My Cheap Auction Escalade is Hiding Crash Damage Everywhere!

Go to buyraycon.com/samcrac for 15% off your order! Brought to you by Raycon
We dig into our cheap auction Cadillac Escalade finding a lot of parts that might not belong to it. As we search, we try and figure out whether the electrical issues are the fault of one component, or multiple failed problems!!!
The Bluetooth Battery Charger/Tester: bit.ly/3Lm33Py
Hot Stapler Plastic Repair: bit.ly/3BK9KYj
Instagram: / samcracc
Facebook: / samcracauto
Email Me: [e-mail]

[@Samcrac]

My favorite sounds are GM's Chimes every time you move in the car, but they sound even better on Raycons: Go to buyraycon.com/samcrac for 15% off your order! Brought to you by Raycon

[@robertobuenrostro2781]

Dude what happened to your left hand? ✋👨‍🔧

[@spyplane3979]

yes ive seen bad low voltage battery can cause issues with car running fine and give engine light. Ive reproduce this in gm car . After getting battery with larger amps problem was fixed .

[@richardcrippen2833]

7⁷

[@normcaissie5598]

I like lots of detail. I have a yukon and like to do all I can on it myself. Thanks for the videos.

[@J-D]

if the car has stop start then the battery should probably be agm or gel.

[@5uprnva]

You need to give those hot staples a small twist before it cools, they will eventually fall out if you don’t.

[@Samcrac]

Good tip

[@Dadeets]

@@Samcrac ……something stepmom might say ….

[@jjferrari306]

@@Dadeets LOL

[@Saavvvv]

@@Dadeets Stepmom loves it when you twist the tip ,🤤

[@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER]

Haha, do you mean Sam needs give stepmum a quick twist before she cools(?) 🥸👌🍷🍷🍷🍷💕💕

[@user-xf5dj1up8g]

What I love about Sam is that he is worth a decent amount of money from his channel and various other incomes, but he likes to stick to a budget and even mentioned not being able to justify buying a $600-$700 professional battery tester when he could very well afford it. Idk why but it makes me so happy to hear him say that and not blow all of his money lol! Awesome channel, keep it up!

[@tyyamnitz8408]

He probably said that to make his Bluetooth battery tester seem like a better deal that he got from that company

[@UnfocusedRacing]

Insteatof using a razor blade for removing electrical tape on wire harness. Use a sewing seam ripper. Much safer for your harness and super cheap.

[@im2yys4u81]

That's a great tip. I've been using a seat belt cutter, but I think the sewing seam ripper will do a much better job. Smaller tip and much better handle.

[@UnfocusedRacing]

@@im2yys4u81 I got this tip from The Humble Mechanic.

[@thezfunk]

Also works for getting long hair off the beater brush in a vacuum.

[@Marzimus]

@@thezfunk Amen. Refurbished a Dyson that was left next to a dumpster at an apartment complex. Years later it's still sucking with the best of them...

[@davidclemens1578]

A hook blade for a utility knife that is used for roofing would work even better because it gives you a sharp Cutting Edge and does the same thing as a seam ripper.

[@01gtbdaily30]

It’s an Econo Power battery which means it’s a interstate batteries reconditioned battery. They remove all stickers and sell it much cheaper. Edit: I worked for Interstate Batteries driving the truck . We would take core returns and place them on trickle chargers for 24 hours and then do a battery test. If they passed we rebrand them with “Econo Power” stickers and sell them . If they failed we recycle them . They could be batteries from any manufacturer .

[@tripcopeland3420]

Probably from the auction. They install cheap batteries.

[@tractormatt4301]

I’ve got econo power batterys in my 6.0. Starts it beautifully. Had very good luck with them and their over a year old now.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

So what you are saying is that they are NOT reconditioned but simply old junk batteries that are recharged and re-sold? That sounds like a scam.

[@anthonyblacker8471]

@@Guillotines_For_Globalists That's exactly what it is. Capitalism at its finest!

