Chevrolet Equinox: Service AWD System Light On

In this video I have a look at a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox that came in from the used car guy that is having a problem with the all wheel drive system. It was a pretty quick diag.
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: / southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
teespring.com/...
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: www.paypal.me/...
The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: www.aeswave.co...
Thank you for all the continuing support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
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]

*UPDATE* : Josh installed a new/used rear diff along with installing OEM axle seals and driveshaft bolts. We replaced the connector on the vehicle side and replaced the module with a used one. All is well in the world now and the used car guy was super happy 👍 Sorry I wasn't able to record it. The past few months at the shop have been insane. Haven't been able to pick up a camera for weeks! Thanks for watching and being patient with me and my lack of videos. -Eric O.

[@skinlab4239]

Might want to check this for grammatical errors.

[@aaa000777]

Eric, being insanely busy is a good thing. And no doubt to the word getting around about a real HONEST auto mechanic that also knows his stuff! No apologies needed.

[@drfalcon4102]

Rather see you being busy and making life nice for your family, happy motoring

[@carlmiller1034]

Plus deer season is upon us!!! Good luck with the hunt. Thoroughly enjoyed the diagnosis. Great job Eric!

[@SimpleElectronics]

Thanks for the update, chief! I was wondering if the used car guy would go for a used diff afterall!

[@bigclivedotcom]

On the basis that you went straight to the fault I'd say that was a good procedure.

[@toysareforboys1]

well hello there bcdc! I hope you have an awesome thanksgiving and halloween! :)

[@pat2191]

What are you doing here you handsome devil

[@Miles7955]

Without a doubt. I mean, some people see being thorough as checking every possibility, whilst have already found the smoking gun, why bother continuously searching for other slightly out of place things when you have already discovered the smoking gun, which is a big enough cause for it not to work as intended, to be honest, it is something that should be looked into, and the new/used rear differential unit is quite likely a good idea, considering how much OEM's want to charge for certain replacement parts, excluding them stating that "It can only be bought as a full assembly"

[@Highstranger951]

I’m glad I’m in good company

[@guitargod66]

Eric has a talent, a true gift, of bringing entertainment into what could be called boring diagnostic procedures

[@Nmdixon-cu7vm]

Since I’m early I’d just like to say I’m a new sub from seeing your videos once in a while from the KZbin algorithm and I really admire your professionalism and honesty in repairs. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@RayJay]

The word is out..............You're the best at what you do and everyone with a car problem will seek you out. You will have no rest.

[@EHKOS]

"Sorry to bore you..." Mr. O, you never bore me. I don't have the privilege of seeing these schematics and I want to learn all I can for when I do. Watching you work on anything gives me valuable data I hope to use someday. I'll watch you change a battery.

[@josephmccormack1641]

Best auto repair channel bar none. To the point.....entertaining and informative. Well done.

[@walkernottexasranger7565]

Yeah Eric! The lack of videos has made me take an interest in our russian repair guy at pine hollow you shout out to every so often. I'm a new tech looking to get into the diagnostic side of things. Your videos help alot with ideas and the thought process that goes into a diag. looking to make some of those nifty test lights soon here. Excellent work! Thanks Eric 🔥💯

[@robertalexander9931]

The guys who say you can't fix a car from a computer are the ones who send you the cars they can't fix after throwing a bunch of used parts at the problem and are on the second or third call back. Today you need every tool you can get your hands on to show you the way. You have proven this time and again, that rabbit hole is very deep, dark and expensive. Nice work!

[@omar_padilla]

It's just amazing how much information the computer on these modern cars gives you. Cars actually are communicating with the diagnosis equipment like having a conversation!!! That's crazy!!!. I would trust my truck to you in a blink of an eye my friend. Great diagnosis.

[@davidwright1653]

I don't understand how anyone can be critical of the methodology of using a scanning tool to quickly narrow down where you need to start on a repair. It's just as valuable of a tool as your impact wrenches and sockets. I enjoyed this video and that's all that matters. Great Job!

