Sometimes It Really Is "Just A Fuse"

Often times I get cars brought in that the customer states they have to keep changing a fuse. Or we will get them in from other shops where is was diagnosed as a bad fuse. We all know that fuses do not blow for no reason. 100% of the time there is a short to ground or an issue that is causing overcurrent in the circuit and that is what causes the fuse to blow. Well in this case someone "fixed" the car but seemingly forgot to fix it all the way. You'll see.
-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.

[@jaxsonhugh9334]

I love all the junkyard markings on all those parts 😂😂😂

[@tomoconnor7543]

It’s a shame that more mechanics don’t take the time to be as professional as you. Thanks for another good video.

[@wildbill23c]

Its all about the dollar.

[@fpadams]

We need to ask WHY a fuse blew, but that gets tricky if someone already fixed the original fault. Solving this puzzle so neatly was good work, and a fun video.

[@mikepickett3277]

Excellent diagnosis again Eric. It pays to know the full story every time keep ‘em coming, I’m 76 and still learning!!!

[@kellyrjohnson7693]

I was originally like "oh hey, 8 year old battery in upstate NY, she'll need a new one soon" but after watching the second half I think that battery has a serious shot of outliving the car.

[@seabulls69]

Back in the day when I did electronic repair I would occasionally run into a situation where a fuse was blown for no apparent reason. Typically, in those instances where it was a tubular glass fuse, it would not be a "hard blow" where the inside was "smoked" and covered with black and silver remnants from the former element indicating a direct short. In fact, in some cases, you couldn't even tell the element was separated. My theory as to why a fuse might do this centered around metal fatigue from "cycling" of repeated on/off events. Or, perhaps, just poor construction of the fuse. We may never know, but that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

[@monkehbitch]

As an old TV repair guy, yep. You'd know when a component went short because a lot of glass fuses would smoke. We had a spate of TV sets shipped out with 2.5a fuse, the TV would fail with the fuse pretty much with the wire dropping out. Looking like nothing in it. Tech bulletin from the manufacturer? Stick a 3.15a fuse in!

[@donaldmarty8445]

Excellent work, Eric! Many guys would have replaced the fuse and called it good, but you take the time to properly diagnose the problem to make sure that the issue is properly resolved. Always enjoy your channel!

[@SouthMainAuto]

I'm not a big fan of come backs, especially when it only takes a few extra minutes to make sure I am right 😉

[@Nighthawke70]

Military date, Year month day.

[@jonwilson3821]

@@SouthMainAuto i love your channel , i have learned a lot from watching !!! Moved from IA to NC/SC so no more rust so that is awesome, unlike the Republik of NY. lol

[@NavyGirlO6]

“…other than talk dirty to it, but I don’t even know if it likes that!” Eric O., you are a brilliant mechanic, and we all greatly appreciate you sharing your experience so generously. The injection of humor is serious icing on the cake. Thanks a million for you being you!

[@kendavis1198]

When folks like you Eric do what you do and how you do it, it's reassuring that when you have diaged a customer's vehicle and given it back to them that it's 99.99999% gonna be FIXED. More shop's need your kind of talent so things can get Fixed for people and they can Sleep at night. Nice Video. Thanks.

[@robertgreer5229]

I love people that use their vehicles as garbage receptacles! Lol 😂 we went for a road trip and no ice cream cone 🍦 palace? Disappointed… 😂👍🏻🤪

[@fredmott1397]

My daughter has the same car and it looks exactly the same inside hers - such a mess!, just wish she could find a mechanic the same as Eric!!! Such dedication to follow through all the way to a concrete conclusion - no questions left unanswered!!

[@QBRX]

"Talk dirty to it", ha,ha😅

[@santiagoelias6172]

..ddaang...that screw driver poked holes in that sub frame like it was made of potatoes chips!!...and then deemed it read safe for test travel😅wahahaha!!

[@alaincharnier1971]

Until last week, I wouldn't have known you were being sarcastic when you said 'it's helpful when the customer clears the codes', I got failed for emissions for incomplete tests and had to wait for them to complete before bringing in for reinspection

[@Giggiyygoo]

I had an interstate from Costco that lasted 8 years. The downside to keeping it that long was that it went with no warning. It cranked fine one day, then left me looking for a jump 100 miles from home the next day.

