Cranking No-Start Real Time Diagnosis -Ford Focus

Your favorite DIY home mechanic diagnosing a No Crank No Start on a 2002 Ford Focus.
Links relevant to this video:
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• No Start Diagnosis FAS...
How to test Relays and manually energize relayed circuits:
• Relays- Understanding,...
Fuel Pressure Diagnostics:
• Fuel Pressure Regulato...

[@FordTechMakuloco]

You are very thorough you don't jerk around and you diagnosed it right the first time. It is literally a process of elimination fuel, spark or air which is it.

[@OscrSg]

this guys channel and yours are some of the best on youtube, been subbed to you both for over a year

[@seanwodicka2036]

i have been diagnosing engines exactly the same way you do since i was 14 , on top off it i sent myself to college and added a machining degree . I am impressed ,good job!!

[@SchrodingersBox]

You gotta love the armchair mechanics who subscribe to this channel for the express purpose of thumbs-downing the videos as soon as they are released, and yet they still watch the entire video and learn about stuff that they have never done or will do. Just sayin....

[@DJDevon3]

Schrodingers Box I know 1 person that would certainly do that for every one of your videos, not gonna name any names. :P

[@SchrodingersBox]

***** Hahahaha.... He's not a sub though!

[@DJDevon3]

Schrodingers Box He's on mine. I don't continually call him out though. ;)

[@DJDevon3]

***** It's no one subscribed to this channel that's all anyone needs to know.

[@GRowe1978]

Schrodingers Box Why would anyone thumbs down any of your videos? They're all informative, interesting and accurate. It must be someone who manufactures plugs, wires, and coils for a living and they're afraid you're going to cut in to their profits. LOL!!

[@Bob-bg4dp]

Had the same problem as this video...and with the same results. VERY well done and informative. Even though I had gone thru most of the checks I still learned quite a bit. thank you.

[@miguelbolado1280]

I love how straight to the point this guy is ! LOVE IT ! No BS, no silly sally dilly dally bs jokes or run around ! Love it !!! This is professionalism at its finest !

[@paulturner6498]

Migizzl Empires what does fuel at the rail mean?

[@prof.kalipi207]

Great stuffs

[@dragonmantuning3792]

@@paulturner6498 fuel inside of fuel rail

[@joseburgos5106]

Great video. Thanks for your time and effort sharing your knowledge. You got what it takes to be a good teacher on this matter. Super, this will help me get my 1999 Suburban up and running again. Stopped working while it was parked with no so much use. A couple of more test but more than likely it is the pump. Although I can hear the noise when it energizes. I changed the Cam and Crankshaft sensors alerady... We'll see. Thanks.

[@labradormcgraw]

Fantastic video. It covers all eventualities, right up to the diagnosis. Best channel on KZbin for learning about how it's really done.

[@t2p]

Had this before on a focus. ....dodgy connector on the fuel pump...they even changed the pump but neglected the broken connector which would works loose in a couple days... Nice channel and diagnostic routine...subbed.

[@REDNECKHOOSIER1]

You got me good this time. My wife & I were watching together and as soon as you said 03 Focus no start I looked at my wife and I said fuel pump relay because about 4 years ago we had an 03 focus have the same problem and I diagnosed it back to a fuel pumthe car ran good for a little while but then wound up having a major electrical problem that caused me to have to have the engine completely rewired so I took it to a shop a couple days later it caught fire driving down the interstate that's when I decided to open my shop so things would get fixed properly

[@LCM2248]

I find your videos really interesting. I majored in auto mechanics some 20 years ago in high school. I chose to pursue other career interests, but long before that and to this day I still love working on vehicles, and your videos are a different slant on things, and after all these years I am embracing the "high tech" ways of diagnostics and figuring all this new age out. These videos help a lot. Keep up the good work and good luck.

[@alixwhite4054]

My 07 Ford Focus is going in the shop tomorrow and I hope I have a superb procedure, all steps to check guy, like you are! Mine is intermittent starting.

[@DonaldMeader]

Hey Matt, just thought I would drop a line and tell you you are doing some great no BS Videos. You are doing a great service for us folks. THANKS ALOT BROTHER! keep up the good work!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks for the heads up man! I'll keep on truckin!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Excellent thorough diagnosis from one perfectionist to another

[@SchrodingersBox]

Ozzstar Can't argue with that!

