Nissan Dealer Quoted Over $2000 For A New Harness!! - The Real Problem

In a previous video we had a look at a ladies Nissan Maxima that was having an issue that we identified as a high voltage problem. It seemed to happen when we were turning left for some reason. At any rate it is now time to follow the facts and test the charging system to see if the dealer was right. Does the vehicle need a whole new harness or does it simply have a bad alternator? Let's see.
-Enjoy!
-Enjoy!
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[@MusicandMachines]

The thing I like so much about this channel is not the car repair, it’s Mr. O teaching all of us how to think logically… and consistently embarrassing dealerships… and brake cleaner.

[@kg4gav]

100%. I work as a manager in a non automotive technical field. When making hiring decisions, about 95% of my decision is not based on experience or certifications in the field, it is about their ability to know how to logically troubleshoot problems. If they can do that, I can teach them the specialized parts of the job in a few weeks. If they cannot employ logic and deductive reasoning, they will never make it, no matter what degrees or letters they have behind their name.

[@dwighttrader5039]

@@kg4gav I have been a high school math teacher for 32 years. So many times I have told students its more than the math. The logical reasoning combined with persistence and tenacity to work through something you find difficult is huge. Teachers always get "When will I ever use this" and for many the math may never come up again but the reasoning and if I do this then this happens (or as Eric O said what is going to be my next step) is something everybody needs. I would like to use your statement with my classes...if I may.

[@moehoward01]

Yeah... I keep wishing I'd bought shares in Brake Cleaner companies years ago.

[@calholli]

wd40.. just ask Ivan

[@robertginther9248]

Eric's been lax on the brake cleaner stimulation lately. I need that to make my day as a 48 year grand master marine tech, retired. (I have 43 cases of brake clean still in my basement).

[@MikeTerry1969]

Eric is the perfect age, old enough to remember the strictly mechanical fixes, as well as young enough to be able to work the diagnostic technology gadgets.

[@geoblanco5126]

That's the difference between a part changer and a technician Wish the auto repair industry had more people like you

[@imtheeastgermanguy5431]

I have to say that often just the parts are broken and you have to replace it. Only the weird cases are really for checking the car. I done this and it's only possible if you have the right tools and the right information for the job. Working/checking into the blue doesn't help you and I had to work like this because my boss don't want to invest in information or diagnosis stuff. Also it's often a electrical issue like corrosion or so and there are actually a simple way to figure everything out and it's shown in these videos here👌😎

[@tjroelsma]

@@imtheeastgermanguy5431 I agree and the second thing to consider is that the computers the dealerships are using are probably biased to diagnose towards just swapping parts. Remember that a lot of problems are still under warranty and therefore have to be solved as quickly as possible, because time spent is money lost. A more comprehensive diagnosis therefore is not something most dealerships will do.

[@imtheeastgermanguy5431]

@@tjroelsma maybe

[@cwwiss1]

This video is evidence that the dealership was incompetent they simply didn't do the job they over charge for. Any lawyer would fight this case on a win only basis because it's a slam dunk. Dealerships need to improve their performance and if nobody complains that won't happen.

[@davidstagg947]

I seriously think the dealership should give this lady her money back in full. And by the way you are an excellent tech and will be watching your videos constantly.

[@arosenberger87]

The fact remains that the dealership was going to charge her to replace a harness and it would not have fixed the problem and she still would have to pay for the unnecessary repair to the harness and then to have the alternator replaced if they actually figured out it was the culprit. This lady was smart enough to say no. Thank you Eric for another good video

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Was she though? She ended up just buying another car instead.

[@silvac196]

@@SophiaAphrodite Im sure the only reason she bought the new car in the first place was mostly because she was tired and frustrated of being without a car and after multiple repairs and money she didn’t want to keep dumping money at the dealership where most of us including automotive techs like myself assume last resort the dealership to solve very complicated issues as they should know the insides and out of that specific manufacture but goes to show you its not always the manufactures fault even with their own training but the techs they have working who dont fully care or pay attention and want to throw parts at it to make as much money on the flat rate system

[@sectokia1909]

LOL, no. They would have replaced the alternator and pocketed the extra cash.

[@madds6678]

@@silvac196 absolutely agree being a tech @ a main dealer it’s the skill level & knowledge combined with bonus structures put in place that make the average tech take a punt & rely on codes to make a call on a repair, most times they get it right with a bit of common knowledge but it’s the tricky one’s that catch them out & the customer pays the price but equally they don’t as most just pay for an hours diagnostics & expect to fix it in that hour. If they really paid for the true time spent diagnosing it they’d refuse as happens often when we ask for additional time so off they go to an independent who’ll do the same & play parts darts then it’ll end up back at the dealership but they won’t complain about the independent that ripped them off but the fact that you didn’t diagnose it first time & they don’t expect this from a dealership & want it looked at for free or will complain to the manufacturer which inevitably ends up with muggings having to fix it for nothing. That’s something that’s never talked about here as people don’t see that.