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

I love the way you are methodical and come up with a logical plan and follow thru. All these new cars are so computerized that you need to diagnose what you are looking for before you stick your meat hooks into it. Keep up the great work!👍👍👍

[@alleng9681]

Best car related channel on KZbin !

[@nigelwebber1472]

Hi from Australia Eric. I really appreciated you thinking out loud while interpreting the service data and schematics. 'This is what it says/shows, and that actually means...' Helped me understand the way you came up with your plan. Thankyou

[@GlennHamblin]

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate mid-roll ads? Love your videos, hate the mid-roll ads.

[@kevinday4474]

I was just thinking that the world could use another SMA video right about now.... and BAM!

[@johncox9057]

your a freaking beast man anyone who has the chance to work/train under you is gonna be one good mechanic

[@coache1nine]

Eric, what I like most about your diagnosis process, is that you have a plan. What failed? Why? How does this work? I try to follow a similar approach to repairing vehicles. The cool thing is, if you follow the plan, it usually takes you right to the failure. Thanks for the videos and follow the plan!!!

[@pastblast1664]

Once again I learn the value of a good lookee loo at the schematic before going under the car. I may have a little vertigo but I am also the beneficiary of watching a master at work. Thanks for the great video Eric!

[@jeffreyk5933]

There's nobody better at electrical diagnosis than you! I wish someone could solve my 2011 Ram 1500 no codes, cranks but no start on wet days. It left me stranded several times lately.

[@benjaminkinney3897]

Eric is probably the most detail oriented mechanic I've ever seen. With accumulated knowledge, skill and experience I hope to be this good in time!

[@bar20bbq70]

lotz better than that other eric guy.btw, has he been seen lately?

[@m.b8257]

Your the best mechanic, period.

[@LAKERS4LIFE-g1i]

Eric-O, thanks for all your input. You, Ivan, SD, ERTCG, Keith and alot of the guys who put efforts into making these videos that we all watch daily. Just wanna say thanks

[@henryg683]

happy to see you back been missing your content eric o say hi to mrs.o stay healthy during this demic time see you soon!!!!!

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

Finally another SMA video! I am hooked on these!

[@thomasfletcher4765]

Just like phonics !

[@waynepeters4611]

I hear ya hooked myself

[@MrHugawa]

"diag down to the comments"... smooth transition...lol, luv the vids.

[@timothya2742]

Never boring. Always informative and very entertaining.

[@curtisroberts9137]

Definitely worth the time to look up diagrams and get some idea of how the system works. Today I diagnosed an 05 GMC with TAC issues. The throttle body had been replaced multiple time and the pigtail also. In the end it was the TAC module dropping out the 5 volt signal and obviously the sensors start reading incorrectly, truck goes to reduced power and no one is happy. It only took a few minutes to read the diagram and come up with a test. Then its a matter of waiting to catch something misbehaving.

[@2405jacko]

Hi Eric, just thinking about SMA and there you are!! Awesome.

[@jasonhaynes9169]

Eric you are a delight to watch. I am honestly about to bring my car to you from CT just to get my awd system to work correctly.

[@duanenelson3202]

Been missing you. Always impressed. The rust and green pus, your part of the country showers upon you. I sure don't miss it.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Mechanics like South Main Auto truly dont charge enough for their service.

[@Byzmax]

Once again you show how to get to the cause of the problem. Excellent demonstration on how to do it.

[@KY.0009]

So close to that 500k subscriber mark!!! I think you were at like 180k when I first subscribed. Videos have continued to get better and better since then, you've definitely hit your stride

[@keithgale2596]

Really good and logical diagnosis Mr O - I've never heard of a Chevy Equinox (I'm from the UK), but I guess there are similar modules with our Land Rover products. Thanks for taking the time to explain your approach to diagnostics - the theory applies to all investigations. I hope everyone in the USA are keeping well and best wishes from here. Kind regards

[@brianpeters4486]

Not a crappy diag video. You are a great troubleshooter it's a pleasure to watch.. BTW you wound up on big clive today, he's a fan!!

