One of the best trucks on the road! Then why won't CAR WIZARD's techs work on this '99 Silverado?

Just because you have a great vehicle there are some repairs that even seasoned mechanics don't like to do. What's wrong with this 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 that has the CAR WIZARD's 🧙‍♂️ techs saying "nope, not this one"?
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[@melvingibson4525]

The best boss a mechanic can have is the one who does not forget where he came from. People outside the industry don't understand how frustrating these jobs can be. Good on you for treating your people well

[@sihosh]

Exactly - This applies to all managers. Keep your staff happy. They are your most valuable asset

[@randywilliams4325]

Lead by example . Actually that kind of work keeps shops making money .

[@DrakeKillah]

This is lost on most management. They think it’s all about fear, pressure and threats. They’d rather start the whole process of looking for new employees, than make ANY sort of agreement with anyone under their paygrade… I’ve seen it tear entire companies down. The opposite costs a little more up front, but it’s the way to go, if you intend to stay in business for generations.

[@xreediculousx]

The larger your business gets the more likely this sentiment is forgotten. Sadly.

[@louisrauzi3872]

You're a good man Mr wizard. Employee loyalty. Ya don't pay a lube guy to work on a Ferrari, nor pay a Ferrari guy to work on a Chevy. Business sense.

[@aaronsawgle4551]

I built these back at Pontiac Assembly. I can still remember my job on the line in trim! Today marks my 25yr anniversary at GM.

[@kattcasel9730]

Does GM handle the dash assy in one piece? Graveyard Carz shows them handling the dash as a complete assy out and a restored back in. Seems like a mass production line would handle the dash installation as an assy.

[@robertv2787]

@@kattcasel9730 Yes, the IP is installed as a complete assembly. The IP is either built up on its own small assembly line, or brought in from an outside supplier.

[@ebutuoyebutouy]

Congratulations. Good for u.

[@JUNEBUGLLC]

So you've seen cars go from junk to more junk? 😂

[@JUNEBUGLLC]

​@@ebutuoyebutouyhes probably only 40-50 tryna act like he's worked his whole life 😂

[@georgewillgillette]

I worked in automotive shops for over twenty years and ran my own for five years.I absolutely agree with you taking care of your technicians!I always keep track of what i was assigning to each one and tried to be as fair as possible.If someone got a crappy job like this i send some gravy jobs his way to make up for it later!I feed my guys lunch twice a month and occasionally a beer after work.We also did a yearly fishing charter the guys loved!People that feel appreciated are the best employees to have trust me!

[@PlayinWithMahWii]

That last sentence is so true! If you go the extra mile working for your employees, they will go the extra mile working for you.

[@coatneyadkins9005]

Hats off to you my friend. Good to know ppl like y'all exist.

[@WalkerKlondyke]

If someone brought this piece of junk into my shop, I'd spit in their face. First of all, American cars are absolute junk. Secondly, if someone is going to buy a 20+ year old vehicle, they need to know how to work on it themselves. I've trained my customers to keep up on maintenance and to take care of minor issues before they become major issues. If I have someone who refuses to address issues we find, like oil or coolant leaks, I send them down the road.

[@heathenshaunt681]

More bosses need to learn this true appreciation is better than what 99.9% of places do now which is not care and replace the ones who find better cuz of it

[@chicanobluesaz4191]

I wish my a-hole manager for 15 years believed this.......I was happy the day he was fired

[@GTsGarageTech]

These are for sure amazing trucks! I have a 2000 gmc sierra 1500 4x4 5.3 v8 and it’s a few miles away from 390,000 miles. My family has owned it since 30k miles (2001) and it has never broken down on us or left us stranded. If it was going to break, it did it at home. Such a great reliable truck.

[@bcw686]

Here is my question because I really don't know, what in the world happened to the GMC just like yours but newer? The newer it is the more trouble owners have with them, why didn't they just keep going with that engine and make minor adjustments? Would love to get one but don't want the headaches I see with friends trucks

[@donfredericksen1104]

I have an 02 Silverado 4.8

[@CrowJamz]

@@bcw686 well mainly poor design with technology evolving and cost cutting measures made to make more profit, but also perhaps planned obsolescence. seems like most of these newer cars break catastrophically months, weeks, sometimes days after the warranty expires.

[@drewsfoodforest_tv]

Yes I have a 2000 Silverado 1500 4x4 5.3v8. Runs great it’s on a nice 6” lift in the process of replacing all the fuel lines this month.

[@hochhaul]

@@bcw686 You shouldn't assume that just because you know people with a problem with their truck or see complaints on the internet that it must mean they all have issues. GM sells several hundred thousand trucks every year. Even a 1% issue rate results in tons of people complaining. The 99% that didn't have an issue don't bother going on the internet to say their GMC or Chevy is problem-free. When the 90's and 2000's Chevy and GMC trucks were out, guess what the word-of-mouth and early internet had to say about them. They complained about them and said they were junk, and that "the last good Chevy/GMC trucks were the 80's square bodies, these new GM trucks are junk!" In particular, the new 5.3 V8 that replaced the 350 was trashed by people as inferior junk, mostly due to piston slap, lifters, and eventually some head castings having defects that resulted in coolant leaks. Yet fast forward a couple decades and these trucks are praised as great and reliable and some of the best older trucks you can buy today.

[@NoLiftGarage522]

If more mechanics and shops were like you I wouldn’t be working on my on stuff in my driveway, I’d be out enjoying my life on my time off, knowing my vehicle was in good hands and I’m not getting ripped off.

[@DillonHering]

That ain't no joke!!!

[@Artoconnell]

He aint cheap.

[@Irishcream216]

​@@Artoconnellcheap work isn't good and good work isn't cheap. I believe what OP meant was that he knows the repair is being done correctly for the quote vs being given shoddy work for an exorbitant price.

[@Artoconnell]

@@Irishcream216 From what i see Wizard is among the best of the best, ergo, I cant afford him..LOL..all I meant...

[@Irishcream216]

@@Artoconnell no disagreement here. I can't afford to pay other people to fix stuff so I bought the equivalent price in tools and became a mechanic 🤣

[@delw1138]

Probably a good time to change the blend door actuators while you have the dash out.

[@ShredHouseGaming]

I fully hated changing those, but my passengers were getting a flamethrower to the face so

[@dekkerlundquist5938]

Yes I was thinking that too. May as well eliminate that failure point too while the dash is out!

[@Tracert-mc1hu]

I have a suburban of this era, and the recirculation blend door grinds continuously whenever the key is on. It is incredibly irritating, but not worth $1200 to fix it.

[@RaoulThomas007]

And the heater core too!

[@vladtheimpala5532]

@@RaoulThomas007 He’s replacing the heater core. I was going to ask about that but he addressed it.

[@ChristopherChartier]

I subscribed to this channel a couple years ago. Shortly after I got this exact truck based Wizard's recommendations. And then when gas started going up I got a Buick LeSabre. Another Wizard approved vehicle. I've got two super reliable vehicles now. Paid under $6000 total. Thanks Wizard!

