DEAD After $3k in Suspension Work?? (Mazda CX-7 Turbo)

Why did I take on this job on a Friday afternoon?
Got called in on a 2007 Mazda CX-7 no-crank.
Actually, it hasn't cranked in a YEAR, ever since another shop performed $3,000 worth of suspension repairs?? This is NUTS!!
Lots of modules OFFLINE, it keeps blowing a fuse, and service information is very lacking.
This one might take a little longer than expected to diagnose...
KINGBOLEN K10 (Updated THINKTOOL PROS) **ONLY $940 with COUPON!!**
www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW8B4D9Y?...
ASTRO AMP CLAMP:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTCMWLB?...
2-CHANNEL POCKET OSCILLOSCOPE (much better than UScope):
www.amazon.com/dp/B0B497T6HR?...
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@chuckvoss9344]

Seems like the first shop should be held responsible for the repair costs.

[@2nickles647]

No proof. It's all hearsay.

[@BobSmith-mj7ik]

I agree 100 percent. The car was running when it got there but not when it left.

[@fredmalito9869]

Yeah, I would be taking them to court for certain!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Not sure why the owner waited for a year and then decided to scrap the car 🤔🙄

[@alansoccer2003]

​@@PineHollowAutoDiagnosticsprobably didn't want to spen the money in court

[@volvo09]

I think you are right about a reverse jump start... Alternator shorting out is pretty much guaranteed, and if that's all that goes bad you get lucky. Must have been a real competent shop that did that work :)

[@RK-kn1ud]

The second you were able to determine that the short was through the module instead of the wiring (and multiple failed modules) I immediately figured there was a reverse polarity event in the car's past. Glad to know that everyone seems to believe that as well.

[@rodx5571]

I saw it on many chryslers. PT cruiser came in, no start. Needed a battery to start, Determined bad PCM. Why? he hooked battery charger backwards to charge bad battery. I did the diag, and the repair and advised he needed a timing belt too. He declined. Had it towed in 2 weeks later for a "fuel pump". Just quit on the highway. I checked, yep belt broke, Not a fuel pump.

[@eddiereichel9354]

I personally do not remove the battery cables when welding. The problem is not that they leave the battery hooked up. The problem is that they do not put the ground in proper location. Say your welding broken exhaust manifold bolts. You have to put the ground on the head itself. Not the engine block. If your welding exhaust it has to be on exhaust close to what your welding. If you ground something else and then the current finds its way by any means possible and the result is what your dealing with.

[@rodx5571]

I watched someone weld a REAR shock perch under a Lincoln. He hooked ground wrong and set the master cylinder under the hood on fire. He put ground where it grounded through brake lines. The lines are insulated from front to back with little plastic retainers to the car body. I have seen some weird stuff.

[@pootthatbak2578]

Not so sure about that. Not saying your method is wrong, im saying modern integrated circuit technology is waay more fragile than you think. Semiconductors are vulnerable to certain frequency and high voltage spikes. When you are arcing and sparking down there, those sparks are actually very high voltage spikes lasting from milliseconds to nanoseconds. These spikes have electromagnetic pulses that radiate outwards and can randomly induce currents into unshielded circuitry. Worse case you blow up a circuit. You could also be injecting minor damage to semiconductor material..damage known as " latent defects" a latent defect can be physical damage to semiconductor junctions in transistors diodes, mosfets, and others. This latent defect may not disable the circuit, but degrades the component and decreases its reluability or lifespan. All semiconductors have limits to outside electrical impulses, feedback, arcing and sparking..can only take so many zaps😢

[@eddiereichel9354]

I can tell you that I work on modern cars and obviously not welding a rusty exhaust on a 2018 but in my experience I have never unhooked a battery to weld an exhaust. I am also using a newer welder that is inverter I think. I am using a dc mig process. Welding with an ac flux core welder may be different because it uses a higher voltage. I guess I could have clarified that depending on the process and voltage used. Actually leaving battery hooked up IMHO is better becasue the battery can act as a sponge to soak up those currents. Again if you ground it properly I think it doesnt matter.@@pootthatbak2578

