Hyundai SantaFe - Surging Lights? New Alternator & New Battery

In this video I have a look at a customer's 2008 Hyundai SantaFe that has an issue with a battery draw and the customer states the dash lights and headlights surge when the blower motor is on. This vehicle was already at another shop, and they replaced the alternator and battery. Let this video be a good reminder to not forget the basic checks.
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@paulleblanc4653]

My dad bought a 1954 Chev in mint condition, same problem, in 1958, new battery, generator, everything electrical. Battery was always dead. He looked at me and said it can’t be serious. He disconnected the coil and asked me to turn the starter. Smoke came from the engine ground. I am 80 and your repair reminded me of that day.please keep on making videos.

[@the1spyderryder]

Eric you are the only mechanic that I have ever seen that can troubleshoot automotive electronics on a car. Way to go !

[@zacharyclark118]

I've been watching your videos for years. Just when I think I've seen it all, you teach me something new. Great job as always Eric!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Never to late to learn!

[@calvinculpalt]

I was gonna say the same thing!

[@AZBEEMR]

If he can do it, I can do it? Sounds like an impossibility to me!

[@wespotter6985]

It's a miracle that a two thousand and eight hyundai is still on the road.

[@harrywalker968]

earths allways stuff up. tight, clean.. more the merryer.. learnt this in the 70,s.

[@BehindTheCounter_TFSO]

That was a genuinely professional fix. It's what sets you apart from everyone else.

[@2121buster]

love the use of the nutsert. great idea

[@davidfoulk3078]

A simple ground literally a 20 $40 fix and some yahoo at a different repair shop puts a new alternator and battery in it. Thanks again Mr. O for your patience and honest integrity when it comes to repairing a car.

[@vincepalaa]

Unloading the parts cannon is easier than actually caring about your customers and work-quality.

[@amunderdog]

DIY Price - Eric has to make a living - Parts, Diagnostic fee, taxes, Labor, shop supply's = my guess is $150

[@smijas]

As a light defense,.... The old battery might actually have gone bad .... because the alternator could not charge it sufficient. Eric did a good job explaining voltage drop! I was secretly expecting a rotten (green puss) flexible engine ground cable and a money-shot. But this one was an acceptable alternative! Good fix.

[@tjroelsma]

@@smijas Second defense: the alternator also may have gone bad if this situation had been going on for a while. The surging of the engine points to a (very) heavy intermittent load and that CAN kill an alternator depending on how high the current draw surges. Ground errors in a car can be time consuming to investigate and some garages simply fire up the parts cannon and don't want to spend the time when that doesn't solve the problem.

[@John-tn5dn]

@@tjroelsma That's not really a defense. You've just wrapped back around to justifying it not being the shop's problem they didn't do it right despite being paid to fix the problem.

[@wk7060]

Mrs. O is the bright part of Eric’s day. Makes things much better when he is in a fiasco.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Bright part of his life!!

[@goodcitizen64]

I call my wife my wonder woman because I wonder how she's put up with me for 35+years! Somehow us guys actually find the right lady!

[@Whosoever141]

Creepy

[@JNHEscapes]

NOT a dumb video. I understand basic electrical concepts and I’ve worked on cars most of my life, but your detailed explanations of how to troubleshoot electrical issues are INVALUABLE. I wish you could teach a class!!

[@MH-ev3wr]

Infuriating that you're always the Ringer that's brought in to fix everyone else's mistakes. Everyone else makes the money and you actually fix the problem. Great job as always!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Nah we fix a lot of different things through out the day

[@edgarcornette6387]

I still say you should get the Honest Abe Service Award for Honor and Honesty and Integrity !!!!!

[@daveaver]

Funny you mentioned this because… the GA (general aviation) YT folks all fly in to the MidWest and pat each other on the backs with awards. Agree with SMA getting the King Kohuna award for honest, quality service.

[@Defofone]

I feel smarter every time I watch Professor O.

[@paavohynynen2654]

After 1 year my IQ increased over 150 points.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

Me too !

[@TheDrewCharles]

Eric, I never realized how much I enjoy your narration until the audio went out on this particular episode that you put out. I really love your channel and I want to give you a positive kudos so your algorithm gets tickled tickled Keep up the good work and keep those adios coming because the audio blacked out and for some reason like I went nuts trying to hear what you were saying and then I finally figured out that I really enjoy your speech your narration your ability to teach 😊 Keep up the great show I love your work

[@98XC1]

While watching this video, I got a feeling that Mr Eric was like a professor in the university, trying his hardest to explain students "how and what", instead of just quickly getting to the cable and move to the next car.( my uneducated opinion). Thank you for the lesson Mr Eric.

