How to FOCUS Your Diagnostics? (No Ignition, No Crank)

This 2009 Ford Focus was towed in for a no-crank "Security Issue", but it becomes clear that is just the tip of the iceberg.
I follow the tried and tested logical data-driven diagnostic approach to peel back the onion and get this poor Ford back on its feet.
BONUS FOOTAGE INCLUDED:
-PATS Key Programming (with ThinkTool Pros)
-No Turn Signals Diag
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Enjoy!
Ivan

[@yodead369]

Literally, the only mechanic that shows real diagnostic work!

[@76089randy]

Actually scanner danner is absolutely the best but this guy is really good

[@AllenNix-iz6ev]

​@@76089randyAlvin was trained by scanner Danner ...

[@kastooMcFry]

LOL! When I saw the glisten in your eye when you said "Let's take this switch apart...", I knew this was going to be a No Parts Required fix! Nice job, Ivan. Thanks for taking us along. I agree. Charging for separate issues is very reasonable.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Parts will soon come with an "Ivan seal". They're loosing part sales! LoL 😂😆

[@hooptierescue2540]

@@dans_Learning_Curve I recall a decade or two ago hearing that GM did a survey by having their dealers send back to the factory all the electrical components that were replaced by their service departments and found that 75% of the parts were actually NOT bad! Of those 25% that actually were bad, probably have could have been fixed by an Ivan-style hack. That tells me that typically only maybe 1 out of 10 electrical components that are currently being replaced by shops actually really need to be replaced.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

@@hooptierescue2540 I believe it! Just think of the profit!

[@robertdemoura4282]

Hello Ivan, great fast pro work, as for how I go about charging the customer to get the car running again I usually go by the hour straight thru until everything that pertains to running is fixed and since turn signal does not do with starting and running I will let the customer know if wants if fixed. I had a similar situation with a 2014 Ford Ecosport 2.0 sigma engine (I keep updating the customer as I go along thru whatsapp ) and I present the total hours worked plus parts. This is how I do it here in Brazil

[@dassme1]

Great 👍 video Ivan .

[@robhughes8516]

Ivan, you are the best diagnostician I’ve seen and your explanations of your processes are some of the most clear and concise out there. You really should consider working at least part time as a teacher as you have the rare gift of being able to break down what seems like a complicated process into manageable and easy to understand chunks….something not everyone can do. I’ve heard it said that if you can’t explain something in such a way as to make someone else understand then you really don’t have a complete understanding of your subject matter either. I am able to follow along with what you are doing and understand as you explain which is something I don’t get from most other videos. Wish I lived close, I’d volunteer my time just to learn. There is no one in my area that has the skills you have as a diagnostician, absolutely no one….most of the things you fix/repair would just get passed around from mechanic to mechanic, shop to shop (in the city that I live)and in the end the customer would still have a malfunctioning vehicle plus a much lighter wallet…I see it and hear about it every day.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you for the kind words, Rob! I love a good challenge, and helping people out is very rewarding :))

[@peterlworth]

Only if he come to Australia to teach me

[@duanebuck193]

As someone whom has taken a rig in with some bizarre issues like this, I would much rather have the tech do exactly as you have and tell me this is xx, this is xx, and this is xx. Further repairs will be approximately xx depending on the situation, then leave it up to me to decide the final outcome (and I'll be honest - I can't recall a time when I haven't told them to go for it when they have been this upfront and honest with me). When I get good information provided, I have no problems with making an informed decision because I know the tech is trying to do the right thing by me, and that the tech is proud of the work being done. Kudos, Ivan!

[@htownblue11]

Ivan is a mechanical wizard. He fights the evil parts cannon warlocks for the good of all mankind. Thank you for your service Ivan. In all seriousness, yet again, textbook example of diagnosis process.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

👌👍

[@davidh7636]

I hope you charge at least the rate that Stealerships do. You have a talent that few have. Very methodical approach to diagnostics. Don't ever worry you are charging too much. Remember, the guys that are terrible are charging plenty. The customer is the winner if he is lucky enough to find someone who really knows how to diagnose and repair the problem. Great job. I watch and try to learn. Thanks for the videos.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I agree. They are different issues. You fixed one. How are you to know there are more issues until the first is fixed. It’s like fixing a dead battery to find out the engine knocks while running! You would not know it knocks until you fixed the battery issue. Separate issue to proceed to. Can’t all be included. Great diag and repairs as usual Ivan!