[@originalpunkSxE]

@@Guillotines_For_Globalists It might not be. My father was a tech for a LONG time... policy at the dealerships was to replace bad batteries with new ones. One of the guys he worked with would take the old batteries and drop them on the ground (sometimes old batteries would accumulate around the cells, making them unable to complete a circuit, and the jolt of dropping them could clear the accumulation). Batteries would work for another couple of years sometimes. Dude never spent a dime on batteries lol.

[@harrynazarian3184]

As a car nut, I actually enjoyed the in depth testing you did with the electronics!

[@raven4k998]

well he's definitely correct about how a weak battery can cause computers can cause computer problems my bmw i3s has a weak battery now and when the winter temp bottoms out the battery's to weak and causes the computer to report drivetrain fault indicating the drivetrains over heating and other faults to during startup bmw says the battery's fine in warmer ether due to me not being able to get it in during that weather

[@raymondcollyear4773]

I really appreciate you going into great detail when it comes to the wiring. It is one of the most confusion things when it comes to figuring out what is wrong. Thank your videos I enjoy watching them and learning.

[@russellhltn1396]

I love electrical troubleshooting. That's more up my alley and stuff I could do in an apartment parking stall. The mechanical, no so much.

[@johnellis1952]

Electrical issues often are complicated and hard to diagnose....so....the more detailed your explanation, the better. I always appreciate your diving head-first into these problems whether or not you have experience or insight. Sam...You Are The Man!

[@elipsorange]

Absolutely perfect explanation bud. I'd enjoy seeing you do this more!

[@freddythefrog70]

Well done Sam on a second video on the escalade, usually by now it's gone to die in the graveyard of prior failed projects! Keep up the good work!

[@stakman78]

Heck yes Sam, this video is super helpful, you have got me watching all the end of life dead car auctions in my country, I like you have enough smarts to solve most problems and with what can be found online, this is a great way to get a nice car/Ute for a bargain.Keep up the good work mate. 🇳🇿👍🇺🇸💪

[@MeesterSteefy]

This video had a TON of great/interesting info. I like that you got in the weeds on testing everything. The stapler was cool, as well as that battery tester. No matter how technical your videos get, they're never boring. You use tools and methods available to most people.

[@elasticmusic2084]

I like this video because you are very thorough on the electrical diagnosis, your delivery on it makes it engaging, so I would keep up with it. Thank you for the great content!

[@dragineeztoo61]

The electrical is the greatest mystery to those of us trying to do it ourselves. Getting into that in as much depth as possible is a HUGE help. For instance, the battery charger tip that does diagnostics - HUGE help.

[@brian70Cuda]

Thank you Sam, I'm just a old gearhead that LOVES cars. I have no use for new rigs but I really like watching you fix them!!

[@pbjLUBESTER]

Hey Sam, just wanted to drop a comment and say I recently found your channel and have binged all of your videos. Love watching you work through diagnosing a complex issue and the ensuing repair job. Keep up the good work

[@csmithy3057]

@Jacob Snyder Hi am Cindy Smith, how are you? Hope we can be friends if that's okay with you

[@V3_dreams]

Just starting the video but one thing I instantly noticed is that bumper, or at least the grille doesn’t belong to that car. 2015 for the first half didn’t use the newer emblem. It should have had the one you see on the engine cover and steering wheel and rear gate. Definitely replaced.

[@anthonyblacker8471]

Good eye, I saw the same thing and looked for this comment before I made it! Nice

[@curbbux]

Also color match is off...

[@youandiryan]

Absolutely awesome video. I very much enjoyed watching you fix the electrical Gremlins. That is an absolutely beautiful Escalade

[@vulgartech9192]

Analog meters allow you to observe "grass on the field" or AC ripple. Digital meters average out the reading and usually don't show you those fluctuations. An oscilloscope really shows this.

[@michaelbennett4869]

What kind

[@cameronwebster6866]

Set your DMM to AC to measure the ripple on a DC circuit.

[@UnfocusedRacing]

Having a load test on a battery is the best.

[@Ollie2846]

Thanks for the great video. Seems like some one someone who wasn't very skilled or was in a hurry fixed it in the first place. I'm surprised the front bumper didn't just fall off. Thanks for informative content and vehicle update.

[@dirtyvegas6275]

12:25 The sensors are missing a rubber gasket so it won't jiggle so much once you put it back in the sensor mount.

