I Got My Butt Kicked 🤬

It happens from time to time when you make assumptions... you get your butt handed to you on a very simple diag just to find out it is your own fault for assuming! -Enjoy!
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[@SouthMainAuto]

Well here you have it folks. I know many of you think I don't make mistakes so I feel I need to make some videos to prove you wrong. I make many of them and I am 100% sure as long as I am on this side of the sod I will make many more. In this video and diag my biggest mistake was making assumptions and not gathering the easy low hanging fruit first. I had no reason not to believe the test results the customer had provided with me with but as you seen in the end of this video it bit me. Easy 5 min diag took me the long way around and cost noting more than some extra time. No harm no foul at the end of the day. Happy Testing, -Eric O.

[@adamsmith1470]

We’re all human 👍

[@hussssshie]

There is no way you won't make any mistakes. When most of us say you don't make them, is because you don't tend to fall into easy assumptions. Your shop doesn't replace the ECU at the first chance like many (MANY) other shops do. I work in fixing electronics and I think your diagnostic methods are usually flawless. And sometimes you go an extra mile when its obvious where the problem resides, but you want to prove it. We truly value you for that.

[@Nmdixon-cu7vm]

It takes a real man to be honest and admit they were wrong. Nothing wrong with that Eric. 👍

[@woodworking5979]

It happens called being human.

[@cyrusmoser1090]

Thank you Eric for your time and knowledge!

[@miguelrocha768]

The first rule of troubleshooting. Never trust whoever was before you, they couldn’t fix it.

[@ekop1778]

goes TO SHOW THAT YOU SHOULD NOT TAMPER WITH THINGS IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT.. SHOULDA GONE BACK TO THE DEALER IF YOUR GONNA VOID THE WARRANTY

[@dashcamandy2242]

Always try to walk into the situation "blind" at the very beginning. This way the diagnosis isn't tainted by the customer explaining, possibly in wrong terms entirely, what he or she (or a previous shop) attempted to do.

[@javiTests]

You're totally right. I have to do the same in other field (computer engineering) and most of the times one of the assumptions of the other person is wrong and that's why they can't fix it! By the way, it happens to me the other way around as well, so I don't blame them :).

[@timkondek8256]

This right here is the most important point. Something is wrong with their testing, analysis, or conclusions, otherwise they would have fixed the problem!

[@Bruel111]

Well said!

[@Martin_from_SC]

Even the master makes mistakes. Kudos for showing the mistake and not deleting the video.

[@TwilightontheTrail]

I was afraid we were going to find that the reservoir was empty.

[@etyrnal]

lol

[@rjaquaponics9266]

Or a mouse stuck in the hole!

[@dhuze66]

I was thinking plugged line.

[@carlosvaladez2186]

I have seen that

[@mikewhite3293]

i didnt even think of that...lol

[@iplanttrees8875]

Mad respect for deciding to post it. Nobody would have known other than you. So the fact that you chose to post it anyway says a lot.

[@brentfarvors192]

Not true; The original customer would have known, and he's even madder at himself...

[@danielrapoza8468]

Wow, what a great and valuable lesson learned for all of us. Eric thanks for posting. You Rock... You can walk on water, when it is a puddle in your shop. ☺️. Dan

[@yepper1165]

"A wise man learns from his mistakes. A truly wise man learns from other people's mistakes." Thanks for sharing yours for us to learn from.

[@HankeyMcSpankey]

If a customer says: "don't check X, because I already cleaned/replaced/tested X" X has a 95 to 99% chance of being the issue.

[@LAactor]

agree. On Toyota Maintenance's channel, there was a customer who said don't check the cabin filter and air filter, as he (the customer) told him, he does all that. The mechanic looked anyway. It was semi dirty and had rocks in it. And was half folded up like an accordion. the folded up parts were still white. Some of his other videos were about shops who people paid hundreds to change fluids and when he looked at the bolts, didn't look touched. And even if they used suction. When he opened the drains, sludgey or cloudy or black fluid came out. So in some cases they weren't changed or changed the right way. Or changed and or partially changed so not all the fluid came out and was made clean. Like in the case of torque converters. Still metal fragments present on the stick..

