Working on an Old School Car with New School Tricks! (Chevy Caprice)

In this video we go back 30 years to work on a 1994 Chevy Caprice with a 4.3L. The vehicle was stalling and running rough. We break out the scope to do some testing and we got the answer really easily, but along the way we ran into something that could really lead you astray if you don’t know it. This is crucial to utilizing a scope correctly. We hope it helps. Enjoy!
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[@SouthMainAuto]

You guys do a great job Sherwood. Always a pleasure to watch 👍🏼

[@djosbun]

Agreed! The videos are clear and concise…..Sherwood’s teaching skills are superb.

[@SeilerRdAutoCare]

Eric O approved! I knew I was liking this channel. Two very good places to learn about automotive repair. Much appreciation for both channels!

[@Akadectra]

I also like both channels ❤

[@JohnnieBravo1]

MORE OBD1 diagnostics please, including GM communications networks. My old 89 Trofeo (olds toronado), which I bought new in 88, has the dreaded "ELECTRICAL PROBLEM" on the gauge cluster. I'm trying to educate myself on these things to hopefully get it going again. I only have a Rigol 2-channel scope which I am learning to use.

[@phillipbridge5009]

Awesome to see an in depth video on older vehicles.....we will need 'em!

[@henrytav]

Excellent example of why it is important to properly ground the scope! That alone made my day!

[@DTEAuto]

As always, the presentation of the demonstration was great. One thing to maybe point out...as we all know, actual true diagnostics is not "in and out." It is only this way if you are using the scope to verify a pattern failure that is a known issue as in the case with this distributor, all you are doing is covering your a**. I would suggest to not "glorify" scoping and performing diagnostics as an easy peezy, in and out, wham bam thank you maam situation as if it falls into a hurry rushed flat rate scenario. Performing diagnostics to find a problem is not a set time like a brake job or an oil change. To state that it's easy can only put pressure on the person doing the diag and a false expectation on a business owner of their technicians. If one were to rush and make the connections incorrectly (like putting the ground lead in the "wrong" place like you showed) and then look at the capture will lead to an incorrect call of whatever "generates" the signal (if one was not aware of where to put the ground lead, even if you know, if one is rushed, then can simply put it on chassis and not batt negative). Or, you can put the pressure of acting like its quick and easy and have a tech make all the correct connections in the first place but than "rush" over the data that was gathered and make the wrong call....One can have all the goodies in the world and spent $50k on the latest and greatest and rush over a scope capture of incyl on an engine with 2 plugs per cylinder and call it a clogged cat, all because they rushed to put out some "information." Much worse than that is if it is not known at first that the mess up occurred, to go ahead and try to sell the incorrect part all because the technician "rushed" thru a diag all because they had "seen" that scope diagnostics is "in and out quick and easy." Once it is realized that an incorrect call was made on a diagnosis from rushing, a tech should take it upon themselves to acknowledge their mistake and correct it with the correct information, not just delete, rip up papers and act like a wrong call was never made, and then continue to seem as they always present diags without any wrongs. Again, thanks for sharing well put together videos, but please don't hype up the content of diagnostics as if its easy and quick and should be "X" amount of minutes, because we are all human and make mistakes and in our industry when you put a gun to our heads to make a call it almost always is the wrong one, even if we are seasoned veterans, but it's how we handle our screw ups that shows how one is.

[@sherwoodcooke7766]

I appreciate the comment. I really do. Definitely learning how to make videos more friendly. Sometimes my mind moves faster than my mouth. Haha. The Honda upper cat was completely destroyed and the substrate material completely clogged the lower cat, which was evident in the capture. But you're correct that I got so quick to get an answer that I didn't pay attention to the other coil. I really appreciate you making a comment on that one, I'm assuming it was you, as I don't want to confuse newer techs on what they are looking for on scope captures. We are working on that video to see if we can maybe overlay me onto the video or cut me in to show what you pointed out. A little more advance editing than my son is use to. Lol. As far as "quick in and out" what I'm trying to get across to a lot of techs is that using the proper equipment, especially a scope, can make your job faster and without guessing. I've talked to so many techs over my career that say the scope "takes too long". I'm a firm believer that, in many cases, there is no way to prove something bad without a scope, which means a lot of techs are guessing even when they "know" they are right. Please take everything I said in a positive, upbeat tone, as that is how I mean it to come across. I really do appreciate all the comments! Have a great day!!

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

I answered on my personal. SMH. 😂 Oh well, it's early. That is me that answered though.

