Why You Should Never Get A Diagnosis At The Parts Counter....

This video shows yet again why you should never let the counter person at the Advance Auto, O'Reilly, Napa, Auto Zone or any parts store diagnose your car for you. There are several reason why but number one they are typically wrong and two it ends up costing you more money in the end. Sure they get lucky once in a while but why not just have it diagnosed by an actual mechanic? I dunno, maybe I am crazy...
-Enjoy!
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[@mmi16]

The HARDEST and best thing a vehicle owner can do is to find a local mechanic they can TRUST. Trust to do a proper diagnosis. Trust to do the repairs properly. Trust not to use the Parts Cannon.

[@oh8wingman]

I had a really good mechanic until he retired. Now I have to find a new one.......heavy sigh.

[@bayanon7532]

That is the statement of the day. My mechanic will fix his mistakes for free and often does little things at no cost for me. Fixed a nail in a tire for free. Properly, not just with a cheap plug. Put on new windshield wipers for free without even mentioning it. I have several old cars so he gets his pound of flesh, but when he gives me a bill, I don't even look a it.

[@imacgst27]

@@bayanon7532 That is such a hard thing to find anymore and it's sickening. My wife just brought her vehicle to get the annual inspection where she originally purchased the vehicle and they told her she had 2 bulbs out, which normally would be not a big deal, but they charged $35 labor to replace one marker bulb and $14 and some change in labor to replace the other bulb. Both bulbs were $2.99 each. That in my eyes should be a free service labor wise to keep your customers happy since it was there anyways. She was on a time crunch so she had them do it instead of them failing her inspection, coming home me putting in the 2 bulbs and her having to go back to get the sticker. Maybe I'm wrong for thinking that way, but that's why you go back to your mechanic, because he throws you a bone from time to time and you appreciate it. I just wish there were more shops like yours and SMA

[@lincoslam]

@@imacgst27 I get what you are saying, but do you do free stuff for your employer, like sweep the floor because you are there anyway? Some Cadillacs required front fascia removal to access lamp retention bolts. Taking up a bay for this will require some time. Time is how the shop gets paid.

[@imacgst27]

@@lincoslam No I get where your coming from on the extreme cases where you have to disassemble the car. The way I look at it is if you purchase a vehicle from them, get all your oil changes done by them, get your yearly inspection done by them, bought a battery by them at the same time they needed to replace the lights and it is already there in the bay, seems a bit much to charge $45 for $6 of lights and 2 minutes at least for those lights. We all know the dealerships aren't hurting for money or business.

[@carlosnavarro921]

I work at the parts counter and the first thing I tell them when they want diagnosis is that I'm not a mechanic and refer them to a local shop. So Mr. O you are correct.

[@gravediggmn]

Ditto, I've worked a parts counter for far too long than I care to admit. The amount of people that actually assume I know what's up with their car and will actually argue with me, wanting to know why I sell parts if I don't work on them.. is astounding.

[@Raylude5]

@@gravediggmn You should just bring out a magic 8 ball from under the counter and put it on top and just shake it and look at them 😉

[@2nickles647]

Amen...same here. People walk in. Want a Diagnosis. I tell them. This is a scanner only. Tells you what codes are present. The bad part is: The scanner is downloaded. Presto the cure to your engine miss is a misfire. On #4. 😂 The customer says. I changed plugs and wires already. The guy yesterday told me to change them. I say. Take it to a shop. Have them do a proper Diagnosis and come back and I will sell you the part after the shop has done its job.

[@russdavis1960]

At the small 'mom and pop' parts store I work at, we get the 'Do you have a scanner?' question just about every single day. Our reply is 'It's a code reader, nothing else. We can give you the codes but it ain't gonna tell you what the actual problem is'. We get the 'Well Autozoo, O' really, etc can tell me what's wrong with it, why can't you?' My personal reply is usually 'I can tell you the codes, it's up to you as to whether you want to buy the ammunition for the parts cannon, or you can take it to a shop for a HOPEFULLY proper diagnosis.'

[@russdavis1960]

@@Raylude5 My manager and myself have discussed this on MANY occasions...😄

[@kevinmonseler3592]

When you questioned him if he wanted a thorough diagnosis, that was the best money he spent and a invaluable lesson to why code readers are not the answer all the time. SMA should also stand for smartest man around, because you sir are a phenomenon. Huge fan from Canada 🇨🇦 keep up the amazing videos.