[@tmackinator]

As a general repair shop, you are much better than any brand specific dealer mechanic.

[@timothyoneill3154]

Watching those metal shards flying by the fuse box gave me anxiety. I've learned a lot from your videos. Troubleshooting gold!

[@SouthMainAuto]

It'll be ok ;)

[@gailtaylor1636]

Power was disconnected. As The Professor sadi, it'll be fine.

[@fredsalter1915]

Shoulda used a magnet to collect them shavings! Otherwise, an outstanding vid.

[@michaelgleason4791]

​@@gailtaylor1636How is that relevant?

[@gailtaylor1636]

@@michaelgleason4791 Why was the guy anxious about the metal shards? I'd assumed because he thought they would blow fuses. The shards were blown off BEFORE power was connected. Nothing to worry about.

[@stephenkohler3472]

Reaching for a pocket knife that's not there, and turning on a light switch when the power is out... Such a wonderful feeling

[@dank.459]

I was a dealership mechanic, (Chevrolet,) and you sir are an excellent mechanic that gives a damn, thank you!

[@markfacca]

As an electronics guy, your explanation of voltage drop is spot on. Great job taking a simple problem and showing the thought process.

[@KendrasEdge757]

Mr. & Mrs. O are GREAT together!! The perfect couple. She’s adorable and can hang with your sarcasm and compliments it perfectly!

[@SWD_Explorer]

No-KZbin Andy needs to visit more often. Love the banter!

[@calvinculpalt]

Agreed

[@bags4]

Did you catch the episode that Eric filmed over at his heavy duty shop in town?

[@lucidbarrier]

I love it when my mechanic drills a bunch of holes in my car lol. This is one of the best videos I've seen on voltage drops and tracking down bad ground wires. The setup with the new terminals and wiring looks much cleaner with the new gear.

[@ghost37666]

You should watch his older videos, he goes extensively on that subject.

[@tom5cox]

You’re the kind of mechanic everyone hopes they have.

[@TimTheTerrible]

This is the "I understand what the individual electrons are doing" level of troubleshooting. My hat is off to you, sir.

[@jonjones1290]

Brilliant video. Old fashioned volt drop diagnosis post to terminal, terminal to cable, cable to contact on body or component. Tip top

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yes sir. Most people do not understand that though

[@robertfitzgerald3432]

Watched pretty-much all SMA videos, all taught me much since the days of Re&Re Engines and Transmissions. I was very-good with Charging system and Electrical problems. This SMA video diagnostic was of a level I've never seen before, hence other Mechanic's send ing SMA electrical problems they cannot diagnose. In that how did you come to decide to bypass Grnd/Plus high amp connections !! ? So obvious your skills in N/A Auto Diagnostic and Repair are so-far beyond. Your goodness and often hilarious verbal dialogue put's you, in my opinion, the Master Mechanic And the Teacher you've become, Sir. Thank You Eric.

[@Mark-in-California]

We came for you! A cameo from Mrs. O is nice. I'm a big fan of Astro tools too.

[@larryuptain3404]

I always get a ton of info from The (So) Main Man, Eric! Here's a ton of thanks back at ya, brother.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

All the hopes and aspirations of this lady ever showing her car in the 2056 Old Westbury Gardens Antique show, dashed by two holes! 😐 Thanks, Eric!

[@toddhowes7722]

Great Job Eric! Just did the same troubleshooting for my wifes 91 Lotus Elan. Two seemingly unrelated symptoms, cooling fan doesn't turn on all the time, and idle motor doesn't work all the time. I measured the resistance of the cooling fan switch at the relay panel inside and found the problem. Since it has a rear battery, I used the same jumper cable trick to see if I was on track. Stepped my way from the cooling fan switch towards the battery to find the firewall ground point for the engine was all rusty. Cleaned up firewall and replaced the ground wires. All fixed.

[@whatsthatnoise954]

You and Ivan run into these odd grounding issues. But both of you really hit it home with how to diagnose. Great video - very informative.

[@DinDooIt]

I'm envious of those two geniuses, my diag skills are lagging in comparison and I've been doing this for years but nowhere near as good as these guys.

