Part 5.2: What's wrong with my car?!? Advanced Diagnostic Tips from the CAR WIZARD: Tips 6-10

[@McTwistedTwisties]

it's amazing how youtube went full on bananas with scotty kilmer and now we have the bob ross of cars with the wizard

[@dave_n8pu]

I used to watch kilmer a long time ago for a short while, he came across as a fake to me.

[@1homeboy815]

@@dave_n8pu I agree with u man seemed fake and seemed to always be yelling about something

[@laurat1129]

@@1homeboy815 , I thought SK was more YT "personality", than real mechanic anyway.

[@bastionwolf]

@@thomasfoster2 I watch his videos at like 4x speed just to see if there is anything interesting in there.

[@zeddpilsner4]

I stopped watching him after the numerous videos singing the praises of Toyota (which I mostly agree with) and every other car manufacturer was garbage.

[@a7xphenix]

I love this series please keep going. Maybe split into “what’s wrong with my car suspension series , engine series. Etc

[@millionkilliati6140]

Im pretty sure the 9 dislike are mechanics in wizard's area that are hating on him for being such a Wizard. I mean, who wouldn't take their car to him???

[@PeteCourtier]

Dead pan face “Yes. You did” 😂

[@seaglider844]

Ha! Yes I just LOL on that one.....he didn't include the addendum "you f.... idiot" 🤣😁 but its kind of implied

[@highlypolishedturd7947]

THAT is a clever user name! I wish I'd thought of it.

[@2006gtobob]

That was my favorite line he said. I laughed when he said that with dead eyes, lol.

[@oldretireddude]

Before checking bearings I like to wet down the belts to rule out a belt noise.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Interesting, I always just look at the belts, see if they're cracked or wearing on something. Usually a good belt will never make a noise. But wetting them down is good advice, thanks.

[@taunuslunatic404]

Do you use water or WD40?

[@oldretireddude]

@@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge The multi-groove belt on my 7.3 diesel will occasionally make irritating sounds that could otherwise be an idler. Wetting it down saves a lot of investigating time.

[@Tempsho]

@@oldretireddude what ended up causing the noise?

[@oldretireddude]

@@Tempsho it's usually the belt. I've had my late '99 F250 since 2006. I have replaced the idlers once and the AC clutch assy once, but every other time it's the belts. I used to use belt dressing but it didn't last long and when freshly applied the belts make a, tearing apart velcro, sound that gets in the way of hearing other noises. In recent years I saw a tip on KZbin about using ArmorAll or 303 type product to dress belts and it's worked extremely well. I only hear from them 2 maybe 3 times a year now. I've only replaced the belt twice in all those years, once at 100Kmi and once when the idlers were replaced, and it is still in great shape, 165K miles.

[@AsherBensusan]

We're going to call you doctor wizard.

[@MrJoelHimself]

I really appreciate your wizard tip videos! I’m a Volkswagen dealer Tech and have picked up several tips that I now use regularly at work from your wizard tip videos.

[@RJon2006]

I don’t have an automotive stethoscope, I use a long screw driver and put my ear on the handle. Harder to do in close spaces but it’s been fine for the cars I’ve owned. Great demo on the battery drain.

[@CarGuy1]

I hope other mechanics watch this and learn. I've ran in quite a few that have no idea how to troubleshoot. Great tip on the battery drain test!

[@rdmfjones5421]

These are the best videos on KZbin when it comes to guys like me who work on stuff and muddle through because nobody taught me this...

[@mastergx1]

Worth noting on the last one (the parasitic draw test) - many cars have high in-rush currents when first connecting the battery. Its a good idea to have a separate croc cable connecting the battery to the terminal directly BEFORE connecting the meter. Then after a couple of seconds - add the amp meter in-circuit and remove that first bypass (in that order). This will avoid blowing the fuse in the meter. I actually have a homemade board with switches I can throw in sequence to produce the same result.

[@universalassociates6857]

Wow, this is such a good explanation of how the system works. Gotta watch it again and study!

[@gokblok]

A tip for you--you mentioned the stethoscope hurting your ears. I always put mine on just in front or behind my ear rather than IN my ear. You'll still hear everything, it just won't be right against your eardrum.

[@chefjefe68]

Thanks for sharing your wealth of experience, Wizard.

[@Hazdazos]

Love this. Especially that last tip. If you continue the series, maybe consider doing some tips for older cars/classics such as ones with carbs and drum brakes.

[@terencehawkes3933]

Wizard. Your video tells me why I would go to someone like you instead of trying to fix stuff myself.