[@montestu5502]

Smartest Man Around. Brilliant!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

You know, I'll never think of SMA as South Main Auto ever again! LoL 😅😆 *Brilliant!*

[@Delekham]

I now hate you!! Job well done!!

[@guyazbell7844]

Yep Mr.O is a genius only one I know who was as good or better was my brother Dan he my friend was a walking diagnostic computer I kid you not he walks by a vehicle and tells you what was wrong with it and 100% of the time nails it.

[@jeffschank7329]

I really want to learn this !! I love watching and listening... Please continue posting. I'd love to be your level of tech

[@hackfabrication139]

Mr. O: Please continue to explain yourself! I'm not a technician. Probably on a good day, I'm a lousy mechanic. But your videos of using the scope and diagnostic computers are starting to have a positive effect on me!

[@dieselwhisperer6907]

There is tons of old content from him that go in depth on scopes and scan tools. Odds are good if he doesn’t go far enough in a current video a quick search or scroll will find you what you need!

[@bayanon7532]

@@dieselwhisperer6907 Thanks for that. I'll go look. He's often over my head but I'm trying to learn.

[@speedslayerr]

Completely agree!! Please continue to explain the basic decision making processes that go on quietly in your noggin for us guys who can understand the tech and methods used but don't always have a level of knowledge that would mean we can infer why you do what in your troubleshooting process. It is very very helpful - thanks!!

[@johnhanselman6371]

I do not blame the parts counter. They are clerks who know how to order and sell parts. If they were mechanics then they would be working in an auto shop.

[@wendwllhickey6426]

They just want to sell parts and don't care😂

[@Dons440]

I'm with you Eric, I work in an auto parts store and I also have my own personal shop where I do a lot of work. I never ever tell people what's wrong with their car I tell them to take it to a qualified mechanic I'm just here to sell you parts. I see a lot of people including coworkers that think they know what's wrong with a car without even looking at it. I guess looking through glass at the color of the car tells them what's wrong with it. Hats off to you Eric keep up the good work

[@2nickles647]

Spot on sir

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

As someone that worked at a parts counter for a few years, you are correct sir!

[@bruceirvine3962]

It's not "explaining yourself"! It's helping us to learn to think like a diagnostician logically. Thank you!

[@delano62]

That's what Hack is saying.

[@rogermason5833]

Eric, I watch your videos because you are the one online car repair guy that does problem diagnosis the right way. Even with years of experience you get the data first to confirm the suspected problem before any parts replacement. If I lived anywhere nearby (I don't) you would be "my guy"

[@matthewwakeham2206]

Diagnose Dan is quite good too.

[@fredwalker839]

There are a lot of Eric’s out there,, your job is to find guys like him! We “are” out here ! LOL

[@rogermason5833]

@@fredwalker839 Yes, I'm sure they are around. It's just tough for a customer to identify them without using the "try them and pray" method. Even then you usually can't tell whether they just got lucky with the parts cannon.

[@stevebell4906]

I actually had just the opposite of this my best mechanic buddy ran a one man shop until he retired and soon after died ....but I digress..jimmy was a great diagnostician and mechanic and he had a lifetime of experience...and tons of common sense...but Jimmy hated to chase parts...And always told me what to get and where to go get them...Sometime locally sometimes the dealer in the next town... He decided that he liked me for the first time when he told me what head gaskets to buy and not to get the cheaper ones and I didn't argue ...but just asked where to get them and which ones he wanted!...Folks so much of the time ask the expert for advise and then want to argue or tell him he's wrong...I knew he knew more about that car than I ever would... Once when he was in the middle of a big job and I stopped in for help he said he was swamped and told me how to fix it myself and gave me a couple of deer back straps from a deer he shot that morning and wouldn't charge me anything...What a great guy!

[@MarkJones-jb7iz]

Wish I worked with more mechanics like yourself. I got a shop full of shotgunners. Proves a lack of knowledge on their part. Thanks for another great video 👌🏻

[@johnmack4351]

An advantage of being the owner/operator in a shop. Most techs are not paid to diagnose so, it becomes a "parts-for-all" You're right though, bout having a guy like Eric would be great.

[@SilverbackFirewood]

Don’t think of it as explaining yourself to the haters and know it alls. You are educating those of us that are watching to learn exactly what you were teaching. That deep dive into why you do what you do is what makes this channel so awesome and educational!

