Eric O Is A Silver Bullet Cheating Machine!

In this video I bring you along as I have a look at a customers 2010 Honda Pilot that has an issue with the battery going dead over night. It doesn't take long to find what circuit the drain is on but then I cheat a little by using Identifix to lead me right to the cause of the draw.
-Enjoy!
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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.

[@philmccuen]

I had an old feller tell me, it's not about knowing all the answers, but knowing where to find em. No shame in using every available avenue to find the answer.

[@freetolook3727]

That old feller was me! 😂

[@John-do9ei]

As a college instructor, that's basically my advice to students. You're not there to memorize this stuff. You go to school to learn how to understand the technical language so you can go look stuff up when you need it.

[@MarkK01]

Not only that but look at the money Eric saved his customer.

[@Really658]

Henry Ford said that in court in defense of being called an idiot.

[@NikMitchell]

I'm an IT guy for the last 20-odd years - and while I can understand the sentiment of figuring it out on your own (and thus, have holistic knowledge), I always come back to the fact that almost all troubleshooting is born out of a collaborative hivemind. We don't do our jobs in a vacuum. I learned that a win is a win, no matter how I eventually got there. Thank god for the internet and helpful people, sharing knowledge alike! You gotta know you're our very own Silver Bullet, too - I've learned a loooottttt about my Silverado because of your videos.

[@josephcitizen4195]

I'm 100% on board with you. You absolutely have to go back and post your solution though. The "Oh, I figured it out" without an explanation is grounds for divorce.

[@SirHeadly84]

I've been doing IT for just about as long if not longer. With Google being what it is, troubleshooting an issue like it's only ever happened to you/the customer is a waste of time. But as someone else said, we have to share our results. Not ask for help and then dont come back. Although I usually assume if they don't come back, the last thing they did probably helped. Lol. The difference between just tossing parts at it looking at silver bullets and looking at it AFTER you have already done testing is knowing what NOT to throw at it. And that's what makes you different, Mr. O.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

That is how I feel when a Garbage Freight tool in my hands , cheap and dirty !

[@DougHinVA]

'collaborative hivemind' means what ? A 20-year IT guy cannot even use basic English to spell 'God' with a capital letter? Skip it.

[@NikMitchell]

@@DougHinVA I'm not a Christian; no need or reason for me to capitalize the g, my dude. Not everyone believes like you do, but at least read the post correctly - I've been doing IT for 20 years, not existing.

[@Shawnsullivan7]

This is one KZbin channel that I always like the video before I watch it. They are always great.

[@gjk1504]

These battery draw videos from Eric are my favorites.

[@John-do9ei]

Yeah, I'm not a mechanic. I went into academics, but my dad was a welder, mechanic, competent at everything, so I learned a lot of this stuff as a kid, you know, back when cars were cars and men were closeted. These vids are like my finishing school on how to deal with modern cars where there aren't actual switches, where everything sends a signal to a computer to tell the thing to turn on or off. And to be honest, these things are so much easier to diagnose.

[@Ragnar8504]

If I wasn't on the other side of the pond I'd have a nice head-scratcher for him. 2009 VW Golf drains the battery but only if it's parked outside during longer heavy rains (two days plus), ideally with high winds. Nothing out of the ordinary as soon as it dries up. Happened maybe five times during current ownership (since 2017). The 2014 battery that was in there died last year and has been replaced. A few weeks ago the thing happened again but this time there was still enough charge in the battery to start the car, either because the draw was dicovered more quickly or because of the new battery or any combination.

[@robertl2227]

That sounds right up Eric and Ivan's alley. Maybe you can get them to do a video chat

[@iaov]

A wise tech never re-invents the wheel if he can avoid it. Well done Eric!!

[@bigclivedotcom]

DC current clamps are one of those things you need to get a feel for. With low current settings the position and orientation can result in rogue readings due to magnetic fields in the vicinity. I usually hold it in position near the cable, zero it and then clip it on without changing the orientation. Still worth their weight in gold.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Ahhh ok. Also if you can "loop" the wire through the jaws to make a multiplier, it can help with the accuracy too on low amp draw situations.