[@ericbrainard4072]

Most people assume that a Nissan dealer would be the most knowledgeable about the Nissans. This shows that it’s not the case sometimes.

[@StanleyKubick1]

We should all be so lucky as to meet a mechanic like you. Imagine how the profession would be regarded if that were the case

[@TheRealXandes]

i wish we had one in every town and city

[@JohnDiMartino]

Truth buy honestly there are a lot just like him, my brother runs his shop the same way. He’s super knowledgeable and stays up on new equipment and maintains a modern shop . Like Eric his customers often pay him to repairs trucks under warranty because the dealer either hasn’t fixed it right it it takes over a month to get it looked it.

[@Frank_Nemo]

We should all be so lucky as to find a main dealership in the history of mankind who has ever admitted that they were wrong and refunded the customer with an apology. Never heard of it yet, but I'm sure Nissan will....

[@TheBigTizzie]

My local is a great one also!

[@TwilightZoneX]

💯⭐⭐

[@adamdavies163]

From the other comments on here, it strikes me that this is a relatively common failure mode that a main dealer, that works on these and similar vehicles all the time, should be aware of.

[@3mtech]

I had a maxima and like most performance enhanced cars many issues will put it in limp mode

[@philheese1728]

I also think the dealership should give her a refund, but I’m sure she’ll never get an apology. I am in awe of your electrical troubleshooting and the knowledge you have of these systems. The last comment is about the “smirk” you mentioned, which as a kid I would be innocent of something but had that smirk (even to this day). Love the channel.

[@wiuser1745]

As a business owner myself, if we make a mistake it's on us. She should absolutely get her money back because she didn't get what she paid for. You're the best Eric! 👍👍

[@flagmichael]

Never owned a business, but I worked for a couple of small businesses as a tech. Businesses, unless they are huge, cannot afford to have honest customers pay full price for fruitless work. That results in fewer customers - people talk with other people. In ordinary bills we wrote off the fruitless labor; in larger ones we split it 50/50. Word gets around.

[@cgmoog]

She should get her money back, however if they stonewall her write off the loss. Life is too short to stay angry at something you can't change. Lesson learned stay away from the Nissan dealer.

[@dodgeplow]

@@cgmoog She should not write it off. It's a big ticket item. She should take them to small claims court.

[@saintmichael2931]

@@dodgeplow Lillee from the Munsters would immediately report this to the Better Business Bureau!!

[@wiuser1745]

@@cgmoog the problem is that we all all pay in the long run. Big Corps never lose which is why they need to be held to a high (expected) standard.

[@kennysullivan721]

I can't believe dealership get away with charging the customer when they failed to fix the car I work at an independent and if we can't figure it out there's no charge simple as that

[@splatmanhooha4264]

True, how could they even think of charging her when they haven't fixed the issue; I think the 'you need a new harness' line is just so they can charge for the 'repair' and get out of a refund by saying that she refused to have the repair done that would have 'solved' the issue. I doubt that the lady will get a refund unless she goes in gung-ho!

[@paulvillere2321]

I own and operate an independent repair shop and the most I have ever charged a customer for an extensive diagnosis that I couldn’t fix was $60, and that is only because the customer demanded to pay something for my time. If we charged like the dealer I would never have repeat customers.

[@garybulwinkle82]

@@splatmanhooha4264 Yeah, she's going to have to take them to small claims!! Probably the worst examples of having to pay without a good outcome are doctors and lawyers!!

[@tbelding]

@@paulvillere2321 - I've done the same thing. I've spent an hour or two trying to repair a computer system, to finally say "I can't really do anything. It's just old." When they ask "what do I owe you?" I usually say something like "ten bucks for gas. I couldn't fix your problem." If they weren't out of the way, "nothing".

[@bikeman1x11]

she needs to dispute credit card charge or small claims-

[@nschaad1982]

You are a true craftsman! I’m 20 years into this both dealer and independent shops. It’s unfortunately rare to find a tech who will spend the time to make proper diagnosis and repair and not just load the parts cannon. I appreciate your thought process and have used the same type of linear thinking to make difficult things work smoothly. Keep up the good work!

[@attiumeyami417]

when u work flat rate and the shop either refuses to give u diag time or dealership has u do warranty that pays absolute shit, the parts cannon becomes a little too tempting. thats why I quit and work on my own cars now. now we can spend time on proper diag. sad but its the truth

[@scannerlanier471]

@@attiumeyami417 Truer words have never been spoken. You're under the gun to get the job done, load the parts cannon. Glad you got on your own.

