Dodge Charger: No Tail Lights & ABS / Trac Lights On

In this video I check out a 2016 Dodge Charger that came in with a customer complaint of no left tail lights and his ABS Trac light is on. Are they related? Looking at it with the Autel we quickly see they are two separate issues. Let's have a look. -Enjoy!
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South Main Auto Repair
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

*UPDATE:* Customer returned later for the repairs. The right rear axle was replaced along with a new pigtail and light. He also had me install 4 new TPMS sensors to clone his summer wheels. All the lights are off (and on 😉) and everyone is happy. -Eric O.

[@richardthomas1743]

Oh my , so they are keeping it. The car still could benefit from fluid film , I know that it is getting crusty but the undercoat would still help to slow down the progression of the total disintegration of the underside LOL

[@cgmoog]

No preventative left axle?

[@siduramaxde]

shame on him for not doing the left axle while the diff was out...He'll be back! and job security for SMA

[@sstrasse7931]

Bro.. you're supposed to replace those wheel-speed magnets in pairs 😉

[@dalemyers3945]

If he only had Car Shield none of this would have happened, yea right. As many commercials they have on tv they can’t pay for repairs.

[@richard1835]

This guy has taught me a lot over the years. I really appreciate you Eric. My career is better because of you. God Bless

[@ekop1778]

DODGE ARE JUNK MY 97 NEON WAS GARAGED EVERY 3 MONTHS OR SO WHY GOT A SUBIE

[@Watchman999]

@@ekop1778 cough cough head gasket cough cough

[@gingerd2098]

A couple years back I watched him for fun. Now I’m an apprentice mechanic in school learning about wiring right now. Be warned this channel may cause you to become a mechanic spontaneously!

[@JacobEcret]

@@ekop1778 how’s your head gasket?

[@alexandercopeland2849]

@@Watchman999 I know right, see them all time for sale on facebook market place with bad head gaskets.

[@SimiNelsonFamily]

Eric, hands down the best. He always teaches us how to diagnose and repair, and approaches it with honesty and sincerity. He finds the problem instead of guessing and throwing parts at the issue.

[@tyg9998]

could you reply and tell me when he starts talking about diagnose the vehicle at??

[@SimiNelsonFamily]

@@tyg9998, Eric’s diagnosis started with a scan of the systems, leading to the Body Control Module codes, followed by his research of the wiring diagram to understand how the BCM controls the lighting on the left rear and center lights. They led him to the first light in the circuit, which turned out to be the problem. A very methodical approach to discovering the problem. Eric’s videos routinely highlight his methodical approach to diagnosing issues, including extensive testing of components. Many other mechanics would venture a guess and replace parts until the problem goes away.

[@frizzlefry1921]

And just as important shows when he screws up. Nobody’s perfect regardless of what’s on social media it takes maturity to admit you made a mistake and fix it. Most people these days it’s just one denial after the next.

[@jimvanderveldt4883]

He definitely uses a smart methodical approach… not a try-agnostics parts changer. I learn something new with each video.

[@phprofYT]

19 minutes of Eric O. My day just improved 80%.

[@PistonShack]

Indeed, not only yours:) it turned just better when it even was OK:)

[@scottjohnson4319]

You have a real knack for teaching Eric, clear and no condescending attitude. Really enjoy watching your videos. All the best and keep them coming.

[@pfsantos007]

I think part of it is because he's down-to-earth and not trying to impress anybody in a classroom. Confidence from experience.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

@@pfsantos007 Yup! And funny!

[@JLange642]

First time I saw those rear side marker lamps I figured they would be a short circuit nightmare due to the proximity to the tire and slush zone. Good Job Eric!

[@LadyAnuB]

There is a permanent fix for this issue but I don't know what it costs to have the proper coating applied to this unit and wiring. (As a former fire alarm technician, I've seen plenty of ground fault troubles pop up on panels after a rain(s) as I currently witness where I live. Didn't see this fault on a new install at a gas station/market with underground wiring thanks to this wire.)

[@flyboy2610]

Love your channel, Eric! I really like the way you explain not only WHAT you're doing but WHY you're doing it! You know the old saying "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for life." Thanks for "teaching us how to fish"!

