Ford Dealer Made The Wrong Call - Almost An $800 Boo Boo

[@SouthMainAuto]

*PSA* This video is mostly me researching and talking about the diagnostic process and the other part of it is poor camera work with you looking at my back. Sorry about that 🤷🏼‍♂. Truth be told folks, if you want to make the right call more than you make the wrong call this is the process you need to follow. Sure, you can pull codes, push a few buttons and then make a guess but at the end of it that is all you have. A GUESS. In some cases, a very expensive guess. In order to fix these vehicles, you need to know how they work and understand code set criteria before you can properly diagnose the system. Just put yourself in the customers shoes then next time you want to take a wild shot in the dark. If you were paying your hard-earned money to someone in exchange for their professional service, would you like to pay them for a guess? Me neither. I will admit defeat or tell a customer I simply do not know the answer before I start unloading parts. I hope that you do the same. There is no shame it simply asking for help or admitting you don't know the answer. -Eric O.

[@TStheDeplorable]

Cars are like women: You can't just throw solutions at them. You have to do the long, boring, tedious, soul-crushing work of trying to understand what the hell it is that they really want and need first.

[@ronallen6578]

​@@TStheDeplorableI was married for almost 30 years and never figured that out. I think you had better think of a different analogy. Cars won't tell you, "Not tonight" 😊😊

[@dennisharvey4499]

Over in the UK, the dealer will not give you your keys back until you have paid the bill, even if it is not fixed.

[@NicholasAndre1]

Eh don’t worry about the video the running banter is 95% of the video anyways 😂

[@2nickles647]

Agreed Eric. Whether it's the vehicle at the dealership, a nameless shop, a nearby shop who sends you vehicle they cannot diagnose because they don't have the skills, proper diagnostic equipment and basic common Sense. The person who is given the task must know. Too many people trust going to a dealership/Auto repair shop for repairs. Take for instance, people going to a parts store and come in the door asking for a Diagnosis. Because they see or hear from a person this place can diagnose your vehicle. I have always told people, they don't diagnose vehicles. They read codes. The codes are given to you in written form. Yes, the stores will tell you what may fix the problem. If you don't understand what the codes mean, you are at a disadvantage. You can ignore the recommendation of going to a shop or take the chance of installing a part that may fix the problem. They are not mechanic, remember they sell parts. As for me, I've never taken my vehicle to the shop. I've been working on my own junk forever. I have been buying tools and scanner over the years. I've educated myself. Plus I don't trust any shop at all. I've seen to many horror stories of myself and fixed people from auto shop repair and dealership too. I'm just an old man.

[@trm64]

Sir, I have been a USAF helicopter mechanic, photocopier technician, US Army helicopter maintenance officer, car dealer, and an all-around DIY guy. You are my favorite and most impressive mechanic. Your ability to teach, entertain, and succeed is beyond compare. Thank you!

[@paulwatson1507]

From a USNR Gunnersmate Chief, I agree! 😎

[@toms66gtstang]

Interesting that you haven't had luck doing Ford PMI's with your Autel. I've been able to successfully do it on multiple occasions, with Autel's that are step below your model. I've done both PMI using existing module & by downloading the info from Ford. I've also gad a couple if modules that I could not do PMI with either my Autel or Forscan. They just didn't list the module as having that available.

[@jeffreydurham5342]

If I can do it, you can do it? No, the dealer service department couldn't do it! Your diagnostic skills are second to none in my opinion. Thank you for your honesty in this profession. Too many parts replacers in this business ready to load the cannon.

[@MotFPS]

The dealership wouldn't 'eat it'. They would lie about what was required to fix it and make the customer pay for it all. We all already know this. Thank you for being honest!

[@ischmidt]

Right. They would've put in a new ABS module, it would've failed, and then they would've replaced the restraint module, and then they probably would've thrown up their hands and just billed the customer even though it was still broken.

[@rmr5740]

@@ischmidt The more sophisticated shops would have figured out that the ECM was bad too.

[@firstlast---]

Harbor freight has to be jumping up and down with joy after that pmi worked 😂

[@retiredatc8720]

I totally respect the fact that over many years of auto work, you have kept up with all the changes that the manufacturers have thrown into their vehicles. Your experience and logical approach to problem solving is FANTASTIC!

[@cincy9381]

Guarantee the dealer would not have eaten the $800. They would have replaced the module, realized it didn't work, find and fix the broken wire and hand the customer the $800 bill.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

I doubt that would happen because it would require them to spend the time to find (diagnose), the true problem. Instead they would have said they fixed one problem but now it needs a wiring harness.