[@mrmrmrcaf7801]

A 2000 truck and a Buick LeSabre HAHAHA #proud

[@Jamesfyi]

@@mrmrmrcaf7801 And if he does basic maintenance/repairs and doesnt destroy them he will have reliable transportation for as long as he chooses without weird and expensive things popping up out of the blue. HAHAHA #proud

[@ChristopherChartier]

@@Jamesfyi The truck hasn't needed much at all. But I went ahead and changed intake gaskets and the coolant elbow on the buick. The 3800 is like playing with Legos.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

@@ChristopherChartier i have had many 3800 powered vehicles. that engine is superb. excellent engine. i still have 2 3800 powered cars. we have a 1997 grand prix SE 3800 L36 (low mileage grandma car had 36K on it when it bought it), also have a 2003 bonneville SSEi..... it's the pontiac version of your lesabre but the SSEi was the sporty edition. it has the L67 supercharged, that model was very expensive and exclusive when it was new. 36K back in 2003. im keeping that as long as i can, i park it in the winter. it rides amazing and is very quick for a full sized car. i did a few goodies to it. a tuned PCM, colder plugs, 160 thermostat and a 3.6" pulley swap (stock is 3.8"). the supercharged engines really wake up. i also installed a pioneer headunit, kicker CS speakers, a 5 channel amp and a 10" subwoofer. i also installed LED headlight bulbs. one of the nice things about an older car, they are like a blank canvas you can make them what you want. i didnt go ballistic but i did wake it up a little. i will keep my SSEi as long as i can, hopefully many more years. i really enjoy it.

[@agger838]

@@ChristopherChartier those 3800 are hard to kill

[@markmayes6817]

In the military when it came to troubleshooting, we learned the half-split method. You find somewhere in the circuit where you can test (hopefully somewhere half way down the circuitry), where you could test and see which "half" of the circuit has the problem. I could be wrong, but had your disconnected the wiring harness plug first, you "might" of saved yourself from tearing into the steering wheel.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Exactly! I would disconnect the plug that handles the horn circuit. Find the wire that comes from the horn button with an "ohmmeter". If that wire reads "open", I would find the equivalent pin in the plug for the other half of the horn circuit. make note of the color of wire attached to that pin (no need for circuit diagrams) then go to the horn relay. With the battery disconnected, "ohm out" the relay "coil" pins. The pin that shows continuity to chassis ground is the one I WOULD CUT, also cut the same color wire at the connector that is disconnected. Run some 16ga from the relay pin (with the cut wire) through the fire wall to the connector pin with the cut wire, effectively replacing the shorted wire in the harness. All this can easily be done WITHOUT diagrams and only "test equipment" you need is a $10 Harbor Freight ohmmeter!

[@jonoon27]

As others mentioned, he wasted a lot of time with steering wheel and related switches once it was established disconnecting the plug does not stop horn from honking.

[@petersuozzo1227]

I would generally agree. I bet if we asked him about his methodology, he’d have a reason or explanation.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

@@jonoon27 Kinda but not really. The steering wheel has to come off to get the dash out. And it's the most common source of problems with horns aside from a fuse or a relay. So it's the same place I would start, because 9 times out of 10 going for the connector would be the time waster. Problems with wiring harnesses are rare in the 15 years I've been doing this. It's far more common to be a fuse/relay, switch, button, motor, cable reel, one of the moving parts or junctions than it is a wire.

[@jonoon27]

Obviously you are not familiar with systematic troubleshooting methods for a horn malfunction. In no case the steering column has to come off first. The correct method as he found out later was to start from the engine fuse box and relay. Once you disconnect the steering column connector that does not require pulling the wheel and the problem still exist, you realize the relay control wire is shorted before it reaches the column, thus pulling the wheel, clock spring and the horn button was all wasted time. By the way, I am 81 and will retire after 52 years of auto electric business, 45 years of it on my own, not to mention 10 years of Air Force.

[@SurferJoe46]

I've got two 2005 GMs --- a Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew cab, 5.3, Z71, G80 3..08:1, 4WD, Auto Air, and the other is a GMC Sierra 1500 Crew, cab, 5.3, Z71, G80, 4.10:1, 4WD, Auto Air, - and these are getting scarce! Both are ex-pat SoCal vehicles so there's no rust anywhere. Buy one if you can find one that is. I bought mine mostly for the 4-passengers ability.

[@ncooty]

There's something quite enjoyable about watching a smart guy solve interesting, practical problems.

[@torres3800]

I just bought a 2003 Silverado 2 months ago. With Car Wizard’s seal of approval, I’m even more happy. (Plus I already knew of the reliability). $6800 with cold AC, no sun burns, no Rust since I live in California. 😎

[@phil4986]

One of the best Car wizard episodes I've ever seen. "Why did it cost five hundred dollars to 'just run a wire to my horn'?" "Because it took five hours to pull everything apart and analyze the true cause and actually fix the true cause of the problem." The ac fluid in the evap water is magic..so simple yet Genius. Your mentor is a true car sensai. And the dash? What a five star hassle. I was so glad to hear you say you were going to replace the heater core at the same time. That dash cover by itself,getting that 23 year old sunbaked plastic off -AND BACK ON-without wavy cracks in it will be a miracle. And everything is put into the dash in a sequence like you said-there is no quick to it because just when you think it's going great, a 23 year old part laughs in your face and says."no,you don't". My back hurts for you,Car Wizard,just thinking about all the damn work that goes into the removal and reinstallation of that dash. But there are cars that are much worse too. And I think the audio of dash disassembly video might be full horn edits,if the car gremlins come your way which looking at the truck ,i think you might be ok,at least ,I hope so. As long as the people who rigged the horn did'nt rig anything under the ac part of the dash. Great video,nice to hear Mrs.Wizards voice in it always. Good luck and keep the Absorbine Junior bottle close. This episode could be called "It's not what I have to fix,It's what I have to remove to get to what I have to fix." But you and your guys deal with that everyday. Good hunting,Car Wizard.

[@danielbrazzel4460]

Definitely some of the best trucks ever made. My dad had a 2000 Silverado 2500 with the 6.0 that he bought new from the dealer. He sold it in 2018 with 332,000 miles. It was an oil field truck so it didn’t have the easiest life but the driveline was still completely stock. I still see it on the road every once in a while.

[@gregdegani]

I have the same exact year/model/truck, At 290K the u joints are still fine, just pulled them the other day to check,,, its really the best truck ever made, i dont care what it cost to fix if it has issues...

[@theepicricemaker6611]

There's something about those oil field trucks that are beaten to high hell and last longer than anything else 😂 it's crazy!

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@theepicricemaker6611 The oil keeps them lubricated u Joe Biden loving gun banning clown

[@hankhill3417]

Routine for Toyota

[@dudemcgee256]

I daily a 2005 Sierra Denali 6.0 LQ9 w/ 325,000 miles. Runs like a dream, and it's quick too!

[@JesusTorres-qr1gz]

Gentleman, at my 71 years of age and been born and raised in the mechanical field I have seen your integrity and honestly, CONGRATULATIONS, for your kindness, your videos are outstanding and impressive, even when I am retired I enjoy every second of it, my most expensive thanks to you and each and every one that one way or another made it possible to bring it to us, blessings to you and your love ones, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.

