How To Fix A Car That Keeps Blowing Fuses

[@Joseph1NJ]

Didn't need an ECM, didn't need a fuse box. Needed an advanced, patient, very smart auto tech, is all.

[@SouthMainAuto]

if we are honest it needed a little tape and a zip tie....

[@mikeholt3545]

Tape and zip tie $0.48,knowing where to use them priceless!

[@Joseph1NJ]

@@mikeholt3545 Moving the wiper blade while doing a short circuit test, come on, who could've seen that? Ok, I guess knowing the harness was under the cowl, but still. There's an old joke one of the older EE's in my company used to say: I guy calls a TV repairman. The repair man slaps the side of the TV, it turns on and he says, "Its fixed. That'll $100." "A hundred bucks for slapping the TV?" The customer says. "No," the repairman says. "Slapping the TV is free. You're paying me knowing exactly where to slap."

[@TonyRule]

While Mr O is certainly patient and smart, what we have here isn't rocket surgery - it's just simple logical troubleshooting. The other guys should be embarrassed throwing bits at it instead of properly diagnosing the fault.

[@Joseph1NJ]

@@TonyRule Shorting out the fuse box, not a good idea.

[@GarthGoldberg]

Eric: this is the kind of video that separates you from the rest .

[@ericvogel1126]

Simply brilliant!

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I wholeheartedly agree. Some would just drain your Bank balance based on Codes but Eric is an old style mechanic who will diagnose and fix based on his experience and expertise.

[@jpack61108]

I think these are your best videos. The ones that get you excited and you just show your thought processes. This is stuff you cant learn in the books, forums, Google etc.

[@jpack61108]

oh and def a sweater

[@yomomma9070]

The difference between a parts changer and a diagnostic technician. Great find.

[@davedennis6042]

It's not the fact that you know what wrenches are needed and what sizes are needed for a certain job. It's not the fact that you can do a 45 minute job in 20 minutes flat. Not the fact that you've seen this same problem before a dozen times that makes you the best mechanic I've seen. It is the fact that you can diagnose a problem without a doubt to what it is. You're the king of diagnostics.

[@carypassik6161]

Eric. That was a great diagnostic video. I am literally completely entranced by watching you work. I am actually a heart surgeon that likes to work on and fix things (besides people) and am totally struck by the similarity in logic and thought process in breaking down a problem to its root cause. There are doctors that are what we call doctor's doctors..that fix problems others can't...you are a mechanic's mechanic... Your videos should be mandatory training for medical students....Keep up the good work!Cary Passik

[@tedchristman164]

I too work in Medicine as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer ( impressive , Huh) . Your process just fascinates me. The logic you demonstrate is better than most everyone else.

[@Spelter]

Reminds me of the joke of an mechanic and an heart specialist. The mechanic says: why do you get 100k per year and I only get 50k, we both do the same thing, if an engine is defective, I change it like you with an heart or fix it. The Doctor replies: Basically you are right, but I get 100k per year because if I fix or change the engine, it's still running, can you do that too?

[@mharradine57]

Great comment. I've thought of this analogy before and imagine how hard it would be to work on something biological with many more variables. I also imagine that there is a wide range of skill level in the medical field like there is with the automotive. At least there is standardized testing in one of them.

[@alantorrance6153]

People "Who", objects and things "that". Please mind your grammar. As a doctor, you SHOULD know better. Don't they mandate a term of Latin nowadays in pre-med classes? In my late Dad's time they did. If your standard of medicine is as bad as your Grammar, I will find another doctor, any other doctor. Even a Witch Doctor would probably be better.

[@russellstephan6844]

Serious smoke-jumper troubleshooting in any field is a "born to" rather than "trained to". I'm in IT and I can tell you good troubleshooters are rare and expensive. "Operators", the folks following pre-determined diagnostic flow charts are plentiful. And, for 90% of time, that's all that's necessary. But, that other 10%... Wow!

[@zexelM]

Man ...these 215.000 subs should be multiplied by ten based on the content quality.

[@andrewmather4617]

I totally agree! I've been watching SMA for years now and I've enjoyed all of his content. Also, I really wish Eric worked over here in the UK, he could fix my Saab for me, the half-wits over here don't have a clue!

[@klwthe3rd]

I agree! The reason he doesn't have more subs is because the average DIYer wants some Scotty Kilmer quick fix for everything. Only the smart dedicated lovers of these repairs stick around to watch the videos. TO me, it's better to have quality than quantity anyone. The subscribers will come it just takes longer. Best automotive channel on KZbin in my opinion.

[@danekeeper1]

Eric, Thanks for not being the guy who just grabbed the money and ran as we all know you are not. well done and much respect.

[@Rogerthat777]

You NEVER want to be THAT GUY!

[@1MicroCPU]

I think that is a $300 worth of diagnostic testing, probably at least $50/hour there. The software and schematics run approximately $1000 a month for a monthly subscription on one computer.

