Comebacks are the real teacher. Hits you right in the pocketbook and the reputation--two things that mean ALL for a small shop. Fixin' and teaching Eric, you're doing a great service for all us who learn from it-professional and otherwise.

@leftyo9589

2 ай бұрын

and it doesnt matter how good you are, every now and then, one is going to bite ya in the rear.

@gimmeaford9454

2 ай бұрын

It won’t hit your reputation at all if you handle it properly. Even the best mechanics in the world get comebacks.

@gieauto7175

2 ай бұрын

If you never had a comeback you're probably not producing.

@wadepatton2433

2 ай бұрын

@@gimmeaford9454 no doubt. Each time is an opportunity to shine (or not) by the way it is handled. Good shops, and good customers understand this.

Awesome . To see an expert in his field admit he made a mistake is proof of an honest man. My hats off to you Mr. O You're that guy !

The most common statement of vehicle mechanics. "Man I really hate cars!" lol

@moehoward01

2 ай бұрын

The same can be said of IT guys. But about computers.

@chrism5433

2 ай бұрын

I've said that more than 1 time lol. It's how it is . 🍺🍺

@bltoth1955

2 ай бұрын

It’s always better when you repeat it. 😂😂😂

@applianceman6194

2 ай бұрын

Same can be said of Appliance Techs.

@meme8315

2 ай бұрын

Car mechanic and it guy are completely different. Unless your talking about a part changer

Eric's integrity shines through, embracing failure as an opportunity to teach and learn.

When the average customer watches what you went through, they should be impressed and thankful.

It must be satisfying to know that your customers trust you to repair a comeback fault, and not go to another shop instead.

@ronaldderooij1774

2 ай бұрын

Of course the customer comes back, the previous repair was guaranteed and thus the whole repair in this episode is free now (except of the 30 bucks relay).

@pz6316

2 ай бұрын

Who paid the tow truck

@billupstateny9151

2 ай бұрын

@ mark, the OTHER shops are ALL bringing their difficult repairs to SMA 🇺🇸🗽🍶👌

@InsideOfMyOwnMind

2 ай бұрын

​@@pz6316The customer pays the tow truck. That's why warranties are called limited warranties, otherwise Eric would be paying the customer for lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages.

@fort147

2 ай бұрын

Enough to drive you crazy!

Amazing how Eric goes to the immense extra trouble of giving us clear camera views, and explanations, so we can follow this easily

After working on computer for 60+ years, I can attest to the fact. Most people do not understand the frustration one feels when working on an intermittent. For me it started in 1963 and was still true 2 weeks ago. 😠 I'm hanging it up now at 80 years old. No more 'friends and family' repairs. Good luck to you. Enjoy your videos.

@Papawcanner

2 ай бұрын

I guess I’ve got three years to go .

BOB = NOT "Battery Operated Boyfriend" 🤣

@2nickles647

2 ай бұрын

Which is your phone...😅😅😅

@Grandpuba1069

2 ай бұрын

Does this mean then that an ATM= titless teller?

Been watching for years now. I turned this on and my 9 month old son smiles and watches it everytime now. Keep up the good work!

@Cybersawz

2 ай бұрын

Start'em young!

@Bugsy0333

2 ай бұрын

@@Cybersawz Bullshit !

The amazing thing is that your customer can pull up a video to see what you did.

As an electrician I can't tell you how many houses I've walked into only knowing that x, y or z quit working. First I start identifying circuits then I remove the closest outlets, switches and light fixtures until I find where the circuit is broken. Usually it's a wire nut that's either fallen off, burned up from excessive loading or wires installed incorrectly. It takes a lot of TIME and PATIENCE then...you're the hero for fixing it...until the bill.

I have used a 12 volt truck low air buzzer or piezo buzzer instead of a test light so I could move a harness or wiring when looking for opens and issues, while not having to watch a test light ,just listen for the beep while touching components. Great work once again Eric !!

@larrymitchell3502

2 ай бұрын

Solid idea!

@christophervanzetta

Ай бұрын

Awesome idea!

@christianheidt5733

20 күн бұрын

Yes M2!

That repair was totally legit. Another example of excellent diagnosis.

@booterone1

2 ай бұрын

Absolutely! Intermittent electrical issues are a challenge, even for the best mechanics.

I just come here for the humor and hope a car gets fixed at the same time. 🤣🤣

I wish Eric was in my town, I can't find good masters of mechanics that really know their work. Hats off to you Eric.