[@RoRo-kc8zv]

I used to stress so hard as a newer tech, but David the car wizard has showed me “don’t over think keep it simple”( mind set ) I thank him for that . My diagnostic time has cut in half and I’m have less and less comebacks😊 and my income has improved so much. 🙏

[@sauldiaz4012]

Young tech here , and all I got to say is thank you Mr.Wizard . I’m only 3 years into the field and I hope to same day learn from a tech like yourself sir. It’s senior tech like you that keep me going in field we’re real techs are a dying breed . Thanks again.

[@jimbusmaximus4624]

Keep that attitude! Cocky know-it-alls make sh¡tty mechanics. ✌️

[@Leothelion357]

Happy there’s still some guys still getting into this trade 👍

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

Great attitude man, keep at it!

[@intergalacticprophylactic]

So being a guy who's career is in hvac... EVERY thing Wizard just said guys is SUPER VALID. 110% the truth. And Wizard, dude, never would have thought to just uv the water dripping out on the ground. Bad ass pro tip Info right there bud. 👍👍

[@David-ys4xb]

tin knocker?

[@intergalacticprophylactic]

@@David-ys4xb no, although have and will and do enjoy

[@Trex6767]

@@intergalacticprophylactic So as far as automotive goes, I was taught you can remove the blower motor and stick a bore scope up against the evaporator and see it’s leaking. I’ve had to do that when checking the condensation didn’t flow with my uv light

[@intergalacticprophylactic]

@@Trex6767 makes good sense.

[@jeffherdz]

A co-worker just spent $53,000+ on a new 2022 Silverado, and his father owns the dealership. I spent $5,800.00 ( this year) on a new engine for a 2001 Silverado. Old engine said "she was done for" Went from a Carb to fuel injection 4.3. Not the fastest thing on the highway. But she gets the job done when she's called on.

[@Suzu92]

I wouldve gone w a junkyard 5.3 Imo

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

You got a good deal! My mom's boyfriend just had a brand new 350 c.i. engine put in his 1997 chevy 3/4 ton pickup. He paid $5000 to have it done 5 years ago.

[@Hotlog69]

2001 Silverado don't come carbureted on the Vortec 4300s.

[@Thumper68]

5800 wtf I mean you definitely did better hen your buddy but for a 4.8 come on man

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

@@Thumper68 4.8L are actually pretty common. My buddy has a 4.8L in his 2013 3/4 ton company van.

[@drsnooz8112]

This was a fantastic video. You took us along on 2 very tricky troubleshooting problems. You gave us the benefit of your extensive experience. You shared a trick for diagnosing evaporator leaks that I hadn't figured out in my 35 years wrenching on my old junk. You showed us your integrity in doing right by the customer (recommending a heater core) and your staff. Epic, epic, epic stuff. Thank you!

[@DG-8528]

Love your content Mr. Wizard. I’m a plumber and also use a diagnose and test method to solve the problems I come across with both plumbing and more importantly, the heating work I do on all kinds of hydronic systems I encounter. Those are often electrical in nature and can be quite confounding, especially during late hours in the coldest months of the year when people are relying on me to get their heat back on. I do almost all of my own repairs to my work truck and personal vehicles because I’ve had too many experiences that have led me to not trust auto mechanics or, more importantly, the “techs” they have working for them. I don’t mean to say all auto mechanics are bad where I am. I expect many people might say the same about plumbers. What we need is more people like yourself who are honest and informative, with the right mix of humility thrown in. Again, I really appreciate your videos and your approach to repair work, as well as what I’ve learned from you with regard to auto repair work. It reminds me that the way I approach my work is the right way, even though I may not be the best or make the most money at what I do, I can sleep well knowing I do what’s best for my customers. Thank you. Be well, and keep being the Wizard you are.

[@donniedavis6163]

It’s videos like this is why wizard is a step above the rest. You’re a class act wizard and you never forget where you came from. Another great video

[@kurtbarrett6785]

Ha!!! The first thing that came to mind when I heard evaporator, was how much fun it is to pull that dash, while avoiding hearing any snapping... crackling... and popping noises! Definitely a job for the more patient of techs, who'll finesse it rather than force it.

[@number1trucker]

I remember seeing the car wizard the first time he appeared on Hoovies channel. You have come a long way from. That episode and I am glad Tyler convinced you to start your own channel. Invaluable information most mechanics would not tell. Thank you. 😊

[@izziereal2010]

My father in law has a 2002 Sierra GMC with over 270,000 miles and it still runs with original engine and transmission. It was solidly built and a reliable truck.

[@NewEdgeDesigns]

I have 230k on mine, runs perfect, about to rust to pieces but runs great…

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

My buddy has 330,000 on his, but the transmissions tend to go out at 280,000 miles, so you don't have much life left in your tranny.

[@williamjones4483]

I've got 501,000 on an '04 2500HD. Original LB7 engine and Allison Series 1000 transmission. These vehicles will last if given proper care. I bought the truck from my younger brother who had purchased the truck with 20,000 miles on it. The rest of the miles are about 95% highway miles. He also used full synthetic oil in the engine and transmission. When something broke he got it fixed promptly. The main issue with these first gen Duramax were the poorly designed injectors. This truck is on its fourth set I believe.

[@buzztrucker]

@@williamjones4483 That year the injectors were crap. '06 to '07 were the 6.6 Duramax golden years. Sought after but usually hard to find with low miles and at a reasonable price.

[@bradyskeen6829]

Bought my 1999 for $600. Has 364,000 miles on it now and the only repairs it’s needed over the last 46,000 miles is a belt tensioner and a quart of oil every 2000 or so miles. These trucks are amazing.

[@dbrandon4528]

I bought a 1 owner, 125k mile 2002 Suburban LS 2wd 5.3L because of you Wizard. I paid $4500 for my mine and put about $4000 into for PM, brakes, rotors, shocks, A/C, oil leaks and tires

[@thyslop1737]

That was a steal.

[@TheGuruStud]

4k in it 🤣. Bruh moment. I wouldn't spend 4 dollars on a GM.

[@thyslop1737]

@@TheGuruStud Dunno. Have you seen the price of both new and used pickup trucks? Unreal. 4k is peanuts today. Basically, you are just renting it on a monthly basis until it becomes a money pit and you unload. I bought a used, first generation Toyota Tundra two years ago, a 2003, and knock on wood, plastic, brick, metal, formica and my wooden head, it has been a good truck. Flabbergasted how well that 4.7 liter motor runs in it. For 20 years have been buying used trucks. Never again will I buy new. Last two new trucks I bought, a four wheel drive and two wheel drive, both were hit by drunk drivers not long after I had them. Got them back from the body shop and neither one drove the same despite my protests with the body shop that repaired them. The heck with that. My mechanic is telling me to buy the Lexus GX 460, not 470. He has had one for years. He says it is bullet proof.

[@ras22273]

@@TheGuruStud I bought a 03 yukon with 148k miles for $3k, put zero dollars into it. Now it has 270k+ miles and still going strong. Most indestructible shitbox I've ever owned.