[@rog8201]

Eric deserves to be well over a million subs. I can’t believe he’s not there yet. Thanks for sharing your expertise as always.

[@frostfirei]

I'm a Digital Electronics Technician, so it's like a refresher course.

[@notxarb21]

This is the difference between a real mechanic, and a parts changer! Having worked in the parts side of the business for many years, I've seen plenty of both... and the best mechanics use logic and reasoning to make repairs. Eric, you're a natural born diagnostician! Love your videos!

[@davidcabana2328]

I’m a retired aircraft technician and it was a pleasure to watch a good technician logically troubleshoot and repair a short to ground. Also scary seeing a wire in place of a fuse.

[@vernonland5987]

Incredible diagnostic skills. I can't imagine a "normal" shop going through this level of trouble shooting.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Too many are after the almighty $$$, and everything else comes second. This is not just a shop problem, but a SOCIETAL problem. If everyone had Eric's ethics, you'd see news channels disappear - there would be nothing bad to report on!

[@DIETRYING001]

no, mostly becaus eif you said to a customer you wanted 2 or 3 hours labour to fix a damaged wire they wouldnt understand. unfortuanlt thats why most garages dont do this or get involved if it isnt a case f changing parts. I dont agree with this, but ts how it is in 99percent of garages!

[@jkunderwood3291]

They obviously didn’t. Just loaded up their parts cannon

[@jayss10]

@@DIETRYING001 What's cheaper??? Loading up the parts cannon and throwing a throttle body and fuse panel at the problem and then try to sell them you an ECM and still have the problem, or find the real problem and forego all that nonsense?

[@davidwood7170]

Eric functions more as an Engineer than a mechanic.

[@kerrycoleman4239]

I like this guy no one repairs things anymore they just remove and replace nice going

[@coltyao6663]

I really hated finding shorts, but the money and how few guys can do it made me love it

[@-BuddyGuy]

Pro tip: Jump the fuse and be patient. Eventually a fire will erupt and at the center of the flames you will find your short.

[@jeremyfizel5127]

thats what i call an electrical diag smoke test thats the only way the other shop could of figured it out.

[@ngnmech]

@FarmerMiyagi The trick is getting the factory smoke back into the wires. I work on small engines, and had a customer say the factory installed smoke came out of the engine after they didn't put oil in the engine.

[@gazza116]

a bent nail works good and is reusable,just follow the smoke.

[@highlypolishedturd7947]

Is there a way to put the smoke back in? I've never been able to, though I have tried... Oh, I have tried....

[@hvacr24]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😮😮😯😯

[@vinnyaudi912]

How in the world 33 people dislike this is beyond me. Point set match. Saving customers $$$ Much respect Eric

[@ronski50]

The 33 people are friends of the first shop the lady went to.

[@bertgrau9246]

Vinny Its 7 am in New York and the thumbs down are 55. I too don't understand that

[@billdorsey1156]

Those are new car Salesman.

[@rayraden2527]

Those that down voted this video Are the pull apart and replace it not diagnose it folks and they just keep pulling a replace until they get lucky and find what it is of course in this case they would’ve had replace the wiring harness before they would’ve found it

[@consaka1]

@@rayraden2527 Actually they are all fundamentally unhappy people. A thumbs down is a pathetic attempt by them to feel superior.

[@videosenutube]

Using the shorted wire as a ground to energize the 4 amp light ,genious. Enjoy your videos.thank you .

[@paulkleinschmit9871]

There's only one problem with that trick. You need to discover all the circuits your particular fuse feeds. In this case, there were two circuits, the coil side of the relay and the switch side of the relay. In some other circumstances, that one fuse can feed multiple circuits so potentially, the other branches of that circuit could keep the light lit even after the short is "found".

[@MRSketch09]

Thanks for explaining it.

[@gordonrollenhagen6750]

With the light “on “ following the harness with a compass will point to the location of the ground.

[@soldier2gud4me]

Jesse Aragon, can you explain about the light part how it was done. I could only see an LED lamp with a red cable only (no black wire).

[@videosenutube]

@@paulkleinschmit9871 in this particular case ,he had isolated the components on both ends and the target was divided in half to further eliminate the troublesome side.

[@shawn7913]

I'm not a professional mechanic, and I hate dealing with electrical problems. But I love watching Eric diagnose a problem. Hate dealing with them, love watching him explain how he finds the problem. Very informative!

[@willfixthingsfordonuts]

Proper diag, using proper methods, provides a proper solution. Yet he has 112 thumbs down? REALLY? What more do you people want?

[@Chrisbryant94]

Awesome video! As a DIY guy I am forcing myself to not be intimidated by electrical issues. Your videos are a great tool!

