Even The Kia Dealer Couldn't Fix It!

[@miked1365]

I am a retired electronics technician and want to say your troubleshooting is impeccable! You allowed your testing to take you down the path as most try to imagine a solution and then try to prove it. Bravo Sir you are elite!

[@postal5342]

in the same field and Yup. This is a prime example of good troubleshooting.

[@hard2starboard312]

Retired USN ETCS here, and very much agree.

[@dentech4710]

I am also an electronics tech. 95 percent chance it was in the solder connection, and a 5 percent chance of a faulty fuse.

[@erg0centric]

I am also a (semi)retired electronics tech. First real job I had was with a team. I would take the boards others put back on the pile and fix them. Of course I took more time per repair. I was told I was taking too much time. Next company.

[@DarkLinkAD]

@@dentech4710 Ive bought entire batches of intermediately failing fuses from gas stations. They often arent even the proper thickness.

[@1995dresser]

Eric is very humble when he says just remember if I can do it you can do it apparently that's not so because he's the end of the line where all others have failed at even simple diagnosis procedures Great job Eric

[@jack002tuber]

Yeah, seems the Kia dealer shop is not part of that equation 😕🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@REDMAN298]

@@jack002tuber Don`t forget the dealer mechanics are not making big money anymore. jmo Then the go to guy in the dealer gets all the stuff the other guys can`t fix while those same guys get the gravy work. Been there done that. It`s hard to concentrate when you`re getting shafted.

[@uenragedbro]

He makes it look simple from experience, trust me.

[@chrishartley1210]

Remember also that the training programs teach them that the computer will pinpoint the fault. When it doesn't, they don't know where to look next. Eric's approach uses the computer to narrow down the search then manual methods pinpoint the fault. Rarely is any of this fault finding particularly difficult but using logic and methodical testing is vital.

[@nevoyu]

More often than not it comes down to patience.

[@dependablehac]

Man I’ve been a HVAC tech for 27 years and was probably set in my own way. When I started watching your videos it made me start thinking of better ways to do my job better. Just wanted to say thanks and your the man!

[@heavydiesel]

Same here!

[@ludvigericson6930]

It’s called deliberate practice and it’s why we must stay humble, even in seniority

[@kevinbennett2565]

Same here man hvac 14 years 🤙

[@dpdeere]

Electrician for 50 years and I’ve troubleshot a lot of computer operated machinery. Retired now and love watching Eric as he works his way through the complicated electrical systems in these vehicles. I try to outguess him at times as to what will fix the problem 😂. Eric you do a great job and we think a lot alike. Keep up the great work!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I am not an HVAC technician. I am a retired IT operations supervisor. I have a pretty old air conditioner system attached to my house. It is old enough that the wiring is starting to get a little iffy in places. Cost me a couple hundred bucks anytime it breaks. Beats the hell out of 8 to 10,000 to replace it. Often when the technician comes out I have checked the basic external things not opening the central air unit out on the ground, and have noted sometimes that I wasn't getting 220 into the fan or the compressor. Different occasions. And the technicians come out and all they have to do is take the cover off and they'll find a broken wire or something and they just have to visually inspect sometimes I'll double check with an amp clamp. But I've had a few technicians over the years ask me if I had worked in HVAC. I just pay attention to when someone's working on my air conditioner, I like to watch and learn something. I've always been that way. I already told you what I retired from, I know how to put up drywall, work with cinder block, to be honest I hate that, do carpentry and basic electrical work around the house, I can also do plumbing. All my life will at least since I was 10 I've been cranking wrenches on anything from a lawn mower on up. I am just a naturally curious and attentive person when something's going wrong. I remember a long time ago obviously my dad was going to throw out a lawn mower because he couldn't get it to start. Now you have to understand my dad was my mentor for a lot of what I can do. I asked him if I could take apart the mower and see if I could fix it, he said go ahead it's your time to waste! I tore it down and I adjusted the gap on the coil and the flywheel. I also cleaned the contact breaker points and I checked the carburetor to make sure there was no water in the tank or anything in the bowl. Dad had already checked that but I checked it anyhow. You should have seen my dad come running out of the shed when I pulled the recall starter in the dang mower started right up. You can see a part of him was annoyed that he couldn't fix it or didn't, but he was also proud as hell that I did. The mower was 10 or 11 years old. Daddy got it in 66. So he had already bought a new one. It was fun to find out it was probably the gap on the coil and the flywheel.

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

And this is what seperates the Men from the Boys. Great repair. Great diag. Great video.

[@TheBrothers759]

The fact that you took into consideration that woman's personal life when it came to how you wanted to fix the problem, that's just amazing

[@jdtractorman7445]

That's how I approached working on vehicles too back when I worked on them. I worked on their vehicles with the thought of it being my own car. I always considered what was the best repair as far as longevity goes.

[@XqeDiosxqe]

Then again that lady punches really hard and don't want her coming around the shop.

[@rellmonger7935]

@@XqeDiosxqe lol, right

[@DraftySatyr]

@@XqeDiosxqe If you think punching through that lightweight plastic cover is 'punching really hard', then I think you've been skipping 'arms day' at the gym too frequently! 🤣

[@midwestmutineer7675]

This is gonna sound...weird? Hahaha. I lost my dad in 2016 and we would work on everything on our farm. Our trucks, our tractors, trailers, everything together. You sound so much like him. And watching your videos and watching you track down every issue no matter where it leads to take care of people makes me miss him just a little less. Thank you!! :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

I miss my dad too he died three years ago on the 22nd of this month

[@alexandercopeland2849]

My grandpa was same way, he died in 2015 February. He had a very high iq and could fix anything. He also built lot of things for people. My grandpa and I when i was in high school built our own gaming pc from scratch including circuit boards and all.

[@scottmarshall6766]

Been a service tech since the 70s - later an engineer, but once a troubleshooter, always a troubleshooter. I completely agree with your methods and philosophy. Nicely done!