[@plantmanstudios]

As someone who worked as a technical support agent and talked with 1,000's of customers I can attest to this statement. There were way too many times where the customer said they did what I asked them to do but once I walked them through the process they realized they did it wrong. As a seasoned technical support agent I always went through each of the troubleshooting steps to avoid this issue.

[@tedunderkoffler4164]

Interesting that the owner identified the problem @ 1:25 when he stated there was no power on the orange wire. Had a similar problem on my Soul which turned out to be an open motor, but not thinking automotive ckts typically ground to run I chased my tail until I installed a separate ground wire and the unit still did not work THEN I TESTED THE MOTOR and ... went and bought a new pump. Sometimes we chase are tail because we ignore the KISS principle.

[@Michigan_Tactical]

You didn't make a mistake. You successfully showed us how not to diagnose a problem.

[@greggardner2823]

LOL

[@kennethbrown1879]

Man eats humble pie and still shows the world. What a humble man.

[@davidward4074]

It is incredibly refreshing that you can admit your mistakes and allow us to benefit from them. I still believe you learn more from a mistake than anything else. Well done.

[@billclinton6040]

The real tragedy here is that the owner fixed the problem, but somehow unfixed it at the same time. LOL

[@bigclivedotcom]

Been there. But less wild goose chases as I get older and wiser.

[@javiTests]

Nice to see you here, BigClive! I guess we subscribe to the same channels! There is one very interesting channel with a guy with a long beard that is very good with electronics, it is quite entretaining and you learn a lot of things! As a plus you laugh sometimes so hard when he tries to cook things with two forks and passing electricity through food!

[@andrewshelley410]

Eric needs a sludge containment pie dish.

[@donaldkuell3245]

Why does the washer fluid look so much like antifreeze?

[@mrbibstoo]

Me Too!! That's why I'm retired. Too many things can go sideways with all of the electronics nowadays.

[@fevengr9245]

Or as Spock once said: “…chasing wild aquatic fowl…”

[@acmaras]

Eric: "Plan the work, work the plan." Mrs O: "Well, somebody didn't plan for this, huh?" You two make an awesome team. I love it! Keep up the great work!

[@jeraldtrahan4932]

Who's Mrs.O ?

[@phillipgroom9187]

Been there done that as well. Hard lesson to learn, but I have learned from my past to do my own trouble shooting. Don’t beat your self up over this. Good job!

[@robbrobb2161]

I am a technician with 30 years of experience troubleshooting complicated systems. I've had to learn this lesson several times..... it's just the way it goes. You are right, it is frustrating. Long run, it makes you better at what you do. Thanks for sharing a great video. Robb

[@plumbum48]

Person that never makes a mistake can’t be doing much.

[@williamsquires3070]

Yeah, if you’re doing nothing, you’re learning nothing... except how to end up fat and lazy. We already have a glut of people with a Master’s Degree in that. 🤣

[@Cheepchipsable]

"Person that never made a mistake never made anything" is the quote.

[@paddrivers]

A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything 😎🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

Well said

[@TeezerDriz]

My uncle used to say that too. Best advice he ever gave me.

[@sterlingstephens7093]

Only one man,jesus

[@PurityVendetta]

When I first started my company I got a contract from one of our retail customers. I made a really, to me, stupid mistake. The customer could tell I was absolutely mortified. He just looked at me smiling and said that very same thing 😊

[@melissaboyer7428]

Dont know what your talking about. They made a song just about me you know. Goes a little somethin like "oh lord its hard to be humble....." Except for i don't get better looking each day.

[@caronmj]

Can’t count the times I’ve made the same mistake. Trusting someone’s work leads to a longer day.

[@wolfmanrebel874]

Just happened to me, dude pulls up swearing he needs a rack and pinion, has a new one in the back of the vehicle wants us to change it..ok, I change it out start the vehicle and power steering cooler is blown out that was his problem all along, now in my defense though the guy just had it dropped off with a note " install new rack pinion" didn't say "why" he thought he needed one

[@throttlebottle5906]

sometimes I don't even trust my own work. on little things like network jack termination, cannot tell you how many times I reverse wired or swapped a pair. it's very easy to not pay attention to the jack labeling and mix 568A and 568B standards. kicking myself in head, because I just recently did it 4 times! of course they were older cat6 jacks, with the most stupid labeling scheme known to man.