[@truracer20]

If a shop caused this by jump starting it backwards then shame on them, mistakes happen but you need to have the integrity to acknowledge that you made a mistake and make it right. I started out working as a mechanic and I made mistakes but I acknowledged them and fixed them, after a while I decided that I didn't care for life on a creeper and got into building trades. I made mistakes there as well and again I acknowledge them and fix them. Hiding a mistake is no different than stealing in my mind. My customers don't pay me for mistakes they pay me for a properly completed job. When I train newcomers that is what I drill into them. And to reinforce this I am brutal in critiquing sloppy work, especially sloppy shortcuts by supposed "professionals". I want trainees to have a sense of pride in their work, I want them to dread being shamed.

[@marlinknable3543]

Love your work!!! What is that small scope?

[@JimMW1956]

I was feeling pretty good about tracking down a broken wire on my driver's door power window...until I see you taking a car that is totally dead and systematically disconnecting and tracing circuits and finding out where the problem is, or multiple problems are. Cars have gotten way too complex for Joe Shadetree to diagnose these things anymore. Love watching your videos.

[@oldfag_adventures]

nothing's too hard with a bit of patience

[@fieldsofomagh]

The replacement alternator was the evidence needed to indicate a reversal of polarity. So easy but so disastrous. 3K and no wheels is getting serious. Very good auto detection work with no traceability to hand. Feel sorry for the customer but made the right call. All in all, a very satisfying result with a minimum of tech.

[@Sandmansa]

Wow! So, this customer is out 3K and gave up on the car? I can only assume that this shop wanted to charge the customer for their incompetence. As I see it, the shop that caused the damage to those modules when they jumped the car wrong, should be liable for replacing said modules. Not the customer. That's crazy.

[@mgherter]

"Where would you go next" as the dumpster comes into frame. Yep. About sums it up.

[@gutsngorrrr]

I'm assuming the original shop that caused all the damage, didn't take any responsibility for what they did.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

They probably charged the customer for a new alternator too 😂

[@mikeburdi3464]

​@@PineHollowAutoDiagnosticsfr Lmao.

[@MarketingCoachKen]

Great story with not so happy ending for the owner. 3K and my car goes to the junkyard? You can't always win. So hard for people to find a reliable repair shop. Worst part of owning a car or truck is the maintenance and repair nightmares.

[@michaelgleason4791]

Yeah I do all of my own work on the family fleet, and there's definitely times I get stumped and would prefer to take it to a professional. But then I remember some shoddy dealer work done to my car before I bought it, so I just press on the best I can.

[@LesReeves]

@@michaelgleason4791 Iam lucky that I am a retired mechanic but now with the new vehicles I sometimes struggle & Iam lucky to have a great mechanic to bend his ear for possible causes & solutions.Got a dead one in the gutter at the moment ,been raining so Iam sitting impaciently waiting for the rain to stop.Cheers.

[@maubunky1]

You live for the challenge Ivan. "Not the victory, but the action. Not the goal, but the game. In the deed the glory."

[@dominicwebb8000]

Great video again, 1st thing I thought of was a welding spike. Your fault finding is once again exceptional, and your suggestion of a jumper pack issue spot on. one way to sometimes prove a battery live and negative swap is to look at the wiper motor, they automatically run backwards on a misconnection, this breaks the parking contacts in the wiper, the result is that when hooked up correctly the wipers won’t auto park when activated.

[@albutterfield5965]

Ivan the Healer will lay hands on the car and breathe new life into it, well I guess I spoke too soon LOL

[@kevinbyrne4538]

I admire your persistence.

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Ivan, thanks for taking us through this. We appreciate your diagnosis. Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for Sharing!

[@petepeabody8905]

just amazing. thank you Ivan

[@kyletuttle9064]

Great diag love watching you figure these out.thanks for sharing

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

Good job, Ivan I really feel for the customer. Pity the muppets who caused all this damage couldn't pay for it.