[@sohendo2211]

The fact that the dealership knew it was the box and didn’t even try replacing a $78 part is crazy.

[@kazifluff]

The dealership would also prefer to try and sell you a new car, rather than fix one that's eight years old...

[@bills6093]

They want to sell her a new car, give her nothing for her trade in, fix her trade in for less than $78, and then sell that too.

[@jessiepooch]

@paul feasal Along with over 800 other companies.

[@scottaustermiller2412]

​@Paul Feasal if people cared about CHILD SLAVE LABOR probably would stop buying Chinese garbage or so called American garbage made in China "gm" Buy Honda more American then a "chevrolet "

[@EyeMWing]

We likely saw why in the service data - it has you check the electrical circuits, and the relay itself (as if it were a discrete component that can be replaced!) and if both of those check out, it sends you to the PCM. If you stick your probes right on those solder joints to test the relay itself, it's going to test fine, because you're bypassing the broken solder joint between the board and the relay. The instructions should have you testing the relay *from the fuse sockets and connectors* Dealers are often married to the official procedures, and the service data is mostly copied from the official procedures.

[@danieldunham9978]

Its awesome to see a mechanic truely care that the problem is fixed properly!

[@mikechapmanmedia2291]

Right? When he said the bit about "I see all those car seats in the back," you know his heart is in the right place (which we knew, but still!)

[@user-ARK1547]

That's because Eric O is a father and has been there And knows stranded with kids is tough on the kids and the parents. He's a top technician who goes the extra mile and does it with heart and passion to solve the problems and get to the root causes. Many mechanics like him out there that are honest and take pride in their work today it's rare to find honest and skilled that get the job done right and don't send you off with a come back repair .

[@androzetga1916]

Good job.

[@stonelemon03]

most of us do , there is a minority that don't.

[@scooterwoodley195]

I’m always impressed with your electrical diags. There are a lot of great “mechanical” mechanics out there but this level of expertise is rare.

[@2DogsVlogs]

Electrical issues scare the crap out of me. I'm the same age as Mr O but give me a carb, manual fuel pump as three speed auto\4spd manual any day. I'm learning now though. Guess you're never too old too learn. Workin on a 2020 Kia right now. Parking sensors resetting & cigarette lighter turning off and on. Starting with the cabin fuse box as there's been a tinkering.

[@DraftySatyr]

Oddly enough, the root cause of this failure was actually 'mechanical' in nature - a failed solder joint (or two).

[@alfredocarpaneto5976]

You are an asset to your community and I hope your local people realize how lucky they are to have such a pro grade mechanic in their town. God bless you and yours.

[@tedtedness184]

You sure are correct there.

[@dennyheitzer9457]

Your observing the ring around the connection point solved the intermittent issue. I serviced hospital radiology systems for 47 years and was named "Intermittent Man" because I followed my adage, "High tech intermittent problems always fail low tech." Solving Intermittent problems require extreme attention to detail and a thorough understanding of how it operates and how it can fail. That's why I tune in to your channel. You did well.

[@anthonybrown2426]

I graduated from a vocational school in 86 automotive mechanics. After a year of light mechanical I ended up being a drivability technician which made me the electrical guy also. I went into another field but continued performing car repairs on the side and sometimes at work. Watching you troubleshoot this vehicle brought back memories. I still troubleshoot hard issues for friends of friend’s where multiple times or shops cannot find the issue. Depending upon what the problem is, sometimes I’ll go ahead and fix it or I just tell them what they need and show them how to do it themselves. I don’t charge unless it cost me and depends on who they are. Close friends only buy parts and if they are struggling with children and good people, I buy the parts and repair. You do a good job troubleshooting. One may take many different roads to get where they need to be so I never make unwelcome suggestions but do offer when solicited by those having trouble. I’ll be leaving for work and first thing is having to find an open neutral in a lighting circuit only affecting one fixture. I continued on replacing ballast and installing LED bulbs last night leaving that fixture out knowing what I needed to look for today. I do new installations of sometimes one of a kind equipment and add to other equipment which includes installation of breakers and relays in the control panels with running conduit and such. I returned to maintenance after working in management for 15 years up to being an area manager and plant manager. I went back to what I love with so much less stress and hours. I hope you enjoy doing what you’re doing as I do. I think you do😊

[@richardluce775]

There’s a big difference between “got it runnin” and actually finding the problem and fixing it. Love the don’t accidentally “fix” it without knowing what fixed it. Your the man.

[@NoName-zn1sb]

you're

[@richardluce775]

@@NoName-zn1sb Sorry, my soldering iron wasn’t quite to temp when I typed “your”.

[@DraftySatyr]

@@NoName-zn1sb I would have allowed 'you da man'. 😉

[@NaberAuto]

As a technician for over 50 years and shop owner for over 40 years, I find your posts entertaining. Your photography and description of the logical path to solve the problem is always interesting - and BEST of all, you don't waste a bunch of time talking and talking about irrelevant things. Short and concise - good video editing, and you fix the hardest problems in a half hour or less. And we all appreciate your approach. No "Throw parts at it until it's fixed" like we see from shops in our area a lot of times..... Great job

[@williampotter2098]

"Throwing Parts" isn't just in your area. It's caused by young, poorly trained and inexperienced mechanics. I suppose if the wages were better people would stay with it long enough to learn how to do it right. But it isn't just a car mechanic problem. Most corporations have tweaked their system to where they can pay the actual workers as little as possible while paying the C-Suite stupid money for sitting at a desk. Do CEOs really need to make $60million a year to do the job? The company's output sucks but then they just pay to advertise more and get new unknowing customers. If you find a good business, use it even if it costs a bit more.

[@twerktospec]

A lot of projecting going on here

[@craigmccolm285]

Same here

[@jfrancis98]

Especially with a problem child, never assume anything. You are a true technician. Keep it up. Thank you!!

[@shauno3697]

Learning what the problem isn't is as important as learning what the problem is. Awesome work, as always!