[@Marineio]

I had vibes of Ivans video in this too!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Voltage drop testing is pretty basic 👍🏼

[@woolval2049]

@@SouthMainAuto It is now after watching you do it and explain it! Thank you for educating me. I am guilty of thinking those small voltage readings would be "OK" because they're within the limits of the meter. You've taught me to believe what I'm reading. Absolutely love watching you troubleshoot electrical problems, I continue to learn. Thank you from Ocala, Florida. ( no salty roads here...)

[@j.t.johnston3048]

Understanding how electricity works is half the battle. Having a good troubleshooting methodology is the other half. Many people have the former but lack the latter. Great wprk, as usual.

[@MiracleMAX]

Great job Eric O! Voltage drop tests are most often missed, but one of the best procedures to prove a diagnosis. Keep 'em comin'! 😁👍

[@robertlennie7466]

I love the fact that I learned something about voltage drop from this video Eric… something that I had previously only “thought” I fully understood. You rock! Keep up the great content.

[@BobSakamoto]

I like it that you never want to appear to be full of yourself, but don't ever sell yourself short. I follow along with your findings, and start thinking of the next step. But ALWAYS you jump to the most effective test that should come next and it only takes you a split second. Just amazing to watch. And know that this is coming from the guy who was always assigned the tricky jobs where you had to work yourself through step by step. Huge respect for your skills!

[@MonkeyDelicious]

Your videos are never dumb.

[@garysgarage3669]

Probably one of my favorite SMA video's. Great explanation on voltage drop and bonus, no bashing GM.

[@toddnelson2182]

It seems like 90% of charging/starting system problems over the years have been connection issues. Anytime Mrs. O and Andy visit it's a good day!!!!

[@phillperry487]

Wednesday night (sunny Aus) watching Eric perform some more mechanic magic!

[@jsblusmokebbq4343]

He makes this seem so simple. The methodical thinking he does just amazes me

[@spelunkerd]

The vast majority of alternator replacement videos, most done by professionals, fail to show any voltage drop testing before they swap in a new alternator. It's a glaring weakness in the way flat rate work flow pushes guys into cutting a corner that literally takes a minute. After a while, guys forget how to do it correctly. I get that new alternators are more tricky because they adjust output based on a more complex algorithm, but diagnosis is the fun part of auto repair. Great demo, Eric!

[@gailtaylor1636]

It's even worse than that. 95% of the guys that own a multimeter or a scanner don't really know how to use them. Don't want to "know" as that requires time to learn. They got fishing or hunting to do.

[@jblyon2]

I used to have a 90s Corolla which due to the NUMMI deal came with a GM alternator. Those things always had the decency to fail completely. I went through several of them. Those Delco alternators were absolute junk new, and even worse when remanufactured! I bought a newer Corolla and first on the list was ensuring it had a Denso alternator...

[@terrykinch8248]

Another fine example of the practical application of Ohm's Law. The current through the high resistance of the bad body ground connection under the fuse box caused the voltage drop to show up when all the circuits were turned on to draw added current requirement.

[@clintprice2123]

There is something to be learned in ALL of these videos which deems them all VALUABLE! Nice job Eric and Mrs O’s appearances and good humor is always a treat.

[@joealbert7773]

I'm on some old car forums. When a person has an electrical problem, many chime in to clean all your grounds, much like you mentioned. I'm the guy that says test (via voltage drop) and only repair the bad one. Or; test and determine if a bad ground is even your actual problem. When I was teaching, it was always a high point when I saw a student really grasp the concept of voltage drop testing.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Finally! Thank you! I get so frustrated when I hear people say I cleaned all the grounds lol. I always ask why? They never seem to have an answer 😅 and then I let him know about the 75 other grounds that they missed. Oh and then after that I fixed the real problem 😂

[@roberthackenberg2874]

Those symptoms were confusing. Good job sorting it out.

[@davidp2of3]

Very cool to see someone teaching voltage drop.

[@hardtopte72]

That was the absolute easiest explanation on how to test voltage drop I've seen!

[@thomasczyz1279]

I’ve been watching your videos for many years now and you always do a great job for your customers and save them money….I think I’ve been watching for 8-10 years now….enjoy and learn along the way,,thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Jason-McCoy]

Great job Eric! Had pretty much the same vehicle in my shop about 18 months ago with the same issue. You found it faster than I did 😂 I ended up repairing the cable end at the factory location but what you did was an excellent repair also. Cheers from Canada!