[@thats2kewl]

So they put a new TPS AND a used fuse box, then said it "ALSO" needed an ecu?!?! This is what gives technicians a bad rap...lots of wasted time/money parts hanging and not looking for the real problem. When I was a service manager at a dealership and a tech came up with a laundry list of parts like that, I always sent them back to find out what the "real cause" was. Eric O. you are a credit to the automotive industry!! Love your diagnostic/thought processes...And, on every video you say something (or many things) that crack me up!! 😂 P.S. it is a cardigan Marie is wearing (they don't always have to be button up!)

[@Cragified]

Electronics wasn't really a well taught part of the electrical theory on cars until recent years in trade schools. OBD was taken as too much of a crutch for it. Scanner Danner is an example of how uphill the teaching progress on such things has been. It takes a dedicated teacher that doesn't allow just for 'it's fixed' to pass, he wants to know WHY it is fixed. It's why in mathematics proofing was more important then the answer in schools until drag everyone down to lowest denominator aka No Kid Left Behind came along.

[@lwilton]

Yep. All Kids Left Behind.

[@rrmech11]

A new TAC not tps.

[@markgutekunstdc2516]

The other shop should eat all those costs and fire the technician. That is such B.S. but I am sure the other shop will give some song and dance to the customer and steal the customers money because that is what they are doing Stealing. Plain and simple. You make a mistake, own up to it and eat it. Have a little integrity.

[@davidwood7170]

I total agree. The BS shops all throw parts at it in hopes of fixing the car fast without a proper diagnostic run. This causes a shop to run up customer costs, and leads to very pissed off customers cuz they keep shelling out money for a car that doesn't get fixed. . Yet the shop doesn't care because they are raking in the money.

[@dougtexas]

Excellent diagnostics Dr O! A testament to your ability to find the real problem, because changing the ecm wouldn't have solved the problem. Lucky that folks in your area have you available.

[@broken1965]

And the throttle body and all major components sorry sir we can't do a thing $1,000 bill pay on way out lol

[@devinslurry365]

I wonder if he bills for the learning curve on wiring diagram research.. At maybe $125/hr X 4, that is going to be $500 up front.

[@sfitz-rp4du]

Thank you for this excellent video on why not to buy a used Nissan Altima. What a nightmare. Congrats on solving this electrical mystery.

[@jerrywilliams2470]

Automotive ASE = "Another Sorry Experience" Good thorough mechanics are hard as hell to find. Avoca, NY is home to the finest mechanic that I know of who actually does have and takes pride in the work and job. Eric, you are "THE MAN"

[@davidblue435]

It's great watching a mechanic who knows his craft. And what a bonus seeing your lovely family.

[@19supra86]

Thank you for doing man work and doing a proper diagnosis, too many "repair" shops just changing parts. Just glad to see an old schooler doing it right

[@paulmcclain920]

The shop that sent this over were parts changers. Throttle body, fuse box, and you need a new ecm. Who ever put the jump wire into the fuse box were the ones that damaged it.

[@paradiseroad6405]

...Eric may be old an old school mechanic...but he is state of the art when it comes to electrical diagnosis...

[@victorrobison5069]

As long as I don't have to wear one, she can call it a sweater, a jacket, a coat, a parka,or even "a winter blanket with buttons ". Great video and even better diagnosis. Keep up the good work.

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

YOU ARE THE MAN! TROUBLE SHOOTING ELECTRICAL AND FINDING THE ROOT CAUSE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. YOUR PATIENCE IS INCREDIBLE. THE REWARD IS FINDING THE SOURCE AND KEEPING THAT IN YOUR NOGGIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. KUDIOS!

[@JOHNSUE28]

So People in this Industry that do not have a clue. Eric you are one of the Best. Thank You!

[@lancerasmussen8580]

Love how a lot of shops misdiagnose a code and just want to throw in a new ecu. My experience with this occurred about a year and a half ago. I have an 05 Dodge Durango Limited, with the power moon roof (this comes into play). Started throwing code for ecu error (can't remember which code or the specific error), after a day or two it would go away. When it came back, I took it in and had them diagnose it. They told me ecu was going bad and needed replaced. Price was astronomical so I started pricing myself. Cheapest route was sending it in for a rebuild, but it was a 10 day turn-around so that was out of the question as Beastie (kids' name for it) was the only vehicle we had that could carry all of us, wife and 4 kids. During this time I realized this issue would only occur after a heavy rain, and after a couple of days drying out, it went away. I started researching and checking the Dodge forums and found this was a common issue with Dodge trucks of that era with the moonroof. In their infinite wisdom (yes, I am a Mopar Maniac, but I still shake my head at some of their design decisions), they put the main fuse box behind the kick panel of the driver's side footwell. Well, as we all know, sunroofs or moonroofs leak, so they do install drainholes for the water to drain. Apparently, the drain holes can plug up and in Dodge trucks, when they do, the water runs down the A pillar under the molding and straight down into the fuse box. When I discovered this, I pulled out the fuse box and found that, indeed, my fuse box was full of water. I dried it out, (only use my wife's fancy hair dryer saw for a year) checked for corrosion, circuit board was clean, but had to pull out my files and handy dandy torch tip cleaners and clean up all the contacts. Replaced questionable fuses and relays, doused all exposed contacts with dielectric compound and put it back together. Once I got the moon roof open I cleaned all the drains by running grass trimmer string all the way through them until it came out the bottom clean. Haven't had an issue since. Just took a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon and about $40 in fuses and relays. Twice a year I clean the drain holes as a preventative measure. Only time the moonroof gets opened

