Buick Lucerne: AIR System Failure / Shorted Fuse Box

In this video I look at a customers 2008 Buick Lucerne with the big 3.8. He brought it in because the money light was on. Come to find out it has a P0412 indicating a problem with the AIR solenoid switching valve circuit. Ends up being a rather interesting problem.
-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.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Good News! Customer stopped by my shop yesterday (Friday April 14) and informed me he did obtain a used fuse box. Apparently it was year specific. He installed it the AIR monitor ran and passed so he was able to get his sticker. Figured I would hold onto this video until I had heard back from him (so you folks could have some closure) and thankfully he fixed it right away. Thanks for watching! -Eric O.

[@Boodieman72]

If you can do it, so can the customer ;)

[@jamesjines3996]

Hmmm. Today idle Saturday the 15th.. lol.

[@dB_944]

When is ChatSMA coming out?? 😂😊

[@gregorymaddux3101]

Thank you for this conclusion. I almost didn't sleep tonight :D

[@craigtegeler4677]

Good job Eric! You still nailed down the problem virtually and effortlessly for that guy! That still should be worth at least of an hours' pay with your troubleshooting!

[@rharris7635]

You did exactly what the customer wanted, and he got his sticker. I call this a win...but it would have been fun for you to go to the junk yard and take us along! Another time for a road trip with Eric.

[@markm.4077]

And a stop for an ice cream cone?

[@ejwxb2561]

Eric, you troubleshoot electronic circuits more logically than most ET's (electronic technicians) I worked with the last 15 years of my active duty time (which ended in 2017). I really enjoy watching a professional diagnose to the component and not "Easter egg" as we called it. I'm too old to do more than basic maintenance these days, so when I take my vehicle to the shop for repair and I hear "lets change the sensor and see of it fixes...." it makes my blood boil. Thanks so much for demonstrating true skill of craft!

[@craigtegeler4677]

Well, unfortunately my oldest son tends to do the same thing and I know that he already has a good background and knows his way around a car or truck but, he just doesn't really have the true patience anymore! So being the dad to him, I have started to buy him specialty and diagnostic tools of the trade to hopefully keep him focused. Automotive work going forward even if it is to keep his enthusiasm going for years to come may it be for a hobby and/or just for the pure hell of it will help him when those repair costs are going to hurt like a bugger!

[@craigtegeler4677]

I was nearly in the same boat as you and the only time that I job something out is when I get lazy. BUT, now a days, now that I'm truly retired, I have a a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee restoration project. I've been at it for a while now, I haven't given up because I know that it can get exceedingly expensive and yet I compare it to the cost of a new vehicle ++, so I have 3,200 into it thus far and I haven't given up! So, I encourage you to do the same there fella! Keep yourself right at the heart of doing these types of things as a hobby, if you can! You just might be thanking yourself in the end!

[@vacayooper4728]

Eric is a great troubleshooter. I do all my own work and have picked up so many tricks from watching these videos. I retired from the military in 2001, and my career field was electronics. Just enjoying these videos is bringing all the wire chasing, troubleshooting, wire repair, and all the rest. I'll keep doing it all until I drop, nothing more satisfying than fixing your own stuff. Does indeed cost a lot in tools, but I have three diesels and a jeep, all older, but I keep em going. Troubleshot my wifes diesel, and it's down to a controller and a couple of glowplugs. Found a broken wire and rejoiced. However, that was a negative. Used the tape on a socket trick today. That simple tip is brilliant!

[@craigtegeler4677]

@@vacayooper4728 The same goes here for me and my son both serving in the military. My son retired at twenty years and for myself, I didn't! Both of us are fairly good troubleshooters to a good degree and neither of us bare a college degree because a majority of these institutions lack for proper cause in a lot of instances! Sometimes it is better that some guys learn by doing, repeat, rinse and repeat!! So long as someone has a analytical mind and is a critical thinker, well we'll just getter done no matter what! This includes work-arounds, theorizing and having the means that is driven and thirst for knowledge all rolled into one!

[@craigtegeler4677]

@@tetedur377 Oh but you've got that right! That's why I divorced that crazy one of mine some 8 years ago and hey, I'm having a better time of it for going on near 16 years since she left me! Hell, even that female lawyer that I hired took nearly 2 1/2 years to resolve the problem and get my divorce granted.

[@markmalikowski4971]

Definitely not a useless video. Your expertise in electrical diagnosis helps us all.