[@MichaelsGuns]

When I worked at autozone a decade ago, they would never let us give a definitive diagnosis. Just tell them the codes and possibilties and let the customer decide from there. I alawys got stuck installing all the batteries cause I was the only one who knew how to work on a fucking car.

[@jasonpopielarczyk7511]

Actually had a similar issue several years ago. Intermittent fuel injector. Found the wiring harness was rubbing against a bolt and had been worn thru and was shorting that specific fuel injector.

[@brnmcc01]

Or in the people's republic of New York, the wire rubs just enough to make a pinhole in the insulation, then the salt gets in there, and WAM. There's your problem, lady; it's got the green crusties = high resistance.

[@rodx5571]

some cars are worse than others about that. anything dodge/chrysler are the worst offenders for wiring issues related to stuff rubbing.

[@mlieser1230]

All the chain parts stores have one thing in common - make a profit. The free "scan for codes convenience" is just a conveyance to sell parts. They pull up a code and sell you "the most common" culprit. In most cases they are electrical components. The customer purchases them and runs home to install the "magic solution". When said electrical gizmo fails to correct the problem, the customer removes the part, puts it into the greasy print covered box, and with receipt in hand, goes back to the store for a refund. The sadness sets in when the new shift's counter person explains that the part is used and not returnable. They also point out that there are no returns on electrical items unless they are defective and are within the warranty period. The house still wins and the gambler loses.

[@2nickles647]

Because they don't sell Used parts. As soon the new part is installed. It's a used part.

[@Cdub541]

Not that hard to clean the part up and return it in the condition you got it. Should be common sense to do that anyways if you want to return something.

[@luketrochinski3954]

Lol, some people clean and spray paint the old parts, box'em, and successfully return them because the counter help, no offense, usually doesn't realize it. Especially when staff changes shift. We all have seen the ridiculousness run wild.

[@ccole9080]

the house always wins in gambling . thats how they stay open

[@panzerabwerkanone]

People look for the easiest, cheapest solution. Not always the one that is right.

[@caleb5962]

Worked at a part store for a year and a bit. Loved seeing people learn to DIY but hate the amount of people expecting a professional diag on their car.

[@ronniemaeker9102]

Best thing about this channel: ATTITUDE... No bashing the customer...just educating... You can teach a lot of people a lot of things...the hardest one is a good attitude... I would take an uneducated person with a good attitude any day over someone with a poor attitude...

[@garyglenn1445]

Awesome diagnostic as always it's good to know there are still some honest mechanics out there that have common sense 👍

[@Michael-gw8wh]

The difference is “reading” the codes versus knowing how to read the codes ❤️🚘🎥

[@craigsmith8217]

Chevy misfire. Parts counter guy told me a bad coil on #2. He told me to swap coils to verify it. He was right.

[@mph5896]

He at least gave you good direction instead of just telling you to replace the coil.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

People like Eric , their knowledge and experience on where and what to look for , is invaluable. Just a code # is not enough , you need his brain power.

[@zoltanliszkai2162]

theres no two car the same hence the diag

[@REDMAN298]

Many think that all that has to be done is plug it in and read a code.

[@RW-ee4mb]

Eric and his brain power…. Awesome stuff

[@fredwalker839]

@@REDMAN298 if you are a “Why Guy” things get a little more clear ! Know your Scanner & what it is saying ! Numbers never lie ! It ‘s the Tech ‘s responsabilty to “de- cipher “ what it’s Saying !

[@basshunter428]

Auto supply stores love when the "parts cannon" goes bang! The store that recommended the parts only stands to benefit because the plugs/coil probably wouldn't be returned had they been replaced without first analyzing their relevance (installed by owner, friends, etc...). I will say that some parts stores do recommend going to an expert (just saw this happen recently) but as someone who frequents auto parts way TOO much😆, it is the exception, not the norm. Good thing the customer had the smarts 🎓 to bring it to you!

[@brnmcc01]

Right, but most parts stores also want happy customers, because then they will come back and recommend to their friends etc. You burn one guy with the wrong expensive parts and he/she will just be pissed and go to the competition. There's no shortage of parts stores even smaller cities have O'Reilly's, NAPA, Autozone, Advance, at least. Pep Boys here too. There are bad apples out there though that only care about short term profits and sales versus long time repeat customers.