[@billyyoder8171]

Hold on kids. Round and round he goes. Where he stops, nobody knows. Thank you Dr. O. Good job. Have a blessed and safe week to you and your family.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Hello Eric!! Always love to see an SMA video!!!

[@waynepeters4611]

Think you should have your own TV show you certainly have a nacky way to keep folks tuned to your channel 👍

[@jamesbruno5896]

Nice diag thanks for taking us along Eric!

[@my31and37]

I enjoy your diagnostic process. I was a field engineer for a computer company for years and could troubleshoot those systems easily, but just a backyard mechanic (hack, lol) , building my own cars for kicks...I'm learning a lot watching a Pro in action..

[@osmtz1983]

Thank you! I have been watching videos from 5years ago. I am hooked!

[@kim4548]

What a legend! You’re a beast when it comes to diagnosis!

[@hatfez]

As of this morning, 33 viewers gave a "thumb's down" to this video. I never see a comment regarding anything negative about the video. What's up with that? I have learned so much about diagnostics from watching these videos all across the digital web. Even if you are not able to do these repairs by yourself, at least you are informed as to how things work so you can make an informed choice as to who works on your vehicle. To be ignorant of how things work is an expensive place to be in. Thank you Eric for sharing your knowledge with us mere mortals!

[@suttoncoldfield9318]

Sometimes I've inadvertantly pressed the mouse button as the pointer moves across the dislike button, took me ages before I found out I can undo my own dislike.

[@hatfez]

@@suttoncoldfield9318 Going to a family party today. I will see my ex-wife there, but no matter how I try, I can't uncheck the "dislike" button!

[@alextripp1230]

Nothing wrong with your diagnosis approach or ethos at all Eric..👍👍👍 Alex.

[@baxrok2.]

Dang it, no trip to the junkyard. Haha, maybe next time. Thanks Dr. O!

[@Mintman70]

Nicely done! Anyone can replace parts and call themselves a mechanic but your diagnostic procedures are spot on. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next video. THX MN NY

[@jamiepatterson1214]

A map is needed when entering unknown territory, or a person could end up going in circles, getting nowhere. It's real interesting how other shops send 'I quit' jobs to Eric for repairs. It's also interesting watching the thought process toward finding strange trouble. Erio's videos should be part of any automotive course, they are great teaching tools.

[@benjaminstockton3917]

Good job Eric O. I agree with you on diagnosed before visual inspection thanks for sharing

[@williamgagnonroadboxservice]

Thanks again Eric I do exactly what you did in this video Need direction a plan then the visual. In the end it saves me time and my customers trust Hey we’ve been straight out also booked till Oct 16th.. Please say Hi to the Mrs and Kiddos and everyone be safe!!!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I like your methods. I worked in a totally different field, IT. Troubleshooting is troubleshooting, guessing is guessing. Today's cars are half computer and comms. Almost half your repairs are electric, ore require digital or electrical testing. You are correct about moving things and a problem may temporarily disappear without explanation or understanding. How about shorting something and eating the repair? All because of guess work or a lack of understanding,

[@likearockcm]

I wish Eric would quit apologizing for things. I,like 99% of us out here, enjoy anything he posts!!!!

[@AdirondackNY]

Both my wife & i miss the what's up Wednesday stuff

[@garywillcox2286]

Given the way the year has played especially in the USA, insanely busy is great for you. Don't break your neck trying to put out YT video's. Look after yourself, family and employee's first and foremost. We will still be here and await your next great video. Whenever that transpires

[@harrowtiger]

Very interesting to watch this video Eric O. Great diagnosis and explanation complete with close up of the green crusties. I enjoy the hunt and explanation along the way to find these faults.

