Chevy Can't CRANK...After Alternator Replaced?? ('04 Silverado V8)

We're on a road trip to Western PA today to diagnose a beached whale Chevy truck.
Owner said that a month ago he replaced the alternator, then the truck started having weird electrical issues, and finally REFUSED TO CRANK!
He's been trying to solve the problem for a MONTH, replacing the ignition switch, fuse box, and testing the starter.
Let's diagnose the root cause of the NO-CRANK problem, and see if we can get this Chevy back on the road NO PARTS REQUIRED :)
THINKTOOL PROS: **$250 OFF**
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UY CHAN Original TS101 Portable Soldering Iron:
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Forchens Mini Portable Oven,12V 24V: **DISCOUNT CODE: 10VPY5HM $$17 OFF!!**
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Enjoy!
Ivan

[@farmermiyagi1338]

Steering wheel in the passenger seat, "maybe it's unplugged". I think you're on the right track Ivan. 🤣

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Cool ! / Much appreciated ! 👍🏼 🔥 💻 📈

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Straight up legit 😄

[@htownblue11]

The TS100 deserves all the screen time it gets. Awesome tool. Another NPR diag from the master using a test light, wiring diagram, and scanner. Love this channel.

[@ovalteen4404]

It's worth noting that in the aircraft mechanic field, butt splices are strongly recommended over soldered connections because solder is brittle and can break in a high-vibration environment. When solder is used, it should also be well supported to prevent flexing anywhere in the vicinity. And of course, butt splices should be high quality, barbed types that actually want to hold on to the wire, not Dornan crap.

[@GregoryGlessnerViolin]

Nice customer + great communication from said customer + classic Chevy truck = good morning

[@titaniumman_22]

I’ve had plenty of soldering irons and I broke down and bought the TS100 thanks to Ivan and I should have done it sooner! It’s my lucky day when Ivan and Eric O post up videos! 🇺🇸

[@scotts4125]

I bought the TS101 it can handle more watts with a firmware upgrade. I'm using an Anker 250w USB-C PD3.1 battery bank with it.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

@@scotts4125 I bought the TS101 too.

[@baxrok2.]

Love that customer reaction. Thanks Ivan!

[@jordanboulay3780]

another example of why a diagnostic fee is cheaper then parts cannon!!! you the man Ivan!

[@farmermiyagi1338]

Eric posts a video and mentions Ivan this morning. Ivan posts a video and mentions Eric same morning. Y'all gonna have to stop this or people are gonna talk. ;)

[@rickchowsr2532]

😂😂

[@sharmariclarke4086]

You have both of them subscription.

[@DaveBigDawg]

😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@raymondreiff8170]

Not a big deal having the Best You Tube techs on the East coast talking 🇺🇸👍😁

[@Think1st-m9r]

Ivan, if you lived closer I think you’d be telling me my mother is calling me! Just love the diagnostics even the easy ones are awesome. Keep it coming.

[@DS-ss396]

Ivan is damn good at finding broken wires. I love it!

[@stankomilosavljevic5583]

Because of you, I also bought a TS100, and I'm very satisfied. Your videos are instructive because I do the same job. Greetings from Serbia

[@fredmalito9869]

I’m curious how everybody solders wires together in these types of situations. For smaller gauge wires, say 14 gauge and smaller, I strip back an extended piece of wire, twist it, create a hook, and hook the two sections together. I then use “genuine Amtech flux“ That would make Alex at Northridge Fix proud, solder the hooks together open parentheses making sure solder flows on all exposed copper), and then use adhesive heat shrink over that. For larger wires, and I mean anything up to 2/0 gauge, I use tinned butt connectors with the appropriate crimper (hydraulic once I get to 8 gauge and bigger), and then use the above mentioned the flux and solder to finish the connection inside the butt connector. Then I finish with adhesive heat shrink. I use the same method for terminal ends as well.

[@bashdavid9223]

Yeah I’d never solder wires without the wires intertwining beforehand let alone in an engine bay where there’s a lot of vibration. This solder will eventually become undone. I would sacrifice having a lumpy section in the wire over wire breaking 😂

[@stu-po]

I first found "Pine Hollow" channel as I was searching youtube for cordless soldering irons! I've been hooked ever since. 😃

[@wyattoneable]

Two alternator / wire videos in one day, Eric and Ivan are at it again.

