A Chrysler Town & Country With More To The Story - Part I

[@SouthMainAuto]

*PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT* - If you are watching this video on 1/29/25 or 1/30/25 and you don't fall asleep before the end screen and you see that part II is listed as "Members Only." *DO NOT PANIC* Do not send me nasty emails, don't unsubscribe, don't tell me I am an asshole or a sellout in the comments and *DO NOT CALL MY SHOP* to tell me you can't watch it. The part II will be posted on the 31st at 5pm just like *I ALWAYS DO.* The reason it says members only is because there are some folks that support our KZbin channel by becoming a "KZbin Member" and it gives them early access to all videos I put out. Take a breath, slow down, everything is gonna be OK. Nothing has changed. It's still free like it has been for the past 10 years. Thanks for watching! -Eric O. Join here if you want early access - kzbin.info/door/tAGzm9e_liY7ko1PBhzTHAjoin

[@Mag_Aoidh]

Oh man, not sure I wouldn’t lose my shite over somebody calling the business to complain about a free video.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

That clutch replacement job you done the the Miata had to be one of your best fights with a rusty bolt. Must be a few years ago now but I still remember it!

[@frankenstrat25]

the funny part is the fact that you have been uploading member only videos early for quite some time now lol. man waiting a couple extra days for access must be absolutely agonizing for these people. i could only imagine a grown man getting hyped up over this and calling your shop to tell you that theres something wrong lmao. i guess you could say youre a super star boss man. usually only celebrities have to deal with crazy fans.

[@billp1954]

What's it like? Hot... Unless it's winter, gnats eating you up. Except that glorious month of winter. Well I gotta cut and run, later. Doing some spring cleaning...

[@mrod0855]

holy shit i need to know what happened to this strangers old town and country minivan. i cant fucking wait.

[@Sam_Eassa]

Eric, the BEST part of your videos is your "stream of consciousness" chit-chat while you work. It makes me feel like I'm your buddy watching over your shoulder while you work. Adds a unique dimension I don't get with other KZbin auto channels. Great work my friend.

[@tdotw77]

💯👌🏻

[@hasletjoe5984]

You should be getting him a cold snack occasionally....When Mrs. O. Is away....

[@brnmcc01]

@ I don't think he'd be much into cold snacks on a day that's -16. Coffee on the other hand he'd love.

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, I admire that personality quality.

[@guitardudester20]

Absolutely agree

[@PaulLorenzini-ny2yw]

Please never change this channel Eric, it is authentic......real good show man.

[@dewalt_3396]

One plus from the oil leak is it helps keep it rust free!

[@ssheaff]

Self lubricating chassis

[@tmote]

That shop heater is so comforting. It reminds me of working in my childhood friend's dad's shop on weekends when we repaired his car, which he would race on dirt tracks. Cold nights, good music, great times.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Hey ANY day with an Eric O video is a good one. Thanks as always and getting ready to dive into Part II

[@Kiltylake]

This has become my favorite channel on KZbin. Probably because it reminds me of running my own shop for over 20 years. So many similarities how you and I completed repairs and treated customers with honesty along with the repair. I never had to advertise, word of mouth kept me busy always. Keep up the great work Eric! 👍🏻

[@TIREDOFEVIL]

Eric, I lived in that hell hole of a state for 26 years, after retiring from the service settled in Tennessee and never looked back. Yes, no rust as a rule and the BS white stuff that falls from the sky, I am doing great. Still come north every once and awhile to see the family that is left, but always great to get the hell back to freedom.

[@rhkips]

I feel bad for the owner of this van. That's such a kind thing for him to do trying to help people out. I hope he knows, there are still good people in this world! I may just be some guy from the internet, but I appreciate him. If HE ever needs a hand, and I can help, I'd be happy to. :)

[@tdotw77]

Yeah the problem is the nice people get badly taken advantage of way too often unfortunately!

[@LesReeves]

I too will loan any of my vehicles with the caveat you bend/break it you own/fix it.