[@ronallen6578]

​@@TheOnespeedbiker And smiled like a Chesire Cat😊😊

[@troysmith9453]

Facts homie 💯

[@remodz6385]

Dealerships don’t fix wires. They do t diagnose wiring. All the do is quote you for a new harness.

[@ronallen6578]

@@remodz6385 Dealerships deal with ludicrous hourly rates and that's about all. 😱😱

[@jordangarcia1550]

im a younger dude out here workin on cars in spare time or on the side, you're a great and thourough mechanic and i love to watch your channel and gain some wisdom , youre doin a big service by really doin it right...

[@johnbutcher867]

I will never get tired of watching you diagnose eletrical problems. I only wish you were THE mechanic in my town!

[@DinDooIt]

Right! He's 6 hours from me and I'm contemplating making the trip because I don't trust anyone around me.

[@a2handyman]

Ditto

[@floorpizza8074]

I had one in my small town for 20+ years. His son took over the business when he retired, and turned it into a high-volume operation by hiring on a bunch of additional parts changers. Was really sad to see him destroy the business his father built. I have to work on my own cars now.

[@jimmydiamond75]

He’s probably booked so far out you’d have to wait months! Guys this good NEVER have immediate availability unless it’s a small quick repair.

[@Bizija123]

Eric, from far away one would think you're just a run of the mill mechanic shop in a sleepy NY town but in reality, you're one of the best in the business!!

[@WilliamTucker-de8fg]

Just remember, If you can do it, your dealership can't.

[@markh.6687]

Heh heh heh. In some cases this is amazingly true.

[@cornbreadburgess1950]

@@WilliamTucker-de8fg and for a lot less

[@14karatyt]

Or, if you can do it for free, the dealership can do it for $1000.

[@327JohnnySS]

Yes I will take " Modern vehicle repair" for a thousand Alex.

[@thatrealba]

True statement. Had the wamens year old Jeep to the dealership twice to adjust the computer to recognize the slightly larger tires we had installed. You know, so the odometer and speedometer would be correct. After a combined nearly six hours they told me they didn't have the equipment to do it. But they could order an aftermarket part and do it for an obscene amount. It was over $1200 iirc. I found the part for $300ish and had it installed and computer programmed in a couple of hours.

[@Backblast72]

You reminded me of what my first squad leader in the Army taught me about troubleshooting electrical issues. Begin your trouble shooting at the source of your problem and work your way back to power. Nine times out of ten it's going to be something that you'll kick your ass when you find it. We had a Caterpillar Road Grader 130G that had a faulty back up alarm once. He was big on always checking the wiring diagram first; this way you could see how the system was wired and where to look for it. Showed me to check the basic first always, physical state of wiring, check fuses, canon plugs to make sure they are serviceable and connected all the way etc. Well on the 130G the back ap alarm is wired directly to the fuel pressure sending unit. So, if the sending unit was bad, it would complete the circuit and thus, the backup alarm would not work. The easiest way we had to check this was to manually manipulate the hand priming pump right next to the fuel filter housing and put the transmission in reverse with the vehicle off and just the battery key on so we could have power through the system the Alarm would come on. If the sending unit was bad, it would not. However, you would never realize this unless you looked at the wiring diagram and noticed that the sending unit was part of the wiring for the backup alarm circuit. This case on this truck reminded me off that lesson learn as a young mechanic on Construction Equipment.

[@GFOER123]

Typical dealer - seems like their "diagnosis" is always the most expensive part of the system. Power running boards on my F350 stopped working. They quoted me $2300 for new running boards. Actual problem that I found myself was green crusties on the power feed wire in a harness that runs under the rocker trim. Cost me nothing to fix it - just some solder, heat shrink, and a few inches of wire. Good as new. I guarantee the dealer would not have eaten the cost of new running boards. Plus they don't usually repair harnesses, so they would have wanted to sell me a whole harness. One thing I learned by watching you and Ivan is that, more times than not, these kinds of electrical problems can be fixed "no parts required". As you always say, if I can do it, you can do it. I did it!

[@mouselt1]

They really don’t have any diagnosticians, they just bring out their $25 dollar an hour tech out with the parts cannon.

[@johndickerson9328]

Man Eric, your attention to the most minute details is amazing sir. 😮 "WOW"! I want to be able to diagnose like you when i grow up. ( I'm 53)😂

[@fredflintstone8048]

Happiness is owning and working out of a shop with a kitchen and a lovely wife who cooks great meals and baked goods.