[@md2k8]

Finally, this series from the last video has ended. I am hoping for an all-new, buy this, not that video for minivans and full-size vans on Saturday or next Tuesday. If the Bug Ninja visits the Car Wizard on Saturday, all of us are definitely hoping for a buy this, not that video for Subaru vehicles, following the 2.5 L flat-4 engine description from Ratchets and Wretches, regarding the head gaskets. Thank you.

[@jhota42]

The Fuse Buddy is a fantastic tool. I love ours.

[@perfectox]

So many useful tips here. As a regular perwon trying to work on his bikes and cars, I struggle so much even with some basic things. This is an awesome learning opportunity. Thank you so much! 🙏

[@chucklowe4166]

Love the Grogu shirt. Gonna have to get one for my grandson and me.

[@pvouwerkerk]

Got one for Tip #9: your water pump could have a damaged impeller so it’s not moving the water anymore at a rate high enough to effectively cool the engine. You get a heated radiator and hoses but still your engine overheats. Happens often to older cars with plastic water pump impellers.

[@markcollins6918]

I second this one. Had a '79 Chrysler slant 6 that had a sheet steel plate between the impeller and the outer pump housing. A hole rusted out in that plate so that at some RPM ranges, the coolant would do a loop inside the pump, rather than flow through the hose. Weird to experience, but you could keep the temperature at the right spot at one speed. Go about 5 MPH faster or slower and the temp would start to climb.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Don't hurt yourself!!! Great advice from the Wizard!! 😀

[@KissTheFuture]

Thankyou so much for making this vid! Your demo of a parasitic draw test finally helped me understand that procedure.

[@jeffs6691]

With the gm side post battery use a bolt and nut for connecting will never come loose

[@hotpuppy1]

Two more battery tips: If your battery is going dead on a car you don't drive often, but you don't find a draw like a trunk light stuck on or a mechanical clock running, make sure the TOP of the battery is clean. Dirt collects there and can become conductive in damp weather. Also, if you can't find a draw, make sure you know where ALL the fuse boxes are. May be one hiding in the trunk, under the dash, under the hood or who knows where. Another tip for overheating: Make sure the fan is actually working. My mother-in-law had a Ford Tempo that was running hot. Dealer couldn't figure it out. I found the plastic hub on the electric fan had broken. The fan was still on the shaft, but no longer tight. The fan motor WAS spinning the blades but not effectively pulling air. Trip to the junkyard for a new fan fixed it.

[@dagamer667]

Another quick way to chase down parasitic draws is with a multimeter that has millivolt resolution. In this day and age, even harbor freight has them for under $10. Just set it to mV and measure the voltage drop across fuse test point. 0.0mV means no current, while 9.9 means the fuse is about to blow from too much current :).

[@villadelrefugio]

Another battery drain tip On modern cars with lots of computers and modules, they have a keyless fob that "wakes" the car up when you walk over to it. Even unlocks the doors and starts the heads-up display. DO NOT LEAVE THESE IN THE CAR. The computers will never go to sleep fully and the battery will drain. Also keep them a good distance from the car even when it is parked and locked. A lot of newer keyless cars, especially VW and Audi have a pretty strong RF signal going between the car and the fob. I cant tell you how many customers vehicles ive saved by telling them that isntead of selling them an expensive AGM battery.

[@markmowbray595]

Thank you Wizard.

[@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268]

This is great teaching instructional videos and a good direction for your channel.

[@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522]

About tip number 9: you're absolutely right, but I have had 2 instances where it turned out to be something else. In both cases, the bottom hose was cold, but not because of the thermostat or the radiator. First one was a broken plastic impeller on a 2.0 volx...no coolant flow because the pump was turning but not pumping. No leaks or anything, just a broken impeller. Changed it out for a metal impeller pump and problem solved. Second instance was on an echotec GM engine in a Cobalt, same scenario. Turns out the balancer shaft chain (which also drives the water pump on those engines) was broken. Engine ran fine, but overheated because the pump wasn't turning. (The customer scrapped the car because of how expensive the repair was, what with removing the entire timing chain assembly to get to the balancer shaft chain...) Admitedly, those cases are rare, but they DO happen once in a while.

[@jamesjames3525]

Even I understood that, and I am not mechanically minded. Thank you to the Wizard Family.

[@popovlist]

Btw, as it is not very common to have a ampere meter, an alternative is to use a low wattage bulb in series to the battery terminal. When car is healthy the very low current would not light up the bulb or it will be very dim. The higher the leakage current the brighter the bulb. Obviously meter is best but this helps as a quick test and might be just enough to find the culprit.