[@clintprice2123]

If only more shops had an Eric O in them. Not only is he great a Mt diagnostics he’s also very considerate and respectful of those who may not be able to pay for a repair and need to do it themselves. Those people however do know if they still need him to do the whole job he will be fair. SMA for the WIN!

[@Coffreek]

A mechanic who knows electrical, knows how to troubleshoot, and knows the difference between a "short" and an "open". From the bottom of what's left of this cynical Sparky's heart, thank you: you make me grind my teeth, a little less.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Yep, I've heard way too many times "It's got a short!"! Short or loose connective?!! Well, if it really has a short, we'd be cooking something right now!

[@mishayoung3453]

I was watching this video and then my neighbor came and we watched it together. He said that this video changed his life and touched his heart. I then went and rented a projector in a big field and my entire town watched it and it changed their lives too. We all are so grateful. Thank You for this video….

[@incub8]

Super. I'm glad that Mr. O doesn't hold it against customers who want to do some of the work themselves once he provides the diagnostic service.

[@s.j.5850]

Eric knows for every good DIYer there are hundreds who cannot do their own repair work, especially troubleshooting electrical faults.

[@claytoncoolidge992]

Nice gotta love the final year of the big 3.8l rip you are very very much missed

[@dhaggy1980]

The relay was probably missing because it was causing a parasitic draw. So he watched one of your parasitic draw videos, or Ivan's, and removed the relay. BOOM draw gone. Great video as always.

[@michaelgiannone2192]

Ivan is an amazing diagnostician

[@Troy_Built]

@@michaelgiannone2192 Have you seen Keith? That's the guy they both call when they need some ideas.

[@dhaggy1980]

@@Troy_Built Yep he's awesome too.

[@WilliamMulligan]

I don't have anything interesting to say, but I thought I'd pump up the interaction algorithm.

[@Blind_Kamikaze]

Good ol algorithm boosting comment

[@larryc8607]

Well said !

[@shannonharris]

Down with AlGoresRithm... Don't let him ruin our lives!... Oh wait, you meant... 😅

[@Dee12327]

😂

[@kampar82]

That was definitely on point. I enjoyed watching this. Everyone should know that. This is what decades of experience looks like.

[@bobkyllo578]

Even if you don't fix it I still find it interesting and informative to see your method of deduction.

[@abw121]

A quiet afternoon in backyard a cool cocktail and Mr.O looking up stuff on a Buick! Thanks SMA

[@Paul070]

15:46 "Dang meddling kids!!" 😅 Eric with all due respect you are one hell of a diagnostic tool! My favorite channel to watch every morning with my coffee.

[@terencehawkes3933]

Mr O, I continue to be repeatedly impressed with your diagnostic skills. I see your future as a very capable teacher in a technical college that teaches auto technicians.

[@Deicide112]

He reaches far more people from KZbin and likely makes much more from it.

[@isorozco511]

He’s showing real life scenarios here not theories like they do in school do t forget that

[@terencehawkes3933]

@@Deicide112 Maybe, but I'd sure like to see that kind of skill passed on to someone.

[@spelunkerd]

This was my first thought a few years ago. At a technical college a teacher will have an annual crop of a few dozen students, some of whom want to be there. Look at the numbers and see that Eric has hundreds of thousands of students, and he gets loads of positive feedback with each video. Just based on numbers, his teaching impact has far surpassed what even the best technical college teachers can achieve over a lifetime. For those outstanding teachers who can entertain and cultivate a following, KZbin teaching wins.

[@s.j.5850]

We sure could use more instructors like him. More cars would get fixed the first time around!

[@lvsqcsl]

You have stated before, Eric that you do have customers that do some of their own work; they are just wanting a "diag." I have seen your videos where you go to the junkyard after a fuse box and replace it. So, I guess this is really an instance where "If I can do it, you can do it." Great video.

[@meeyou8664]

This is what I like about watching Eric Is that he tackles stuff that other mechanics won't. Shops We'll look at their cars and say I can't fix it. But you can take it to Eric and he will fix it. Coodles to Eric.

[@jos6415]

I have the same car except it's a 2007. I live in rust belt ontario. Dripless oil every year. Replaced the biodegradable steel brake lines, transmission lines, return power steering line, and the EVAP line, and a lot of front hubs. Otherwise looks like new and that 3.8 runs perfectly after 260,000 kms. No air pump.

[@carlosnavarro921]

Oh man I was getting excited for a road trip to Wilbert"s well In the words of Mr. O you can't fix em all

[@davidlampe4153]

Almost as impressed as the Honda sun visor fix. Thanks Eric

[@Dave-ty2qp]

Very good Eric. Back in the day in a small town gas station I owned about a third to a half of my business was diagnosing stuff. Worked great for me, and my customer base grew wildly. Plus I didn't have to repair all that junk. LOL Win---Win.