[@robertlacob8831]

As an owner of lots of NISSANS and a prior CHRYSLER Tech, I feel for them as they really need more training in electronics. It seems like the KIA and Nissan were not that complicated as we saw. We were always taught at all the ZONE schools to always look for the simple problems first, as most of the time that was the fix. Electronics and wiring were always to follow thru diagnostics. Great job proving again my instructors were right again! You ARE a true Technician!

[@TRKGL1800]

"word of mouth advertising is something you can't buy. " And a bad report goes a longer distance than good ones unfortunately. as a business owner of 26 years, I found this to be very true. The Nissan dealership should not only refund but pay for the repair. It would be the cheapest thing they could do in the long run. Tim in Kentucky

[@jameskim62]

AMEN to IT..... I WOULD....

[@joe1273]

They should refund but not pay for repair

[@steveb6103]

Back in school we were told that one bad report will cost a company 12 customers. While a good one will bring in 3 new customers.

[@SurferJoe46]

You've gotta remember ... the "profit" from a vehicle sale goes to the salesmen and floor manager, store owner and the TV-Radio-Newsprint advertising..... and the namesake franchise ....... The service department pays for the lights, the insurance, the mechanics and their swappers, the lot boys and loaner cars, rags, the compressor, glue, solvents, TBA, the roll up doors and the hot-n-cold running sexataries on the second floor.

[@aljohnson125]

Agreed 200%

[@mrblonde2013]

Dealer techs are many times hampered by insufficient training and many are on flat rate , which means they dont get paid to diagnose cars. It's easier to guess and hang parts. In fact it's not so much the tech's fault as much as it is the business model he's working in. This probably explains what happened to this owner. Thank god for guys like Eric for showing us how it's supposed to be done.

[@NBSV1]

Part of the problem too is they keep reducing the times for flat rate repairs. Used to be if someone was really good they could actually get well ahead on easy jobs, then a hard job wouldn’t hurt so bad. And, working at a dealership you tend to see similar problems over and over so learning from a hard job can make it better the next time. But, with the repair times getting shorter it’s more of a constant struggle to stay even. So, people tend to stick with what they know or else just guess and try to turn it quick as possible.

[@madds6678]

@@NBSV1 absolutely spot on, coupled to the fact you on the clock & monitored on efficiency if your a good tech you’ll end up with the tricky stuff which you don’t make bonus on the warranty department will want to cut your hours the boss will call you in as your hours are down threaten you with the sack, meanwhile all the average joe’s play dumb smash out services get handsomely rewarded for it the bosses think the sun shines out their backside yet they can’t diagnose jack shit. The motor trade is the only trade I know where the better skilled your are the less you get rewarded. I’ve seen so many good tech’s leave to be replaced by another spanner monkey & so the downward spiral continues here in the uk you cannot get skilled diagnostic techs there’s a real skill shortage or even half decent ones the kids today aren’t interested & certainly don’t wanna get their fingernails dirty.

[@garybrown5500]

@@madds6678 100% agree. I got out of the dealer rat race 12 years ago and started up independant. Just couldn't keep working to their system, watching other techs getting fed with bonus jobs while the diligent man got all the agro & no reward.

[@sam05max1]

Nissan doesn't pay for diagnosis unless it's associated with a service engine light fault. The shortage of "A" technicians has caused many dealers to move up their inexperienced lube techs to cover.

[@jim_cathymcclendon6091]

Yes,but the customer gets the screwing,this is why people don’t trust anyone!

[@ricknash3055]

A wonky regulator inside the alternator can definitely cause plenty of weird errors. The Nissan repair shop should be well versed in how their electrical charging system works and with a proper diagnostic tool, should have identified the weird voltage being output. I'm quite surprised the excessive high D.C. voltage didn't blow up the electronics. There must be quite a high tolerance range in automotive devices to withstand the peak voltages. Great troubleshooting and a good call on replacing the alternator. I do wish you could have shared the swap out of the alternator. As a non-mechanic, those are the steps that caused me to avoid repairing my vehicle, how to pull out the alternator without having to pull half the engine apart.

[@drozcompany4132]

Just an FYI on Nissans the battery light will come on if the Voltage goes too high, somewhere in the 16 V range. Not sure if all OEMs do this. Just because the light was flickering doesn't mean it's not charging. It could also be too high, so based on the first video when you saw that light flickering, you could narrow it down to charging system problems at that point. Good episode!

[@RHD360]

Lead tech estimate strategy was to hopefully run the customer off with a scary dollar amount. Likely because he feared getting it wrong and endless comebacks.

[@purplehaze8557]

Happened to me recently...

[@misterhat5823]

Yep. There's also the "You need a new engine." to get rid of someone.