[@Fallout301]

As someone who works for the parts store myself, I hate when people load the parts cannon, then they come back and return these parts because it didn't fix their problem. It sucks having shrink on that because I can't put it back on the shelf, it's used... and I have gotten used to this conversation "can you do the free diagnostic?" 'Yes I will read your codes for you, but its not a diagnosis its just a symptom, like when you go to the doctor and say you have a cough, the doctor figures out why you're coughing' and depending on the problem i have a list of shops i steer them towards, I'll sell the parts if they insist, but I try to get people taken care of the first time, because nothing personal, but i don't wanna see you again today for same problem, but I'm happy (relatively speaking) to see you for an air freshener or a new problem.

[@Fallout301]

Sadly some of the shops in my area are parts cannon marksmen themselves, so "oh its a p0301, we'll throw plugs wires coil at it" or something like that

[@robey60]

This kind of diagnosis is EXACTLY why I love your channel!!!

[@frankdaiii6403]

The more my family and friends give me "hobby" work, the more I pride myself on correctly diagnosing rigs. I always check for power and resistance FIRST. My saying is, "I don't do try-agnostics when I fix a rig. I want to be sure before I replace parts." You da man! Thanks so much for the info you put out to all of us.

[@buckturgidson1448]

Just for fun, I checked my local Advance website. For a 2015 Cherokee w/ the big 3.2, a set of plugs (lower end Autolite iridium) and an ignition coil (Advance branded) came to $99 + tax. Then you pay Eric to install the parts and your car’s still broke. Or, instead, you can pay Eric the $99 (or thereabouts) to get a correct diagnosis. Your out-of-pocket will be the same but your blood pressure will be a lot lower and your car will be fixed the first time.

[@scientist100]

My fee is $80 and I dont own a shop.

[@threefortyduster]

It's the worst. I escaped from the parts business after I graduated from college and this was always the worst. People would call in and want us to diagnose their car over the phone, giving them a magical part that would fix all of their problems. Then they'd argue about whatever you told them and want just the cheapest possible they could rationalize.

[@stevebennett9750]

As a person who works for one of those auto parts places that does the "free check engine light scan" I really wish we didn't. Because we're pretty much told just to give the customer the code, and to recommend they take it to one of our commercial shops. So then the commercial shop is going to scan it again any way then properly diagnose it. So it really renders the whole point of scanning a customer's car pointless.

[@donjohnson1416]

I worked at AZ for years and got so annoyed hearing other zoners telling customers that have a O2 code they need a new O2 sensor. Ugh.

[@brianargo4595]

I get that point, but also it was nice before I could afford a decent scan tool and just had a cheap harbor freight multi tool. At least gave me a direction to start looking. But yeah, the fact they pretty much advertise it as "anything wrong, your ECU knows exactly what it is" A: devalues decent mechanics and B: sells them more parts (which I'm sure is the important bit)

[@joeyk803c]

Sometimes customers wanted to know just for peace of mind. Like to know if it’s still okay to drive the car till they had the money to get it to a shop. That I didn’t mind.

[@ouch1011]

There is no issue with telling a customer what the code number and definition is. Telling them that they need to replace a part based only off of reading the code is the problem.

[@DeepCZero3]

Its to build trust in the AZ staff so when they tell you that a part is needed, youll be more likely to buy said part, plus the brake pad grease and anti sieze because you always need brake pad grease and anti seize

[@rider547]

Great explanation and example of why a proper diagnosis is needed when the “money” light is on. Love your videos! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@supergeekjay]

They should rename it from the "Malfunction Indicator Light" to "Empty Wallet Light"

[@waylonmurphy5772]

This is why I love watching Eric's videos this man goes out of his way to help you fix your car the right way the first time and it's cheap as possible instead of throwing Parts at it and not even fixing it

[@steveo6631]

Always look forward to how you're gonna segue at the end to post comments, the insty, etc... Very clever... It always makes me laugh when I see a parts store guy "diagnosing" a vehicle in front of the store... Reading a code ain't diagnosing, my guy.... Hope things have gotten cooler there in the PRNY....