[@Iamthestig42069]

GMT800 + 3800 s/c Buick 2 car combo has been really good to me. Half a million miles between the two

[@christopherhendricks4369]

I have both. have to agree

[@haroldtaberner7450]

Now I know why my 90 Chevy p/I air con does not hold hold charge after lasting approx. 1 year. Even my mechanic didn’t know this. Rather than letting pull dash and fix it I will does recharge coolant when I need it which is rarely as I live is SF Bay Area. Thank you again Mr Wizard as you prove again your the best !!! Hal

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

As a mechanic in training i’d rather pay $16,000 for a low mileage 1999-2002 Chevy silverado than $75,000 for a 2023 Chevy Silverado that would have me in default😂

[@barrya.6212]

'89 - 2006 Silverados where bulletproof .....then they added the AFM in the 5.3 in 2007 upwards with subpar valves....

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

@ oh yeah that AFM on both Gen IV and EcoTec3 engines are a mechanical and financial curse to GM full size truck platform.

[@175lieutennant2]

I agree completely! The new ones are throw away garbage with a price tag like a house

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

@ exactly! And with the price tag on them, I might as well put that money towards a house down payment.

[@RoadWarrior77]

I removed an HVAC box out of a Cat-Eye Chevy with another student while at school for diesel mechanics as part of our HVAC class. Took us a couple weeks to do it (4 hours a week for this class). I agree with your mechanics. I will never do another one.

[@subaruanon]

I feel the same way on my diags- I want to figure out EXACTLY what's wrong with it, not just throw parts at it until something fixes it. It's a real shame that both the flat rate pay system and service managers rushing us to sell as much as possible so the numbers on their page look good at the cost of everything else disincentivize taking the time to do the job right the first time.

[@GrandMoffJoseph]

Just replying to say hi to another Vinyl Scratch avatar. xD

[@WildWhiteFang]

You said exactly what I was thinking my friend, that’s why I tell my managers “if you rush me don’t complain to me, just let me take my time and don’t bother me”

[@jstample]

Yes! You and I think alike.

[@Back_door_bandit_98]

This is the reason I left the automotive industry Covid taught me a lesson automotive techs are not essential workers I lost a ridiculous amount of money during that time never again also it’s pathetic how people don’t take care of their vehicles then get upset when they have to spend thousands to fix it rather save the head ach and wrench on my own stuff.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Then start your own shop and quickly go broke.

[@NDC1115]

99-06 was the last good generation of Silverados. I've got an 2004, W/t 4.3L manual, has 284K miles. It's my backup/junk hauling truck. It sits for months at a time. Always starts right up, it's cheap and easy to fix when it does break

[@jordanhannah5839]

Fake news. These were definitely one of the best generations BUT these trucks are still reliable until 18. Again not as reliable as the 99-06 trucks but still a good option.

[@NDC1115]

@@jordanhannah5839 not a chance. Seen way to many cam/lifter failures out of the gen 4 engines. Most are due to that poorly designed AFM system, but I've seen 4.8s with the same failure (had an 09 4.8, lifter roller tip wiped a lobe of the cam at 61k miles)

[@austin3626]

How can you say that dude. The Transmissions were not up to snuff

[@taylor2105]

How do you find the 4.3 motor in the bigger truck? I've got a 05 4.8 and an 01 duramax. I like the bottom end power of the duramax, but I actually much prefer to drive the 4.8. It's just easy going and nice to drive. I'd want a 4.3 if they were better on fuel. But I don't know if they've got enough jam to comfortably drive

[@NDC1115]

@@taylor2105 alot of the base model fleet trucks were v6s. Mine is a bare bones truck. Regular cab, long box. 2wd, no cruise, no a/c, no carpet lol

[@Tippyb97]

Ive been an auto tech for over 20yrs and love to see how other techs diag certain things. Most of the time its the same as i do. I learned to check the condensate many years ago when i worked at a dodge dealer. The late 90's early 2000 dodge trucks were notorious for leaking evaporators. So much easier to change than the Chevy but its the same process. Thanks for the videos and you sound like an awesome boss to work for. We all have out strengths and weaknesses.

[@zaum2002]

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 manual transmission. My mechanic was nearly in tears after he did the same for my AC core. What a guy ! Love the truck.

[@Jmdp.94]

Wizard's inspections and diagnosis on car problems are always so thorough, you learn so much with very simple yes or no answers 👌🏻

[@GrandMoffJoseph]

I don't even have many tools in my garage but I feel like I learn a ton from these videos.

[@T0tenkampf]

Yes he is very good about meticulous diagnosis for sure

[@lindanelson8400]

I have an 02 Silverado Z 71 four wheel drive. I bought her from the maintenance man where I worked. It had a little more than 200k miles on her when I got it. Today she has just over 325,000 miles and absolutely everything still works like new. I'm lucky to have a mechanic who is a personal friend. He went over that truck top to bottom and gave me a list of repairs and general maintenance items that should be performed in order of importance. Last month I completed the list. I thought at one point I had spent more on the truck than it's worth, but today I'm thinking it was money well spent. Her name is Big Red, I'll never sell her. Looks exactly like the one in the video, except mine has some peeling clear coat, dents and rust. She's a 30-30 truck. From 30 feet, or if I pass by at 30 mph you won't notice.

[@jacobpatterson1091]

Man those trucks are bad ass coming from a 2001 1500 hd owner I beat the every living hell out of mine and it loves it and keeps on going (with good maintenance of course) don’t humble yourself u got a good reliable truck that will outlast these new trucks easily and cost you way less to maintain in my opinion you only buy a new truck as a status symbol nowadays my 1500 hd been in 3 wrecks 100 mph for like 20 mins straight on the highway that’s my top speed 😂 but my point is I have pushed this truck to the limit and my hardest repair was the knock sensors 236k original drivetrain not easy miles at all and to top it off it was a work truck before so who knows how much they towed I’ve towed 2000 pounds of broken up concrete in it like man don’t let anybody tell you your trucks old or a piece of shit it’s something they won’t understand untill they in the shop for 1000s of dollars in repairs while you on the other hand can get a motor and transmission for 2000$ at the absolute most these trucks are the shit man don’t forget that

[@lindanelson8400]

@@jacobpatterson1091 I can agree with you on every point you make 👌 Big Red started life as part of a fire departments rolling equipment, so it was well maintained. The second owners used it to haul firewood, that's the time frame when the body got beat up. Lots of dents and scratches from being out in the woods and it was in central Missouri where they salt the roads. That's where the rust comes from. The maintenance man I bought her from obviously used her for his work truck. Here's the kicker, she's still all matching numbers. The engine is quiet as a church mouse, doesn't smoke or burn a drop of oil. It had a bunch of leaking gaskets and seals on the engine and drive train, and I've done a lot of other work that should have been done a long time ago. Now I'm really proud to have her and I'd jump in her tomorrow and drive across the country without fear.

[@frankbiz]

That's why you are a rare mechanic and "The Wizard" We need more like you!

[@billycurtis5788]

I wish most auto industry bosses were like you! At my shop we tell them not to bring in certain cars but they still do. We are a specialized shop and dont have all the special tools to work on some cars and expect us to get it done quickly! LOVE YOU CHANNEL!

[@RedKnaxx]

I remember when Car Wizard said that one time, Ï can buy a new engine, but I can't buy a new person. Drop it." I really have huge respect for him both his professionality and humanity.

[@billbrown6889]

Kansas did have annual inspections in the late 70's/early 80's, the inspections stopped due to heavy owner complaints and fraud on the inspections.

