Dodge Neon Case Study - No Start, No Crank, No Com

Come along with Eric O at the SMA shop as he has a look at this Dodge Neon that was towed in as a "No Start, No Crank" It is not your typical coil or fuel pump so grab a cup of coffee as we hit this car with a methodical, logical diagnostic approach to track down the problem.
Interested in stuff seen in the videos or the tools and toys Eric O. likes and uses? Check out the S.M.A. "A-Store" and help support the channel! : astore.amazon.com/httpswwwy083...
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THANKS A MILLION!!
--Eric O.
WANT AN "SMA" STICKER OF YOUR OWN!?!
Simply send and E-mail to [e-mail] including: your shipping address and e-mail address in the text, I in turn will send you a paypal invoice for $5 each USA or $6 each international. Let me know how many you want and as soon as the paypal invoice is paid I will ship them out ASAP! Thanks for your support of our channel!!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
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Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
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 in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[@kdautomotive1165]

how do you bill for electrical diagnosis? do you bill hourly or give a quote of how long you think it will take upfront and stick to it?

[@SouthMainAuto]

I bill by the hour. I tell customer if it exceeds 1 hour I will call first with an estimated time. Most problems I fix in an hour time slot pretty easy or atleast have really good direction at that point and know what it is going to take. Good question. Thanks.

[@kdautomotive1165]

South Main Auto Repair Awesome. love the videos keep them coming. I know it takes a ton of time and in the end probably money out of your pocket. I would love to see more diesel videos. Tell your brother to start a channel!

[@SouthMainAuto]

I told him! He actually bought a camera and started putting together his page. Hope he follows through! kzbin.info/door/_dLI4hwqeGZ0xIUb1IbJkA

[@kdautomotive1165]

South Main Auto Repair link isn't working. what kind of canrea do you use? I would like to start making some short videos but I have to talk my wife into letting me get a camera

[@rharris5811]

I tried the link the other day and it wouldn't work then either

[@gordonfreeman5434]

Diagnosing skills is what separates technicians from part replacers. Thanks for another educational video Eric.

[@edwardmissouri2216]

great work. It takes a lot of patience to track down electrical opens. Obviously that owner doesn't have a lot of money, so they are very fortunate to have a repair shop as good as yours. A dealer would have nailed them good for a job like that. Your parents raised a great man. Keep up the good work.

[@jwhiz3219]

Eric, It's encouraging to see how you plow through the GOOD, BAD and UGLY to diagnose the problem. You are the REAL DEAL! Thanks so much for making such great videos.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks!

[@MrDecker8485]

"They don't give us knives in school". "That's weak" 😂. Great case study Eric

[@mikegoodman4133]

In Canada we say "cut towards your chum, not your thumb." lol. Thanks for another great one Eric.

[@daveheiskala7007]

You are a master of patience with determination! Well done Eric.

[@2009mechanic]

I did a lot of the electrical diagnosis and repair at the 3 auto repair shops I worked at including the GM dealer. In my small city of Southern Minnesota , , even at a GM dealer we worked on everything that came in the door. Service manager would take on anything to keep the shop full and profitable. Some of the guys like me came from independent shops so we had a good background on most everything else. The other " GM" techs would only touch the GM vehicles. In the end , the customers got their vehicles fixed at a reasonable cost and they went away happy to come back another day for anything else they needed. Electrical work was billed by the hour as there really is no flat rate time for that kind of thing I was pretty quick though so never had a customer complain about the bill.

[@dalevandermeer719]

another thing that goes up and never comes down is the amount of knowledge I get from your videos thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh it goes down trust me! I have forgotten more than I know!

[@paulcarroll750]

South Main Auto Repair you have forgotten more than most people know about auto repair.

[@sabergermd]

Lucky my a**. You sir are one of the smartest and most methodical people on You Tube!

[@juniormullen7490]

I had a super ballpoint and lower and a buchen done and cost me 300.00 bucks

[@juniormullen7490]

Then a fule pump I had done and I had the new pump and the pump was out and and thay charg me 225.00

[@rickstankovic4210]

Very smart. Should be teaching in school your system is better than a book. I watch and learn for free.ths stuff is worth a lot of money..

[@hussssshie]

I'm really surprised you took so much effort even when you got it "fixed" in order to fix it properly... No wonder, if I was living there I'd take my car to your shop. Best mechanic ever! Keep up the good work!