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

The engine size correction was brilliant! +10

[@joeyk803c]

I worked for the “Green” guys for around 8 years. I hated doing check engine light scans. People expected us to be able to tell them what was wrong , and how to fix it. Idgaf if my SM, DM or RM would write me up. I would NEVER sell a customer parts based off of a check engine light code. I’d tell the customer the code, explain what it could be and always say - “if you don’t have the proper tools, skills and experience to correctly diagnose it, please take it to a shop. I am not a mechanic and this is only an aid to assist you” Some customers loved I was honest with them. Others hated me. They wanted a fix for fee and wanted me to tell them how to do it. I’m a DIYer on the side. I’ll fix family/closed friends cars. If I don’t know what I’m doing - I’ll tell them. Take it to a shop. I know a few good mom and pop shops in the area that’ll treat you right. The Zonies across the street from the last store I worked would sell parts from their code scanner and I hated that they did it. Horrible business practice.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

So nice that you were honest with the customer as you tried to cover your own butt as well, since the boss would want parts sold. These new vehicles are getting way too complicating for the average person to bother to try and fix it them self. So many people also thing just pull a code and that is the problem. We both know it isn't so. Mr O is a great tech and wish there were more of them around.

[@sneaks01]

I always learn so much from you, Eric!

[@Lammergeier350]

I work at a parts counter, and I will always recommend a diagnostic procedure as opposed to a "here's your problem, Lady." Most of the time the diagnostic procedure I recommend is "drive it to a shop."

[@scottm9966]

WTH? So I'm watching, I'm learning, I'm following along with your reasoning, I'm ready for you to start and then show us the resistance of the suspect versus the others and....... CLIFFHANGER!!! Just like the final episode of the season of your favorite show! Appreciate all that you do for our entertainment and education. Thank you

[@gflores7018]

Another good video Thanks for the videos Keep it coming Eric O

[@MemphisApplegate]

Please, continue to "explain" yourself!!! That's what makes your videos so wonderful: you go into detail and explain why (and how) you do your diagnosis. I was just disappointed you didn't find another rusty ground connection.

[@dougowens2686]

Great explanation please keep them coming

[@zr1sparky1]

Love your videos Erik!

[@yhird]

Thank you Eric for the great explanation. Great video. Cheers.

[@JLange642]

People are free to express their opinions. They are also able to feel free to open their own shop and run it their own way. Eric runs his this way and he has MANY customers that love him for his detail and thoroughness. You do you Eric! We love ya!

[@raullcalzadilla3541]

Very well explained, thank you.

[@mikelancaster9930]

Love you videos. You have helped me be a better technician with some of tips and tricks you show. Thank you

[@gromett]

Brilliant video. Thank you again 😀

[@jdeltoro518]

Great analysis.always the best and honest

[@dav1dsm1th]

Always interesting and entertaining.

[@joaquingnunez]

Hello Mr Eric…. I work at Advanced Auto and I agree 100% with you . First thing I tell them this is just a small part in diagnostic. You need to take it to a shop and get the full diagnosis…. To get the full picture. Love you videos it help me , help customers.

[@WBOS72]

I love the diag videos Eric! Thanks for sharing.

[@eugeneenslow8563]

I VERY much appreciate your explanation(s)‼️

[@tonystevens4468]

Really enjoy all your videos. It’s fun to watch someone who takes pride in their work. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing

[@vigilantemotors]

Tony, if you like this kind of stuff maybe you can take a look at my channel and give me some real honest feedback. Thanks, and I hope to see you over there

[@averywellsand888]

I like when you explain your reasons because it helps me learn more

[@JorgeRodriguez-zd5ej]

Keep up the good work thanks for all that you do

[@MrCumminz]

Great video and explanation. thanks

[@Speeddemon3]

Hey buddy, I've been in the trade for years and yes I agree what we do isn't rocket science but it IS beyond the scope of the Johnny DIY'r. Videos like yours, like Rainman's are honest techs giving honest solid advice to people that happen to wander onto KZbin looking for help. Finding honest techs to listen to is indefensible advice. Yourself and other techs try the best we can to limit damage to our profession but you and again Ray take the time almost daily to video the diag and the repair. Don't knock the time you take to do these vids and explain what going on and how to do it. Some techs aren't bad, I try to believe they had bad apprenticeships and mechs that just tired of what they do. You're doing it right my friend and keep the masses informed! I don't have time to record my repairs and nor do I want to, so your channel and others are needed. Keep the dark side down brother!!