[@2491kridge]

Yup, anytime I get asked for help by a guy at work I will always of course ask for all the details on where he’s at with the diag but then I start off from square one even if he already did everything I’m about to do

[@jgoncalodm]

@@willyluciano9036 I look at those situations as the scars that make your skin harder and impervious to those fears and doubts. They are always present, but you become desensitized to them over time. I work on remote service of heavy industrial machinery, 99.99% all by myself, and I still keep remembering myself that I'm just A Man In a Van, Doing What He CAN!

[@jgoncalodm]

@@2491kridge Wish I had that option more often, usually I am all by myself having no one discuss my diag and attack plan to solve the problem. Sometimes I would call someone, or someone calling me, and in the very process of explaining the problem I am facing I would be able to see things from different perspectives and different explorable options to tackle the issue. Other set of eyes is sometimes very helpful and a teachable moment for both techs.

[@corylenihan2736]

I have made the same mistake. changing my approach because of someone else s opinion. glad it worked out. You are the best mechanic . Honest and intelligent. love the vlog.

[@johnnyf99music74]

The lessons learned in this video are as valuable as any other that Erik produces.. thank you so much for not hitting the delete video...

[@theovandaele3220]

Finally a video where the "If I can do it, you can do it" matches my personal experience. (except for the bit at the end where you actually got it working)

[@subzeromjc]

haha to funny!

[@tyree9055]

I generally get to the bottom of things, even if it might take me months (usually), or years as in my Pontiac's vibration, which was due to the rear end being out of alignment and it was not adjustable. It wasn't until I started doing 4-wheel alignments (for my Subaru and was able to see the printouts), that I decided to do one for the Pontiac. Then I was able to see the misalignment and asked the technician about it. He told / showed me what I had been trying to figure out for over a decade! 👏🤣 Damn those old school Front-End Alignments!!!

[@arcburn3364]

I couldn’t believe you were giving the customer’s phone number out until you completed it. Boy am I glad I didn’t have a drink in my mouth. You are so spontaneously funny all the while teaching us.

[@TheBigdawg441]

This is not an automotive channel, it is a therapy session. You provide an example that there are others out there that share our pain. Even though you know the course of action, something fouls the plan. Thanks for the (always great) content Eric!

[@darrylhowe1465]

Only the honest professionals make mistakes. The dishonest ones never make a mistakes. Thanks for being an example of honest professionalism.

[@buannajim8091]

Good lesson. Go with what you know and can prove. You'll beat yourself up because that's what guys with a conscience do. They also own up to their errors. Get your head back in the game because you have a lot full of cars, as usual. Keep up the great work and thanks for helpful vids.

[@INDENTUREDTRADER]

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”

[@mikediamond1522]

What an Idiot! That's why they call me an Idiot! At least your working and trying. Learn something new every day. God Bless!

[@plantmanstudios]

haha! nice!

[@WatchWesWork]

Yep. Been there. So many times! The least reliable part of any complex system is usually human...

[@wyan008]

If you aren't making mistakes you aren't working hard enough !! Love the professional integrity and honesty.

[@sometimesleela5947]

The only mistake made was expecting things to go right on a Monday.

[@THEFlea1991]

Subbed. Mad props for showing this mistake. You make a few thousand less than most of us. Been binge watching your videos, soaking them up the best I can. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@terrycullender123]

Got an emergency service call. A theatre full of employees can't hear their annual safety film. $50,000 waiting on a "mute" button.

[@tyree9055]

😄😆🤣😂😅

[@nuggert]

Oh no, we work for the same company don't we

[@stanley917]

Got to give snaps to a guy that is willing to show his mistakes so others can learn. Good job. Thank you for being a stand up guy.

[@jbrhel]

Hey Eric, we're all human and by nature we make mistakes. You're just like all the rest of us imperfect humans and I admire you very much.

[@yourbigattitube]

It's OK, I made a mistake once too.... HA HA HA (Lots of 'em) Learned too! This actually made me feel better because I realized that maybe I'm not the only guy trying to diagnose something with Murphy's Law chasing me around. Thank you for your honesty! Great video!

[@stephenbay9564]

This was an EXCELLENT video....thank you! I have learned what you stated - don't believe anyone's info - for the same reason. Too many people "think" they tested something the right way, and yet in reality, they don't know what they are doing. It was very helpful to see this, because it was like a refresher/reminder course in - the reality of it all.