[@lugnutgmc]

Upstate NY really takes the cake for ruining cars. I thought stuff rusted in Rhode Island before I started watching SMA. My 2014 and 2016 cars look like Arizona trailer queens compared to anything Eric works on. Another great video! Thanks

[@Flinix]

Been watching your stuff for years, Eric. Always amazes me your expertise with understanding wiring diagrams and your experience telling you to chase target items first in diagnosis. I'm mechanically inclined, but boy do I strive to have that kind of experience one day. Love your stuff.

[@jobe20001]

Love your video's Always looking forward to the next one. I've always enjoyed working on cars and troubleshooting the difficult stuff. I've kept it a hobby and decided early on not to do it for a living for fear of losing that enjoyment. It's obvious you still enjoy working on cars and it shows in the quality of your work.

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

Really like your channel. I'm glad I never had to work in the rust belt. I was lead mechanic for my school district in southern california for with 98 school buses. Retired now. Keep up the great work ! Blessings 🙏

[@jmabs5096]

Rust belt is probably half the battle tbh. 20 pound sledge hammers, acetylene torch, "Big nasty" 1/2 impact and can of PB blaster is a necessity up here in Northern states!

[@privatedata665]

Changed jobs 11 years ago from Automotive Tech to Oil & Gas . Best YT channel to stay "tuned in " to Automotive Tech and Repairs is SMA . Still gotta cruise by your place sometime because I live very close . Just a drive-by , won't stop in because you are a busy guy !

[@richarddebertin6742]

Really enjoy your videos I am so amazed at your diagnostic skills. Love your great attitude. Thank you for sharing your skills with us

[@VDPEFi]

I learn so much from your videos, your logic based approach has really helped me sort some electronic issues on my wife's Mercedes, it all lead me to the ECU and that was a hard trigger to pull in terms of the cost but I stuck with what I had logically discovered and now it starts perfectly in the morning, so thanks very much!

[@flagmichael]

Sometimes what I get most out of one of your videos is a heartfelt relief that I 1) don't live in the rust belt and 2) don't have a car with access problems like that. My anxiety level was rising just watching it. I'll watch the video where you do the repairs but I'm going to cover my eyes when you get to those two evil bolts.

[@williamdyckman9704]

Eric, find the diagnostic stuff very interesting. You are such a master on it and I am trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks, for the video!!

[@rafalk964]

Man, it's been a while!!! Ivan popped like 3 videos since your last. Glad you are back

[@badchevyc76]

Eric, you have taught me lots of tricks and appreciate the encouragement words of " If I can do it, you can do it" . So far I have been servicing my vehicles for a while, saving me a lot of cash. Keep doing a great job.

[@onlyactingup]

The fuzz an oldie but a goodie, thanks Eric O. And a happy new year to you and your family my friend.

[@Stover1928]

I always learn when I watch you work. You are a great mechanic/technician and teacher.

[@rickastronomo2846]

Thanks is not enough for SMA, I'm very thankful we have South Main. Take Care and God Bless

[@busterhymen3115]

Eric I really enjoy your videos AND you have taught a very old A&P mech about modern hardware. It is nice to hear someone call an AC generator by the proper name. Almost no one understands that the word "Alternator" is simply a contraction of the words alternating current generator. Thank you

[@TarZan49]

Thank you for the great content. I just drive cars...I never knew how complex they are until SMA.

[@LadyAnuB]

There's a video he did where he was working on a 1941 model and while it is less complex electrically/electronically, it has a bunch of lubrication points on it. So you exchange code reader/setter for grease gun.

[@daniellma]

"Tell me what it's all about..." haha, the Hokey Pokey, great way to turn yourself around. You continue to amaze, and entertain...keep up the great work!

[@boatingcharlie1]

Nice job! I wish all mechanics had the logic thinking to track down the real problem. So many people just throw parts at them and have no clue.

[@robpeters5204]

Glad to see you back Mr. O!

[@mikeberry304]

I have used a 3mm pre wired led , soldered to loom when it's not available from agents , tiny drill hole through light unit , siliconed up after to seal , happy temporary/permanent repair when the customer is tight , great video Eric , it drives you man when the car shuts the circuit off and you have to cycle it every lime you test 🙃

[@within_cells]

Always a good day when there's a new electrical diag video to watch. Just in time for lunch too 😎

[@nickdagreek203]

Free education from the best shop teacher on the planet! Thanks again!!