[@jimbriggs70]

If I ever have a similar situation I feel after watching this video I can confidently attempt the diagnosis myself. Just one little caveat II All I need is notice of when you will be in the Tidewater Area of Virginia to fix what I end up destroying in my attempt.

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

😂

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Yeh Ivan you have a lot of great case studies and this was one. Nice work!!

[@jgeorges3061]

IVAN, Pleasure watching ur video as always thanks for sharing.

[@Val-mm5gd]

Ivan you are the most consistent and patient person I have ever seen on KZbin….keep up the good work love seeing your videos 😊

[@PiffleMasterYT]

Well done Ivan, too bad it won't see the road again, but excellent job troubleshooting. Cheers!

[@konstantinusstoyanov9749]

Deep stuff, excellent study case for us , thank you

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Ivan.

[@jeremyah78]

Awesome stuff Ivan! Unplugging bulk connectors for direction was a perfect way to handle that! I’ll be keeping that little trick in my back pocket!😉

[@richarddunn4045]

Great video, Ivan.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I agree. The first shop screwed up, should pay for all damages and reimburse customer for car's worth before they started their work! Good one Ivan.

[@jacobuszwanenburg1629]

Patience of yours is great man !! No oem data but some good test equip and your patience !! Atta go

[@pmkstudios]

Ivan thanks to your patient trouble shooting example in all your videos I managed to diagnose a no heat condition on my car that cost me nothing more that a new ratchet set to fix. (turned out to be a tired heater valve) I would not be able to charge by the hour like you for many years but the money that is still in my pocket is much appreciated. Thanks!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Awesome! 😎👍

[@zx8401ztv]

That's a real shame :-( , that shop should have taken the Responsibility, it worked before they worked on it.

[@JA-rc4uy]

That’s a shame, I would have love to see the final repairs and car start and drive. But after 1 year and $3000, I can’t blame the owner for not wanting to spend any more on it. Great video!

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

Personally I think the owner's an idiot. A person spends $3,000 on suspension because they intend to keep that car as a long term proposition. After being told "NOW that we've taken it to a COMPETENT repair shop (that calls in PGAD if needed) we've fixed most of the other problems except it needs 2 new computer modules, used ones probably cost $400 and it will go for sure". To which the owner goes "No, scrap it". So it's cost him whatever money he had in the car, plus the $3,000 for a whole heap of suspension work, plus whatever other costs, but for not wanting to pay $400 more, he's gonna sell it for scrap for like $1,000 ? Maybe "Samcrac" or "100% Jake" will buy this at auction having paid just a thousand dollars for it , find out it needs just a few hundred dollars of used computer modules and have a great running new 4 wheel drive waggon for the Winter, and hey, brand new alternator, no flat batteries on snowy days LOL. Note when Samcrac gets a snowy day, we'are all in trouble.

[@dcomputers]

What must of happen is the owner is tired of hearing it needs something else after one repair or attempted repair.

[@rhkips]

Oh dang, that was a good one! Always fun when you have multiple problems stacking on top of each other like that., and no service info to boot!

[@jamesofallthings3684]

Firing alternators at no starts.... things like this help up my confidence a bit.

[@eddiereichel9354]

8:26 That beep beep. Iv had launch scan tool for 5 years now. Heard that beep beep million times.

[@robinsonsauto]

Really great case study Ivan! I like how you used a test light I place of the fuse to chase a short to ground. I’d assume some circuits depending on the load can potentially light the bulb but for the most part this Is a great tool for the Arsenal thanks for Sharing!

[@georgebeuselinck9255]

Great use of the test light instead of blowing fuses.... Best lesson I have learned from you so far... I'm building a collection of test lights for my toolbox.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I ❤️ Test lights 😁

[@brianw8963]

Though it was not a good turnout for the Mazda or the owner, it was very interesting and a great lesson. Surely there is a u pull it somewhere with the parts if someone had the time and ambition, but it is what it is. None the less , great stuff as always. Nice work Ivan. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@Markb8608]

Such a simple approach its mindboggeling.Thanks so much for your videos. Geat benefit to DIY professionals. loL Are you getting the new updated thinktool pros?

