The XTREME Parts Cannon! (GM Chevy S10 P0300...FALSE Misfires?)

This turned out to be a fun one :)
2001 Chevy S10 XTREME, setting a P0300 with a FLASHING Check Engine Light.
However, engine runs perfectly smoothly...so why is it picking up FALSE MISFIRES??
History of the truck is questionable, with every electrical part under the hood replaced, mostly with CHEAP AFTERMARKET GARBAGE.
Let's see if we can pinpoint the root cause of the false misfires, and using an oscilloscope, actually PROVE that we fixed the issue for good :)
IVAN'S PICO WAVEFORMS:
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@eddiereichel9354]

One of hardest things to explain to customers is that new and good have 2 different definitions

[@billmalec]

Same thing with new online eyeglasses and good. 😁

[@tedmoss]

@@billmalec Same for hearing aids.

[@tedmoss]

@@thehemiolds455 One works the other doesn't.

[@billmalec]

@@tedmoss huh? 🤣😁😁

[@vilefly]

NEW = Never Ever Worked before (aka inexperienced merchandise)

[@dangleebols]

When i asked on Jimmys (Master Mechanic) YT channel " Jimmy making it work " who would he trust to work on his own vehicle, your name came up first, quite some recommendation 😁

[@cstierhoff]

I'm always amazed with your fixes. Coming behind others to solve an original problem is nerve racking.

[@jonmullaly7497]

Fast forward is cheating!

[@tedmoss]

That's my job, coming behind others that can't fix things, I've been doing it all my life since I was 9 years old, now I'm 80.

[@AlAmantea]

I have never used the duty cycle conversion in Picoscope, but you bet your butt I'm gonna now... Thanks, Ivan. You make us all better techs!

[@danielkennelly6757]

Superb diagnostic job. Excellent explanations. Coincidentally, our buddy Eric O. concurrently had a similar case study. Both of you guys deserve Mechanics of the year awards!

[@systemloc]

That South Main Auto video was amazing! I love watching both these guys do intelligent diagnosis with the scopes and diag computers

[@wjdunk]

Eric O @SMA did a great video today using his scope to diagnose a fault he has never seen that 2 other shos couldn't fix. You guys are the best.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

I watch Eric, yet another issue with the timing on GMs 3.6.😢

[@moo3993]

Ivan, I think I just learned what happened to a customers car that I could not diagnose. 3 series BMW 325i 2001. This one has haunted me. I would get a cylinder 6 misfire, ecm would disable the injector determining it was catalyst damaging. Did compression checks while cranking and while running to check for valve float or something weird. Checked okay comparable to other non missing cylinders. Swapped coils, no change. Spark plugs were autolites, and i had the customer approve putting in oem Bosch twin electrode plugs. No change. Ordered in a fuel injector as a last resort and numbers matched the injector calibration and had to call it. Couldn't diagnose it. Plugs were wrong, and the only part i fired at it as a last resort was the injector. I didn't own a scope at the time, and didn't know how to use one (until i bought one because of you lol). I did harness checks, i tested and inspected everything i could only firing the parts cannon as a last resort with that injector. Since I didn't see a code for the camshaft or crank position sensors, I assumed they were okay. And the WILDEST PART THAT I KNOW WHY NOW BECAUSE OF YOU! If I cleared the codes while the engine was running, it ran like glass for 8 seconds, perfectly, then would detect that misfire and cut the fuel to that cylinder. This guy had 4 other mechanics look at it, not knowing what the others had done and i dove in. I refused to replace parts that i couldn't prove were bad. The only variable was what I couldn't see on the injector while it was operating. This truck running great even with the code on, just like the bmw did after i cleared the code, i would adjust bet the cmp or cank sensor was a crap box store unit. I always use bosch parts on motronic systems, learned that lesson too many times. Where I was wrong was assuming a part was working properly when though it may not have. Seeing how that ecm picked up on certain cylinders only, just got the bmw did, oh that has to be it!!!! I never charged the customer for the diagnosis and only charged the parts cost for the plugs. I told him if I can't figure it out, I'm not charging you. That car has been the only vehicle i haven't been able to diagnose in my career. I wish my customers car didnt burn down now lol. Another mechanic after me left the + lead from the battery disconnected while pulling the intake manifold (guess the guy thought it had a manifold leak even though I smoked it before him) and the positive cable touched ground and lit up the car. I'll never be able to find out if that car has the same issue as this truck, but I'm so sure of it now!!! Thank you Ivan! I'm going to sleep better tonight 😂