[@user-os2es4es9y]

Once again thank you mr.o hope all is well with you and your family! Nothing but love and respect here in the burgh

[@DDD-us6uu]

Its one thing having all the right tools, but your amaziing the experience you have knowing what to do at the right time, man I wish you lived near me. 😎😎

[@ennengb2010]

I always keep an eye out for new videos from you. I really enjoy them

[@mikewilliams348]

Hoy hoy SMA post some videos I need my SMA fix ,I'm jonesing for more SMA. THank you for the channel and education

[@_zigzak]

Chrysler and GM are neck to neck in a battle for the most videos 😂

[@gatekeeper65]

Lucky guess my a%#. 41 years as a professional electronics technician, and your logic and troubleshooting skills are second to none.

[@mondragon9282]

Perfect timing, just went to lunch!

[@austinsmith5997]

Lucky bastard

[@DabblelyDiddly]

Laughed way more than I should have at you calling it a ram and catching yourself. Gold right there.

[@bruceminerly6297]

As always, great diagnostic and detective work. Gotta love one of those codes, though. "Implausible Vehicle Speed Detected"...reminds me of Spaceballs..."Ludicrous Speed!!"

[@donnovanmallen384]

Thank you so much!! Only video on KZbin that helped my issue with the tail lights!!

[@ronspencer6668]

the "fuzz", lol haven't heard that term in a while! Glad your back.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Well done, Eric. Experience and logic win! Thanks for the video.

[@JorgeLopez-ix7up]

You do know your stuff professor Eric O. Thanks for another worthwhile video.

[@billscott2472]

Great video Eric. Enjoy watching your videos

[@bradklingensmith]

I'm not a mechanic, maybe a shade tree one, but I never miss a video. Eric O is a mechanic treasure.

[@dougmiller7643]

Nothing short of a miracle worker Mr O certainly is.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Nice diag and logical thinking process Eric! Glad you went with your gut. You can’t beat experience! After your explanation of how system works, the flickering at the start makes total sense. Lights work now! Good to know about dropping diff to do cv axle on these.

[@richardclark7948]

Every day is a great day with S.M.A.!!!

[@thepaperboy9009]

Love the logic and detective work!

[@victorbellan8357]

Always learning from your videos , thanks

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Don't forget, Napper (not a sponsor) has two different rear CV axles for that car - you don't want to install the wrong one, reinstall the diff, reinstall the exhaust, weld it up, and then do the whole job again. Fab Rats, "We do it nice because we do it twice." :-)

[@robertrichardson1133]

I remember that video, suprised this one didn't give Mr O. some terrible flashbacks!😂🤣

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

@@robertrichardson1133 He's suppressing the bad memories. Can't say I blame him. 😁

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

Your method is on point fella. Thanks for the learning lesson.

[@kenpressley8420]

Great video, Eric O. Keep 'em coming.

[@RenoBusdriver]

My grandfather was a mechanic worked for the City of Reno, NV. Self taught man with no high school or college education. He told me, if you want to be mechanic, learn electronics as that is where we are headed. He was not wrong. I imagine him scratching his bald head trying to diagnose current day electrical systems.

[@AS768]

You're a truly brilliant mechanic; well done!

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

Good one mate your deduction skills are amazing.

[@flagmichael]

I'm super impressed by the combination of troubleshooting skills and patience to deal with salt damage on top of the usual "why did they bury it like this" stuff. No ordinary man, I tells ya.

[@johnweiland9389]

You have great skill at troubleshooting problems.

[@normmuelleman2570]

Thanks for the update Mr. O!!!

[@Toyotaguy999]

Gotta love brown and green connections lol, helps find the issue, great job Eric O 👍

[@2theslasher]

Good to see ya Eric

[@philmerrifield1163]

Great video dude as always love the content stay well and safe everyone. I could think of some teaching analogies but a lot of them aren't kid friendly

[@AKChryslertech]

Great video eric! I have dealt alot with that issue in those style tail lights from dodge. Most of what i see is on the durangos with the racetrack tail lights is moisture in the light assembly. They short internally and the whole damn has to be replaced.

[@tylerz9291]

After watching this I say "thank God I live in Texas!" Keep up the good work Eric O!

[@WestCoastLarry]

Oh man! I just realized I wasn't subscribed. I think it's been almost a year if not more... thanks for the content!

