"Classic tape over the engine light"...... 🤣😂🤣👍 SMA rocks!!!

@jamesworsham2312

Жыл бұрын

Hey Eric, I guess this was a freebie job because the money life was not on haha great Diagnostics. Sometimes you get so wrapped up and diagnosing a problem and you don't go back to the basics

For the first time in my life somebody was speaking electricity to me and I actually understand!

Eric have you ever thought to make little SMA stickers to go over the check engine light for customers that don’t want to fix the problem?

Best Channel Ever!!

@flagmichael

3 жыл бұрын

One of my top 5 anyway. (In the auto category he has to live beside ChrisFix.)

"Ivan would be proud." Love it!

tape over the check engine light killed me xD

That was your classic parasitic draw. Great Job. You are absolutely right in your approach to solving this.

The classic “there’s your problem lady!”

"I'm not a spellimatician." I laughed out loud.

Damn. You must be one of the best mechanics in the entire country. The speed, accuracy, and validation of your repairs are insane!

I'm still chuckling at the "...that's why I don't work at a relay rebuilding factory folks!" - good craich! - Best wishes from the Highlands of Scotland. :)

Trouble shooting is key to any diagnostic approach. This channel has made me a better tech in my field just by watching the approach to a problem.

If Eric ever gets tired of turning wrenches, he'd make a hell of an instructor.

@brianbrundage1598

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah but I’m sure it doesn’t pay as well. Nothing against my vocational instructor he was great. Most of them were service technicians at one point

@andrewtheautotech

3 жыл бұрын

@@brianbrundage1598 my instructors make about 150k a year, and that’s at a community college

@jo300hn

3 жыл бұрын

...or English teacher

@drewbush6535

3 жыл бұрын

Yes true.. other shops put me to sleep. And no hands on...

@g1cast-ReginaToday

3 жыл бұрын

@@brianbrundage1598 .

After 20 years of doing my brakes wrong, I now do them like Eric tells us, result, I never have to touch them between pad changes, before I’d always have to disassemble and re assemble (making the same mistakes) every few thousand miles. Listen to him, he knows what he’s doing.

Before this video I thought of fuses as just a closed switch with no (measurable) resistance so wouldn't have thought of measuring across them for a voltage drop... I guess now that I think about it it makes sense they have to have a small resistance as otherwise they wouldn't heat and melt when there is over-current. Today's random thing I learned.

@TDG2654

3 жыл бұрын

Closed switches also have a measurable resistance, everything does (except for superconductors, but unless you start working on MRI machines and stuff, you'll never have to worry about that)

@Asto508

3 жыл бұрын

Every current causes a voltage drop, it’s just a consequence of the current flow to equalize charges between poles. It’s the electrical equivalent to water pressure being reduced when you open a valve.

@ouch1011

3 жыл бұрын

Even the wires of the circuit have some resistance and cause a voltage drop. It's not big, but it exists. More current=more voltage drop.

@ibbriley399

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly right. The same principal is used for the precision measurement of current. A shunt with a very low but precise known resistance is installed in series with the load to be measured. The voltage across the shunt, which is directly proportionate to the current flowing through it, is measured using the appropriate voltmeter, and is converted to amperes using ohm’s law where the current to be measured is equal to the voltage across the shunt divided by the shunt resistance.

I've always wanted to be a mechanic since I could remember, but unfortunately I procrastinated through my life. Now I'm 40 years old and I'll be attending Lincoln Tech next month. Two very talented, knowledgeable and captivating mechanics have reignited my spark to become what I always wanted to be, which is a mechanic. Those 2 mechanics are Joe from JOE'S AUTO ELECTRIC and the man himself, ERIC from SOUTH MAIN AUTO. I want to thank you so much for making me realize it's never too late. The only thing is that I know I could only learn, but so much in school and even though they have hands-on, the hands-on out in the world is more to grasp. Yes, he would be a great instructor.

I really like this kind of video. Mostly brain work and then testing to verify the thinking. Bravo.