[@johnmueller976]

I’m not surprised that a cheap crankshaft position sensor caused this issue. What I do find surprising is that all of the other Amazon/aftermarket parts that have been thrown at this truck worked properly and didn’t contribute to the problem. As far as the cooling fan pushing air rather than pulling it, nice catch Ivan, some people just shouldn’t be allowed near hand tools.

[@tedmoss]

Or for that matter anything at all, if you don't know what you are doing, keep yer mitts off.

[@stephanparis6887]

The good news is the owner helped those annoying Amazon FBA training ad campaigns recoup their $$$. The better news is we don't see those FBA training ads anymore. They've died off replaced by annoying Disney+ ads.

[@christopherperdue977]

If the fans are wired properly so it's moving air the correct direction through the radiator what does it matter if it is being used in a push or pull setup. Especially if they just added it as supplemental and still have the mechanical fan.

[@boomer9900]

Thanks Ivan. I always knew the CPK was used to check for misfires, but I never knew it was so sensitive. The waveforms show just how small of a deviation the computer is looking for.

[@stevestadnik9206]

Brilliant way to confirm. I have used math channel with frequency to flush out bad tone rings on ABS. Never though to use duty cycle, but I will add it to my routine. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@jtjones4727]

The bonus footage is great on this one. I wish I knew how to use the Math features better with my scope.

[@michaelfraser5723]

get a manual and spend time, he did

[@shaneperkins1657]

@@michaelfraser5723 but you also have to understand he is an engineer by trade.

[@GarnConstructionInc]

Extremely fun to watch as an owner of a 98 Blazer! I've had to clean the crank position sensor connector but the original oem is still doing its job!

[@bobsoft]

Watch for them getting coated with oil. Those timing covers can leak and cover the crank sensor wiring and cause issues

[@donwasse7892]

Nice find, so used to crankshaft variation relearn and AC Delco distributor cap fixing 99% of the P0300 issues!

[@Chris-Fennimore]

Oh boy. and I am sure that loose/cheap mounting bracket made the pulses worse. Wow! I figured out the fan issue as soon as I heard them turn on with the ignition. I am shouting at Ivan to put his hand in front of the grille to determine direction of flow. Hahaha. 👍😎👍

[@MsFireboy2]

Ivan My college instructor preached the Saying Kiss saying Keep it simple stupid. I used this saying Keep it stock Stupid. Thanks for posting.

[@fredsalter1915]

Always amazed at how smart you are and how not smart I am. BUT i always love your vids!!!!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I appreciate that! 🙏

[@privateer0561]

The temptation to use less expensive aftermarket parts is great, especially when the price difference is enormous and you have little money. If you must buy OEM parts, the best way to do it is look for the cheapest source online and then see if you can get a local dealer to match the price. I have found many are quite cooperative and you don't have to deal with waiting or returns if there is an issue. Developing a relationship with the local dealer parts guy can be a great time and money saver.

[@rkan2]

Or better, even (multiple) junkyard parts with return policies.

[@teekay_1]

Just to add onto this, typical shops charge a lot of money for this type of diagnosis, and there is a great temptation to use the cheapest part "to see if that was the problem". The owner puts it in (which is a pain because he doesn't have a lift or the right tools). When it doesn't fix it, he doesn't take it out because (a) it's not returnable and (b) since the problem didn't change, the junk part can't be the problem and probably the real reason... (c) It's a pain in the *** to take out and he's still irritated his car doesn't run right.