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

"If I can do it, you can do it." 11 October 2020, 3:36 PM central daylight savings time. 45 thumbs down. Unfortunately, those who do nothing always feel qualified to criticize those who do it.

[@southstreetbarbecue7875]

Great work on the diagnosis as usual. And remember, if you can do it, I'll let you.

[@markh.6687]

"If you can do it, what the hell are you bringing it to me for?!"

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

There's a reason they go to the auction!

[@zachbruner481]

There’s a sucker born every minute... I mean bid

[@brandoncartwright8829]

You were dancing with the camera at 11:40 then a ad popped up with lines moving all around, and before i knew it i almost fell off the ole toilet.

[@jdclark218]

Thanks for cranking this one out and even a followup comment, I'm surprised used-car-guy let you have the job.

[@malibuStroker]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video. We’ve missed a good diag. Would love to see some pico action if you get a chance!

[@PaulysAuto]

Great video Eric, I appreciate how you show your entire process! Hope everything's going well for you man!

[@richg9988]

Always patiently waiting for the next video. Thanks.

[@147stretch]

Love the channel, ive learned quite a bit from you. Im just a backyard mechanic for my own junk but I love seeing how to do things correctly and applying it on my own vehicles.

[@tnorman1065]

Glad you got the job! By the way, "Big Clive" spoke kindly of you in his last video while taking to bits a clock spring for a Ford pickup. Check it out!

[@gospelman7222]

Yeah I saw that video and it was extremely good. Well worth watching.

[@mikefedele4521]

Had a similar issue on a caddy. The green goblin had moved in. Cool find

[@elcheapo5302]

Crappy diag? That was fantastic! Zero to diagnosed in a few minutes. What more can anybody ask for?

[@sk0.0t3r]

In today's modern vehicles you can't fix a car without a computer. Calculated approach is much better that the part shotgun. Saves time, money, and frustration.

[@erwinallen2309]

As always you come through with a great video! I really enjoy watching and even though I dont own these cars you regularly work on I always learn from you. Thank you

[@KD9JLZ]

Eric O I really enjoy your videos. I learn a lot.

[@courtneykachur9487]

From what I have seen, anyone who tells you that you don’t know your job is simply proving they don’t know what they are talking about.

[@irdmoose]

I completely forgot about your channel because KZbin changed my notification preferences, but thanks to BigCliveDotCom I came back!

[@MikeWoo35]

Your right Mr O. Knowing is half the battle. Good diagnosis.

[@MRrwmac]

Great diagnostic and “plan” for the diagnostic!!

[@davidnull5590]

*The ampere* is named for French physicist and mathematician *André-Marie Ampère* (1775-1836), who studied electromagnetism and laid the foundation of electrodynamics. In recognition of Ampère's contributions to the creation of modern electrical science, an international convention, signed at the 1881 International Exposition of Electricity, established the ampere as a standard unit of electrical measurement for electric current. The ampere was originally defined as one tenth of the unit of electric current in the centimetre-gram-second system of units. That unit, now known as the abampere, was defined as the amount of current that generates a force of two dynes per centimetre of length between two wires one centimetre apart.[12] The size of the unit was chosen so that the units derived from it in the MKSA system would be conveniently sized. The "international ampere" was an early realization of the ampere, defined as the current that would deposit 0.001118 grams of silver per second from a silver nitrate solution.[13] Later, more accurate measurements revealed that this current is 0.99985 A. Since power is defined as the product of current and voltage, the ampere can alternatively be expressed in terms of the other units using the relationship I = P/V, and thus 1 A = 1 W/V. Current can be measured by a multimeter, a device that can measure electrical voltage, current, and resistance.

[@davidnull5590]

@Greger Holmes ---- I'm a licensed amateur Google operator, I didn't know how to spell his name, I looked it up and copied and pasted so other people didn't have to search for it. Have a really great evening Greger. You're welcome.