[@davidliebler7722]

Darn.. was hoping for a video of that repair however thank you for the diagnostic portion of it!! 👍

[@patrickzadd5215]

Eric you are my spirit animal!

[@weshawkins7165]

Another excellent video, thank you. I will be patiently waiting for the video of the removal of the rear axle.

[@garysgarage3669]

Very impressive! I trust your gut more than any shop I've been to.

[@CraigSmith568]

I remember the other video where you pulled the axle. You got it all back together and had to take it apart because they sent the wrong axle.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Don't remind me 😂

[@markh.6687]

Craig wins 10 Internets!

[@goodolddoug889]

Thanks for all your videos. I actually just used what I learned in an earlier video to diagnose a problem on my OJT. Shift interlock and most of the interior accessories wouldn't work on a Rav4, and immediately I thought "ignition switch", remembering back to you figuring that out with a (I think) Dodge Ram or F150, can't remember which truck it was. Plugged in the scantool and *boom* ignition switch stayed off unless you shook the steering column around.

[@maximejette7674]

its so nice to see someone use a autel scan tool instead of a stupid snap on.

[@chrytech636]

Great stuff as always. I always take the speed sensor out to check for the broken/missing magnet strip through the hole. 9/10 times they come right out on those (in PA, almost as bad rust wise). Also, blowing the knuckle out only takes about 10 mins and the axle slides right out. No reason to take exhaust/diff off. I have had several of those race track tail lights fill up with water and throw the same codes. good job using your 6th sense and going straight for the marker lol.

[@Eastahtata]

Yeah not sure what the reasoning is for pulling the diff. Is that the way the service procedure is written?

[@rhadden8976]

You called it Lucky guesses, sounds more like wisdom to me. Thanks for sharing.

[@gregeconomeier1476]

Interesting video as always. I did miss your lunch time. Maybe that could be a regular part of all videos. 🍔🍕🍟

[@jennikimball4096]

What's up Eric I just found your videos a couple weeks ago and I can't stop watching them thank you so much for your time and effort in making these videos I have a question about the diagnostic program tool you're using that's allowing you the live readings and to manipulate circuit opened and closed what programming tool is at

[@donaldross1077]

Retired GM tech, nice job. I believe I also ran into the remove the axle problem. I torn the whole suspension loose and then dropped the differential before I got it out. What a great design. Yes I was getting into a lot of resistance wiring problems. Seems the new computers feeding power to these circuit monitor the current draw very close and shut the circuit off if it is not right. Great Job, I live in Okla. still got a lot of rusty wiring. The first Camero I ran into that told me on the dash which bulb was out??? how did it do that, smart circuits.. Don

[@LadyAnuB]

I was a fire alarm tech and system wiring monitoring has been done for likely 50+ years in this industry. Moving on to cars, you can take modern electronics and easily monitor a whole boat load of stuff as you've seen. (Fire alarm system stuff is similar given the right panel and field devices.)

[@johnds6621]

What I like about your videos is that you teach and show us stuff that one would never learn from a book or trade school. By the way once you replaced the connector did it in fact fix the issue with the rear lights?

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I like how they have the model name on the brake caliper. Must make assembly easy. Why not use a small wire brush on the threads of that axle to remove some of the rust before trying to take the nut off? I'm sure it still wont spin right off, but I've found it usually takes some of the fight out of rusted fasteners. Then again when I work on cars I save money I don't make money, so if it takes a bit longer its usually not a big deal.

[@300DBenz]

I have a wire wheel on a die grinder for doing exactly that. It also helps with tie rod adjuster nuts, swaybar endlinks, exhaust bolts, and cleaning off wheel hubs.

[@osrr6422]

@@300DBenz Little bit of lubrication of some sort (WD40, "Penetrating" oil, used motor oil, etc) helps even more when they're rusted.

[@garykirk1968]

Could just use a Milwaukee and zip it right off..

[@donquijote6030]

Eric O. has to be the best mechanic on the YT. No offense, of course, to the many other mechanics that watch his videos. Your prowess in troubleshooting is really impressive.

[@jamesterrill1938]

THANK YOU for another great video...

[@kymelefsen5276]

Hi Eric. Love watching your diagnostics videos. I was just wondering what model your Autel is that your using?.