[@wendwllhickey6426]

Rock auto has a lot of OEM parts but you not going to buy them for 3 for 30

[@mikechiodetti4482]

That was amazing! Like you said, "The power of the (Pico) scope." I remember those OEM distributors had a small amount you could move them to readjust the cam to crank offset due to timing chain wear. If you removed the distributor you could file the opening of the adjuster slot and that would give you more adjustment. If you zeroed it out and the engine ran poorly or stalled, it was diagnostic time possibly a stretched timing chain. Had several mini vans in the fleet that had these 4.3 V6 engines. They were like pocket rockets! A light van with a strong engine. Remember, these 4.3L V6 engines were "The GM 5.7L V8 with the back 2 cylinders cut off" so we were told. The weak link in the early ones was the "spider" fuel injection system. The updated one worked GREAT! Good one Ivan!

[@robmut1357]

I just don’t understand why some people forge ahead in complete ignorance. If you don’t know what you’re doing, find someone who does. Excellent video! Genius on the duty cycle graph!

[@kennethnichols7263]

Absolutely love the duty cycle analysis.

[@The_Redkween]

I bet that was one happy customer. Got his truck all fixed, including over-heating, for the cost of a sensor and a diag fee. Can’t beat it!

[@pantherplatform]

You help me stay interested in the sport of auto diagnostics.

[@paultaylor9939]

Great diagnosis Ivan many thanks for sharing this cheers

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Ivan, love the cooling fan fix. The rest of this video pretty good as well. Thanks for Sharing!

[@jgeorges3061]

Ivan, AWESOME as always ur approach always amaze me thanks for sharing.

[@donovanlucibello379]

Dude, this us amazing content, thank you for sharing your time and talent! 🙏

[@peterhodgkins6985]

Excellent work as always Ivan!! That crank sensor problem is real subtle! Great catch on the fan motors too.

[@515scubasteve]

Nice video. This one is worthy of the Staten Island Express. Great to learn about the duty cycle with the scope. Thanks so much Ivan! I was wondering about the fans. So was happy to see the bonus bonus footage!!!

[@petepeabody8905]

Thanks for another interesting ride along.....

[@richardhemingway6084]

Wow! fantastic diagnosis and the reasons for the fault. I would never had suspected, that a shift in duty cycle would have mattered that much, but it did. Brilliant.

[@davidmelbourne5480]

The variation in duty cycle is likely the physical distance changing, ie the sensor bouncing in & out. Great fix as usual Ivan.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Sensor was actually in tight by the o-ring. It was purely an electrical glitch.

[@davidmelbourne5480]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Def counts as weird then.

[@paulmoir4452]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Betcha the OP is right: there isn't a plausible electronic explanation for a failure like that. Hit a harmonic with that wuss bracket would certainly explain it though.

[@russellhltn1396]

@@paulmoir4452 Or it might be movement internal to the sensor. I agree that electrically this doesn't make sense. But mechanically it does.

[@davidmelbourne5480]

@@russellhltn1396 The effect did seem exasperated by increased rpm. Assuming this sensor is hall effect based, the hysterisis threshold would have to change very quickly to result in only a few pulses being stretched. Not impossible, but odd.

[@richb419]

Hi Ivan, as far as the overheating I remember that all the GM's of that time needed their new coolant installed with a vacuum filler other wise there would be an air block within the engine that causes overheating problems that appeared like a blown head gasket. it appears that the owner tried to mitigate this with the fans. Rich

[@mikemurphy7519]

Pretty much all cars should be filled these days with a vacuum tool. It is faster, it locates leaks and it eliminates air pocket issues.

[@teekay_1]

@@mikemurphy7519 I agree with that I finally did that with my wife's SUV, and it was trivial to fill up the coolant without any air bubbles

[@for2utube]

@richb419. Good point. He did say he heard air bubbles.

