo]

I am saving your quote. Good one, thank you.

[@carlbruschnigjr1757]

Used to have a sign at my shop . . . LABOR RATES (per hour) To fix the car $25 If you give me the parts $35 If you tell me how to fix it $45 If you tried to do it first and couldn't $100 Stupid looks are still free.

[@ace1usmc]

Wow! A mechanic that actually knows how to properly diagnose! It's great to see, brother. Diagnosis is a lost skill these days. Most mechanics are pretty much just parts changers. They will just throw a bunch of parts at a problem, hoping to fix it, rather than actually pinpoint diagnosis. Great job!

[@Robboned]

Like some say, you throw enough new parts at it you'll have a new machine!

[@akemonjames]

there is a difference between a old school mechanic and a certified technician. The tech can't diagnosis. The ole lady took her car in because it wouldn't start, GM certified tech replaced the fuel pump..She ended up replacing three fuel pumps. I went out one day to go somewhere, her car started they shut off...disconnected the battery, 1/2 hour later it started. Ran for two day then quit again. Funny thing is when the passlock security system activates it shuts the fuel pump off. Disconnecting the battery clears the code..Real culprit was the BCM...

[@vivillager]

I remember when I was a kid, my father would go to a local McDonald ( with me in tow ) and there was a guy who rented a small 2 bay garage to work as a mechanic. One day some guy comes in and complains very loud to the mechanic guy about how he paid money for a repair that didn't correct the issue. After the customer left, mechanic guy sits with the rest of the group and said "What's his problem!? If that didn't fix it, all that means is we have to try something else! That's what I tell people. If you have a problem, and you change something, and you still have the problem, that means it was something else!" And the guys in the group all agreed as if praising his gospel. Except that the guys that know this mechanic wouldn't visit him for anything other than for brake pads or tire rotation. Anything else and even his own friends would take their cars to another shop.

[@MrFriendsfirst]

ace When a car gets upwards of 200 thousand miles, why complain about new parts?? There gonna wear out anyway and the money you save not paying 200 an hour to have it looked at will make up for it. Ive never understood your argument, though youre not alone I think most people agree with you. Theres only so many parts, eventually youll fix the right one, and my best guess is usually pretty close anyway.

[@fresco4500]

Jim Akemon You got that backwards bud. A mechanic knows how to wrench on a car, a technician can figure out why such wrenching is needed. What do I know though, just an automotive technician.

[@funksterbass]

"if it doesnt fit, dont force it fellas" ...a valuable lesson there for many things in life

[@yanglue611]

I know right. Just when the saying "If it doesn't fit, make it fit" goes wrong

[@btm380]

That's a valuable lesson i thankfully learned years ago. I share it often.

[@Zerpersande]

If it don’t fit, force it. If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.

[@craigl765]

If it doesn't fit, get a bigger hammer.

[@MrJeffcoley1]

“The computer is telling me the car has problems. I want a new computer.” That’s like saying “my scale says I’m overweight. I want a new scale.”

[@paveldalesssandro6920]

The car computer say new car code lol wtff lol

[@stevenbradford6138]

I am an instrumentation technician at a steel mill. We get calls every day saying there is something wrong with your instruments. A very common one is they call us saying a gas valve for a burner isnt working. We take a look at the trends and see that the valve is 100% open and the gas back pressure is at supply pressure. We tell them to get mechanical to change the burner because it is plugged, and oh look the issue goes away. But no it is the instruments that are bad...

[@peterbeharry2734]

Dee

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@stevenbradford6138 wish i could take their job....been working my ass off and on my knees begging trying to get into a mill. even have an associates degree related to it. only buddies and kids who impregnate the mill managers daughter get in.

[@graffitifilmz4901]

0 ÷ 5 = error. Aye, this caculator broke

[@robertclark9174]

I’m a newer mechanic with a good bit of background but just to let y’all know. The information this man has given me with lab scopes and basic quick 100% diagnostics is unreal. I have help make my small shop better ten fold. It takes a bit longer to be sure of exactly what is causing the problem but we get paid and most of the time nowwww.. with the knowledge we have gained from him we are correct. In New Jersey we went from parts changers to real mechanics. And still learning. Thank you Eric. Much help and appreciate.

[@Sjef0194517]

Never a bad thing to educate yourself. Good luck with your shop

[@aliislam580]

im in the new jersey area as well, where’s your shop located? Id love to give you guys a visit & support a small business

[@carlmoody7685]

B.c.m?

[@cloudstrife1125]

@Robert Clark where in New Jersey is your shop?

[@jamespearce7954]

Life is a learning process and if you embrace it you gain knowledge from everyone, especially those like Eric O. Keep moving forward, you're on the right path.

[@williampietrzak3620]

Eric, I used to own a Buick like this one and had trouble with the cigarette lighter. While pulling the fuse out of the fuse box I noticed the same thing you noticed. There were three female receptacles on the fuse box for a two pronged male fuse. According to the Buick booklet that was in the glovebox, 24:14 it states that if you put the fuse in the left two female receptacles the lighter works only with the car running in the ON position. If you put the fuse in the two right female receptacles the lighter will work with the car turned in the OFF position. I absolutely love your channel and have learned so much from you watching it all the time . God bless you and your family.

[@____________________________.x]

I used to work in electronic system repair and this was a solid piece of fault finding, I love how you never assume anything. Real Pro work.