[@kinglangren]

About ten years ago I bought 3 focuses with the intentions of getting 2 going . I got 1 going for me as a daily driver and when my boy turned 16 we decided to get 1 more going . Both had damaged heads . We had a pile of pistons and crank bearings and picked out the good ones and put new rings and what else was needed and got it running. Yes we used plastigauge. Believe it or not his car ran great for 2 years until he sold it for 2500. I don’t think I even had a thousand in his. They had a few bugs but not bad cars. FYI my nephew is still driving my old one. Always enjoy your videos and thought process.

[@JamesAgans]

You are completely disregarding the hours you invested? Apparently you have way more time than money? Good move on the plastigage.

[@garygary8645]

I'd gladly pay you for each separate issue on that car, especially when you update the customer on what issues your finding. Don't give away your talents and knowledge. As always, thank you for the video

[@ttstang43]

Sounds like you get it... i believe as a tech to be candid and charge accordingly..

[@hikerJohn]

I suppose Ivan can be more generous than a regular shop if he's making money off of the video of the guys repair. Do you have to get permission from the car owner to post a video of his car repair? I'm guessing maybe not but I dont know for sure. Otherwise I agree that you charge for everything that's not included in the agreement.

[@poorboyman5565]

After having that car disabled for so long I can't see how your client can refuse to pay for the extra diag and fix that you did. Good job Ivan.

[@111-c7x2t]

by having no money is how

[@kingofbrutaltheocracy9201]

Do these people go to the store with no money? Do they pay their rent with no money? Do they put gas in their car with no money? They sign a box on my work order saying they agree to pay, or else I can put a lean on their car.

[@weshawkins7165]

I charge an hour initial diagnosis labor for a no start/nothing at the turn of the key, then straight time for all other repairs associated with that. The key program would have been however long it took and then the turn signals would be another diagnostic charge of an hour plus straight time for the repair. Customers need to understand these scan tools and repair subscriptions to All Data, etc, cost money. Without them the labor would be a lot more.

[@paulsmith3998]

Impressive determination and logic skills, for a young man, Im 73 still working on stuff, and some of the things you have showen have been helpful in my diags. Great work!

[@sergiodjf]

Good job! I always try to repair faulty parts, there’s nothing to lose (it’s already broken) & a lot to win. One time, I opened 2 faulty actuators & found the same blown resistor. The replacement resistors cost me less than 5 dollars. The value for 2 new actuators was around $1,200. It made my day!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

The wiring diagram was a big help. So many times in the past using the IDS at work, checking the circuits using the wiring diagram found the problem. Except for intermittents! At that point the diagram showed the potential problem areas.

[@throttletherapy9998]

In my shop it's an automatic 2 hours diag for any no start or no run diagnostics, even if it something as simple as a burnt fuse I still have to find out what burnt that fuse. I tried to think back when I have ever spent less than an hour to diagnose a no run situation. It just seems to make it easier when a customer calls up and wants a price on diagnostics, and if I don't know them I tell them to bring the money up front, that way I don't get stuck with a car, and believe me I have been stuck with cars that weren't worth fixing! Great job!

[@adambartelt8620]

As a tech myself, to be able to record yourself and to not get frustrated and put the camera down even while you're uncertain of the diagnosis yet is very commendable. Wish I could do it.

[@utuber2940]

bro....i would gladly pay you every dollar because you are honest and a master at your job dont give away anything...

[@WW-bt3tx]

That excessive vibration after start tells me the engine mounts probably need replacing.

[@jonnycando]

@Jonathan A a little jiggly cold, especially with mileage….but smooth as butter when warm….

[@WW-bt3tx]

@Jonathan A Perhaps, and replacing my mounts on a Focus like the one in the video made a huge difference. My dentures have stopped rattling.