[@j.j.alexander9542]

If I borrow a car, I treat it as mine. If something needs fixing, I pay to get it fixed. They are good enough to lend it to me, I give it back in the same or better than the way it came.

[@billdoodson4232]

We always used to say, "You bend it, you mend it."

[@KevinMn1]

I had an '06 T&C and after 250K miles it had more warning lights on than a Christmas tree but that van started and ran every time I needed it.

[@jeremyb4493]

I gave my dad my old 1994 Grand Voyager long wheelbase 3.3 with 260,000 miles about 13 years ago and he still uses it around his property. It has a few oil leaks and I had the tranny rebuilt more than once but it still doesn't smoke 😄

[@markh3057]

Retired shop manager, you're bringing back bad memmories! The parts store forgets your AM order, your technician takes lunch anticipating the parts delivery, no parts come, your tech ends up with nothing to do {car ripped apart in bay} OR you find parts but lose your shirt on price, OR you have to call the customer to keep it another day, OR you stay 2 hours late to finish the job, AND the customer does'nt appreciate you effort. Thanks, NAPA!

[@courier11sec]

Knowing that sequence of events is all the proof needed to know you were in the business. 🤕

[@scannerlanier471]

Another thing for me in addition. You set up an appointment and customer arrives 30 minutes late and puts your whole day as catchup. Or customer calls, you go out and hear since you are here can you check my other machines, one is making a noise. To me a good day is finish a call, a new one comes in and parts are available and on time.

[@the_bishop]

29:35 I just had the pleasure of working on a southern car while I live in the frozen northeast. Inherited an '04 Dakota from my dad that lived most of it's life in Florida. Had to do some basic repairs... Brakes, ball joints, water pump etc. It's like working on a new car. Nothing rusty, nothing frozen, nothing broke. You can bet your last nickel that I sprayed down everything with surface shield before the snow and salt started hitting the roads. I'd like this truck to stick around for a long time, it still looks new!

[@dddevildogg]

Dakota = GREAT truck to take care of !

[@the_bishop]

@@dddevildogg I plan to!

[@johnknox5692]

your class act dont change, your video are great, i`m auto tech last 30 years, owned my own shop long ago, your commentary is spot on.

[@G31mR]

"Easy like Sunday morning..." That tune will now rattle around in my brain all freaking day. Thanks, Eric.

[@bryana8357]

Oh Eric, we could never think less of you!

[@tommyhawks856]

I am not certain how I would take that, Eric. ; - )

[@Todd66]

I have the 02 clone of that van. The bracket that’s pushed into the condenser is the ambient air temp sensor bracket. Mine rusted off and I had to get a new bracket. Lol My van is even silver just like that one, but in MUCH better condition . I paid $600 for mine with a bad motor, I put a $300 junk yard motor in it and it’s been my daily for the last 1.6 years. Love me sum SMA video❤

[@pepperpepperpepper]

If you know how to replace a MOTOR in a car, you don't need to watch videos. Maybe make them...

[@tdotw77]

​@@pepperpepperpepperReplacing an engine is fairly easy - remove & reinstall. Learning something new is why we keep watching, especially Eric's detailed diagnostic processes & confirmation checks he performs afterwards are always good skills to learn & practice regularly! You know what they say, you learn something new everyday!

[@richardvastine7486]

Education with humor. What can be better? Thanks SMA.😊

[@jesstreloar7706]

Time is money, if a 'new' test part saves time, saves the customer money. Nice Mr. 'O'.

[@FolM82z]

Another fun part of the Northeast is doing brakes in the yard when it warms up to 30 degrees F. It almost feels like spring.

[@tdotw77]

It's a heat wave!

[@TheTitaniumSkull]

One of the main reasons I watch your videos is to see how the north east struggles fixing rusted cars. It reminds me that I have an easy job in Miami.

[@tdotw77]

Just rub a little more salt in our wounds! (pun intended!)

[@curtgomes]

I truly admire your ability to deal with these vehicles that, at times, seem like fugitives from Wilberts. My respect….