"You know what we need to do with that one, (grabs relay)we need to set it over there" as he chucks it across the room...😆 That was great!

@kenchilton

2 ай бұрын

Another guy on KZread yells “Pile!” as he does that.

@JOHNMORIN100

2 ай бұрын

Yeah just had to laughffff

If you made some green crusty hunter t, T-shirts I would be down for one 😂 Another great sleuth hunting success.

@RickOSidhe

2 ай бұрын

SMA shirts with Crusty Green Huntin' Machine or with any of Eric's double entendre's or other funny asides during diagnosis would be awesome!

@jw4620

2 ай бұрын

Yes!

@zedstas

2 ай бұрын

The classic reach around

Now that's a very solid, old-school diag done with no scan tool---love it

I had a feeling that jeep would be back ! Its a jeep thing ! 😝

@johnhufnagel

2 ай бұрын

don't insult real jeeps like that. :D

@SteelheadTed

2 ай бұрын

⁠@@johnhufnagelThey are all made by Chrysler, doesn’t matter!

@tedstantz1185

2 ай бұрын

It’s an automobile thing

@billybgamer5205

2 ай бұрын

@@SteelheadTed Or even worse they're all FIATs!

@dalelangila9274

2 ай бұрын

Jeep yup junk they are

Just wanted to stop in here and say thank you for all your content. I used your GM truck guide to change the 5.3 in my Yukon. I watched all four videos and it really helped me. It started up without a hitch.

Phew!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! I've used a dab of gorilla glue at the crimp to hold the pins in place without issue of removing the relays on ATV boxes...

These are the best videos. My wife spit out her coffee when she heard BOB battery operated boyfriend. She’s still laughing. But these electrical problems are the best

Lol - 'Son of a frig hole'. Just got to love the invented curse words Eric!

Man oh mam Eric just keeps digging till he gets that green gopher .

The older I get, the more I miss my ‘55 Chevy when I see stuff like that. Thankfully, the wife’s 2017 Volvo at 70,000 miles has been dead reliable and not reliably dead. My dad taught me a lot in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, but this “improved, complicated modern technology” would have driven him nuts…as it does me. I will never complain about ‘50 and ‘60 era, British, Lucas electric components again. For someone who does his own maintenance, you’re an inspiration.

Don't beat urself up, Eric. The green weenies are the devil. You saved the customer some money on a NEW box and a big headache wirin all that back together AND did the nice thing by leavin a note for any future folks who might be pokin around down there. AND... this was a TOTALLY proper way to go about the repair in this particular situation. Keep em comin and HAPPY EASTER to you and Mrs. O. 👍😎

Hi Eric, I hope the owner of this vehicle is watching, you just went way Above and beyond for them and did an outstanding job for them! You should be proud of yourself Eric! Its no wonder you have people coming out of the woodwork to get to your shop and have the job done right! Good Man!

You are the man Eric I'm retired automotive mechanic I love your videos an diagnostic ❤

@JOHNMORIN100

2 ай бұрын

You are the man Eric I'm RETARDED automotive mechanic I love your videos an diagnostic

I've used hot glue to hold pins in place

@ronaldderooij1774

2 ай бұрын

Yep, me too. Works great.

@user-gq2vn1xj2r

2 ай бұрын

I like this.

@Blazer02LS

2 ай бұрын

Yep, especially the black version used on dent pull tabs. Seems to stick to the plastic better.

This year is my 56th year in the electrical game and I can tell you that an intermittent fault is any technicians nightmare.

Nothing like a cup of coffee a donut and an SMA video at 6:00 am in the morning.

The tech school says join the exciting world of vehicle maintenance. 🤣

Now this was a great video. Thanks for bringing us along!! You da man, Mr. O!

Gotta love the fact you made this video and not hid the fact that comebacks occasionally happen. Cars are a pain in the butt when it's internment problems .keep up the great videos and repairs

@efil4kizum

2 ай бұрын

how about a comeback from the misuse of an improper tool that damaged and smashed other pricey parts that were nearly new (a mere 3 months old and cost +400$)

@Blazer02LS

2 ай бұрын

Have seen that happen, someone was testing out a power probe and pushed the button while on the wrong connector. OOPs.

@applianceman6194

2 ай бұрын

"Recalls", as we call them in the appliance industry, is a sad fact of being a Tech...no matter how good you are. Sometimes junk is junk.

A man willing to admit and broadcast a comeback on KZread for his fans. That shows Eric is the real deal. He’s a technician we all want to be. One of the best problem solver and logical thinking technician out there.