[@the-floridaman7792]

I do this kind of work all day and watch Eric’s videos before bed, In part because I love the work we do and also in part because I want to see how y’all boys up north are doing. Cheers from Florida, my friend.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Great as always. Ahhh, that great old GM 3800...back when GM actually made...decent stuff...Long ago and far away.😢. Thanks as always, Eric.

[@jamesjines3996]

The top three worst engines gm made in my personal opinion is 1. The 2.2 especially the eco tec 2. The 2800 3. The 3800 I have owned many of each, 2.2s heads suck and 2.8&3.8 all I ever owned threw rods.

[@CaptainRon1913]

What? GM actually made decent stuff? Transmissions were flat out garbage on those.

[@DIYDaveOK]

@@jamesjines3996 My family had, IIRC, four vehicles with that 3800 and never had mechanical nor transmission issues. Had the stupid plastic head gaskets, tho

[@Ram14250]

@@CaptainRon1913 Owned a 92 Park Avenue, and 85 Park Avenue and a 92 Bonneville. All 3.8 V6 Automatics. The 85 had the TH440. No problems. 150,000 miles. 92 Bonneville 4T60 trans... 50K No issues, and lastly the 92 Buick had 164,000 ... all of them bullet proof and never an issue. Not sure how you people beat on cars?!

[@chrismallory3718]

​@james jines had a 02 lesabre with a 3.8 for 15 yrs, I replaced intake manifold gaskets and some suspension work. That was my most reliable car I ever owned!

[@jamesfitzgerald2361]

Your the man Eric quick straight forward diagnostics. That's why I watch your videos .No messing around and I like the way joke around while you work got to be able to laugh .Take care.

[@mattstephens8887]

Had a 2006 Lucerne with the big 4.6 V8. Drove that sucker to 269,000 ish miles with lots of front brakes, a coil pack, and front hubs. Got both my kids through high school and there wasn’t a body panel on the car that hadn’t gotten some up close touchy-feelie with another car by the time it was done. At the end, it drank a quart of oil every tank of gas, but never coolant. Go figure. Got rid of it when the alternator died in December and it was 14 degrees outside and we decided spending 3 days disassembling the car to remove the alternator in the driveway wasn’t worth it. I won the car lottery with that sucker because it was a fantastic vehicle for us.

[@digitalrailroader]

whereas on my 2006 with the 3.8, changing the alternator was a breeze.

[@mattstephens8887]

@@digitalrailroader I actually had the alternator in my cart on rock auto. Something said “do some research first” in my head as opposed to “it’s an alternator how hard can it be?” So, I dig through 500 or so KZbin videos of the 30 minute change on the 3.8 before I found the single video on the V8 with the guy saying “don’t do it in your driveway it will take 3 days!” I got $1000 for that sucker from the scrapyard so I can’t even complain - apparently the heated mirrors and all the immaculate interior parts were worth something to him….

[@digitalrailroader]

@@mattstephens8887 depending on the trim level, those mirrors could have the turn signals, memory options, and auto dimming capabilities.

[@29auto30]

You get some of the craziest stuff come in your shop, always appreciate you bringing us along!

[@jimburgess9205]

Eric, your troubleshooting skills are second to none. Thank you for sharing your skills with us.

[@dennisberman4640]

Always look forward to your videos. Thanks!

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

It is going to be a good day when an new SMA video comes out.

[@titaniumman_22]

None of your videos are useless…love em’ all brother!🇺🇸

[@josephgolden1868]

I have learned so much in diagnosing issues by following Eric and am grateful. It really helps with fixing stuff around the house as well as on power equipment.

[@Tommerd]

Steak, tail and South Main Auto videos..... three of my favourite things!!!

[@johnmon94]

Love to hear you on Changing The Industry Podcast Eric. You have been a great inspiration and influence on my automotive career and I can’t thank you enough.

[@frankvucolo6249]

Very eloquently done! He was glad you didn’t pull the fuse box because he didn’t want you to find the paper clip he shoved in there when he deep sixed the relay. Pure speculation, of course.

[@jonathan24199]

Watching these videos is like watching Columbo. Very entertaining!

[@darylmorgan9887]

Great diagnostics Eric and a good outcome for the customer in the end after what you found.

[@FinalMix64]

This is one of the best channels on the site for diag. You and Dan the Scan Man and a handful of others.