[@stalinsmyth8370]

Assumption is the mother of all fuckups

[@NuttyProfessor-]

@Terry Melvin I'm an "I can fix anything guy", I also know when something is not anything if you see what I'm saying lol

[@anthonymarinelli9224]

Terry Melvin tttydfdffeuerrrd

[@michaelwest2388]

its better to be the "i can fix almost anything guy" which is me

[@mrpetit2]

You might not have gone to college but as far as diagnostics go, you're absolutely the professor!

[@FreeRightsProtection]

Auto schools are colleges 😂🤷‍♂️

[@RobertJones-fl3ky]

If you are at all capable college will ruin your right thinking!

[@rhoonah5849]

@@FreeRightsProtection Not all of them. Many are professional programs but they are not all colleges.

[@EddieLeal]

College education is highly over rated and over priced. lol!

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

Some of the smartest people ever to live arent meant for the structure of college

[@CryptoTonight9393]

I wish all mechanics filmed their repairs like this. I would pay extra for it. Its fascinating and it let's me know I'm not being scammed.

[@orangecounty7144]

There's bad mechanics out there,with great video editing skills that would scam you just the same.

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

90% wouldn’t takes a lot of time to edit etc if they did that they could charge a hair more for customer happiness and then upload to u tube and make bank from views = fn genius could even hire a cameraman after u get your Channel going

[@wadepatton2433]

Most of them are too busy fixing stuff. That's what makes Eric's channel so great. He's only showing us one or two repairs per week- because filming takes extra time/effort/editing and posting. It slows him down, but hey it sells some schwag if you do it right.

[@Surri5809]

If a mechanic filmed all the work what would he be worth? My knowledge is my money. That's what you pay for. I'm not telling you s***😊

[@jessie361293]

You sir are a good and honest mechanic we need more like you because it's getting hard to find.

[@deemack3719]

I AGREE, GOOD MECHANICS ARE ALMOST EXTINCT...HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HOW TO A DIAGNOSE A VECHILE.. FANTASTIC VIDEO! SUBSCRIBING RIGHT NOW.

[@psdaengr911]

It's easier for a competent mechanic to be honest than for a incompetent one. No excuses or finger pointing is needed.

[@erikturner5073]

Another thing that's hard to find is diecent paying employer hence one reason for the tech shortage.

[@bobkos333]

@@erikturner5073 Agree with this. The customers generally look at diagnostics as a gratis service and are not willing to pay much or anything for that service. Hence in many shops it is an unprofitable skill and is shunned in favor of loading a parts cannon which IS profitable. Sad state of affairs in the auto repair industry.

[@erikturner5073]

@@bobkos333 yeah, after being a master certified technician for 22 years I decided this year to hang it up and take another professional path. For a long time I liked being and automotive technician. Not disputing your take. However even though I enjoyed what I did, I gotten tired of the typical shop politics, flat rate pay, overloading of technicians( too many technicians and not enough work) causing for a CUTTHROAT environment in which technicians fight over jobs in order to attain a diecent paycheck. Plus too many bosses do the aforementioned plus give reasons as to why they can't pay the proper rates. Eventually in most cases you find out why over time listening to conversations. It's either they have too many toys, and extramarital affair, a gambling problem, or a very expressive lifestyle, take your pick. Technicians have many of pressures, along with the huge investment in tools, constant training to keep up with the rapidly changing automotive systems. Most technicians like the profession. Although it's the excessive BS that comes with is to why from a techs point of view professionals are leaving the field, and it will continue until the standards in the industry change.

[@klwthe3rd]

Completely speechless. Another shop caused the fuse to blow so it wouldn't start because they misdiagnosed the car and tried to put another ECM in the car, which was the wrong ECM all for the real problem of a bad cat and possible bad starter. WTH! Then when they realized they screwed the car up royally, they push it off to Eric O to save the day. You wonder why we love this channel so much? Just take your car to one of THESE OTHER shops for the day and see what you get back in return. Eric O can't save everyone's car from every other shop. This Buick owner in my opinion got lucky today. Awesome awesome video.

[@mrb1864]

the owner done the ecm swap guided by bad prognosis from the shop .

[@mrdiplomat9018]

Mr B It’s diagnosis, not prognosis I think. Prognosis is what the doctor tells you after he runs tests on you‼️

[@mrb1864]

I used prognosis intentionally . You diagnose the fault, your prognosis would be whether you think the vehicle would run perfectly after your diagnostics findings and repair recommendations , indeed more common used by doctors than in this case mechanics but fun to use :-) ...

[@flinch622]

Hammering home an electrical connector is complete luddite territory. Connectors are keyed differently to protect systems from pin layout differences - I suspect the wrong computer may have been what blew fuses. Why anyone looked at the ECM in the first place is beyond me. If I'm RPM limited [video looked like he couldn't get past 4500 rpm], one of two things has happened: fuel curve is truly out to lunch, or the engine isn't breathing right. That leaves MAF sensor or the CAT as things to check first. Last time I had a CAT clog up on me was due to a turbo seal going out/oil vapors fouling it up.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

I suspect the other shop thought it was in Limp Home Mode because of a 'bad computer'... This owner shouldn't even be changing a distributor cap let alone a computer if doesn't know about guide pin differences... square peg in round hole, etc...

[@robertcohen1888]

My dad was an auto mechanic and I used to think he was a really good one but this guy is a master mechanic! He knows his stuff he’s not afraid to look at reference material and his logic for troubleshooting is really really good.