[@meyertkg]

Crusty Green Wire Day in honor of St Patrick

[@jimharmon3404]

Eric O. just posted a "green crustie" this morning where he attributed you and Philip? with finding the location of a bracket rubbing through and corroding the wire open. His tribute to you was to use solder-filled splices! Haa Haa! Two in one day! Awesome!

[@wallace3953]

Everything is "Easy" until somebody has to pick up a soldering iron! Great Fast Fix and Bullet-proof, super work!!!

[@johndurcan8833]

WRT hot food on the road, a friend of mine made himself a small metal box and managed to fix it to the exhaust manifold on his car. He constantly gets looks of amazement when he pulls into a parking bay, opens the hood and retrieves hot food from it! He developed this idea after once heating a pie that ended up plastered to his engine after he drove thru a pothole! 😀

[@Just_D.I.Y.]

Way back that was actually a thing, wrapping food in tinfoil and leaving it on the engine to "cook" while on a trip. Never tired it, but saw it advertised in DIY magazines when I was a teen.

[@musicktx]

That's funny! The wires for the driver airbag are hanging right in front of you and you spaced it. LOL

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

😂

[@DaveBigDawg]

I think most of us was thinking the same thing No steering wheel and wires hanging Yep definitely had the airbag unplugged

[@musicktx]

I have pulled the same move and laugh at myself!@@DaveBigDawg

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Also had a bad front impact sensor... Unrelated issue 😉

[@fieldsofomagh]

The man from uncle just arrived and would you believe,the sound of success, a chevvy resurrected !!. Congrats on a job well done and it aint the first 🥇 one.

[@pdzh]

Have you ever used probe and tone device to locate broken wires? Those devices are common for IT industry when they wire up with 100s of cat5/6 wires and before they terminate connector in the server room they use tone generator to create signal on the outlet side and receiver to find what wire they need. If wire is broken mid trip, it will not ring at the end and if you are looking brake with tone device, it will ring as long as you are moving receiver few inches away. It would be perfect for finding broken wire, it will stop ringing at the brake.

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

My favorite diags are with a test light and service info, Thanks for sharing!

[@jgeorges3061]

IVAN, AWESOME love your approach and common-sense that 95% of technicians they call them self professional will fail to fix this as always thanks for sharing cheeeers.

[@JoshMaynard-fm8qh]

I love your channel and Eric's channel watching you both has saved me so much time on figuring out wireing problems.

[@rodx5571]

I just did a similar diagnostic no crank no start. Same track. But I had everything everywhere and it was a pcm issue. (Verified replaced and running). The key in ignition fault is the wire for the lkey left in ignition dinger.

[@zbigniewrichard8291]

Ivan has all the reasons to talk about his miniature soldering iron. I own one too and I confirm it is an amazing tool. Right after bread, peanut butter, and hot water.

[@marianodeocampo5569]

Thanks for sharing your highly skilled process for diagnosing, I certainly have learned a lot from your experiences.

[@GarnConstructionInc]

Nice work Ivan! You ironed this one out!

[@cclngthr]

It is amazing what a bit of corrosion can alter voltage and current. On my Corolla, I have a digital volt meter on a USB charger that I plug my guardian angel emergency light and my phone into. I had noticed the voltage drop slightly (while within spec on charging system) while driving. I already changed out the negative battery cables to 2 gauge and 4 gauge from battery to chassis ground and engine to chassis ground because i have an amp and sub in the car, but had not done anything to the positive battery cables. It was down to 13.6 volts, but I wasn't comfortable with that when at startup it was 14.5. What I found on the 2 positive battery cables, which are stacked on top of each other and clipped together, was some dirt/corrosion and sticky film between the 2 terminal ends. I removed the stock positive battery terminal which has one point of contact for the cables to attach to the terminal, and I changed the terminal to a better one where I could separate the positive cables onto 2 separate attachment points on the 1 positive terminal. Now at startup the voltage is at 14.3-14.4 volts and at idle after 35 minutes of driving and in park with lights on the final voltage is at 14.2-14.3 volts.

[@timowallin8020]

Even if i don't like the "fix"(newer solder car wire's they fail) it was great find and good for some time use. BTW. for a tip. your wiring diagram already told you the fuse box connectors C1=gray 66 0r 88(hard to read on video) pin connector. Just little faster if you like to use printed paper diagram on you and dont have the net...