[@Paul1958R]

She couldnt do it for a nicer or smarter guy

[@wino99999]

Yep but i'd hate to have to walk into that shop around lunch time, unless Mrs O does a side line in takeaways!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Absolutely!!

[@LarryD-z2m]

Owning a shop is happiness??? You never have ....have you????

[@jimedge8301]

@@LarryD-z2m it's obvious that you haven't owned a business.

[@BrianHickman24]

From a f250 owner, that same connector took out my right rear turn signals. I was almost screaming at the TV, go check the harness under the fuse block. Lol. Good stuff Mr O. Took me longer to find it than you did.

[@scotsiain1970]

Outstanding detective work Eric. Saved the customer a lot of $$$ by not firing the parts cannon at it 😆 brilliant work as usual 🙌

[@davidmcclain5180]

Awesome job Eric: Loved every minute of the video. I just fixed a 2002 Thunderbird where the repair shop told the owner that he needed a new instrument cluster because the dash would not illuminate at night. A friend of mine referred him to me to take a look. A quick check revealed that not only didn't it have backlighting on the instrument cluster, it had no backlighting for the steering wheel buttons or the gear shifter. Looking at the wiring diagrams and service information led me to the Front Electronics Module which in fact was the culprit. The point is that the other repair shop would have replaced the cluster and still had the same problem but more than likely, would have charged the customer anyway for the cluster. I don't know that for a fact but we've all seen it happen.

[@CBphotographer]

It is amazing that you are everyone's last resort and not the first call. I am not a mechanic of cars but an a hvac tech . It is just amazing at the thing you can find that others can't or are not willing to take the time to look for. Well done once again, Mr. O

[@TEDodd]

He's not the first call because of time. If he can't get to it for 2 weeks you go somewhere that can get to it sooner. And most of what he shows us is the other places not taking the time, especially dealers. Most of the dealer work is warranty work so it doesn't matter if they replace 3 or modules instead of diagnosing. But they don't switch modes for out of warranty work.

[@t5ruxlee210]

When one piece of test equipment "can't" confirm some function is now valid in a car's double check safey system and a different but very similar TE item can make the call, no problem... lawyers at work ?

[@SouthMainAuto]

That's right. Most people don't use me because I have the highest labor rate in the area. I'm $100/hr and I usually am on a 2 week backlog. Dealers and other local shops get it in within a day. Only difference is accuracy. They hit the mark most of the time. I aim to hit it everytime ​@@TEDodd

[@jthang7]

@@SouthMainAuto $100/hr is high?

[@TEDodd]

@@jthang7 In a small town (population 2000) in rural western New York, yes $100/hr is high.

[@TheSickassmick]

You sir are a REAL technician, unlike most dealership techs which are mostly parts installers!

[@CannonFodder873]

I've learned TONS watching the way Mr. O troubleshoots a problem. Genius level teacher and "plain" talker.👍🏼👍🏼

[@brucekrisko4364]

Boy am I glad to find your channel. I was in the car repair business back in the 70's and was best with the electrical systems. I then became a yacht engineer, and have been doing what you do on yachts for the past 42 years. Troubleshooting and repairs on companion ways and electric windows were most common. I also did custom installs of all marine electronics from transducers to radar. I'm now retired and finding your channel has given me hours of pleasure watching you go through the logic of the problem, and find the problem. I also approve of your repair technique. Thanks from a fellow Yankey living In Florida, Bruce

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

That's another customer for life!!😂 Great job!

[@kingtut5923]

and their family and friends and people at work

[@robertheinkel6225]

I used to own a Crown Vic, that lost cruise control. Dealer diagnosed it as a bad actuator. In the process of replacing the actuator they found a broken actuator cable. They replaced both. I have always wondered if it only needed a cable, and not the actuator.

[@1111boone]

I think your line should be “ if I can do it, the dealership should be able to do it “! Great job!

[@paulreed563]

Ford dealer won't eat anything. They'll just put the module back in the box and put it back on the shelf. Excellent work as always Mr. O!

[@lightningstrikestwice2935]

Eric, I was in the trade for a long time! You are more than awesome with your diagnostic skills. You keep it simple and to the point. I learned that sometimes we overthink the problems. You slow the buggy down and get back to basics and find bad grounds and broken wires instead of replacing $800 modules. You're a humble man as well! No, most people cannot do what you do. You're the best!

[@arthurprice-ju7lj]

You have what most people don't have that's common sense and aren't afraid to look for help with the internet that's why you are good at what you do

[@billrowe4r]

Eric is a gem. Consistently whipping the dealers butt!