[@wackey3455]

He probably didn't have the equipment them days tha we have now it literally tell you what wrong with the cars or puts us in the right direction your da had to work harder to fault find man fair play to your da

[@jima3129]

I bet your dad was really good. You have to consider how damn ridiculously complicated vehicles have become. Add to that shitty Chinese made connectors made to connect, but not disconnect, rat food insulation on wires, backup cameras, lane departure sensors ond on and on and on, and you have to be not only damn good, have all the right diagnostic tools, and have the patience of a saint. Eric is one of the few people I see with all of the above. I'm sure you have seen how many different diagnostic tools he has. The difference between him and most is that he knows how to use them. 😊

[@robertcohen1888]

@@jima3129 thank you, he was, he could fix most issues with most cars. He taught me all I know about cars.

[@alexanderbresnahan2932]

Just a note, the reason the Accessory and cigarette Lighter fuses are laid out like they were (3 socket with 2 pin fuse) is you can change if they receive power if the car is running or not. One position is a "keyed" position, meaning the cigarette lighter and aux plugs are only active if they key is in the Accessory or On position. The other position is the "always on" (direct from the battery) position. To change which mode the cigarette lighter and accessory plugs utilize, you simply move the fuse.

[@MA-kt8ly]

Thanks, learned something new

[@jacobheisesr9160]

You can get the 3 leg fuse and power it both ways

[@TheRealParthen]

Awesome info! Thanks for the new knowledge.

[@soilmanted]

@@jacobheisesr9160 That makes no sense. Think about it.

[@jacobheisesr9160]

@@soilmanted the primary source is always hot one side is key off hot only the other side is key on hit only

[@Scraws]

I wish we could see some of the customers reactions when you tell them, "The other garage is a dingleberry, and screwed you."

[@garygallery2425]

The first thing my dad taught me was how to diagnose a problem with my cars it's been a valued skill my whole life!!! Thanks pop miss you so much!!!!

[@elcheapo5302]

Your reaction when the music started blaring was priceless. Knowledge and entertainment always on the menu at SMA. Thanks, Eric.

[@ironcross420]

14:49 :D

[@505fastlife6]

Yup gangster mechanic.

[@kenzpenz]

I owned a 1998 Buick La Sabre. I bought it new and traded it in for a 2014 GMC Acadia. The Buick was a great car, until it went bad and then it really went bad. I can identify with watching this man checking this and that, until finding the real problem.The previous mechanic, "the culprit" was no where to be seen or heard. Congratulations on a great job of solving this man's problem. I just came across this site and I subscribed for sure. I am 80 years old, but the entertainment value will be priceless. Thanks for sharing, and I hope a million viewers get to see your work. ..Ken Marina CA.

[@r.five.3]

Just a tip since you just found this site, 90% of the people will try to ruin your day, just ignore them. Have fun watching aroun, cheers.

[@Dev-qj7jo]

Fuckin with this car

[@brianortiz2200]

Nice

[@KimCheongBRO]

I had a couple 90's buicks, and the electrical problems with them were never ending. I've had much better luck with a current mid 2000's model.

[@KimCheongBRO]

@Ultra CNC must have been a lemon, electrically. Every thing else ran like clock work.

[@steel_waffles505]

The FIRST thing I was taught during my apprenticeship when you encounter an electrical issue was to check ALL fuses visually and with a test light. Hats off to you for your thourough diagnostics.

[@dalltex]

With so many people looking at KZbin for auto repair assistance I am totally shocked that anyone within a 100 mile radius of you doesn’t know you by now. Why would they even consider another shop? Thanks again for the time spent in delivering another quality video. Sorry you are having to endure some Texas style heat.

[@robiscrupe7694]

i watched every video he put out and I would trust him to work on mine and I live 4 hours away from him he is that good and I would travel that just to get great service

[@HighestRank]

It's 90F in Houston and 90F where I am today on the Atlantic coast. Shared sorrow for two.

[@kitecattestecke2303]

He is not found by his address here how should people know

[@killtyrant]

rob iscrupe someone else commented on his review page on Google that they traveled 4 hours to get to him.

[@davidporowski9512]

Reminds me of a family problem ( that knew I had ruined her Mustang by setting the emergency brake (yellow warning light, iirc) when putting the AT into Park. kept driving the mustang until wearing out the emergency brake (shoes & drums) Absolutely MY FAULT for not teaching my relative how to drive? Never bothered to call me to ask what I did to damage her mustang to run properly (while she drove the car for a week, while cursing my name, no doubt?) OK? How would you park an auto transmission on a hillside W/O damaging AT parking pawl? ( Set the parking brake?/Right?)

[@AndrewMerts]

Hmm, I wonder why the horn fuse is out... BEEEP. Oh that's why.

[@chrismechanic6164]

I got a good laugh out of that one myself.

[@Bobbyjwmwb]

I seen that coming lol

[@tedwagoner5618]

Just because you can do it, doesn't mean I can. But I keep watching

[@larsdahl6594]

Among the things that are necessary to live a happy life, having a good, honest and reliable car mechanic is near the top of the list.

[@se7515]

Not owning a POS is a good idea too.

[@mikewilson8594]

I've been a mechanic for 40 years. There are too many bad ones out there. Love your diagnostic skills on this Buick LeSabre video. If I couldn't work on my own car, I believe I would have to search you out and hire you! Very professional!

[@davidlampe4153]

Eric you’re not just a mechanical genius. Even the mechanics who fix my cars watch your channel. It makes me feel hopeful that they can see how you diagnose and fix everyone’s car’s even the competition.