[@additudeobx]

Thomas Edison, "I have not found the one thing that works yet, but I do know the 100 things that do not work".

[@infin1ty850]

Love that you show diagnostic and repair resources. One of those areas of vehicle repair that not a lot of people show. I work on IT and troubleshooting has always interested me more than the actual repair.

[@athhud]

No joke, I cheered in my head when you said that you were going to reflow the solder joints! I am so proud of you for not letting the soldering iron scare you away this time. Lol I have a feeling that in the times of “everything is back-ordered” you might get more into board repair than you like.

[@tinkerscorner54]

That's a fact!

[@v12alpine]

Same

[@TravisFabel]

I was very happy to see that too.

[@adamlevin6088]

And, to be honest, I think I'd trust Eric's re-flowed solder repair over a new factory part...

[@throttlebottle5906]

great for troubleshooting, but it's not wise to leave such a major "repaired" part in customers vehicle. say it was to stall out on train tracks and get hit, who's liable now? up next: customer with lawsuit against you/business for modifying electronical parts. 30+ years ago, people would have been "tickled pink" and grateful for however long it lasted. I only repair things for myself, relatives and close friends now. not worth the risk of idiots going off the rails.

[@hvac4u2]

You're a credit to the trade. Great skills. Correctly diagnosing a problem like these, breaking it down and following the path of logic and reason is very satisfying. It's a mindset thing that crosses over into many disciplines. Hopefully there's a younger crowd that's watching and listening. We are running a little short lately!

[@TimDyb]

Might be a good idea to get another fuse box cover from the junk yard to prevent water (rain, car wash, etc) from getting into the fuse box. Great t/s & video!

[@baldy95307]

That's why God invented duct tape.

[@claytonfite3197]

@@baldy95307 find the missing piece and super glue it.

[@robertdorsch451]

Black gorilla tape

[@tangodad3320]

Lmao

[@Blackfinger00]

Or buy a new one at the KIA dealer. Can't be expensive.

[@douglasmartin5253]

I’m honestly in awe of how easy you make things like this look.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Just edits out the hard stuff...😅

[@timsak]

Eric this is coming from an older guy, I want to let you know that you are an inspiration in both your professional life and your personal life! Thanks for the videos!

[@For--nop]

As someone that does microsoldering repair I want you to know you're doing a great job at isolating the true issue and fixing things "the right way" with consideration to the customer and their needs. In this case I think you landed on the right solution but please have some confidence in your solder holding. If you could physically see a loose joint (i.e. you know you're hitting the problem area) reflowing the solder on that will hold for years and years if not the life of the vehicle. Your reflow was probably stronger than as the joints come from the factory!

[@SmogFighter]

I’m with you on the strength of the repaired board. The lead-free solder that is used today is brittle and easily damaged.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@SmogFighter "The lead-free solder that is used today is brittle and easily damaged." Is adding some leaded solder (as was done here) a better idea than just reheating the factory solder? Lead-free solder seems to cause lots of problems in cars. 😐 While this part was pretty cheap, other parts can be very expensive and I'd probably trust a part repaired with leaded solder just as much or more than a brand new part (e.g., 8th gen Civic hatches have the same radio & climate display as CL9 Acura TSXes and repairing the display pin connections with leaded solder is virtually free compared to the $500 that Honda wants for a brand new display!).

[@user-jd5sj8jx7r]

Many military products forbid lead-free solder due to tin whisker issues and poor reliability. Reflow with rosin core leaded solder is an acceptable mitigation.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@user-jd5sj8jx7r I wonder why automotive regulations in some markets demand lead-free solder at the expense of reduced durability. It seems kind of dumb. But I guess all these "recyclability" regulations are based on cars being used for 7 years or so and then being dismantled and recycled, not spending 35+ years in use like military equipment (or as some private car owners want their cars to last)?

[@FourSeasonsNorth4x4]

Which leads me to my thought…how do you know the new one from the same factory(possibly) may or may not have the same problem. I now refer to the silver solder problem GM trucks had in their guage clusters..many of those joints also failed after a few years rendering many of those clusters useless..also creating a whole repair business in rebuilding them as it happens. Rebuild was simply resoldering broken circuits. Hopefully the new one is built properly and soldered correctly.

[@dadssongssongs7726]

I totally agree with your process of figuring out the issues, I believe it makes way more sense to make a definite determination of the actual issue instead of just half assing things like a lot of shop do. When I'm working on any vehicle I try to track down the absolute issue by ruling out things as I go until I find the actual issue. Keep doing what your doing so that you can help the rest of us with our diagnosis of issues we encounter. I initially found your channel by searching for an answer for why my 2010 dodge grand caravan was having the gauges, wipers and flashers turn on at random even while driving down the road, I found that one of the high speed wires in the driver's door boot was broken causing the issue, but had I not seen your video I would have spent a ton of time trying to figure out why it was acting up, so a huge thanks your way.

[@theshowersinger6681]

The entire reason I started working on my own vehicles was encountering so many “just punch the fuse box” mechanics who took shortcuts to save hours of work or left parts and shields off. To this day, I’m still the type who will attempt medium to large jobs instead of going to a mechanic because I like things done right and put back without parts missing or broken.

[@bauerjack1978]

I agree better to spend the same money you would have at the dealer but spend the money on tools for the job at least you have tools for the next job

[@julianlangdon3456]

me too, that and the cheap cars I run don't justify big Garage bills. If I'm doing a job for the first time, I'll often do a 'Dummy Run' at the Breakers on a scrap vehicle. Invaluable for identifying where difficulties might lay in getting it apart.

[@markkrispin6944]

Great to see Mrs. O hard at work.

[@jamesculp3622]

I don't own a Kia, but I found your process really helpful, as I'm not a guy who likes "unicorn fixes" that fail only when it's raining, snowing, dark, cold and isolated. Thank you for sharing.