[@johnschnellbach986]

Florida Man here. Florida's last year for inspection was 1982

[@codyhickman7335]

This might be one of my favorite videos of yours. You work on high end vehicles. I know you're getting away from the hard to find parts for vehicles, but to still take in a normal day to day vehicle... Respect Hoss. So much more to say. You do good and cool stuff.

[@balkanca]

I love Wizard's enthusiasm and how he actually challenges himself to do this job again, only years later. He certainly has the right mindset! In the back of my head, I was also wondering if the heater core would come up, since the dash is being pulled out, and it did! 😁 That said, those GMT800's are legendary.

[@ohiostate9156]

I have the exact truck only 4x4 and blue. Been a great truck over the years but I bought a new one back in 19 for longer distance travels. Same problem with my AC to in my old one. I just roll the window down and remind myself im in a almost 24 year old beater truck. Works for me!

[@raevennull]

I love the statement about the people being able to buy a truck with a check and not even flinch, but won't. That's usually why those people have that kind of money. They understand that an old pickup will do everything the new ones do except for being a tool for putting large sums of money in other people's pockets.

[@tedsmith6017]

nope

[@judeaucoin5028]

I still think buying a 24 year old truck is egregious when the GMT900’s are getting cheap. Sure they’re not as inherently reliable but the leap in modernity and lack of old-truck gremlins is much appreciated

[@farmninja6653]

@@judeaucoin5028900 Silverados are the ugliest trucks ever made and are a downgrade in comparison. The AFM is 5-6k to fix right off the bat.

[@AmandaHugenkiss2915]

Agree, if you have any car/truck that's in good condition but needs a refresh I can see doing it. Many times no emissions or inspections, low registration fees, low insurance, character, nostalgia, easy to maintain and repair in your driveway. If you live where they salt and you drive in it, if it has any rust, don't bother. But for us in the South, definitely something to consider.

[@bradhaines3142]

eh, for a diesel yes. pre emissions diesels are almost worth more than a new one just for the lack of headache. but a new colorado will actually out tow this, has more power, and thats not even the full size this is. new trucks are definitely more capable. but i'll admit almost no one needs the new capabilities and no one wants the complexity they add along with that.

[@madmatt2024]

8:58 The biggest issue with this type of repair is that the fault in the harness will most likely effect other wires in due time, that is why you need to isolate the fault, tear down the harness, and find the fault or replace the harness. Almost every time I've found the source of the fault in an automotive harness, other wires were damaged and would have either shorted to power/ground or broken within a year or less.

[@liamfogle8367]

Yup. Had a Chevy C7500 in not long ago that wouldn't send the AC command signal to the relay. Turned out to be someone installed the inner fender liner with a bunch of self tappers, and in the process of doing so sent one of them through the cab harness. Several wires were effected but the AC command wire was the only one effected at the time. others would have certainly followed.

[@BS.-.-]

Because it's a cheap crappy truck. 2wd and smallest engine.

[@coryunferferth1767]

Exactly..the irony of his channel name is laughable.

[@liamfogle8367]

@@coryunferferth1767 I wouldn't go that far. He correctly diagnosed the fault, and in this case the customer probably doesn't want to spend the money to repair properly. We are just a couple mechanics in the comments talking about the video.

[@coryunferferth1767]

@@liamfogle8367 he concluded there was an issue in the harness between the steering column and the horn. Then used the easiest workaround just to get the horn to function. Pretty simple using a meter to check continuity along the wire find the short in the wire and fix it properly..so yeah I think it’s funny he calls himself a “wizard”

[@albertlanger2339]

My late father was a self-taught mechanic. When he retired in '85 he'd tinker with cars. But of the cars he owned over time he always changed the horn electrics from the steering wheel to a push button on the dash. I reflect and believe he did this under boredom. Whilst tops at mechanics, he was limited in his brilliant brain to just + and -. RIP Dad

[@rogerringold616]

huh?

[@rogerringold616]

he liked, preferred a horn on the dash. It was a thing...like floorboard bright light dimmer switch

[@TheScrubmuffin69]

None of that made any sense. Your dad would always rewire the horn from the steering wheel to a button on the dash? Why? Who do that? Also the last 2 sentences just don't make sense

[@albertlanger2339]

@@TheScrubmuffin69 Dad had a brilliant brain. Whilst working, he could work out "outside the box" that others couldn't. Retirement made him bored. So he would set a task. With horns, he would have been satisfied with spending hours running new wiring from the engine to his new button.

[@pokeytrucker5296]

@@TheScrubmuffin69 it made sense to me, I'm not sure why it was so hard for you...

[@Thomasgm490]

As an aircraft mechanic I wish my shop adopted the same idea. Yes we’re paid to do work but, that doesn’t mean we need to get slammed every single day with the worst jobs. Sadly in the corporate world they frankly don’t care.

[@kattcasel9730]

At our aircraft shop, the dayshift crew is expert at dumping those painful jobs on 2nd and 4th shifts!!!!

[@kevincopley941]

Same here. Day shift takes it easy and dumps the hard stuff on 2nd/3rd shift!

[@pmotorsports8276]

@@kevincopley941 2nd and 3rd shift usually has less personnel

[@tomdaniels3392]

And shouldn't ,SHUT UP AND DO YOUR JOB You may want to try being in the military, then you can call a wambulance to wipe your little butt for you

[@michaelj6392]

An associate of mine is an aircraft mechanic for Southwest and he said it’s pretty chill.

[@jimsmalleimb7709]

The evaporator cores are always the most common places to leak. That's why they put them in the dash in newer cars. I remember when they were contained in a box on the engine side of the firewall. But, auto engineers being what they are today know they only have to last until the warranty period is over.

[@dfre6422]

The answers are usually simple. Solutions are not the simplest to achieve, but are attainable with the right attitude, along with a little patience. Glad to see a shop that takes pride in doing it correctly.

[@dfre6422]

@KevTech 1 he did find the short. It is in the wire. Replace the wire, fix the short, solve the problem. Simple solution to the problem. Therefore it is correct way to fix concern for customer. Wire is 20 years old+, sure the best thing would be replace entire harness, but obviously that is not feasible.

[@Charles-pu1tx]

Thanks wizard. I bought an extended cab 2001 GMC Sierra (work truck) brand new with 4.8 L engine, paid $17,500. I still drive it and it has 86.000 original miles. Just basic maintenance so far. I commuted by plane to work part of each month, so the truck was not driven part of the month. I just got the truck for wheels/ home Depot, etc. I occasionally tow a small utility trailer to do odd job chores for my home/property. It is so easy to work on, last year I changed out radiator, water pump, thermostat and housing,rad hoses, new serp belt, coolant, new coolant tank with level sensor, idler pulley, belt tensioner. I spent $650 on parts and it took two days counting rounding up the new parts. The water pump was dripping at the seal weep hole. The other parts were changed for longevity, they were still working. I enjoyed the task, plenty of room to work and so simple. I am 65 years old. My dad taught me how to do these type jobs on my cars in my youth. I bought a 1971 cutlass in 1974 for $1500, very fun reliable car. At 18 I bought a brand new 1976 Chevy C10 sport step side p/u for $5000. I am one of those guys that can buy any truck that I desire, but I refuse to pay the amount they go for now. Insane to pay 70k for a depreciating item with high ins costs and operating costs. Not to mention failing lifters, sensors out the wazoo, etc. Thanks for the videos. Great job with your shop and KZbin.👍🇺🇸😁🌞😎

[@pughconsulting]

Love my 06 Silverado! Going to keep it running for as long as possible. Only 111,000 miles on it. My neighbor has a 99 Tahoe. Good as gold.