[@miceinoz1181]

Great vid again. Must admit, I never take the rear diff out unless absolutely forced to. Mostly I remove the rear upright and links to remove the driveshaft easily. Only had a 2013 nissan Xtrail diesel fight me which made diff removal necessary. Oh, forgot to mention, I am in Australia, no such thing as salted roads here. Cars last forever.

[@lvsqcsl]

None of that had ANYTHING to do with luck......That was your experience telling you where to go, Eric. Luck is when you fire the parts cannon and it fixes the issue. I recently had body work done on my Grand Marquis and the rear air suspension was inoperable when I got the car back. The body shop had the left front fender off the car and I suspected they had to unplug the air compressor located under the air cleaner. I checked the compressor and no power. I got a wiring diagram and those yaahoos forgot to plug the harness back in. It is because of you that I knew how to do that, Eric. Great video!

[@jameswood7712]

Need to add some mirrors to the inside of the garage door would be able to see rear lights while inside car.

[@freetolook3727]

I commented on that a few videos ago. Would save a lot of running back and forth.

[@wdputman556]

Great job Eric

[@mikelancaster9930]

I love your videos

[@williampierce5615]

Thanks for knowledge.

[@joesilverbliss1721]

Impressive troubleshooting!

[@richardthomas1743]

Hello Eric ! I hope that all is good for you and Mrs O !!

[@coolasice2187]

Being a Chrysler product, and not watching the video, I'm guessing a green crusty ground or broken wire.

[@andrewtetley3883]

Great stuff as usual Eric 👍👍 Did I spot a broken earth strap hanging down by the exhaust??

[@tattoochef]

Well ill be jiggered, a FCA product with an electrical issue lol. Awesome stuff as always Mr.O!

[@richardsalaverria9363]

Great video, well explained and easy to follow. The ABS issue would have been a great Autel signal generator demonstration as I'd like to see that part of the tool being used more. Your approach was more efficient and made sense so I can't really complain.

[@skip1835]

Thanks for the reminder to steer clear of Chrysler - course the possible failure points on any brand these days is beyond my "old guy's" comprehension limit - - - a serious scan tool to figure out wiring/rust/corrosion issues? omg - - glad I left the trade for more money back in my early 20's - - Kevin, you're the man - ya make it all look easy - - and seeing as how I don't comment very often, I trust that you're taking care of your much better half - ya struck gold when she said yes.

[@echowhiskey2411]

Was that pin fretting in that connector or a short across the two pins? Anyway, this vid was pretty awesome. You're a master technician and I've been watching you for years. I'm the diagnostic tech at my semi truck dealership and your channel has given me a huge edge in electrical diagnostics over the years. Thanks for all the free education. I learn more from this channel than I did when I went to college for automotive technology. Do you have any audio system experience? Would like to see you tackle some ground loop/garble audio issues.

[@daddyphatsax304]

In that scenario...i usually just shave the key (locator tab) off with an exacto knife...especially if they are different color and the pinout is the same obviously! Thanks for sharing E! Great V-jo!

[@donmunro144]

That would work but your defeating the purpose of the tab. It would take longer to hack it up than to use a couple of jumper wires.

[@jamestoy426]

Looks like tooooo much fun nice job

[@joesalle2964]

great work keep it up

[@topmoptopmop1234]

We need you in South Carolina. No rust to deal with😊

[@guyconnell2250]

I'm only 3 1/2 minutes in. Hopefully the new Dodges don't just turn off the circuit after x number of tries like the trailer brake circuit on the 2006 Dodge Ram. In that event you have to have the TIPPM reflashed to turn the circuit back on, and you can only have it refreshed five times. Brilliant! I couldn't think of anything better. Except maybe a fuse?

[@jayjaynella4539]

Somewhere in the millions of pages of documents delivered to each car company, issued by the bureaucraps in Washington who all hate automobiles and any form of personal transportation, is a regulation that requires what you just described above. Ralph Nader never had a driver licence yet he got the Corvair put out to pasture because people did not know how to drive a rear engine rear drive car. Gotta protect people from their own stupidity.

[@MiguelMartinez-np8uo]

Great video Erick o’ as usual thanks a bunch ! Hey if you can do it we should be able to do it right ? Lol

[@sicily6740]

Always good to find an SMA video with Eric O's handsome face.