[@markusgarvey]

They would have replaced the harness, discovered the problem was still there, replaced the alt. and say the harness issue cause the alt. to go bad. She will probably have to sue to get a refund, but she has proof right here at SMA KZbin page...

[@cward1954]

Well, either fear of endless comebacks, or maybe they were hoping she would fall for it. And some do fall for it. And then the customer ends up parking the car or selling it for cheap rather than pay a fortune for a repair. Dealers LOVE trade-ins and cheap cars these days.

[@vehcor]

I believe you Eric, even if you deleted the proof. lol The change in voltage and duty cycle redeemed you as well!

[@user-ix2vy8qd9g]

..

[@melvingibson4525]

In the pile!

[@dave_n8pu]

Yeah, that Nissan Dealership, in the pile, but before that refund the lady's money.

[@icuranis4597]

Yeah, what Scott said lol

[@michaelhartloff3833]

Wassup Scott

[@Mr.frag-out]

great job man. love the videos.

[@kristinconverse2856]

Love this channel, and all your knowledge! You are doing great things and helping the rest of us think more logically about how to diagnose some of our own car problems!

[@gnelson219]

She should get back all the labor costs for sure. The Parts, after all, are new they are put in but labor when not needed is wrong simply wrong. Good Job Eric as always!

[@edman1015]

I hate to say it, but good luck with her getting her money back from the dealership - sad.

[@jeffblalock6326]

parts were unnecessary as well. The dealer shouldn't be allowed to make money on parts that are a guess and unnecessary. She should be refunded 100%

[@imnotabotrlyimnot]

@@jeffblalock6326 Right, she should have her old and good parts put back in, not at her expense, of course. The shop just has to keep the new/used parts and hope to sell them in the future at a discount after disclosing the situation to the future customer. They must agree, of course.

[@sintacharming2772]

Dealership is afraid to set a precedent for every time they are wrong. Most of the time😂

[@2nickles647]

It's not the dealers fault. It's the fault of the so called Tech. Who didn't diagnosis the problem. Now that's why I don't take my vehicles to dealers to the So called Techs. It's a an over used term calling them Techs. Seems the majority of previous auto mechanics are now called Techs. indeed there are true Techs such as MR. O

[@johnpapp92]

I've always felt that when you pay a dealership based on their "diagnosis" and they were wrong, they should give you your money back.

[@glenjamindle]

Shouldn't that also apply to parts changing mechanics when the new part doesn't fix the issue because they're guessing??

[@johnpapp92]

@@glenjamindle absolutely!

[@bradleycass11]

That should apply to the medical field too.

[@SurferJoe46]

Yup ... doctors bury their mistakes ... ours come back on tow trucks

[@stevejohnson1397]

How about when you go to doctor and they mis diagnosis?

[@tfastauto7719]

Solid video Eric! Excellent and well thought out diag process. From one tech to another, thank you!

[@johntanner5712]

Outstanding problem solving, you are really on point with how you approach these issues.

[@ianberger4899]

I’m thinking 80% of the garages wouldn’t have caught this in the 1st go. Many techs lack at diagnostics skills especially rogue problems like this. Your knowledge of wiring and diagnostic skills are exceptional! I wished there was more techs out there with a brain like yours. Too many part swappers.

[@dlewis9760]

If you fix Nissan's all day, you should get a feel for what makes sense or not. I doubt this is a unicorn in NissanLand that hasn't happened before.

[@Jack-jl2vf]

@@dlewis9760 Exactly so and with electrical going crazy all over the place its only reasonable to suspect a faulty alternator.

[@nebraskafarmer9015]

There is a good chance the techs didn't even take it out for a drive. They just put it on the computer then guessed.

[@Lancemechanics]

1st go yes. but if the garage has a good owner who's not trying to pump out work and let there techs learn. it may take days. they may not make money but eventually they can figure it out. given enough time a tech can figure out anything. But in the real world garages do not allow this.

[@lupavo1738]

This was most likely the fix recommended from tech line to decide to replace the wiring harnesses, the tech line usually gives some screwed up diags and fixes, I've witnessed this many times first hand. The lead tech/shop forman should've honestly known better.

[@red95gts]

The fact that the dealer had it for 6 months and their only suggestion was to replace the harness is inexcusable. My mother had a 2000 Maxima and went through the same thing with the Nissan dealer. They quoted a harness at $1300 at the time. After installation of the harness, they called back to say “oh, it also needs a mass air meter”, which I suspect was the original problem. 😡

[@rickc2078]

I know a woman that was charged over $200 by a Nissan dealership to screw on a Murano door handle that she supplied.

[@surewhynot6259]

They're real quick to scrap the harness, huh?

[@rtunison7]

My mother-in-law lost the keys to her Altima. She took it to Nissan for new keys where they "bricked" one of the modules ($900) . She shouldn't have had to pay for the tech's mistake, but she did. Nissan customer service was no help, either.