[@DTEAuto]

@@sherwoodcooke7766 Everything taking positively no worries, and I appreciate the response. Yes, I definitely understand all too well about the mind moving faster than the mouth and one misspeaking and incorrectly stating something about a waveform. I know that you are out here trying to teach others about the power of the scope as many of us do. I totally agree with you and others on the fact that the scope WILL make processes a lot faster and easier to make the correct call all the time. I almost always will pick up the scope when getting into any diagnostic no matter if I think it will be simple or not. But just maybe make sure to let others know, especially the ones learning, or for any shop owners (that think just because there's a scope out that the job of diagnosing magically should be a 5 minute job no matter what) that it only becomes "this easy' after so many years of scope usage and familiarity of executing waveform captures, and even then some diags can take a long time even with a scope as you just have to keep following the data of each test/capture you take in order to move onto the next one (as you guys state to follow the data) As far as a possible follow up, I think that would be a great idea for you guys if it is possible (as a shop owner/tech I know the days are busy and sometimes it's hard to do anything at all). As I said before, we all make mistakes, especially when we are trying to put out information...I've been there in that same exact spot, realized where I went wrong and purposely made a second presentation correcting my statement and put in the effort to showcase how I made the incorrect statement but then displayed what really happened. I commend you guys for the absolute crazy level of growth and success that you have achieved in what seems like a short amount of time, but for that reason is why it might be a good idea to make a follow up, it at least wouldn't hurt any. You have to remember how big your reach is, and you don't want to misinform a large amount of people and leave it at that...way too many smart ones out there that realized it. If it gets to a point where you guys do make one and would be willing to take any advice on the captures....feel free to reach out, if not, no worries there either. Other than that, as always good presentations put together, you guys are doing great I wish you continued success and look forward to future vids. 👍👍

[@DependableAutoTruck]

Me on the other hand i love it when the older ones come in. My service truck is a 1994 Ram 2500 4WD i found a OBD1 to OBD2 adapter for the dodges and it works great. have seen some for other vehicles but have the snapon adapter set that uses the power wire but the dodge is simple and with the adapter all my scanners work with the 1994 Ram. But all my personal vehicles are older dodges. thanks for sharing the video its nice to see all along some older stuff.

[@vickenkaragozian2041]

Just tap the low resolution signal to power with a test light hooked up to battery positive to see if the ecm is pulsing the injectors and pulsing the ignition module. That way you know the ecm is good and also to see if the ignition module is pulsing the ignition coil. Love the videos and love it more when you use the Escope elite my favorite scope. Thank you

[@ryan.mullen]

Let’s go!!!!! Just got off work and opened KZbin and saw a new video. I’ve already learned so much. I’m still pretty new to using my scope but I never realized to put the ground straight to the battery until I saw your guys videos. Thank you for the shout out and thank you for the great information you guys put out on the internet.

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Absolutely! We appreciate you!

[@andrewfischer9477]

You broke your own rule… always a charger when testing 😉 Mike I’m sending you a package

[@sherwoodcooke7766]

Haha, yep.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Great video and I like these older OBD 1 diagnostics. I still drive a 92 Cavalier that was my work beater before I retired and my fiancé drives a 94 Cavalier as her work beater. I too have watches all of your videos and can't wait until new ones come out. You are a great teacher with clear descriptions of what you are doing and why. Keep it up.

[@robertnicholson771]

Great video! I would have loved to see the optispark replacement also.

[@curtomaru8077]

thanks for these scope videos . ive worked at 3 different shops in my town and no one uses a scope . im gonna get one so i have the upper hand

[@martinboucaud679]

Great job guys. I love the way you guys use the scope. Another great job. Keep up the good work.

[@kevinminor2558]

If Mike owns an incandescent test light he has a spark tester LOL but i like the screw driver.

[@Grunter123]

Great video as usual. Its great to see you showing us the actual set up of the scope probes etc as not all of us are experienced scope users.

[@CPthetooladdict]

And hear I thought my days of seeing optispark were long gone lol great video guys!

[@gilbertgarcia1575]

I was doing a purchase the other day with ATS Jeff. I mentioned your channel and how you use all the ats equipment. They are well aware if your channel. I was giving you big props!!!

[@ablackformula]

Ya'll busted out the scope anyway... there was no need for a noid light and a spark tester. A quick backprobe to the ignition coil and injector control wire's would've shown no control.