[@drewv1785]

Just before you zoomed in for the money shot, I was leaning forward into the screen with my reading glasses on! I knew you were about to find something! Excellent!

[@nealfox1976]

My old shop teacher always said, check the simplest and easiest things 1st. He was always big on visual inspection also. Great diagnosis, Mr. O.

[@papaowl13803]

Our professor and teacher doing what he does best. Explaining a problem while analyzing it. Nice mister O.

[@OtherSarah2]

Not many mechanics would protect the fenders on a '15 Ford the way Eric O. does. Customer care is clearly a habit with SMA. More props for that!

[@milfordcivic6755]

It's basics.

[@chevyguy-hf1yq]

35. This folks is what we call a real man. FN genius under the hood. Takes care of his business around the house/property and has the KNOWLEDGE of making not a pie, but a DAMN GOOD PIE! Dropping Hollywoods name. Classy! Love you guys !!

[@nofrillsvideo7944]

As usual you have proven to be my #1 go to mechanic. To be honest it all began a long time ago when I first witnessed the musical brake cleaner can. To date I am unable to duplicate. Several brands of brake cleaner later I still try to shake the can like you do waiting for the infamous "TA-DA". I will not give up. :)))

[@M0BEYDICK]

I got to the codes about ABS private network and RCM CAN bus A and immediately knew there was a wire problem. Not because I am smart, but because Eric is so darn good at teaching people that the issue is so often wiring and not modules.

[@ChrisHessert]

Said it before, as have many others: sure wish your shop was local to me. Your community is fortunate to have someone like you, with your curiosity and diagnostic skills. Keep rollin'!

[@David-bb3mp]

I live about 3 hours from SMA. The day I encounter an issue that stumps myself and my local mechanics, with no solution in sight, I will be bringing my car to SMA no matter what I have to do to get it there.

[@FINELINEVAN]

I recently started watching your videos heavily. I just love how you play detective instead of throwing parts. It’s a lost art these days. But you do teach how to follow the map to the issue. Thanks your one of the true assets on the net how it supposed to be troubleshot. Very entertaining as well. No wasted time in your videos

[@deniscarr469]

And there is the difference between Eric O and many other technicians. Meticulous research and investigation so that he thoroughly understands how the system works and what the code set criteria is before jumping in with his size 9's. Result - immediately location of the fault. BRILLIANT! Love Eric's videos.

[@brianburns7211]

@@deniscarr469 I’ve commented dozens of times that Eric uses a very logical and methodical approach to eliminate the exact problem. How many times has he said,”What do I need to make this work? Is it getting power, ground, control?” Then he proceeds to check for those things. If he doesn’t have them, then he gets out a wiring diagram, and tests the circuit until he finds the problem. I started watching about 2-3 years after the channel was founded, and have seen dozens of videos over 7-8 years of the same process, and the same success each time.

[@deniscarr469]

@@brianburns7211 Yes, you're right then. Just thought I'd reinforce the mantra. Hope my comment didn't cause you too much trauma.

[@lpscruggsiii]

When I began my "professional mechanical career" it was in the US Navy Aviation branch, we had dedicated electricians and very well sealed electrics. Watching you work with OBS2 and a plethora of other tools is very enlightening. But as a airborne Crew chief I always had to think 1 step ahead to "what do I do next" to stay in the air and protect my crew. All I can say is WOW. Your customers are so lucky to have your real thought process on their side. And you don't have to keep unneeded inventory that would have been used in a failed repair. Bravo Eric O you have done it again.

[@mikeb2058]

I really wish you'd show customer reactions. I imagine people are completely blown away when you tell them it's just a broken wire or something simple when someone else had them thinking they had a junk engine, like the Honda, or needed an $800 repair, like this Ford. That would be cool to see.

[@waynesanders1406]

Einstein said if he had 1 hour to solve a problem he would spend 55 minutes thinking about it and 5 minutes fixing it.

[@fredflintstone8048]

You can't fix what you don't understand so the research is necessary. Each vehicle is a little different so the mechanic doesn't gain an awful lot of universal knowledge regarding the details, and as they say, and it's true, 'the devil is in the details. The cause of a problem itself is usually small, simple, but you have to find your way to it which requires some knowledge and a roadmap (documentation). People getting their cars fixed of course won't have a clue of what's involved and usually simply ask what you did to repair it. When you tell them you repaired a bad wire they will often think the repair job should have only cost a few dollars and that the mechanic should somehow eat the time it took to get to that wire.. Nopey. I feel for the very good mechanics like Eric O. who get to the bottom of the problem with good diagnostic skills but have to sell the idea that their labor was worth it because like in this case the dealer would have charged 800 only to not have the problem resolved. Of course the dealer will claim that the customer had more than one problem. They're NOT going to eat their lazy diagnostic mistakes.