[@swedish_brick_enjoyer]

I used a really long screw driver as a stethoscope. It doesn’t work as well but it helped me diagnose my mom’s Volvo with that had a weird noise in the engine bay. I told her it was her alternator. I was 11 years old so of course my mom didn’t believe me but when she came home from the store that night the alternator was on fire

[@K0Kaz]

For Tip 10 I like using a DC clamp meter since it's a lot safer/easier and can usually measure more amps.

[@Channel0002]

Car Wizard you are one mellow dude, were you always like that?!? You sure are good at explaining stuff!

[@GeekyFast]

I really like your channel!!! Wizard, please take a page put of Kilmer's book and NEVER RETIRE!

[@LexusLFA554]

Thanks for those 10 tips. They will save me from a lot of headaches.

[@1337penguinman]

You can also use your multimeter to test the fuses as well. Just make sure to hook the battery back up. I don't like pulling fuses because sometimes that can actually wake a component up and cause false readings.

[@masonjones2168]

Oh great car wizard i have learned so much from you

[@adamlewellen5081]

All advanced diagnostics involve checking the basics FIRST. For example my yukon was running poorly for a month. I started thinking sensors or the AFM going bad!!!!. But I got the best call from the wife. The truck won't start, dead battery... Why is the good news? Low battery voltage can cause the gremlin to run amuck.. modern cars are very sensitive to voltage/ amperage issues... A lesson relearned.. former wyotech student and then employee.. fremont, former sequoia instatute...

[@gordythecreator]

Worth waiting for the last tip Wizard. Problem Solving Skills, I like being that guy

[@chucklowe4166]

This presentation was OUTSTANDING. Tip #10 was particularly good as very few people know how to check for a drain. I learned from a battery wizard in Chanute who has since passed. He taught me to make a test unit with a pigtail with a 6 volt single pole bulb. I would hook it up just as you did to find a drain. I was having an intermittent drain problem on an 85 Buick Skylark which would drain one day and not again for a few days. Really weird. I decided that something was changing from each running event. I ended up removing the alternator belt and then rotating the alternator shaft and sure enough, there was an internal short at one position causing the drain. I replaced the alternator and VOILE... problem solved. You probably have had this happen too. Watch you and enjoy you both every day. I left Chanute 30 years ago and now am in Allen, TX, a suburb of Dallas. Next time I'm up in Coffeyville visiting friends, I may being my E350 up for an oil change.

[@HypocriticYT]

#6 tip is great, I have one of those but forget to use it. Amp Hound would make a great Christmas present.

[@Andreyatl]

Always great vids!Thank You for sharing your knowledge!Cheers from Russia!

[@ironman1518.]

Great steps thank you for sharing !!

[@andreas5458]

Before pulling fuses, make a picture with ur phone.

[@AbdulrahmanHadid]

Thanks Wizard !

[@tjhudkins]

Stop pouring cola on your battery terminals! It makes a mess, no one ever cleans it up, and you're wasting a perfectly good drink. Baking soda and water made into a paste will neutralize the acid, then clean with a wire brush. Drink the cola as a reward for a job well done. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

[@eworks9828]

Excellent. I came across your channel looking for "what always breaks" videos on chevy 2000-2007 tahoe\suburban etc... I have my daily driver 2000 tahoe with 475k and of course am interested in what I don't know that's sure to happen! I have replaced the trans at 425k, transfer case also and various consumables, obvious things that wear out. Just put new 70k tires on as I expect to wear those out! Now doing catalytic converters and had the frame stiffened because of rot. I will fix the engine, drive train, ANYTHING to keep the old girl in service as I refuse to pay for the junk coming out now. I watched your video when you said you knew people that could write a check for a new truck but will not do it, now you know another guy :) Thank you for keeping the shadetree and less mechanics in mind as we all did not get the car gene and need some guidance to start. Much appreciated, keep up the great work!

[@gillgetter3004]

Great vids appreciate the info. I bring my car to a shop and this helps me to understand what’s happening

[@randyragon]

Another overheating item to check. I once borrowed a car that was rarely driven more than 5 miles at a time. Before using it to go on a 50 mile trip I checked the fluids and the antifreeze reservoir was full. Not too far on the highway started overheating. This was an older car that had radiator cap and another cap for the bottle. Opened the radiator, and it was empty. The tube between the two had a hole, so it was spitting out thru the hole when hot, then couldn't suck fluid back in because of the hole when it went cold again. Filled radiator and when got it home put in a hew transfer tube.