[@fredhankes5608]

It’s almost always the top mount on the right side, about a 20 minute job to replace it

[@jasonpaisley1535]

It does sound like quite a rattle when it fires up.

[@somerandomguy3868]

You never fail to impress, absolute master of the downrange field repair

[@EngineerLewis]

In my years of fixing stuff, I have often taken something apart, cleaned it and hey presto it worked. Nice to see that principle is still alive and working well for Ivan too!🤣 (Not denying his skill in diagnosis of much more complex car systems of course!)

[@x01e]

It is a thing of beauty watching you diagnose a car.

[@edwinlomonaco6754]

Lol. I can tell by the audio that it needs that engine mount near the timing side of the engine. Classic Focus problems. I always push that engine mount. That mount goes bad over time. Customers don't realize how bad it is. So I always highly recommend it. Customers always come back to me thanking me. The car feels so much smoother. I'm like "I told you".

[@rmr5740]

I love it when Ivan decides to pop the cover to see what exactly caused the problem.

[@edbernier5513]

What ever you’re charging is not enough $ Ivan, you got mad skill. You have a way of going right to the heart of the matter. In the end, you are saving your customers money because they are avoiding bad mechanics giving wrong or incomplete diagnostic.

[@davidsprocket5141]

Smart thinking, logical repair of the switch. Love it!

[@metoon3092]

Great Diagnosis! I bet, the reason the clutch switch failed; the owner takes the Focus to the local 1/4 mile _dragstrip_ on the weekends. You know, double clutching this beast at well over 3200 rpm!

[@hikerJohn]

LOL . . . I was thinking it was a little R U S T Y down there. It got wet at some point.

[@sprint48219]

I have an identical car minus the color over 670,000 miles on it and hammer the hell out of it never had a problem with the clutch switch And all but 68,000 of those have been done in what will be six years this January Replaced nothing except wear parts finally had to replace a starter about six months ago Best car I’ve ever owned

[@daveogarf]

Ivan, you have mad diagnosis skills! Thank you for a lesson in troubleshooting.

[@jamesatkinson6480]

I like the use of 'Oh oh oh it's magic'... Takes me back to the song without a 'YT strike'.. 'Pilot' was the group who sang it in the 1970's..

[@davyarthurs]

The more modern Fords tell you to press the brake pedal, so that would have saved you some time here. Pleased you gave that Focus another chance to die again! In the UK that era of Focus wouldn’t have had a clutch switch - make life even easier 😜

[@paulsullivan6392]

A true diagnostic guru taking us through the thought and diag. process. Simply put...well done my friend...well done.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Appreciate the feedback, Paul!

[@kennedysgarage3281]

I do be in awe, while watching your approach to fixing tough jobs. Brilliant Ivan

[@AP9311]

Ivan, wow 2 bonus footage!!! We're spoiled! Haha, how can you beat that NPR fix!! You have magic hands lol. Everything you touch comes to life lol. I had to watch this video twice to understand your path of diagnosis. I think i got it. Haha! Great awesome video!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Glad you enjoyed it Josh! Yeah cars like this that haven't run in months always have some curve balls in the end haha

[@eddiepatterson5025]

When you press the clutch in and No start the clutch safety switch was the first thing I thought of but when you fixed the switch I learned something new nice 👍.

[@Randomgearhead]

$300 hundred bucks. would have cost him thousand at dealer, with who knows how many new parts it didnt' need...

[@utuber2940]

no thousands!! at the dealer after they sold him a new computer and engine!!