[@gone4days956]

As a long time viewer, I would love to see some of your customer reactions when you call them with good news or testimonials from real customers with their experiences at SMA

[@kain0m]

Truth be told, most customers wouldn't know the difference. Even if they saw the video of their vehicle's diagnose, they wouldn't know if it's good or bad...

[@alhart6665]

The modern shops and techs are all about get fixed and out the door not learning the diagnosing of the problem.

[@gone4days956]

For some of these customers, Eric O is their 3rd try to get it fixed when no one else can and Eric fixes it in 30 min so I would like to hear the that reaction.

[@wyattfamily8997]

Exactly, customer comment would add "icing on the cake" to an already very interesting presentation.

[@lopincol]

I would also like customer testimonials

[@nicodenhaak3961]

As a experienced audio tech with also 35 years of expertise in consumertech, i was so happy to see you take this (right), approach. Step by step narrowing things down while some piece of gear is acting up, is the only reliable way to track down a problem with resonably certainty you are down to root cause. you have inspired me in the past, to go the extra mile in my own diagnostics, as i was a bit set in my ways. when you said: around this solder joint i found a crack, i knew you found the problem sir! But you where right to get the lady piece of mind, and buy a new module. great job, as always ☺ best regards from the Netherlands, Nico den Haak.

[@desertsoldier41]

Yeah you never know if the new part might be updated with better Soldering or a better design. Can't blame the tech if its a new part, if it is a Board repair then you might not be eliminating the problem that caused the Solder to crack in the first place.

[@JasPlun]

That is strange most dealers that run into a situation they cannot figure out they contact the manufacturer who then gets a specialist involved. If that does not work it heads up the chain of command. Nice to see Real Mechanics that diagnose a problem before replacing parts. Good Job!

[@SteveOnTheRoadNH]

As a service technician myself, I always take the logical path rather than just assuming and having the Boss throw money at it praying it will solve their issue. Better customer satisfaction figuring out what the root cause is….great video!

[@marcgrobe8628]

Good job Eric! You stumbled across KIA Engineers field testing their new Anti-theft Device.

[@camjarman2641]

You hit the nail on the head when you saw "a ring of solder". This is known as a "dry joint". Seen this many times in electronic pcb's. Quick scrape, resolder with lots of flux, job done.

[@DishNetworkDealerNEO]

Dry solder joints tend to work at first, but as vibration and thermal expansion and contraction cycles happen, the circle widens and the joint becomes positionally intermittent, acting like a sore, loose tooth!

[@keithlibner9259]

Had an electronics shop in the 80s. You would not believe how many things I fixed by doing a good visual inspection. A magnifying glass and a bright light could often find minute cracks in solder or foil for a quick , easy and satisfying fix.

[@ciberboy395]

This was absolutely beautiful to see! Seeing a mechanic going through a process to find the actual root cause of the issue without simply swapping parts trying to guess what is actually wrong. You're the reference to 99% of the other mechanics. Congratulations on a job very well done

[@brucesherborne408]

Honest, professional and competent technician. Gives us all hope they are still out there 👍

[@bowentown7344]

You REALLY gonna leave us all with a cliff hanger of unfinished business: Choco or Berry muffin?

[@cajuncoinhunter]

I would say both .....

[@Chris_the_Muso]

@@cajuncoinhunter Mrs O needs to make a special order of choc berry.

[@cajuncoinhunter]

@@Chris_the_Muso They would love my Cajun Pecan Pralines ,which is a soft candy cookie instead of a bread type goodie ...

[@tonyaboud8953]

A real methodical common sense mechanic. Those circuit boards are "cold" soldered by machines and the soldered joints do fail. He is worth every penny for his time/expertise

[@1967250s]

As a tech like so many other posters, I would bet your fix is better than the factory soldering job. Good work as always.

[@svause]

I'm an IT professional (and car enthusiast) - your messages are spot on: be methodical, avoid assumptions, gather (and keep track of) data, use reference materials, arrive at logical conclusions. Really important message you are sharing in each video - thank you!

[@brianburns7211]

You’re spot on. Eric is very smart, and I’m not trying to diminish what he does. With that said, theoretically someone who has the service info, wiring diagrams, and uses a methodical and logical approach could fix this. Eric has all of these to use, and puts them all to use very effective use.

[@donaldspaulding5817]

As usual, fantastic diagnosis and repair, I’m sure most wouldn’t go to trouble of soldering the board to confirm diagnosis before ordering new parts. You rock!

[@bladecutter1]

I can't imagine how much the car's owner spent at the first shop, and then at a Kia dealer, and not have a fixed car afterwards, but then only to then spend 1 hour diagnosis time + $78 at Eric's, and now the part is on order, and runs perfectly.

[@KY.0009]

Eric probably has another customer for life

[@harleyvulcancobra4.619]

If I took my car to a shop and they couldn’t fix it , I don’t think I would owe them anything! I don’t take my cars and motorcycles to anybody else, I fix them myself! Some people are just mechanically inclined and some are not! You definitely are!😎🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸

[@DougieLawson]

This video is the exact reason I've subscribed to you. I don't really do cars, I'm an old software geek. You approched the problem cold, no real clue what was happening and worked it. You tested everything needed from the 40A fuse to the relay board. You did that in turn and in sequence. Trace, test, note results, compare with the expected result. That is an ideal way to diagnose what was happening. Try a change, try the ignition. Rinse and repeat. I bow to your skills with the car's electrical circuits. I just hope I can do that same process with my software problems.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Fantastic diagnosis as always, Eric. Solder traces/blobs are so often a miserably difficult failure point to diagnose. Thanks, Eric!

[@marcopineda2249]

As a technician, I worry I would fall into the category of failed attempts of diagnosing the problem. Learning from you helps tremendously and gives me more confidence that I can fix the problem when it comes to me. Sometimes you just need to step back and look at the big picture.

[@mattfanslow]

You'd be lying to yourself if you thought the best of the best of anything, really, but specific diagnosticians, got to where they are on a path of sequencial successes.

