Dodge Ram: Unscrewing The Screw-ups

[@robertdavis6708]

Eric O., I had a two hour diagnosis fee added on to a bill with a new battery cable solving my problem. $249.00 bill that I was ecstatic to pay. I'd been chasing a slow start on my 2014 Ford Expedition for 7 months, the cables looking brand new. But 7'' from the battery post there was green corrosion between the cables, the outside sheaf hiding the defect. Tech. said he'd never seen that on my model. Now I take everything to this guy because he doesn't guess, he tests. Best money I 've spent in a long time. This is the way to go.

[@edtillier4421]

too bad you cannot teleport yourself all over to fix everyones car and truck problems, you are truly a joy to watch and listen to, thank you for what you do!

[@glenjamindle]

Please do more "other shop drop offs" please. I love seeing how easy the actual problem was haha

[@rustypotatos]

Ya we love these ones but who the heck wants to work on them hahaha

[@aaronlobato5268]

Technician with cool hand Luke reference..... I trust him....

[@wyattoneable]

Your experience shines here and it's very apparent you've gained a reputation for being spot on in your diagnostics. Hence, the other shops say "Take it to SMA"!

[@chrisbayne3512]

Well said wyatt

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

Thank goodness most of the time you do it correctly. When watching the Arabs over at Northridge electronics, he always says, better than factory. Now that is what I may aim for, better than factory, but since I am 74 that may not happen but it won't fail in the next year Gott em Himmel accordingly.

[@bethcaruso8855]

I don't think luck is involved. Mr. O is a pure diagnostician of the finest caliper. Give him credit for all his knowledge and tenacity. Great work done professionally by a master mechanic.

[@ironecampbell727]

True master.....

[@compteck7]

You are right, Beth..it isn't luck, it's logic and Eric has a full head of it. I could never stand "part cannon shooters" "Hey let's throw parts at it till 1 sticks" Glad Eric is around to investigate, determine..and then repair properly.

[@alanbutterfield8057]

Beth DeCarlo I Call him the Diagnostic Professor simply one of the best technicians I have seen in a long time and I live in the U.K. and when dealerships send him their own cars well what can you say.

[@SeanONeill13]

Caliper? Or caliber? Or was that a pun?

[@RezaQin]

@@SeanONeill13 I would say caliber but caliper makes sense too haha

[@drjohn5407]

This prominent USA airplane manufacturer uses your discipline and methodology to teach aviation maint technicians - you are a industry hero!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh gosh, airlines are dependent on me!?

[@drjohn5407]

@@SouthMainAuto Our group is based in Long Beach CA - named "Charlie Works". The name is derived from 1) Charles Taylor, the first ever airplane mechanic 2) "Works" - akin to the famous Skunk Works - whose doctrine was to work smart and lean.We have four guys in our team - all engineers with FAA A&P licenses. We watch your troubleshooting (TS) vids and use them as discussion teaching points - the principles of TS remain the same, be it applied to an automotive vehicle or a large commercial airplane. Eric, in our world you are a true TS Rock Star !!!!! When this COVID-19 slows and we can return to our main Lab/Office I will send you some swag.

[@donniev8181]

​@@SouthMainAutonew title idea for cars that come in from other shops, Chop Shop Corrections # whatever or CSC # lol.

[@scflooring8658]

It’s really nice to see such a honest and through mechanic and someone that diagnoses problems instead of throwing parts at it and the entertainment is a bonus!! That’s why we all keep coming back thanks Dr. O keep the videos coming!

[@slowride55]

This is why I work on my own vehicles. If someone screws something up, it's going to be ME!

[@MsPokemonsoulsilver]

i love working on my own vehicles, the only problem is "the guy who touched it last is such a hack" lol.

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

I think some people are just lazy AF !!!. I like working on my own stuff too. Now, I can't bust down a motor, tranny, or dif, but, I'm purty handy with ev'ry thang else. Plus KZbin channel and Google are your friends. Case in point. Drum brakes. KZbin channel and Google got it done.I have a friend. Helicopter mechanic. Refuses to work on his cars. Got the tools, space and time. Mercedes Benz needs a driving lite. $360.00 USD to shop replacement. Told him I would do it for a nice dinner. 1 year later, it's still broke. Door handle on SUV, same thing. Won't have me do it, Can't afford the shop, sooo ???