[@georgebell3964]

Love the way you discuss the labor charges. Keep up the good job

[@robertdavis6708]

Focus vibrations usually are found around the motor mounts. Right side can be replaced in 15 minutes. Left side ( transmission side ) takes 30 minutes to install. Don't forget the Dog Bone rear bottom of engine that takes the torque of starting stopping. One can change that on your lunch hour. I've owned a half of dozen of these " Throw away cars " and I've seen these problems quite frequently.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Good logical and sound methodical reasoning behind your service today

[@mrjsv4935]

The non-functioning turn signals reminded me -again- from the Mazda I once owned. One day the turnsignals didn't work, but by repeatingly turn the switch back and forth, they started working again, and worked without problems the rest of the time I had the car. Just one day malfunction, no parts required :D I know I've talked many times about that Mazda in my replies, but had it so long that I got to experience a lot with it :D Have had my current Kia Rio over 5 years too, but there's nothing to report, it keeps working just fine :)

[@melvinjones3895]

Clip clip just a little adjustment is all any of us need. A scope and no dope and a Fues or two . Another great job I will tell the guy that is working on my car to watch your channel. He has my car right now.

[@williamwhite9767]

Awesome diag skills again Ivan! Thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge with us!

[@edwardbella3871]

your spot on for charging the customer for each issue. Plus shop supplies,and parts.

[@akhtarkh]

No parts repair is where the engineer in Ivan shines and differentiates him from other mechanics.

[@TheCrazy243]

Another great no crank diagnostic. You’re actually good at explaining things. I fought and won an extreme internment no crank situation. It was very hard especially recreate a problem. Did you ever lose your scan tool dongle in customer’s car? I did 🥺.

[@jdtractorman7445]

You are smart charging for the job the way you do. When I worked for a dealer it used to chap me how some people would think we should fix everything for free. Then the real kicker was when they saw the labor rate on the wall of (at the time) $70.00 an hour. They would make the assumption that the techs actually get paid that. I would say yes, that's why I drive a 13 year old vehicle making $70.00 an hour, 🤣😁.

[@markmalikowski4971]

You never cease to amaze me. I will definitely think about getting a Think tool pro. Your methods are excellent.

[@ericknutson602]

A very common sense diagnostics. Two thumbs up to you Ivan. 😊

[@standardbroswer8026]

Still believe checking fuses first is a good idea. It can let you know what else you may encounter.

[@hikerJohn]

There are a LOT of fuses so maybe yes IF you know where to start . . .

[@E99584]

Disagree as a first step. only good after you have a direction on what exact fuse/fuses you should check not just going blindly and check all random fuses

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Ivan, you are smooth! I'm sure the customer was glad to pay your fees. You just turned a useless piece of junk into a valuable and useful automobile once again. Thanks for Sharing!

[@sitdox]

Been following your channel for a while and can say like your style and approach to the problem and solving the issues Great work enjoyable content Personal thank you for sharing also special thanks for a chance to learn new ways and improve my own diagnostic skills So best wishes from across the pond 🇬🇧 take care 👍🇱🇹

[@christopherbriden8403]

I always forget that you are trying to film this while you work. Amazing job.

[@speedy_pit_stop]

Quick & efficient diagnostics and repairs. How it should be. Thanks for the video.

[@mirepoixmatt1]

You’re some sort of sorcerer. Love when you fix these parts. Who does that ?! Nice job.

[@larryhurst8958]

Another great instructional video. You are way too cheap on your repairs, constructive criticism. You saved that customer a ton of money, charge for your knowledge, tools, subscriptions. Keep up the style of these videos, love it.

[@alberteller7286]

You are the man that was so cool the way you Traced that wire down to the clutch switch. Great video and very good work thank you.

[@mag1vl]

Hello Ivan from Australia :) Great video and enjoyed the more involved work and top job as always. cheers 👍

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for the video Ivan. As soon as you turned it on I could here the classic focus vibrations entering the cabin 🤣

[@melantheoszimurri9981]

I love how he says this car fixed before actually fixing anything

[@stevekramer9326]

Straightforward, systematic approach! A lot of technicians will freak out and fire the "parts cannon" instead of eliminating possibilities one at a time. Great job!

[@brianw8963]

Well go ahead Focus,make Ivan’s day! Good morning Ivan👍. We are Carlisle ing this weekend!

[@brianw8963]

In the pre Ivan days, NPR was national propaganda radio. I very much prefer Ivan’s!👍

[@absalomuvathaneni7267]

I am learning alot brother. Your contents are amazing. I really need that think tool

[@absalomuvathaneni7267]

I am in Africa, Namibia. I would like to get in touch with you concerning that diagnostic machine that you are using. I want to purchase one please sir. I need you to facilitate for me, so i can buy it

[@tomclark3592]

This guy is crazy talented!!!