[@bry0ung]

Wow, dude; 111,000 miles is sweet! I've got an 02' 2500HD with 230,000, and it's purring.

[@TNels]

Got me beat. Got an 05 with 138,000 great truck!

[@PhantomOverload]

Got an 02 Silverado with 350,000 miles still running great. Only issue I had was the transmission loosing 3rd and 4th which is common on this generation with high mileage. Can be rebuilt to almost never happen again for pretty cheap.

[@robo5391]

I absolutely agree with you on not throwing parts at something. Working on my own stuff as a teen and not having a whole lot of money I had no choice, but to make sure I found the exact issue before buying the part.

[@jlwannebo]

Can I say... you as a boss who has no issues with understanding your teams strengths and pushing them in those without stressing them in things they don't want to do, I have so much respect for you! I really enjoy watching your videos and seeing how understandable of a boss you are and team player I can tell your team is top notch! I'm very fortunate I have the same thing with my boss working on helicopters. You guys are diamond's in the rough🤙👏

[@christianlassen7027]

Love this. I bought a used 1998 Chevy c1500 when it was 5 years old. It had 97kms. Still driving it. Runs like the day I bought it. Sure I’ve had to replace 2 fuel pumps 2 alternators three sets of breaks and a whiper motor. 308,000 kms and going strong very little rust just on the tailgate hinge cups.

[@JuanDeLaGarza-gq3lp]

All great advise by the Wizard. After 50 plus years in the business I have learned that good mechanics are hard to find and you need to take care of them. I own three shops and the only thing keeps me from opening more is the lack of good qualified mechanics. Times have changed, not many young people want to get into this business. The learning curve is long and without a good mentor can be hard physically and mentally. Even with my experience I enjoy watching Wizards videos, always something new to learn, keep up the good work Mr.and Mrs. Wizard.

[@badger7554]

This is amazing because I had the exact same issue 3 wks ago with my 1991 GMC truck...tech found the Evaporator leak and also changed out the heater core. You're amazing Mr Wizard!

[@NYPATRIOTBX]

Smart move on swapping out that heater core, most people would overlook that only to have it leak 6 months down the line.

[@99gmcsierralm74]

@@NYPATRIOTBX yup

[@davidtindle6973]

That is information literally worth weight in gold man, I know to many people who have issues like this and dealerships and shops cant find issues. I love coming here because you actually teach more than talk, if you know what I mean.

[@Mukley169]

I have an issue with using a separate wire to bypass short in horn wire. This will fix it but what if this short was caused by the harness running over something sharp or hot. If this is the problem then very likely some of the other wires may short to ground eventually, but finding the short it may save other problems in the future. I agree that the 2000 through 2006 are the best Chevy pickups or Tahoes to own.

[@Bread996]

You may not have a choice if the owner doesn’t want to pay for the labor to pull the whole wiring harness out.

[@tyzorg]

Would be a dream to work for a man like Car Wizzard. Guy has incredible integrity and knowledge

[@garrypritchard1658]

And he loves telling us how good he is i don't know how the American auto industry goes on with only one of him😂😂😂😂😂

[@tyzorg]

@Garry Pritchard if you've watched him over the years you'd know he's super humble though. He's confident but never seems cocky or into himself by any means. Hoover on the otherhand......lol

[@garrypritchard1658]

@@tyzorg not into himself all he does is praise himself and criticise shops and techs if he has something to say about other shops he should not criticise on a public forum i could not handle him at all I don't like people you give self praise

[@mikemcgown6362]

I can identify with those "nightmare jobs". I was a tech in a smaller shop with a great employer/owner that understood these situations. He would assist me on these but most of the way through I was by myself. Sometimes we would discover a leak that was caused by initial assembly. We would have to find a way not to cause the damage with our assembly. We got creative sometimes but usually successful. Patience is the needed virtue here. Rushing through a job can cause more damage than working recklessly. He had signs around his shop that was simply "Right now". When he would point them out to me I would ask if that meant right now, or it meant right, now. He would nod his head and understand why I was taking longer than he initially thought it should take. He was as much a perfectionist as I was.

[@Alex-je6od]

My only real concern with the replacement wire fix is what other wires are getting grounded out. It feels like the harness is getting cut by the frame somewhere... so the horn could be a canary in the coal mine that other stuff could start getting grounded out soon.

[@agrippa1234]

with my amazing mechanical skills, when I found that fake relay switch worked to control the horn, I would run that to my dashboard and superglue it on top....problem solved.......

[@waiting4aliens]

Been there done that.

[@Nudnik1]

I had/ have 1990-2006 GM trucks vans .. 250-400k miles . Cheap easy to fix. Fuel pumps and wheel hub bearings minor issues. TBI and Vortec excellent 👍 Convert electric FWD to mechanical engagement . Change oil and tranny fluid and rustproof underneath with fluid film it will last forever.

[@tejanotunes1984]

Just bought a 1999 Silverado 1500 LS with 68000 miles. Has the hitch and a leer camper with little extra space. Truck looks really good. The rockers have minimal rust but not bad at all. Plan on getting rust repaired. Paid $7000 for it. I love it. New trucks way to expensive.

[@TheTrueBallin]

Recently finished fixing up my 2000 single cab it was hit at the front so decided to do a Cateye conversion 😁 and fixed a lot of things like knock sensors, oil pump sensor, intake gaskets, added some power adders cam, efans, new radiator and other things. Runs like a champ got it for 2k and put in around 4k so it was worth it. 2 more years and it’s a classic.

[@lcee6592]

Awesome tip with checking the condensate water! A couple years ago I removed the entire dash out of a 04 Bonneville (just the steering column was left) as part of replacing the entire AC system. I also had to remove the entire center console. It took three weeks over all and all I can say is, never again! Estimated labor savings $3,000.

[@rickbaier1042]

T total nightmare......

[@rickclayton1806]

When I hear these issues with evaporators and heater cores I lament the passing of my 2000 Saturn LS-1 (L-Series). On that car both of these were easily changed without removing the dash or the heater box. The access panels were designed in and accessed from the passenger footwell. The heater core could be replaced in less than one hour without draining most of the coolant. A good mechanic would have time left for a nap. This should be the norm for automobile design. That wasn't the only thing that was "better" on that car, but a good example. But rust doesn't sleep. RIP Saturn.

[@maacpetzol2205]

I had a 98 sw2 wagon. Water pump was replaced in less than 25 minutes. Ac compressor took 15. Those things were as solid as can be regardless the plastic body. I rolled mine going over 75 and walked away. Rip Saturn indeed

[@johnpejnovich7722]

Give you 2 thumbs up on your comment. One would figure that, with all the auto design and engeering improvements that went into cars and trucks etc. over the years; why is the HVAC system still way behind the technology curve ? Antiquated !

[@francoistombe]

GM seems to shut down anything good that they come up with.