[@mikerichardson7658]

Why can't everybody be like you when fixing stuff//You go way above and beyond..Your a good egg Mr.O

[@davidconley6267]

Good job, believe you got it. 22 years as an aviation electronics technician and can't tell you how many times a cold solder joint has been the problem, especially for intermittent problems. Reflowing solder fixes many issues.

[@AN-kg4ei]

Reminds me of all the older Hondas with bad fuel pump relays. You could always just wait till summer when the solder expands... Nicely done as always!

[@vince9four]

You and Wes are two of my favourite KZbin auto repair channels. Both of you show your experience and knowledge when troubleshooting issues. It's amazing to watch, thanks for sharing!

[@abdoalbasha4368]

hallo can you give me the link of wes channel please

[@Curlyim2]

@@abdoalbasha4368 Watch Wes Work

[@michaelslee4336]

Do yourself a favour and go watch diagnose Dan. He a Dutch version of Eric, of course it’s euro stuff but to me it doesn’t matter as it’s the problem I like not the particular manufacturer.

[@abdoalbasha4368]

@@michaelslee4336 thank you

[@abdoalbasha4368]

@@Curlyim2 thank you

[@gjohnston7619]

You are a one man fix it machine. I love the logic you use when you diagnose a problem. You are phenomenal.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

It's amazing how many times you have fixed cars that the dealer couldn't. Goes to prove that with the right scan tool, wiring diagram and being logical about troubleshooting . That you can fix them better than a dealer. That sings praises for you and cast doubt in the dealers

[@Ram14250]

No trip to the Pick & Pull for a fuse box cover? Dang! LOL Eric... you rock!

[@beaviswashere8009]

I must say, I have learned to resist touching too soon by watching you! The fist worked for awhile, but gives no answers. When you narrowed it down to barely pressing with a probe, you have a very focused point of "interest" ! I will say again, I love your diagnostic videos! Thank you!

[@imjabroni1]

When you said you saw a circle around one of the relay connections, I knew you were onto it. That is the little visual clue that the solder/connection is cracked. I've seen them turn a dark black circle from arcing high voltage in monitors, to slight discoloration on a resistor or diode in a logic circuit. You DID find something satisfying.

[@FrackingCanuck]

Yup. Just watched this vid yesterday and had to pop by for the comment on cold solder. As a guy with a good amount of electronic repair experience, including in-car PCBs, I was first, impressed with the proper & decent quality soldering iron station, and that the proper gauge of solder was chosen for the reflow /repair work on a PCB. If not obvious visually, a good examination under magnification will often show up the culprit. When Eric said he spotted a ring around one of the terminals, that's a classic visual of cold solder, as all electronic techs would know. Great diagnostic technique and a perfect demonstration of a colder solder issue by applying pressure to a connection. With a reflow of all suspect connections, I also would have had no problem putting the repair out the door with a warranty.

[@jerrythefatcat2849]

Intermittent faults can be the worst. I really enjoyed watching this, superb fault diagnosis and explanation, thank you.

[@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto3929]

Ivan is gonna be so proud of you opening up that box and soldering it lol. Smart move getting the new box just in case something is wrong with that relay internally.

[@tinkerscorner54]

A new unit will probably eventually have the same bad solder joint issue, at the same joints, especially if it was made in the same factory as the original. Re-using the re-flowed unit might have been the better, longer lasting choice, if it was done correctly (Suck out the old solder, clean the area, and re-solder.). Chrylser products also suffer from the same great "Workmanship Quality" issues as KIA, it seems.

[@ericharrison619]

@@tinkerscorner54 Chrysler, especially in the mid-late 90s when everything went lead free solder.

[@ufartface]

ivan is a putin lover dont forget

[@gtemnykh]

@@ufartface don’t you have a BLM rally or something to go to?

[@richardwhalen732]

I love to follow your process to gain data on a particular problem. I don't have the expensive scanners and other heavy diagnostic pararphernalia that you pros have. I do have a test lamp and an inexpensive scanner that allows me to grab codes and show some minimal events in real time. Your videos have saved me much money and hours of chasing rabbits by teaching me to slow down and study the problem and not loading up the parts cannon.

[@impsquared]

watching you diagnose a problem is like watching a great artist work on a great workpiece!

[@joeturnip4216]

I'm a Retired Microwave Radio Tech who's worked with radio electronic boards 5 feet tall with tons of wires and solder pads and connectors everywhere. Your technique is similar to what I used. That's how you do it. Patience, pay attention to "clicked clues" and then tap-tap-tap your way to the source of the intermittent problem. After being retired for 13 years, I found your video spell-binding. I was with you every tap of the way; it was like reliving my youth.

[@anthonyzhang4918]

This is how problem diagnostics are meant to be done. Methodical, step by step, with proof for why something is causing a problem. Great Job! It’s disappointing that most shops don’t do any real diagnostics and are mostly just wrench monkeys. I hope to get myself a real scanner soon (instead of just an obdlink).

[@mph5896]

Intermittents can be really tough to find. Eric O got it dead broken. Much easier to find an issue when its completely broke.

[@86753091974]

The market dynamics have created this. Customers think that all you have to do is plug a magic tool into "the computer" and it tells you what's wrong and how to fix it. Unfortunately spending time to get to the actual problem pays very very little.