[@SteveRobReviews]

Like the intro. My number 1 observation for fuel pump failures on identical vehicles is constantly running the vehicle with low fuel level. I only like factory fuel pumps or carter. The rest of the aftermarket pumps are hit and miss. 👍

[@SchrodingersBox]

Steve Rob That's exactly why I am waiting 5 days for the new pump--- it is in lieu of getting an airtex in 2 days, and then repeating this job next year lol

[@BigMac2222]

Schrodingers Box Sad, airtex used to make great pumps.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

Derrick Hodges I always had good experiences with airtex,but I haven’t bought one in a decade. I wonder how Bosch is nowadays.

[@edwardperez7665]

Great video very clear and con cise. Right to the point no B/S, my kind directions with a no nonsense tone. Outstanding. Thank you.

[@MohammedIBRAHIM-iw1xl]

Thanks sir. I followed your progress and found out that the wiring inside the sending unit was open after I was convinced that the pump was bad. So the best thing is put all possibilities up front . Thanks again!

[@joelyboyblue]

Realtime diagnosis was awesome, hope you do these more often-

[@robertstevens1507]

just WANTED TO SAY THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO . i was able to get my girls car home last night after watching your video.

[@rupert1124]

Hi, just watched your video.Fantastic.Your fault diagnosis covers all the possibilities. Better than any manual.Keep those movies comin. Thanks.

[@gerryf8894]

I loved your full in-depth video

[@sinegra30]

Thank you for the tutorial! That car has a Fuel Pump Module, is a returnless system so the Fuel pump module controls the fuel pump with a PWM signal, that relay you are energizing will not turn the fuel pump on it will only send 12v to the module

[@integritymotorcar2334]

Hello and nice work. For safety reasons, I feel that it is important to mention that caution should be used when applying power and ground to a circuit where there may be a likeliness of fuel vapor because of the arcing that takes place when electrical connections are made and broken. I noticed this when you used the Power Probe at the tank. It even appeared there may have been an evap. line or something that was disconnected in that shot. You also mentioned the tank was empty which would make this even more dangerous given the amount of vapor. In a situation like this where making electrical connections is a must, it may be safer to extend jumper wires a safe distance away from the presence of fuel and then making those connections there in order to gain your desired result. Please forgive me if this has been mentioned as I have not read most of the comments posted here, nor am I very familiar with YT usage in general. I am a subscriber to your channel, yet have not had the time to view many videos, but have enjoyed the few that I have seen. Your logic and perspective is a treat to see and I really appreciate how you provide the auto repair consumer with the same. It makes for better communication and understanding when they are in need for professional and courteous automotive maintenance and repair services.

[@pramponi]

You just proved that what my auto shop instructor said was true. "A no start should be the easiest problem to diagnose.", and the hardest, in his opinion ... driveability. Greatly enjoy your videos. The step by step logical path is extremely helpful.

[@SchrodingersBox]

+pramponi I agree with your instructor very much!!

[@1truthseeking8]

@@SchrodingersBox How about a no electricity problem? any tips? Started as an "intermittent" clicking sound (?possibly coming from a relay/solenoid under dash near fuse box?) and electrical power off/on...(only had it for a few weeks) NOW ... that has just become a "constant" no power at all, ever. (open the door: no dome... Turn lights or hazards, nothing... Turn key nothing ..no power at all... (Except a faint red glow on the little red led near the hazard flasher button, but when keyboard turned goes out) ...and no more clicking either... all grounds tested good, (put jumpercables to bridge anywhere there might have been a weak ground too just to see) new battery, all charged up & good voltage ...but nothing... (automatic transmission)

[@SchrodingersBox]

I would start at the fuse for the circuit and if there is no power at fuse simply trace backwards from there. If there is power at the fuse trace forwards. It’s actually way easier if there is consistently no power. Is much trickier when it’s intermittent.

[@bmw-e30]

Very thorough and clear explanation with high quality video

[@roydmundongo5283]

Great job you are an amazing teacher

[@milolll]

Great process! just curious, can you swap the fuel pump motor, use the old casing with the right slot pattern?