[@bar20bbq70]

well...look at the big brain on brad.

[@LTVoyager]

Greger Holmes I much prefer those who know it all over those who complain about them.

[@tonyfremont]

@@LTVoyager or the ones that think they know it all, but don't know squat. I think an Amp is also representative of one Coulomb (6.24*10EE18) of electrons flowing past a point in a wire in one second. ;) The interesting thing is that Volts have nothing (directly) to do with it, other than dictating how many Coulombs will pass by each second, based upon the resistance (Ohms). All of these terms are derived from the names of giants. Never forget James Watt either, he was all about work (and power). Everyone working with wires flowing "juice", should do themselves a favor and learn the difference between power and energy and how that relates to work. Energy is how much work can I do, power is how fast can I get it done. You don't buy power from the power company, you buy energy. ;)

[@LTVoyager]

tonyfremont Yes, this is high school physics. You are wrong about the power company. You buy both energy and power, particularly if you are a commercial customer.

[@stevenfuchs2548]

Awesome job Eric! Your the best!!!!

[@darktoadone5068]

Love your work, I wish all Mechs would learn how to properly troubleshoot & isolate the problem instead of thinking, oh change this part then put this part in also, oh that didn't work well lets get another part installed. I knew a guy that wasted over $1,800 due to people telling him certain parts needed changing and in the end it was a $105 fix due to loose parts.

[@tonychandler8908]

You are good I love watching you I have learned so much from in the last two years

[@zx8401ztv]

Eric, You have a business to run, that is all that matters. KZbin is a hobby only.

[@45papadoc]

Good diagnosis,progression was spot on.

[@bobbark9345]

Missed ya dude ! Haven’t watched for a while glad to be back

[@Eromatic]

In New York the vehicle wiring diagrams are to show us how many pins that we need, and a visual inspection after to show us how many pins that we have remaining.

[@99andrianmonk]

Hey Eric, your videos are always informative, interesting and wrapped in appropriate amount of sarcasm / humor. Having more of them would be great. Any chance to get Hanna back part-time to once again be your / Josh / Jason's camera person?

[@leocarvajal6967]

Hi! Good software. Looks like ancient Manufacturers Shop Manuals i have seen in the seventie's while working in Ford Assembly Plant in Venezuela.

[@jacksonbennett6151]

Nice shout out from bigclive!

[@meabob]

Gotta love the meanie greenies especially when you find them in the harness's most inaccessible spots.

[@kman-mi7su]

Yeah, almost always in some spot where you can't get to it easily and you have to say some very not so family-friendly words while correcting it. In fact, there are a few engineers out there that if I ever meet them, I'm going to punch them in the mouth. LOL

[@trailerpark187]

Did I hear you right? No way that thing only has 2000 miles. Luv this channel

[@whatdoyouthinktodd]

Did throw that mirror down for my gee thanks your the best...Really your one of the best on youtube keep up the good work OH HI Eric

[@daveyio87]

Great video, A lot of the time the wires that go in to the differential clutch housing they rub through at the pass through of the case. Either way with that seal blown out like that I would have suggested the same repair. Have missed your vidoes, but being busy is a good thing.

[@JoesAutoElectric]

That is a winner brother. Good old GM....and salt.....

[@Sojourning_]

hello Eric, the bell lit up just now 3 hrs later from when you posted, I'm watch Author Brain Shul on piloting the SR-71 way awesome. in the event you haven't seen it there is an other vary interesting guy there some where there in the forest of NY state, Andrew Camarata........