[@colettefizel5185]

Lance Rasmussen 8

[@kman-mi7su]

Yes, I avoid a vehicle with a moon roof for that reason, regardless of the make. I usually buy Toyotas which are known for reliability and I wouldn't touch a moon roof equipped one.

[@bigsparky8888]

I am a Master Tech that worked @ Auto Glass shops most of my life...San Diego we installed a windshield in a rare 1970/71Plymouth VIP 4 door Every time this Lady washed the car and she made a LEFT TURN...Water would stream onto her lap(we know it did it before after I found out what it was...she said it didnt...ok.) But since we put the windshield in...it was OUR BABY...I water tested it knowing full well the windshield was sealed completley!!! Yup...left turn...stream of water came through the pinch weld onto the lap...the VIP had a Stainless Steel molding on the drip rail of the roof that model and year...pop rivets held the Stainless Steel molding in place...I removed the front 3 pop rivets and shot sealant up into the holes allowing sealant to ooze out where the new rivets would go...Replaced the three...Problem solved...our shop guys had re sealed that windshield 7 times...whooohooo!!!

[@Joseph1NJ]

Mechanics getting old not keeping up on technology?

[@halleffect1]

@Stimpy&Ren fuses blow for a reason. what caused it?

[@johnferguson7235]

What else can I say but YOU DA MAN , Eric. ........ All hail the King of Frayed Wires

[@phillipjones3342]

Thanks Eric for showing us your process. Your conviction and tenacity for getting to the root problem is why all your subscribers are admirers also

[@jstample]

A true mechanic’s mechanic! I always learn something from every single SMA video I watch.

[@Thebowzer221]

The vehicles come to you when everyone else gave up. I'm almost 70 years old and still am learning from you. Thank you and keep them coming. You are one of the two best auto mechanics on the tube hands down. No, the other isn't Scotty Kilmer. He doesn't fix anything. He just talks about fixing cars. ECG is very smart and fixes everything. Thanks for this video. Excellent.

[@pritchy26HD]

The Bowzer Eric O of south main auto is a legend and a top class mechanic now the other one you mention Eric the car guy is a dangerous hack with stuff he does the worst being tac welding a ball joint 😂

[@stevezenor2545]

Eric you and Mrs "O" Need to write a book about Auto Repair and Business. You 2 have a story to tell. You 2 are AMAZING!

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

On a serious note though, he should really create a second channel for hunting or family life

[@iamnoone.]

@@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything he has one

[@MRPAD744]

it's called outdoors with eric o.

[@brianburns7211]

He has an outdoor channel, but I haven’t seen any new episodes lately.

[@stevezenor2545]

He is probably kinda busy.

[@fatboydan02]

AWESOME TROUBLESHOOTING....while everyone else goes straight to the parts store,you always take the path less traveled.I hope the customers you get from other shops appreciate what you do for them.I also hope, that the next time their automobile requires maintenance,they remember you.

[@markhooper9267]

“Spanners”! Thank you Eric, from all of us in England who follow you!

[@David-cm4ok]

...and Scotland!

[@assessor1276]

Great video - showing a very methodical approach to a common set of problems. Oh...and its a sweater Miss Marie.

[@MyDyerMaker]

Talented guy. Real mechanics are rare.

[@baxrok2.]

If I could like this, and all of your electrical diagnosis videos, twenty times I would. You friggin' rock Dr. O!

[@phatcowboy76]

That is really stupid. As an electrician, I see this when people work on their own electrical equipment. Thanks, Eric for doing it correctly. I can't believe people blame fuses for blowing. They blow to protect the wiring and the electronics. Shorting with a wire across a fuse terminal just causes arcing, heat, burning, and damage. It's completely useless unless you are trying to find a breaker that feeds a circuit far away. You can short a circuit to ground and then go find a tripped breaker. This is useful with unlabelled circuits and breakers. You can narrow it down by voltage and number of phases. Anyway good video and proper troubleshooting techniques (splitting the circuit in half is an age-old method and extremely useful). They taught me that in the US Navy back in the 80's.

[@TonyRule]

It's unbelievable that they put a jumper in place of a fuse. What could they possibly have been hoping to achieve other than possibly a fire?