[@ChickenHawk907]

On these electrical diagnostic jobs, I always enjoy watching Eric work through the diagnosis. His knowledge of automotive systems and his humorous explanation of steps along the way made me a fan for life.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Such a good repair, better than factory too. CC was giving you applause, at each step, too, esp. before the BIG SQUEEZE!

[@showcauto]

BEST DAMN VIDEO ON VOLTAGE DROP ON THE ENTIRE INTERNET !

[@wallingj68]

I could tell that you were in quite the "teachy" mood that day. This was a great video and a fun ride!

[@jimgandee2570]

I’m glad I don’t live in an area that salt is used on the roads! Great job Eric!

[@williampugh6699]

You would make a great automotive teacher. Awesome job.

[@kenmohler4081]

Eric is! We are the students. This is my favorite class.

[@williampugh6699]

Yes sir.

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Prof. O and his Masters class in voltage drop. This 66 yr old has learned a lot over the years watching your videos. Those who pay attention learn something every day, those who don`t fire the parts cannon....and fail epically. The day I do not learn something will probably be the day I leave this Earth. Well Done Sir.

[@clash3123]

Have the same issue with my Camry and gave up on chasing it down after an alternator and battery replacement. Looks like i have something to do this weekend. Quality content as usual.

[@SIGINT007]

Thanks to you, Mr. O., the terms "frig hole!" and "frig!" have now entered my vocabulary.

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

Amazing job! I bet you just gained a new customer for life.

[@gregorythomas333]

So glad that you covered this subject...the more people that know how to do diagnosis the better :)

[@alandawson3345]

I used to work at a Kia main dealer here in the UK. They all had these earth leads with 2 six mm bolts, totally inadequate for the job and always our first check on electrical faults. Good job Eric

[@brucehobbs1734]

Saw the title and said push the clutch in. Learned about voltage drop. Great video sir!

[@bkon4675]

Another fine professional fix by the expert Eric.Obviously, the other shop threw the parts cannon at it even now they had no clue.

[@hcox1111]

Ivan made rocket science out of a loose bolt resulting in a bad ground, you found this without 2 or 3 hours of diagnosis. Well done Eric quick and straight to the problem.

[@mrkzj2]

@@hcox1111 Do you remember which video that was?

[@hcox1111]

@@mrkzj2 It was a couple months back and there was about a dozen things not working, loose ground was on top of engine near firewall, an easy fix.

[@williamwhite9767]

Very interesting! And Mrs. O brightens up all videos even dressed in black!

[@wirefeed3419]

As a trades person I know some days the repetition can get a little boring, I really hope Eric doing these videos has broken some of the monotony because I know I enjoy the hell out of watching them. Even some of the problems where I pretty much know or can guess what the problem is. Really enjoy the live bring us along teaching, an excellent channel, learning a ton and at the same time entertaining.

[@joel.3112]

Excellent video SMA!! I get a kick out of how much the neighbor mowes the lawn😅

[@dharley189]

Voltage drop testing is such an under used and misunderstood tool in diagnostics. Thanks again for the “real world” use video

[@1geisterfahrer]

Brilliant move, pre-drilling that Fluid Film hole. You're always thinking ahead, Eric!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Hey, I do what I can 😅 🤷‍♂️

[@robertschwarz1568]

I teach 200mv on the ground side and 500mv on the positive side for voltage drops. Great video Eric and this is why I recommend all my students follow you. I also use your youtube videos as a sub plan, when I am out! Keep up the great videos!

[@myronsherman8571]

Excellent job as always !

[@Shab-z]

I've been struggling to diagnose this exact issue for about a month now. Just before this video was served to me, I serviced most of my grounds and didn't see anything this horrible. So we'll be going back to have another look for some other grounds. These intermittent issues are a real bear sometimes. Great video as always!

[@robbrobb2161]

Another excellent video. Great explanation.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks!

[@albergan3174]

My Santa Fe had a service bulklketin about this thing. I took the cable off of both ends, cleaned the body ground post and terminals, applied some Tweek , and never a hiccup after. Great job, and great explanations.

[@user-wj9wq7mk4h]

Who else is sparking one up and watching south main auto?

[@renaldonormani6646]

I was a little anxious waiting for you to go to ground cable because after watching your vids, I know them be the source of so many “weird” issues. But after “voltage drop measurement overload”…you got there and it was so gratifying to see the evidence of arcing. What an awkward location! And, Nice repair and who doesn’t love a splash of…Fluid Film!!! Well done as usual Eric!-))) Loving your Vids!