[@mateomotors8945]

This is what the wizard makes the big bucks, doing the work no one wants to do. Great video man 👍

[@genehart261]

When I used to watch Scotty Kilmer I remember him ranting about Chevy trucks because the one he was working on had a leaky a/c evaporator coil and he didn't want to deal with pulling the dash; wah, wah, wah. You calmly explain the problem and put a positive spin on an unpleasant task. Guess who'd I'd rather watch? Thank you.

[@AmandaHugenkiss2915]

Understandable shops won't do this but as a DIY for evaporators, Red Angel stop leak in the 2oz bottle is a wonderful product. We had a mustang with a leak and it fixed it, ice cold air. I also do not run cooling system pressure in any of my family fleet and they are perfectly fine. 60/40 mix and disable the radiator cap or the ones with the bottle, leave the cap a little loose. No overheating, no pressure stress on parts.

[@paulwelch6235]

My experience with mechanics on this issue is that they want to charge for replacing the a/c coil and heater coil as two separate jobs running the bill up out of sight. It's hard to find mechanics that do things honestly around here. It sounds like you are one of the honest mechanics. My hat's off to you.

[@anomamos9095]

Tip Cold plastic is more brittle than hot plastic Grab a hair dryer and warm any bits you don't want to break. Not a hot air gun unless you can get one that has a really low power setting , a hair dryer is best as they are covered in plastic so you can put them down and not melt any thing.

[@thJune]

Hot damn that’s a good idea

[@ToolsPlus-z7k]

As a small business owner for over 35 years, I never ask a worker to do a job I have not done several times. Great job wiz. Also my 2015 GMC with 180,000 miles is doing the same thing. I will NOT be fixing it.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

Yep. $30/year for 3 cans of refrigerant is cheap.

[@deanstyles2567]

@@mylifethaidiy7045 Yeah although R134A is a horrific greenhouse gas.

[@ravenblack7552]

The fact that you do your diagnostic work and don't just take a shot in the dark and start changing out the most likely suspects tells me that not only are you a true mechanic but that you are honest as well. I work in building maintenance and have dealt with so many shady vendors that are nothing more than parts replacers and are all too happy to just keep making money off of my employer! Thank you for what you do here in showing people what you have learned! Sharing wisdom and not just acquiring it is the true sign of a wise man!!

[@timsterz1]

I remember a time when nearly every mechanic around took the same approach to finding the cause of a problem as you do. Thanks for keeping the legacy of the Real Mechanic alive.

[@roberthahn3710]

Best truck made. I bought mine in 99 for 17k out the door. I put 250 THOUSAND miles on mine with NO PROBLEMS. The brakes last for 125 thousand miles before they need new pads. Oil changes wipers batteries and tires I ever needed to due. I got 21 mpg at the beginning and 17mpg when I sold it.

[@travissheehan6082]

My 05 made it to 165k before I couldnt stand it anymore and redid the brakes anyway. Pads were still thick lol

[@benthere404]

@@travissheehan6082 Put some 2007 front Tahoe calipers and rotors on it. Then put 2002 Suburban 4WD rear calipers and rotors on it and hold on, it'll sling you through the windshield.

[@travissheehan6082]

@@benthere404 that’s what I did 😂

[@renaissanceman7145]

I love my 2000 Silverado that I bought brand new that year. All I ever did to it was oil changes, brakes, plugs, transmission filter changes, typical wear items. At 333,085 miles first gear went out. Because I tow a lot with my job I decided to replace the 4L60e with a 4L80e and despite the fact that the 5.3 liter cranked without fail instantly I replaced it as well with a Gen IV LY6 6.0 liter. I modified it with a high lift cam, double valve springs, beefier push rods, 1.8 roller rockers, long tube headers, 3" dual exhaust with hi flow mufflers and cats, electric water pump, electric fans, larger throttle body, upgraded oil pump, new main, con rods and cam bearings. It runs like scalded dog and easily pulls everything I asked it without complaint. I've also replaced the steering rack, carpet, u-joints, 225 amp alternator and rear-end from a 2002 Denali with 4 link/air ride and coil overs. I'll NEVER sell it! Edit- Wizard, you are an awesome boss to "allow" your employees to tell you "No". For you to understand why and accept it is a very rare and commendable trait. Your profile, in my eyes, just got immeasurably better! I wish there were more bosses like you in the world. All the best!

[@zman8340]

So you replaced everything

[@renaissanceman7145]

@@zman8340 pretty much, yeah. It's like driving a brand new truck at a fraction of the cost.

[@joesmith3908]

That sounds like one bad ass truck!

[@renaissanceman7145]

@@joesmith3908 Thanks. Of course it could be 'badder" but it's not a racer so it's more than enough as is. It's funny though, I haven't mentioned the best thing about it. The cab is completely sound deadened, 2 10" subs, 2 6.5" Infinity separates in each front door, another 6.5" Infinity in each kick panel, a 4" Infinity in each A pillar and a 6.5" Infinity separate in each rear door. All driven by old school Soundstream Reference series amps. Instead of a head unit I'm running a Windows 10 pro computer with two 1 gig SSD's (no skips regrdless the road), HD radio tuner, slot load DVD in the dash and a 13" touchscreen monitor. All audio is fed via optical TOSLINK to an Alpine PXA-H800 DSP which is controlled by the computer. The computer also controls the HP Tuners interface allowing real time monitoring of all engine parameters plus data logging. Plus electric e brake, column shifter delete for a Megshifter in the center console and...I think that's it. ALL of the work I've done alone. Removal of the old stuff, new engine build, engine and trans install, fabrication of trans support, welding rear suspension hardware and install, stereo install, computer build...everything. A friend did help me take the hood off and put it back on but everything else was me myself and I. Needless to say, it took a while!

[@Driver0378]

The more I watch these videos, the more respect I gain for you wizard! If I wasn’t a 22hr drive away, I’d absolutely bring my car to you! 😜

[@GainingDespair]

My dad had one of these, it was white, single cab but it run like a champ. Very reliable truck, only downside was the thing ate distributors yearly, was never a huge issue, but you could always put money down that in a year it would have a hard time starting, and a new distributor would solve that issue. That was really the only issue he had with it, up until 380k miles when the transmission started to slip, he got a replacement from a junkyard, maybe $600 all in, and at 410k the head gasket was starting to go, he decided to put her down. Was going to send her off to the you pull it parts yard a few miles down the road. A friend of his was really interested in it, and he basically gave it to him for what the parts yard offered for it, he replaced the head gasket, and still driving it to this day 5 years later. As for my dad, he upgraded to a 2500 larger motor, 4 wheel drive extended cab? I don't exactly remember, he only had the truck for a few months before he past away. He loved that truck, said hes never had a vehicle in his life hit 300k miles, he's the type to run something into the ground before replacing it, we where not sure if he should replace the transmission or get something newer (he could afford it) but he shrugged it off saying he could hop in the truck, go to anywhere in the US and feel absolutely confident that truck would make it without issue. He bought it issued from a local tire shop in 2009-ish for pretty cheap, dude needed some work done on his shop (father was a brick/block/stone) dad agreed to do the work for the truck, man was happy with that, and really nothing else to say. He called it Maybell lol

[@davidhuls8016]

My dad had a 2004 single cab 4X4 very plain. Parked it for a few years just told me it’s junk and needs to go to the junkyard. When my youngest daughter needed a vehicle I took it and found out what dad was talking about, it was a flintstone vehicle. So I welded new floor pans, rockers, and corners. Did a bit of paint work to make it a bit cooler. Recently had to do intake gaskets. Every time I test drive that truck I love it more. The smoothest running, nicest steering truck I think I’ve been in.