[@phprofYT]

I remember when vehicles ran on relays, switches, and fuses.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

The Dodge stuff is crazy stupid with their TIPM instead of a real fuse box and real relays etc. And the part is like $1000! Ouch!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

The Dodge stuff is crazy stupid with their TIPM instead of a real fuse box and real relays etc. And the part is like $1000! Ouch!

[@jonnycando]

I had same year Focus and put 240000 miles on it….never an issue….and gave it to my nephew who drives it to work every day!

[@ihrescue]

Good to see your process. When you think of all the times that switch is compressed it is amazing that it is mechanically sound. Good fix.

[@anthonyramlal103]

Love it. All it takes a little common sense and time and ta-da! Good work

[@jt8280]

2003 Chev Impala with an ignition switch issue/security light on. I diagnosed a defective switch as a cheap fix, just spray electrical contact cleaner into the key tumblers. There are contact points deep inside, it worked for me saving $$ and time. No issues ever since.

[@vwwrenchie314]

Love the Littletrees forest accumulating on the rearview 🇨🇦

[@rlbatch5193]

I am amazed by your single hand dexterity with connectors plugging and unplugging. I have trouble with two hands!

[@chrishill5166]

Ivan, you need to come to GB to learn to rob people. The cases I've heard would make your toes curl (£7000.00 for finding a chafed cable grounding) . I'am sure its the same over there in some case but watching you and Scannerdanner you all seem very genuine. Great tutorial.

[@larrymestas9890]

All fords have this problem I have a 2014 Ford Escape SE and after several times it was not starting had to jump pack it. Till I meet a ford mechanic from ford who asked me a question if I had a new battery installed in my car. He said that the car cpu needs to be reset. He use a cable to my odbII to a laptop and there was a reset icon on the screen. Now it starts all the time put my jump packs in my shed.

[@Ram14250]

Thanks Ivan for another great vid! Excellent diagnosis. I'm learning from you.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Ivan’s the only guy I know who says, “Still no crank. Awesome!” 😂👍🔧🧰🚗

[@edthompsom9368]

Jeez those AllData Repair wiring diagrams are so much better than ones in All Data DIY....but even those are better than nothing.

[@ws2664]

another good one and you"re absolutely right about charging for seperate problems, I tell my boss that all the time I don't care if its 10 problems and I"m really starting to like that Thinktool we have an Autel Maxi at the shop I have to look to see if it does all that.

[@keltecshooter]

Thanks for the shout out to all the women techs ! Been in the field a long time and over the years seen a lot of young women come in to the trade and be very successful , Also your charges are very reasonable.

[@caduceus33]

We love the "No Parts Required," the most!

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

A part was required, a 20 amp fuse. I know a couple of people who charge a minimum of one hour for diagnostics and will find and repair as many issues as they can in one hour. Then they add 1/2 hour at a time.

[@rider9195]

Great approach, we don't always need high end scanners and scopes in every situation. I agree with your break down of the charges. Most people will understand when told what has been found and what needs to be repaired next, or possibly gone further into.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Like #526 Thanks for the video! Your skills in diagnostics, shooting video, confidence behind the camera has come a long way! Nice work!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks Dan!

[@amtraktraveler9118]

I had a 2010 Ford Focus SE, Automatic, never had issues with it, but it likes to shudder upon acceleration, my 2017 did the same thing, Ford said that is quite common with the type of transmission in it. So I got rid of it, and went to a 2019 Ford EcoSport. Great Car.

[@ozzykrahn806]

🤦‍♂️😒 wow, smart to get rid of it

[@likearockcm]

Nice work ! I see you even had a mosquito inspect and approve!

[@peterbenson3776]

With the kind of rust on the inside dash frame im not surprised the switch was a problem much like the old light floor dimmer switches that got corroded and crunchy from winter conditions

[@richard1835]

Thank you PHAD for another great diagnostic video. Thumbs up

[@johnfry9010]

Man I was sure the parts cannon was going to get off at least one round but I was fooled again , LOL , nice work !