[@t5ruxlee210]

"The "We Don't Work On Nissans" sign you ordered is ready sir. Will that be pick up or delivery ?"

[@JoesAutoElectric]

Well, I will not get into war stories here for fear of being banished from the channel. I will say that I feel for you on that one. I have also learned the hard way not to let a customer sway me from my approach. How you ask? Pretty much the same as what you showed here. Chased my tail to find it is the exact component they claimed is not the problem. We all do it brother. Great video and even better lesson to all of us to stay with our plan. You're the best brother.

[@meabob]

Many times, especially when it's an electrical component, if the customer says it's not "that", it pays if you start with "that". LOL

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

What doesn't work? and where is it? I always start there.... Doesn't mean I know where I'm going, but I need a place to start.

[@alabalanutnbolt]

Thought Joe might have said. “ never take notice of a knucklehead “. 😎

[@KingOfKYA]

The funny thing is hardware or software issues/bugs, the second pair of eyes starting (with less context of the situations) way too often exposes the super simple problem.

[@KingOfKYA]

Also one potential answer (because it happen to me on my old focus but blue paper towel) related to a sludge is its likely a DC motor so it can spin ether direction, so if they tested the OEM pump in reverse polarity it may have unstuck itself. That may also explain the replacement motor also dieing if it sucked up sludge immediately. Try powering the new pump up both directions and see if it spins up:)

[@tobytyler3950]

Nothing ugly to say... you are still the best mechanic I have ever seen... I wish I had your intellect

[@bentnickel7487]

Don't forget his rugged good looks.

[@gstorhof1]

"A Chevy Cruise with no cruise control" I had a Jeep Compass with no compass

[@hankkingsley2976]

I had a Ford Escort with no escort she didn't show up

[@Skoda130]

@@hankkingsley2976 I had a Chevy Beretta. :-)

[@tyree9055]

@@Skoda130 So... should we check the glovebox or the trunk? 😄👍

[@tyree9055]

So who got an Impala with their Chevrolet?

[@gokblok]

I had a Jeep Commander--but nobody tells ME what to do

[@jamesfranks5576]

I'm a pretty decent mechanic, you're a pro. I love the transparency on this one. I always go to you when I am working on something you have posted a video on to learn if you have a better way. You often do. Keep it up.

[@alanholt6535]

"If I can do it you can do it." Yup, I make those same mistakes all the time.

[@thomasfletcher4765]

Same here

[@brianmason1414]

I third that!

[@vance14005]

I watch a lot of auto repair channels but, none of them make me feel like a kid opening a present at Christmas like your channel does every time you put out a new video (even when you help us learn from your mistakes - those are some of the best, actually). I told my wife this and she says I have a man crush. I don't know about that but... Thanks for another great video/present! Take care!

[@vancemarin8022]

Vance you made the same comments as I was going to!! Vance from another mother !!

[@scottsmrcka2769]

I always do my best to completely ignore my customers diagnosis. But yet have been led astray a few times as well.

[@TheRealBob808]

I've watched many of your videos and been amazed at your diagnoses. It's so easy to head down a rabbit hole when you're given a map to go there. But I appreciate that you always find your way out. Good stuff.

[@MistyMountainVideo]

I have found that you Learn more from not only your own mistakes, but by observing the mistakes of others. It made this video all the more educational and well worth watching.

[@zeke112964]

Learned the same thing....NEVER trust someone else's diagnosis.....Guy told me it one thing and planted that "seed" in my head and I was totally wrong. Wasted 2 hours for a blown fuse

[@roverrovert6406]

Same, when I first started out they said it was the clutch switch that it wouldn’t start ended up testing for an hour till I realized it’s the starter I will never take the customers word again!!!

[@mrbibstoo]

Been there, done that! "Nuff said.

[@jussikuusela7345]

I have once wasted 3 hours looking for a blown fuse or dysfunctional relay or switch on a car that was missing power locks, to find out it was likely an issue of crashed software. Everything went good by disconnecting the battery terminal for a few seconds.

[@misterhandy5121]

LOL Eric , one thing I learned over the years is, " The Worst diagnosis is someone else's diagnosis" !