[@garyalleccia2793]

It may sound crazy, but I love diagnosing electrical issues on vehicles. And what I have found over the years is what seems so complicated turned out to be very simple. It's a matter of knowing where to focus your attention in the spaghetti farm. And that's exactly what you did, and figured it out on the cheap. Well done!

[@diedericho]

Thanks Sam, was waiting for this video. If you get your ear close to the parking sensor you can hear the click than means it is working.

[@keithbrookshire]

I love seeing your trouble shooting and the thought process you go through. Keep that pert up.

[@jamessurveyor4859]

The other topdon tester you have shows a constant voltage on the screen. I bought one. I never thought to pull the fuel pump fuse, but you should be able to check the voltage while cranking with it. My avalanche shows 12.7 when not running and 14.7 while running.

[@trbstang]

Great info Sam! Love seeing you work on vehicles, either yours or others!

[@Fly_stackz]

I really enjoy, these electrical videos. A lot of KZbinrs don’t really do these in depth diagnostics. Please keep Doing these. I really enjoy this series, and the Ferrari series. ❤

[@hacatan24]

Cadillac owners are probably mad cuz he keeps calling it a Chevy truck lol.... I own the Escalade EXT and it's pretty much a Chevy Avalanche but people get mad when you say that.. lol

[@kevlarhorne]

Ya I find that funny, I find it funnier when they think the Escalade is faster than my wife’s Denali. The look on their face when it sinks in that the running works are the same lol

[@91myroc]

They hate that the truth hurts much like Lexus owners. Some think that their ES350 isn’t a Camry. 😂

[@MOranstock]

Glorified Tahoe

[@duvaughan]

Thanks you for the insight👍👍👌 information bought a used SRX and the only issue I have is the park assist radar system. I replaced all the sensors and module. Yet, it still doesn't work, but thanks to you I have much better insight.

[@atomikrobot300099]

17:48 - When you plugged in the "new" passenger side radar sensor into its bumper holder, the white radar transparent window needs to face forward. If you imagine the radar module being a "camera", the white window is the camera's "lens" and needs to face forward so it can see the cars in front of the vehicle.

[@atomikrobot300099]

On some vehicles, radar modules are self-calibrating (e.g. Volvo cross traffic modules) and others need to be put into a calibration mode via a diagnostic tool. Double check for this year of Escalade.

[@dirkferguson5523]

Keep up the detailed fixes, nothing sucks more then informational videos that lack the basic information! Thanks Sam, your the best, keep u0 the good work!

[@mikeealy4033]

Great troubleshooting video! I'm really enjoying your process of getting this Escalade back on the road. I typically I focus on Ferrari, Lambo, and Porsche diagnostics videos, but this one, the BMW, and the Touareg have been great. Keep up the great work.

[@95turbostang21]

I love that you go in depth with your diagnosing

[@Lokee77Clark]

Long time subscriber and watcher. I only know your basics about cars but this is one of the best channels on youtube.

[@kheaslett]

i appreciate your thorough diagnostic explanations !!! thanks Sam

[@Brownmumba8973]

Amazing video and real admiration for people like you who know so much about cars. Man wish I was exposed to learning about cars more when I was younger

[@adrianmark7409]

Always learning lots from your channel, thank you very much Sam all the best .Adrian

[@jasondk5127]

Im really liking this series too, trying to do as much on the cheap but do it right is how I roll too. Thanks dude

[@georgemendez777]

I bought same escalade year atound the same time you did but mines a luxury model and we love it. I did notice transmission was shuddering but a simple fluid and filter change with the revised mobile one fluid made it about 90% better other than that just small little details like trim panels and that sliding thing in front of the cup holder doesn't stay open, it will all get fixed but it's a solid truck

[@89escalade]

@samcrac yes those square radar sensors should be programmed to your specific car. Even if it's a good used one it probably won't work until it's programmed with gm tds. The waterlogged radar may work for a short while now that it's dry but I assure you it's not gonna last . As far as attaching the left radar goes....idk how you could rig it. An ideal way would be to rob a bracket off of another smashed bumper. Alternatively without a bracket perhaps silicone or epoxy around the edges might just work. It needs to be located as close to the oe spot as possible. Don't put any adhesive on the front white part or it's never gonna work correctly. Last of all...**** On every gm I've fixed to date the radar sensors go in with the white part facing the bumper cover/looking outward***** the white side is where the radar signal comes out of to detect objects on the road for collision avoidance, cruise control, etc etc Keep plugging away homie.