[@jonahmorgan8406]

Great job love this channel 👍

[@gmak1n785]

Great video and interesting case study thanks for sharing!

[@georgewoody4177]

Having my own issues with local Nissan service department, I'm all for her getting a refund. Wish we had an actual problem solving mechanic around here. Great job, love the channel!

[@LynxStarAuto]

All the good techs left Nissan decades ago. Place is a shit show these days.

[@thomasmaloney2865]

Eric O. You seem to always demonstrate consistency in your diagnostic processes and overall work ethic. The other thing you demonstrate is that you're consistently an overall good guy that looks out for your customers. Keep it up, you're one of a kind sir.

[@eddielebron1397]

This is exactly why I watch your videos. Awesome job as always Mr. O. You’re the man.

[@TheMasonjarz]

Nice to see a smart honest indie at work! Props to you and your family!

[@jamesdigiacomo7441]

I've had bad experiences with dealers and have found them to be liars, thieves and ripoff artists.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

They have earned their label as "stealerships".

[@npolite22]

The techs are inexperienced and are in a rush to meet a daily quota. No way i would ever work like that but most leave and get their own shop down the line.

[@tbelding]

It's not limited to Dealerships. Lots of shops have poor reputations, or are 'wham bam get it out of here give us a check'.

[@NightPlayer1976]

NY is lucky to have someone like you who can diagnose data and make an informed repair. Wish we had more like you Eric!

[@johndeloach503]

Love your work

[@schwinn434]

Another excellent video! Keep up the great work, Eric.

[@brentlowe5196]

Hey Eric, I just love watching you go through the electronic troubleshooting the way you do. As for the poor woman I think the Stealership should give her a refund. Heck she even has written proof of not one but two misdiagnosis. Keep up the good work. God Bless you and Your family.

[@bradtownsend1457]

Dealers there are a Lot that are Not trustworthy .

[@Kevin-zo6nz]

Man I would quit working on ALL 5 of my cars tomorrow if I knew there was a mechanic like you in town. Id pay $150 / hour all day for diag

[@jeffpuras7501]

I found a shop only 2 miles from home with techs with diag skills. They’ll be getting my business from now on.

[@erich6860]

Exactly, I got no problem paying for the diag,,, if it is right. If it is not 100% mechanical in nature and dreadfully obvious, I've noticed a lot of mechanics today are just shooting repairs at it until it is fixed.

[@Kevin-zo6nz]

@@erich6860 The parts cannon as Eric calls it lol. The hard part is how do you find that mechanic?

[@erich6860]

@@Kevin-zo6nz You dont. You find out the hard way the first time a repair is needed that is not brakes, exhaust, or obvious AF. I went to a mechanic for nearly 20 years, and he screwed me hard over a repair. I knew the timing belt has slipped, so they did that repair, but then I had the check engine light on (never on before), it was stalling. I give it back, they "fix it" charge me another 300 dollars. I get it back,, still check engine and stalling. I look up the code, tell them it is specifically heat sensor out of range,,, mech tells me that it is fuel pump. At this point, I pop the hood, pull off the connector to the thermostat sensor, reconnect, boom problem solved. No check engine, no stalling. I'm disabled, and I cannot work on cars anymore, but this was the last straw with a mechanic I trusted.

[@joecoyne5660]

$150 /hour would be a bargain, my local Chevy dealer charged me $225 /hour for 4 1/2 hours to chase down a shorted wire causing a fault to be set with the electronic power steering on my son's 2616 Colorado that was 3 weeks out of 36 month warranty with only 33k miles on the truck. My next new car will be with a new dealer.

[@daneasley7659]

Excellent videos! Thanks!

[@user-kf8qc7cx4n]

Excellent work and diagnosis

[@jeffpuras7501]

The Nissan place gave her a blow out quote knowing she wouldn’t go for it. That got them rid of the car they didn’t know how to fix. If she had, $2k later, the car would still be broke.

[@wayned1807]

I think the blow out quote was to get her to buy a new car from them and she did. At least she didn't trade in the car and get taken again. Keeping her car and getting it fixed elsewhere was the smart play.

[@bones007able]

Dealerships will never give a tech the kind of time you took on a diagnosis ... there lies the problem with a dealership... they make $$$$$ changing parts ... not diags.....

[@michaelherbert8213]

You're right. I can tell that you have experience by your comment. Not just "KZbin" experience lol. I've worked in shops that would give the tech time to diagnose accurately and I've worked in one's that don't.

[@chrisE815]

So does Eric but he has integrity and has put himself in a position where if he makes a mistake he will take responsibility for it.

[@lupavo1738]

That's because the "flat rate" pay scale puts a strain on techs to be fast and efficient. If dealers want good techs, especially ones good at diags, they need to rid of flat rate, as that's an outdated pay scale anyways.