[@johnhiggins3943]

My wheels stopped falling off on the highway,since I went back to working on my own vehicle's

[@eizzle78]

jjt228 yeah I have the same problem but at least he doesn’t charge much...

[@1HotLegendLS]

@@ToyManFlyer1100 I'll mess with anything but an Autotragic Gearbox

[@John-vi5vb]

Gotta say, as an automotive warranty inspector I LOVE working with shops/techs like you!!

[@badcorgis]

These videos are so damn satisfying. When you can narrow down, locate and fix a problem 100%. Keep posting, the absolute best repair channel, ever.

[@bjr2379]

Charging a customer to diagnose a problem is the proper way to operate a success automotive repair shop. I've been "turning wrenches" for many years and I think you're a top notch guy. Great videos!

[@jeanmeslier9491]

I watch Eric and Ray only. I'm 84 and wheelchair bound. Yeah I modify my wheelchairs 😂. I see the tools these guys use, the cordless tools especially and just marvel. I buy a few tools now just because I would almost have done an Abraham on my oldest brat for some of the tools. Yea, literallyturning wrenches because that was the only way . I watch Curtis in Australia at CEE. He would of course, wrench a spanner. Except when he is using a flogging spanner. The correct name for what we call a washer is' bearing plate." We call them washers because people would by using a chamois impregnated with a grinding compound rub gold coins to wear them down The chamois would therefore be gold laden and burned to recover the gold. A gold coin worn down was called a washer. My meds have worn off and Im out

[@klwthe3rd]

Most viewers of this channel understand that the reason we love watching a "true technician" perform the correct diagnosis is because we're tired of shops doing this kind of shoddy work. I don't care how much Eric O denies that he's the best, I have never found any other mechanic who has the quality of workmanship and integrity with his customers. It kills me to watch these videos because I know that I have 100 mechanics in my town and not 1 of them could find or fix this problem.

[@markh.6687]

If 100 mechanics miss a diagnosis but get paid, do they really care? Eric does! His 'bring-back' ratio has to be almost ZERO after seeing him do work on various vehicles.

[@92powerdiesel61]

I've found a total of 2 people that I'd trust to work on any of my vehicles. Their both worth the five hour drive.

[@the_hate_inside1085]

You definitely don't know that, unless you have tested all 100 shops with a car with that problem. People that work with cars all day long, tend to learn a thing or two, over the years. A lot of shops are small businesses, and maybe the owner of the shop is the one working on your car.

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

@@the_hate_inside1085 .. Well, I've had several vehicles and 2 brand new ones that I've taken to the dealership and totally effed them up. Brand new Dodge truck. Sprayed oil all over the new engine. Went to the dealership closer by. Overfilled the oil. Almost coming out of the dipstick. Left the hood unlatched. So, could've had a blown motor or ran into a tree and killed myself when the hood flew up blocking my view. ASE certified techs and this is what happens. Toyota dealership locked my clutch and tranny up after work on the clutch.. Had to send a tow truck to pick it up. I got a Coupon for a free oil and filter change.. I laughed... Hell, no. You ain't never working on my vehicle anymore !!!. So, no Mom and Pop business did those kinds of eff ups...

@@ToyManFlyer1100 because mom and pop businesses tend to treat you and your car better because they have a reputation

[@bradleyevans8147]

Eric, I used to work on TV's back in the day. People would come in and ask for a free est. I would try to explain to them that it costs a tech some time to clearly tell them what is wrong. One guy came in, and told me that the shop down the street could give free est. I was having a bad day, so I put on the invoice - Free Est. Diag: Broken!... The guy came in to pickup the TV to take it to another shop. He was hopping mad.... Long story short, he brought it back 3 days later, and signed for the diag fee. I found a broken wire feed to the power side of the tubes. Bill was only 40.00 to fix it. That customer brought the shop alot of business after that... People don't understand that there is no magic light that tells us where the problem is.. You have to pay for quality repairs. Keep up the great work! Thanks.

[@JamesAgans]

Tubes???? Now we know what "Day" you meant. Lololol.

[@stevebennett9750]

I work for advance auto parts, and I can tell you that at least at my store, we don't tell people the code means replace this part and you're all good. We'll give them the codes and recommend one of our commercial shops to have it properly diagnosed and repaired. Matter of fact I recommend your KZbin channel to customers including commercial customers.

[@hikerJohn]

Too bad Eric is 3000 miles from me or he would be my mechanic.