[@edwardschenk7854]

Yes I know! I’m a “shade tree parts replacer” doing my best to keep my “horses” on the road. It’s great to watch a true mechanic diagnose AND be customer sensitive. Thanks for the teaching!

[@johnmohanmusic]

15:59 "It's so steamy in here. Reminds me of my college days. But I never went to college." Thanks for the laugh!!!

[@EddieLeal]

At least not for the education ;) lol!

[@lornemelnyk]

It's refreshing to see a mechanic that actually troubleshoots a problem. I'm a new subscriber now!

[@MagaNews911]

Mechanic 52 years. I always check at So Main before I tackle some things I have questions about. I watch him on jobs I have done many times just see if we are thing on the same page. I find myself smiling when I can call the procedure and he does it exactly. Not always but he really does know his stuff. I would call him a diagnostic technician and ace mechanic.

[@DexRobinson]

This is why I drive a 1968 Triumph. If it won't start, I hit the engine block with a 2X4. That usually fixes it. The only electronic component is the AM radio.

[@colin6769]

@@357rmer ah the good old days. 2x4's and warm beer.

[@kolsen6330]

@@357rmer Up at sunrise, a hard days work and home before dark. Lucas lighting. I ride Triumph.

[@chuckster3629]

Lucas Lighting........The Prince of Darkness.

[@landontesar3070]

My TR250 is deteriorating under a lean-to. Geez I need to get it home.

[@chuckster3629]

@@landontesar3070 The rats and mice have probably chewed through all the wiring by now.

[@odiemarilla6096]

you're a good teacher bro. common sense is expensive

[@r3alfish]

His "WHOA"'s always get me! 😂

[@matthewmartin7639]

"it's all fogged up in here. I can't see shhhhhhhugar in here." Professional save sir. Well done.

[@dwtees]

I've been a diagnostic tech for 45 years friend. You have excellent diagnostic skills that I have only seen in a handful of techs in my life time. I disagree. Not many people can do what you do. This vehicle is proof of that. I enjoy watching your thought process. You're a great teacher.

[@theRealAV8r]

I've always said the best technical troubleshooters have one thing above all - *common sense* . Everything technical comes after that. Lotta guys I knew from way back to young kids today get themselves all twisted chasing peripheral symptoms rather than a simple logical train of thought. Great job and I hope this customer had common sense enough to let you continue!

[@stevek8829]

Common sense isn't common. It comes with experience and orderly thinking.

[@danfarris135]

It’s a miracle no pins were damaged. That was some major mismatch

[@basecom70]

I stumbled on this video years ago. I found the greatest mechanic in the world. I have watched him ever since but this is the first video of SMA I ever watched. It's now 2021!!!

[@arnie475]

after watching ur video, I enjoyed the way you saved and fixed the ECM problem and if I were the owner of that car ( B-LeSaber ) I would let you finish the fix. Its hard to find a top quality Mech today who isn't out there trying to rip u off....

[@DavidFMayerPhD]

WRONG: Top quality mechanics do NOT rip off their customers. They provide VALUE for money. The LOW quality mechanics rip off their customers.

[@mopars23]

I have a 95 lesabre changed ecm twice and cam and crank sensor , still stalls out it does it when warm. Any IDEAS ? Been at the garage 4 times same problem $800 later

[@marki61422]

@@mopars23 mass air flow sensor

[@mopars23]

Mark Turner The car is up for sale. I moved on.

[@fishfire_2999]

True

[@MIketucky350]

great mechanic. This job is hard. Everyone buys cars and thinks Life is great. NOOO Cars a junk and it takes a great mechanic to keep them running. kuddos to you man.

[@ZachMan99]

Thing is when you have the shop, resources, and tools this guy has it makes the job a loooot easier.

[@superlatew2979]

@@ZachMan99 most important tool this gentleman has is a brain that works

[@jodystephens1021]

First off great to see an old school honest mechanic.! This 66 yrs young lady is learning alot about her Buick. I like to be knowledgeable when I go in for repairs or fix the simple things myself. My mechanic from another mother retired, so I've had to find a new one. Appears very reputable in my community, always a 2 waiting list to get in. Going in first time on 9/25/20 so I want to be on my A game with as much knowledge as possible on my visits. Thank you for doing these videos.! 💙

[@baxrok2.]

Hard to fathom how anyone could jam the connectors in on an item like that. Guy probably can't even screw in a light bulb! This was a really good one Dr. O. Thanks!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Pffff, ever hear of a hammer!? You can make any connector fit with one!

[@robertweir9034]

South Main Auto Repair I'm guessing you have experience in this - back in your computer repairing days? Lol

[@cmans79tr7]

Ha! We Old Timers would get a kick out of this. A fellow shade-tree buddy of mine did a "tune-up" (points, plugs and rotor) on his '70 Malibu, but after he was done it wouldn't start. He called me up because he knew I had a dwell meter. I hooked it up and 30 degrees, perfect, I checked plug wire firing order, fine. I pulled the dist cap and the rotor looked a touch off kilter...he installed the square peg in the rotor in the round hole in the advance weight tower (causing firing to be 180 off). He didn't see the humor in it that I did.

[@throttlebottle5906]

they're pretty stiff, and the bolt will more or less crank them in there wrong. more so when driven in with impact or power ratchet...... don't ask, did it one long ago, alcohol involved.

[@baxrok2.]

Okay, well, if alcohol is involved anything is possible. lol

[@mikehonda7934]

This was the first video I seen from you. Subscribed, and been following for over a year now. This is the difference between a technician, and a mechanic. Technicians troubleshoot and resolve, mechanics replace parts. Thanks for being a technician like myself, whom is a cover all bases service tech.