[@jamespn]

Most mechanics and shops just swap parts including whole assemblies, they don’t speak your no parts required language.

[@jdtractorman7445]

In a dealership setting they sometimes see a certain vehicle line that may have repeat failures of a part. In that respect, it is quicker to substitute a known good component to see if that's the issue. Remember, most shops are flat rate, not hourly or salary.

[@stephensams709]

Even if they do fix it no parts required, most would still probably charge you for a new part anyway.

[@jamespn]

@@stephensams709 I think I would’ve opted for the clutch switch.

[@111-c7x2t]

@@jamespn exactly

[@adotintheshark4848]

...with parts from China. And if they're working for a shop I really can't blame them. Have to get so many cars fixed per hour, you know! (even if it's not done properly).

[@tommyodonovan3883]

We should give this guy the Nobel Prize

[@mikeluscher159]

This looks a spitting image of a Mustang at SMA that went through the exact same problem of no crank/no start Apparently Ford's of that era have dual clutch switches, and are self adjusting until they stop working

[@carlodonnell146]

you hope so anyway!!! I fixed a brake light switch by adding a spring in a space where it seems to me, that KIA should've installed a spring rather than rely on the switch contacts alone to act as a spring. The contacts were not moving into and out of contact when the brake pedal was operated, so far it still works after 6mths. I'm afraid to say anything.

[@fredflintstone4715]

I did a similar fix on my clutch pedal position sensor about 5 years ago. A little electrical contact cleaner can go a long way...

[@ecaparts]

How to ‘Focus’ your diag… I see what you did there!! That was a basket case. I’m sure a lot of problems were built in from others dick’n around, like the blown fuses and the codes in history such as ‘ignition stuck on’ and ‘ignition on without key being read’. You can see a snapshot of the frustration by the owner! Great job Ivan, as always!!

[@dalegirard8453]

Nothing beats experience

[@genobrn8743]

Great diagnostic step by step video

[@genobrn8743]

I finished the video- you are awesome and your voice so confident. Per your quote-“love it”

[@colejensen5812]

With the technicians I help over the phone, or when I am in the field everyone will claim they "already checked all the fuses". I don't care. Check THIS fuse. Because THIS fuse protects THAT circuit. I can't tell how many cars I have fixed that way. Stop blindly checking fuses people. If you don't have a diagram, then get one. If you can't get one, you are guessing. Who knows, you might get lucky.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Great comment! Yeah people tell me "I already checked all the fuses" only to find fuses either blown or missing or misplaced. Service info is critical for sure!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Or "I already DID the grounds". All 25 of them?!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@dans_Learning_Curve CLASSIC, especially when it turns out to be a bad ground 😂👌

[@llservice3376]

Programmed my wifes 2004 Toyota Camry SE, car did it by itself, you just had to have a good key then you have to turn it on turn it off open the door and close it 3 times and leave it open and a bunch of other weird operations but it works LOL

[@johnleinen9409]

I have a 03 Focus SE wagon 245k miles vin code Z2.3 automatic no major issues! I use CONVENTIONAL 5 30 oil , never have changed the orig atf no leaks shifts perfect .

[@prmayner]

Every Focus I've ever dealt with vibrates like that cause they're junk, all I have to do is hear that sound and I know immediately what car that is they all make that same sound like the dash is about to explode. I thought Grand Am's and Grand Prix' were the worst but Ford Focus is King. Never seen so many pin fitment issues in my life. Hot up there in PA Ivan? lol!!

[@nineridesshotgun]

this is probably one of my favorite videos so far! i dont know why haha

[@turner0224]

Ivan love the videos but a question, do you actually do repairs mechanical/ electrical or for the most part just diagnose ?

[@arnoldwilson3719]

i have launch x431 pro3s+ and love the actuation test to help prove switches are bad.

[@OneAuto]

Ford Focus!! Now we’re talking Ivan. Great video as ever!