[@gwcrispi]

@@hikerJohn He's 3000 miles away from everyone.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

@@gwcrispi I used to live a few miles from him.

[@craigsmith8217]

My Advance auto store diagnosed a missing cylinder on my daughter's chevy truck. He told me which cylinder it was, told me how to swap the coils and bring it back to confirm. I did. He was right. $45 coil and a happy truck. He's my parts man of choice.

[@waynegowland2375]

I worked at O'Reilly's. There was this lady that asked to get her vehicle scanned, and it came back with some O2 sensor codes. I let her know that it could be anything and recommended her to head to one of our commercial customers to diag. She refused and bought all new O2 sensors, spark plugs, wires, etc. Her and her boyfriend/husband changed em out in the parking lot, didn't fix the issue (Surprise!). They threw about 300 bucks of parts at it all while I was recommending getting it diag'd lol. Some folks just don't get it.

[@dhix2388]

diagnosis VS a part changer. Thanks for your time.

[@mgherter]

That interaction with his younger daughter.....Eric O is my spirit animal.

[@wdobni]

these electrical problems are tough but its worthwhile teaching yourself in detail and getting really comfortable with electrics because its satisfying to be in a position where no problem and no situation can stump you

[@arthurhilse1480]

Never stop making videos. You teach me something every video.

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

I'm a 50 + year appliance/refrigeration service man/ trainer. (and a pretty good 'geezer gear head'). I was very impressed how you did your trouble shooting. I would run into more than my share of 'jury rigged' appliance and house hold refrigeration repairs. And yes, none of us work for free. I would tell customers that I certainly had to charge them to 'undo' what had been done to their machine, in order to repair it properly. Thank you for your videos.

[@agenericaccount3935]

It just blows my mind that there's a shop out there that would look at all these different problems and then try to start from the far end instead of looking at the commonalities and starting from what would fail to cause all the other things to fail.

[@kellymurphystl]

Your troubleshooting skills are quite good. Many people get confused when multiple seemingly unrelated symptoms are displayed, but not you. Very enjoyable to watch your process and understand how you get right to the problem. And Mrs. O - like a ray of sunshine!

[@amber07701]

"Jerry was in there and brought his rig with him". So classic Eric O., so glad I can have a laugh and diagnose cars with you while I watch.

[@anderleof]

It's jury

[@weirdwillie]

Damn jerry need to learn to leave shit alone.

[@allmorrisvideos]

Jerry built but jury rigged?

[@mrfish3961]

JERRY THE JERK

[@gueyg3764]

A pleasure to see a real mechanic at work

[@Mr79elk]

It's frustrating as an apprentice at a company with a heavy duty/CT fleet that they encourage, and pressure you to load the parts cannon. Just last week I had a truck with an open or shot code on a fuel pressure sensor, the sensor is part of a fuel dosing module. supervisor says "well change the module" I throw a $1000 module in. sure enough following week, truck comes back, same code. ends up being a broken wire inside the insulation, right out of the ECU at the 90°. sure it took a couple hours to find, but even if I took three days to find, it would have still been cheaper

[@-tr0n]

Would have been cheaper, but they don't care. In HD fleet, there is rarely a metric for vehicle comebacks, rarely does anyone care WHAT the repair costs unless it's over $10k, but there is ALWAYS a metric for vehicle downtime. As long as each individual shop visit is less than 2 days, they're happy. Doesn't matter if it makes 5 visits a month. Guess which metric managerial bonuses are tied to? Accountants are a cancer. Fleet jobs are the country club for techs, but you have to check your conscience at the door. Been working HD fleet for the last 10 years and ended up with all the specialty transfer case rebuilds, engine fails and hard diags but rarely will anyone else in the shop even be allowed to get that far. "Throw $5k in parts at it, still fucked. Send it to the dealer, still fucked. Send it to tr0n and let him sit on it for a week." When they get it back, i've re-wired the thing, fixed the hydraulics and whatever problem it came in for initially. I basically refuse to kick shit out the door until I'm happy with it, but I've proven that they can trust me.

[@BlindBatG34]

tr0n You, sir, need to start posting videos. Something tells me you’ve unwound a few bodge jobs in your day. Cheers!