[@ianide2480]

Error codes, scans, probing voltages, and advice did me no good on my last diagnosis. I was told that my car did not have a fuel pump relay by an "expert." The exact statement was something like, "don't worry about relays, these don't use relays anymore, it has a module that controls the fuel pressure." It uses a PMW controlled control circuit to regulate the speed/pressure of the fuel pump, this module was located in the trunk and through the back seat. I used my oscilloscope to probe the output of the module to the fuel pump and the wire going back to the computer, tested the voltages and did everything I could to determine the point of failure. The error code was a missing acknowledgement from the module itself and low fuel pressure on both banks, plus random misfires. I haven't kept up well with technology in cars but I followed a plan that was as methodical as I could. To top it all off, this did not happen all the time and I couldn't easily reproduce the issue, the car would just suddenly die while going down the road. I tested every wire at the fuel pump control module and it all looked good WHEN I tested, every damn time. I do not have access to service data, being just a schmuck in his driveway, but it did occur to me to look at the service manual that came with the car. I read through the diagrams for the fuse blocks and saw (to my surprise) a fuel pump relay. At that moment it did occur to me that, of course it makes sense to use a relay to feed power to the fuel pump control module. I popped the hood and saw that the AC relay was exactly the same, swapped them, and went for a drive. After a while the AC stopped working but the car kept going just fine. Problem solved. Of course, I did mildly load the parts cannon. I purchased a a fuel pump control module for $75 (seemed cheap at the time) and a new fuel pump for like $150 (also wasn't to bad of a price). I am actually glad I got a new fuel pump, I was fixing someone else's work and the old fuel lines at the fuel pump were "fixed" with zip ties and duct tape (so I didn't feel to bad about fixing that up properly). All told, a $7.00 part would have got me going again with very little frustration. I'm not sure why the "expert" ford mechanic told me that they don't use relays on these? Moral of this story, do not assume and look at the simple shit first, which is what I usually do and I don't know why I bothered listening to anyone. (this is one of the many reasons why I have trust issues when it comes to mechanics) sure the pump isn't "controlled" by the relay, but it sure is powered by one. Unfortunately I have far to many bad stories when it comes to paying for my cars to get fixed, so I just muddle through it the best that I can.

[@86753091974]

@@ianide2480 glad you fixed it but this illustrates my point. If you were a professional tech working on this car you would have billed an hour to do 2 3 4 days of work. Most techs are paid by the job. The economics of that don't make sense. Would you be willing to be paid an hour to do an unknowing amount of work that may take your entire week (intermittents are extremely common). 95% of the general public thinks that your problem could have been solved by a tech plugging a scan tool into the car and therfore are unwilling to pay for "daignostics". What's the answer? I don't know but it will get more and more expensive to fix these types of problems as techs are leaving the industry in droves.

[@mph5896]

@@86753091974 Shops are charging MUCH more than 1 hour for diagnostics if they need the time. For example, buddy had a landscape truck that would not start at a repair shop for diagnostics. They ran the bill up to $1500 and still did not have the problem locked in. They called him and said, do you want to proceed more.

[@deanwood2332]

As a Mechanic, I appreciate and enjoy watching you work through the process of diagnosing the fault

[@1fast4door]

I was happy to finally see you get some use out of that soldering station.

[@commonsense2469]

Amazing! A mechanical that actually fixed something! Good work! I’m even more amazed that Kia could not figure this out.

[@flinch622]

I don't know if dealerships read schematics anymore - DTC's have spoiled alot of people. I have a toyota, and dealership is 0-3 on electrical work... including overfusing a circuit that involved my air conditioning system.

[@yamisniper]

more like chose not 2

[@dustcommander100]

It's quite frustrating to work in an environment where wiggling something to get it going was the norm, especially when getting to the real issue involves a lot of red tape. This is one reason I'm retired now! Eric is putting a lot of effort into identifying the real issue - something to be greatly admired!

[@patrickmorgan3326]

So rewarding to watch an actual repair, well done Mr. O !

[@IamGoen]

You are not just an awesome mechanic, you are a great educator! I enjoy watching your videos because you make it interesting while learning at the same time. Thanks for your effort in presenting clear imagery helping us understand the process.

[@327JohnnySS]

Hopefully the dealership techs are watching and taking notes?

[@facekickr]

Hey, you just demonstrated how you troubleshoot an issue whether mechanical or electronic. Really impeccable work! Lots of folks take this approach for granted and I really appreciate you putting in the time to research, read and develop your approach. Really well done.

[@robertgrimley9077]

Back when I was throwing wrenches this type of problem is the ones I loved dealing with. A real head scratcher that needed in depth thinking. Electrical troubles were always sent my way because I loved them. I really appreciate your videos on these odd vehicle problems and repairs, brings me back to my prime.

[@Starchface]

It's always interesting to me how many people are afraid of electrical work (low-voltage kind of stuff, to be sure). I guess I would put that down to a lack of knowledge. Clearly, to work professionally on modern autos, one cannot get far without at least basic electrical knowledge and diagnostic techniques. It's not that hard. Maybe a week's training should get a guy going (or a girl-I haven't seen any but there must be one somewhere). I also enjoy electrical work. Provided such a repair is electrically correct, it doesn't really matter what it looks like, and you don't usually get super dirty.

[@donutdan1508]

Excellent work man! Imagine the customers frustration when the dealer couldn't fix it! WTF? And then imagine the relief when Eric called her to tell her its all fixed! You were her hero for sure. ✌🍩

[@rellmonger7935]

Most dealers ain't taught to repair. They use their computer & replace. My buddy got a 07 Mercedes SUV. They was replacing stuff along the cooling system. To the tune of about 5000 & still wasn't fixed. Radiator, water pump, heater core & some sensors. It took a small shop to fix it.

[@alexmateo2662]

As always great video diagnosing the issue that even The Kia dealer and other shop could not figured out . It is just basic troubleshooting 101. Great Job!

[@robertpage2023]

Yes, he should make KIA a mechanic's "How to diagnose and repair this problem" video and additional page to the KIA repair manual. AND, they should pay him for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rogerb709]

Great job, Eric! If you want it to stay fixed after you replace the module, you should also replace the cover.

[@MrStatic101]

I’ve done energy management system/electrical troubleshooting for commercial buildings for years, digging through control panels and tracing out miles of wires. This was such a treat to watch you truly diagnose those circuits. No guesswork. Also even when you probably fixed it you still ordered the part to error on the side of caution. You sir are a fantastic technician.