[@wyldbladze]

Sounds like they were trying the smoke test, jump it out and look for smoke. Bet that other shop doesn't have access to wiring diagrams like Eric does. But still, isolating and looking for grounds should still be common sense. Even without a wiring diagram, i would have unhooked the ecm and checked to see if it popped a fuse with voltage applied to the circuit.

[@robertevans6481]

Dad was in the Air force,and was taught the same,as he tried to teach me....lol...

[@adamskinner5868]

wish I'd gone into a service when younger but at the time having fun n chasing girls seemed like the best use of my time. All those guys that did go into the services learnt skills that have benefited them for life, both professional and personal. I suppose I did get that a bit doing a trade with an old guy who taught me much more than just the job.

[@jeremyfizel5127]

blown fuse ,paper clip , fixed , most shops now a days throw parts at it and cost because there is lack of real mech's out there 20 yrs i ve done it this way . lost art

[@buffettfanman]

Now this is the most useful video you can watch. Tracing a short is hair pulling!

[@jcrdesigns719]

That's one thing I like about your channel is you do not use bad language. Like a lot of other dipsticks do. I seriously think that all your talking and thinking out loud helps your diagnosis. I mean let's face it if your working on cars or doing anything all this conversation goes on in our heads regardless.

[@hendersonjohnson3750]

As a fellow shop owner and technician I appreciate this video because the customer don’t understand the process. Good job.

[@klwthe3rd]

Excellent video. Goes to show you that these shorts can develop anywhere. I bet you(and it's just my opinion) that maybe this car had its front windshield replaced not to long ago and that plastic clip got released during that process. I can't think of any other reason that would have anyone in there down at the base of the windshield. I really like the use of the light to tell when the signal would drop in and out. Very smart diagnostics. Btw, it's a sweater with a zipper! Lol.

[@ionracer24]

Agreed, def windshield shenanigans

[@billlambert6157]

Just started watching one night now I find myself watching often, a real honest smart mech. If I lived close you would be my go to guy love the vids and the no swearing policy fun to watch, great work

[@andrewdugan6705]

You should do follow ups and let us know how your customers react when you fix something that someone else has misdiagnosed or couldn't find the problem.

[@bobbyhamilton4566]

Nice job! I understand, that is what I do all day. Never easy working across multiple platforms with imperfect information. As an old timer, I'm glad 2 c I'm not the only one still using a test light. At least I'm not the only one who solders and shrink tubes electrical repairs. Now I know there are at least 2 of us.

[@gary00832]

It good that you do you your own determination on the diagnosis because the "customer" wouldve said "see see you should've checked to see if it ok blah blah blah" after shorting the new ecm out ! Good job Eric as usual!!

[@DaddytechEnt]

*this very thing is the EXACT reason i watch these videos. Using the logical steps learned here has already saved me hundreds in unnecessary replacement parts and time. The time isn't as huge of a deal as the money is but following along has saved both so Bonus! Thanks for posting all of this kind of video*

[@davidsewell3477]

awesome Eric as usual. those clowns are not mechanics they are simply ....part exchange personnel.....they look like fools every time they send you a car that the parts cannon can't fix .... You are a pleasure to watch. and you should be very proud of yourself... no im not being silly you are the best mechanic i have ever seen by far . respect from England. take care of yourself pal

[@brentmcgillis]

@Robert Slackware I have seen this problem with distributors for decades now, the answer to your question is: Distributor bearings. Yup worn distributor bearings will allow a very tiny amount of play in the distributor shaft, and if the reluctor contacts the magnetic pickup the field will collapse. This will often appear as an intermittent misfire of rough running engine. The engine may even stall if the shaft bearings are worn severely. I first seen this on a Oldsmobile 2.6 V6 in the 80's, I helped a friend completely rebuild his engine in 1 night, started it in the morning and same problem. I asked him what part he did NOT replace and he said the distributor. Got 1 in an hour and the engine ran smooth.

[@WouterB76]

I second that whole hearted

[@pontiakgaSport]

Eric, sell the shop and start teaching automotive diagnostics.... I will be the first to sign up. Like for real... Ohh and it’s definitely a sweater!

[@breeze787]

What can be better than automotive diagnostics classes the real thing troubleshooted right before your eyes here on line. Live and in person with somewhat fun commentary? I'll take this format.

[@1bmwrider]

The entire world is jealous of your ability to find the problem and fix things. It makes it almost want me to move to your town but then there is winter. I'll have to think about that. Another great video. Thank you

[@matth.4932]

One of the best ele diagnosis vids I've seen. Always making the beat vids on youtube! Keep it up!

[@johnnyboy830]

Wish my neighborhood here in Canada had mechanics like you. Also it is a sweater not a jacket.

[@caseknifes]

Great job finding that short. Mrs O was stunning today.

[@paulmcclain920]

Yes she was.