[@marcosmaisterra4477]

Eric, I am not a mechanic, I am a parts changer, and I work part time as a parts salesman. I was able to sell a customer the correct ECM with what I learned from this video. The customer was going to go for the cheaper and incorrect part until I showed him why it was incorrect with the knowledge I gained from your video.Thank you for teaching us.

[@horstb29]

Being a retired tech myself, I like your approach. I would have done it the same way. I'm envious of the the tools you guys have these days

[@roberttromans8828]

I agree with Arnie269 A mechanic like yourself is hard to find these day's and judging by the video you are good . I'm from across the pond in Tamworth UK and an old school mechanic did my apprenticeship back in 1969 Started on diesel truck's and finished of on car's so I was a pretty good all rounder.I don't do anything now as I'm retired due to Illness. I'm 65 now and can't even drive now let alone do any mechanical work at all keep up the good work and best wishes from Bob T. Jag1.

[@georgevantuyl5837]

ECM stands for "Ehhh! Control module" what a shame. This is a great honest mechanic.

[@reyman3544]

Some serious skills there brother. I wish i had a mechanic like you here in the UK. Respect

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

You are the best mechanic I've seen on KZbin so far. Others may be as skilled, but they don't show their process. Definitely subscribing.

[@dlaitch]

Awesome diagnosis but not surprised. Dealership mechanics are notorious for simply replacing parts hoping to eliminate a problem eventually. Of course this is what their bosses tell them what to do. Have only come across one mechanic in my many years of driving who was even close to your logical approach. Bravo ! 👍👍👍

[@mrkttrdr2919]

Good thing ur getting video proof of the messes that are handed u, I wouldn’t believe it till I seen it, from as simple as blown fuses to wrong computers, ur simply the best, better than all the rest!

[@dricklorenz9340]

"it reminds me of my college days. but i never went to college." lolololololol.

[@johndelta00]

No college and still smarter, more knowledgeable, and intuitive than many of the "educated" people I've run into.

[@michaelwitmer7536]

@@johndelta00 Amen, Book smart and common sense are diff. ends of the spectrum

[@oliverdepauw5663]

My mom has doctor friends with m.d s and they are kinda stupid outside the medical field like no common core thinking yet ask them to diagnose your current medical issue and they would get it spot on and treat you perfectly. Its amazing how smart one can be without common sense

[@ulbuilder]

Reminded me of days long ago when I was a mechanic. I diagnosed a car as needing a new computer, customer decided to fix it DIY. Couple weeks later I walk into Advanced Auto Parts to pickup some seat covers I ordered. In walks the DIY computer customer who slams an alternator down on the counter exclaiming "This is the third defective alternator you've given me, it won't charge the battery!" As he argued with the parts guy I walked over and said "look, I've seen the occasional defective new alternator but never seen two let alone three in a row. Chances are something is wrong with your car, why don't you bring it by tomorrow so we can check it out for you?" Turns out when he replaced the computer he pinched a wire shorting it to ground. The wire was the one that goes to the battery light on the dash, that wire is used by the alternator for its voltage sense and if grounded or the light bulb is burnt out the alternator will not charge! I think we charged him like $45 for the diagnostics and repairing of the wire, this was about 25 years ago.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice diagnosis! Yep multiple symptoms pick easiest less intrusive & let it lead you. Poor guy went to the wrong shop & got boned! Hopefully he comes to you first from now on instead of last. 149K soon to hit 150K :D

[@hammondautollc7809]

Yeah the shops in Eric's area are making him money

[@andytaylor1588]

Now 158k three weeks later.

[@MrSteve65]

Fuses... 3 position. You have a choice to have your cig lighter (other type of power accessories) on ign or direct battery power, fuse gets inserted into the power position you pick... The center of the 3 pins is the accessory side feed and the power (ign or hot) is to the left and right of center. Thanks for the vids, you have taught me a lot!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Ahhh no kidding :) Good to know. Never really looked into it but that makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@MrSteve65]

No problem, the least I can do, I owe you a 1000 fold. I upfit emergency vehicles (police, ems, fire and so on), main job now is fIre truck mechanic for for the same company in Niagara Falls... In any case, found that bit of info from doing Tahoe upfits (GM seems to do this fuse trick more then the others)... We would move the ignition feed to the power side so we could use the ignition side for ign triggers for the emergency accessories.

[@johnnyautotech4722]

yes I 1st seen this in Dodge caravans ,, 1st I seen it in a GM fuse box,, wish my Little Mitsubishi had battery to keep phone charger on with key off

[@maraudermanmarauderman7161]

Yup Chrysler does it as well. Not a bad idea, just don't put a double fuse in there as it will create a connection between the always hot bus and the accessory bus.

[@jayhernandez9395]

Never thought I'd hear a classic G-unit track on this channel. Not disappointed at all.

[@paulstan9828]

That goes to show you don’t mess with something you don’t understand. Lucky for him you know what you are doing.

[@paulkirkland1535]

Paul Stan: My thoughts exactly. Your're bound to get bitten when you mess with things you don't understand.

[@Costazx88]

Paul Stan how else are you going to learn it?It's all hit or miss out there..

[@kipter]

There's no reason cars should be so complicated just because you can put a computer in it doesn't mean you should.

[@saulns7159]

Great video, I enjoy these where you don't know the problemlady before starting the camera.