[@-tr0n]

@@BlindBatG34 Heh, unfortunately I'm always under an NDA/social media ban etc! That and I'm certainly not fast or good, just thorough. Appreciate it, though. I did a little math one month, and I figured between 70% and 90% of my work that month was just unfucking the previous "repairs" or playing cleanup after the parts cannon was fired. Between hooking up air actuators backwards, installing wrong parts, replacing $20k in emissions equipment instead of the $60 MAP sensor that was sooted off, bypassing control relays, rags stuck in intercoolers, sensors only half plugged in and the almighty operator error...man it gets frustrating. Just have to remind myself that if everyone else had half a clue about how to do their job, nobody would need me!

[@Mr79elk]

@@-tr0n you're right, regarding fleets being a country club, and some of the other guys I work with love it. Luckily my fleet is the perfect size where it's not too big and not too small, where I am able to tinker away in my corner figuring / learning it out to get it done, or if I wanted, I can load up the parts cannon without too much question. It's kind of the ultimate country club

[@-tr0n]

@@Mr79elk That's awesome. Sounds like a good balance for learning how to become a true master tech without having that flat rate pressure sitting on your shoulders. Good luck buddy!

[@danielmerritt4031]

"heard the story a million times". Truth! Test dont guess. Thank you, Eric O. You the man.

[@mannys9130]

Turning to roll down the window to talk to Mrs. O was the ultimate chill flex. You knew it would work. 😎

[@stevelindom664]

Been turning wrenches since I was 10, but love your videos I pick up tips every time I watch one of your videos. Really like the ones where you fix things that other shops can't fix.

[@stevericketts810]

I don’t own a Dodge, but you never know when you have to ride in one! Excellent work sir!

[@curtgomes]

20 year old Dodge in excellent condition according to Eric. Worn out ignition switch with the rest of the issues due to human screw ups and garbage work.

[@raykrv6a]

My 2014 Ram HD with Cummins has been in for recalls, but no problems. My chevys were way more problematic and costly. That's why I changed to Ram.

[@boostedmaniac]

PaцḶєє BlцєṢтяєєт are you referring to the live front axles? Death wobble can happen on Jeeps too.

[@Torsee]

Steve Ricketts Love this comment!

My 01 1500 had 180k and still going. Loved that truck, I only sold it to a friend because I wanted to graduate to a diesel

[@paulsmith9341]

I had an alignment done at a national chain. I get a alignment and a estimate for a rotor, a caliper, pads and labor($800) for a leaking caliper. Before i went for the alignment I had noticed a leak at the left rear but i dabbed my finger in the leaked fluid and determined it was gear oil. I removed the fill hole plug and the oil was by no means low. I also did not notice any oil on the garage floor. I also checked the master cylinder and it was not low. and ordered some seals, gear oil, gasket and a couple of cans of brake clean. Even though i got a year warranty on the alignment, I'm not going back.

[@jeffreyarritt4248]

Nice job. My HVAC and Plumber Step-dad would always say. "When diagnosing a problem always remember, 'If you heard hooves think horses not zebras'.......meaning .....don't make the problem unusual or spectacular when it problem is simple and common.

[@glasser2819]

thank you, that is a great quote! 👍

[@michaelszczys8316]

Some people think rainbow unicorns.

[@colinsmith8347]

I was reminded as an apprentice, using long nosed pliers to pull a spring upwards on to brakeshoe. The pliers slipped and went right up my nostril. Talk about tears to my eyes😢 . Nice work.

[@boomertsm]

I applaud your professionalism, talent, and honesty. Kudos to you and your shop.

[@jamesferguson1054]

At one time in my life I was an engine builder, I always thought I was pretty good at it, but never looked at myself as a mechanic. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy watching your videos, the approach you take is one my Father instilled into me early on, DON’T try to fix something without finding out just what is it that really needs fixing. Again Thanks Ron

[@UploaderNine]

I feel like I'm in the shop, the fam making appearances. I love it. Great stuff

[@romandenney8212]

I used to work at Advance and I hated it when customers would come in and say my check engine light is on. The commercials deceive people into thinking we could scan it and magically tell them exactly what's wrong. Moving on from that I'm now a vehicle mechanic in the military and I constantly learn something watching your videos. Thank you Mr.O and South Main Auto.

[@antonioponce6544]

Thanks Eric for making these videos. I know it must be a pain in the cajones to do them. I've learned a lot and enjoyed them all so keep them coming. Thanks again.