[@cbro6535]

You are right these trucks are amazing! I just sold mine and I’m sure I’ll regret selling it. It was probably my favorite model Silverado. Thank you for the video and for all of your tech tips. 👍👍

[@graysonelliott397]

Growing up selling used cars, I’m very comfortable with the fact I’ve only ever owned GMT800s from my first car four years ago to now. I know them inside and out and know damn well they’re the best you can buy. I hated my 2019 Silverado. Sold it and used the profit to buy another GMT800. I’ve learned to accept their little quirks and issues. Because I know this truck will start. Every morning. Get me to where I need to go every day. And it’ll haul everything I ever need to. God bless the GMT800

[@lexusguy9127]

Got a GMT800 with 390k miles on it. No rust. Duramax crew. It's never left me stranded.

[@slalomking]

What years are these GMT800’s

[@ChrisGarage]

i have a first year 1999. 180k runs excellent. broke the frame, bought a 2016 silverado - night and day difference. love the new truck

[@lexusguy9127]

@@ChrisGarage Youre right. I bought a new 16 duramax crew. Rides like a dream but I hated the fact I couldn't see over the hood and the seats were uncomfortable. I got rid of it and kept the 06 Duramax crew. I don't see how those two trucks had such a different ride quality considering the steering geometry and suspension arrangement are the same.

[@SOHCGT96]

At least their little quirks and issues are well known and mostly inexpensive to fix. I'm not giving up my 2004 Suburban until it rusts away to nothing.

[@USA__WILL]

I have an 02 Escalade with similar parts but I can attest that the plastic on the trim cracks when you pull it out. . It's so easy to work on them and amazing on long trips.

[@davidpayne5608]

Love my 2002 Chevy Tahoe. Liked it so much I bought another one same year same color white. I loved knowing the problems that come up and how to fix them. One has the 4.8 and the other has the 5.3. Both have plenty of power.The 4.8 just gets a little better gas mileage.One has leather and cargo doors and one has cloth and vertical rear door.Love them both.

[@bigpapaporsche1]

I am a retire Diesel Truck/Construction Equipment District Manager and all around Car Enthusiast! I watch several videos about Car Repairs and have found your one of the best, wish you were closer to Cincinnati we could be friends.

[@kingofl337]

I think it would have been worth while to attempt to trace the horn wire. It may point to some other damage to the wiring harness.

[@KrazyGoodMods]

+1 The wire section that he narrowed it down to wasn't that long and the dash has to come out anyways.

[@carlashton9331]

Comes down to time. Everything else is functioning fine, and it saves the customer money by not having to charge additional hours tracing this wire out.

[@TheTarrMan]

I had to do the heater core on my 2000 Grand Marquis the other day (basically the same job) and it was not fun. Luckily nothing broke but my hands/arms were sure cut all up to heck. I was also getting really mad. I've never realized how heavy those dashes were before judging by how much of them were plastic. As a kid I wanted to be an auto mechanic but now as adult I'm so glad I didn't get into the trade.

[@Neotank22000]

You can see the wear mark on the fender where wizard's arm wore through the paint ;-). Great job wizard for deducing these issues.

[@imme7961]

Great video and thanks for sharing your experience. You definitely know how to troubleshoot. I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500. Great truck. Original engine and transmission at 227K miles. My AC worked for over 20 years before I serviced it. It only had leaks at the service ports. Simple fix.

[@dp1381]

I scored a truck just like this for $4500 about 10 years ago. It had 250k on it when I got it, and I put another 250k on it before the rear axle broke. The 5.3 V8 never gave me a single issue. All I ever did was change the oil and replace the spark plugs.

[@Oddman1980]

I grew up with a refrigeration technician. "Just bring it back next year" to recharge the system is silly. That UV light in the condensate is a handy trick, I hope I don't have to buy a car anytime soon but when I do, I'm taking a UV flashlight with me. Also, the best kind of boss is one who is working himself.

[@unwired1281]

I worked for bosses that used to work. It seemed like when they put on the boss hat their brains oozed right into their chairs.

[@johnhull6363]

Standard practice is to change the filter/dryer anytime the system is opened

[@AustinFies88]

My father sold his last 02 Silverado identical to this with 300k miles to buy a new truck. New truck was another 2002 Silverado with 220k miles. Both had/have original everything everything. Very little maintenance or repairs over the years.

[@LJC5865]

Simple common sense finds the problem But sometimes difficult to think of them All. What about a system to help get the mind to think of all of the possibilities. Maybe write down a simple diagram and freon flow of all of the AC parts and one part at a time..Try to think of All the possibilities. Maybe the light will go off. Or a good excuse when caught slacking off in the.... break room.

[@therightisright8276]

Wizard, you dont just serve as a great Tech but more importantly as a teacher. Kids today need to be inspired to learn this trade and carry on. Great job!

[@kazegakun]

Love the UV light, it's my best friend for AC diag. Checking the actual condensate is a new one for me though, I usually just peek into the drain hose. Gonna have to remember that one, thanks Wizard!

[@gainerman]

The dye doesn't lie

[@mikewhite3123]

Bought one of those from AutoZone cause it was on sale and wanted to check a leak,and it's been one of the most useful tools ever ..

[@johnwilbanks3885]

Drove my 2000 4.8 Silverado for 19 yrs, 335000 miles. It was a very decent truck.

[@jacobpatterson1091]

Jesus decent 335k what’s good 😂 these new trucks can’t even make it 200k without a major issue

[@richards5843]

I have a 1992 Silverado and just turned 30 years old. This was the truck I purchased for my dad for $18,000 and now when he passed away I got the truck back. It has 120,000 miles on it and it looks great and runs great. The only thing I had done to it was to replaced the fuel pump that was weak other than routine maintenance it has been a good truck.

[@ericpatterson5792]

Like a heater core on a fox body mustang firs step remove the seats. Of course after you unhook the battery and no matter what you will have one screw bolt or clip left ove

[@murphydowning8812]

Thanks for all your vids! Great information. This one happens to address a version of my truck ('99 5.3/2wd) which has numerous issues. It's my "beater" so I refuse to put much money into it, but would love to get a few things working correctly. It just so happens that my horn will get stuck "on" at random times when I use it. The only way I've found to get it to stop is pull over, park, and just beat on it with my fist around the edges of the airbag until whatever is stuck breaks loose. Seeing where the actual contacts are from this video, I know exactly where the problem is, but don't know if it can be fixed DIY. Thanks again for the great work!

[@volks-jager]

on those older silverados you can make an access door in the in the heater box to get the evaporator out. i wouldnt do it on a mint truck, but on a old beater truck it is a option

[@CaptainSeamus]

Sounds kind of like the old 68-72 GM A body cars (GTO, Cutlass, Chevelle, etc) - there was an indented spot in the passenger side wheel well to cut out to be able to change the blower motor. Just follow the crease and then pop rivet a piece of metal back in (or not? Found a couple that got left open... caused a lot more rust and corrosion issues)