[@dannylinc6247]

He was big on theory. He never worked flat rate, and did not get paid based on production of assigned work like an automotive tech. They did have clothes in common. A tech also has several suits of clothes that look alike and he basically has a laboratory to figure, experiment, and test. He commits theory to memory and tests in order to pay the price of preparation and knowing. But the tech had better get fast answers for people, in most shops, they try to beat you out of your diagnosis and testing time. It's an eternal struggle. And that's regardless of the state guidelines.

[@rogerspaulding6569]

Nice!

[@mcasteel2112]

And now james webb is proving him wrong 55 times a month.

[@danielgeng2306]

Eric’s hair is much nicer than Einstein’s though;)

[@Travis141123]

I worked in a similar field and the lack of diagnostic skills for the majority of guys who came through the shop was boggling. I was banned from speaking with applicants because I would ask basic questions they could not answer and a few of them who could even dodged a call back from management. This and a few other channels are master classes on how and what to do, regardless of the particular industry.

[@greggdpa]

I came so close to shipping my 2012 Malibu to you this w/e. Long story short, which took me next to forever to track down. The passenger window switch light shorted. Symptoms ranged from window magically going down overnight to circuit 6 fuse blowing, but only when ignition was put into start position. Not in ACC and On. It got really strange when pulled over for no tail lights. Knowing you’re out here is comforting! Thanks for the inspiration to not give up and not go to $140 hr diagnosis with no real diagnosis accomplished. You’re a real treasure! TY Btw, I almost had the car exorcised

[@terryrodbourn2793]

Always check the wiring lately, it seems they are buying overseas bad wiring and we playing the price of it!

[@Sabure63]

You should start your own school. I really enjoy watching you solve problems you have a gift. Very Very smart man. Keep up the good work.

[@chriscrusader5412]

I'm leaving a comment today cause you said it would make ya happy, so here it goes. I love the way you and Venessa love each other. May God bless you and her and the kids.

[@fort147]

I enjoy watching your diagnostic thinking, never think that people don't get something out of the a search process. The good feeling you get when you figure it out! 😊

[@akachuck99]

I'm not a mechanic but I have been a regular subscriber to this channel for a very very long time. It has been awesome to see the growth Eric has done with the shop his family and his knowledge. I appreciate the videos and you sharing your knowledge with everybody Thank you.

[@arthurlull8681]

Still the best Dieagnostic man at what you do 🎉happy as always to watch ⌚👍🏻🤠

[@BlairPowley]

Your analytic troubleshooting skills are off the charts. I appreciate that you want to encourage your viewers with your sign off, but the fact of the matter is that not many people can do what you do. Like people say if it was easy every one would be doing it. It’s really crazy great watching you do what you do!

[@ejwxb2561]

Outstanding Troubleshooting! Well done Eric.

[@joeshmoe1683]

I am a 40 year computer programming veteran. I am not a wrencher. I can think of multiple different scenarios where a data (in this case vin) mismatch could happen after a failed update. I am sure that if you tried to flash that module with the wire still broken, it would have failed - probably with some error that had nothing to do with that secondary comm problem. For instance perhaps that module update checks things first, decides it is ready for update. It erases the VIN, then queries the air bag module for some data. When it doesn't get the reply it stops dead, leaving you an abs with a corrupted/erased vin. Another great diag. You'd have made a great programmer with your logic!

[@af.7992]

That makes total sense and is probably what happened in this situation, lol 🤪🤯🤓 And I agree, Eric O. is a great diagnostitian! 😎

[@snoopdogie187]

I would hope in the case of this step up, your thought process isn't accurate. Mainly, it would be bad programming to pull the vin from the one specialized network, with only 1 other module on it, instead of the network with many other modules. Also, I'm pretty sure this is a private network because it is a safety network, which I wouldn't want to see any other data on than the safety talks, and tests. This is Ford though, anything is possible.

[@kimazbell460]

I never cease to be amazed at your ability to look past all the noise and get right to the heart of the problem.

[@peterhodgkins6985]

Captain Correct arrives at the boogered up wire again! ;) I never cease to marvel at your consistent troubleshooting methodology. Well done, as always...

[@AnthonyO-r1h]

A master class. I am taking to heart Keith's advice, I've just gained so much diagnostic training with this one question to ask oneself.