[@fredwalker839]

So true! Eric is a rare find ! On U tube ! He runs his own shop, get a good feeling about his content ! He thinks “ out of the box” every day,, it works for him, & his “U” tube revenue ! He deserves his income ! Ray, is the same but different , he is a smart guy too ! Ivan,,, from Pine Hollow is the only other, who is “scary smart “ Scanner Danner, confuses himself,,, not only the guys who try to learn but guys that have been around,, get a head ache ! LOL I guess with a lot of experience , we are all teachers of some sort, pass on the knowledge for who really wants it ! Free or Not !! As long as it is true !

[@michaelbongiorno9142]

Excellent video

[@wejaith3]

Always the best videos.

[@schwinn434]

Thanks for another very informative video, Eric!

[@jimprovax6846]

Nice job as always.

[@victorpena9824]

Good Diagnosis, Eric. Heck, we learn something new and useful every day.👍

[@arcadeuk]

Getting the parts store to "diagnose" the problem, then paying a diagnostic mechanic to do the parts cannon part is pretty backwards. Glad the guy saw sense and authorised you to do the proper diagnosis

[@2nickles647]

Reading a code is not Diagnostic. I tell customers. Here is the code. Go to a shop to have the car Diagnosed correctly before purchasing parts. Once the shop the actual cause of the code. Then buy the parts to fix it and the shop will reset your engine light.

[@jbborg]

Great way to start my day - watching you do your thing. Keep up the great work.

[@timsak]

Far out! great education Eric, Thank you and keep 'em coming...

[@earlemiles4871]

Just another great video, thank you.

[@ethansprofile6670]

As an experienced controls electrician I appreciate the fact that you do diagnostics to verify problems and you are not a "module swapper" technician. I always trust the schematics and the test of the hypothesis to verify a lost skill.

[@darylmorgan9887]

Top notch diagnostics Eric. Thanks

[@DconBlueZ]

Love watching an expert doing his thing. Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

[@hexaforce]

Great explanation of why a proper diagnosis is worth every penny! Thx EO@SMA!

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Really appreciate explaining your thought process. Well done!

[@TheTimothydragon]

I love when you walk us through the thought process

[@EM-df6mo]

Well done, as usual Young Man !!

[@bruceslattengren8587]

Your totally awesome keep on keeping on what a human being god bless you and your family

[@JBreeze4598]

Bravo, Golf Clap. Good vid. thanks for the share.

[@RonHuffman]

I'm a full time electronic engineer/ component level technician, I also love to work on cars and understand its electronic systems. I enjoy watching your videos as the lessons i learn from you make me better at working on cars as well as my engineering/technician job too. So thank you for your knowledge and entertainment as well. Keep on keeping on. Signed the High Tech Redneck....

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

I believe the code reader gave you, the diagnoser, a starting point. I also believe you proved the problem part. I've seen too many parts hangers rely on the codes and fail to solve the problem. Logic prevails!

[@chadadececco]

You are awesome 👌 thanks for all the information you have passed on. I love that your videos are educational and entertaining as well. Hi Mrs O!

[@TargaWheels]

Even though you don't have to explain yourself, it increases other peoples ability to not only diagnose, but understand why you do it that way..

[@CraigArndt]

Great explanation Eric, appreciate your thought process.

[@MichaelRBlair]

Thanks for going through your methodology. Obviously we are always told to not assume but it is good to hear exactly why you should not assume anything.

[@drawbridge611]

In-depth diagnostics like this are my favorite part of repair. (I'm an electronics/I.T. guy, so no mystery there I guess.)

[@tracysellman1562]

Good diag Eirc O. loved this one, your the man, brother.

[@solargarage]

Excellent video.

[@knobblyknob]

Thank you for your wisdom Car Jesus.

[@hifiman4562]

I went to a parts store looking for an Oldsmobile part. The kid behind the counter looked bewildered. Like I was trying to prank him. He asked "Who makes that?" 😆

[@michael931]

You should have said Hudson.

[@mtut]

@@michael931 You beat me by 30 seconds. I was going to say Studebaker.

[@hifiman4562]

@@michael931 That would have broken the poor kid.