[@phillipales1158]

you are absolutely an amazing electrical wizard!!!! LOVE your videos!

[@SouthMainAuto]

See that's the thing I am not. Fact is, it's just one wire that is shorted to ground. That is basic elementary mechanics 101...

[@klwthe3rd]

@@SouthMainAuto So humble Eric. The sign of a true master.

[@SouthMainAuto]

@@klwthe3rd It's true. I am not writing some kind of in depth code, putting a man on the moon, or rebuilding an engine. Heck I am not even tracing an intermittent for that matter.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@SouthMainAuto Well my personal experience has been that I've had to junk previously owned cars because I was told, "it's not cost feasible for us the dealership to spend the hours and hours of diagnostic time to trace the source of the short sir. Do you know how many miles of wire are used in your car sir? The reality is, these kinds of repairs are very rarely ever performed because shops dont employ people like you who know how to narrow down the cause point. You're the first mechanic that I've ever seen do these repairs constantly with winning success. To me you are the king of electrical repairs. I bow my head. Lol

[@waloak]

In my eyes, he is truly a master! You see why everyone brings the tough ones to him....

[@warrendavis5959]

I have a short on my ac line.I am so inspired by you Eric that I want to get at it now.I have to wait until morning.Thanks Eric.

[@ebaymoncton]

Your videos on wiring issues is where I get out the popcorn and enjoy the ride. The suspense!

[@johnmcdonald3720]

Wow Eric, great detective work. You are a wire short bloodhound.

[@curtishouze1471]

This was a great video, I made my wife watch it with me on the second viewing and she was amazed with your mechanic skills!!!!!

[@xx3868]

As Eric always does, he WORKS the problem with scan tools, diagrams and common sense , not guesses! Thats why he fixes cars that others cant and his customers are very happy... You can see the result of using a wire instead of proper fuse. The wiring now is forced to carry too much current and without a weak point like a fuse, it can even catch fire worst case and do a lot of expensive damage. Thankfully if you dont have a power probe, a simple multi meter ($50) can be indispensable in checking for hard/soft shorts and voltages in wiring/alternators as well as resistance for bad grounds on bodies and engines. So a little practice using one, you will find it one of the most useful electrical test tools you can have in all basic electrical work The light trick works great as it protects the shorted circuit with resistance but instantly tells you when you are near the short by flickering. when the bad wire is disturbed.

[@xx3868]

@@DontCryAboutIt Yes you can pay $10 all the way up to fluke types of $1000's. I have had many meters and good quality starts from say $50 as you want quality and accuracy and i have thrown away $30 ones that look ok but just were junk after a short time. When posting here, i wouldnt want anyone to go out and buy a chap nasty one and have a bad experience with their first meter, nor do i want them to pay top dollar if they arnt going to need all the extra features and "name" on the meter. If you repair all manner of electrical things as i do not just 12v car circuits, you would already know what bad meters are like. I repair my own cars mech and elec, computer power supplies, LCD TV's and even old CRTS/oscilloscopes which i have a few. I know BS, logic and what works and i find myself correcting nonsense all over silly you tube videos, whether its flat Earth believers, creationist or sucky back yard mechanics and even pro's who guess their way and offer poor even dangerous ideas and advice. Eric never needs "help" but sometimes its worth" highlighting" important bits that he cant always make it clear to the viewer when he up to his elbows in the mess left from so called "skilled technicians".

[@bigragu6828]

DifferentialTim The best tool, and costliest, yet most valuable, is the access to wiring diagrams. Paying a monthly fee to get diagrams is worth it, if you have the volume of that type of work. Obviously, the other shop doesn’t have access to diagrams, they just shot the parts canon at the car, then jumped the fuse and looked for smoke, they apparently didn’t look at the cowl when they did that. Eric was starting to follow the wrong harness, til he printed the wiring diagram.

[@bills3573]

Thanks for the lesson Mr Eric O. It inspires me to work on cars watching your videos.

[@NRecob]

You'd think the parts changers would hear about your videos, then actually watch some & then perhaps actually LEARN something.... OUTSTANDING video! THANK YOU for posting it.

[@spgwood]

This is the most entertaining and satisfying movies I have watched in many years. I have not watched any Hollywood movies in at least 15 years. They are so dumb. I only watch you tube videos of intelligent people like you. Thank you for your intelligence. I have watched many of your videos. Over the years as a carpenter, I have had the opportunity to fix leaks in roofs, after a new roof was installed and no one could seem to find the problem. Bottom line, any one can shingle a roof. Not everyone can shingle the right way. Any one can be a mechanic, not everyone can do it with wisdom.

[@VWWRENCHIE]

Don't you just love how the manufacturers use just enough wire on components to assemble the vehicle,? but there is no way they will give you an extra couple inches of wire to be able to work on the darn thing That might cost them an extra few cents per vehicle. Eric ,your tenacity at tracking down the problems is always enjoyable to watch!