[@tmackinator]

Amazing diagnosis. You are excellent.

[@Chris-jy3dm]

Great results from the master keep up the good that you do Erick

[@wallingj68]

Another excellent diag Eric. I work in IT, but I find your thought processes and methods invaluable as I troubleshoot our systems here.

[@LrdnBeast]

As a retired E.T. and network infrastructure tech. I find that Eric is a outstanding electrical technician. As well as a thorough mechanic. Impressive.

[@73sdawson]

Yeah, sys engineer here. You gotta love issues when troubleshooting results point in seemingly opposite directions. The work these guys do on electrical/software issues is so very similar. Sometimes drilling down to where the actual problem is is almost impossible because vendor coding is a black box. You can only see what goes in and what comes out.

[@murphymmc]

No trust issues with you, Eric. Serious trust issues with the dealer techs. I've never seen a dealer send a refund for misdiagnosing, nor have I seen them offer to make up the the error with "free" shop time to get it right. They're like doctors in that respect. Their motto appears to be, " We'll get it right no matter how much it cost you."

[@amieldl96]

Thanks for giving more knowledge as diy mechanic. I’ve been watching your channel for awhile. Just subscribed.

[@keithsanto2661]

I like the approach you take when you are diagnosing a problem that’s rare these days as most shops throw parts at the car and hope something sticks I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the knowledge you share with all of us viewers .

[@williamdyckman9704]

Eric, she deserves her money back from Nissan, and great fix from you. You are a great diagnostic mechanic and a natural teacher. Thanks !

[@porkchop4604]

Great diag eric! Amazing how many dealers are just volume money making machines. It's a shame a lot of dealer service is poor to put it nicely

[@thomaspapa3831]

Very interesting case, glad I came for the ride ,tks

[@Frank_Techguy]

Eric, thanks to all your diagnostic repair video contributions. I've learned to be a better technician.

[@boomer9900]

My wife and I went car shopping in 2015. We test drove many vehicles from many manufacturers, however when we arrived at the Nissan dealer, they would not even let us test drive any of their cars. I couldn't believe it honestly. Right then and there I said no to owning any Nissan product ever.

[@markh.6687]

Dealer: "You can buy one, but not test drive it." Buyer: "Excuse me?" Dealer: "We don't allow people to test drive the cars; it's too expensive." Buyer: "So you want me to buy a car without test-driving it, correct?" Dealer: "Yes." Buyer: "See you later."

[@misterhat5823]

Weird... Last time I looked at cars, the Ford salesman come running down over the hill with keys to every car I had even glanced at. He sold a car too.

[@dlewis9760]

Years ago, many many years ago, I went to a Honda dealer. "Here's the keys, take it for a spin as long as you like." You coming with me? "Nah, you plan on stealing the car?". I bought the Honda.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

There is more to this story. Someone not have a Drivers license or proof of insurance? That will get a hard no.

[@_zigzak]

Reminds me when I went to test drive a golf gti at the dealer and the salesman said “no test drives on these.” (On a 200hp fwd car.?)

[@samueljames9342]

That sucks, a $2000 repair bill that wouldn't even take care of the issue. I wonder if the dealer would eat that cost when they realized it was misdiagnosed

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Of course not

[@randy9886]

Really, they would have said it was multiple problems including the harness and the alt once the real issue was determined. And you would never know.

[@MrCPPG]

I doubt it. The mechanic was probably pressured into upselling the "fix" especially given that the customer was female. It is astonishing how much unneeded repairs the stealership sells.

[@TheOtherBill]

They didn't eat the first thou they charged her for not fixing it. At least, not yet. I hope this vid makes them famous if they don't.

[@wayned1807]

Isn't that why they make you sign papers that you agree to the quote before they do the work.

[@normandfogarty3505]

Eric you are the best, period!! Thank you for all you do.

[@achillies40]

They should give her at least part of her money back. I would give her all her money back and a written apology. I would also be asking the service guys WHY they failed to diagnose the issue correctly when they are the Nissan Dealers. There is no excise for that.

[@kevincampbell3173]

These are my favorite videos! its sad to see that a "certified" mechanic of a Nissan dealer cant troubleshoot a bad alternator, unload the parts cannon and just get paid by a poor customer to learn on the job what the problem isn't!

[@danielweith1075]

Great job SMAR! Always demonstrating a diagnostic we can also complete, and at the very least refund the labor and a give her few free full synthetic oil/filter changes.

[@thomasturner1761]

I wanted to give a thumbs up...but it wouldn't let me. You're videos are very good...just letting you know I enjoy them . Great work!