[@douglasthrelfall5318]

We call it a “Parts Dart Board 🎯 “. You throw darts at it and the bullseye is an ECM😂

[@NicholasAndre1]

What percentage of the time does dropping $$$ on a PCM fix anything? I tried it on my '00 GMC Sonoma but the whole kit and kaboodle preprogrammed was $90. As I suspected, didn't fix $&!# (at least I could confirm to the other folks on the forum that it wasn't the problem). Spark advance still flew around like a bat out of hell until I realized a Labrador had adjusted the throttle set screw instead of replacing the failed IAC.

[@javaguru7141]

@@NicholasAndre1 Funnily enough, I avoided it on my car longer than I should have! My dash lights and windshield wipers didn't work, and I kept looking for a wiring problem. Turns out all of the power goes through the ECM! Fortunately the car is old enough that a $25 ECM from the junkyard fixed it with no programming required!

[@NicholasAndre1]

@@javaguru7141 the main ECM problem is a failed driver circuit. They’re pretty resilient computers as is but you need to conclusively identify that the driver and power supply is the problem before you spring for a ECM. There are a lot of other issues that can appear to be a driver problem like corroded or loose terminals and wiring shorts.

[@mikemiller0224]

Good video. Especially the ending. I allways try an explain to my service manager why diagnosis takes time and we should be payed for all of the time it takes us to do the diagnosis. He is one of those managers that thinks your master tech everything should only take 10 minutes. Thanks for all you do.

[@mikeync9288]

Watching you for years. You have great talent and integrity. If I didn't live 2500 miles away I'd visit and have you fix my truck.

[@duncanvincent9106]

Such fun to see intelligent and systematic diagnoses!!! Great job. Great shop.

[@replica4132]

These videos are better than trade school I swear, thanks for the uploads SMA!

[@spelunkerd]

Vintage SMA video, brilliant diagnostics. I hope to see you do the ignition switch, this is a younger version of the truck I drive, ha ha.

[@SouthMainAuto]

stay tuned for tomorrows vid ;)

[@IceBergGeo]

@@SouthMainAuto I got me an '06 Dakota... Any help I can get with it is gonna help a crap ton. You rock!

[@mikey4016]

@@SouthMainAuto I just watched this video and I'd really like to see the follow up, but I can't find it. Could you please provide a link to it?

[@TiesOfZip]

The little one is so funny when she gets near the camera. That dear in the headlights look is great.

[@mbray10]

Just something soothing about Mrs. O playing with that seatbelt lol so calming

[@MiracleMAX]

Gotta love intermittent faults. The problem is, obviously the other shop loaded up the parts cannon, including an ECU (?????) & figured $300 later that they were out of their depth and the customer called in the Master. Good job Mr O!

[@WCSPete1]

I loved the Cool Hand Luke reference Mr.O - thanks again.

[@philvaughan4091]

The world has an over abundance of “parts replacers” and not enough intelligent experienced technicians. Always enjoy watching the videos. Stay safe..

[@richardwarnock2789]

Well there's your problem Lady!! Bad giggley bits in the ignition switch!!!; )

[@Newberntrains]

i stuff googly eyes in the ones i work on

[@sostrucking]

Three guys looking at a lady's car and can't figure it out. She was getting ready to call a wrecker. I fixed it in a min......took everything off her key chain but ignition key. Car fired right up. Free diagnosis and labor...no tow fee no mechanic diagnosis fee.

[@brianchapple7585]

I love those lights with the back probe pins in them, especially the low voltage one. I plan to make be some. Great Video! I try to watch one a day.

[@mharry860]

I guess I've watched every one of your videos, as soon as you said you knew what the problem is, I immediately thought ignition switch. It's the only thing they all have in common.

[@watchdogu.s.a.8973]

Eric, I agree with you 100% about doing the job RIGHT and charging for diagnosing problems. I'm MUCH older than you... maybe twice... and have worked on my own vehicles most of my life. Here, after early retirement, I am learning to PROPERLY diagnose electrical/computer/module/sensor issues. With past knowledge, training, and education plus countless hours of learning by watching videos of logical, methodical testing MUCH time, effort, and money will have been invested. Even then, some people will say "well, it only took you 15 minutes to find the problem so why should it cost xxx amount of money?". Mostly, their minds can't process the effort that has gone into gaining the skills it took to perform that diagnosis in x number of minutes versus x number of hours or to even be able to make the correct diagnosis at all. Even though I am exceptionally customer oriented I have asked a few people that if it seemed so simple why had they not already fixed the problem. The reply is almost always akin to "I didn't know where to start". Aha!

[@bborkzilla]

2000 is now "old school." Man, I am old.