[@busbqbill449]

Are you the guy who made scotty kilmer make the cat pillow video ? hahah

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Back in the Middle Ages, my uncle (Mom's brother) hired my dad to help pull a long, heavy industrial circuit in a factory. I don't know how big the wire was, but it was expensive, and Uncle bid the job flat rate including materials. The circuit was several hundred feet, and they ended up with less than 6" of scrap. Dad never worked with him again - there's just no reason to go that cheap on wire.

[@VWWRENCHIE]

@@busbqbill449 I guess from a simple pillow question

[@SGDeGalvez]

@@DaddyBeanDaddyBean Ahh, but there is!! On my daughters 2003 taurus, I have to remove the cam position sensor cap and oil the top end of the syncro shaft every 3 or 4 months or it will squeak like a dying pterodactyl. Would you know there is a main part of the wiring harness stretched directly over the cap without an inch to spare. I have to wedge a golf ball under the harness to keep it up just barely enough to get the CPS cap off. The thing is, they could have saved few inches of wire by routing it before the CPS cap. So they go out of there way to make it difficult. I have a new found respect for the engineers ability to figure out ways to give us DIY'ers a headache.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

@@SGDeGalvez I've always wondered what a dying pterodactyl sounds like. I'm off to the junkyard to find out!

[@OzMechanics]

awesome video Eric. have ran into a lot of vehicles that other shops have called the pcm/ecm and its a wire or sensor.

[@jeremyfizel5127]

me too . thats y mech's or so called ones give me and real ones a bad name and people dont want to pay that 1 hour diag fee im 40 and seen this alot. the other shop mech should stick to R&R simple stuff . diag is the key correctly ,

[@tonylenzi166]

We need more mechanics like you, not lazy, not wiiling to just throw useless expensive stuff in, and actually look into it and see why its happening thus realuzing the real problem and what needs to be done to actually fix it, great work man, keep it up

[@SaltyTheClown]

5:17 "E124!" "You sunk my battleship" That had me dying lmao, this guy is hilarious and a great mechanic

[@delpatten3479]

Dr O solves another mystery!

[@buffsheeri]

it was those medelling kids and their dog

[@navycorpsmanveteran61]

The patience you have with stuff like that is amazing. Outstanding diagnosis. 🤓

[@Personalized_Workshop]

The algorithm gets me every time with your videos. Then your videos like this keep me watching. Guess that’s how it’s supposed to be, BUT I’m supposed to be looking for rack and pinion videos this morning.

[@chrisfanelli5006]

This guy is a beast truly an A+ mechanic I don’t believe in throwing parts at a vehicle I like to get to the root of the problem I Work in The heavy trucking industry I see these kind of issues all the time these videos help me keep my diagnostic skills sharp thank you south man auto keep up the great work.

[@CanonFirefly]

Supreme diagnostic skills and excellent explanation. Keep up the awesome content, Eric. Thank you!

[@MRSketch09]

24:52 *Raises hand* I have to admit, when you hit those wipers, and it flickered... I got pretty excited. And confused. "The best tool you can have is common sense and a wiring diagram, otherwise it is just a poke and hope game. -Enjoy!"

[@apshambarger]

Your videos are amazing! You are such a talented tech that hopefully is inspiring others to follow a process and have the knowledge and do the work to get it right! Awesome!

[@richardminogue6451]

Nothing but admiration for your knowledge and tenacity. More Eric O's are needed in the car world. Marie is wearing a SMA fancy work sweater.

[@christophrichter8234]

You are the spitting image of my best friend, also a mechanic, and also named Eric. I have worked with him countless times fixing my car or his, and it's uncanny how similar the two of you are. He is always singing goofy song lyrics that he obviously made up, always thinking aloud, and always in good spirits -- always cracking jokes or making funny observations about the job at hand. Which came in handy those long nights working on my Saab 9000. Those things are like trying to break into fort Knox just to change a water pump and tensioner pulley. Auto mechanics is not for the faint of heart, but especially those who lack a sense of humor. New subscriber here, already have SMA bookmarked for when I need guidance. Well done.

[@89636]

Hey Eric, i see that you get a lot of work from these other shops, you must love that, great job👍👍👍👍👍

[@dwightbelyeu450]

Very impressed with the idea of putting a light in the shorted circuit, to keep the fuse from blowing, while you moved the wiring harness around. I train maintenance technicians for industry, and I'm going to tell them about this.

[@ronski50]

Yes, that was a stroke of genius. I have to remember that one.

[@bushmaster2936]

No fuse in the circuit to blow at that point.

[@mansonmydog]

Your thought process is amazing to watch, thank you for this video.

[@valerieedmonds8485]

I just want you 2 know I have been watching you for like almost a year. I have been trying to get my electric windows 2 roll down and up. I appreciate you I wish you were in my town so I could take my car to you .I watched 200 mechanics and you're the best you're genuine and kind and I got an nack for feeling these to things out.😊 that thank you

[@davidteresinski3478]

He is the best. good to see honest automotive shop operators.