[@TIREDOFEVIL]

Eric, glad I had a great mentor and teacher when I first stated being a mechanic back in the early 80's. He let me make the mistakes as long as it did not hurt the customers vehicle, and yes in my now senior years have continued to teach the younger generation if they are willing to learn that there is more to it than looking at the damn scanner diagnostic's being the end all to the problem. My time will end some day and I hope that they will continue to do the same. Your ability to use common sense and knowledge in correcting problems is what is lacking with our younger generations, keep up the great work and continue with putting out the videos brother.

[@RipCityBassWorks]

Wait, the dealership wanted to "fix" a bad alternator with a new wiring harness? That's scam level at that point.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

It is lack of willingness to do this kind of testing.

[@davidwood7170]

Not a SCAM, Just incompetent techs, and training.

[@AmKoz]

@@davidwood7170 …so a “Legal scam?”

[@ivanolsen7966]

I think they had no idea ... and just made up an expensive repair she would refuse .... to GET RID OF HER

[@rmp608]

or they may charge her 2000 for harness...and also put in new alternator!!

[@chrispeoples83]

Great video as always once you found the voltage spike it was a ah ha moment like in the movies great vid

[@FredFlintstone21]

Hey there Eric! Awesome repair on the Nissan, and that you didn't get a faulty replacement alternator!

[@shawn_530]

Been waiting all weekend for this!! Watching the second I get home from the shop!

[@yachtsteve]

Wow, bonus footage! I did not see that coming. You always deliver. Thanks again for the great troubleshooting video

[@johnnyfivealiveable]

I like watching and learning from you , you kinda remind me of my late uncle that we used to work on our vehicles what I didn't know he did we had alot fun working on our cars together so awesome job .keep it up.thanks for all your vides

[@fcauto]

i have seen this coming for a few years now alot of the skilled workers are retiring now we are facing major shortages of truly qualified workers from plumbers & carpenters to hvac, auto body and on & on just not enough younger workers taking up a trade gonna be interesting to see how this shakes out in a few years keep up the fine work eric your an inspiration!

[@SaltyTubers]

I've got a fair bit of diagnostic experience in my 30+ years of working and still find myself guiding the diagnosis instead of looking at the data. Mr. O your level head really is the key here, thanks for the follow up! BTW, if the Nissan knowledge base is a bit off, perhaps the training is the same? Meaning maybe the techs missed it because their information is bad. The magic of being an independent is that you get to look at all the info.

[@stephenkamin1345]

And as an independent your not lead by book time, or a manager telling you not to spend to much time on it.

[@mauswara]

And sometimes gaining relevant info from working on more than just one make ALL the time.

[@markusgarvey]

They rely on their diagnostic tools, and just replace parts until they fix it. No diagnostic abilities like us old schoolers. And they now are using proprietary hardware and software to kill off small repair businesses. They wont even sell the tools to you. Look at John Deere and Apple Computer.. John Deere makes more money in repair than they do in sales! Apple just wants to sell you another device instead of repair because you are tethered to their tech. Shame on their blatant greed.

[@cmc7106]

There should be more people in the world like you Mr O . Honest Man !!

[@rmB5blue]

Common sense and using logic is the best tools in any garage. Thanks Eric for another amazing diag.

[@kennycheeks1998]

Like your work 👍

[@Republic_ofTexas]

Another great video. Patience, logic and honesty. Those three qualities you show in abundance. No wonder you are successful. Keep up the great work.

[@steverogers2551]

Total refund and apology with free oil changes and inspections for life of the car! I recently retired after 31 years as a technician at a local Ford dealer here in Buffalo and that what we would have done. Dealer service tech are supposed to be the cream of the crop but as we saw here that’s not the case. Independent shops almost always get a bad rap but as with you Eric that simply isn’t the case! Keep up with the great videos! What would the dealer have done if she bought that harness and it still wasn’t fixed !!!

[@markh.6687]

I wouldn't let that dealership service department TOUCH my vehicle ever again after this fiasco.

[@Tyler-dn8wn]

Really appreciate independent repair folks like you. Doing things like this and enjoying the work is what brings customers back.

[@rosiehernandez3442]

Love your videos Mr. O!! Just want to ask. Did you buy an OEM alternator or did you get an aftermarket one???

[@JOHNSUE28]

He stated He Purchased a Fine Quality Napa product! And I saw a Bando AFM belt.

[@stephenbay9564]

Outstanding two part video set. Very impressed with your approach to this. These (the other guy couldn't do it) ones are usually more interesting to watch because one learns how the other guy went into a rabbit hole, and your approach by-passed that, and took us to home base. Thanks Eric!

[@dougrobins8291]

This is like taking a freshly baked bread from the oven and you don't have any butter! Please tell us the response from the Nissan dealer.