[@capnskiddies]

Yeah, I was an adult by then. Now I'm feeling it

[@44R0Ndin]

In NY, you can now probably get "classic" plates for an '89 vehicle, since it's 31 years old. Not sure but I think the transition happens at 25 years?

[@austinjames3525]

You and Joe from Joe’s Auto Electric are some very thorough and reputable mechanics. If I lived in the northeast part of the country, I’d only bring my vehicle to you. Such a shame that so many shops out there can’t figure out the problems, and then end up throwing parts at them.

[@alanmoffat4680]

When you relocate to Brisbane, Queensland Australia I will definitely bring you my car when trouble arises. Waiting with hope Please

[@harveysmith100]

If it is a big job, it may be worthwhile shipping it to him.

[@AdamB12]

They dont use road salt in Australia! Eric wouldn't have much to do lol.

[@phillully4472]

Another GOOD FIX from a real Mechanic who knows his beans and isn't just a parts cannon changer. Good Job Eric O.

[@WBOS72]

Short bus Window licker...lol. Great vid Eric, I love the in depth diagnosis.

[@cyrusmoser1090]

I worked at all points towing and service in Stroudsburg pa my uncle's is the owner and his father before. He had the county contract to service there police vehicles. I learned so much from him and working there my teenage years. Eric you sir are a honest trustworthy intelligent mechanic! I can tell you take pride in your work! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!

[@georgescott1180]

Just lost my fresh/recirculate door in my ram last week. 2nd time. Had to pull it out to reestablish air flow. Nice and cool again.

[@wessmith5945]

Hands down the best auto repair channel on KZbin.

[@nestorroman2694]

I'm actually starting to understand the wiring diagram for automotive watching SMA. Thanks Sir 👍

[@gibsonn14]

It's amazing how alot of the people who call themselves mechanics and have shops are way worse than some home DIYers like myself who don't actually call themselves a "mechanic." I have spent years learning proper diagnoses from real mechanic friends and fix alot of cars/trucks these days and have a decent little garage and I'm constantly amazed by the shotty work that "shops" do to peoples cars and they feel good about charging them money when they can't even figure out the problem right. Watching you diagnose these problems so calmly and collected is so intriguing and I always learn something new.

[@kcuhc84]

"My front tires wear unevenly" "You need a new ECM"

[@psdaengr911]

Also, you have too many screws holding your car together, and, you didn't really need that part connected.

[@justinjeannette8082]

I disagree...your ecm is low on fluid and the circuits need to be rotated. Also check the ecm for leaks. If no leaks are found, I recommend an ecm flush with full synthetic electrical fluid. Hope this helps.

[@skingk2632]

@@justinjeannette8082 You're such a comfort. LOL

[@meritwolf219]

It's your Bluetooth that needs to be refilled.

[@Jbmc65]

I am new to this channel, It’s scary to think the previous shops prior to coming here are still in business.

[@Ratrazor]

Man the world needs more mechanics like you that actually diagnosis the problem instead of just throwing parts at it, I am the same way but so often the customer doesn't want it diagnosed correctly they just want a price to change a part that they believe is broken. And then when you change that part and it doesn't fix the problem and then diagnose it correctly and it's something else completely different or much simpler. They get mad that you just changed the part they wanted changed but they didn't want to pay for your time to correctly identify the problem and it's a big I told you so. Anyways keep up the good work. I appreciate the tips and seeing someone else's process of figuring out multiple problems caused by one thing. I used to work for a place with a motto the customer is always right but sadly that is not the case in most cases. But you really show that it's important to do your own diagnosis instead of just throwing parts at a problem, especially intermittent problems.

[@GOTTRD]

You always crack me up with the singing the old school jams! Haha! “I’ve got the power”, gold digga, etc... but you added the bonus today with sending wife to massage parlor! Haha! Mahalo for the laughs and Aloha from Hawaii!

[@farmalltomf]

Well done. If you can't figure out what it is, eliminate what it isn't. Diag 101 You continue to be the best.

[@ironecampbell727]

Wow! Great guy. I wish that you were in Las Vegas. I truly enjoy watching you. Actually you help me with a transmission oil pan. The mechanic couldn't stop the leak so I just replace the pan ...new. All leaks stopped. Bad pan. I also love how patient you are when it comes to electrical. Keep up the excellent job. Thanks and double thanks.