[@clauzellfoster2435]

Very good work, I just found out to get your programs, thank you for your time& info. C.F

[@scott8076]

Jump it

[@wyattoneable]

Your explanation of the wiring diagrams and your logic to identify the fix was perfect. I always enjoy your commentary Eric. Frustrations and all. This was a great case study on how to chase down a broken wire.

[@Ian-808]

Yoh know what i like about you, u always do everything you suppose to do with every repair. No short cuts. Everybody else gives us a half ass job, but not you!! Thank you.

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

most people would have just ran a wire....not only are you a blessed man, but also stubborn... ... but that's good....a no compromise husband,father,son,brother,.AUTO TECHNICIAN.. proud of you

[@DaveSomething]

fixing cars is... 75% looking for the tool that was just in my hand.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

And knowing a dropped tool, with 75% probability, will end up centrally located under the vehicle.

[@hudzgh]

Did anybody find that nut that I just dropped?......

[@Resistculturaldecline]

@@hudzgh It landed in the a-arm

[@hudzgh]

@@Resistculturaldecline That's what I thought too!! But then I remembered - after the "tink" sound, I'm sure I heard a "poof!"

[@ajwilson605]

What's worse is dropping a tool under the hood of a modern car.....and not hearing it hit the floor.......

[@chungaleta1234]

Wow, couple of years ago who would've thought I was going to understand what was going on here???? Amazing what these blokes teach you. Every vid is a new lesson. Thanks Eric

[@monsonlockandkey]

This is one of my favorite episodes! Typical person would have ran the jumper wire and been done with it. It's that mechanic in us that has to know where the problem lies so we can sleep at night!

[@mbarry9737]

Always impressed, Eric, at how quickly you get on the track of the problem. Good luck usually follows excellent technique. Truly a master tech.

[@knocksensor3203]

Excellent automotive detective work. Great use of scan tool and automotive wiring diagrams 👍👍👍

[@TheToadkicker]

Great video, back in my dealership days it was all about flatrate but now that I am self employed it is all about doing it right.

[@tahsina.alkhuwaiter9990]

Super great job. You have a good amount of patience to trace the Brocken wire instead of just short it. God bless you sir.

[@klwthe3rd]

Awesome diagnosis video. I want to stress the best part of this video was actually the last 3 minutes that Eric O. speaks the importance of having a good plan of attack and doing 75% research first. Its my experience that if you have electrical issues you need to examine FACTORY diagrams so you understand how and where to test your theories. Because Eric O. is his own boss he can take that time and customers are willing to pay those billable hours because they know he'll honestly find the problem and fix it with care. I was yelling at my tablet screen while watching this video because I wanted him to go all the way and pull the ECM out to do a thorough test. hehe. He did and that shows that he didnt just want to run a splice, which to me is subpar but understands that sometimes you have to for financial reasons, but rather wanted to fix it to factory specs. Each and ever video I watch I keep waiting to see if corners are going to be cut by Eric O. It just doesnt happen. The quality of his workmanship is outstanding. Kudos to Hannah for giving him the reminder that us subscribers love that he does it right.

[@denniswilkinson1118]

Great job as usual Eric. Your approach always seems to be the way to go. Thanks for taking us along.

[@freddiejohnsonjr503]

This is why I like your videos so much. I feel like that you go the EXTRA MILE with repairs and videos. Keep up your great work! 👍

[@DonBMW]

Excellent diagnosis. A true master of his craft and a great assistant too.

[@guayava0313]

you're the best Eric O....thanks for the great videos!

[@00blowngt]

Awesome video like always! Really appreciate your time and videos. The part when you said "Hallelujah" almost made me fall out of my chair!

[@SuperSharpBlue]

So many people hate wiring, but I love it because when I figure out the issue then it makes me feel so smart ;D

[@Juarally]

Eric you are a gold mine my friend!!!!!! Your diagnostic work is one of the best I see in my 10 year career.

[@baxrok2.]

Thoroughly and expertly explained and demonstrated. Learned a lot on this one. Thanks Eric!

[@cobraninetysix3883]

Great job... Gonna have to watch the primary approach again! 80/20 rule... 80% info, 20% fixin. Two thumbs up!

[@richardmcwhirter9396]

Brilliant video thanks,Great seeing your approach to diagnosing problems,your certainly helping us loads

[@brianhind6149]

Great video Eric: I have spent my life troubleshooting electronic & electric equipment, including radar & process control, & your trouble shooting actions are absolutely beyond reproach. Well done !