[@joeyabb1965]

EricQ, you sound in need of a vacation. Grab that lady of yours and get some rest and relaxation. I've seen too many have health issues and worse. Enjoyed the video as always.

[@GTIwarrior]

🎶every light in the van is on 🎵

[@garymiller3264]

Every light in the house is on.

[@christopherzatalokin8652]

The joy of being a mechanic. You get the vehicle to fix once half a dozen different things are broken.

[@1987Aflac]

I would never think less of you. Sometimes its easier.

[@peterhodgkins6985]

73 degrees in the shop in NY and 71 degrees in my house in the Az desert! Amazing! ;)

[@algorithm-w7o]

I am in tucson, although it's cold today. Later this week it will be 80 according to the NWS.

[@MichaelNomura-i9n]

75 degrees F in Hawaii and we are wearing a sweater.

[@tomd5010]

I spotted why everything went wrong with that car. Somebody put a Fram oil filter on it.

[@tomft3992]

HAHAHA !!!😅

[@soleiko4749]

Nah, that's not what's wrong with it. You can put any oil filter you want on that, it's still a chrysler.

[@commietube_censorship_sucks]

@@soleiko4749 I've seen what one of those orange death cans will do. Even a Dodge Caravan doesn't deserve that. I wouldn't run them on mine when I had one.

[@TStheDeplorable]

Nice guy, friend of Eric's, lends the vehicle out to people who need a car. I bet Eric cut him a major break, if he didn't totally comp the repair. I suspect Eric is a man of faith who doesn't talk about it, but lives it.

[@DavidKing-vb9ux]

You’re a combination of very high-level professionalism and shade tree mechanic nothing wrong with replacing a sensor to see if it’ll read it and every tool is effectively a hammer if you hit it on something thanks for the great videos. I love it. As someone who has 5000 contacts in my phone I would not want everyone calling me either to complain about anything.

[@littleshopintheshed]

Almost time to celebrate 1 million subs!!! Congrats! Smoke a brisket or some ribs at the shop and do an interview with Josh!!

[@andyburton7205]

We would never think less of you Mr O i wish we had a auto guy like you here in Australia your the best in my book 😊

[@dgordon130]

Just love this channel. Learn a ton. Long time subscriber. This man and his family are legend.

[@ScopeandScanner]

I’m a mechanic in Florida. We still see a lot of rusty stuff thanks to the snow birds….but not like you see!

[@gaad7938]

Don't forget the idiots who drive on the beach and through the surf!

[@chhansen9813]

I love watching a true artist working his craft! Too many alleged mechanics definition of "troubleshooting" is to replace parts until whatever problem the vehicle was having has stopped, WHICH IS NOT TROUBLESHOOTING! I feel like I owe this man tuition for the valuable information I learn every single time I watch one of his videos!

[@AC-gu7rg]

I've been watching SMA for the past 8 years , nobody else comes close ! So yes that make Eric .O one of the best Mechanics out there !

[@brucecarrell4919]

So far I think very highly of you. Wish you were in my area. Have been watching for about 2 years now.

[@sp1nrx]

"You need a new motherboard"..... The favorite motto of PC repair shops....

[@dizzy_derps]

~25 years ago I worked at a computer shop with a tech diag'd everything as "new motherboard, new hard drive". Yeah...he fixed it, all right. lol

[@tommyhawks856]

Your hard drive failed electronically, and we cannot recover any data from it. "Seek" errors will ruin someone's day.

[@akachuck99]

I'm not a mechanic but I really enjoy watching these videos while toasted it's so cathartic just hearing you talk about whatever including the fix

[@IBenZik]

@9:00, Eric your guesses are better than most people's facts.