[@sspnugen]

I love hearing about the soldering iron, two great diagnostic videos this morning

[@waltertaffs1737]

Ivan you and Eric amazed me with your videos I m a huge fan of the both of you and keep up the good work 😊

[@williamcunha9136]

Awesome video Ivan! You are correct! TS101 upgrade to the TS100 is a great soldering iron. Also, your poor thumb, Ouch!!!!!

[@terrydoberstein6742]

Knowledge is well worth the time and cost to have You fix it right Ivan.

[@GregThompson-u6g]

this is where you are your best electric repairs eric made a similar repair on a chevy truck but was a 10 amp fuse

[@calholli]

Most of the time when I need to solder something.. I just end up using a torch on a pick or small screw driver and heat it red hot and solder with that real quick... to save time and just get the job done with whatever is right there. lol.. I would definitely buy this soldering iron though.. The regular cheap plug in style don't get nearly hot enough.

[@gulliver3644]

Hey Ivan, get yerself a cold Iron City and because Orthodox Lent has begun stay several weeks for Pascha.

[@thecode3fc]

6:46 OUCH! Did you release the pressure off the nail? I'm sure a lot of subs know this but it was a game changer for me. Drill a tiny hole through the nail to the blood to relieve the pressure. (Use a "new/sharp" tiny drill bit between your thumb and index finger. It's tender but it will shorten throbbing/recovery time by a lot.)

[@curtw8827]

Had that procedure done on my fingernail in the ER once.

[@thecode3fc]

Did it help? 🤠

[@curtw8827]

@@thecode3fc Absolutely, if I recall it was like a sharp soldering iron tip, instant pain relief. Since then I've used an Xacto knife to drill the hole when I smashed another fingernail.

[@billbarney4937]

i had a 25 year old car with lots of open wires. the reason: the auto manufacturers use the smallest gauge wire that they can get away with which for most sensors/switches is 28 gauge incredibly thin wires. i had a no crank no start and found an open wire feeding the starter solenoid

[@AP9311]

Nice fix Ivan. It's always a broken wire even in rust belt!!. It's a known common problem which everyone knows that lol. Nice fix Ivan!

[@stephanparis6887]

The UY Chan TS101 really is very good, compact and heats up very quickly.

[@GreyRockOne]

Those pesky alternators... see what problems they cause! 😉 Nice work Ivan as usual..

[@chrishill5166]

Now I'm worried, I recently bought a LR Discovery from the seaside and Discovery wiring is suspect even before the salt gets to it. Great diagnostics Ivan.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Good luck with that Euro 😅

[@major__kong]

I keep a refrigerated cooler on the floor of my truck. It runs off a 12V auxiliary system I added. I always have cold beverages ready.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

One wiring repair, one happy customer. Please use eye protection when soldering. Good one Ivan.

[@andyvitz]

TS100 thank you yeah see I can never remember the name of that southern iron you're using when you do use it so I'm glad you actually do that I appreciate it thank you

[@mikefoehr235]

Auto correct is stupid

[@JD-iu3vi]

@@mikefoehr235A northern iron wouldn't work near as well.

[@mikefoehr235]

@@JD-iu3vi truth...why too cold

[@Bizija123]

Super fast diagnosis, wow. So how does the thing work even if it doesn't see the key in the ignition? I'm surprised it just doesn't disable the whole vehicle.

[@TH-1207]

What was the final state of the "key in ignition" PID? You commented that it was still not active with the key in while you had the broken wire bypassed but I don't think you returned to it after the repair. Apparently the immobilizer doesn't care; it must just be a switch contact in the ignition switch so repairing it is not necessary. It's not like newer vehicles that have to read a chip in the key.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I have 2 of those TS100 soldering irons. They are incredible

[@KippHeidel]

Wow u guys are awesome in the salt bed , don’t have any problems like this in calf 😎

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

But you have other major problems in Cali 😅

[@nosurfenougheddie]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics🤣

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Great diagnostic and easy repair, Ivan! Eric O. just posted a video of a charging problem where only the "green pus" was conducting a few electrons (same problem as you had sometime before). Did you sort out the "key in ignition" fault, or does it need a new ignition switch?

[@theadmiral5425]

That soldering iron is the bomb...I use it all the time.

[@edwardtabor77]

I loveall data. I have one timed it for both of my vehicles. Between it and u tube and my great mechanic, which I need to get him another case of yuengling beer. Both of my vehicles have over 180000 miles and run well.