[@mr.h4714]

Rules of troubleshooting Do the easiest thing first (things that move or things people touch) Don't trust the guy before you (he couldn't fix it) Make sure the problem isn't between the driver's seat and steering wheel..... Mostly AVE

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

AvE would tell Eric FOCUS you.....lol!

[@billh230]

I have my two basic rules for electricity: 1) you have to hook it up 2) you have to switch it on Violate either of those rules, and no amount of headscratching will solve your problem.

[@KECOG]

The fact that you admit your mistakes makes you both a human being, and honest. Our mechanic openly admitted to me at one point that they should have checked and changed a coolant hose before they did; that actually encouraged me in that repair. True human being, honest and fair. Can't get much better in a mechanic, Eric. Love your videos!

[@PaulysAuto]

I really appreciate you Eric, you're a genuine and honest man! I called Jenny, but I keep getting her voice-mail and apparently it's full??? Trying to find the squirter pid is no easy task, but once you do, be sure to hold on to the switch and enjoy the ride! Been awhile since I watched me some SMA, but I always come crawling back for more! Anyways I hope you are doing well my friend!

[@danthompson4879]

Dude, You've helped us more than you can ever imagine. I just swapped a Lexus fuel pump with a used OEM pump instead of aftermarket new pump, because of you. I think I can speak for alot of us, thank you.

[@billdougan4022]

I replaced a fuel pump in the early 80's on my Plymouth. The new fuel pump didn't work. I took it back and got another new pump. The store owner said there is a one in ten thousand chance that it was bad. I put the second new one on and it started right up. Here's your one in ten thousand and smiled.

[@jamesretired5979]

live and learn. the last perfect guy got nailed to a cross.

[@patrickritenour6935]

Well said

[@kaxbyrita9279]

The best thing about these is the way you take the viewers through the whole process, red herrings and wrong turns included. Much appreciated man 👍🏻

[@cward1954]

Nothing like being your own worst enemy. It's the story of my life.

[@geraldnoe649]

Probably had sludge in OG pump that fell out when it was pulled. The ‘new” pump probably has sludge in it now and that’s why it doesn’t work.

[@Zeknix]

The problems with after market equipment. Not as robust. Sometimes.

[@TeezerDriz]

That sludge is algae growth fed by alcohol type washer concentrate. Experiment: If you have a cup full of concentrate fluid left in your gallon concentrate container, add water to over halfway and leave it sit in your garage for a few weeks, see the sludge grow. The warm environment in the engine bay helps to grow algae in your washer bottle. Best thing is to keep the mixture strong enough to kill off algae, too weak a mixture promotes growth. Or once a year drain the tank and shove a bristle brush in to scrub.

[@Lowkey_ID]

@@Zeknix depends. Sometimes the aftermarket came off the same production line as oem. Look at the Napa brand wipers, they are Valeo parts rebranded.

[@johnsawatzky9380]

My thought as well as to why the original pump didn't work

[@kevhed8]

This is why I love this channel...it's real world and I can soooo relate to this. Thanks for not deleting this and opted to share it :-)

[@jamesh6229]

Humble pie is something you're never in the mood for. Thanks for the video Eric.

[@retiredkidbuck]

Nobody can ever take that experience away from you. You've built both knowledge and character. It's like money in the bank.

[@gregsmobileautomotiveacrep1731]

Eric, Thanks for sharing a "rough " day! I have been a follower of your channel for a long time and you always have given us great videos with really good quality information, the fact that you're willing to share this video showing that you went astray of your normal diagnostic practice, just proves to me how dedicated you are to helping us all get better. Keep the great stuff coming. You and your family be safe.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Hey, Eric, if a pro like you can make a mistake, it gives all us DIYers unending hope!!! 😁. I was a third of the way through a timing belt job on a friend's 01 Civic when I noticed the belt was essentially *brand new* . Friend insisted he'd *never* had a timing belt done; he had 220k miles on it. I kinda panicked, offered to do it. But when I told him about the belt, I asked him if he'd ever had a water pump replaced - he said "Oh, yeah, just a couple years ago!!" I shook my head, put it all back together, and thanked myself for checking the belt before I tore up the rest of his car! 😁

[@killface1]

Not just the DIYers... but also some of us Masters too. 😁

[@montestu5502]

Maybe the pump worked one last time for him and that’s what through you for a loop. (Doorman pump?). There’s zero chance he would have lied about it as he would have had the fix. Probably the sludge. Great video, none the less!