[@318ishonk]

Nice, curated list of problems and you're fixing them one by one. So satisfying to watch! 👍

[@RevtosTV]

Watch all your vids Dr. O!! You always make me get thinking!! For music while you make youtube videos I suggest wireless earbuds. I only wear one at a time at a low level so I can be aware of my environment but also listen. Only one dies and the other stays charging until I need to change them out. I listen to music 24 hours a day and no one can even tell. Just a tip

[@Wrenchen-with-Darren]

I ordered some 50 year old used parts from California. When they arrived, they looked like they were one year old parts here in Michigan. I know what you mean!!!!👍

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

It`s got the self lubricating chassis system! Nice guy tries to help those in need, and they drive it like they stole it.

[@timothyburke2881]

"It always ends with replace the computer" - Working on my first motorcycle, 1970 Honda CL350, bought a Haynes(?) repair manual. The last item in the common problem checklist was: Problem - Engine stops with loud bang PROCEDURE - (1) Check warranty (2) Check bank balance

[@DougWilde-pc9rs]

Me and my buddy George watch you very often. We learn n discuss your work. Ty please don't change

[@courier11sec]

I was in the parts department at a Ford dealer when that house burning brake switch things happened. Not a great couple of years between that, the early focus having a wheel fall off, and the Firestone recall that want remotely Firestone's fault. Oh and the 5.4s shooting spark plugs out of the heads, the self disassembling van transmissions, and that ugly "new" tbird that overheated because they forgot to provide any airflow to the cooling system. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things. It was a while ago.

[@hahaha12345678993]

i'm 5 minutes in and he said easy peasy baby, he jinxed himself seeing this is a 2 part deal

[@whatsthatnoise954]

For whom does the furnace unit hum? It hums for thee. Practicing your kung fu around the rust/rot makes you a stronger person, Eric. Thanks for another good time watching a real guy fix real problems.

[@Hesthegreatest1]

You just told us so much about this cars story without telling us much about this cars story! Haha!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yeah there is a lot more to this one!

[@TJ-oi5qe]

The radio joke took me off guard, love it 😅

[@MetalTeamster]

Shops in the late 70s in Western Washington were owned by tough old men. They had country and western from the 60s and 70s going on in both I worked at. I miss those old guys. They were so good at rebuilding Q jets , setting points, timing, timing small block Chevys with worn timing gears by ear…… well, now I am one of those old timerss

[@OceanofMaya]

Lets get SMA to 1,000,000 subscribers!...be sure to repost on social media etc. Well-deserved.

[@Torsee]

Funny sounding butane torch sounds! You messin with the stereo? I protest! 😂😂

[@abw121]

Any time I watch Eric O. doing a SMA video is a Great Learning episode? And it’s well worth my time to stop and watch a Great Diagnostic guy work his magic?

[@mrbigvanlife7130]

Classic SMA, banter and the shared frustrations of service from parts shops 😂. Long term fan who’s never called the shop phone or called by - mainly because I’m in UK 🤭

[@cari-joanjameson2989]

I was born and raised in NH. Lived there till I was 37 I spent a lot of my life turning wrenches. I move to SC about 5 years ago. My first job down here was turning wrenches. It blew my fricken mind how easily things came apart and how there's no rust on anything. I must say it's nice lol. And I've shown a few tricks of the norther trades on some stubborn parts to the fellas down here. Lol it blew there fricken minds

[@jamesbruno5896]

So true about the rust, we plot & plan what to remove in what order to get to our prize! I've seen Subaru wheel bearings literally fall off after removing the bolts down south.

[@robertdavis6708]

Sometimes they fall off before removing dem nuts.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I hope this customer appreciates what your doing for him. Looking forward to part 2.

[@danlemke6407]

Another Cliff hanger... Will he break any bolts off on the driver's side? Will the wiper motor arrive before February? Does it also need a wiper arm/blade? Find out this and more on Town & Country part II. P.S. Try to not let the smoke out. Thanks, Eric... Glad to learn how to work on cars while sittin here in my BVDs. Who needs regular TV?

[@davidmcclain5180]

No worries here. Getting a wheel speed sensor to test is perfectly OK and anyone else who complains that you didn't test before buying one can, well, you know what. I'm sure that I am going to get caught on a substituted value unless I remember all the times you've warned us about that. Love the videos Eric. I can understand how they are a pain in your behind but so many of us find them useful, entertaining and just plain fun to watch.