[@GS-lh2nx]

That poor car smells like dirt and frustration. Man Ivan you are a master at this.

[@jordysandino6577]

Great video Ivan as always. Next time you run into something like the owner want to get rid off it lmk cuz specially after the great diag that you did what is left is a pice of cake . I will buy it no question ask I will fix it . Thank you sir

[@anonymuswere]

this is what we THOUGHT happened to a Jeep I bought last October when I went to have a new battery put in. that same Jeep *is what started me watching all you guys' channels!* turned out a popped fusible link (which i didn't even know they were *still using in cars*) saved all the electronics. the only casualty was the radio fuse. unfortunately, said Jeep, which I just saw today at work, needed more mechanical work than electronic work...and no one will touch it becuse of its age and mileage.

[@Andy-ir1sj]

You need a Hazmat suit to work in these toilets Jeezzz !!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

I replaced an engine in one of those that was destroyed by an oil change place that just replaced the turbo. It was a terrible job to do. Thanks Ivan!

[@GarnConstructionInc]

Nice work! just a couple of modules away?? A 2007 with low miles might clean up but that was rough.

[@baxrok2.]

Quite a mess. Thanks Ivan!

[@simonjones7785]

It is amazing to still hear people fire an alternator at a non crank non start / no self education at work here

[@scrappy7571]

For tracking down dead shorts, or open wires I've been using a Fluke pro 3000 probe and tone generator. It sends a signal into the circuit, and follow along with the probe to see where the short or open is. Using a amp clamp, the conduit has to be opened up, and risk making the problem go away.

[@wackey3455]

good call ivan

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Great diagnostic, Ivan! Most junkyard cars look more pristine than that Mazda. Great effort, only to be thrown out by the customer - why did he wait so long to make a decision. I think the first shop has a big responsibility - they created the problem but, after a year, how is customer going to complain? A serious diagnostic does not always lead to a happy ending.

[@LesReeves]

Maybe it was a play thing purchase & the owner was working on it when he had money but Iam pretty sure he was not prepared for someone to damage it that badly (reason for this comment it was a turbo).

[@boilertech44]

Great video Ivan, please take some time and explain your test light in more detail and where you get the connectors. Are those from a power probe? Thanks!

[@jamespn]

Mazda CX-7 Turbo, you have my sympathies.

[@yourmazdasource]

Jajaja let me just mention a few of the common problems on these Mazda #1turbo assy #2 vvt actuator and timing chains #3 transfer case leaks and noises #4 rear diff leaking and noises #5 timing cover leaks And so on Thank god they stop making it I work on Mazda for the past 24 years and I never saw a Mazda with so many common problems . Great diag Ivan And good decision by the cust when he decide to scrapped

[@robbflynn4325]

Good job Ivan. Every time I think about getting rid of my gas hog 2004 Sequoia i watch one of your videos. Yes its heavy on gas but I spend zero on anything other than (gas), and parts for routine maintenance. 180,000 miles and pulls like a train.

[@LesReeves]

The first shop sounds like a backyard setup simply because any registered place of business should have checked the polarity berore jump starting the vehicle even if it was an apprentice someone at a registered business would have checked that persons work.I know that when I was doing mine (apprenticeship) that was one of the first things drilled into me CHECK YOUR TERMINALS BEFORE ADDING JUICE was my teachers comment everytime I went to jump a vehicle.Cheers Ivan.

[@cullenmiller8170]

Nice video and diagnosis. I guess no parts required after all. 😂😂

[@MA-kt8ly]

To get rid of ABS light, try doing steering sweep, lock to lock

[@GreyRockOne]

Nice work Ivan, glad you're wearing gloves... I'd be in a hazmat suit as well... better yet, I'd walk away from that trash heap..

[@major__kong]

Some devices have reverse polarity protection. I wonder what it would take to do it at the battery before it hits the fuse block or at the fuse block / TIPM before it hits the branch circuits.