[@steveynixon178]

Yes

[@virc4541]

Thanks for you great work in this car and your very good explanations in all the process..just simple and usefull!!!...greetings from Guatemala City!!!

[@labradormcgraw2409]

Simply brilliant. Absolutely... brilliant.

[@sypher0101]

Great video! Couple of Questions if thats ok? 1. Did you only check for spark on 1x plug? 2. That spark plug tester light would show spark in the leads.. can the plug itself still be bad? 3. Can I use my 12v car battery, connect to the Fuel pump directly to see if it powers on? 4. I have a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L V6. Where's the best place to find what replacement model/serial etc.. pump I need ? Thanks :)

[@james697218]

im a good mechanic i have a page on facebook and i get lots of bussiness as a mobile mechanic. i sprayed starter fluid in the throttle body and the car started just fine ran a few minutes and died im going to check the fuel pump by taking off the fuel filter underneath the car and then turn on the key if the gas dont come out of the fuel tank then its the fuel pump. but of course ill check all the fuses before replacing the pump. after i check the electrical if the pump dont work ill change it out and that should fix the car. 2003 ford focus also has a starter relay fuse in the box next to the battery and if you change it out it could also fix the problem. but im sure its the fuel pump because the car was being driven and it just died. it starts with starting fliud so that tells me its the fuel pump. blevins auto repair on face book alturas ca

[@SchrodingersBox]

+James Blevins If fuel comes out at the filter how do you its at the right pressure?

[@james697218]

+Schrodingers Box . i would use a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel bleeder on the fuel rail

[@brandonlewis5045]

You are awesome man! I really like your videos because you cover everything fluidly. Alot of guys leave things out. I'm subscribed as of now

[@thamiralqurashi8604]

informative , direct , and clear diagnosis , Greeting from Saudi Arabia

[@seanwodicka2036]

Please get a power probe i dont know how i managed without it.

[@crazybananas7704]

Great Video! You throughly explained everything!

[@mikedevv1]

Great diagnostic video as always....Thanks for sharing.

[@SchrodingersBox]

mikedevv1 Thanks Mike!

[@lukewarmwater3018]

Thank you...i have a 2002 ford focus....cranks wont start. Changed fuel filter, spark plugs....im gonna do the starting fluid test today....awesome video keep it up

[@alamzeb6342]

your work is shining bro.

[@jaykent6645]

Brilliant Stuff Matt, many thanks for this. Regards Jay

[@engelbertmaier2853]

As usual a very good explanation how to make quick diagnose of a no start. And for a German like me your english language pronunciation is proper and clearly understandable. I watch all your vids and have already learned a lot. Thank you very much.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thank you very much! I do get a lot of compliments from foreigners on my english!

[@Tygo2021]

very informative the way you conduct your work ,not to much talk but a lot of information.

[@abhilashma04]

Nice and clear............ wonder full job Mr:Schrodingers Box

[@dham99]

Very helpful indeed! I often have people asking me, 'how do you know so much about cars?!'...i answer back "I dont." Logical deductions, educated guesses, process of elimination. Air, Fuel, Spark. The only things a typical car needs to run properly. Intermittent, all the time, when did you notice, etc are all basic questions that eliminate almost 90% of what the issues you'll test could be. I get Chiltons for my cars but for the most part just start tearing into things....videos like yours have been my education for years and I've even made plenty of my own 'how-to' threads on forums similar to this... to hell with the haters, they'll never amount to anything car related and if they dog do-it-yourselfers in videos like yours, they're not really the enthusiasts they claim to be! I stumbled across this video researching my 2016 Focus ST (performance stuff), but glad i did. Cheers and keep on doing what you do!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks man. You nailed it- almost every video is the first time I have ever seen a particular car much less the problem with the car. Its the process, not the experience that allows accurate diagnosis.

[@rolandespinoza2]

Please do more video like this. I'm new to your channels best of luck man.

[@messer7bc]

Easy, simple one. I've been here, anyway. ;) BTW. Very nice call for voltage drop as one of possibility. I smiled at this moment ;)

[@paulbuckley3349]

I like your channel the best, great logical direction and results.