[@alabamaman1]

I’ve learned a lot from you Wizard. Thank you

[@justinlangley9522]

Wizard These Videos are absolutely Brilliant! great for the beginner and the experienced ! you clearly have a Well of knowledge ! keep it up man

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

One day my crown victoria stopped running and I was able to turn on the electricity but couldn't start the engine again. The battery terminal was getting loose. Picked up a nail on the curb, inserted between the cables and I was able to back on the road again. Another day, it was a really cold morning, I couldn't start my engine. I poured hot water around my starter and I was able to go to work no problem. It's a super easy fix but both times, it took me about 30 mins to figure it out cuz it was my first time.

[@Loopy_McLooperson]

These videos are my favorite series

[@ronrandall7118]

Car Wizard, I experienced a battery drain due to dash cam plugged into cigarette lighter or the 12V power outlet. I have two dash cams, one in my '09 Corolla and one in my 2000 Ford F-150. The one in the F-150 light on the plug stays on all of the time. Yes, it has drained my battery. My F-150 actually has two 12V plugs beside each other. One for cigarette lighter and one for power. Tried both plugs and are hot all of the time. The outlet in my Corolla goes off when engine is shut-off. You gave me some advice I can use. I also have a '91 Ford Ranger 4.0L and I loose coolant due to back pressure causing the lower radiator hose to swell. I'm thinking a clogged radiator. I will check to see if bottom radiator hose is hot at operating temperature. Thank You, Wizard!!! Your the Best!!! I am amazed how much Mrs. Wizard knows about car diagnosis; I think she knows more than most men and perhaps when the Wizard is stumped, he turns to her for advice.

[@gsmith207]

I’ve been watching Wiz for so long I can play the theme song on my drums, no problem. Need to expand on it Wiz and make it really rock. Give it at least 15 secs to let it rip. Content is one thing but opening theme is first! Cool hook. Thanks for vid Wiz! U da man bub!

[@BigFarles]

I'm chasing not only electrical issues but heater core issues on my Scout II. Thank you so much.

[@spacefacegaming]

These are really nice tips for me to tell my family to rember about the battery In the car 👍🙂

[@niccocowboymetoyer2972]

Pop? Lol! I forgot y’all are in Kansas. Down here in the Great State of Texas we say soda water or soda.

[@Glenn08CRF]

Hey Wizard: you forgot another reason for non-flowing coolant, those wonderful plastic impellered Volkswagens where the impeller throws itself apart then there's no water/coolant flow then the engine overheats and takes out a head gasket or even worse warped heads... nice VW!!!!!

[@ken355555]

Well done my friend I love watching your show I've learnt so much from you about my car's problems

[@bryanfuentez7640]

You can rent the AMP hound from Oreillys

[@paulwatts3328]

Great tips wiz..Thank you for a channel worth watching and being real, best of the bunch even hoovie !!

[@markcollins6918]

I didn't read all of these comments, so apologies if this was already covered. When checking for battery drain, if you don't find the drain by pulling fuses, try pulling relays. I've had two separate Hondas that had the A/C clutch relay stick in the "on" position when the car was turned off. This will drain a battery in under four hours. Both of these Hondas were about 12 years old at the time this happened.

[@toolinaround2]

Fantastic stuff Wizard. Love the videos. Keep them coming please. Thanks

[@sarahmutesi7387]

I like the way wizard wife ask questions for us keep moving boby

[@jamespn]

Heater cores are dash out in many modern vehicles, now that’s an ouch repair bill.

[@bentheredonethat5541]

Good info. Im 54 and you just taught me some stuff.

[@oscarmartinretrato8974]

Keep it up and thank you!👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@matthewbigliardi4476]

I used a pry bar instead of a stethoscope for years. The stethoscope is so much better. Thanks for the videos, I've been an ase master for 30 years. I have a ton of time savers I'd be glad to share. Take care

[@JamesofJesus]

Great stuff. Knew about 1/3. But enjoyed the other stuff I didn't. Want those switches and wrenches

[@rpruneau68]

Another GREAT video! A good alternative to a stethoscope is to use a long screwdriver or pry bar and put your ear up to the handle. It helps if you are able to plug other ear with use of ear plug or head set but not always necessary.