[@russellhltn1396]

That's what I'm thinking. Worked out side of the car in a different position or something. It could be a dead spot on the motor and the act of removing it got it past that. So it worked - until it stopped on that dead spot again.

[@pkerit308]

I am 70 yrs old and have driven 1930s and 1950s cars all of my life, I can fix anything on my cars. I am completely lost on modern cars. Watching your videos makes me feel better. I'm not the only one who doesnt understand modern stuff and YOU are a professional!

[@user-ut9ln4vd5m]

It’s probably a lot tougher to diagnose and fix an older no-computer car, you actually have to use your own senses and brain, the car can’t just tell you what parts to start swapping (aka most “modern repairs” ;-), and the older parts seem a lot more rebuildable than the newer all plastic disposable stuff.

[@sheeshalready]

Thank you for posting. We often learn significantly more from our mistakes that we do from something that goes perfect from start to finish.

[@adamdalejohnson]

I have ate a bunch of that humble pie over the years, and will probably get served a few more. I’m glad you are humble enough to still post this, giving us a very teachable lesson. So many lessons learned from this video, don’t rely on another person’s diagnosis, don’t skip steps in troubleshooting, pay attention to your diagrams/schematics, and I’m sure there are many more. Because in the end it will probably not save you any time. Thanks bud, appreciate the humility.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

As you know, Eric, I work on, install and certify MRI systems. When I go to service a MR that has been worked on previously, I always start at ground zero. I listen carefully to the previous attempt, and then follow my own troubleshooting process. Sometimes the folks who were there before get angry and storm off. Other times they shut up and help. But, following your own gold standard is the best course and it works for me. “Fresh eyes” on a problem means a new way of troubleshooting. A new process. And it works. Your frustration is well founded. And understandable. This was a great video!! Thanks for going ahead and publishing it. My respect for you, as high as it is, just jumped a level. Outstanding attitude, even frustrated and still a great teaching video. Thank you!!

[@brockmacmartin122]

You did nothing wrong except trust the work of another person. The only thing is next time someone says the new pump worked is how did verify the new pump actually worked.

[@xxM4Mxx]

I couldnt agree more with the "fresh eyes" comment. Couple of times someone would be working on something and cant figure it out, I come by and lend a hand. After some time troubleshooting I would sometimes spot the issue and help fix it. Afterwards they would say "I can't believe I missed that", I would say, "don't beat yourself up over it. a fresh set of eyes can help with a diff. way of looking at it." I myself have had that happen to me also. You would be tracing down an issue, and after awhile you get frustrated and end up missing things, most commonly simple/easy things. At that point having a "2nd set of eyes" comes in super handy. I'm no mechanic, but I do like to fix my own things if I think I can, and 2 things I have learned over the years are this: 1. Don't be afraid to ask for help/advice. You can save alot of time/money/frustration by doing this (unless the person your asking is a moron, lol). 2. Don't let frustration cloud your judgement. If you are starting to get frustrated, put your tools down and walk away for a bit to calmly think it through. This one took me WAAAAAAAY to long to learn.

[@Effay513]

3 mins in and I’m thinking there is no fluid in the bottle. 😂😂🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@killface1]

@Paper Tiger that was my 1st thought too. Lol. Granted that wasn't the problem but to find out is just a quick blast of air from a blow gun.

[@1337penguinman]

@Paper Tiger clogged or broken. Little critters love chewing on those things.

[@jimgerock9190]

That's what I was thinking - but lots of newer vehicles have a sensor that turns on a warning light on the dash. Flashback to the late 80's/early 90's and the "talking" Nissans: "Your washer fluid is low".

[@philvaughan4091]

Actually a great video,,, anyone who has worked on tractors, cars, heavy equipment , etc have had the exact same thing occur! I was told to always look at the obvious first and the “not so obvious” immediately after..🤣🤣🤣. Stay safe...😊

[@brandoncoyner7370]

Always appreciate your transparency, fellow human!

[@ericrohloff]

The fact that you show your human makes you an honorable person. Great job!