@Prosecute-fauci

Ай бұрын

Most mechanics would keep throwing random parts at it until they bankrupted their client without ever arriving at a fix. Troubleshooting is an art.

Great job locating the faulty electrical contact. And another good 'McGyver' repair.

Even as a comeback, I'd gladly pay you for that exact repair. That harness will probably last longer than the undercarriage.

Had that exact same thing happen on my '08. Luckily, I guess, I had pulled the whole from clip off earlier looking to install fog lights. I had taken the cover off and pulled a relay looking for power sources, and the jeep quit, no crank, no start. Put it back together and it worked. A year or 2 later, when the exact same symptoms occurred, I remembered the relay box. Yep, corroded pin. What a stupid place to put an electrical component. When I had the clip off earlier, I noticed how much mud and dirt were stuck in the corners. Started a yearly routine of removing the front clip in the summer and washing out all the dirt and debris. Now if I had only known about Fluid Film then. Oh well. Thanks for the channel and the content. I'm about 45min from where you are and I can relate to the weather and vehicle conditions.

@frankwise7464

2 ай бұрын

My daughter has a 2011 dodge caravan that does this. then when you jump it ( but only with a jump box) im assuming it sets the relay and it starts. at least now I have a place to start to check before we buy a TIPM. chrysler vehicles !!!!

@stevecampanale8402

2 ай бұрын

I had an 08 Caliber that was the exact same issue. First problem was an intermittent mil with a cooling fan code. Several months later I finally found the relay box corrosion . This car was towed in with a no crank no start. Got off the ramp truck and started up. Damn. Super frustrating.

@peacepoet1947

2 ай бұрын

Electrical corrosion makes a lot of headaches for the owner and the mechanics who have to find the problem.

@bkon4675

2 ай бұрын

I would say most would never find that intermitten green crusty problem. Eric, you're a true pro!

As an Electrical Engineer and former Electronics Tech, I always say "intermittent failures are the bane of my existence". But, I learn something every time I find and correct one. Keep up the good work, Mr. O. Your troubleshooting skills never fail to impress.

@mrsemifixit

19 күн бұрын

Hey I’m wondering would corrosion cause an intermittent misfire only when the engine is warm? Found corrosion on the terminals connecting to the coil from the ignition module of an older distributor setup and hoping that’s the source of my issue

@davebarcus7118

19 күн бұрын

@@mrsemifixit I am not a mechanic, but in my opinion, it's possible. When things get warm, they expand, and I have seen that cause issues. The clock in my 2005 Corolla would only display the time when it was cold (under 25 degrees F) outside. Using freeze spray, I was able to isolate it to a thermally intermittent diode. I replaced the diode, and it has worked ever since. The corrosion would cause a poor connection, and if it expands, it could make the connection worse. I will leave the rest up to this more experienced in ignition system diagnosis.

Ah…. The “take care of your wife “ reminder. Smart man.

@threeputtpar6927

2 ай бұрын

I suspect that was Mrs. O's doing

@applianceman6194

2 ай бұрын

She is a beautiful/ wonderful/ caring woman. Better take care of her as she does to him....of course nobody ever claimed Mr. O ignores his bride.

@3pbhenry

2 ай бұрын

@@applianceman6194 He'd better, otherwise BOB might enter the picture... 🫢😁

When you mused that the fan came on while applying power to the main relay and wondered if that was a clue - yes, it was. You were back feeding the power through the daisy chain to the fan relays, which implied that the power feed in to the radiator fan low high relay was where the circuit was open (pin A 1). Makes perfect sense - in retrospect - lol.

I remember several years ago Eric was interviewed by a local news publication where he lives. He said, "We've all done dumb things. If someone hasn't done dumb things they haven't done anything at all." It really is refreshing to see him make a mistake every once and a while. GREAT VIDEO!

Little tip melt a zip tie end and drip in the melted plastic instead of using epoxy.

If you ever encounter something like this, keep the wire in place with RTV, it can be removed relatively easy, it's weatherproof, it holds good tension...:)

@johnjacobs4625

2 ай бұрын

Rtv itself is corrosive

Noticed the note on the wall: “take care of my wife”.

Eric, read your dry erase board! Number 1 on your To-Do list.

I'd have run the wires for that relay to a separate relay socket and zip-tied it to the fuse box. That way, anybody who works on it in the future could easily replace the relay and not lose the contact.