[@juliosantos9289]

Another quality job by SMA! Mrs.O is part ninja! she just pops out of thin air. I can't believe how much older your kids are getting.

[@scootercurri1815]

Love mechanics that do the shotgun approach! I make a great living because of them. Eric the same type of "mechanics" are in the aircraft field. Troubleshooting is an art. We have parts changers and true mechanics.

[@Embermist69]

That's a scary thought while bad on land, but for flying crafts in the air?! Holy biscuits that make folks feel a bit uncomfortable. Makes me wonder about ships and trains.

[@DogRedful]

I’m having flash backs to my Air Force days...nothing like shooting wires out on the wing at 0200 in the morning with freezing rain running down your back.

[@billmoran3219]

They also pay aircraft mechanics sh t wages, at least the big airlines do. Private sector mech make more than union mechanics . But it’s also a crapshoot, union bus mech make more then non, and union truck mech working for government make more than union mech working for the public.

[@kevinxcal1]

@@billmoran3219 the big 3 airlines pay over 50$ an hour, that isn't a shit wage.

[@12yearssober]

Kevin Myers More money and less drama in general aviation. My son in law can make six figures working on private aircraft.

[@anthonypowell9168]

I love the way you stop what you're doing to give your family your attention to see what they have on their minds. You seem to go right back to where you were at.

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Great job as always Eric 👍 Best bit for me is whenever Trinity passes, you turn to mush and say "hey girl!" 😂

[@tomcartwright2637]

Had me laughing too. Had to show to my wife and daughters. They got a kick out if it too.

[@kevinbrooks9740]

It is so refreshing to see someone that knows how to trouble shoot!!! People don't realize how many people just throw parts at problems until it's solved.

[@rp5029]

no better excuse to put off what you were doing than a new SMA video😁

[@368engbn]

When it comes to mechanical work on my vehicle(or any thing else for that matter) I admit I am a complete idiot and don't know a thing. I am therefore completely depended on the knowledge and expertise of the mechanic. In my life I have only met 2 mechanic shops that have done a fantastic job with diagnosing and fixing some of the things I had problems with and a number of them have just raked me over the coals. It's nice to see you checking and double checking your work and being as thorough with your work. I wished you were my mechanic.

[@brianyoung9014]

I can't believe how much your daughter has grown in the time you've been making these videos.

[@angrycorvair]

So glad I found this channel. You’re making me a better diagnostician, and little gems like “window licker” get added to my vocabulary.

[@twadam5218]

"Hey girl ... whatcha doin' ... just out scootin on your scooter" ... such a cool family oriented business and always seems to have a calm demeanor and has time for everyone, including this little scooter girl :-)

[@touchedouche8806]

FATHERS. One of the most important parts of a family. MOTHERS. Being the other most important part.

[@nickmalone3143]

Democrat socialism wants "the state" to care for YOUR children. Resist

[@poweredbyford87]

@@nickmalone3143 have you ever tried like, sittin the fuck down and shuttin the fuck up?

[@felgercarb3803]

You are one of the good mechanics and thats the reason why folks need to stick with guys like you when they find you and your shop. Even if you move 200 miles away. The only shop that i will allow to work on my car is fortunately just around the corner. The only guy that can touch my vintage Honda motorcycle sadly lives 150 miles away now, but i still only bring it to him. (150 miles is a lot here in Denmark, since the fucking country is only 300 miles long😂) Trusting your mechanic is EVERYTHING!! Best regards from Denmark

[@WoodNMetalWorkshop]

I feel your pain on the free estimates, I just went back to being a full time handyman, and a few people have gotten upset that a) I don't give free estimates and b) that I only do jobs on time and materials. Even so I could be working 80 hours a week if I chose.

[@lwilton]

You can always do free estimates if you are reasonably sure of getting the job. You just pad the cost of the estimate plus 20% into the cost of the repair. That's how its done. The 20% is to average out the one job in six that you diagnose and don't get.

[@arthurrodesiler3109]

@@lwilton Why should a person pay that for people who just want to know whats wrong so they can fix it. Then the person who wants you to fix it pays for people that don't have you fix it. Not the way to do business IMO.

[@boomertsm]

I am always amazed how talented you are in diagnosing and fixing the problems. Great video. Thanks.

[@leostlaurent4695]

You always do a great job and take time to explain how and why. I have learned a few new things from watching and look forward to learning more. Keep up the great job.