[@etwaroojai382]

Wow! I am really impressed how you did all those test and the patience and skill you emphasized to fix that vehicle , and yes the dealer should returned the customer money ,because the dealer did not fix the problem . A job well done. Keep up the good work .

[@georgehardy4149]

You use the right logic in all that you approach. Very good.

[@bigmike1161]

I wish you were closer. Love watching your videos so I can learn more. I Started a small car lot last year and I run across all kinds of crazy issues. Your videos have helped me through a ton of them. Love watching you embarrass the "elite" mechanics at the big dealers. Keep up the good work. Your customers are lucky

[@12lovenos12]

Good one! Helps to see your process play out each time- I’m a mobile mechanic and this stuff helps me tremendously!

[@hankhamelin329]

You've been told this many times before but I'll say it again. You are an awesome tech. Not too many people like you anymore. Most people who call themselves techs today are nothing but "tech tip techs" They see lots of repetitive problems and the times when it's not something common they refer to a "tech tip" If all else fails they guess and end up throwing parts at the problem. Your customers are truly lucky to have you there. Here's wishing you many more years of good health, success and hopefully when the time comes, a prosperous retirement.

[@Packerfan-qc6cs]

Well done, your a great troubleshooter wish i lived in your area.

[@matthyde140]

Another awesome diagnosis and repair! I was in a similar situation recently, just backwards. Local shop replaced parts due to original misdiagnosis and never were able to make the correct diagnosis after 4 weeks of screwing around. A short look by an experienced dealer tech and I had a new engine coming under an extended warranty I didn’t know I had. Knowledge is key!!

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Eric your the Top Gun in the diagnostic world!! well done my friend

[@davidbailey3403]

Yea I was thinking it was the voltage regulator in the alt. Nice job. New to the channel and me likey. Your little nick names for everything crack me up

[@MrFreddywise1]

@ South Main Auto Repair LLC once again you done it where other ( Techs ) have failed, to find and fix the issue with the customer's car. your diligence when working on people's cars is what separates you from others, Bravo Mr O Bravo.

[@wattie1050]

Great job Eric, if I was customer I would be more than happy. Most folk will always try and avoid the Stealerships due to this type of service and rightly so . Keep up the good work.👍

[@glenmeyer5079]

Amazing what experienced diagnosis can do. Great Job Eric. My mechanic said stay away from Nissans, especially CVT cars. Keep up the great videos.

[@carljenkins5092]

Great video. She should definitely get her money back. I wish her good luck with that. I have two Nissans and I’m learning a lot from this channel.

[@dinocracchiolo1006]

Great troubleshooting as always!, any one can throw parts at it, And I do trust you!

[@tim6991]

No trust issues here Mr. O! You go through things methodically and explain your train of thought and reason for your conclusions. Good stuff!

[@ohger1]

Good catch. I still think that the troubles often appearing while making a turn both at your garage and the Nissan dealer were the result of EPAS steering gear. Those things draw 50 amps at times during a turn maneuver, and maybe a wee bit more.

[@thogevoll]

Good job tracking that down. It'd be interesting to know what turning left had to do with the issue but that'd be a whole different ball game. Nissan owes her.

[@rashadsaleh82]

You the man we learned alot from you thanks

[@unclebilly4696]

Excellent diagnosis, Eric. I appreciate your systematic and methodical approach to troubleshooting. BTW, the dealership should definitely refund the lady.

[@wyattoneable]

Very well explained and yes, she should ask for her money back for a "misdiagnosis". Although when I have tried that in the past I got the "Deer in the headlights look".

[@chiledkidsfbombgarage6095]

Bah, I'm old fashioned. I don't take it to the dealer ever. Good smarts like the ones you share on this awesome channel are what I use to do it myself. Diagnosis is always the key to good service and repair. Keep up the good work !

[@jimahlgren6177]

Mechanics used to take cars for a ride. Back in Northern MN that is how it worked. They don't seem to do this any more as it takes time and time is $$$. Mr.O cares. I love it.

[@lfxc9996]

It’s a shame too cause this is a pretty common failure for these cars. Dealer should’ve known better.

[@daytonpyro]

of course they know.. why not try to suck 2000 plus out of customers. that's what they do. the local garage here did that to me. im in 1300 for repairs and they still cant figure it out.

[@ylimehajile]

... but it was their 'lead' mechanic!

[@_zigzak]

It is common on these, and after watching this I made an appointment to get my alternator changed. It still works but at over 200k it’s bound to do the same thing soon.

[@frotobaggins7169]

@@ylimehajile Yeah, pretty scary right? Imagine if the problem was something difficult, like a transmission. Of course the only repair for Nissan CVT's is total replacement because they don't offer the belt and pullies as a repair item. CONVIENTLY costing over $4,000 to replace. Ask me how I know.

[@stuarthardy4626]

@@ylimehajile is that "Lead" as in plumbago