[@jimschiltz5343]

Big Clive!

[@amak1131]

I see nothing wrong with a silver bullet. Happens at my work sometimes where the symptoms and other items match exactly what someone saw before. Often worth trying before spending hours confirming if this duck is a duck.

[@Cheepchipsable]

For a channel that promotes sharing knowledge, why not reciprocate? Payback would be adding a useful repair to help other shops diagnose.

[@ehsnils]

As long as you check that the issue is actually what the fault code or fault analysis chart says then you are good. In this case there was a suspected offending device that was easy to disconnect and the fault went away, so therefore the problem was isolated easily. It's tougher when you need to check the CAN and/or LIN bus traffic, sometimes you need an analyzer to see what's happening. If a button don't change the traffic changes where it should then there might be a culprit, so those analyzers aren't totally useless. Even better if you have a "known good" reference.

[@mike-yp1uk]

Great video. Being resourceful is not cheating but a sign of intelligence.

[@wallyg.2409]

Right ?

[@FinalMix64]

Imagine being well informed.

[@richcrum7683]

“ I feel so dirty”, had you broken out a can of brake cleaner I would had died from laughing!!! Great job, I too love the electrical diagnostic videos you do… keep it up.

[@jakalaraa]

Eric O Is A Silver Bullet Cheating Machine who deserves a Gold Medal - conveying this much data and in such detail is a selfless act of kindness rarely seen. Thank you Sir.

[@tomlewis3658]

Your proper use of the silver bullet saved the customer money = satisfied customer, so well done, sir. And I had to smile at your slick transition at the end - "Don't you be a tool". Good one!

[@richardbambenek2601]

Eric has a quick mind which is why he's a good tech.

[@scottnusser6232]

Buddy you earn you're keep every day! You deserve an easy one now and again. Good show and good explanation of voltage drop across fuses.

[@scottminer7702]

I "listen" to the experiences of others but always confirm their idea before acting on it. Well done.

[@kalabash72]

That battery looks like it got the special, "I got a guy who can do it cheaper."

[@jbrhel]

You are a man of integrity and honor Mr. O. You don't own a parts cannon. Keep on keeping on!

[@aliasfred]

Rainman Ray doesn't own a parts cannon either.

[@woodturnermark8529]

Eric, again you are the man ! Using your trouble shooting skills to make a diagnosis, I was a heavy equipment mechanic for 44 years, 30 of which were in a supervising/support role for 40 + mechanics, I have seen many types of skill sets from apprentice to journeyman and foreman, none of which had the skills or patience you have for trouble shooting problems and making the repair. I wish we had you and you tube in my working years to help guide mechanics and teach what you share in every video. Thank You for sharing ! I am a believer that "If I can do it so can you" if people would only take the time to do their home work and learn before doing . Do it right and you only have to do it once.

[@danielbarrett6026]

You are so blessed to have Mrs. O by your side. You all are a great team!

[@garybulwinkle82]

With that full kitchen, you should have The South Main Cafe where people can dine while they wait for their minor auto services!

[@bushmaster2936]

@@garybulwinkle82 Like Mrs.O isn't busy enough already !!

[@CraigArndt]

I don’t see a problem, you’re in business to fix cars and as many as you can a day. Use whatever tool you have at your disposal. Great video.

[@rhadden8976]

The truly smart man builds on the knowledge of predecessors. Nice work.👍

[@bretth1714]

No cheating there, Eric O! Based on the customer's choice to not replace simple (and likely inexpensive) components, it's likely they'd have chosen the silver bullet route anyway given the choice. Yet another great SMA video--parasitic draw videos never get old and we can never learn enough from you.

[@andrewcz8871]

Your metaphors are classic dude. Never ever change.