[@dougkelley1266]

I have one similar. I pack lunches for and warm my food often

[@larrydavis4064]

Ivan, good job on getting this identified and repaired. Did you resolve the key in ignition fault? Seemed it ran fine even though it didn't recognize the key was in the ignition. The reason I ask, is that I'm using the Thinktool Pros S scanner and sometimes it identifies faults but the car is working fine. Seems like you can spent a lot of time chasing issues that may or may not improve the situation.

[@aBigMeanie]

solder only wicks if there is flux, and without a solid mechanical connection between the wires you get a bad joint.

[@blueskiesmobileauto4253]

Great find Ivan! I’m thinking of trying out the Milwaukee solder iron. Cordless might be the easiest way to solder. I often have a rule that will go no outdoor butt connectors only indoor above feet level. Our salt runs deep here.

[@truracer20]

Damn, I bet you hate the fact that the factory connectors are ALL CRIMPED*? Do a proper crimp and seal the connection and it can be submerged in salt water problem free. I will never ever trust someone who admits they can't properly crimp a wire connector but can solder one. It's like saying you can feed yourself but can't wipe your ass. A properly completed connection is a good connection. And in my experience in vehicle fleet maintenance, solder is not appropriate in most cases. Wires trend to break at the edge of the solder. In a well crimped connection the wire strands still have the ability to move throughout, in a solder connection they don't, all movement terminates at the solder. *splices are connections but aren't connectors.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I admit that I can't properly crimp a connection, but can solder and shrink wrap all day long 😂

[@blueskiesmobileauto4253]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnosticsthat’s not a bad problem to have!

[@jimbe01]

Ow,ow ,ow, Ivan, that thumb looks painful.😳 Agreed, that soldering iron is really impressive.👍 A trusty “Chevy”?🤔

[@stevenakn1]

As soon as you opened the door i felt the frustration

[@KillerB1237]

Hilarious. Eric O had an almost identical situation with a 2004 Chevy 3500 and actually did a mobile diag on it as well

[@bryanalbright3019]

Did you film the left thumb hammering?😮

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Nah was just a routine Subaru wheel hub replacement... I got sloppy and paid the price 😢

[@jackiemay9471]

what i do is wrap food well aluminium foil and place near exhaust turbo lovely spare ribs slow cooked and hot

[@fredautos]

Thanks Ivan ..with great Content

[@dannyl2598]

My brother replaced a dead battery in a Chevy about that age. He forgot to turn the key off first and it blew the body control module and it caused this same symptom. He had to have a rollback take it to the mechanic, then the mechanic had to have the dealership reprogram the BCM before it would start.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Oops 😂

[@sbautofix8376]

I use the butane one I need one of that soldering thing

[@nickheiland3397]

I just watched Eric o before this one he it cracks me up. He loves those crimp and seal things n I do too. But Ivan hates them. He's the guy on Eric's video comment section saying he's a hack. In 10 years iv watched Eric he has yet to have a come back for 1.

[@for2utube]

I know for circuits < 50VDC both crimp and solder are done, but what about EV and hybrids where circuits are above 50VDC? Is there an NFPA70 to consult/train up on?

[@mph5896]

It’s been prob 15 years since I have seen a solder repair on wiring for any car I have seen in person. The industry uses crimp and seal

[@nickheiland3397]

Yeah except for Ivan. He hates crimp n seal style. He will always do a soldier. N anything above like ev stuff I wouldn't use crimp n seal. Definitely needs either a new wire ran or something better. I don't work on ev stuff so I'm not sure what they do on those.

[@calholli]

Another way I "bullet proof" harnesses like that is to use old radiator hose.. Thick and durable and a very good insulator. :) ... Always works great if you have any laying around. Even smaller heater hose or even regular water/ garden hose.. When you slit it down the side and open it up, it has quite a bit more surface area than you would think.. A one inch hose is over 3 inches wide when you open it up.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Great tip! 😊

[@Mustangg16]

How many wires are soldered from the factory??? Not too many if any

[@shaunsautorepairs5410]

Nice find.... did you check the voltage from the new Alternator? With all those flashing lights he may still have a charging issue.. over charging?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hmm what did the scanner voltage read when the truck was running? 🤔

[@shaunsautorepairs5410]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics arghh, I'm going to have to watch it again....