[@SouthMainAuto]

90% of the time I never do until we get going :)

[@victorpena9824]

Two things working on a car. My brother, a senior helicopter mechanic of 35 years taught me: 1. Righty tighty, Lefty loosey. 2. If it don't fit, don't force it. After 50 years, DIY repairs, I teach my son this. Thanks, for the visual reminder!

[@soilmanted]

RT-LL is just a "rule of thumb." Occasionally something is Rightly-loosey lefty tighty.

[@cree8k]

Thanks, your the kind of guy that makes America a great country!

[@jumpinjojo]

Tom Sanders You're*

[@peewee7405]

My husband is an old school mechanic so he had to figure out problems by thinking things thru then by trial and error and alot of common sense. That being said when he suspected a catalytic converter he would let the vehicle run for ten minutes or so, then go to the tail pipe, put the back of his hand against it to see how hot the exhaust was when the convertor is bad the exhaust coming out will be so hot that you can't keep your hand there for over a few seconds or you'll get burnt. Simple easy and worked every time. Try it yourself and see. Good job you're a great mechanic. God bless.

[@potatoe4221]

That makes no sense. If you have a plugged cat your exhaust will be cold, because little exhaust is getting through.

[@16480287]

I'm 81 years old and a;so a old school mechanic . I keep 1995 Subaru running the same way 300,00 miles. Also I always search in the manuals for the "How too" and go on you tube. Works all the time . Also was a Air force engine specialist on the old recips m so that helps. The main thing is to use your head read and then go fix.

[@peewee7405]

Doesn't matter if it makes sense or not try it anß see whether it works or not. It does need to be driven or running for a few minutes. Experience works better than opinion every time. Guarantee it works.

[@Jimmeh_B]

@@potatoe4221 shows what you know. A catalytic converter uses platinum (amongst other metals) as a catalyst that uses the un-burnt fuel as, well fuel, but because there is a CATALYST the burn temperature increases. This increase in temperatures burns ALL of the remaining fuel in the exhaust flow at sufficiently high temps to convert all of the oxides of nitrogen back into oxygen and nitrogen. If this were not to happen in the cat there would be left over fuel still burning in the remainder of the exhaust that doesn't stop burning until the baffles in the last muffler of the exhaust system. This is why the temps seen at the tip of the pipe are higher than normal when the cat is not functioning as it should.

[@potatoe4221]

@@Jimmeh_B Cool you described what would happen if a cat was low or had no catalyst. However I was talking about a plugged cat, which was the talking point in the video.

[@chrisharris1419]

I was a car mechanic and took those skills to industrial machinery...the logic of troubleshooting is the same. It's a learned skill, step by step, using tools, diagrams and experience. Great job.

[@tonyd7867]

Best channel on KZbin. Thank you for all your knowledge.Happy 4th.

[@welshpete12]

It's a pleasure to watch someone who really knows what he is doing . Thank you for posting !

[@hammetttech8794]

First SMA video to get 1 million views. Congrats!

[@NRecob]

“there’s your problem lady” kills me every time! 😂 I learn something every time I watch 1 of your videos. THANK YOU. Finally, Merry Christmas Mr O. & Family.

[@davidberg9908]

Great job! i learned a lot about methodical diagnosis and paying attention to what you see.

[@mailmanjoe]

That radio going off had my dying! Eric you're reaction made it that much more priceless. Whoa! Lmao

[@sallyparker6263]

Keeping it gangster.

[@LHitler]

You sir are an amazing mechanic, completely honest

[@edieken7]

Great video, I'am on my 3rd lesabre 1997,Bought it sitting along the road and put another 100,000miles on it .Easy to work on and run great.Where I live the salt takes them out.

[@mr.h4714]

"that's a clue" makes me remember the days the boy would watch blue's clues for hours.....always wondered how he sat through that nonsense....now I get it..... .SMA is like blue's clues for gear heads.......

[@VigilanceTech]

At around 7:00 in, the confusion around the "3 pronged fuse" is most likely that you can put the fuse in one of two different positions depending on whether you want the cigarette lighter hotted up only when the car's key is on (or on accessories) or hot at all times

[@davidhenri2722]

Great video. Some people should not touch cars. Heavy truck mechanic myself but can make my way around a car. Not long ago my brother inlaws truck would not start. He diagnosed some how to the aftermarket theft system on his own terms. After countless phone calls I told him I'm not talking about it unless he tows it to my place and leave it with me and I will call him when its running. Removed the anti theft system and put the truck back to factory like he requested and made no difference. Truck cranks, runs for 1 second and dies. Fuel presure good, spark good. No anti theft light (passlock system). Grabbed wiring diagram and checked anti theft, ecm, antilock, airbag modules.....codes in everything and could not communicate with ecm. Test all wireing and checks out good, focussed on can-bus wiring for no comuniction between datalink and ecm. Deemed ECM faulty. Got used ecm from junk yard for $45. Program pass lock. Truck started. Check other modules. All codes are now gone. Run engine and engine misfire detected when going through a crank re-learn. Replaced plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Engine ran great. Crank relearn completed. Engine idle still rough when warm however but smooth at high RPM's. Perform cylinder cut out, #6 cylinder deemed not firing at idle causing rough idle. Check compression and perfect. Pull throttle body and dropped camera in intake. Injector spider leaking at the rear. Replace injector spider assembly. Truck runs perfect. In hind site. With that fuel leak. It explained why the truck would run for a second or longer depending how many times you cycle the key. End of the day, he has the best running 4.3l 1998 chevy truck that i have persoaly ever heard. He faught with that thing for a month. Had it running in 5 hours including the removal of the anti theft system that he swore was the problem and that he wanted removed. I knew it was not the problem but wanted to prove the point to him so......