Please never stop making content Eric. You rule.

Eric .... YOU are the man. You said "I hope you learned something". I did which is almost always the case when watching your vids. Thanks once again. Btw, now that it's cold (even in Arizona) I stay warm by proudly wearing my South Main Auto hoodie!

So, ya' do some pullin, ya' do some pokin, and ya' do some deducktin, and that's how you fix a car? Bullseye. Thanks Dr. O!

Excellent diagnostic work, Eric! The customer is lucky to have brought the car into your shop.

Bruce 'The Boss' Springsteen did a great number about his time working at the Relay Rebuilding Factory, genuine blue collar all the way. Brings a tear to the eye.

I'm so glad you found the problem I felt like I was there with you trying to fix the problem. in so proud of you. I feel like they should change the name from auto mechanic to auto mechanic scientist

My favorite kind of videos troubleshooting electrical current draws.

Absolutely informational, I’m currently in my electrical class at UTI. My next class is my final so this was perfect timing and amazing to see it from you

@hella_2350

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck brotha!

@sparker7700

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck bro from a fellow alumni Avondale AZ campus

@61rampy65

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck from a former Electrical Instructor from UTI Avondale!!

@markh.6687

3 жыл бұрын

Good Luck; we're all counting on you. (Dr. Rumack, Airplane!)

Dude Eric congratulations on having over 500k subscribers!!! That is amazing to see such a good humble guy achieve success and have the huge viewership you do entertaining, helping, and teaching the regular people, technicians, or fellow automotive enthusiast's who enjoy these videos very very much! Best wishes to you and the whole SMA family!

Eric O. edumacating the masses. Couldn't be more better than that. Nice tutorial. Found that my factory AM/FM radio was eating my battery by the same method. It works! It's logical. Excellent.

'And just remember folks, if I can do it , you can do it' Apparently not many auto mechanics in your region can though! I don't know what they would do without you Eric 👍

Things like this keep me coming back. I try to use the same thought process you do, but I always over-complicate everything.

@petersack5074

3 жыл бұрын

not necessarily over-complicate, just that people like you and me ANALYZE OBJECTIVELY these techy things....'it is what it is' not over-think the capability of a project, circuit, wireing harness, etc.

Nice dianostic. However, without a fuse box wiring diagram and knowing how to read it, it would be a bit more difficult. Good tip measuring voltage drop across the fuse to determine current flow through it! I learned a new word today 'spellamagician'

@Blazer02LS

3 жыл бұрын

The correct diagrams are usually the harder items to find in the process. Used to be a few free places but now it's a bit limited, unless you are near or have a library membership, many have access to places like Alldata, Motor or Mitchell. Or you can opt for the DIY side of those for about $30.00 bucks a year for single vehicle access.

SMA is my favorite KZread channel hands down

I've been trying to show guys the voltage drop method for over two years since I joined my place now, but they look at me like I have 5 heads. Low and behold gm just put out a video for techs that their new preferred method is a sensitive amp clamp and voltage drop across fuses. Made me chuckle. Great explanation Eric

You’re a great teacher as you have taught me to see things like you do. First thing I thought when there was the current spike was oxygen sensor heater! Thanks Professor O!

@BobPegram

3 жыл бұрын

Being an EE grad, the first thing I thought of was "It's a capacitive load." I forgot that there would be no constant draw if that were true. I have much to learn Master O.! 8-))

Thanks for "relaying" this repair experience.

Your approach to finding parasitic draw really helped me find one in my wife's 1989 Ford Probe. Took the same approach you did to finding what fuse had current flowing. That allowed me to narrow it down to the radio. Turned out that the motor for her retractable antenna was drawing current. That antenna got broken off years ago so it didn't hurt anything to just disconnect the motor and problem was fixed. As a DIYer I would not have had a clue how to figure that out without watching your video.