[@richb419]

Hi I derived this from a hard lesson, about 20 years ago I had a man working for me that had a problem with his car (I think it was a Pontiac v6) that was ejecting its coolant after he changed the antifreeze. I had worked on many cars in the past at that time and I was convinced it was a blown head gasket, well I was incorrect the man sold his car at a loss thinking I was right. Rich

[@tedmoss]

@@richb419 Don't feel to bad about that. I once traded a 1962 Auto-Union (DKW) for a 1959 English Ford because the guy didn't know how to grease the front drive CV joints. Simply put on two zerk fittings and pump a lot of grease in. (I didn't know what the problem was when I got the car).

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Gold ! Pure Gold diagnostic and Pure Gold coaching !! Thank you mate !!!

[@sohailrabani]

Very very detailed and deep diagnosis and explanation 👌 👏 loved it new to my knowledge cabinet.and again you remind people no aftermarket junk always oem...its worth a while..cheers ivan 😊

[@patriel1]

Another great diag! The cooling fans fix was hysterical. That was one for that Just Rolled In site.

[@stevenakn1]

Extremely well done Ivan Your biggest fan😊

[@MTLeopold]

I knew 5 min in this was going to be a good one. Thanks for the scope lesson Ivan. Cheers.

[@tlo35]

Fantastic fixes. You have more knowledge of fixing cars than most elder mechanics. Good job. 👍

[@Joopa]

Excellent video. Bonus material shows brilliantly, that you not only need to know how to use your scope, but also to understand how to analyze data. Being in the data analytics business, I absolutely love the way of finding insights using the scope and proper analytics.

[@forrestprice7939]

Great info I think a lot of us learned on that one. Thanks Ivan for always inviting us in your shop. PS set the parking brake before turning ignition on for headlights to stay off on a GM vehicle

[@2nickles647]

I finally got my pico scope a week ago. Now that im learning from you. You can teach this ole dog new tricks. 😊

[@tracydiller9378]

Great diag. Ivan as always. I have used Standard parts for years when OE was not available and had no issues, most of the time even there economy line.

[@matthewmcmaster2731]

So nice to have an ace mechanic that lives so close to me if I eve need him. Please don't ever move. 😊

[@peterme7265]

Great job Ivan

[@poorboyman5565]

Good job Ivan!

[@bordercollieinachallenger3933]

Awesome Ivan, great comparison with the scope signals. Thanks for showing all your viewers the difference between the cheap Chinese knock offs verses the OEM equipment replacements.

[@russellberreth6513]

I've been troubleshooting for 45 years you make my head hurt in a good way, absolutely ausum videos, Canada may be centering some content without being registered with CRTC hope to see you in the future, keep up the great work thank you !!!!

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

Wow really cool with the graphing duty cycle. I never thought to try that out! I had a Honda with an after-market sensor that I couldn't find a diff. I'm going to check with a math channel to have some closure! Thanks for sharing!

[@hpelisr]

Great work Ivan, I have a S-10 in my driveway, may have to call the Doctor.

[@shawningler]

Nice Job! I've had a few oem 4.3 crank sensors hitting the reluctor which really pisses off the PCM! Gm actually had shims available back in the day. I always try the re-learn 1st on miss fires I can't feel ESPECIALLY on 6.0 C/K

[@ericwalpole4601]

Great video. Diagnostics is hard enough, then you add DIY with cheap parts and it takes it to a different level.

[@alanscrivner1881]

Bernie level diagnosis and explanation. Nice.

[@smh988]

This diagnostic encompassed a wide range of knowledge and expertise. This one reminds me of a similar situation, a looong time ago, where a mag sensor was *glued onto the magnesium housing of a gas turbine. Naturally, it vibrated loose, ever so slightly and just enough to cause random 'no light-offs'. It drove us nuts and nearly sent us into parts cannon mode. Enjoyed watching you nail this one. Miller time :-]

[@leroycaudill96]

Good job Ivan.