[@Beantown1969]

Man mister O you are the best mechanic! I love your videos.

[@dougabrahamsen2952]

Watching you trouble shoot all of these logic circuits makes me so happy I got out of this years ago! When I got out of this years ago we only had a few sensors.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

You're a genius Eric O...Thanks for the videos.

[@konstantinusstoyanov9749]

Good practice to communicate with the customer before any further repairs, thank you for letting us know

[@petelealjr.4781]

I’m amazed at what all you can do. It takes a lot of experience and training and also be able to have access to the info that you need to properly do your job. Great Job.

[@s.j.5850]

Access to the info is available with online service data. Eric has a video on getting that info. Of course they are paid subscriptions, but nowadays you will probably not find a service/shop manual for newer cars. Glad I got the OEM service manual for my 2011!

[@yhird]

Absolutely brilliant diagnostic work Eric. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks, you too!

[@markcollins457]

I'm glad you took a second to show the legend on the inside cover of fuse panel GM was always straightforward with this Ford not so much

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

I see the legend every time I tune into this channel.

[@dreamscapes3257]

I know a lot of mechanics that get all butt hurt when a customer denies the fix and just wants to know the diagnosis but some people enjoy doing the parts changes themselves some have financial reasons whatever the reason as long as they pay you for your time I don’t see a problem with it and I respect Eric for not letting it bother him and respecting the customers request 👍

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Excellent transition! Excellent teaching! Trust was restored! No need to unsubscribe *TODAY* !😅

[@kendavis1198]

Nice of you to Confirm for this customer EO, And he did get it fixed straight away👍🏼😎... Your Trouble shooting is Stellar "E". Good learning experience.

[@joeramirez1872]

You never fell to amaze us.great video.

[@GTCGreg]

I love these electrical diagnostic videos. Break jobs on buckets of rust, not so much.

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Another great video from SMA !....thanks Eric

[@markcaldwell1245]

Nice diagnostics video. Great job

[@Bob-se1si]

You are amazing at deductive reasoning and problem solving. Your teacher was wrong! (Not just a waste of space). Complete in your explanation, in your reduction of suspects, in your validation and the ultimate solution. Truly wonderful to watch. Thanks so much Eric!

[@infin1ty850]

I've been dealing with an air pump issue on my 2012 Tocama for years now. I've had it into the dealer several times now and I've just decided it's easier to clear to codes every few days.

[@s.j.5850]

If you have the time get the wiring diagram & track down the fault. Imagine how much joy it will be to find & fix it yourself?!

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

He knew where to go for a reliable diagnosis.

[@larrysmith9359]

Eric, great diagnosis!

[@RJon2006]

Love these diag videos. Keep up the good work Eric! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@richardwhalen732]

I enjoyed following your diagnostic approach to determining that the fuse box is the primary determining factor in solving this issue. I find solving these types of issues very rewarding. Too bad the owner elected to halt your repair. I would have liked to see the carnage at the bottom of the fuse box. Congrats on getting to a definitive start point. I hope the owner comes back with a status after his actions.

[@codo7]

Good for you Eric O.

[@s.j.5850]

Great troubleshooting video as usual. Most DIYers hate wiring diagrams. Changing a part is usually easier than troubleshooting a electrical fault. You showed us how to locate & verify the defect. Without the wiring diagram it's just a guess.

[@brianmcglynn9732]

Hey thanks. I always enjoy your vids.

[@wingman8447]

You got him where he needed to be. He might be back. Thank you

[@kenmohler4081]

I don’t understand how Eric unplugs the electric connectors so easily. I struggle with every one of them. Yep, I understand about the locking tabs. Disengaging that tab is the easy part. The battle starts then.

[@stevenkerwin4041]

Silicone spray.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I've plucked a few 10,000 or so in my time 😉

[@s.j.5850]

@@stevenkerwin4041 That's exactly what I use! Spread the word!

[@Ed-ip2sg]

So that was another good find and interesting that you have enough confidence in your findings and enough good sense not to pull out the fuse box and make a worse mess. Not sure what the local so called mechanics would have done. Afraid to ask

[@LesReeves]

Hey you did what the customer wanted & not try to upsell & the diagnosis would seem to be pointing the customer in the right direction. Good job Cheers.