[@jagvette1]

Those side post batteries are the worst, especially if there is more than one cable connected quite often there is corrosion between the 'washers' on the ends of the cables, I have a Chevy truck and I cut them off and put in a top post battery, problem cured :)

[@XGamesJ6]

My neighbor had a Ford E-150 with a parasitic draw, it was intermittent and nearly a nightmare to figure out. Thankfully the right set of conditions were there to present the issue while I had it. Bad cluster that wouldn't go to sleep, had it rebuilt and his battery never died again.

[@jesseclute5299]

This dude is a genius

[@NorthWestOffroadAdventures]

Where is that guy from the first video comment section asking if there was gonna be a part 2? IT'S RIGHT HERE!

[@kevinjohnson9736]

I ordered an amp hound awhile ago. Can't wait to get it!!

[@TwentytenS4B8]

I use a long screwdriver against the suspect part and place my ear on the handle. Same safety protocols apply with the same results.

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

My Dad used to use a very long handle flat screw driver to figure out which pulley was bad, Liked

[@justinchapman6383]

That peracetic drain test is a gem

[@nickayivor8432]

Good Evening CAR WIZARD take care and have a great day CAR WIZARD Great helpful video tips thank you From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@chuckwin100]

Some good tips to save money!

[@spideym35i]

Car wizard shows gives us actual knowledge, and good demonstrations. Scotty Kilmer tells me why he’s buying (insert car here) and just explains why it’s so great but he obviously doesn’t own it.

[@BossBoys-qs2yd]

I have used a plastic stiff tube or wood dowel as a stethoscope

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

About your question in the end: I didn't like the tip of the stethoscope very much, it isn't pointy enough, but the tips of the amp-hound for putting on the fuse looked much better. Still, maybe there was a tip that you left for Mrs. Wizard for not only filming, but also holding equipment and reading out numbers for you, then of course this was my favorite tip.

[@srfnsurfer]

This was really good. You know your audience. Competent garage mechanics.

[@Yarxov]

I have a story about loose battery connections. I had an old Discovery 2 that was very well kept, no leaks no codes in great condition. My girlfriends Prius hybrid components died and was totaled it so she borrowed it to go to work. When she came home she said the lights cut out when she was driving and it was weird. I go and look and see a loose connection so I press it down and tighten it a little. Give it a test drive and come back- our driveway has a steep curb that I took without consideration. I go inside and a couple minutes later hear the alarm go off, run outside and see the car smoking and dash around the find the fire extinguisher or anything to put it out. We moved recently so I couldnt find it, had 911 come, had to wake up the neighbors at 11pm. Afterwords I look, the connector popped off the battery, shorted and the battery split in half causing the fire and melting the front end and hood. The interior was untouched as was most of the engine itself but still too much for me to handle. I checked my fathers D2 to see what couldve happened; I think it was light corrosion or grime in between the split halves of where you tighten the lead. This stops it from getting a good seal, and you tighten it down, but if you just bump it up it will pop right off. Moral of the story is always keep a fire extinguisher inside your car, and always clean mating surfaces wherever you can. (The Rover had more miles on it than the Prius. No I dont blame Lucas, I blame myself. Yes I am getting another one.)

[@zwarst]

Love these how to vids

[@justinbrowning2079]

Wizard u might have the best consistent like to dislike ratio I've seen. Rightfully so

[@robinkelly1770]

If you have a xat 3 multimeter rated to 100 qmps with a fuse it's perfectly safe. I far prefer a tong ammeter though (no contact with the ammeter from the car)

[@TailEndCustoms]

Thanks man some of these I didn’t know. 👍🏼

[@TheThreeLeggedChair]

we love these kinds of videos, thank you mr Wizz!

[@brucesheehe6305]

I wish you were in Central PA. Great video. Knowledge = Power = Experience

[@boforgault3212]

Wizard is the Bomb

[@JeepGeneral1]

The bearing noise The Wizard makes reminded me of Spaceballs lmao

[@tommysieng2788]

Great tips .. Thank you ..

[@Vigo327]

Having non-mechanics diagnose a parasitic drain is pretty ambitious! But hey, there's a bunch of people out there that would be great technicians and just don't know it, so maybe attempting something like this is gonna turn on the light bulb for somebody who never thought they could do it. Keep up the good work, Wizard.

[@12yearssober]

Sometimes even a blind squirrel will find a nut

[@johnnysprocketz]

cant get enough of the wiz

[@rodm5968]

HA I never bothered with an amp meter. A quality test light with old school incandescent globe did the trick. But that Amp hound would of been good on cars where the fuse box is no easy to get the dam things in and out of.