[@joeybaez1745]

Yes keep bringing this Escalade back to it's glory, great video

[@cheeseblog]

As always amazing, and with no attitude……. That’s why we love you Sam!

[@peterprice5896]

When you said while heat welding “hold and pull out” with your stepmom 😂😂😂😂 seriously I love your channel 👍

[@alanfunk7746]

I subscribe to 87 channels. Your channel is one of the few I actually watch to the end. Thank you for a good show and I learn something new each time.

[@TIMMEH19991]

Great video, I do like it when you do diagnostics and solve odd problems. Keep it up!

[@JohnCarey1963Jag]

Success! Love it when you find the solutions.

[@chiluco2000]

You explain technical stuff very well, so it's easy to watch how you diagnose stuff. I say to not cut off some of the important troubleshooting so we get the whole picture.

[@thomaslyon2112]

Just found your Chanel,I am enjoying the caddy vid. You do a real nice job of explaining everything you do 👍

[@Mark-cw3zn]

Right level of depth. Keep em coming.

[@robertjune1221]

I don't know a lot about cars, but I really like your approach to repairs. You find the problem, and fix it right. When you found those chafed wires and replaced the whole harness, I was blown away. I already spend too much time watching KZbin and now you've made that problem a lot worse. But at least it will be your channel that I'll be watching.

[@T3chpat]

Great video Sam (even though sound's out of sync), always interested in how you work on solving different problems, especially when you get a bit technical!

[@razmasuri]

As usual, great video Another option for testing sensors, feel the sensor with your finger and if you feel a vibration then voltage is coming to the sensor

[@tommypatterson48]

I like it when you get into the details of how you fix it's helpful 💯💯💯

[@alconk7129]

Great video! Love learning about this stuff

[@Plan-xb1hs]

Wow I can’t wait for the next escalade video to come out next year!

[@therooster1234]

Love the video! Great fix on the bumper.

[@freshvintage]

Excellent video and job chasing down the electrical gremlins!

[@ivorwm2291]

Great video! Thank you for the valuable information

[@ItllBurnOff]

The extra details are great !! Please keep it up.

[@kennethomale5604]

Now this is why I love your videos so much!!

[@broomad]

Loving this series as you work through and solve each problem 👍

[@awakenotwoke1973]

1:47 It's called a surface charge. When a load is placed on the battery, the high internal resistance of a bad cell becomes a load and there is a voltage drop across it, which is why the potential drops like a rock.

[@jssouthtx]

This is samcrac gold right here. Crappy repair job leads to bargain luxury ride. Well done sir 👍🏻👌🏻

[@bomboyagegaming]

Good job Sam cool seeing something I have had to deal with before fix your issue.

[@timfenton5153]

Excellent, looking forward to the next one, thanks

[@mattmiller8720]

Love the electrical diagnosis! I want to see more!

[@benjaminkamben4908]

I love the video Sam. In my opinion please do not skip through all the technical stuff. I am learning a ton. And even though I may never own this vehicle because I have a lot of friends that are car enthusiasts they might and it might provide good information for the future. Keep up what you're doing I appreciate all the time and effort you put into these videos.

[@shannondudley3757]

Love your logical problem solving processes Sam.

[@RC-fu6hg]

Nice troubleshooting! 👍 can’t wait to see how this project goes.

[@ahoneyman]

This man is like a ninja when it comes to product placement. You don't see it coming and then BAM!

[@TheMichaelfoster05]

I really enjoyed this video Sam, well done

[@timothyodonnell8591]

Great video! Loved the problem solving process.

[@flyingjeff1984]

Top tip per Ivan at Pine Hollow. There is a wire bundle that connects to the trans. The bundle rubs on a bracket right by the trans connector. Ends with a short back to the computers.