Another repair option could have been to open up the case a bit more so the female blade terminal slipped completely through. Then splice the 2 existing jumper wires to a 6" piece of new wire. Pass that up and through the block and connect to the relay terminal before you install the relay in the block. Then feed the wire back down through the block and install the relay. That way, if someone does pull the relay in the future, the terminal attached to pin 1 comes out with it and they recognize that special care is needed.

Sometimes using a buzzer instead of a test lamp can be advantageous when you are diagnosing a component at the other end of the vehicle.

Several years ago I pulled a front tire and fender liner and worked on corroded wires on my wife's 2012 Patriot. Then a couple years ago it cost me $3000 to have the rotted whole rear end replaced. Then a year after that the shiftless transmission died. We've had two Jeeps. No more.

@LesReeves

2 ай бұрын

Damn you like sticking your finger in the power socket doing it twice to prove it kicks?

That's where a hot glue gun comes in handy once you push the female spade connector in squeeze from the back a blob of hot glue in the back, I've done that in the past and it's worked.

The pain, the shame, the comeback! Good video!

You are a very competent and ethical tech. It's especially beneficial for learning when you discuss our thoughts as you do the troubleshooting. I also admire you lack of swear words as you do each step and the car tries to bite you. I'm also non-plussed by the Chrysler engineering staff that located that junction box so low where it can be so easily exposed to weather.

Watching your videos helped me diagnose the faulty trailer wiring on my step dad’s 03 Chevy truck. It was actually “just a fuse” which is the mechanics dream job.

The way that engine is rapping your repair will long outlast the vehicle.😂

WOW!!! I am so glad we don’t have to deal with corrosion like that here in Florida… we just have alligators and hurricanes 🤣🤣🤣

Well done. The best repair and the appropriate repair aren't necessarily the same answer. Good call.

That seems pretty clean for a 2015 in upstate New York! Don't worry about it too much, you got it fixed now. I feel like that design is built to fail, with jumpers between relays though. I always like your explanation of the fault, the diagnosis, and the repair.

@yamisniper

2 ай бұрын

probly wash it all the time like my bronco sport bene 2 winters and the only real rust starting is on the muffler i try to wash it alot tho

Did 4 last year, 1 just 4days ago. Its common on all chryslers. Not just jeeps.

Love how you admit you made a mistake. Takes a real man in this day and time. You are a great teacher! Hope the family is well.

@TonicofSonic

2 ай бұрын

No he admitted to being wrong. His task was to repair the car. He sent it out running. No mistakes were made he just couldn't finish his diagnosis last time because the vehicle fixed itself.

when you raised it on the lift, the body, suspension and everything else flexed, including the problem part. I hate when things fix themselves, even temporarily. lol

This is perfect for hot glue .gluing it is not a bad idea

Try using hot glue instead of epoxy. Put a dab into the connector well and encapsulate the top of the wire nest with a dollop of glue.

A few zaps with your small tip solderng iron could of tightened it up--- so glad you thought of it. Mr, Magoo Milo, Maine PTL

Man, fluid film is like a multitool at this point!

This is exactly why your customers come back to SMA!! You Take care of them as it should be. As the Old saying goes, if you don't take care of your customers..... Someone Else Will!!!! Nicely done EO. Probably will take this HEEP right to the JUNK PILE, If the FRAME don't ROT beforehand! 🤷‍♂...

The clipboard returns! I was worried Mrs O grabbed it. 😊 Thanks for the video!

Absolutely fantastic Eric 0 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Jumped around the harness perfectly to wick the moisture. To that isolated point Engineered workaround that hadn’t been thought through

I wish all techs were as good with diagnostics as you. Everyone is just a parts changer these days

I used to have so much trouble understanding those wireing diagrams. But after watching your videos, it all makes sense now. Thank you

You have a great deal of patience and excellent knowledge of troubleshooting

When it comes to epoxy-based relay/fusebox repairs, I was taught to lightly grease the terminals, then plug them in to maintain the correct pin location. Then just turn the box over and glop in the epoxy. It'll hold the connector in the box, but the grease prevents it from messing with the relay or fuse, so they're still replaceable.

Wish we had a mechanic like you where I live nice job

You're a great guy, Eric. I have said it before but No One in my area has half the conscience that you do. Sadly. It's made me do as much of my own work that I can, and I'm now too old to be rolling around on the pavement fixing things. :(

The original video of yours was the only one I can remember where you really didn't have a good explanation or hypothesis for the fault. I remember it frustrating me that the video made it seem like it just magically fixed itself. Thanks for following up and closing the loop. Best mechanic on the KZread!