Point #1. The voltage drop across the fuse only works on a solid draw, not intermittent as you can get burned if you measure across a fuse when the draw is temporarily off. Be careful how you use this test Point #2. How come you get the fuse and relay that's visible while standing?? I"m ALWAYS upside down in a underdash block (using my extra elbow due to yoga) to pull the component. Point #3. It's always the last fuse... sure it is.. we don't find the problem fuse and then say... ok there's the problem, now let's keep looking ; )) Honestly though Eric, your bulls eye approach is a great teaching tool and I truly appreciate the time you take for these vids... awesome!

You are an excellent troubleshooter! Thanks for sharing!

Greetings and Happy Holidays from Miami Florida!!!

@jo300hn

3 жыл бұрын

Christmas

A logical approach to a problem is always the best way.

I’ve learned many things from you about modern mechanic procedures. I now don’t complain about the hourly rate my mechanic charges. Thanks Eric.

I do believe that you just helped me fix my old Chevy plow truck. Thanks a ton!

Thanks as always, Eric. Merry Christmas!

It’s $200-$225 Canadian an hour for dealership rates where I live. I really enjoy your channel. I am not a mechanic . I have learnt many things on your channel that has and can save me $$$. I know when I am in over my head with a repair and go to shops . But some things are really easy to repair. Thank you .

Word of the day is “Spellamagician”. Eric, your sense of humor always makes me laugh. It’s refreshing to see someone actually enjoying their work. Take care.

Thank you Mr O for the time and effort you put into videos for us, I've thoroughly enjoyed learning more about cars from you, not to mention you're incredibly entertaining!

You are a great teacher AND diagnostician!

Your knowledge of electrical systems is downright scary smart .

It is amazing the amount of knowledge in different fields of knowledge Eric has. In order to be such a great mechanic he has to also be a master electrician. Jeeze louise, he knows a lot.

During your white board explanation I norticed on its right side a decal for farmboy30117s KZread channel for farming and automotive work and I figured if YOU like him enough to have that decal there then he is good enough for me and he now has me for a subscriber. This was another excellent video showcasing diagnostic techniques thus getting right to the source. 👍

Maybe you can find time to start a side hustle teaching the “other shops” mechanics basic troubleshooting techniques.

@SouthMainAuto

3 жыл бұрын

I do... and your watching it just like they can ;)

@Fixin-To

3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthMainAuto I thought it was a bite but he may be being genuine. WOW

@BobPegram

3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthMainAuto So, at local garage owners meetings are you the guy who says: "Yup, I've got 3 You Tube videos on that, have your guys watch 'em."?

@BobPegram

3 жыл бұрын

You have enough work as it is... Knowing my own limitations, similar to people everywhere, do you have a video on how to do effective You Tube/Internet searches? Like searching to find, say, those 3 SMA videos on parasitic current draws?

@rawniew

3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthMainAuto wooozzzeerrzz that's gotta burn

You have a way of making most problems look easy.

@maciejolejniczak151

3 жыл бұрын

How is Your dodge ?

@spelunkerd

3 жыл бұрын

@@maciejolejniczak151 Doing great! Just finished a video set on how to swap out the clutch packs on the rear LSD.

Your diagnosis is impressive! The episode gets "boring" for a KO in few seconds -- I was expecting cursing, hair pulling and tons of frustration. Seriously you were spot on from the start and I learned a lot.

Awesome channel ! One of the first you tuber channels I cut my teeth on, still the best .

I am now smarter than when I woke up this morning.

@chrisgabbert658

3 жыл бұрын

And it didn’t make me mad or madder 👍

@BobPegram

3 жыл бұрын

So, does that make Eric O. dumber now?

@peterkim5394

3 жыл бұрын

@@BobPegram Fortunately there is no conservation law for knowledge unlike for example energy, momentum or even dirt! Someone can get loads smarter without diminishing anyone else's capacity.

@BezosAutomaticEye

3 жыл бұрын

Squirrel!