[@wingman8447]

You didn’t cheat. You used the knowledge available to you. Then you verified. Good work. Thank you.

[@ThePickler61]

Another important point from the discussion at the end of the video, abuse of identifix would've lead you to a door switch as the first bullet in the cannon (most "common" fix on that identifix thread). You would've whiffed and got it on the second try. I''m happy you made this video Dr. O. No need to feel dirty, it was a GREAT demonstration on how to use the tool appropriately.

[@AKChryslertech]

This all goes back to the age old saying, "an error code only tells you where the problem is, not what needs to be replaced or repaired". Like you said, it is a valuable tool when used correctly. When i was watching one of the snapon diagnostics training videos, even the host said test, dont guess because the error code isnt meant to tell you what to replace or repair.

[@ronhaefner7833]

Thank goodness someone uses this technique. I teach this to my autos electrical class and while I would not use it for a definitive amp reading it certainly puts you in the ball park for exactly this kind of diagnosis. Well done Eric O, well done.

[@jimgerock9190]

Lol. I have a 2011 Pilot EX very similar to the one in this video (bought it used in 2014). Never knew the little rear hatch glass switch was back there. I mainly use the hatch, not the glass. You learn something new every day from SMA! 😏

[@dougiedoug2921]

You run a business...don't apologize! You still taught us to not use the silver bullet as permission for the parts Canon. Your trouble shooting videos are my favorite!

[@4b131]

While you might think you've waisted 10 minutes with the silver bullet this is a component that would have needed to be checked eventually, so in reality starting with the 'more likely spot' from a tip really isn't a waste of time. Nice job Eric, have a great weekend.😊

[@rhkips]

The company I work for (a mobile diagnostics company) keeps a technician group chat specifically for weird/difficult problems. There are also three dedicated researchers in said chat. Oftentimes, we only have 20 minutes (or less) to get a car through pre-scan, diag and post-scan. We're constantly bouncing knowlege and experience off each other; I call it "consulting the hive-mind." :D A huge part of being a successful tech is researching and being able to understand what you're researching. What you've shown in this video is real-world: Foundation, research, repair. Awesome stuff!

[@Jangus]

Identifix is super useful. I wish my current shop had it.

[@n.j.bandelow3913]

I just want to say thank you. Been watching/listening to your work (and a few good others around the you tubes) I spent about a decade as a service writer/management/jack of all and would help some of my mechanics research some of the work they were doing. Those programs are great for narrowing involved systems or getting the proper diagrams or testing procedures. You do an amazing job showing and explaining the when how and why you use them and walking people through your brain process. I enjoy the diagnostic procedures of these new cars and you are a good teacher. Thank you

[@rpeary5043]

This was perfect. Bought a 2013 Elantra a couple years ago and soon discovered battery would go dead if left more than 1 day without starting, found a draw of 340 mA and got an AGM battery so we could get 2 days without starting and not strand my son when he used it. I later traced to one circuit and on that circuit found an old remote starter that I had no FOBs for. I did pay my local Hyundai dealer to get it cleaned up but as a car owner I saved hundreds of dollars of trouble shooting time. I suspect that’s why it got traded, but I got a good deal on a car that had low miles and came from the south with no rust,

[@cephasrodgers9417]

Another great video Eric. In one of the companies I worked, I was taught to “leverage the synergy” (use all the combined knowledge available to you) to find a timely resolution to the task/problem you are working on. That is exactly what you did, thanks for taking all of us along for the ride.

[@zennor_man]

Thanks Eric O..I’ve been baffled by auto electrics all my life now I have a start point for understanding the diag process..all the best from UK..

[@anthonymoore4096]

Eric. In most dealerships checking tech talk and tsb's is one of the 1st steps after verification. I know you dont want to "cheat" but it is really a means to and end. You diag everything more thoroughly than most on YT. Keep up the good work

[@larrysmith9359]

Kudos to you, Eric, for being so proficient in using all your electronic tools! Very impressive!