How is your wife doing..and family it's been a couple of years since I watched your videos and I'm back watching them again sending y'all love from Enterprise Alabama God bless y'all love brother Jimmy Wayne ❤️

I don’t even mess with the electrical stuff I have a guy that is so good at reading skamatics and can figure things out.

You said when you fixed it the first time that it would probably be back and you were right. This fix should last.

Intermittent electrical is the #1 trigger for "I hate cars!".

One or two ; cut off wedges from the heavy duty zip ties ; probably would have wedged that new crimp into the wallared out hole. Good fix!

Outstanding video, Eric! I fought a similar problem on one of our multi million dollar air defence systems. The green crusties mixed with fan blown dust was packed between two relay pins. Depending on humidity, the relay appeared engaged even when not commanded. replacing the relay was a non-fix. The sun came out later in the day and all is well! Next morning with the dew point up and now she's broke again. I fought that bugger for dang near two weeks.

Fluid Film, like the lady in the hot sauce commercial says, “I put that sh*t on everything”.

@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago

2 ай бұрын

😂

Only a true craftsman uses mistakes to learn from and educate others!

Occasionally when a situation like that arises and it’s either replace the whole harness or find another fix I would do something like that. Hot glue the terminal in place since the retaining tab is broken. It’s perfectly acceptable and will likely outlast the other pins anyways since the hot glue will help protect it from the elements. Plus, hot glue will allow you to pick it out without destroying the box if you ever did need to do any work there in the future.

My stepdad has an 07 Sebring, been trying to get them to dump it, it has so many electrical problems mainly leaving them stranded. Had the best mechanic we could find take the fuse boxes apart and they were completely corroded and he spent a lot of hours cleaning and soldering and it's still crap. Only 62k miles garage kept and babied. Thank God they finally threw in the towel and I'm gonna find them a little Toyota. And we live in SW Virginia, very little salt on the roads.

@2nickles647

2 ай бұрын

An older Camry or Corolla are good vehicles.

I sprayed fluid film all over the 120v AC control board in my pool chlorinator just to stop any corrosion that was on it. I covered the whole circuit board in it and reinstalled it wet. That was last spring and it ran like that all summer long with the control board soaked in fluid film so I would say that fluid film is definately not conductive in any way if it can handle house AC and not mess with the microcontroller on that board. It was completely soaked in fluid film too. I basically used it as conformal coating.

Come, Watson.... The game is afoot!!!

It happens

I hope I age like Mr. O. Like steel in Arizona. Timeless.

Great Video ! Use Ge Clear Silicone 2 for a Less permanent cavity filler than 5 minute epoxy. turns to Clear hard rubber. still holds. but can be picked out & removed. where 5 min epoxy is permanent. i think you will like it. Great sealer to keep the green crustys away & Hold stuff in place. Ge clear silicone 2 can be had at home depot paint section. Clear = Hard clear rubber. Black & White much softer. Great video !

I'm not even a mechanic and fixed this on my wife's caliber which is the same exact platform the first time.

Good work!

Thanks Eric for sharing this. I’d like to say for me personally that you don’t need to try to justify to us why you have chosen that repair method. Some people may try to call it poor work but personally i only judge these things in two aspects 1) will the repair work and last 2) if the customer who paid is happy with that then it isn’t the internets business Have a good one :)

As a tech myself I know how humbling comebacks can be. Hold your head up high and keep swinging. No one is perfect and hindsight is 20/20 but there is knowlage that is gained in moments like these. Thanks for the videos and keep up the good work

It's a Chrysler! It's guaranteed to "come back"! 😂

Had a similar problem on a Dodge where the relay terminal in the box moved sideways out of place so the relay pin would only connect intermittently. I jammed in some epoxy putty to glue the term in place, after it hardened the term held position well for relay removal and insertion. I did melt the bottom edges of the square hole slightly with a hot nail to create some little barbs to mechanically help retain the putty against vibration.

Great video Eric, we all get a boomerang job every now and then it's par for the course, At least you admitted it and you recorded the fix, not many you-tube channels would have been so honest, all the best from the UK 👍

Had a car decades ago doing this same thing. I was stumped. Took it to a auto electrical shop. They found a loose ground. Guy apologized 20 times for having to charge me a couple hours labor to find it. I would have oaid him more. It had me stumped for a long time. Back then labor was much less than now. Don't think he charged me $100. Never had the issue again