Importance Of Using The Record Feature On Your Scan Tool

In this video I show you the importance of using the "record" feature on your scan tool to help find the root cause of an intermittent problem on a test drive. I am working on a 2005 Buick LeSabre 3.8 that has an intermittent problem "cutting out" while driving. The record feature made short work of this problem. -Enjoy!
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: / southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
teespring.com/...
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: www.paypal.me/...
The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: www.aeswave.co...
Thank you for all the continuing support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained

[@63256325N]

Never gets old, love the approach. You're almost lucky you're in a small town because you'd be swamped a whole lot more with work than you already are because of your integrity, smarts and just being an all around nice guy! Thanks for the video.

[@richardprice713]

Great videos

[@nickstosz6730]

Not being a mechanic, I feel like Im sitting in on a quantum physics lecture when you talk about scan tools and all the things they do and information they give. Great channel and great thorough content, makes me want to become a mechanic at 50 years old...

Don't be misled by Eric. He is one of the best there is. He has every scan tool and scope, probably 20 grand invested. He also is very adept at proper diagnostic steps, safety of components, vehicle specific test requirements and exactly correct diagrams. Trust me, it ain't easy to do it right but very easy to burn up shit.

[@montestu5502]

James Fox - Agree! He’s the sharpest I have seen on KZbin. No one comes close.

[@allanandrowey5219]

Such a wide range of skills too...

[@someguywithasubie8541]

South Main finally pulling in more views than ETCG. This is the universe's balance.

[@bigragu6828]

SomeGuyWithASubie ETCG has too many sponsors now. His recent videos have been commercials. I’m sure the money is good, but I liked his older vids. SMA has no sponsors. Hopefully it stays that way.

[@robertopenheimer1451]

ETCG is a rube, Eric O exhibits good sense and is a master mechanic with the exception of Safety.

[@SaltyTubers]

This just proves you cannot just rely on the electronic diagnostics, you actually have to know what you're doing and thoroughly understand how automotive systems work! Awesome work Mr. O!

[@roscoesomeone9764]

Your channel is the best investment of my time. I may never use a lot of the things I learn here, but you never know.

[@Diagnosedan]

Looks like a great scantool, fantastic video as always.

[@fritsprive]

Agree, as always good, superb teaching

[@Sctronic209]

I like your thinking I don’t disturb anything until I see what’s going on. I work on HVAC equipment and electronics systems. Love your channel.

[@morgansword]

Kudo's on your video. I was just getting into the "moddus" tester of snap on's tool set when I got hurt and couldn't ever go back to work... to this day I scream I want to work and at least I can watch someone who knows how to run the equipment because it ain't easy learning on the fly which should tell you that I am old and its been a while since the stuff I was using has even been in service anymore/LOL. Yes I am 70 now but I still loved the game and I was good at it even if my diagnostics was seat of the pants (gut feeling) etc. I would love to be as smart as you cause my day has come and gone. Loved the video

[@kylealright234]

Watching with my morning breakfast and coffee ☕️

[@bostedtap8399]

Great investigative analysis, all other causes eliminated. Many thanks for sharing.

[@billscott7370]

Thank you for the lesson on the scan tool. I just bought one this year. I been watching you to learn more about the scan tool you use in this video.

[@TradeAlgoPremier]

Thank you SMA for another great video. I also appreciate the overview of the features/comparison among the top dollar scan tools. I happened to find this cool feature in BlueDriver for DIY guys who may not be in the current position to buy a high end tool. The only downside of the BlueDriver is that it saves your file in a numerical form via an excel sheet. Once you know how the system operates and you are good at interpreting graphs, you should be ok doing the same thing with numbers. Sorry I am writing too long. Thank you again.

[@michaelrobinson3127]

Just ordered me a SMA shirt! Supporting where I can.

[@CopCat34]

Great video. Liked the portion where you showed the stored readings. Also liked the way you tapped the MAF and its subsequent reading in the scan device. Thanks again for the video.

[@baxrok2.]

Fantastic demonstration and explanation of the record feature. Sweet MAF diag too. Thanks Dr. O!

[@brianlai1026]

Ran into very same problem with my 98 Nissan Pathfinder a few years back. Engine died intermittently when driving over a bump or uneven surface. Turn out Mass Air Flow sensor was the culprit. Found the issue by googling and it was a common problem where there was a bad solder joint in the MAS circuit. I also did the tap test (learned from a Nissan Pathfinder car forum) and sure enough engine died almost every time. I think I ended up sending it out for repair as buying new was expensive. Never ever had problem with MAS again. Great video and info. Thank you.