[@davemachoukas6175]

Outstanding! Be proud of your work, Eric. You should be teaching this stuff.

[@user-to7nr2uz8m]

I think you're wrong. You always say "if I can do it, you can do it", but you continue to prove these "stealerships" wrong. Clearly they can't do it! Your thorough troubleshooting skills always pull through. The world needs more shops like yours. Well done as usual.

[@ranjah007]

Eric you are amazing. I have been following you for years yet I am still amazed by your professionalism and integrity. You sir are a man of stature in my books.

[@hy4438]

I've seen when a shop makes an error like this, they don't tell the client ; fix the wire and take the clients money... I was a service writer and had more than one argument with the owner when this sort of thing happened. In one instance, the diagnosised $700 light switch (Mercedes) didn't fix the problem- the tech was in a panic. I ended up using the wiring diagram to trace the issue to a module in the trunk. All that said, although I don't work in that industry any longer, I LOVE watching your stuff and have a huge respect for your process and shared experience! Thank you!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I belive when ford did the PMI they Accidentally Wiped The Vin Out the Module. Wow The Icon PMI Function Worked That's is awesome 36:32 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@gregorybozeman1684]

Once again Mr. O gets to the root of the problem. You are a masterful diagnostician Eric!

[@JohnDoesGarage]

I can't thank you enough for explaining your diagnostic process, not to mention how well and with as much detail as you put into your explanations. I am constantly striving to increase my knowledgebase and improve my own diagnostic process, and I can honestly say, that nothing has helped me more with that quest than watching your videos. Knowledge is valuable, and all that I have learned from you is not only immeasurable, it is priceless. Thank you pales in comparison to the appreciation I have for all that you do, but thank you is all I have, I hope it is enough.

[@rowlandpichey6602]

Great automotive detective work!!! Your neighbors have a gem in you and your shop!!

[@markr478]

My old axiom- electrical problems never hard to repair- but Damn hard to find. Good work tracking it down. 👌

[@mongomay1]

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. "O" for sharing your work and lifestyles. I lived up there in 1993-1996 NE of you in Livonia, NY, Went to SUNY Geneseo and finished at Monroe Community College trying to get my pre-vet requirements. Hit my road block brain-wise and went into industrial Maintenance and got a degree in //industrial Systems. All those critical thinking skills I was exposed to in the mechanical. electrical and automation systems. There were CAN networks in the plants for some of the instrumentation loops.. I even worked part time at Finger Lakes racetrack as a groom and Chase-Pitkin as a yard dog in Henrietta, NY. I do not miss the taxes, regulations and the friggin monthly dog/pet taxes. I am now In South Carolina working.

[@Randy245850]

Great work finding this problem!! . Dealerships are out for one thing, profit!!! You just fixed a problem and a customer for life

[@Discretesignals]

Honestly it's the person diagnosing the issue fault, not so much the dealer. The tech made the call and was wrong.

[@COBRO98]

@@Discretesignals The tech also followed Ford's recommendation of replacing the ABS module, you have to realize the dealership is not going to pay that tech 1-2 hours to find out what the problem is, more like 30 minutes if anything. I strongly would assume that whoever would have went to replace that ABS module would have seen the giant green crusty wire since they were right next to each other. So who's really to blame for nearly wasting $800, the dealership, the technician, or Ford..? I'll let you decide.

[@Discretesignals]

@@COBRO98 anyone who works on vehicles for a living knows you don't trust service info troubleshooting steps. It's a guide to help you understand the system. If you follow every guide, you would have non stop comebacks and mis diags in the real world . Tech had two codes and never thought about troubleshooting the private bus code that was showing up in two modules. Don't know if that's from ignorance or laziness. Experience is the big key and checking under every stone before condemning a module is going to raise your odds for diagnosing something correctly. The flat rape system makes haste and haste makes waste.

[@sidvis7235]

"with " a little bit of know how''???? you've got it in spades,man. That's what's got me hooked on your channel! Love ya, Eric!

[@roberts.3712]

The dealer almost did what is called a "Plug And Pray " fix for $800. Replace the module and hope it fixes the problem. Excellent troubleshooting.

[@richardg9719]

I want to know where did you go to Automotive school at ?. Your instructors,Dad,Fonzie's headed you in the right direction to solve problems others couldn't. I had graduated from Clark College (Vancouver WA )Auto Tech Program in 1974. My instructors John Ringer, Don Westlund,and Elmer Sherman drilled in to our heads the battery is the heart of it all. Check for good battery voltage to the problem device...and a good path to ground with "zero" resistance. I've never had to replace a ECU,or module yet . Corrosion & Rodents..and broken wires are what makes being a Automotive Detective so satisfying. Solving the puzzle is the real prize Thank You for sharing your Automotive life with us !