[@sublimationman]

When you got started I just knew you were going to find a pinched wire from the other repairs. I have had to snoop out pinched and welded wires in the past (no fancy scanners, just s Power Probe and a little knowledge).

[@jerryking2418]

brilliant. Your hypothesis is likely correct.

[@USA047]

thanks

[@daviddasilva4897]

I add a car like that,after about 9 hours of work got it back to life,my car was jump starter reverse polarity,it took out tcm,burn a few wires and a feww fuses,it was a honda civic 2019,was at a body shop

[@claytoncoolidge992]

U should have borrowed it before it left for scrap and stuck the tcm in it. Though it should be able to be bypassed as the only thing that it's missing from the tcm to atleast start is the nuteral safety switch so should have been able to supply 12v to the starter and seen it crank if not start and run

[@munthirkhan1217]

I wouldn't have been able to diagnose this one even with the same available tools, kudos to you Ivan

[@xeroidkid]

Ivan, great work again… Surly it wasn’t up to the customer to say ‘scrap the car’, it should have been the garage who caused the damage in the first place to make it right. By scrapping the car the garage who caused the problem has got off ‘Scott free’ …. Must admit… I would have been tempted to remove the module and check them on my bench back at the ranch. Just for the hell of it. After all if the car goes for scrap it wouldn’t have mattered if a few modules were missing would it!

[@brendoncobey6034]

You just too good.

[@thargoid666]

It seems like the PCM was possibly bad too, it had a P0606 "ECM/PCM processor" code as well

[@herrkiwi3110]

Unusual for a Japanese model to suffer such damage from a reverse polarity jump start, normally they are well protected and can survive without major damage. Interesting as always, thanks for sharing.

[@davidnull5590]

Was there a lawyer involved in the recent discussions? Sounds like it. Ivan, thanks for the video - nice diagnosis.

[@rodx5571]

I havent seen that so much for Mazdas, but i have seen it on Chryslers REPEATEDLY. Had a 4.7 dakota come in. Customer drove it home, shut it off, wouldnt start again. He took 7 shots with the parts cannon to the tune of 1000$ in parts. Cranked it until the battery was dead. Tried again a week later. Then towed it to us. I tried to scan it, no communication. Checked powers and grounds. Bad computer. Replaced computer, I could communicate, but still no start. I started a second diagnosis, Checked data, cam/crank sync data PID, said no sync while cranking. Scoped the cam sensor, no signal. Put a sensor on it, fire right up. That truck needs can sensor for starting ONLY. It failed, didnt know it until restart. Customer had hooked up jumper cables backward and turned on the key. Fried computer. My diag an repair was only 500$ He threw 1000$ at it in parts hoping. He changed everything he could see, But that cam sensor is below valve cover on right side of engine out of sight.

[@mph5896]

Yeah, if you don't pay close attention to what you are doing you can easily add in variables that are tough to figure out. A few weeks ago I pinched a wire on an oil pan job. I though it was an intermittent problem flaring up that got worse, but it was my doing.

[@rodx5571]

I did that putting a transmission in a stretch limo on the ground. I was much younger then. I caught an O2 sensor wire between engine and transmission.. It was harness side, so yeah it sucked.

[@The_Redkween]

Ivan! Awesome diagnosis with such little schematic support!

[@joeandgod1]

I worked on a molested mazda once, where someone stuck something up it's tailpipe. That car was never the same after that😭

[@kyferez1]

definitely the customer needs to file in small claims court against the first shop.

[@jtjones4727]

I guess you have to be careful doing any kind of welding on these newer cars that are filled with modules. Any time I've ever had to do any welding on a vehicle I always make sure I have a very good and clean ground with the welder, and that it's placed as close to the area I'm welding as possible to keep any voltage spikes from getting somewhere they shouldn't be. I'm guessing that Mazda was rusted out pretty bad and needed some structural repair to keep it on the road. I'm glad I live in the south far from the rust belt.