[@sirchristopher7684]

Dude, you are an absolute badass at diagnostics and you make it understandable as well.

[@SchrodingersBox]

thank you. My hope is exactly that- to make it so anyone can do it. And they can!!

[@drummerdnoneya5604]

You have a lot of knowledge mate. I’m a qualified automotive technician and you have a lot more knowledge than most that I’ve worked for or with!. Keep up the great work mate🍻

[@SchrodingersBox]

Much appreciated!

[@derekckuo]

I learned a lot from this, well done!

[@whitetiger8652]

Excellent diagnosis.

[@hooplernono7033]

Really ,thank you for your extra work! I hope your channel will rise up!

[@thrillbywill]

This guy is awesome. Great video bud and lots of good info. Keep up the good work.

[@bubbagreensmith7174]

Forget the naysayers... awesome job!!! 😊

[@crishernandez7017]

you are the best and jimthecarguy and fordtechmakuloco your videos are the best tanks

[@oibal60]

Superb! Inertia fuel cut-off is another 'quick check' (for me). When I crank I check for a slight movement on the tacho - to 'quickly' verify the crank position sensor.

[@707SonomaComa]

Fantastic video. Full of information in a short amount of time. I didn't have to fast forward through any of it. Now I gotta check an old car, 1989 Mercury Tracer with 401,000 miles on it, for a no spark. Just totally died while driving it. I need to see if you have a video on that. I purchased a new distributor & coil because they are a few days out once ordered. I need to diagnose before installing them.

[@james697218]

i think this guys video is just as important as all the mechanic video,s i watch. so please dont thumbs down mechanics, we are just as important to you as dr,s are to you, everyone sees a dr, and everyone sees a mechanic from time to time so be nice, if you dont think its right or you dont like this guys video you dont have to watch ,,

[@stefcio007]

Thanks for the video, I learnt something today.

[@geekdiymechanic4539]

Good job. I was expecting spark. My Focus had an ignition control short to ground. The control line rubbed through insulation on egr tube and, of course, pulled down circuit and fried the coil. The coil had a big crack in its bottom. Thanks for posting.

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

Tell me you a Car Genius without telling me you a Car Genius....👍👍

[@5e34nut]

Amazing diagnostics keep them coming

[@SchrodingersBox]

More to come!

[@holyman7820]

you right I follow your channel and you help me a lot. I do mechanic most are my cars or family and friends, you should have millions of subscribers you teach really good I just replace fuel pump of my dodge 2500 v10 thank you for all your teaching

[@dreamer2355]

Another great video! If i have a crank no start at work with no sounding fuel pump prime (vehicle dependent), my go to tools are usually a dead blow and a test light lol

[@SchrodingersBox]

dreamer2355 Nothing wrong this the dead blow test! But is it bad fuel pump or are you shaking up a loose ground to the frame? Still need to directly test the pump to be 100%

[@dreamer2355]

Absolutely! But if it starts, it makes it easier pulling it into the bay!

[@nicklisn]

Love your videos, very informative and to the point. I've learned quite a few things from you, thank you.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks man!

[@Znobyrd]

Great video, thanks. Trying to diagnose no start on '99 Mazda 626.

[@scottytvedt7614]

Very HeLpfuL ! Thanks for that testing.

[@marleythechameleonandherbi2724]

Easter to drop the tank than remove the child seat. LOL I'm with you man! Awesome videos!

[@greygoosemafia]

GREAT video man. thank you

[@Geekdiymechanic]

Well done. And congratulations on your channel's success.

[@SchrodingersBox]

GeekDIYMechanic Thanks Geeky!

[@DavidMartin-wq5pn]

Matt, I bought a new Focus the first year they came out and in the next two years had Ford replace the fuel pump five times. Kind of like the Takada air bag story. Love your chanel. Dave

[@automaintenancesupplyalfon7022]

Good video matt !

[@mrghiax]

Great fast clean diagnosis. Puzzled by the 17 thumbs down - I couldn't see anything wrong with your explanations and methods at all Matt. As the saying goes "you can't help some people"

[@SchrodingersBox]

+mrghiax Exactly. Many of the thumbs down are from "over the hill" professional mechanics that realized their vacuum gauge and dwell meter are useless in today's world and the fact a DIY can work on computer controlled vehicles frustrates them. I see it all the time. Others just thumbs down because the video is longer than 3 minutes. And others, believe it or not, are just trolls that actually subscribe to my channel and thumbs down the instant I make a new release despite the fact they watch and learn from the entire video!