[@tiporari]

Had a friend with this car/motor, similar year. Would do the same dang thing. Didn't have the tools and experience at the time to figure it out. Bugged me for 10 years. Thanks for solving the mystery.

[@mikechiodetti6737]

My old Fluke 97 Series II scope would do....pretty good, but that Bosch is nice! The "Tap Test" worked on GM M.A.F. sensors also. I like that 625. I'm sure as time and diagnosing goes on, you'll find more ways it works great. Great Video!

[@wyattoneable]

I thoroughly enjoyed the case study. Use of the recording function might help my troubleshooting on a long term project that has been plaguing the owner for months. I do have Autel scanners so I'll research what your talking about it being hard to record. This video was really helpful Eric, thanks.

[@thedogbarber]

I love how far this channel has come. Those first few videos.... Whew. Those were hard to watch. Lol

[@owenarsenault5955]

Good work wizard of the north. Good it wasn't mice damage.

[@dave_n8pu]

To old to want to do any 'back yard mechanic' work any more but I do enjoy your videos!!

[@bossgoss2284]

Hey bubba, your videos have helped me in so many ways when getting my 64 C10 running perfect as I have small wiring and sensor issues with the 5.3LS I have put in it. Thanks for all your help.

[@brianraglandsr.2349]

Thats the best recorded data setup i have seen. Looks very user friendly!

[@dalltex]

Hope you are feeling better and your family is staying warm.

[@octaviocarrillo5954]

"When in doubt pull out" ..got it! I get the best life advice from SMA, the automotive mumbo jumbo is just a plus

[@TheCrazy243]

You’re so smart. Wish you were my teacher. I have BlueDriver but I want that tool haha. Have a good day.

[@michaelb.5345]

Dr. Eric O. Not being a Dr. of fixology as you are and by the way the best at it. My go to diagnostic tool is my mini IPAD. I can find almost anything that I need. I found you way back and your tips help a lot and I love your personality and talent...

[@IBenZik]

I knew someone once that said she stopped breathing too. Great video!

[@SimplyDiagnostics]

Great video Eric, as per. I find a lot of folk don't use their scantools to their maximum potential. Often I'll use their tool to diagnose a fault. Component test meter on the virus is a classic example as is not zooming in to the live data when looking for glitches.

[@williamreitinger8978]

Record function is a sweet feature, well done SMA

[@Ottonic6]

Right after you mentioned the customer complaint, I thought MAF.. But, you need to make sure. Great video!

[@mikefedele4521]

We used to look after a fleet of taxi cabs with the 3.8 that blaster maf seemed to plauge every single car. Great find.

[@GNX157]

Eric, I have to say, techs nowadays have it pretty good in many ways. Back in the late 80's our scanner was a big huge PC sized thing on a mobile cart, with a big cord going into the car. You watched the screen thru the window. I think it was called CAMS maybe. We had a way to record, but it was a big box you put in the car, plugged into the port, and it did have a button to hit to mark when you felt an issue. You had to bring the box back and hitch it to the PC thing to see what had happened. The big magic back then was that we could link up with GM tech support and they could link to our system and review the recording too. Back then that was considered very high tech. Oh and back then we were tapping on MAFs as soon as the car came in the shop, they were so failure prone.

[@blackandyellowgarage]

Good job. Now I have to order the probes.

[@nickayivor8432]

Very SUBSTANTIAL Thanks 👍 South Main Auto Repair From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@kwmiked]

Thanks for coming in today Fella

[@ScienceOfDiagnostics]

Great advice. Side note, make sure you review the data you recorded. I've recorded test drives for intermittent issues and then got side tracked back at the shop and forgotten to review it. That's more a reflection of me though....🤔🙄

[@bigfootemobileauto9734]

Yeah then once you forget it and try to come back later you can hardly remember exactly what was going on at the certain time. if you didn’t mark it during the recording! At least that’s how it is with my Autel.

[@tomd5010]

I see that scantool has a “change vehicle” feature and you only need to push a button on the screen. You could have at least pushed that and changed the guy’s vehicle into a Lexus or something for him.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Next time :)

[@luigigonzalez5062]

That's an extra fee!