[@lawrencecavens5760]

Ivan { you are A Genius } I sure hope the customer thanked you for your proper diagnoses. but What a shame and waste from making a big boo BOO of reverse connection from the first shop which should be held responsible to that customer ...

[@cypeman8037]

I've been watching a lot of your videos since Eric O recommended you. Do you get any cars running?

[@jamesward5721]

I've welded & plasma-cut on endless vehicles - hundreds. Not blown a module ever. Touch wood. I did wonder when you first said "welding..." Ivan.

[@dcomputers]

The first shop will never admit to reversing the jumper cables. Well the worker won't admit.

[@nicholasmelfi4684]

I have had 2 Nissan's in the last month that a bad battery caused this much damage. I was lucky with only ECM's with both, but welding marks on both vehicles battery terminals.

[@oldbatwit5102]

The wiring diagrams are available free online as PDF's for viewing or download. This won't help in your using your electronic diagnostic gear but they are there.

[@greg778123]

At 20;36 And knowing that they changed alternator my guess is Shop hooked battery up backwards and blew out some electronics Watching the rest to see if I get it right I’d bet radio is also doa Probably a diode in transmission control

[@adotintheshark4848]

Did Mazda not supply wiring diagrams? How did AllData get a redraw? I thought cars had a diode in series with the battery to prevent reverse polarity? Maybe not all do.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Where would I go next is to the scene of the crime - the suspension work. I wonder if there's a wheel speed sensor wire routed wrong and smashed between bits of new suspension, or a damaged harness near the top of the strut tower.

[@jimforsyth2.]

Do to all the suspension work i would go to the abs module

[@blueribb99]

Why did the owner go that far and give up? Were the modules that expensive? Did the original shop repay any money to the owner? Lots of questions..............

[@ericstepans3742]

Many years ago, I dealt with an E36 BMW which would not shut the engine off when the key was turned off. Everyone where I worked said ,"Oh, it needs an ignition switch. Just order one. Why are you still trying to diagnose it?" Half an hour later or so, I determined that the instrument cluster had an internal short between a "hot in start/run" circuit and a "constant battery power" circuit. A replacement cluster fixed the issue. There was nothing wrong with the ignition switch. It's a shame so few technicians understand how to do this kind of diagnosis.

[@wood42shed]

Was that Haresfield? I was walking up there yesterday but didn't see anyone.

[@geoepi321975]

Hi Ivan, can't this car be working without these two modules

[@kevinguest5770]

What software download would recommend 2010 dodge journey 2.4 vvt Thanks for the help Watch every video

[@jacobuszwanenburg1629]

Welding ! Uh oh that can cause serious troubles if the battery wasnt disconnected during . Boosting can damage too these days tho.

[@denisivanovs5465]

Hi Ivan, are you using Carmin app? Tons of wiring diagrams there, including for this Mazda model

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Never heard of it...

[@mikeboone4425]

Where would I go next, to the detailer so I don't catch something .

[@nickchannel5364]

Lmao

[@jessicav2031]

"ECM/PCM Processor" code? Sounds like they damaged the PCM as well!

[@drunkingsailor2359]

My first question to myself was,,did this thing get hit with lightning, well no but close, welding is the same effect ie strong current surge.

[@gillgetter3004]

Reverse polarity jump start? It can and will fry stuff😬

[@likearockcm]

Maybe the owner struck a deal with the original shop for all or part of the repair cost and then he wanted to see if it was a cheap repair to get it running ,then decided to junk it.

[@happy543210]

It's probably one of those Ford- Mazda toilets. Owner made a good choice scrapping it but a bad choice buying it.

[@akaitv6606]

There 4 components that can cause similar issues that I'd disconnect 1 by 1 ABS unit Alternator feed Starter feed Bose amp feed The biggest issue with the cx7 turbo is the Big end journals going bad causing a zoom zoom kaboom fault .

[@LesReeves]

Think that was when Ford was still supplying the engines (the boom boom).not sure though.

[@modquad18]

Would love to know what susp components were replaced for the $3k