[@kimberg759]

Oh those secondary air things are a pain. We had an 03 caddy and it would always cause us NOT to pass emmissions! They put it in such a crappy spot (the wheel well behind a flap) water would get in there and boom! I would still be driving that car today if it wasn't for that and the rainbow of leaks on the underbelly...lol! Nice video sir! Love from AZ

[@Wayne-Jones]

Another good job, shame we didn’t get to see the fix, I’d like to have seen the mess under there. 👍👍👍👍

[@craigtegeler4677]

Apparently the owner or side mechanic needed verification of a fuse box problem and so I agree with the two of yah's on just the mere undoing of the fuse box and going through the motions of twisting, lifting it out of it's hole; YEAH, this alone could have the potential of rending a car into COMPLETELY INOPERABLE status!!

[@rickjohnson1632]

Great video Eric 👍👍

[@MrGardman]

I was already looking forward to the trip to the pick and pull. Darn.

[@matthewhaddon599]

I must make up a bulb for testing...so useful....good job again.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Awesome thanks for the update

[@johnsoper7649]

Appreciate your sharing spirit

[@goodcitizen64]

Great video brother 👍

[@Sojourning_]

moving on, good job boss

[@missulu]

Great video! Smart money says he already knew where he stuck his solder!lol!

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice diagnosis...interesting to say the least!

[@CKMAINTENANCE]

very nice troubleshooting!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Read your follow up below. Good to see all turned out ok for the customer. To bad he didn't give you the old fuse box so you could have disected it to see where the problem was located in the box. Oh well. It's fixed. On to the next one.

[@watchdogu.s.a.8973]

I also thought about that. I don't imagine Eric would want to spend a lot of time on it but that it would be cool to see what led to the circuit energizing itself.

[@trekOCLVone]

A few twists and turns. Nice !

[@davide.s.9880]

Man 25 years ago I might have done the same thing this guy did. But these days I couldn't see good enough to work on it or bend over long enough to work on it. So I count on my guy to keep me n the road. MAN getting old sure sucks.. So be happy it's just glasses for you right now.

[@Paul1958R]

_'Hey there viewers and welcome back to the South Main Auto channel'._ Boy I miss that. Paul (in MA)

[@JasonGunn418]

I wish their was someone like you close to DC!!!!!

[@JoseHernandez-lf6cr]

Nice diagnostic

[@jayjudd6518]

😮Another day in the life of a mechanic. Guess if you can do it he can fix it with your guidance.

[@russellhltn1396]

Eric, just a caution about jumping power. I did that trying to troubleshoot a problem with the washer pump. I was trying to determine if it was the pump or the relay. Little did I know that the relay was set up to ground the power feed when it wasn't supplying power (instead of being open circuit). I ended up letting the magic smoke out of the fusebox. After that, the car wouldn't start. I had to open a "unserviceable" part (the fusebox) to repair the damaged ground trace. Much safer to jumper it with a test light.

[@andynicoll8566]

You never want the magic smoke to get out, Lol.

[@SouthMainAuto]

That's why you need to know about the circuit design before applying power and use a guard jump wire like I do in case of a short 😉👍

[@russellhltn1396]

@@SouthMainAuto How was it a "guard' wire? I used one of those cheap jumpers. It got hot but the trace still smoked before the jumper.

[@jdjd962]

​@@russellhltn1396 the light is the guard...

[@russellhltn1396]

@@jdjd962 He wasn't using one at 11:00. That's why I wrote my comment.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

I’ve replaced quite a few of them in Oldsmobile, Chevy and Pontiac. Thanks!

[@sspnugen]

Thank you GM

[@earlestes8649]

Don’t have anything to add either but good job mr Eric O!!😊

[@frazerclarke4381]

Hey Eric. Absolutely love your videos. What Autel Is that you are using? I have an ms908s pro over here in the UK and love it! Keep up the great work as usual! Frazer

[@SuperCheloman]

Very nice!

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

Great video, Thanks!

[@vicferrarisgarage]

Great video

[@AaronBelknap]

Ugh, I hope you charged a good diagnose fee! What a isserpa to not get to do the repair. I really appreciate the time taken to establish signal/volt paths to narrow it down.

[@bobmanzi7712]

great stuff thanks

[@richardmitchell7836]

Great vid, I was a little bummed about no trip to Willburts, I love junk yards, lol

[@jamesbruno5896]

Nice diag Sir!

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, Mr. O. The customer is sometimes right. Right? And this customer knew where he could get the info he needed. Good on him. Thanks for sharing!

[@s.j.5850]

When in doubt, go to the best!

[@tv43405]

Thanks again

[@rickmarshall808]

Had a 2003 buick ultra, had a burned fuse box, located under the rear seat, that was fun to swap and rewire. Air pump went bad too, and we got a conversion kit and just made it a regular shock system.