[@zyx296]

That’s pretty cool, thanks for sharing

[@johnkirby6700]

Years ago my mother thought the CB radio I installed was the cause of hard starting problems. She wouldn't listen. I removed it. Same problem. Finally got a tune up and it ran fine. So I put the radio back in. She listens to me a bit more now.

[@dlux703]

Nice to watch a 'real' problem solver at work. Too bad the client didn't come to you 1st.

[@damianfarnsworth7474]

If I had a dollar for every time I gave a price to do a job and the person had another person try to fix it and screwed it up then brought it back to me and my price went up. Why is it more now? Because now I have to fix his mistakes and do what I was going to do the first time.

[@robertlacob8831]

The other garage made the classic mistake by not comparing the replacement ecm withe old unit connections with led into a massive pile on of errors. Eric o, Again, you are the MAN!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Great diagnoses and thought process. If it don't fit, just jam it in and get a BFH if it still won't go!

[@rodbirch5876]

"The old banana in the tailpipe routine". Love the humor and genuine expertise.

[@FreakinKatGaming]

Well being someone who specializes in computer technologies software to hardware. You did a thorough complete diagnostics, literally the text book example of how to troubleshoot 101. Impressive

[@brandonlaielli878]

The cig lighter fuse looks like a 3 prong because its just a jumper if you want cig lighter to be acc or constant power

[@JoshuaDemersProductions]

That's actually a really smart and useful option! Good info :)

[@lochinvar00465]

I like that idea. It's the kind of idea that nobody thinks about until they find it, then it's "why didn't we think of this"

[@krtwood]

Maybe if he hammers that new ECM into the muffler it will fix the cat.

[@38911bytefree]

I would install it on place of the radio and wire the radio into the ecm. I m not worried about the unmatched connectors, because I was hamering anyways.

[@HighestRank]

TBH the seal was already torn off, which with having been force plugged into an incompatible vehicle, turned into a Schrödinger's cat.

[@niteexplorer9934]

that cat died a long time ago

[@toothpicdinosaur3777]

Was the battery reversed @ one point in it's life?or too many fingers?

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

Maybe if he was muffled, he'd hammer the cat?!? WHAT??!?

[@mack1712]

“Your friggin fuse is blown, man”!!!!!!!!!!!! This fella is good.

[@nelsonnarciso1791]

Man love your methods of diagnosing. You the man brother.

[@Traveling425]

I bet the customer took advice from a mechanic friend (who fixes washing machines) and he said gotta be the computer thing, so he got one from eBay, and then the fun began.

[@throttlebottle5906]

I was thinking it used/pull from a salvage yard/self pull yard, going by the scribble stick numbers on it :)

[@ginomorris4873]

I'm 47 years old have been working on cars since I was a young teenager ..The most valuable lesson I learned first was to take my time shut my mouth and look and listen..I've worked in a few different shops and there is nothing worse than young parts changers not only are they short changing the customer they are cheating themselves from learning their complete skills to diagnosing the real problems..That being said it refreshing to see a tech taking the proper steps in getting to the route of the problem...Honesty and integrity are everything in this business and let me tell you I sleep well at night..

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I do auto and computers, one of the first lessons on both is that things will only fit one way. If it doesn't fit, don't force it. This is the kind of jackwagon that would try to plug the SATA connector in upside down then blame Seagate because it doesn't fit lol.

[@garywanamaker2602]

Except USB. That only fits the third way 'round.

[@Honeypot-x9s]

Gary Wanamaker ye that’s USB for ya! Only fits one of two ways and it’s always the 3rd or 4th way that works

[@Joseph1NJ]

meehhhe Of You Luckily that's going away now, the new USB goes both ways, no pun intended.

[@Honeypot-x9s]

Joseph1NJ don’t worry, it still take at-least 2 tries have the time. I have a USB C connector on my machine and that’s supposed to go in either way, they found a way to make that take more than one attempt half the time.

[@Joseph1NJ]

meehhhe Of You Well, that has not been my experience. I flipped them both ways, no issues.

[@Soulcommander]

Love your vids. I'm no mechanic Tinker with cars a little bit. Just love to watch these videos. I want to thank you for taking your time to make them because that takes a lot of your time out of the day besides trying to diagnose the problem. Setting up the camera editing so on and so forth. I want to encourage you to keep on making these videos because they are very interesting and there are a lot of us who enjoy watching them and maybe don't respond with a like or a comment. I appreciate when I get likes and comments on my channel it lets me know that people are watching and care. Thanks again bro.

[@Soulcommander]

Forgot to add it would be really curious to find out what the customer said after you talk to him. I'd like to know the outcome of that as well LOL.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Stay tuned :)

[@tartotts]

:-0 a cliffhanger episode!!!

[@kerryswenson424]

It is amazing how some people can take a simple problem and turn so far sideways! I appreciate how you go to basics and diagnose because that is what I would have to do!

[@steverayrapp]

This is what happens when you don't compare the old part with the new one. You did a great job on this car! I really don't like fixing other peoples nightmares but sometimes you have no choice. :-)

[@earlestes8649]

Yeah you do, lol 😝 just say no. All kidding aside, my wifey says that’s my problem! I just did a pro bono for a relative and someone had really messed up the wiring on their electric furnace, the wiring diagram wasn’t even close to what it was. Of course nobody knew what or how that happened 😂. With my volt meter the three new elements were only getting 120 volts after moving around about six wires was able to get the old girl running

[@fins59]

Love your work, I wish every auto tech was as good and thorough as you.