[@neildewald325]

You are a blast to watch and listen to. Brings back memories, was a Chrysler tech for over 30 years. I love your honesty and that's exactly how it should be. I always treated a customers car as if it was my own. Fix it right the first time.

[@kevinbarry71]

Years ago, I needed a root canal. I went to a dentist who specializes in doing route canals. He said about 2/3 of his practice is fixing the mistakes of other dentists

[@LTVoyager]

Kevin Barry Every doctor, lawyer, dentist, plumber, carpenter and electrician says that same thing. It is just human nature.

[@playdg]

@@LTVoyager Accountant. I say the same thing for spreadsheets.

[@scottrittenhouse3131]

They would be crazy not to have you as their mechanic!!!!

[@paulchinn5981]

Awesome work man. Nice to see a great honest guy doing things the right way and trying to help out other people. My het is off to you. Love watching your videos.

[@jeffreysmall5259]

People will People yes, ignition switch is bad .thing use everyday will wear out..Good job, love it keep it coming. 💯

[@tim6991]

Great to see your stuff Eric! Interesting to watch your diagnosis progress and the explanations you provide. Happy New Year Sir!

[@davidfinkelstein7986]

I worked on weapons systems for the Navy for over 30 years. Every day was a new challenge. Finding an open wore in a maze of hundreds of wires is very satisfying. I hope you get the same satisfaction. I would love to get into auto/marine electronics diagnosis.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

36:16 "Where's your hole baby" LOL Informative and entertaining. Doesn't get better than this.

[@leefra1]

Eric, You make it look so easy, just like Sherlock Holmes. Brilliant deduction Watson!

[@Micko350]

Welloilbe, I actually guessed correctly for a change! No parts Cannon required 🤭

[@meabob]

Guessing is fine but verifying is better. Sometimes even the best guess is wrong.

[@6476Mike]

This is a true mechanic right here, most now just throw parts at cars till the issue is fixed by itself of customer goes somewhere else, I wish i knew of a decent shop like yours around my area

[@milfordcivic6755]

Bad ignition switch was a really easy diag. The other shop couldn't figure it out? Sheesh, how can they call themselves technicians?

[@craigroth8710]

Yeah, really!! I want to know who the utter brillance was with the wire in the fuse box hooked to nothing!!

[@bborkzilla]

Probably even ASE certified.

[@peterdatechmen5506]

@@craigroth8710 probably was testing with it and forgot it was there even when opening the door due to tunnel vision.

[@DavidD-qr2vn]

@Timothy Salomon Or actual common sense (rare these days). All these problems happen at once. The first question should be: What is common to all of them? Basic stuff first. How many cars has Eric fixed with a good visual inspection (The absolutely most simple diagnostic tool)?

[@2nickles647]

Technicians or ASE certifed are over used terminology. More like parts swappers. I worked with a guy whom is ASE cert. He told. All you do is take test to get your certs..

[@sendit1158]

Refreshing to see someone who knows and does the right thing

[@inconsiderate_weasel]

I can tell Eric's an old man like me because he references the same pop culture as I do -- "I got the power," etc.

[@hansgruber7680]

What we have here is a failiure to communicate!

[@ShainAndrews]

I don't get it.

[@MostlyChrisJ]

@@ShainAndrews From the movie - Cool Hand Luke (1967)

[@ShainAndrews]

@@MostlyChrisJ Right...

[@sostrucking]

I feel ya.

[@wireproof]

That comment around 9:30 earned yourself a sub! "Intake manifold on a 4.6, imagine that", yep! Been there, done that. But on my Mustang GT not a Crown Vic. Dang heater core return hose... Great content man!

[@michaelcosta7235]

"This just got awkward." Found that funnier than I should have.

[@evankibbe590]

It is so very hard to find a reputable shop anywhere they always want to do things like that including most dealer shops !!! I realy like the way you go about diagnosing things!!!!😊👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@rinunculartoo3006]

20 years old, imagine how many cycles that ignition switch has done. Good, quick diagnosis Eric.

[@blackhatter011]

With only 130,000 miles on it.... not many.

[@edwatts9890]

@@blackhatter011: AND two pounds of crap on the key ring!

[@radhikaramakrishnan6187]

Respected sir...I have become ur.fan.....i am 77..yrs.old...from India..Tamil Nadu state...Chennai city..and very interested in auto mechanism.right from young age...I have been seeing your accomplishments dealing with snags..of variety of cars...having all sorts of gadgets..best wishes...