[@wysetech2000]

Another logical diagnosis to a problem. Awesome job, Matt.

[@SchrodingersBox]

wysetech2000 It's the only way to go, eh!

[@wysetech2000]

Schrodingers Box As a Canadian, I would say that's right eh! {:-)

[@SchrodingersBox]

wysetech2000 Or would you say it's "aboot right"

[@wysetech2000]

Well, maybe some of us.

[@twest0011]

I love you man , straight and to the point and very well understood , we both think along the same level but you got me beat on some things , love your vids and i watch hous of them , god bless you and keep going

[@SchrodingersBox]

Tim Westminster ALL people with critical thinking skills think the "same". The difference really becomes knowledge, not thinking strategy. This channel is designed to give people such as yourself the knowledge to "plug into" your already existing critical thinking strategy so you can cover all the bases.

[@danielcorrea8885]

Perfect this is the most understanding video I see with all explanation from the beginning and finish thanks recommended

[@SchrodingersBox]

Great to hear!

[@tiitsaul9036]

I do like the fast flowing format.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Tiit Saul Me too- I can see after 10 no starts it would be cumbersome to re-explain how to do the testing and what to look for each time.

[@gonzgarr1592]

great job love the way you think

[@billlincoln6087]

Good job, good training.

[@juniorreds9495]

Great job well done step by step process for someone who say that he not a auto mechanic by profession did a fan good job ,I having the same came car problem but after watching this I comfortable I can fix this problem You get a five star rating

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thank you!!!

[@Dr.LessCharacter]

Ur not a Mechanic? Uhh ur better than most Technicians!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Well thank you! Been doing this as a hobby about 10yrs now

[@johnpavon799]

Great Video as usual thanks again for the TIPS!

[@djjammindave]

ARE YOU A TEACHER OR INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE? CERTAINLY YOU SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE. YOUR VERBIAGE AND EXPLANATIONS ARE RIGHT ON POINT. EXCELLENT VIDEO.

[@ngl-kd7tn]

Excellent video.

[@SchrodingersBox]

ngl777777 Thanks bro!

[@cesardeluna4560]

Thanks for the teaching and your pacience for comunicate your knowledge brother 🙏👍

[@SchrodingersBox]

So nice of you!

[@stevespeck3586]

"If you're anything like me - and my apologies if you are...". I nearly jettisoned my English tea over my English monitor... Great work Matt, I can lose a lot of time on this channel. Time well-lost in my view.

[@donniechamberlain1074]

thanks man that helped me out alot i got my focus running thanks again

[@movingupautodiagnostics8645]

Matt, by using a paper clip, which terminals do I jump in a relay? Switch side or it depends on circuit design?

[@SchrodingersBox]

You want to do as I did and validate the design first to make sure you are not bypassing the load and short circuiting the system causing damage.

[@movingupautodiagnostics8645]

+Schrodingers Box bypass the load you mean the fuel pump in this case?

[@peterdatechmen5506]

nice vid, enjoy the clarity. Wish all on call outs and garages followed this 101 procedure. I usually teach my apprentices and staff to give the tank a few wacks while ign on or someone cranking,often pump will actuate and verify quickly a fuel pump fault. (of cause ensuring brake on and out of gear or in park!)

[@SchrodingersBox]

+Peter datechmen How do you confirm if the whacks indicate it was the pump vs wiring?

[@chadcohoon8867]

as always just awesome matt well done sir !!

[@SchrodingersBox]

+Chad Cohoon Thanks bro- Happy Thanksgiving!

[@gst69man]

real time rocks. congrats.

[@Sandbag1300]

One of the best parts of this video is at 0:58 when the car comes off the flatbed truck. That is priceless. The next time it comes out of your garage it is diagnosed and fixed if the owner has the funds. Has to make you feel great.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Sandbag1300 Yes it is satisfying. That tow truck driver is Joe- coolest dude ever. My driveway is VERY sloped, he perfectly lines up the cars so they just drop right into the garage so I don't have to figure out how to push them up the hill. Most every other driver will just drop it in the driveway at best. Takes him longer but he gets regular business from me.