[@djmartin4776]

If used correctly as shown, identifix is a great tool. Find common broken wire locations, may let you know common industry tests may not work on a certain system, and may mention common failures and proper ways to diagnose.

[@trucker-mr9gi]

You have a source of information that helped you solve a problem much faster. This is not cheating, this is using your information wisely.

[@fixthisone]

Different field here, but similar experience. Sometimes it just helps to get the proper resource to help cut time troubleshooting. It’s usually a 50/50 shot, but when someone else’s findings help, it can feel like cheating! But you get over it quick especially if it’s a known common fault for a particular brand/model. Nice work regardless!

[@DIYDaveOK]

I see that AAA battery, and.... these days I'm afraid to let ANYBODY touch my vehicle -- it's either me or Eric O, and he's not likely to show up at my door here in OKC.😂 Thanks as always, Eric!

[@ekop1778]

I DONT LIKE THEM CHEAP TIE SCREW DOWN TERMINALS HAD THEM ON MY OLD 97 DODGE KEPT ON REPLACEING THEM USE THE SOLDER ONES MY 2018 SUBIE ALREADY ON MY 3RD BATTERY 21K ON IT

[@heinrichshultz]

That Triple A deal is nothing but a lack of pride in their work. Fix it once and fix it right.

[@splatterize]

I say the same thing although I took this a step further and kinda mapped out who I believe to be respectable mechanics across the country just in case. Closest I can see near you would be Omega Auto in Newton Kansas. Good ole Car Wizard. lol

[@tedwilliams8766]

a few years ago out of curiosity, i called a local shop to see what they'd charge for 2012 ford escape 3.0 valve cover gasket job. $800!!!!! at that time i was pretty well off with tools but since then, ive invested quite a bit into the specialty tools in the cases, pullers, autel mx808, testers, basically everything a mechanic has except for a lift. bought a 2004 dodge 2500 with a shot power steering pump. the shop the seller called wanted $1100 to change it!!! no thank you. now adays, its more economical keep the vehicle you have and fix it yourself. theres a wealth of knowledge online to do pretty much any and everything on your vehicle yourself. youll can save yourself, friends and family alot of cash better used somewhere else. thank you, eric!!! a little tip: hit your local pawn shops for tools. they usually have a wide variety of brand name tools there for alot less than retail. if youre a haggler, you can sometimes get it for even less than the price theyre asking. prices at pawnshops arent set in stone. especially if you become a regular.

[@ralphwaters8905]

Non-automotive comment: Nice to see the *VitaMix* blender and *BigBerkey* water filter in your kitchen (just like mine). My BB is a couple years old and I had to make my own sight glass to keep from overfilling it when I go to bed since it would leak all over. They sure goofed up on THAT design. Shoulda asked you first. You would have told them that the lower tank needs to completely enclose the upper one. Common sense is becoming a rare thing these days...

[@wiley0714]

As a DIY type of guy, I am not familiar with the whole identifix system. I have managed to use it twice to date, mostly to get wiring diagrams. In one circumstance, I had a code from the ABS module/ignition on circuit. Based on the diagrams, I was able to determine that I had a broken wire after the fuse, and before the ABS module. On my second use it was due to a "Can Bus B open circuit". I again used the diagrams and was able to find (with some KZbin video pointers) , a broken Can Bus B ) wire in the hinge area between the drivers door and the vehicle interior. I was not even familiar with the ability to look for the "quick fix/silver bullet . but for the $40 that it cost me to diagnose and solve my problem, it was worth it to me.

[@LesReeves]

What ever gets the job done is not cheating it's clever use of the information available . Good job Mr O Cheers.

[@larryjohnston52]

Trying to run a Garage and Mrs is making More Noise than the SHOP!!😂

[@Mikeaaron777]

If I was going to Tech School for Automotive, your classes would be my pick. I watch others, but you are most informative. With so many cars and problems, all classes are needed, but your channel is my choice.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Your not cheating, your planning! Nice to see Mrs. O. Even without the silver bullet, you had a plan, all-be-it a longer diagnostic version, but never-the-less a plan. Good one Mr. O! Nice quick find.