[@joeyabb1965]

You’ve been doing these videos so long that I bet good money that even when you’re not making a video, you still talk out loud and describe what you’re doing. 😀

[@demonknight7965]

That's a great diagnostic technique

[@SouthMainAuto]

​@@demonknight7965it is actually.

[@chrisr897]

Eric has me so convinced everything is wiring, I’ve spent hours trying to prove my BCM isn’t bad, but I’m finally convinced it’s bad.

[@ianweight6444]

Not a dumb video. Your “dumb” videos are some of the ones I learn from the most. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@gadasavideos8564]

Puts cable right where Hyundai should have.

[@YourFavDieselTech]

Exactly!! Mechanics make excellent engineers.

[@ring-and-run]

Nice real world study of voltage drop. Thanks!

[@robertbritton9674]

I have always checked grounds first when i see lights flickering or analog gauges bouncing. Good job Eric!

[@bearg4019]

I've seen you repair vehicles with similar problems...new ground wire...and poof it's all good... Awesome 👌 👏 👍

[@KSimmonsKenny]

I have been a parts changer over the years, what you have really open my eyes to is checking wiring, connections, power and grounds. I do appreciate the content you share, thank you.

[@JOHNMORIN100]

I don't like it when YOU ARE RIGHT (BUT YOUR WORK SPEEKS FOR IT SELF) Thanks for sharing as you do 101 points Mr Magoo here. Milo< Maine

[@gwbuilder5779]

Well Eric, It really is amazing just how many shops quickly overlook the simplest solutions for high dollar repairs. This poor lady probably paid several hundred dollars for a 30 minute diag, parts, and repair. Always enjoy watching you solve the mystery of the day.👌 Thanks Mrs. O for the smile, no funny business here, just appreciate happy people.😉 And remember folks if Eric can do it, it's definitely worth watching.🤙

[@cesardavrieux3767]

Los 47 min con 47 seg, más entretenidos. Y la Sra. O. que ilumina todo con su sola presencia. Todo el video ¡excelente!

[@jimclifford1241]

You make things so simple to see, understand, and learn, Eric. Thank you for the continuing education!

[@mojunk19]

Bin watching your videos for a long time. Started when I had to replace my AC compressor and condenser on my 2005 Chevy Equinox you were doing one on a Pontiac.you’ve come a long way from then. Thanks for taking us along with you. I’ve saved a lot of time and money with your videos..

[@DavidDumais-b3x]

You sir are the Einstein of auto repair. Wish you were not so far away from my home in NH.

[@beezlebub3955]

Not a dumb video Mr. O, I happen to love voltage drop videos, they’re fascinating imo

[@davefilicicchia6341]

As usual Eric, great troubleshooting skills. Thankfully this was a short rabbit trail and the issue presented itself quickly so you didn't have to go digging for other crusty cable connections to the block.

[@2nickles647]

I'm always learning...never to old to learn.

[@jatco84]

Another great diagnosis and repair.. Only wish I was near you.- Great work Eric....!!

[@kennethbode2017]

A smart guy taught me about voltage drop 50 years ago. I've used that trick with jumper cables many times

[@daemoncan2364]

At least the second video on this channel where "the other garage" fired the parts cannon and did not fix the problem, and the problem was traced down to a bad ground (other one was a bad block to chassis braided cable). Good job!

[@slowjoe]

Awesome work. Great to see a man take pride in his work. Bravo

[@TheSkysteve]

Another great video, the drill cuttings, they are called swarf

[@douglaskraus2917]

As soon as the lights began pulsating, I said to myself it was a ground problem. I found the diagnostic procedure to be very helpful information that I will use in the future, thanks for the lesson. My favorite part of your videos is the availability of tools required, somehow it's always at your fingertips. If only in real life one never needed to scrounge around looking in the tool box for that tool or supply that is certainly in there, but temporarily invisible.

[@thesushifiend]

I didn’t watch this on account of not having a KZbin account but I still managed to learn something about voltage drops. Essentially you’re finding resistors in the circuit. Anyway thanks!

[@roberthawkins8740]

O, the lady in black shows herself, the very supportive Mrs. 0. YAY, and yes, your diagnostic abilities are off the chart good. keep up the good work.

[@darkerbinding6933]

Nut serts are awesome. It was a great solution for this issue. You improved on the OEM design!