[@harleyleeps6696]

Loved that you shared this dark rabbit hole with us! Lol also when you read the guys letter I was assuming the new parts store Broken When Delivered part was bad. Thanks Eric

[@kingofl337]

It could be the new pump seized with crap. I bet it you blew out the new pump it wlll work.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I've got burned a few times by customer diags before. Customer: " Part xxx is bad". ME: "Are you sure?" Customer: "100%." Ok, so I go online, order said part, call the guy when it comes in and he drops vehicle off. Install new part and it doesn't work! Start troubleshooting like I should've done to start with instead of jumping on the customer's parts cannon, and voila - no power or no ground! I've had other similar situations where I test the old part before I remove it and it's working, but the new part the customer installed was bad! "It can't be that - it's new!" Me: "NEW means, Never Ever Worked." Yet another time, I went with a customer diag and ordered a part, and it turned out that part wasn't even remotely involved in the problem! Combined, I bet I wasted 2 days straight on these! Now I take all customer diags with a grain of salt, even my friends'.

[@KY.0009]

There are definitely tons of people who think "that couldn't be bad, we just replaced it 3 months ago!" And I assume back in the day that would have been a valid assumption about 95% of the time. Im not even 30 yet and im ready talking about how they dont make stuff like they used to. Its a real hassle trying to find parts that are worth a shit anymore

[@arnodyck]

Sucks when the boss says "change coil one with this good used one, because I had it diagnosed by a real mechanic and that's what he said". I've got a 310s and don't need to take that garbage. I said get me 8 plugs and 8 coils and we'll go from there. So he said cut the cats off and scrap it. Aye Aye captain cluster f...

[@ann-marienewbound9402]

So glad you posted this. Showing your own mistakes and allowing us to learn from them is one of the many reasons we love watching you work.

[@stevencox7459]

Your honesty give me hope. I always prefer to work with someone who admits their mistakes rather than burying them. Keep up the good work.

[@jimmymac8325]

Eric its great that you publish the error. Thank you, for me this only puts you in an elite class of honest hard working mechanics in my humble opinion. YOU ROCK!!!!!!

[@dieselmunkey]

I've only been wrenching a few years (heavy equipment and big trucks, your favorite, Eric) and I've gone down so many rabbit holes I can't count... "Plan the work and work the plan" sound advice! It's nice to see a pro make a mistake every once in a while 🤣. I learn every time I watch your videos dude, keep up the good work!

[@garyhardman8369]

Learned my lesson about 30 yrs ago. While replacing a panel in an electricity substation, I had to slice through a cable, which, I had been assured by the Engineer in charge, had been disconnected. However, it was still connected to the site 110V standby supply battery. The resulting arc blew the head clean off my cable shears. luckily, I was not injured. Moral of the story; believe nobody, always do your own checks!

[@jimfuller5309]

I had a similar thing happen to me once..I never trust anybody anymore especially when it come to electric!

[@stevelapointe140]

I can't agree more. I test new outlets that the electrician has installed for proper voltage prior to plugging in a machine. I don't want to blow the lower control board on a new machine and then be responsible for it. I have had several times where the electrician has put 220VAC where it was supposed to be 120VAC with a 20 amp outlet.

[@stealth916]

You know what they say: Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. But you're still THE MAN in my book!

[@HugoDeFainia]

This is the best video! I have done this before. Great reminder to not assume and do the tried and true process of diagnoses and not be distracted by external input. Love it!

[@nickbaker8191]

Thank you for this video. We all make mistakes. Glad you did not delete this one. You are a true hero, Buddy

[@daveyio87]

I like videos like these not because I want to watch you struggle but because I have done the same thing. I learned to take what someone else has done with a grain of salt and check it for myself since it takes less time to double check someone elses work than to go down the rabbit hole and back track to dig your way out.

[@reaganlyle5088]

Dunt dunt dah! He's got a CVT code: 2:36 A moment of silence and prayer for this transmission and the customer's patience with the car.

[@tacocin]

JATCO strikes again! Sell it fast!

[@throttlebottle5906]

@@tacocin LOL'd

[@robertdelorge8512]

We're only human, even the experts among us. No such thing as perfection in life. If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't learn anything. Great job Eric!