[@rhkips]

Holy crap, that variation in the cheap crank sensor was so tiny!! That's insane! Learned so much from one tiny glitch. :D

[@richard3141592638]

Opposing fans - good Band Name for mechanics.... great ep and great scope analysis. Thanks Ivan.

[@Bikerman42]

I would have suspected something looking at the frequency on the bad one compared to known good. Great video and use of the scope.

[@jerryking2418]

Interesting diag. Great fix for fan motor installed backwards.

[@johnclarke6542]

Cheap parts keep you busy, you shouldn't knock them, but you have convinced me which parts to buy, love the bonus clips

[@davidgoldberg]

Great job Ivan!

[@baxrok2.]

"Diagnostics isn't cheap, but it's guaranteed." Thanks Ivan!

[@for2utube]

Awesome ‘scope explanation. Fans hooked up backwards - submit to Just Rolled In.

[@jamesgeddes797]

Stellar! Thanks Ivan.

[@mudmucks]

I had a good laugh at "well, if you dont have a scope, maybe just try using good quality components". And then I saw the bonus bonus footage - fans trying to push air out the front of the car! Waaaaa-hahahahaha!

[@donkaiser6704]

Great crank sensor tutorial! Thanks much!

[@josephdavis4201]

Outstanding education. Thanks.

[@codyarizona4925]

I always tell people cheap parts are for Off-road use only. Lol. Nice work PH.

[@GreyRockOne]

Wow, That "use OEM" rule strikes again! Nice work Ivan!

[@EATSLEEPFARM]

Awesome job Ivan!!!👍Big brain showin there at the end with that waveform 😂. Genius!!Amazon has become a parts nightmare. I get people wanna save money but usually if cheap does work it doesnt last long.

[@Chris-kq7ko]

Always funny and a bit surprising when Ivan roasts his customers.

[@hightttech]

Great video 👍. This is one reason why i like an exhaust gas analyzer. Although it won't identify a bad CKP, it WILL quickly reveal that misfire counts are bogus.

[@stevesmith-xd3ph]

genius man love the content

[@dougkubash8673]

Good video! Thanks for comparing the crank sensors. I am in complete agreement with you on cheap parts. I would worry about the amazon distributor with future problems!

[@albutterfield5965]

Another job well done.

[@johnz8210]

That was pretty cool. Cheap AM parts are great - they probably help pay for your monthly expenses for years now. Jake from Alabama does some pretty interesting stuff on his channel. He's one sharp dude.

[@raymondreiff8170]

And why I refuse to use Junk from ebay and Amazon, especially any sensor and FAKE Denso parts, Absolutely rock solid work, Looks like I need a Scope and learn how to use it like this if I want to be successfull repairing any Modern machinery in the Future. Thanks for Great Content like this.

[@Sandmansa]

Cool stuff with the use of the scope Ivan. Those S10 extremes usually came a 4 banger. It's rare to see one with the big V6. I've run into this issue before (false misfires) with blazers that have the same engine. And it's almost always the same thing. Someone had replaced the CKP sensor with some dime store junk replacement part.

[@bobsoft]

Distributor cap is another common misfire issue on those engine

[@notsureigaf]

By about 6 minutes in I was thinking crappy aftermarket CKP based on the parts cannon situation and seeing similar phantom misfires in 4.0 Jeeps with crappy CKPs - was not disappointed 😎

[@robguysgarage5422]

Thank you, I learned a lot from this video

[@kerrylewis2581]

Great diag and repair

[@dhestondh]

When I first started working on cars I learned a lot from an older gentleman that told me test don't guess don't just throw parts at it cuz half of the time it's a waste

[@farooqhussain7684]

😊😊the bonus footage of fans was 👌

[@tedmoss]

You now have enough experience to be the best troubleshooter of all time (BTOAT).😁😁

[@wendwllhickey6426]

I never work on something that had a bunch of parts thrown on let them work on there problems they caused

[@dangleebols]

Good morning Ivan.