[@haroldb8642]

Great video Eric !! Can't go wrong with a little logic.Thanks for the great videos.

[@jimzivny1554]

Nice diag and repair. I've had both kind of bosses, hurry up and run jumpers which caused a lot of comebacks and ones that insisted on thorough diagnosis and repair which I prefer. When I got to be a service mgr in a dealership I didn't let my guys cut corners and we had very few comebacks. Good video

[@motorhead6763]

When I was a kid and started working on cars at 16 in the 1970s the GM Hei came out and points became obsolete ..all the old school mechanics were confused and baffled by the HEI...which is so simple today. Now few know what points and carbs are. Crazy. Nice show! Instill trouble shoot some newer cars up to 2006 ish but newest stuff is ultra techno. שלום

[@Aceoffroad4x4]

Good job Eric. Once again.... Went the extra mile

[@ashtondrake2322]

Eric! Your videos are always very helpful. The repetition of terms & the persistence is very inspiring. Hope to be as good at diagnosing one day!

[@christianerance]

Thanks for taking the time to locate the break. Yes many of us including myself would probably have jumper the break when working on my own car. However if there were other wires that could have given future trouble then at least you can rest easy not to have to go through that search again. Though took longer it was the correct thing to do. Piece of mind.

[@xerxes456]

I like when you track down the problem in the harness, Great video

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, Eric. Great detective work. I enjoy seeing these old vids and seeing you as a detective back then. Good job! Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

GOOD JOB! My thanks for a great dialogue as you went through the t-shooting process. A 'mechanic' nowadays must also be an electrical tech it seems.

[@johnchristopherson2718]

Excellent lesson on Strategy Based Diagnostics. Our students had to pass a competency test on wiring diagnostics and logical solutions, very similar to the procedure you showed us, hopefully they remember the lessons, and apply them properly. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jpstripeit]

Excellent video again, I like your approach.

[@SaiRam-hu8ly]

I like how you logically approach any repair before jumping into the repair. With vehicles becoming too complex I too agree that at least 75% of trying to figure out where exactly the problem is and spending 25% to repair it. This is becoming my favourite channel now. Thanks a lot for taking your time to explain in detail how you approach the problem and fix it.

[@rtta51]

What goes up and never goes down? PROPERTY TAXES!!!

[@justinp8946]

rtta51 especially in New York lol

[@Joseph1NJ]

You're not alone.

[@ericcorse]

Amen to that

[@jarinwilson9539]

My blood pressure and sometimes it works its way to my third leg.

[@paul_nwsxs]

petrol and energy bills

[@MichaelDoerner]

You sir, are a GREAT mechanic!!!

[@michaeltaylor7436]

These electrical malfunctions and wiring searches are my favorite videos, no two are alike. Great fun watching you work thru them and find the green pus! You have great patience!

[@Talisman-tb6vw]

I don't get enough of this stuff. I troubleshoot the GM Kappa platform (Solstice & Sky), and pick up tips from your video's - keep up the good work.

[@warnerconcepcion9929]

I love your case studies and long videos. You give me something to do at work, other than work lol.

[@melvinjohnson7033]

Really cool video even though I got a headache just watching you go through all those wiring diagrams and harnesses. Kudos for the proper repair of the break instead bypassing it with a jumper wire.

[@MrBlaser51]

Hey Eric Just keep what your doing----Awesome

[@dickhead7400]

Nice work Detective!

[@kuruji]

Great instructional Eric, you helped me fix my own problem...fear of the unknown.

[@dst6619]

I'm not good with electrical diagrams, but this time I GOT IT! thanx Eric ! Great Video :-)

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Amazing level of diagnosis! Almost no one goes to this level to fix a problem! Excellent Workmanship!! :) And no you should not repair that body work! As you said no telling what that would lead to - both time wise and more problems!

[@lane1962]

As always Eric, Very educational, well done!

[@jpack61108]

LMAO @ "I dont know if we should do this...give me a big pry bar!"

[@SouthMainAuto]

Famous last words

[@keithhastings4092]

Jimmy Pack its right up there with: GET A BIGGER HAMMER!

[@RealCadde]

Get me the jackhammer.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Could have been worse. I thought he was going to reach for "BIG NASTY".

[@jpack61108]

HAHA! Now that would have been epic!