[@ag4allgood]

Yeah , Eric probably fixed the problem by reflowing the solder to the pcb platethru connection. I have worked in electronics for 50 years & 7 years on a solder joint that is constantly subjected to vibration will make a once good joint go BAD. To the eye it might even look perfectly fine too ! Thing is to have access to the circuit diagram of the car. Once you have that research on the code also leads to the area of question. This lady sure was pissed enough to put her hand thru that fuse box ! Problem is there are many of these solder joints in cars today. Having a good solder iron is a must today. Great job of showing how to do an electrical repair.

[@natehess7663]

Having to track wires thru a building and find out where the failure is! That is always challenging , every job is different and there often is not a wire diagram present. As a Hvac/Refrigeration Tech we often have to do it, it can b very time consuming but very rewarding when you find the problem.

[@webguy943]

Well of course its not his money ordering the part. The customer pays for it. Its up to the customer to decide whether she wants a new one or not.

[@alexbrown1995]

Brilliant job, mate. Your diagnostic skills are a pleasure to behold and your patience is extraordinary 🙂

[@pkelly8879]

Agree. If it were my own vehicle I would run it with the resoildered board and see if it holds up. Changing it out is the correct fix and when running a business thats what they bring it to you for. 78 dollars is deffinatly worth the correct fix to make it reliable. I am always amazed at your approach and execution in these videos. Great job. 👍

[@brnmcc01]

And you probably wouldn't need a new fuse box lid either :) 😂

[@brnmcc01]

@UK_AutoTechnician Totally not worth it, I wouldn't be surprised if it cost more than $78 these days just for the tow to the shop. Never mind the inconvenience of being stranded with the kids somewhere.

[@rankiad]

That EMS box seems like a common problem on these Kias/Hyundais. Have gone through two Kia Rios with false contacts on the integrated fuel pump relay which led to a crank-no-start. Good diagnosis SMA, always enjoy your videos.

[@jeffchimileski6283]

Bravo! Your re-solder touch-up could potentially be more reliable than repacemet module since the new one may have same problem as the original.

[@autotech8326]

Beautiful and patient diagnosis! The fact that a Kia dealership couldn’t figure out the problem! This adds experience to my career! Good video! Great job!

[@fretman09]

its always great to learn something new, I have seen dealerships come and try to break the customer over a simple diagnosis and then charge astronomical fees for doing nothing and then coming to a local respective shop like yours and you figuring it out. I bet that customer is now a customer for life, being a shop owner we admire you. thank you for your teaching Master!

[@pretzelogic2689]

As a product development technician in computers as a career, I found your process to be perfect. All you said and did was logical and methodical -- a real joy to watch. Lot of times first appearances and symptoms can be deceiving. You seem to have taken a path to avoid introducing confusion into the intermediate diagnostic results. And saying "I don't believe I have fixed it" is an excellent comment in this case.

[@davetaulker6721]

As a Mechanic/ Fixer of Broken Things, I truly appreciate and enjoy watching you work through your process, and help to explain your methodology on each of these repairs Eric. I wish that I lived closer, so that I could come share a bay with you and learn from you my friend. Have a great day brother, and I wish all the best to you and your family. Please keep up all of the fantastic content.

[@jimbark4642]

Right, This guy seems hella cool to work/learn with.

[@jackson1az449]

I’m a marine tech and I love it when people actually take the time to diagnose problems properly good job bro👍🏻

[@williamwever4489]

An Air Base I was stationed had an auto repair shop operated by a Tech Sargent. An airman reassigned from Germany had a Opal auto with him This was the early 1960s. It quit running and got towed to the shop. The diagnosis was carb problem...The car owner was told getting parts would be several months from Germany. The Sargent rebuilt the carb using American parts and when the piece from Germany arrived he put it on. The car ran better with the jury-rigged carb so the ordered part went back. That shop probably got a lot of young airmen interested in Mechanics as an occupation using a GI loan.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

He often comments his videos are basic and nothing exciting. In reality he doesn't just show us how to fix something. He shows the world how to properly diagnose and troubleshoot, not just the physical task but the mental breakdown of what he is doing. Troubleshooting in my old since retired field, IT, was incredibly important. I remember a time when the mainframe kept crashing as soon as we brought it up after the last crash. I personally wrote the procedure to document a system crash. And I was following that procedure when the vice president came storming in and screaming at me. It was about that time that I found the problem. We essentially had a hard drive with an error on it. Either a head touch or something happened but the drive was no longer good. And that's when I pointed to it walked away from him and made a phone call to our engineers who were at lunch to tell them we were down and needed them ASAP. I also told him exactly what the problem was. They came in looked at what I had circled on the printout, walked over to the cabinet and swapped out the drive. While they were doing that I was getting ready to reload the system. Troubleshooting is such a lost skill. And by that I mean most people that go through the tech schools and get certified for computers in general aren't taught how to troubleshoot. Basically it breaks you call Mama. I remember the first time I watch this video the first thing I noticed was I didn't hear anything turning on when he turned the key. One of the things I can normally hear on his videos is the relays clicking and sometimes I can hear the fuel pump too. It's kind of surprising given the noise level I worked in for 30 years. I didn't hear any realize clicking or fuel pumps running nothing.

[@villedocvalle]

@@JohnRodriguesPhotographer I was hopi g you were going to quit that job.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

@@villedocvalle Thanks, I did years ago. They started as a small company, and grew very fast. Their management style didn't mature with the growth. Best practices was to run around with their hair on fire, putting it out with a hammer. No analysis, just yell at whoever they decided to blame. I out grew that. I learned people rarely actually make mistakes. More often than not is was a lack of or a break down in training. I am medically retired now, 30 years of IT and three years as a 24X7 final care giver for my parents took its toll.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@JohnRodriguesPhotographer Agreed. Been an IT troubleshooter for over 35 years and I find that is a skill you can't really teach in school. The bulk of troubleshooting is a mind set that watches, listens, reasons and remembers, not spout book knowledge. Some of it is knowledge, intuition and luck all wrapped up in that small space between our ears. South Main Auto is a troubleshooter.