[@ozzykrahn806]

man the days of turning the key off and shuts everything off is gone

[@blakepeterson1977]

I cringe every time I see those replacement battery cable terminals. Nothing but trouble. Thanks for walking us through your process!

[@phazerboy]

Some of us do this as a living. Silver bullet for the win and the pocket book. Not above using them. The reason I watch your videos is to sharpen my diagnostic ability and load silver bullets.😁

[@eddieg7426]

I have to say Mr. Eric you are the best Auto Technician, That I have seen on the eastern sea seaboard.

[@canifixit3504]

I like to see what others have done to fix their issues saves me time

[@Echo024]

The tool that actually has been a game changer is the inspection camera recommended by Eric O. I just used it today to diagnose intake valve carbon deposits on a VW.

[@johnstample3624]

The Depstech? I wasn’t aware of that video but I’ve been shopping for one so I’ll find it

[@jackgreen412]

You are fortunate to have Mrs. O there to answer the phone. Nothing worse than having your mind on something and get get interrupted by the phone

[@dennisjohnson8932]

That thought process is unheard of and frankly inspiring. Not many mechanics would used that approach. Kudos to you!! Denny

[@tszailer]

The solution is one google search away. Try it.

[@dchawk81]

Which is ironic considering DIYers go straight to the forums.

[@chrismounts846]

I know someone else that has your name 😂

[@davidtaylor7174]

You are still the man on wiring. The web helped me fix a work van that a local shop couldn't. Erratic no start on a Dodge, who woulda thought. Bad engine ground if they would have looked. Easy fix. When the cable is green it's usually bad. Was kinda disappointed they didn't find it. I've learned a lot thanks to you.

[@Blazer02LS]

A bad ground on a Chrysler product, surely you cannot mean it... LOL

[@bendafixer4542]

The way you explain everything you are doing and what you are thinking is very helpful and appreciated.

[@alward9901]

Hi Eric. Much appreciated step by step of your easy to follow diagnosis ⚒👍

[@kennethd7048]

It's always cool that you share electrical diagnostics.. very cool

[@louisebrown2887]

I enjoy watching you troubleshoot electrical problems Tks for the video

[@shaneharrison4775]

Still at your garage and still a sharp cookie when it comes to being spot on with your diags and those silver bullets can be a great source for seeking the answers when things have run amuck.

[@mrmonk7197]

Love the show Eric and Mrs O. 🎉

[@cedriclorittssr4361]

That was awesome! A simple way of fixing my cars in the future. Thank you! 🙏🏾👍🏾

[@rogerchevelle8543]

Love these electronic diag videos Eric O. Thanks

[@jamesbruno5896]

Nice job Eric, good shortcut to find the real problem!

[@ianlund1086]

That screen saver at the end lol! Takes me back!

[@jochenstacker7448]

You and Mrs. O are so wholesome, you make the Waltons look like Boyz n the Hood.

[@reinovator]

Awesome explanation! I feel like I'm back in school Good Job Young Man.

[@latamoongashka7429]

I really enjoy every episode! I learn a lot at same time! I could use more tools. Thx Eric O.

[@geertvandenelsen6585]

Hi Eric, Wow, what a fantastic website you guys have to support you guys with your diagnosis. Specially a dream is very labour intensive, what costs the costumer a big amount of money. As you said; identify your problem and keep the website with the silver bullits in the back of your mind. I think it is a very big help for these complex systems and their complex faults. Keep up the good work my man! Always love to see you videos and you did help me to improve my skills and level as a mechanic! Kind regards from Amsterdam

[@MichaelHarris-sv3zi]

You did not cheat u fix the problem they going to be happy.great Job

[@harrowtiger]

Well done that man, good diagnosis.

[@porkchop4604]

Excellent methodical approach

[@Byzmax]

Great demonstration of using the info available and having good judgement.