[@jimvincenti2324]

The dreaded hide and seek shorted wires....Outstanding work!

[@john_doe7059]

Hands down, you're one of the best master mechanics I've seen in a long time. Keep up the good work

[@DHFlip18]

Love your videos Eric, they're methodical, logical and entertaining. Keep up the great work!

[@jamespearce7954]

Your trouble shooting skills is what makes you an excellent tech/mechanic, not a part replacer. Great job!

[@davesales3129]

The previous repair group were not good diagnosticians. That wire jumper they added was a very bad idea. Your approach Eric was correct. Bravo for your logic and your curiosity! 🖖🏻🍀

[@mph5896]

A quick and easy way of tracing wires is using a tone generator. Hook it up to one side of the wire then you can follow the path on where the wire goes.

[@vs68s39]

does not always work...cross talk between wires may be a problem...

[@chrisfreemesser]

It's a sweater jacket. Oh, and awesome diagnosis as usual. :)

[@jjthesavage]

You're a diagnosis ANIMAL! Thanks so much for your channel!

[@philsnyderjr6889]

E24 "YOU SUNK MY BATTLESHIP!! " Eric O is one of the best all around auto repair diognosing troubleshooting master technician ive ever seen or come across in my life!! If there was a grammy award for best automotive technician, MR. O should win it everytime!!

[@kevinpost2037]

You are a true mechanic in the since of the word. Rarely does one have the skill to read wiring diagrams. Congrats to you.

[@daviddelle774]

Nice video Eric! Also,... Marie, nice modeling of a Swacket!

[@edgerrr]

Impressive! Being an electronics engineer myself, I KNEW this would be a tough issue to find. Thank you for going through the whole troubleshooting process as this helped reinforce what I thought I knew both electrically and common sense wise. Kudos for staying focused and using logic to narrow down where the short was as you had to dig deep. P.S. Marie is correct. It's a knitted-style jacket, not a sweater. A sweater does not have a zipper. Sorry dude.

[@snakerstran9101]

Thing is, what he did was some good, solid and logical troubleshooting. If the mess could be some how laid out on a bench or in some sort of open and accessible framework, he probably could have found it in 2 minutes. The mechanicals are the challenge here. Wires that go this way to get that way. Stuff in the way. Connectors that straight out suck. Technical info that you have to be a Sherlock Holmes to find. Everything really is against him in his task. The only good thing he had going was that he was indoors and out of the weather.

[@onebadsavage26]

Okay, couple things. First it's a sweater. Next, another excellent video. I admire how you start with common sense and work your way to diagnostic tools. Third, why don.t you have your shop 4000km closer to me?? I have a couple cars with electrical problems that would make awesome videos...you could fix them for me, I'd pay you lots...please come to Canada and fix my Jaguar.....😉

[@sirchomps]

I feel your pain. I just had to send a '94 XJ6 to the crusher 😥 electrical grimmlins(sp)

[@onebadsavage26]

@@sirchomps oh I'll one up ya...2000 S Type. Possibly the worst car on the market to this day. Half Ford half Jaguar, all crap.

[@sirchomps]

Lol! Man I loved that car! Lol! Couldn't afford to continue to put it in the shop! Not physically able to do all that crawling around inside and under anymore. Oh well.

[@onebadsavage26]

@@sirchomps Yea the XJ's were one of the prettiest Jag sedans they made. Too bad Lucas had their hand in the wiring, terrible terrible stuff. And with that poor design caused extensive rust issues. (FYI gremlins)lol. I also have a 2006 BMW 750Li with some problems but I have a few parts coming that hopefully will solve a few of the codes. If they don't fix it I hope there isn't a mysterious fire...wink, wink.

[@patrickmiller4877]

That was the best troubleshooting an electrical short I have ever seen. Nice job!!! You are a great mechanic.

[@garyalford9394]

Would of liked to see your wiring repair technique on this, great job!

[@makaynchealhalibbealkhooo9673]

I think Scotty Kilmer will learn a lot from this video

[@jusb1066]

yep like how not to clickbait

[@RobertL78]

Why Toyota is better than Nissan.

[@makaynchealhalibbealkhooo9673]

Jusb1066 not only that he talking about 45 years of experience but still never did any tech work all bs like making a video about 😂😂 why not to buy new Mazda or nissan or Chevy ....

[@makaynchealhalibbealkhooo9673]

Robert L the new Toyota’s is not that great either let s put it this way Toyota made Supra new Supra will come with bmw engines in the other hand nissan still make gtr lol every car have pros and cons

[@jusb1066]

@@makaynchealhalibbealkhooo9673 yep i soon realised he was full of carp and dont watch him at all, nothing to learn