[@stephensaines7100]

It was a great episode! I've stated it before, and you prove it again: You're an excellent electronic tech. Your soldering technique gives it away. You've done bench electronics at some point in the past. Intermittents can drive you crazy, $86 makes it go away, now you've diagnosed it. You figured it out. KIA didn't. You win. So does the customer. Great work!

[@STORMZ8]

They're not mechanics, they're parts replacers.

[@rhkips]

I love when the diagnosis includes muffins! If I ever have the opportunity to write a factory flowchart, I will absolutely have one of the steps be "Take a break, have a muffin." $78? Sold! 100% on board with you there, Eric!

[@davtho1957]

Your statement at the end concerning your methods of troubleshooting to understand what is going on is dead on. You would make a fantastic instructor. Keep up the excellent work.

[@gregbroburg7351]

Great job Eric. I have lots of oddball whodunits. Annular voids are common on single sided circuit boards. The factory solution is to design in plated through holes in the PCB which cost more. So there is a known failure rate. I've been studying alternator failures related to rear bearing grease evaporation for many years. Gotta love a good whodunit.

[@randyrhodes3934]

As a retired field engineer who serviced medical electronics I have to say your process and obviously good result was perfect. To anyone who would critique this technique I would say they have never followed a guy who took short cuts and had to fix both a customer and the problem. Great job. Cold shoulder joints are a major problem in any equipment that vibrates. I would have guessed you fixed the problem without out replacing the part. I get it it though and for the price it was an easy bet. Great job.

[@davidswingle6521]

I love diagnosing issues like this. Patience is a virtue that most dealerships don't have. They throw parts at something until it's fixed. I hear that everywhere. Congrats on your clever diagnosis!

[@eugeneenslow8563]

And the DISGUSTING, DISGRACEFUL part is they CHARGE US for the parts, whether those parts fix the problem or NOT.😬😠😡

[@dennisdesenberg7988]

Lots of us folks hold you at a very high level! From the 1st video I saw of yours and beyond, you have proven yourself to be one of the best automobile trouble shooters around. Dedication to your work is one of the things that makes you best. What others may say doesn’t bother me - please don’t let them bother you! Believe in yourself and let the nay-sayers fall to the side! Good Day - Sir

[@freewill1114]

Speaking as a retired 40 yr electronics tech, I think you did an exemplary job of diagnoses and repair. The only thing I might have added to your effort is to get out my eye loop and examine each one of those pins, to see if it moves when you press on the relay, in hopes of pinpointing the exact pin. But, I think you nailed it by re soldering all the pins. One more thing would be to order a new fuse box cover while you are ordering the part. Well done, my man. You can call yourself a true technician, not just a parts swapper.

[@johnseidel8971]

The fuse box cover got me. I kept waiting for him to say he'd ordered a new one.

[@ag4allgood]

@@johnseidel8971 Yes , me too because it keeps that area from getting any moisture in that fuse box / relay area. Don't even say just duct tape it over !

[@AutomotiveEvangelist]

@@johnseidel8971 I was waiting to hear that he stopped by the pick-a-part and grabbed one there...since there must be acres of dead KIAs in every lot in the country.

[@joshuadavis1547]

I absolutely love these electrical diagnostic videos. It’s so satisfying to figure something out that had other people stumped.

[@karney44m]

Great work, love that you took the extra step to re solder the board. I am an electronics engineer and spend half my days reflowing joints just like this. I send repairs out with full warranty and they never come back, as long as I found all the bad joints. One trick I may suggest, when the joint is heated, move the component leg with the iron tip, if it does not fall out of the hole, you are good to go after adding a dab of solder. In a small percentage of cases, the component lead has fractured on the other side, impossible to see when the board mounted relay is in the way. I would be willing to bet that your repair would have lasted the life of the car. Love your methodical approach to narrowing down the failure, its almost always best to start from the beginning regardless of what other people before you have tried...trust your own science and intuition......oh, and a roll of de soldering braid is very handy too!

[@gnif]

I would also have put some silicon around the relays to try to prevent fatigue of the joint too in the future, rather surprised to see that there is not already some there from factory, especially as it's an automotive application in a high vibration environment.

[@Jw20000]

I find it crazy the previous shop couldn't find it when they located the area where it was because she knew to bang on the fuse box! Thats a pretty good lead if you ask me.

[@99andrianmonk]

Another great job Eric. Totally agree with your approach that it's important to know what caused the issue and not just shoot the parts cannon. However, it looks like there's an important fact staring us in the face. The Batman symbol noticeable thru the windshield. It's the Bat Car! You fixed the Bat Car.

[@judd3542]

I love the detail you go into when it comes to figuring out any and all issues. My wife asked me how i can just sit and watch this guy fix vehicles that i will never own.. I just really injoy it I am a ford guy and used to just look up videos i needed tk help me figure out an issue i was having with my own truck.. after watching SouthMainAuto i have been hooked

[@INDENTUREDTRADER]

Brilliant, my old son, I love watching these kind of videos.

[@whitestar618]

this was an excellent example of working through a problem.....not just for auto mechanics but for anyone trying to figure something out. Thanks!

[@ronhansen6506]

Awesome work as always. I was an electronic tech for 34yrs. Not the same obviously, but we ran into the same issues more or less, where things would start working before being diagnosed. I love the way you work.

[@uzaiyaro]

Percussive testing really is a double edged sword.

[@bruceforet815]

Great work. Your town is lucky to have an honest mechanic like you.

[@bobgaylord8883]

Your video took me back 60+ years. When I was a kid there was a comedy routine where a guy's TV wouldn't play and he'd measure up so far, slam it with his hand and it would work. He did it several time and I always thought - "Why doesn't he just take it apart & fix it, so he wouldn't have to go through that rig-a-maroll every time?" Long way of saying, you diagnosed it & found the problem & fixed it - good on ya!

[@Fault.Current]

Can't believe the amount of patience you have when others have failed. Having the right tools is part of the job, but having the knowledge to use those tools is key.