[@davidd8435]

Good job Mr. O “work smarter not harder”. Have a great day.

[@andrewg6238]

Utilizing shared information to fix a problem is not dirty, it is smart! Don't feel dirty, enjoy looking REALLY smart to your satisfied customer forever! Thank you Dr. O.

[@johnreese3762]

Great advice and entertaining as well!! Great video!

[@rjb6327]

Always nice to see Mrs O.

[@Ianf1x]

Helping with good info on fault makes the person feel good about sharing. I share my findings so you have a easier repair 😊

[@mikeberry304]

Great job Eric as always, sometimes a little help goes a long way 👍

[@metrovic]

Enjoy watching from the UK and thanks, Eric for inspiring me to tackle some electrical gremlins on my WJ Grand Cherokee which is of course a 2.7CR Diesel as we have expensive gas over here. I have worked on big diesel vehicles for many years but have always been a bit scared of much of the electrical stuff and left it to other more qualified workmates. Now recently retired I'm getting in to the electrical stuff more and more which is good as I can't lift the heavy bits like I used to be able to do !!! Thanks again.

[@eck8240]

Such a humble man a good and humble man

[@clintprice2123]

You fixed it and that’s what matters, enjoy that win! You deserve it.

[@jeffreyevens2033]

Nice work, job well done, very informative video, thanks!

[@jgeorges3061]

ERIC, brother you rock with ur approach and thought process thanks for sharing ur knowledge all those years. cheeeeeers from CANADA,ONTARIO.

[@lupedelacruz4152]

Got lucky again amigo . All the work u do and share with all u deserve it . God B U

[@jamesfitzgerald2361]

I like the way you troubleshoot Eric I've learned quite a bit watching your videos over the years.I thank you for the knowledge. Say HI! To the lovely Misses " O" .I really enjoy your videos and your personalities. Have a great Day and enjoy yourselves.

[@daver681]

Good job Eric I don't care if you did use one of the tools available to you as you know how to use them, keep up the good work, I love watching you work on electrical problems that other people could not fix, keep them coming.

[@petersharp1315]

All great stuff keep it coming.

[@Dutchy_Polack]

Guess I better stop googling my problems and blindly throwing parts at my rig. 😆 ... ❤️ your content!

[@billysmith6131]

Nice job, good way to use the tool to help develop a strategy to solve the problem

[@LS1LE]

You are awesome! It’s not cheating Eric, it’s working smarter, not harder. Great job!

[@johnrtrucker]

I'm not the most mechanically inclined but electrical I'm alot more comfortable with and I always like these videos because I learn so much and your thought process has helped me diag a few electrical gremlins on my rig. Your videos never disappoints!!!!

[@jonnyrockets4756]

Excellent job, you saved the customer a ton. Any one of us would have used that system as well.

[@tony-ps4qw]

On my wifes vehicle the rear wiper wasn't returning all the way due to sticking causing a parasitic draw amazing what a little draw will do to your battery over time!

[@andythomson460]

I appreciate a man that asks why.

[@Thepartguy]

Man identifix is such a amazing tool to have. Reference it a lot. Gives you a path to look in to.

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video and explanation - thank you! Paul (in MA)

[@spelunkerd]

That's helpful, and a little funny you feel guilty about taking the shortest pathway to a solution. I might have left a little note inside that door, explaining why the connector is not connected so the next tech doesn't hook it back up and then end up falling down a rabbit hole. You could even leave a link to your video, ha ha. I wonder if the disconnected wires might trigger a trouble code.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I don't believe the MICU's set a code against it. They are kind of dumb modules so to speak.

[@abw121]

Auto shop class with Mr. And Mrs O, happy st Patrick’s day

[@MrNickeast]

Love your videos bro. Just wish I had all your cool tools. I'm just a dyi garage mechanic with no lift or scan tools besides a cheap Amazon code reader! Learned alot from you. Keep it up!