[@cartermason3275]

A tip : you can watch series at InstaFlixxer. Been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@terrencekohen445]

@Carter Mason definitely, have been using instaflixxer for months myself :D

[@grapeknutz]

Another Educational video , Good job sir!

[@ozzstars_cars]

My brain records at 200 frames per second but it's almost out of memory. Nice job with the video!

[@richm8620]

Another top notch and useful video from SMA, always interesting to watch you and your knowledge. Please take us along for that fuel gauge/sender issue. Sounds like an issue i have on my van and thats in the GM family too. Would be really interested to see your diagnosis. Thanks for all the content. Love watching

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The record function is always great feature

[@tinkerwest]

I hate it when MAF's get "wonky" Nice capture & record with scan tool, but my instinct tells me you had a suspect from the get go and had it under surveillance until it reared it's "wonky" head....Super thumbs up again!

[@brealdeal3658]

Good to see you are still on your game, Carry on 👍

[@markferraro5250]

great job Eric making good use of scan tool

[@scowley86]

Gah! Same here on 97 Inifiniti J30 I was working on. Tap the MAF and it goes BOZO the Ape on the graph! Mind you I had to use the Nissan Adaptor with my Maxisys. OBD Generic Data on early OBD2 cars is not detailed enough. I REPEAT, early OBD2 cars SEVERELY lacked detail/resolution on data pids because they were over-processed and slow. YOU HAD TO USE the factory ADAPTORS!!! Great VID! You're a gangsta!

[@sosoup]

I heard angles sing when you opened up that Nutdriver /Screwdriver set.Thats a nice one!

[@normangallant9879]

Nice check with the recording & other test.like it.Keep up the good work

[@stuartbruce9368]

I couldn’t do it but now I can. Thanks for the great videos 👍

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Another very good informative video Eric..Thanks again for all your time and knowledge.stay warm up there. ❤️

[@mysock351C]

Also cool to see the scan tools can do what the aftermarket scanning stuff can do: data log. That's definitely a handy feature to have, even just for diagnostics.

[@kushconnoisseur420]

Video on better understanding how to use a scan tool for diagnostics? Monitoring o2 sensors,maf, map all that? That would be great! You've thought me alot. Love the videos!!

[@Blazer02LS]

Go through his videos. Plus wander around on YT and there is a LOT of info on all of those items. Get Paul Danners book and watch some of his earlier vids as well.

[@gregeconomeier1476]

Another great video. I have an armchair idea here! I understand the reasons you don't want to do a scan tool comparison video. Alternatively, maybe you could maintain a list of pros and cons for the scan tools you use and make it available. Just update it as pros or cons come to focus. Your young contemporaries may find this useful. (See how I slipped that guilt trip in there..... :-)

[@paultomasetti5164]

I know you didn’t ask for my opinion but, a pro vs a con for Eric could be exactly opposite of many other diagnosticians including you. And compiling a list well, that would be used for a scan tool comparison. If you don’t have a tool (to scan) may I suggest BlueDriver to get started. I keep one plugged in my truck,for me,or anyone I run into that needs a hand. Use it, get used to it, when you’re watching a diag vid you’ll know if that feature they just used is a pro or con for you and start compiling your own list of what you want the tool to do and spend more wisely not because someone said that’s a cool feature, that you’ll never use because it’s just not your style of diagnosis. There isn’t a right way to start diagnostics. The more experience you get, the more you start somewhere else. This was meant as a positive friendly response and hope you find the right tool for you.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

You just reminded me that I never figured out how to record anything with the Autel. Sounds like it's just as well! I'll see if I can figure it out on the Encore. My buddy has the exact same car - same year, color, everything - now I'll know what to expect when his MAF fails ... 😁 Finally got that damn Pissant ... or Passat .... out of here today. Now I see why guys refuse to work on these things!! This one was a problem child straight outta hell! To top things off, literally, as I tried to add brake fluid to the stupid reservoir buried under a cowl at the base of the windshield so you can't see the fluid level, I could only add a teaspoon at a time - took me 10 minutes to get enough fluid in there! Then I figured out I could wiggle the screen with a screwdriver to get the air out (I couldn't remove this damn thing if my life depended on it). That cut the time down to 7 minutes. After the 3rd refill, I got mad and ripped the stupid screen out of there. FIXED, lol. My brake fluid is always clean and in a sealed container anyway! Then, I did battle with the front left brake hose. Passenger side took 4 minutes flat - but on the driver's side, the brass fitting from the short copper line out of the caliper to the hose was frozen solid. Someone overtorqued the crap out of this thing. Couldn't even get it with vice grips. Ended up cutting the thing flush to get the spring retainer out which released the hose. Had to flare a new end on, and use a fitting that I didn't think was going to work, but thank God it did (or I'd still be out there now, and until the sun came up!). Glad I had worked on a VW a few years ago, so I was prepared with triple-square sockets and drivers. A simple 4 wheel brake job turned into a brake hose, caliper, and CV axle job. Thing was on my lift 3 DAYS! Can't believe the previous owner drove this thing with 2 blown CV boots, to the point where the grease was DRY, and also with the right rear inboard brake pad worn right through to the piston - whenever you tried to back this thing up, the ass-end would lift into the air, like you hit something! Wheel would lock up solid! Never seen one this bad before. Literally no pad left on that side. Glad that one's gone .. and my labor rate for German vehicles just went WAY up ... 😂