[@codymarszalek9581]

Or ford pinto. I'm 34 yrs old and have a 70 mach 1 w/ fmx trans stock cruiser cruising. 90's baby & went in myself for part. Same 2000's gen. Who makes mach 1. Well can't know everything. Just told em ford. Like new plastic crap mach 1 lol 😆 but more artistic involved as compared to present year junk

[@CO-it7nd]

Thank you for the great display of simple diagnostics. I always try to learn from you in addition to my experiences. Thank you for sharing the knowledge 😊

[@slikballa]

Thanks for another great video ! Your a great teacher and a humble human being,something the world needs more of

[@Eastahtata]

Nice quick efficient diagnosis 👌

[@WisconsinWanderer]

I’ve had mechanic’s refuse to install the parts I brought in. So this was a rare anomaly. Thanks for the video Eric!!

[@jamespfitz]

I worked in a service station. The owner's barber came in one day for an oil change, with his own oil and filter. The boss asked him what he'd say if the boss showed up for a haircut and brought his own scissors. The barber got his vehicle serviced elsewhere after that.

[@ajfurnari2448]

Most shops will refuse it, because they can't guarantee workmanship AND they get markup on their parts. After all, you don't bring your own steak to a restaurant.... But, since Eric is the owner, if he wants to throw parts into a car with no guarantee, it's labor money in the cash register. Better than leaning on the toolbox, laughing at Scotty Kilmer videos.

[@citi0rhythm]

@@jamespfitz Well that's not a accurate comparison. Bringing your own scissor is more like bring your own ratchet and asking the shop to only use said ratchet. Bring your own part is more like bring your own shampoo, or hair dye. Can the salon source those products? Probably. Is there potential liability issue if something does go wrong? Sure. But I think there's better ways to manage the situation then simply refuse to install a part despite it being the correct one from a legitimate manufacturer.

[@atikovi1]

@@ajfurnari2448 Shops that use customer supplied parts often have a waiver saying they won't be responsible if the parts are bad. And they can certainly add more labor charges to make up for lost parts revenue. And the restaurant analogy isn't really valid. How may steak houses have a separate price listed for the meat and then the cost to cook it?

[@WisconsinWanderer]

@@citi0rhythm I like your way of thinking 🤔

[@lertsomboon1481]

Great video, thank you.

[@garywaisner7393]

Great job!!

[@Black3ternity]

Thanks Eric. Always appreciate the videos. Especially these diagnostic videos are great. I am not a car mechanic, nor do I work on my own car. I am one of the great car enthusiasts that brings the car to a shop and says "please fix it". Your videos help me massively to understand what they do with my car, understand the stuff that needs to be done and especially WHY the prices are what they are. It helped me a ton to describe problems better, give more information to my mechanics in order to drill down on stuff.

[@mbray10]

From one electrical engineer to another ;) amazing quick diagnosis as always!

[@jimstelljes3925]

Great diagnosis Eric.

[@steveharleyfan]

Nice diagnostic - and nicer explanation... !!!

[@TJ-sv3hw]

Please continue to "explain yourself"......as your explanation is really helpful for me to understand your troubleshooting process!

[@robinrousseau1087]

YOU and IVAN ARE THE BEST.

[@fishin11]

Retired marine technician here. Absolutely loved this video! Over the years I/we have had so many boat owners/arm chair mechanic’s come in that watch certified you tube mechanics and think they ‘find’ the problem, buy the parts because ‘they’ can get it cheaper, then come to us. We TEST & CONFIRM to make sure what ‘they’ found is correct or not, and most times they are wrong just like with you here. What we really loved over the years was when they bought their ‘cheaper priced’ parts, which did happen to be the part that failed, we would call to see if they wanted a good top quality part or to put in what they give us. Then about half the time we would see them back real soon!

[@DrLee65]

You explained that process well Eric with logic and it makes a lot of sense, thanks for sharing Bro! 👍🏾

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

another great lesson and video from South main Auto...thank you for my daily entertainment !

[@ThePapa41]

Great job Eric, this is proof of your superior diagnosis strategies and credibility !!! Louis

[@narfharder]

Saw this same thing on my sister's 2010 T&C 4.0L minivan, P0205, flashing engine light. I hate "throwing parts at it" just on principle, so shade-treeing without a scope or scanner, I pulled the intake and swapped no. 5 coil, plug, and injector each to different cylinders, and went for a test drive. One injector later (with a second manifold R&R) and no more misfires. I was tickled pink to save them a chunk of money on that particular fix. The O' will print you out a list of common causes for different codes. This can be very helpful for a home mechanic, as a free service to someone who doesn't have a lot of diag tools but can think through a problem logically, it does have its place.