[@donpearson2076]

Love this Escalade; great video Sam always enjoy your content. Thanks

[@joeg9810]

Good project. Hope you get it working without issues.

[@andrewroman4982]

Been looking for a cheap battery tester for a while, picked up a topdon without the bluetooth function for only $40 on amazon. Awesome!

[@pmgear]

The hot stapler is one of my favorite tools, when I use it I do a small rotation of the staple as the final movement before letting go of the heat button. That way I lock it in, inside the plastic, they tend to stick better, that is my experience.

[@donnyo639]

Thanks for diving into the TSB on this one. I enjoyed the vid and recommend it to some friends. GM makes the best trucks/SUVs (IMO) and this will certainly last longer than your F-250 and lemon Lincoln. Keep up the great work.

[@dannyabreu1090]

Great job Sam 💪💪 this one might be a winner

[@blahblah0012]

I had a Tahoe of similar year with a bunch of electrical gremlins in multiple systems. The power cable that runs over the top of the engine bay had a bad crimp. Soldered the eyelets on and that resolved the issues. I'm pretty sure there was a TSB for it as well.

[@noonecares1969]

Excellent troubleshooting!

[@dr2man]

Sometimes that "smaller stuff" provides us with many hours of a hair-pulling adventure! I personally spent days searching out an electrical wiring problem that ended up being an easy fix, those service bulletins really com in handy.

[@alano2875]

Great Video. Sure to have a happier ending than any of your "bargain" Landrover disasters. Nice job sharing and explaining!!

[@wwz1011]

I appreciate the more thorough electrical explanations!!

[@michael9515]

Hi Sam... Been on the same road with water in blind spot module. Same exact module. You have on one side master and on other one slave. Master if damaged must be programed to tje VIN. Slave is just a dumb computer beeing a slave to the master. So if you bought old master, it is locked to previous VIN. Seatbelt pretension is also part of that module. When it senses pedestrian or car it pretensions the belt to prepare for impact. So you should after programing that sensor get rid of both errors at the same time... I was doing it on Buick Regal which is GM like you Cadillac.

[@pricetagcitrus]

Did you ever end up getting this completely fixed @michael9515?

[@michael9515]

@@pricetagcitrus yes... bought buick regal sensors which is the same as opel insignia... had them coded to my vin... only one does coding in my country. Even opel could not do it.

[@johnbarrett8723]

Time well spent being entertained. Thank you for the video.

[@cristianbello4621]

I love everything about cars and learning but always hated electrical and I think it’s because it’s always been a pain in my ass and I don’t understand things I can’t see so it’s nice to hear and see some new tips!

[@projektxent]

Sam has a nice set up. I wish I had a place like a barn to park all my cars and trucks due to Hurricane Ian. I need to step my game up and get some acres

[@MirceaD28]

Nice that you manage to find a new harness. In case you will need a connector swap, if the pins are ok don't cut the wires to attach the new connector, but just unplug the the wires from the old with dedicated tools and put them in the new connector. No soldering required or... other methods.

[@br549rdr]

Enjoy your patience and explanation of troubleshooting 💪

[@benplahtinsky7479]

I love your videos. Keep them coming!

[@johnvickers574]

Wow Sam 2 videos this week thanks for the information 🙏

[@lovellmills7959]

Awesome fix Sam! I honestly can't believe the dealer would put a new bumper on it and not replace a $150 wiring harness?

[@LukeEdward]

This was one of your best videos in years, sir.

[@csmithy3057]

@Luke Edward Hi am Cindy Smith, how are you? Hope we can be friends if that's okay with you

[@johnboy76122]

Love the details

[@Wayne_Nero]

I love the content. Clips and Fasteners is the best place for those front bumper clips. I gonna pick up one of those Hot Staplers 👍

[@csmithy3057]

@Wayne Nero Hi am Cindy Smith, how are you? Hope we can be friends if that's okay with you

[@dozenfaun]

i must say.. this is a nice video Sam! great explaination , proper tool and documenmtation, it just miss some cow and chicken :P

[@divelasterlaster3946]

Great episode. This really shows how some people have found ways to defeat the computer vehicle records tracking by keeping it out of the system and doing half assed repairs, then dumping it on a dealer.