[@jimandnena4]

I wish to modify your slogan. My version is "if I can watch you do it, THEN I can do it!" Another great video.

[@lynnmiller5183]

Another sign of a trustworthy honest dedicated mechanic 👍

[@spelunkerd]

It's so interesting to see how you were able to decipher the clues to understand how this all happened without any history. The previous mechanic had welding and some diagnostic skills but didn't bother to search for the fuse or drive it after, assuming the problem was fixed after replacing the melted sensor and exhaust. He erased codes and called it a day. The new codes showed a problem with all sensors so clearly the fuse was blown. Maybe his welder caused the fault but more likely it was there from the bad sensor itself.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I'm assuming it is from a melted O2 wire. If the current from the welder was going through the fuse box with enough amperage to blow fuses..... well let's just say he'd have a few more issues 😉

[@justinshields4216]

​@SouthMainAuto that's why I always unhook the battery if I have to weld anything on the car. Hook the terminals together & drain the harness before. It cause absolute nightmares with any vehicle that has a TIPCM.

[@walterbrooks3539]

If the fuse box wasn't such a pain to get to, it might have been checked earlier. What a dumb design.

[@N-wordScissorhands]

I need to study all of your troubleshooting videos like this, it’s the hardest thing for me.

[@alannorthcarolina1776]

A real fix is always better than a guess and check!

[@andy10471]

I don't know the strategy to trim it on...other than talk duty to it😂😂. Your awesome!

[@jamescaron6465]

Sometimes all it takes is for you to be mucking about for you to blow a fuse. Fun story I have a 1987 Land Rover 90 at one time I went to replace the license plate light and I blew a fuse twice (they are glass fuses as well). The first time I changed it I figured well it was probably blown anyway so I didn’t think much of it after I finished up and it didn’t work I realize that I had blown another fuse. After a check, I found that one of the wires had a little neck in it and was rubbing against the chassis, causing the fuse to blow. I cut the wire Saturday back together and put two layers of heavy duty shrink tube on it and it hasn’t giving me anymore problems. So yeah, it could be anything when you start getting your hands inside wires and you can touch two of the wrong ones together, you pop a fuse.

[@edwardgriffin8092]

I love the way you go through everything. No cutting corners. I had a Motorbike that kept blowing the rear light, but not the brake light. (The rear light and brake light in the same bulb). The dealership (that only sold this brand of Motorbike) simply ran another wire too the back light, without looking for the cause of the problem. So I picked my bike up from the dealership workshop, and half way home my Motorbike had a lovely electrical fire. I was so happy watching my pride and joy going up in flames. 😡NOT😡 They did give me a new Bike, but it's not the same is it.

[@garycurry4600]

Loving the logical approach on a Saturday morning! Helps keep me thinking over the weekend.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Wow 3rd o2 is working so repair was never completed because they probably didnt knoe how to replace the fuse which is under the fuse pannel good repair i bet your theory is right pipe fell apart and o2 wire burned up on exhaust and they fixed the exhaust and the o2 bit forgot the fuse nice work Eric O 21:25 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@brucemaloy4769]

Another exceptional video!

[@StumpyVanLife]

SMA Technical college, class is now in session. Another great video Eric! Thanks for all you do.

[@jimburgess9205]

Great job, Eric.

[@paulbinmo]

Well done Sir! 👍👍

[@MrSpartanPaul]

You are the DOCTOR !!!

[@G31mR]

Well done, my man. Well done.

[@georgemartin1436]

I worked in the electronic field maintaining high dollar I&C equipment, and fuses were considered "wear items" requiring replacement at specific intervals.

[@L8terdays]

Your videos are the best. Thanks.

[@donaldhoss3882]

Thank you for taking the time to explain your diagnosis when you do your videos👍

[@Ram14250]

I always enjoy your videos! Great humor too!

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Eric.

[@markcaldwell1245]

Awesome video with great diagnostics. Thanks

[@RussTripi]

SMA does the THOROUGH job 👍👍👍

[@terencehawkes3933]

Wonderful diagnosis, sir!