[@scuba422123]

nice work with the record eric! I cant believe it didn't set a maf code! Delphi makes a good replacement

[@RJMaker]

As always, solid video.. Thank You.

[@MrTonmit]

Good diag as always! I am a GM tech in Ga. Not many rust buckets come through our shop......lol

[@petemedina8446]

That was very interesting there.

[@brianmason1414]

AWESOME lesson!.....thank you so much!!!

[@montestu5502]

That Bosch scan tool is sweet! Seems very fast too, compared to your other tools.

[@sixinarow1]

We had a mobile gauge repair guy. Very convenient and he does a good job. Around $250 to rebuild GM clusters.

[@SouthMainAuto]

United Radio does them for 100 bucks less than that and you get a warranty :)

[@sixinarow1]

@@SouthMainAuto our guy goes through the hole cluster, we have never had to warranty anything yet.

[@JoesAutoElectric]

Nice man! Very under utilized feature in my opinion. I like the recording ability of that tool! I am also not thrilled with Autel's version.

[@scurfie2343]

Years ago the quick GM MAF check was to hit the sensor while the engine was running. The engine sputters you know the MAF was bad.

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

Another great video, Eric!

[@akfarmboy49]

thank you for show the AESwave test probes.

[@elcheapo5302]

Well done, sir! Thanks Mr O!

[@19815389]

Great video so in depth

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Thats fascinating to me sir. Nice work

[@johnbuttner5698]

Great video. Thanks for the tips on the bosch scan tool. Not a lot of reviews of it out yet.

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job again like always A+ Think you for all do.

[@jackwood8307]

I owned a 2000 Buick lesabre and now I will never own another Buick. It was trouble from the day I got it till I finally sold it for 600 bucks. Was totally upfront about the issues it had and the guy still wanted it. From catalytic convertor to replacing every window motor at least once and the ac controller dying to the digital gauges going out and a massive valve cover leak to ignition coils frying, it was always broke!

[@inhocsigno9151]

Nice. Excellent troubleshooting.

[@raybauer1832]

Great info as always. Interestingly that is the same make, model ,year and color as my car.

[@robc5955]

Great demo, great tool and fab diagnostician/video - in my worthless opinion.

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Just used a friends ADS625. Where has this scan tool been all my life? LOL. This thing is the bee's knee's. I must have one. Time to raid the piggy bang and the kids milk money. Hahaha. Just, wow. We have a Verus at work that is ok but has nothing on the Bosch. Thanks for the tip my friend. I might go to the poor house but I will go smiling...

[@bigfootemobileauto9734]

Yeah about that recording feature on the Autel, it sucks! What I don’t like is if you record certain pids and it doesn’t save them like that! Also not all the Pid Values show up when they should, I was thinking what the heck is this about! Spend a lot of money for something that kind of works but not like it should. Wish I had more money like you all to buy others and use them also! What other problems have you found with it, anything different? No I haven’t tried it recording watching graphing like that I’ll have to look and see how it does if it does that at all?! Thanks for your excellent video sir...again.

[@robertopenheimer1451]

" I see my one brother at my other brother's shop." Sounds like the Newhart show. Hi!, My name is Larry, this is my brother Daryl, and this is my other brother Daryl.

[@theGADGETSplaylist]

For DIY mechanics that can't afford or justify expensive scan tools, there are Bluetooth dongles out there like BlueDriver (and others). You can get around the lack of data record feature by having a screen recording app running in the background on your smart phone.