[@DuaneDonaldson]

Not sure how you label your work orders in your software but here on YT it would be best to follow a format similar to this please, Chevy Caprice 1994 4.3L, make model year engine, then code, definition, symptoms, repair if you wish. Many of the YT viewers keep data for their personal libraries in this format. Some folks put the year first for some reason, a little harder to find what you like if not under the make of the vehicle upfront in alphabetical order, but that is me, I have created some computer code to arrange it in the order that I like but honestly, putting the car at the end of the title and adding in parenthesis breaks my code LOL. Thank you for testing all wires needed up to the limit of the scope in one shot, awesome technique. Today's TREND is to keep the battery up any way possible, not sure how many jump boxes you have or chargers or maintainers or spare batteries on a wagon to roll around, but please don't get caught allowing a low battery on camera. I am sure your shop is full of professionals but you are not a pro video maker hehehe, YT TREND is editing out as much of the thinking time and the mistakes made. I know it's been a long time since working on an OPTISPARK but a little time before filming to refresh our memory to look more informed would be great. BRO, where is the repair and the known good waveform????????? Thanks for another great video with nice equipment. Bernie Thompson warns us of not using the battery ground. I see this in the description, 1994 Chevy Caprice with a 4.3L., and this in the title, (Chevy Caprice), why type it in twice?

[@NZdiagnostics]

An incandescent test light also makes a great spark tester.

[@BookAutowerks]

Love y'all's diagnostic videos.

[@stevestadnik9206]

Change out that water pump before you change that $1000 optispark distributor. Make sure wires are good.

[@KGauto_Diagnostics]

Fantastic diag Sherwood! Im stesdy contemplating adding the ATS scope to the arsenal. Pico is great my Ultra is ok but i do like the interface of the ATS and tablet. Keep em coming I too have been watching since day 1 when you had less then 50 subs and always could use more content! Much love from TX

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

You'll love the ATS!!!!

[@tibortorok6343]

Helló Srácok! Ezeket a videókat szeretem! Csak így tovább!!

[@sparky5916]

U better get them some tools mate!!

[@mikeburdi3464]

Just subbed. Keep up the great diagnostic content! From a fellow tech and diag freak. Yes, my OCD gets to me when I see other techs not doing the diagnostic testing they should!

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Thanks for the support!

[@contraband1543]

Ocd is a debilitating life altering disease. Being mildly annoyed by something is not ocd

[@mikeburdi3464]

@@contraband1543 yeah, I know what OCD is, I have it, and PTSD. I choose to make light of it and my other physical disabilities as well. I choose not to be a victim of my disabilities and I don't let my disabilities, physical or mental, define me. My accomplishments and my future actions will define me.

[@isalmankhan1]

Great video as usual, Thanks Professor😍 Great to see Mike in this video, usually he's there in the shorts only🤗 I've never had a chance to work on these systems but they're really interesting, please do some more videos on obd1 systems Stay Safe Guy's😍

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@luismartinez1824]

Really enjoy watching your videos. What kind of terminal test leads do you recommend?

[@gaylbeals6712]

How can Mike even fix a car without a man bun?

[@matthewdale174]

Great video Like watching you guys and still learning daily. One thing I questioned is that both those signals(high and low) resolution are pull down signals. Computer sources 5 volts and the sensor pulls the ckt low. Would it be fair to say that there could have been a broken wire between your test connection and the distributor itself? Ckt design is very crucial in identifying how and where we test. For pull down sensors I try and get as close to the sensor as I can to avoid the possibility of open ckt.

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Possibly but the distributor was just a few inches away and we could see the entire harness. Didn't look damaged.very good point though! Thanks!!

[@romsdiagnostic7313]

Nice one!Quick question,what you guys recommend for scope,pico or ats scope,currently using snapon and autel ultra scope

[@nickayivor8432]

Brilliant video tutorial great thank you, Royalty Auto Service Enjoy the 4th of July with all your family around you, Royalty Auto Service 👍 SHARP Royalty Auto Service From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 09:02am Good Morning 🙏 🌄

[@contraband1543]

I wish I could have you guys figure out why my 94 f 150 has no spark or fuel pressure after simply stalling the truck one time in the driveway. Ready to burn this thing

[@aymenmohamed1134]

👍👍

[@MechanicTechnicianRepair]

exselente dianostic master mi respeto para ustes

[@cataldi4986]

No spark no fuel

[@danman9017]

tks

[@Mdavied2023]

i dont get it you figure out there is no spark because no signal, ok why there is no injector pulse ???? the computer Shut off for safety????

[@martinarrieta248]

Grasias

[@phillipdotson3589]

Liked watching your video last night so the universe thought I needed to work on also so this morning what do I have a 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood 5.7 with rough idle have not seen one in about 10 to 15 years possibly a good change

[@sohailrabani]

Great video and superb info sir..one request please make same kind diagnostic with minimal tools like test light and multimeter.anyways great great info

[@8power0]

DO YOU EVER DIAGNOSE LATE MODEL NISSAN'S... THEY ARE WHAT SEPARATE THE MAN FROM THE BOYS THANKS FOR YOUR TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!