[@Mytwistedvoices]

The Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) is one of the most useful tools for finding cable faults (opens, shorts, bad cable splices). The TDR is connected to one end of the line and shows the distance to the fault. It uses a low voltage signal that will not dam- age the line or interfere with nearby lines.

[@rrmech11]

one of the best videos I have ever watched Dr.O

[@AkA-me-Kenny2]

You're amazing, and so knowledgeable, so far above what I even comprehend!

[@mikehartmann5187]

My plan, considering I am color blind and can't trace wires by color, would include a gallon of gasoline and a match. Great to watch a master at work.

[@SouthMainAuto]

"cars done" "well done...."

[@jaywebb0113]

accidental electrical fire claim on insurance ... new car ... i work with issues like in this video all the time doing drive ability at a GMC dealership. dont know how many times i wanted to just set a car on fire cuz it was such a headache

[@MDAdams72668]

no excuse I am a diagnostic specialist and color blind just hire a helper/ oil changer

[@eddiemartinez265]

Good job Eric as alway's and thank's to Hanna well done.

[@mahlerob]

I really appreciate you following through to find that broken wire. I learned a lot and it was very interesting. I can't say I kept up when you really delved into the wiring diagrams but it was still very informative. I also could identify with the frustration. I realize even the best have their share.

[@Joe..3.8.0.9_]

Eric For what it's worth I went to school 2 years for AC , DC , series , parallel circuits , counting and binary systems I think you got it exactly right !! People that don't agree with you just have to prove and show everybody how smart they are. Your top notch in my book JOE.. NAVY VETERAN 🇺🇸

[@brundhilgawise4959]

I started out as a service advisor for Chrysler and I never even imagined what my bay mechanics went through daily. The diagnosing and logical thinking on this older episode was top level! Much more respect for mechanics everywhere now!

[@FDAUTOMOTRIZCACaracas]

good job! Greetings from Venezuela!

[@RaulRamirez-pc7zw]

Saludos FD Automotriz desde Minnesota, un buen canal el de este señor, igual que el tuyo

[@AndyMechanic]

Great video Eric, I agree, when it comes to circuit diagnosis it's all about the 'logic' - less is more and all that. Really enjoying the huge array of videos you have put together. Cheers for now. Andy Mechanic - Auckland, New Zealand

[@DarthDonPedro]

I love how this guy never gave up. I tell most techs at the dealer to follow threw on your diag. Don't give up.

[@dpeagles]

Well done. The internet know-it-alls can monday morning quarterback all they want by I know you did the right way. Especially since a short in my trailer lights takes me 2 attempts and 4 hours to fix.

[@Sandbag1300]

34:01 "So what I am thinkin...we should have a little look see..." Priceless. And, 48:46 "there it is!!!"

[@luisoar1277]

Dang Eric! Very nice video! I’m not a mechanic but a do it yourselfer and I really appreciate learning from guys like you. 👍🏻

[@stevescott8758]

Nice logical approach Eric, you did right chasing down the open.

[@caduceus33]

Eric, you do a great job, both on the actual repairs as well as the teaching you do on the videos! I notice that you, as well as some others that have excellent teaching videos, are somewhat defensive, due to the criticisms that have been leveled by viewers on previous videos. Its unfortunate that you have to deal with that stuff in spite of your best work and intentions!

[@bmw-e30]

You've made a lady and her Dodge very happy again. Well worth the effort!

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks Eric, Very good video.

[@shannonbradley963]

great vid Eric O thanks for the detail!!!!

[@johnaclark1]

Thumbs up on this one! "The PCM wants to listen to some music!" I literally laughed out loud on that one. It's so tempting to just run the bypass wire but the next guy working on it (which might end up being you) then has to figure out what that extra wire is for the next time there is some weird electrical issue.

[@mrBasketcase69]

I hate to admit to this .... I'm addicted to this channel...

[@michaelpiecewicz9748]

No shit!!!! We all are. Eric O. He is what we all strive to be.

[@eastpantherbenz]

Another awesome diag, Thanks Eric!

[@MrDLux82]

Great video good detective work.

[@bostedtap8399]

Excellent schematic skills, very well explained, interpretation of available information used intelligently. None better Professor O, hope Hannah is taking notes!. Thanks for sharing and best regards from the UK.

[@sirsweetness8332]

"Just bump the key"..."whoa" That was funny!

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Love these trips you take and awesome fix Ivan! On to the next!

[@wysetech2000]

Very nicely done, Eric.