@BobPegram

3 жыл бұрын

@@peterkim5394 I was just kidding.8-))

Great class Eric. Thanks for teaching us your procedure for finding parasitic draws. I really appreciate your taking time to share your knowledge and skills with us. Great video.

There's your problem lady! There is something strangely satisfying about blurting that out once victory is achieved.

Once again, I have learned. Thanks for sharing!

It's my car! Mines the older style. The starting in neutral is a sign that the neutral safety switch is going, then she's going to lose reverse lights when in reverse. I love this channel always a blast to see new content!

@machintelligence

3 жыл бұрын

Thank goodness there are after market neutral safety switches out there. They cost North of $ 220.00 from a dealer.

@Kiktohero4

3 жыл бұрын

@@machintelligence yeah, they are too expensive for the age. Luckily when I swapped my jeep from 2wd to 4x4, $400 got me a transmission, axles, lift kit, extra power steering pump, extra bell housing bolts, extra torque converter... You get the idea.

@machintelligence

3 жыл бұрын

@@Kiktohero4 I might guess that you did the swap after 2008. After the cash for clunkers program there were a lot of Jeeps with (deliberately) seized engines in junk yards that had good running gear. Here in Colorado you almost never see a 2wd Jeep. Also the older ones don't rust out like in the Midwest.

@Kiktohero4

3 жыл бұрын

@@machintelligence This year, actually. I've done a ton of work to it, I have done the rear disk conversion and the Big 7.

Dear doctor O, I hope you read this but I would like to thank you for your time and knowledge put into these videos. I went to a tech school in Morristown TN for almost two years I studied automotive technology and I learned ALOT but I have to say I learn something new every time I watch your videos especially dealing with electronics and diagnostics. Anybody can be a mechanic but it takes someone with skill and some “tricks from Mee-Maw” to be a true automotive technician. Thank you sir and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Terrific video with a summary of the pinpointing process. Thank you for all your videos!

With 50+ years as a mechanic I can say I have never run into a defective fuse like that, good catch. 😂

@pauldionne1665

3 жыл бұрын

Sherlock ( Mechanic of Auto) show his diagnosis can be understood by the common person. LOVE this channel.

@Blazer02LS

3 жыл бұрын

Strange as it is I have had a fuse causing a draw, cheap fuse had corroded and the goo caused enough of a current path to another point in the box it created a drain. Was a pain to find because the drain didn't stop with the fuse out. Wasn't until I used a thermal camera and saw the heat under the fuse that it showed up.

Congrats on a well deserved over 500,000 subs 👍🏽

Your diagnosing technique is very scientific and well explained. You should teach because you give those young padawans (star wars lingo) an inspiration.

Learn something every time I watch your videos. Especially liked the voltage drop test on the fuses to determine what circuit is drawing current. Thank you.

Good diagnosis! I was betting on a stuck on brake light or tail gate switch...Soooo many possibilities that can cause that same battery drain.

Well done buddy. I thought for sure when I saw the stray wire coming off the battery and the remote start fob that it was going to be an after-market accessory that was goofing up. Nope!

In 40 years wrenching I never thought of measuring voltage drop across a fuse. Thanks for the good tip!

Had a similar problem last month. My nephew had his truck towed over for a no start. I figured out the starter was bad, but after checking powers and ground at the starter found the power on at all times. Finally figured out he had installed different incorrect starter relay that allowed constant power. As a diy guy it took me a bit but I figured it out. I’m sure the knowledge I’ve gained from you and others helped.

Awesome sauce! Love it when you use the white board! Even a dummy like me can understand things! 😂

“Classic tape over the engine light.” Why fix it when you can just cover it up🤣

@stoneblue1795

3 жыл бұрын

Now I will lay awake nights wondering what the code(s) might have been on that.

@garyangelstad5212

3 жыл бұрын

Why not leave it on? The bulb will eventually burn itself out. Just curious Eric. Did you check the code to see if the relay tripped the mil?