[@warjester4151]

had one of these that went for smog... they let the battery go dead and jumped it while the key was on... and blew the same fuse... 3 days they couldn't figure it out... I was told to go find what they couldn't.... took less then 10 minutes to find it.... a simple fuse...Good Job Sir.... We real Technicians follow common sense. No guessing.... Diagnose it!

[@hammondautollc7809]

Eric, your always able to figure out what other shops miss I can't believe there are that many incompetent shops. I guess more in your pocket right? I just feel bad for the customers who have to pay twice

[@richardcranium5839]

its suprising --- if you own a tool box you can open a shop. doesnt mean ya know what to do with them !!!! amazed at the number of hacks ive met that call themselves mechanics i wouldnt let change a light bulb.

[@hammondautollc7809]

one of the problems is not getting proper training and keeping up with technology and techniques there is always more than one way to diagnose the problem as long as you can prove what's wrong and confirm you've fixed it. if you don't know without a doubt then leavel it along

[@lemagreengreen]

Holy moly, I just can't imagine finding something electrical doesn't fit and instead of investigating you just crank it down and make it fit 😂

[@scottgm321]

That’s cool that another mechanic sent the car to you. My daughter bought an 02 Monte Carlo that over heated. The fans didn’t work so a “mechanic” spliced the fan wires and ran a wire from that to the inside fuse box and tuck the wire in the radio fuse. Nearly set the car on fire, melted the fuse in the box. I looked at the cooling fan fuse and it was blow. Replaced it and removed their wire. Car hasn’t over heated since. Lol

[@agmc4me]

Professional work! Great job

[@htconex19062012]

If doesn't fit, don't force it🧐🤓 word of wisdom

[@spankthemonkey3437]

htconex19062012 I've had that done, it hurts

[@erikeggenbakstad]

Thats what she said...

[@kalijasin]

😳

[@CERTIFIEDYOUTUBEDOCTOR]

They forgot the astroglide

[@railnut8453]

I had a boss that told me “ if it don’t fit use a hammer , if it STILL don’t fit use a BIGGER hammer. “ his shop wasn’t in business long. Thank god!! I didn’t believe in that philosophy but he did. He was what I called a gorilla!!! Lol.

[@christophermclean3921]

The Car Doctor! Wish I had you for my 2013 Honda Accord. Was totally dead just like this Buick. Honda kept changing out the battery ( was only two years old at time). After 3rd battery they changed starter. Car still went dead. Brought car to a reputable mechanic. After $800 spent there problem persisted. Brought Car back to a different Honda dealer and they gave me $7000. I paid the $3k remaining balance. I was so happy to unload .

[@MemphisApplegate]

Perfect video. I tell you, it's like a complicated mystery. I was wondering, with all those faults and complications, what the heck will he do next? Brilliant! "Find the symptoms that are related, then check the easiest one!!" My friend, that is advice we can apply to our lives. So, it looks like you are not only fixing cars, but repairing the tattered souls of your viewers.

[@siamhossain1479]

I wish I knew a mechanic like you good job 👍. I have 2007 Honda Accord v6 3.0 which I take very good care of. It has 180k miles. It runs just like new when I bought it in 2007. The transmission kept slipping it’s an automatic. Mechanics were telling me I needed a new transmission:(. I watched a couple of your videos on diagnostic problems and with a buddy of mine we found that the motor mount was bad which led to the transmission slipping. Man I would’ve been out at least 3 to 5 grand.

[@iorfidaskye]

Motor mount causing a automatic transmission to slip? That's not right

[@ThatEEguy2818]

How does that make sense?

[@Jay86332]

@@iorfidaskye that's 100% right transmissions mounts go bad its common sense it can cause a slip DURRRR....!!!!!

[@iorfidaskye]

@@Jay86332 your wrong, try again.

[@nmatthew7469]

Honda V6 transmissions, might want to get a bottle of Lucas into that thing.

[@MyJon64]

I've come here because done what your customer did! Change the PCM to try and cure a fault. I'm now 'No Communication' with both PCM's!

[@marstondavis]

Nice video! You said you feel for this customer for the money they have spent just getting the Buick to you. That says a lot. I have a mechanic that I can trust and that is a comfort in it's self. Now-a-days you're lucky if that happens. Keep it honest and you'll have more business than you can handle.

[@hanskinslo326]

Eric O., in the know! Always a good show! Glad you got it figured out!

[@chrismaverick9828]

I loved my 2000 LeSabre. That 3.8 would haul that thing around like a champ when running smooth. I ended up replacing the whole exhaust on it from the y-pipe back and I couldn't resist giving it a number of revs with the exhaust removed. Sounded like a beast! Definitely sounded like a plugged cat on that one. The 3.8 is relatively simple and there'd be codes for the ignition screwing up if that were causing the power limitation. Nice work on the track down. In spite of the time involved in tracing things, I prefer the simpler distributed power system to today's essentially all-in-one, "your tire pressure sensor is bad so your ignition can't work', kind of designs they use now.

[@lahotboy]

Man, this by far is one of the best video's I've seen to date..a real diagnostic video...

[@landedinlukla]

Check out a channel called Diagnose Dan. Will blow your mind what that dude does with BMWs