[@DIYDaveOK]

Hey, Eric, Happy Birthday!! (at least within a day or so!) Thanks for all you do!!

[@Yawwee]

Yes, I agree with your diagnosis !!!! Shorted to the exhaust pipe and blew the fuse. Didn't follow up on the work performed to ensure everything was copacetic !!!! It just pays to have a PRNY Avoca SMA ASE Certified Automotive Mechanic checking over the job for perfection !!!!! We have that too, down here in the "" Corrosion Belt "" of the Florida pan handle !!!! Just ask Rainman Ray !!!! 😃😺💯👍👍

[@shirmworm]

Mr. Goodguy!!!! Doin the good stuff!!! Thanks!!!

[@athletikonaol]

Blessings for you and your family, Eric.

[@dadtype2339]

It's funny how many cars us mechanics have fixed between just a fuse or a ground. Scotty, from Star Trek, see different Scotty, lol, would call us Miracle Workers! Lol. KaaaAHHHHH-LLLAAASSSSEEEEKK! (Classic). Fun short story, when I was looking for her first car, I'd take out my scanner which is not a 15 buck chuck farmer's market barn special, lol, but I'd tell these guys before I plug this in, anything you want to tell me? Because this will tell me if you cleared a code...it's like the Water gate scandal lol. Watch go pale and wide eyed, or had one guy say I don't want you to plug that in...I put it away and walked away. Yes Talking dirty to them always works❤, take care and Keep on Keeping on Brother! Our Best to Mrs. O. Thanks Eric!

[@JenniferFuchek]

What scanner did you use? I have one but haven't learned quite all the features it does.

[@WouterB76]

A excellent diagnostic job as usual, thanks Eric!

[@joegustin7158]

Thank You Eric You Do Go The Extra Mile On Your Work

[@TStheDeplorable]

Eric called himself an "idiot" under his breath at one point. That's so encouraging! It occurred to me once that I'd fight any man who called me the things I call myself when working on cars!

[@SvcGlobal]

Interesting video, Eric. Thanks!

[@Tommerd]

THANKS BRO!!! HAPPY OCTOBER!

[@victorbellan8357]

A. Little investigation and logic got you to the answer ! Thanks for sharing !

[@Redial2416]

You're a freaking genius 😮

[@DarKMatter.1]

Boy it’s nice to get an easy one every now and again. Great job Eric! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gregsly1247]

Nice follow through Mr O👍👍

[@steveschaff8848]

I appreciate the in depth diag, thanks Eric! We hope Ray gets some torches lol

[@randymccormack4259]

Thank you for being honest.

[@tempusveritas8901]

Thanks Eric

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Awesome video Eric ...love your strategy on this fix.

[@deanmoore420]

Nice work 👍

[@b.r.3232]

Nice diagnosis!!

[@imacgst27]

Great diagnosis as always Mr O. It amazes me how many people drive around with that much trash in their car. Thank you for taking the time to bring us along!

[@stevenhobbs3687]

From one hand to another, you take care of business. Enjoy watching ya

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Very professional the way you tackled this, Eric! It was just a fuse, but you had to confirm it! Great job!

[@gregsidel3557]

Eric, good job, you the man. Thank you for all your input

[@bubbagreensmith7174]

This went over my head! I got wind burns from all the information 😁

[@dozn1111]

Per usual nice job 😊

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Nice one Eric👍👍

[@4b131]

Very nice, like I always tell my techs, verify your repair! 👍

[@S15GYPSY128]

If I didn't work on my own vehicle's you would be the mechanic I'd go to Eric love your channel man your a great mechanic 👍👍👍👍

[@patrickzadd5215]

brilliant diagnostic skill with a bit of detective skills another outstanding repair well done!

[@justinshields4216]

Good good.. all the new yorkers with peanut brittle for suspension components.. im from cali & this always drives me wild seeing these cars with such severe cancer😢. Great diagnostic approach as always Mr. O.

[@josecondemarin9586]

Great work Sir, good video.take care, thanks 😊

[@bobby9195]

Good morning Mr Eric, hope y'all have a great weekend, great job here

[@lifeaccordingtobri]

Great Saturday morning video! Thanks Eric! Man check that 8 year old battery. That'll be a problem for ya lady in a bit LOL. Thanks for starting my day off GREAT!!