[@KSAsche1]

Hey Ivan, could you put a link to the portable battery pack for your TS101 soldering iron that you use. Always love watching SMA, Rainman Ray and PHAD Videos. You guys are the best!! Thanks for all your content.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

See Amazon store 👍

[@williamwhite9767]

How many amps does that sandwich warmer pull? Is it a potential hazard?

[@bones007able]

I liked my 04... except when the wheel sensors would go crazy and would kick on the ABS even on dry roads... came close to rear ending a few people because of that...

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Classic rust jacking on the front knuckles... Easy fix 😊

[@The_Redkween]

That steering wheel airbag was definitely unplugged. Lol😂

[@jws3925]

Question on the soldering iron: do you also run RC "toys"? Looking into a battery similar to the one you have to run the iron it is around $30 but to charge it it appears one needs a special charger and that is another $60. If used it at least a couple times/week I would just bit the bullet but I am a casual user. Willing to buy the battery but wondering if there is any alternative to purchasing a dedicated charger? I bought the soldering iron thinking it was portable like built in rechargeable battery but discovered it is not portable unless you purchase the above items. Love the iron (used 3x so far) but disappointed it isn't really portable out of the box

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

Nice diag, Ivan. What kind of solder do you use? Flux or no flux?

[@rcf8367]

No fix on the “key in ignition” issue?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Less dings is better 😂

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Awesome job as usual!!! Thanks Ivan!

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing repair, i loved the bypass to check :-D Shame you couldnt throw a few relays in there, Ooow thats my fun lol :-D

[@jmaxim80]

Grear work Ivan

[@GeminiSeven43]

Why? Because it ROCKS!!!!! That's why (TS-100) Best mini soldering iron and over 750 degree F temps possible. AWESOME!!!! Could you let me know the battery pack info that you use Ivan? Thanks so much and enjoy your hot lunch :)

[@michaeledwardobrien]

For those looking for a TS100 - check out the Pinecil as well - an open source firmware alternative that uses TS100 tips.

[@kerrylewis2581]

I wonder how big the bag would be if you saved all the green crusty wires you found since you started PHAD?

[@wk7060]

How do you like starting with a truck that is torn apart like that?

[@dougsweldingfabrication953]

If you ever come to Southwest Michigan, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know. I need your help !!!!!

[@ogee634]

Question for Ivan or spark chaser out there: How good is Topdon ArtiBattery 101 tester at checking battery and alternator? 2 mo. old 800 CCA battery shows State of charge as 98% SoH 44%, 12.84V, 595 Amps-Replace. (after running vehicle). No faults running alternator test, no parasitic draw. Shop refuses to warranty battery. Any thoughts.

[@peterneal7160]

I wish all electrical problems were that easy to fix!!

[@petepeabody8905]

Eric O today thanked you for one of your previous video. Both green crusty issues. Imagine that

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

I saw that there's a 3D printed case for the TS100 on eBay.

[@disturbed216]

Eric O called you out for bad mouthing his solder crimp connectors in his latest video! To each their own, it's all good!

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Ivan.

[@calholli]

It's funny... Eric was just talking about you in his video this morning.............. and now you're mentioning him. :)

[@exforrestranger8475]

At 6:45 ... dang, that must have hurt!!!

[@tysonbehnke079]

Did the owner mention why he replaced the alternator? I wonder if it was an attempt to fix the dash and dome light flickering.

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Eric O would be proud of you, as he should be Ivan!!!

[@richardnilsen8950]

It is clear the owner never watched a diag video in his life their must be 1 million engine bay and chassis green crusies videos he should have done a harness inspection When he installed the boneyard fuse box 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Live and learn Great video 👍

[@Garth2011]

Best of all, no collateral damage to the vehicle. I have seen way too many mechanics accessing repair locations and breaking plastic, bending metal, damaging wiring and other parts of the vehicle that have nothing to do with the repair issue, just getting access and when the job is all done, the problem is fixed but there's all kinds of evidence an elephant was in the room ! That is totally unfair to the vehicle/customer, especially with older vehicles. Good going Ivan.

[@jackrichiedei]

Good morning Ivan. Thanks for the content again. Jack Richiedei

[@jockeshobbymeck]

You are a legend! Very good work! 😃

[@eddiereichel9354]

Eric O would be disappointed ya didnt use those heat shrink solder seals. Word on the internet is they are approved for repairs.

[@aarone8013]

I hope that is tasty tasty lead solder!

[@kentporter2991]

Excellent. Again! 👍

[@1954307]

you make it look so easy ivan great job