@adventureoflinkmk2

3 жыл бұрын

Who wants to take bets that the code was set due to the faulty relay in the first place

@dobiedude7479

3 жыл бұрын

And if you turn up the stereo all of the noises go away

@scottfirman

3 жыл бұрын

I use it on my Subaru, I do not need to know if the seat switch is on or off all the time. A yellow light just gets irritating after a time.

Great video Eric - this is one that many have trouble getting their heads around, you have shown us all how simple the testing can be if you do it right !

I've been an EE for over forty years and I just learned today that PowerPro made a chart of fuse size vs voltage drop to determine current draw.... thanks! Printed out & placed in tool box!!

"Spella-magician" lol, able to make spelling errors disappear at the wave of a wand! 🧙‍♂️

How to fix battery that dies over night. Disconnect battery before night :-)

@SouthMainAuto

3 жыл бұрын

A 100% effective fix for sure haha

@jws3925

3 жыл бұрын

My first car was a 51 Studebaker and that is what we had to do every night-----unhook the battery. There was a dead short somewhere. My dad took it to three different mechanics, one that specialized in electrical repair, and they all said it was the voltage regulator (6v generator system) and so this car got three different voltage regulators inside of 4 months. The amp meter still pegged full discharge 50% of the time at engine shut down. We finally gave up and sold it to another teenager for $60. He inadvertently found the problem. Any guesses?? Intermittent short in the 6v battery!! He put a different battery in it and he said it never had the problem again. 9 months later he totaled the car. A fitting end to miserable automobile. I hated that car. Now, how did the battery develop a short? Well, not all teenagers knew that at the time not all cars had the same voltage electrical systems. In the mid 60's there were still plenty of 6v cars on the road. I guess when you own a 6v car and try to jump start a 12v car it isn't so good on the electrical system of either car or, in this case, the 6v battery! Who would have thought! The interesting thing to me is that none of the mechanics tested or suspected the battery. Every single one diagnosed it as a faulty voltage regulator. Actually, I am thankful for that because that meant I didn't need to drive that hog ever again.

@davecc0000

3 жыл бұрын

@@jws3925 Not possible the cause of high-current meter reading was the battery. If the battery had a short, the high current wouldn't leave the battery (that's the *meaning* of "short"), therefore it wouldn't display on the meter. That short certainly would kill the battery quickly, but if you saw a pegged ammeter, it wasn't caused by a defective battery. Possible the new owner inadvertently fixed the cause when removing the old battery and installing a new one.

@erich6860

3 жыл бұрын

@@davecc0000 Wiggle the right wire and anything is possible, good/bad, OMG its on fire lol

@Graham_Wideman

3 жыл бұрын

How to fix battery that dies over night. Conduct funeral in the morning.

"Squirrel"🤣we can even have a good time repairing, you gotta love the life we live👍

Of all the channels I watch, I think this has been the most helpful for myself.. nice job explaining...

As you probably already know, XJ's have a common issue with the neutral safety switches failing. I enjoyed watching the process and the white board discussion.

@jaydak99

3 жыл бұрын

That switch failed on my 92 xj.

@Blazer02LS

3 жыл бұрын

Two of the three I had ended up with an "emergency bypass" on them because of the switch.

@WastedTalent-

3 жыл бұрын

Changed one out already on mine.

@minuit242

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, this is a common issue on all Jeeps with the AW4 transmission. Most of the time a good cleaning of the contacts inside will do the trick. The reverse lights are also controlled by that NSS, so if the reverse lights on an XJ or MJ don't work that's a good place to look.

“Gimme a match book and a nail file”...brings back memories, but I never had a nail file. If they needed to be cleaned up, just use the striker on the match book!

Tools ! Having the right tools and knowing how to use them! Your Technique and process is spot on. Great Job and very entertaining. PS My porch Ferns are still alive. High tomorrow 65 Don't miss the snow. Franklin,TN

Eric your an excellent mechanic, I really like how you take time to explain what was going on with the car and how you repaired it.