[@arthurmccarron4379]

After. Watching. You. I’m. Starting. Draw. And. Duty. Cycle. Makes. Sense. Thanks

[@johnauerbach1372]

Taking time understand the system of interest, applying logical thought process will solve the problem. Easier said than actually accomplished. Eric , you are the best I have seen at this! Kudos.

[@FusionKota]

7 minute ago HOLY COW happy to watch when im still up at 5am haha. Good video Eric I learn something new every video

[@mazzg1966]

Very thorough as usual....we expect no less from SMA! Thanks for taking the time to shoot the video for us.

[@jbrhel]

You're killing me Mr. O! I'm happy to see your vid but I haven't had my coffee yet. Woe is me. 👍

[@Fedwrench]

You're one in a million. You always go the extra distance to determine the root cause and correct it. those peeps back there in the People's Republic of New York don't realize how lucky they are to have you. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@cquay3]

I watched this then rewatched a video from about 8 months ago regarding a Toyota truck and a pin fitment issue. Mr. O. Your speech has drastically improved over the course of your orthodontic ordeal. Way to go!

[@mikeabbitt8309]

Dr. O. going the extra mile to make sure that the job is done right. 👍

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

Hot Damn tamale Charlie, you nailed it!!!

[@jamesbruno5896]

Saturday morning SMA 👍

[@user-nk3tt6zt2l]

I will say good job and thank you, but nothing else for today except for thanks and i hope you both enjoy your day.

[@leonardbixler102]

Awesome content showing people to use common sense!

[@user-ge9fh5xm2k]

Excellent. Fuse does not blow by itself.

[@miceinoz1181]

Eric, you see the date on that battery?? If that was put in in 2015, then you need to get you some of them. A battery that lasts 8 years in your cold environment is some piece!

[@jamesofallthings3684]

A battery lasts as long as a battery lasts. If it works then it works.

[@dixiemay1996]

No doubt @miceinoz

[@SouthMainAuto]

Believe it or not, a battery will last longer here in New York than they will in Florida. Heat and vibration kills a battery way faster than the cold.

[@michaeldaidone1904]

Here in AZ we're lucky to get 2 years out of a battery

[@robertheinkel6225]

My new Sienna put the battery in the right rear corner of the van. I normally get maybe two years out of a battery. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts away from the engine heat.

[@paulsullivan6392]

Can you say Eric O is a thorough technician....sure you can. Good on you my friend.

[@makevet6531]

The dream of every mechanic

[@MRrwmac]

Nice catch. Easy fix if you have the experience like Eric does to know what to look for AND how to confirm!!!

[@jayjudd6518]

❤ Mr. O has us in and out in no time today. I’m still looking for a Mr. O around me of course it’s expense and still haven’t found one. Only alternative buy a new car. That stops some frustration. 😮😅😊

[@mrnimeh]

Yes !!!!1 I can do it !!!! thank you Mr O. !!!!

[@brettalan2450]

Always impressed by your strategy in diagnosing the problems. I’m just your average diy’er but I have been stumped for over a year now on my third gen Ram lean condition. If you ever have a second I’d greatly appreciate it to hear your expertise cuz I’m at my wits end.

[@gflores7018]

Nissan Thunder Thank you for the video

[@mikechiodetti4482]

That's interesting the way they turn on that heater. Obviously the strategy has to do with a specific operational window to keep emissions down. Good one Mr. O.

[@dukwdriver2909]

Systematic analysis of the dog's breakfast left by cousin pookie. I believe that to be the correct American saying. Pick hammer findings scared me to drive it though. Such a dry sense of humour when you don't try. "No current draw currently"...LMAO

[@averywellsand888]

I carry an Obd2 scanner just so I can clear codes. My subaru turns the cruze control off if the check engine light it on. Yes, I have a bad cat, doesnt mean the cruze control should be disabled. 0:25

[@jasondollmeyer5958]

Excellent job as usual. Just replaced the window regualator on wife's hyundai and didn't have to look up how to program the auto down from watching your videos.

[@Stover1928]

Genius! Thanks for showing the entire process.

[@raymondhorvatin1050]

nice work