[@dougtrapp8872]

When I was a young man I worked for an old mechanic, a good mechanic. One day a customer came in and said he needed his brake master cylinder replaced. He pointed into the cab of his truck and told Cliff he would like a fast turn around. Cliff said no problem and put the truck up on the lift (old chev with the master cylinder under the floor). Took Cliff no time at all and the truck was on the ground with a replaced master cylinder. The customer came and paid for the work and drove off. Cliff stood there waiting. about five minutes went by and here comes the customer, madder than a wet hen, he started yelling at Cliff about cheating him and wanted his money back. Cliff asked him what the original problem was with the pickup, the customer said it was a low brake pedal. Cliff put the truck up on the lift and adjusted the brake shoes, brought the truck down and said "no charge" for the adjustment, but the labor to change the master cylinder stood. The customer shook his hand and sent his family and friends to Cliff until Cliff retired.

[@robwinder4282]

I worked for a man many years ago who once jokingly stated “The only mistake I ever made was when I thought is made a mistake, and I was mistaken”...Gosh Eric...you’re human! 😁

[@robertgregilovich2229]

NEW - Never Ever Works- Keith's words of wisdom. Cool diagnostic.

[@bigvic4468]

MY BOY SAID " I ALREADY CHECKED THAT DAD!".. I TOLD HIM "YEAH, I KNOW. THATS WHY IM CHECKING IT"!😆

[@throttlebottle5906]

it's funny when you do that while customers are watching and they say we already checked that. I usually give them a spiel about possibly lose connector giving them a false reading and blah blah blah. when of course I'm really double checking what they claimed is good. but sometimes it actually is just a lose connection lol

[@zechariahhill7724]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@mikebraz25]

I tell my son at times I don't care if your holding the part in your hands. Look again. Hahaha

[@Pyro17059]

Had me laughing in the first 15 seconds 😂..."I dont know what engine it is, but Im sure its big"

[@wadecornwell8896]

As always, your video is instructive AND entertaining. Mistakes are the way we learn. The only way to never make a mistake is to never do anything. Keep up the great work.

[@sharpeidad1055]

I once completely disassembled a Trane heat pump just to find out that the circuit breaker in the house, was OFF. You did great E...thanks for the video.

[@eknaap8800]

No judgement, no mistake, just a huge learning moment... There's an old saying: Where men work, there are mistakes. Where men work hard, there are many mistakes. I know a place where men don't make mistakes...

[@unclechaz8426]

Even us old 50 + years old mechanics get our lunch eaten. It helps us be humble. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

[@bilbobaggins4710]

I hate being old 😥

[@notsoserious0944]

A friend and I responded to a down sub assembly line at an auto plant. I went into full diagnostic mode, whipping out the computer to plug into the PLC after talking to the assemblers. My friend, cool and calm, went over to the control panel and gave it the once over and then reset the E-stop button somebody had bumped into. Burn!

[@tuberstitious]

I was surprised to see you trusting customer story so easily... figured you knew more about the customer to give such a vote of confidence. Always good to see you chase this down and come back to your tried and true processes... good vid!

[@johnjohannemann1220]

It’s nice to see someone else that is knowledgeable get their butt kicked from time to time. You are not alone my friend, it happens to all of us. Love what you do and keeping it real. Good job as always. Thank you.

[@maxwell8085]

The ask for Jenny part got me.. dude you’re actually pretty funny hah. If I worked in a shop I’d want to work with you 100%

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

“Well, somebody didn’t plan for this, huh?” Mrs. O said it all in those few words so there’s no need to dog pile! Redeem yourself with a brake job. It’s been a few days since I’ve watched one. 🤣

[@robertroy8803]

Mrs. O doesn't need to get a knife from her fancy shop kitchen to cut to the bone.

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

@@robertroy8803 that’s right! Forget, Verbal Judo, Mrs. O is a Verbal Ninja!

[@8avexp]

"Slow down and go fast." Kind of like, "Hurry up and wait." Or, "Stand up and take a seat!"

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

[@themc3311]

When I was new to being a mechanic a guy I worked with told me "the key to being fast is being efficient"

[@8avexp]

@@themc3311 Exactly. If you work fast, don't get careless. I've seen that happen too many times.

[@greasee.monkey7224]

I've been fixing cars for 30 years and still make mistakes. Plus, the new bells and whistles on these newer cars invite all kinds of learning the hard way. You learned, and were man enough to still post it. Thanks for being a good guy, Eric O.👍👍

[@alexchliwnyj5941]

Actually this is one of your best videos because it was so entertaining. We all eventually learn that you can't trust others diagnosis.