[@bradstokkeland2139]

Eric - Thank You for your knowledge in these Utubes !!!

[@civilianwilly]

Working on cars here in the south is like everyday is Sunday morning 😊

[@hikanthus]

man, I was laughing throughout this video - the snark was turned up to 11, and I'm here for it.

[@moparmikesms2774]

I have a 2007 3.8 Grand Caravan. The Oil Pan gasket on those leak over time. A new one will help keep the metal rusting again! 🤣🤣 Easy job!

[@jasonbode1242]

Eric I feel your pain when it comes to not being able to listen to music while working.

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

I like your approach! Better to save the customer some money than to "diagnose" the problem.

[@chuckgrenci6404]

All these companies and products that you say are "not a sponsor" are missing the boat; they would be grateful for the business you would bring them in. Oh well, their loss. I know that I've made purchases on products that you've recommended or highlighted in your videos. As always, thanks for sharing.

[@yeahnawnaw]

Love your videos & commentary, I live in Florida now(from NJ originally), I've got an 06 caravan so I love watching the vids of similar caravans & tnc's. I've had the car long enough I've replaced several things more than once lol

[@ronbrinkman1717]

Real tech wizard that SAVES people money 👍👍👍

[@papi3000100]

I agree with you about the no music thing. Music makes the day go by faster and keeps you in a good mood while you work. Thanks a lot KZbin.

[@CrimeVid]

Music at work ? that is only good if everybody likes the same music, I prefer just work sounds, or talk radio.

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

Our Napa does the same thing. Either forget something, or drops off wrong parts, actually its usually another shops order, but drive drops it off at another shop 😂

[@Mag_Aoidh]

Oh man Eric, such a tease just starting a story!

[@douglash3129]

I lived in Tucson Arizona, and wrecking yards where amazing! The cars in the yards were better than the cars on the street here in S W Pa.💯% The interior and the engines were usually fried!

[@ChadMcgowen]

It's awesome seeing how it works in the real world shop atmosphere.

[@tracydiller9378]

Great video Eric as always and look forward to part II. Always enjoy your videos don't always comment but always give a thumbs up.👍👍👍

[@jackkreighbaum783]

I owned a slightly used '69 VW Squareback in the second year of fuel injection. It became hard to start when it was cold (mid-60s), so I took it in for warranty work. I forgot the first fix that didn't work and when I took it back, the shop manager told the tech to "Replace the computer" in a German accent. Still not fixed. The third time I ignored the "Keep Out" sign and perused the shop manual until I found the symptoms I was experiencing: it pointed to the cylinder head temp sensor. Fixed. I had to replace that sensor every three or four years. Too long I know.

[@daveaver]

Had the same.

[@neilmurphy845]

That actually makes a lot of sense because if it doesn't know what temperature the engine is at it can't fuel it properly

[@tuberNunya]

Worked on one of those in the 70s. Man they ran forever.

[@Doncan0823]

9:05 as a retired cop I bet I know why too. Keep the good videos coming. It’s like going to school.

[@bigdaddymak1439]

Sherwood said you had a sense of humor! Well you have to in the PRNY! 😂 Entertaining as always

[@spelunkerd]

As you say a test light works fine to test circuit integrity for temp sensors because the resistance of most ambient temp sensors is measured in many thousands of ohms. The PCM has a second internal resistor downstream, which allows it to measure temp by simply measuring voltage between the two resistors as a simple voltage divider circuit. That downstream resistor, often about 5000 ohms, limits current to protect the PCM even in the event of a short. With big boy resistors on either side, the resistance of the test light is negligible compared to a short.

[@mjmcomputers]

No wiring issues on this Chrysler product? I’m impressed.

[@michaellitscher9456]

I had a Nissan pickup that slowly dripped oil right through the electrical connector on the oil sending unit. Finally found the dripping using a flashlight in the dark.