[@mrkttrdr2919]

Thanks proffesor, nice diag

[@urishaham2544]

Amazing work as always. Used to own one of these, bubbling sound from heater core was fixed with a new radiator cap.

[@michaelfraser5723]

couldn't leach eh, blocked breather?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

This one might have a blown head gasket from one too many XTREME burnouts 🤣

[@urishaham2544]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Sounds very plausible in this case 😂

[@davidmcclain5180]

Sometimes you can't get an OEM sensor in a reasonable amount of time. Just like in this instance, the value line Standard Motor Products part was available. I had to use a Duralast knock sensor a couple of days ago as the GM sensor was going to be a week out from the Chevy dealer. The aftermarket sensor that someone else installed 8,000 miles earlier had failed but I was forced to use another aftermarket sensor. It worked and hopefully it will last.

[@ALEX-xd7ko]

Ivan ... the best thing ive learned from you over the years is to use o.e.m sensors / electrical. I always make every effort now to do so and the shops i diag for hate it . Cause i refuse to diag until they agree to use o.e.m ....

[@dcomputers]

They only care about profit. Spend less is their plan.

[@thogevoll]

Was it really an electrical glitch or a mechanical glitch. When you showed us the sensor was loose and wobbly my mind immediately went to the false misfires being due to the sensor wobbling around. The ECU is constantly timing the rotational speed of the engine by examining those pulses at a microscopic level. The duty cycle function on the scope really proved it out though. Great work Ivan. I really like how you break things down and provide an explanation.

[@greghanlon2235]

Nice find Ivan. Was loose CKP causing oil leak at front cover too?

[@major__kong]

I work on the military side of aerospace in R&D. One of the topics that comes up in many areas is, how do we use cheap or cheaper sensors? I think one of the possible solutions to the Amazon crappy part problem is for the OEMs to have more resilient signal processing. Sometimes this means using an additional signal from a different kind of sensor and/or smart filtering. For example, you could compare the crank signal to the knock sensor to the rpm. If the engine is actually misfiring, maybe the knock sensor can pick that up. And if the crack sensor says the engine is slowing down, what does the tach say?

[@zx8401ztv]

You have said many times, Oem original parts are the best. That amazon junk did not have a good enough O ring (that would of helped stability), the bracket was shit!. So the sensor was vibrating with the engine vibration. (unwanted modulation) Ill never be a car repairer but Oem parts are a must for critical timing reliability. I wonder which part started the shot gun lol.

[@brianw8963]

That was xtremely cool. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@kyletuttle9064]

Amazing video Ivan.loved the backwards fans.thanks for sharing dude.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

It's surprising how a 0.5 millisecond change in duty cycle can affect misfire counts. The moral of the story is don't buy cheap parts for critical engine monitoring functions. Thanks, Ivan.

[@enesfazlic6017]

Great work as usual Ivan. What the hell on the cooling fans blowing foreward.🤦‍♂️

[@MitzvosGolem1]

To reduce stopping distance..

[@dikoman516]

Same people don't understand that polarity matters.

[@MitzvosGolem1]

@@dikoman516 bipolar

[@robertprelewitz4511]

Works great in reverse!!

[@pantherplatform]

I tried swapping a few parts in my 96 F150 Straight Six when it suddenly wouldn't start but had to resort to the diagnostic procedure and discovered the pick up coil in the distributor was bad. Replaced it, reinstalled all the original parts and it's been running perfectly for thousands of miles now. Gotta card one distributor in the glove box in case it happens on a trip. Not easy replacing that pick up coil/hall effect sensor.

[@bengardezy2169]

I remember working at nissan and having to get a code out of the BCM and input that code into assist(nissans service manual) and generate a code to put into Consult 2 lol. Was nice when 5523 worked for every car

[@johnshuttleworth6879]

Ivan this is so cool, duty cycle maths channel ❤❤

[@fieldsofomagh]

Oem for sensors only. Don't mess with design criteria at your peril. Knowledge is great but without application is useless.Nice fix on a tricky one.