[@nickmizell1141]

The world would be a better place if we had more mechanics like you Eric!!

[@carrsllccarrillo6507]

If only customers can understand what it takes to diagnose these modern day vehicles with electrical problems and realize, it's not a simple fix! It doesn't take 5 minutes to figure out. That it takes an open mind, modern day (expensive) tools and a skill set of a super sleuth in order to get these type of jobs done right and should be also appreciated! Thanks for posting the video SMA!

[@danlemke6407]

I like that you are using the T10 scanner. I understand that the Ultra is your main option, but I want a better bi-directional scanner, and the T8 seemed lacking. Still a big purchase, but I wanna be able to do as much as I can and hopefully used what I learned on your channel to exhaust possibilities by breaking it down like you do. If it ever happens, I will be doing the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" dance. Thanks for showing us that there is a process, and one is knowing what all the players in the system do and why. IE: do some research before jiggling wires. You should win teacher of the year award, but I doubt the teachers union will approve.

[@safffff1000]

Ford should hire people him for 200k a yr to teach

[@markadams5429]

​@@safffff1000shit he teaches 700,000 plus now with each video for a hell of a lot more money

[@safffff1000]

@@markadams5429 easy to do both. Just have camera crew and editor while he teaches at ford

[@jpack61108]

Nothing stopping the dealer techs from watching these videos. This stuff is gold. They don’t know what they are missing

[@TEDodd]

There are better deals on capable scanner instead of the ICON T10. Have to compare but the Launch X431 PROS V+ for $850 probably does everything the $1700 T10 does

[@johncraig406]

Eriic, I have an '02 7.3L Ford Excursion. someone pulled the fuse for the fuel pump, who? dunno. if the truck was pointed downhill, it would gravity feed fuel and idle just fine. the Edge CTS-3 was showing several codes that just did not correlate with the problem. I was pulling a trailer and started to backup, had to point the nose of the truck "uphill" over a small hill, it died right there, never to run again.... a friend was helping to diagnose it, changed the fuel pump and it won't run ???? well duh, we started tracing wires, back to the fuse panel.. huh? an empty fuse slot? why didn't we look there first?? new 10 amp fuse, and all of the codes cleared, and the truck runs just fine now. love your diagnostic process, watch every video you release.

[@andykidwell6187]

The dealership would replace the module, then tell the customer they need a harness next. If the customer were to question it they would say that it's all part of the 'troubleshooting process'.

[@Cybersawz]

You mean the "guess-work" process.

[@larryberry2436]

As RAinman Ray says, “trynostics.”

[@justbob999]

Then try to sell them a new vehicle..been there..haha.

[@GlennKundsen]

You always amaze me with your electrical diagnosis. How many courses have you taken to gain all that knowledge? But your best skill is narrating your repair work and keeping the listener entertained while learning.

[@terencehawkes3933]

Another fine piece of diagnosis Mr. O!!

[@jjkoferl]

I disagree with the last comment you made. If I can do it you can do it. I started as an auto technician in Germany and then joined the USAF as a avionics technician, 21 years later, I worked for Intel as a equipment technician and some people should not be trusted with a wrench let alone a computer... You sir are great at what you do and I appreciate your technical skills.

[@wallingj68]

The video's like this are like a good detective show, but you have all the pieces in place to make an educated guess, vs a TV show where they throw in a surprise twist that they didn't show before. I guessed correctly in this case regarding the wire, but that's a rare thing for me. Thanks for taking us along for the ride as always! Huzzah!

[@safffff1000]

What's really great is all the online info, for finding locations, past fixes, code data, ect

[@DaveHylton-r9n]

I must say if I was a criminal and you were a cop. I would just surrender! You have an absolute dogged tenacity for finding things! Could you do a video about where you get all of that information?Those wonderful Electrical schematics that you come up with.

[@capraagricola]

Interesting note, with the codes you showed around 7:00 you had a U1A00:87-88, which means it includes the 88 code underneath at 7:18 -- this would have pointed you to the same smoking gun due to the communication bus failure but in a less circuitous path. Love your channel! I'm an electrical engineer who's learning to work on his own cars and your methodology is great. I just had to eat a $170 brake booster motor because I didn't check that one thing I would have if the fix failed, at least it wasn't too expensive but I won't make the mistake twice.