[@Jimmynitr]

Eric, do you ever sleep, these videos take time. Don't get me wrong they're excellent, best on the net.

[@SouthMainAuto]

What's sleep?

[@arseniomestre9193]

You good I learned a lot of from you

[@canadatransistor]

Hey Eric Love the channel. I'd like to make an observation on a tool for this type of troubleshooting. It's a tracer toner and probe. You basically inject a tone and you use a probe that listens in to trace by following harnesses and stuff. I use this in the telecommunications field to track cables in 50 pair or hundred pair cables sets or network cabinets etc. super efficient! It would give an excellent return on investment. Cheers take care.

[@59StratCat13]

Well done....love your channel.....you and "scanner danner" are by farthe best auto-diagnostic vlogs on the net !!!

[@normandfogarty3505]

Love watching and learning from your channel.👍

[@johnmurphy6366]

Just another day at State University of NY at Avoca.

[@davidb.fishburn9338]

Chrysler tech here, can't tell you how many times i've seen the core supports bashed in like that. Such a bad spot for a pcm. I completely agree with the 75% research, 25% fix it comment, i've done a lot of research to fix cars many times. Because i do that, my boss sends me a lot of driveability and electrical problems. The one thing you said, Eric, about research and doing an inspection, you should have included a bit about looking at the condition of the car and area around the affected components. That was the first thing i thought of when you showed the bottom of the core support. I have an 04 Neon R/T, and the bottom core support was a little bit tweaked on the left end when i got the car. I fixed that right away. When i saw how bent the pcm bracket was, i thought of the harness being pinched. Good job, though of finding the break!

[@Cragified]

The 2nd Gen neon is an odd ball. They 'refined' it by adding better engine mounts, the new electronic leaning transmission after 2001 and other things yet at the same time made some really bad layout changes. Such as move the ECM from in front of the strut tower down to the core support and then running the damn wiring loom under the support. Back on 1st gens only the loom for the fog/sport lights ran there and turn signals. And then Daimler stepped in with lower quality metals which is why 1st gens outlast the 2nd gens because the K member on the 2nd gens will always rust out.

[@LoveArjeayy3]

Help My Car Wouldn't Start Up After I Parked It For Less Than 5 Minutes The Code Reader Read Crank Shaft, Cam Shaft Position Censor & I Replaced The Spark Plugs & Bought A New Ecu(That Matched The Last One) Haven't Had It Programmed Yet Because Money Is Tight.. Not Sure If I Should Sell The Car Or Grt The Ecu Programmed.. Anything Helps! I Don't Know Anything About Cars.

[@lecnac855]

Excellent as usual .

[@alantorrance6153]

Pretty bloody good, Eric. A good dose of luck to back up a lot of knowledge, ability and understanding.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I love the "Keith Tug Test". And "why did it break?" welll...it's a Chrysler! xD

[@SteveRobReviews]

motoYam82 HAHA

[@themechanic6117]

motoYam82 along with the classic reach around .haha

[@SteveRobReviews]

The mech a nic you mean the old reach around and tug. 😂😂

[@SouthMainAuto]

Ahhh the reach around!

[@davidhall3747]

Scotty Kilmer said stay away from Chrysler products.

[@halleffect1]

51:37, that took way too long.. yeah right, this car would be sitting at some shops for a week.

[@garyalford9394]

maybe months !

[@markferraro5250]

Great video so true about technical info. Thanks Eric o

[@DonaldHolmes72]

Good video! You have patients with cars.

[@kenpatterson8028]

Thanks for the great video(s) Eric, i really like your channel and the work you're doing, keep it up man. a little tip: use a seam ripper to get into those wiring harnesses. no risk of accidentally cutting wires (even if it's the right one haha) again, keep up the great work, cheers

[@SouthMainAuto]

good tip thanks!

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Something else that works pretty good is a razor blade based letter opener the ones with the pointy tips. I use these to cut plastic masking when I'm wrapping a car for paint but they should work well for this purpose as well. I do like the seam ripper idea

[@gearwrench877]

Hey Eric excellent job! just fyi an easier way to find that next time on Chryslers is to voltage drop the battery by bridging the terminals with a wrench. The problem will LIGHT right up :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

Should I wear a glove or glasses?

[@gearwrench877]

a wet paper towel is fine.

[@charlesbolletino543]

Taught me a new way to do it I appreciate it keep up the good work