[@wesleypulkka7447]

Eric, once in a while Rainman Ray in Florida gets a Snowbird's vehicle in his shop and always counts his blessings after! You are up against it in New York! In central New Mexico my 98 Camry still has the factory exhaust system and it isn't at all rusty! My 97 Nissan Pickup ditto! Your channel is top notch due to your brilliant diagnostics, fantastic wife, your sense of humor and integrity! Mega Cheers + Kudos! Let the rust take the hindmost!

[@memy66]

That Ford Windstar issue he's talking about caused fatalities if I'm not mistaken. I was a teen when that was happening. It had something to do with the cruise control malfunctioning causing accidents.

[@memy66]

I was wrong apparently. I think he's referring to issues from the late 2000s. What I was referring to was back in the mid 90s.

[@dddevildogg]

The Big One W126 Mercedes had Trans Fluid pumped into the wire harnesses throughout the car.Strip it down to metal and rewire it..Warranty 2 months in the spare bay Tech saw that car day after day as parts dribbled in from Chermany- back then this sled went for $75k

[@dreamscapes3257]

Had one of those vans absolutely loved it. It done very good for my family the entire time we had it I never had any of the ‘problems’ with it everybody said I would have

[@PhillipBailey]

Great demonstration as always!

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

Hey, Eric. I was just working on my 1973 Dodge power wagon W 200. Working on rewiring taillights cause they were getting caught on stuff. Anyway, it's not rotted out and it's really old. Old cars and trucks are cool. New stuff sucks.

[@leftyo9589]

love to see you keeping the floor clean. helped out a bud in the shop he's in last weekend. has to be an 1/8" of greasy slime on the floor of their shop. just nasty.

[@airman6822]

Thanks for the video. I have 2 of these vans of the same vintage which have been good for us. I wasn't aware they ever came with TPMS. Glad mine doesn't have them, they area PIA.

[@mariosaccoccio1688]

Hey! I have two 2005's! One carry-van, one Town & no country for old vans. Both run great, pretty much trouble free!

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Interesting video and diagnostic, Eric! Thank God there is no music in this channel - I much prefer all the original sounds and noises, along with your, never boring, comments!

[@LesReeves]

Boy was the SMA Comedy Show on fire today 🤣See you in part 2 whenever it is posted .(can not afford subscriptions to anything barely afford my internet connection.)Cheers Mr O.

[@mrl22222]

Living in seattle makes cars in the south seem "rusty" Not that long ago (OK, last week) I took the front pipe off an original exhaust on a suburban. none of the bolts broke or even needed heat. I reused them. I have even been able to reuse 25yo exhaust clamps. Nothing rusts here, and nothing gets hot... Coming from detroit, it's paradise.

[@slickrick343]

I have said to my boss more than once that given time I'll track the fault when it comes to active abs sensors and more than once he's told me he's more than willingness write off a £20 sensor and let me hunt the fault down if it doesn't fix it, but try the sensor first. I get it

[@johndernberger1961]

Appreciate your troubleshooting skills

[@JOHNSUE28]

I love Jobs like these. Nice Work, Eric!

[@steveburlo8010]

I could watch SMA videos all day.. Eric O would put dealership mechanics to shame..

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

Last week, I worked on an engine that had the oil pressure sensor that leaked oil right through it and all over. So it was a mess. New oil pressure sensor and fixed.

[@michaelskinner896]

".....I'm literally sitting here trying to imagine......I'm like.....I'm like this" - (shoulder shrug). Okay, that was funny Eric.

[@4b131]

Totally understand the replace method at times, experience gave you the heads up and flat rate baby, and you save your brain from exploding 😊 Funny you mention the Ford, totally remember that recall, Escapes had them too, wiring would get destroyed by the brake fluid.

[@bradmonrean2307]

I don't think any less of your of your skill set, I was happy to hear you {of all people} tell it like it is, when it comes to those active wspd sensors. They are a P.I.T.A. Still the best Auto Mechanic/Technician out there. I know this, because I've been doing this job for 35+ years.