Not Ginger with relays. I'm a Mary Ann guy myself.

@NoName-zn1sb

3 жыл бұрын

@mchlross3 noice!

@BobPegram

3 жыл бұрын

Who doesn't like Mary Ann more? That actress had more sex appeal in her little finger than "Ginger" had in her whole body! Playing against her nature just enhanced it.

@hatfez

3 жыл бұрын

Mary Ann? Dawn Wells!

@markh.6687

3 жыл бұрын

@@BobPegram Gingerrrrrrrrrr! But I'd never kick Mary Ann out of bed for eating crackers.

@Thankz4sharing

3 жыл бұрын

By a sad coincidence, the actress who played Mary Ann passed away today. Covid19. RIP Dawn Wells, 1938-2020.

I like your trick to measure fuse voltage. I would have started pulling fuses.

@markh.6687

3 жыл бұрын

Well, to a certain degree you would have been right, since Eric verified the draw by pulling the fuse. But it saves a little time just measuring on the fuse itself to start.

Great information as always Eric. I think every time I watch one of your troubleshooting videos that I learn something.

Thank you Eric for explaining so clearly the current draw technique! Much appreciated !

I love my Ut210e clamp meter for parasitic draws, no battery disconnect necessary (and I know you can sneak the probes in under the terminal, but sometimes even the best intentions fail due to unforeseen circumstances!) and also - NO FUSES :)

@SouthMainAuto

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I have several inductive clamps but I prefer the precision of the meter myself. Especially when dealing with less that 1 amp

@SimpleElectronics

3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthMainAuto totally agreed on the precision thing! I usually deal with draws that are either around 800mA or 20mA (aka, either normal or not haha)

"relay rebuilding factory" Otherwise known as Pine Hollow Diagnostics!!

@SouthMainAuto

3 жыл бұрын

Full Russian style!

@peetky8645

3 жыл бұрын

yes comrade

@robj2704

3 жыл бұрын

@mchlross3 Yep. Ivan could repurpose that relay.

@Skynet-1

3 жыл бұрын

Ivan would have test drove the relay with the scope hanging out the window!

@gregstrakovsky5008

3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthMainAuto Erik! We was having a lean supply in former USSR - no access to NAPA or Autozone, Rockauto etc. As my grandma told: Time what You have equal money what You don`t! - Do not pay to Dorman - keep in Your pocket!

Eric, the draw across the fuse is just awesome! I’ve watched just about 3ver video you’ve done and can say for the weekend mechanic that I am, this was the best thing I’ve learned yet!! Thank you! I would’ve started pulling fuses.

one of my greatgrandkids was looking over my shoulder when i had your video on. he fixed aunts car used a test light and a dvom smart kid (he is 5 years old )just to let you know how well you explain every thing

I admit I can’t always follow your reasoning when it comes to electronics. Thank you for explaining this in excruciating detail for my benefit

I would love to see same problem on Honda that’s coming.

@jo300hn

3 жыл бұрын

It will probably be something different.

Thanks Eric for this video ,learned a lot as usual . Made my day , be safe and Happy Holidays

Thanks for pausing and letting your viewers think when you showed the increase jump when you reapplied the fuse in the circuit. That really helps.

Scotty better watch his back and I’m not talking Kilmer, Jim Kirk would hire Eric in a heartbeat. There’s your problem lady.

Could that also have been why the "money light" was on because of the o2 sensors

Think that was the best explanation on the parasitic draw by going along the fuses that I ever have seen. It certainly clicked more for me, and with newer and newer cars turning up that’s a big help

Early Merry Christmas Eric! Thanks making the best auto repair channel on KZread.

Just for future reference. The DVM was easier to see without the backlighting.

Yeap relay welded together latched closed across load side.

Great diagnosis and fix. Knowing the fundamentals principles of electricity, will guide your way to a diagnosis and solution. Good work.

these are the kinds of things around here a mechanic can never fix , but they sure charge you for it , great job and great class .