[@defconone1498]

I"m having a no crank/no start problem but there is a fast ticking sound (from the starter). My problem is highly likely to be the battery and I'm waiting for a boost (my car had the windows open last night and it rained so a short somewhere probably drained my battery). In the meantime, I watched this video and I am so impressed with your skills not only with the mechanics but your ability to explain in common language. I would heed your warning and never touch the relays but I am learning about the general functioning of the engine. Thank you so much for your videos and I will subscribe and I've learned so much already.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Private Netizen Your possibilities for that situation are bad relay, bad battery, bad starter/solenoid or voltage drop at the starter. I have videos on all of these so solving your problem is assured.

[@kakalala09]

Great video. Just subscribed to your channel. I am trying to educate myself on vehicle maintenance, and your videos look like they'll do a pretty damn good job. Keep up the good stuff!

[@SchrodingersBox]

kakalala09 Technically, I don't cover maintenance very much- mostly advanced diagnostics and repair. I only really have a few maintenance videos from my early days and I have since swayed away from that.

[@arcdraw]

I just had a no start this week on my Mazda 3. My fiancé would turn the key and nothing would happen. The cabin light wouldn't dim so I had a feeling that the starter was not getting power. Quick check of the wire lead me to a bad starter. A few taps on the starter with a wrench got it going enough to get it home. Before I even thought about calling the part store I performed the voltage and resistance checks to be 100% that the starter was the issue. Used your technics (minus the power probe, which is on my list by the way) and confirmed the wiring was not the issue. Changed he starter and it's been running great. Thanks for taking the time to make these diagnosis videos! Oh and GO BILLIKENS!!!

[@SchrodingersBox]

arcdraw That's exactly how I would have done it!

[@arcdraw]

That's great to hear. I'm on my way to being in the 2%!

[@mikepratali5582]

arcdraw Nope that is "has joined" to the 2%. You have arrived with DVOM in hand and for some reason a brown cardboard box?

[@SchrodingersBox]

Agreed with Mike! people don't properly diagnose things by accident. They may guess right, but not diagnose right. You clearly "get it" arcdraw!!

[@arcdraw]

Thanks for the worm welcome, guys!

[@hruiz31]

Great job,love your videos.very helpfull save me a lot a money and learn a ton with your videos,thanks for your valuable info

[@stefanmannn]

Im so happy I found your channel!! subbed

[@SchrodingersBox]

+stefan fann I'm happy too!

[@christianobrien4465]

Absolutely excellent video presentation!!!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Glad you liked it!

[@christianobrien4465]

@@SchrodingersBox same problem I’m having with my daughters 2002 focus de sedan automatic. Car just stopped dash went black. Our mechanic changed the ignition coil wires and plugs called us and said.. “runs like a new one”! So we went paid $500 plus $127 towing and about a mile from his shop my wife turned a corner into our neighborhood and same problem car shut down. Another $127 for more towing. Then a call from mechanic stating he ordered a new PCM. A few days later he called again daid he installed it. Car started but after 5 min running he said “the new coil shorted out because of new computer so… he bought another computer and another new coil. Now it runs great but he said when he went to test drive it the transmission won’t shift past 2nd gear so he said he’ll keep “hunting down” the problem. So as of today Monday 01/30/2023 the car is sitting at his shop still… the focus NEVER had any problems. I live in Georgia so ZERO RUST shiny perfect paint perfect interior engine and trans are excellent the car is beautiful.. literally like new. 118,400 miles (my wife barely drive the damn thing. Just sad and down is all

[@SchrodingersBox]

Sorry to hear, sounds like a terrible ordeal.

[@smoothskiing2000]

excellent channel bro .... a lot of great info on your vids.. cheers from a DIY garage fab guy

[@SchrodingersBox]

B Cage Thanks bro, welcome!

[@davidessien5465]

Thank you great engineer

[@petethecat9862]

Muy educativo ! exellent work.

[@felipetampieri]

Thanks a lot man! Perfect!🤙