[@bensmith6051]

ICON scanner literally dropped the mic, lol 😂. Great diag and repair

[@iamdwl]

This is one of the best explanations of electrical problem diagnosis Eric has ever demonstrated. Really enjoy your channel.

[@Discarded_Youth]

Man I was just looking for something to watch, thank you sir. Right on time, I don’t want to go back to that dark place and watch Scotty Kilmer.

[@Discarded_Youth]

I’m totally kidding, I’d never watch SK.

[@af.7992]

Aww, come on now, Scotty K. is good for your common sense information and know-how, concerning vehicle repair and maintenance, whereas, Eric O. at SMA, is the master diagnostitian, hands down! 😎👍🏻😎

[@philipmackin1025]

I cannot watch SK, he is to loud.

[@boatguyloz]

Love how in depth you get to make sure the diagnosis is correct. We need more guys like you!

[@bloodbull123]

I would hate to see your yearly paper expenditure.but that is definitely offset by the amount of money you save your customers. Eric you are simply amazing!

[@nealrehm6900]

Eric, I cannot believe how many broken wires you find! The one thing I have never seen you find is a repair that has gone wrong because of wire nuts! Love your channel boss!

[@user-os2es4es9y]

Again the Sherlock Holmes of cars. And the blind baking reference, I’m impressed! Mr. O I cook for a living, thinking about retirement now cause I can’t work on cars. You truly are the G.O.A.T. God bless you , Mrs, o and the whole family!

[@answrtek]

I like to watch a Mechanic that can think logically thru a problem without excepting someone else's diagnosis. It is great to watch your thought process from start to finish. I suspect that the dealership would have lied and charged the customer more than $800.00 for the extra work saying they were both the problem.

[@roberthicks4314]

I'm sure the pay isn't as good but you'd be an awesome teacher at your local tech school!! I wish there was a mechanic as creditable as you where i live!

[@gorak9000]

pretty sure he reaches a lot more people on yt than the "local tech school" could in 100 years.

[@racerdan38]

My experience with ford's was with wiring as well mostly with the ground problems they seem to have. Thankyou for showing new issues and expanding the everyone toolbox. 👍

[@Georgiaboy9009]

I agree 100% with you on ensuring your fix is the right one, however you and I both know that the dealer would have still charged the customer for that ABS module regardless of whether or not it fixed the issue. You've seen it many times and I as well, just last week I had a customer who went to the dealer with an EVAP code and was charged for a canister and vent that did not fix the issue and was told they couldn't find a leak and she needed a PCM. I smoke tested it and found it to have been the clamp for the hose on the filler neck had broken, replaced the clamp and it passed the smoke test and cleared the code. She was charged hundreds of dollars and was told it would cost hundreds more when all it needed was an hour of my time and a simple hose clamp.

[@rhkt]

God bless the smoke machines.

[@thardie]

Stealerships will charge you for the module even if they misdiagnosed it. I bet most other shops would charge you for the module too. They won't eat the cost. Thanks for another amazing methodical troubleshooting example!

[@JimConnelley]

This is free tech training for anyone willing to listen and learn.

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

UK here, Great video Eric... Must be hard to calculate how much money you have saved people over the years by doing a proper diagnostic run. Why couldn't the Ford Dealer do this, they would surely have the official diagnostic tools not the fabulous ICON tool you have here...👍 I've never had Pumpkin Pie before by the way. Must get round to trying it some day.......Might have to be next Halloween 🤔.

[@RenegadesGarage]

South Main Auto.. The dealership would have replaced the module and when it was still broke they would diagnosed it further like they should have done in the first place. If they found the broken wire they would have repaired the wire and still charged the customer for the module and never mention the broken wire they repaired.

[@scrappy7571]

Thats how flat rate works. The tech really hopes the customer just pays the diag fee, and takes the car out of there.

[@joeblow6786]

Never thought I'd ever learn a new word watching SMA... YEOURONNEOUS

[@NicholasAndre1]

It’s always a good day when pop pop sees some green crusties 😂

[@steveloux4709]

No need to apologize for us looking at your back. I was thinking it would be nice to see what you're doing down in there, but realized when I used to hang out with my Dad in our garage, often I couldn't see what he was doing, and it was really the conversation about the process that kept me engaged. That's how it goes sometimes.

[@DaveBigDawg]

As Ivan says No parts required

[@josephsilva1131]

Awesome channel! I wish there were shops in my area that could diagnose electrical problems as well as you. Very thorough. Keep up the good work!!