[@kman-mi7su]

Andrew Camarata is a great channel, in fact, I think he's not too far from South Main Auto. I watched Brian Shul and Walter Watson his co-pilot, videos on here the other day as well. They have some amazing stories about their time in the SR-71 program, not only flying but historical world events they were involved in while flying and their flights helped shape them. Incredible Americans those two.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Hey! Where ya been, man?!? :D I know the feeling. I've been doing battle with my buddy's '98 Ram 2500 - mechanical and electrical problems GALORE, and a million jobs in between. First time I've ever seen a belt tensioner STAY in the position required to remove the belt! Yeah, it was THAT rusty!! ABS light with red brake light - bad module plus a sticking parking brake. That was fun! Tried to cheat by unplugging the module ... light is out ... but so is the speedometer! Dammit! Brand new dead multifunction switch from NAPA - had low speed only! No intermittent, high, or wash. Got a WVE switch, fixed all that except for wash. Pulled the OE ball of rust out of the side of the washer tank. What a mess! High beams that worked in reverse - low was on high, and high on low! The yellow left headlight gave that one away. New ground wire and all is well. Then had to convert the 9007 headlight bulbs back to OE 9004 - just 2 pins to swap. Wasn't bad. Glad to see that one go! I just had to watch your vid in 360p! Had a little incident with Mother Nature yesterday - she was pissed! Spun up a tornado / microburst, and blew out half the trees on my street! One guy's got one sticking through his roof. Flag pole went down at the club and almost nailed the caretaker's truck, and about fifteen 100+ year old oaks snapped in half or uprooted across the whole street! It was nuts! Just got power back a few hours ago, but my poor neighbors up the road are all still without juice. Guess they have to string new lines after those oaks stretched the hell out of them. I drove under one of them with the plow truck. Hard to believe wires are that strong! And the pole! Shocked it didn't bust like a toothpick. I had just bought 20 gallons of gas, and the power comes back on. Usually we're out for at least a week - this was a new record! Only a 2 day outage! I'll take it. Gas ain't cheap enough! No smilies in this one. KZbin/Google won't let me anymore - it will erase my entire post, and won't let me repost! Annoying. You guys probably get 15 notifications when that happens, because I keep trying to copy/paste ... and it ends up gibberish, since they cut out half the post right in the middle, so nothing makes any sense! Fingers crossed this one stays here ... Great vid, brother. Nice crusty plug! Can tell you've been sitting on this vid a while! How you ask? At 3:10 or so, I can hear the "hot bugs"! Those only come out when it's HOT, usually August to mid September. I still to this day have no clue what bug makes that noise. I've been told praying mantis ... cicadas (which I doubt - definitely not the ones our brother/sister farmers in the midwest get), or crickets. I still don't know! Drives me nuts. How do you explain a sound like that to Google? HAHAHA! Take care brother - don't work too hard. I'll send you some pics of that oak tree on the wires. ;)

[@jovictor3007]

My abs, 4wd, tpms, and hand brake lights came on, Watching these videos turned me into an educated car owner, bought obd reader and multimeter then this sleazy mecanic tells me my abs sensors are all finished by just looking at them with naked eyes , no test none whastoever , he didnt know I Already knew they were good and knew the issue was just rusted bearings the part where the sensors clip into , needless to say that was the last time I went to that garage, ordered new wheelbearings my self , got another garage to replace them, clipped in the same sensors all issues now resolved.

[@Werewolfmage]

i just bought that astro light. great light!

[@dannyhubert5722]

Great job like always Eric its was nice to see new video it's been while myfriend

[@ronwatson4902]

New subscriber. I'm liking your videos and your personality so I think I'll stick around and see what happens. Thanks

[@gordonhenagar6652]

That was a good find and your action plan will fix it or get you about 90 percent closer.

[@rguy2684]

Good to have you back around Eric O. Where’s the “Jeep” hat?

[@CRAZY_VIDS07]

Great job like always 👏 👍 👌 🙌

[@mattbickford2640]

i just see astro "challenge accepted eric! let us know if its up to par for you, heres a freebie" lol, thanks for the share! did not see the missing pin coming

[@markh.6687]

Go to Harbor Freight, get one of their cheap led forehead-worn flashlights, and see if that works when you just can't get that #@!$! light where you want it.