[@JamesValentineBaja1000]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@spelunkerd]

Ha ha, just as I was thinking it is time to marry another scan tool, you expose the weakness of my infatuation with Autel. As expensive as it may be, it seems polygamy is the way to go....

[@SouthMainAuto]

variety is the spice of life ;)

[@SmittySmithsonite]

@@SouthMainAuto - I said that to my wife, and she tried to sock me in the jaw. I don't get it ... 😂🤣😂

[@ahill007ny]

spelunkerd Exactly 😔😔😔😔

[@CubasAutomotive]

I do like those record features. With the Launch, you better be sure to pick whatever PIDs you want to record, you can't add later when reviewing. In my experience or on mine, it does not capture anything prior to record, but the recording seems pretty detailed or accurate, so far. I think up to 10mns, from what I've tried out. I'm not crazy about the lack of zoom, like those I see on SO. Still watching, see where this goes...

[@CubasAutomotive]

I have those leads too. I'm a AESwave junky! Lol. I'm trying to cut back some shopping on there

[@mtnman6278]

Where can one get this scan tool.

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@mtnman6278 which scan tool? Eric's Bosch? You'd be looking at spending 5k for something like that. ..

[@mtnman6278]

@@CubasAutomotive wow! Thanks.

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@mtnman6278 no problem. There are others put there, not as powerful like the Launch X431, but still have bidirectional controls or recording options. They run about 1k give or take. I don't know if you'd use it daily or weekly to justify the costs. Just throwing that out there

[@mikecont9742]

Wow.. Great diagnosis and fix video.

[@Micko350]

1:08 'if you're using the Autel, be careful!' my tip is, use the Autel to hold your important printouts down so they don't blow out the window, it does that quite well!

[@GeorgeJFW]

I made a test light pretty similar to that sucker it's one of my favorite tools

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Yep one of the first things we learn...if it's working beat on it :D

[@tbas1972]

Hope your feeling better !

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video Eric O

[@donaldrackley626]

Great video Mr owe

[@anthonyjcarolan3161]

I love ❤️ your SMA test light is the best to fine ground wire is good or bad I love ❤️ your video 📷 the are best thing cheers for the best video 📷

[@thewt]

Ok, I had to go out and try it. He is absolutely correct. Autel data recording sucks. Maybe I should have gone with a Launch. Oh wait, they're just as complicated of a company to work with as Autel is.

[@andrewsickau8978]

Text, video camera, coffee, drive and the scanner. Video title says it all

[@dpinvidic]

Love your videos. You seem to have several scan tools. How about a video to review features of each and price. Make a recommendation for the DIY guys.

[@amundsen575]

The importance of a scope or recording in a scan tool - Priceless, Me I'm a DIY and own standard scopes for electronics and for automotive work, but you can use the cheapest available for automotive, due to the fact that you don't need much bandwidth, I use a DSO112A ($50.00) and DSO202 ($100.00), 2Mhz and 1Mhz scopes that fit in your hand and can catch the data you need, I just purchased the hantek 5022be and an android app called HSCOPE , wow everything I need on my phone or 10" cheap lenovo tablet. Tapping talent $0.00 for the tap, $200.00 knowing where to tap!

[@NebukedNezzer]

very helpful video.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice Fox Racing hoodie Eric O

[@davidkaminski615]

I was a victim of the 'ol parts cannon blast before visual inspection stealership song and dance. Car died on trip. Towed to local yokel (Kansas) dealer. Ordered and installed a crank sensor, that didn't fix the problem. After visual inspection, harness going to crank sensor was not routed correctly by previous maintenance (Florida dealer) and was cut through by accessory belt that created the stall and no-start. $500 and three days later I'm back on the road back home. The importance of diagnosing and visual inspection before ordering parts is an SMA Commandment lerned well by me! I will spread the gosple to these dusty cowpoke heathens!

[@j.r.3215]

The problem I have found with the gas gauge on GM is the use of cheap/inferior gas that has a high sulfur content in the gas corroding the wiper/resistor connected to the float.

[@emjoneshouseDIY]

I wonder how much spark plugs and spark plug wires there are out there in land fills that were never bad but changed because that was the first thing that was thought of. I'm trying to think back to a time when somebody said that actually fixed there problem...lol

[@burtpilon1735]

Cool the record function works good i can’t believe they messed up on bidirectional options tho....

[@trevort4286]

I love your videos