How Does Your Shop Deal With Intermittent Symptoms?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2024
  • Ughhhh the most dreaded work you can read on a repair order. The car has this issue _____________ and it happens intermittently! Truth is folks you can not fix the car if you can't duplicate the symptom. This is not saying the car isn't broke but if you can't reproduce it, you CAN'T fix it! In some cases like this you can "try" a few things that are non invasive and come up with a strategy that may help you along in your diag waiting for the problem to become more prevalent or hoping the symptoms shows up and the car stays broke! It's the best we can do 🤷🏼‍♂️
    -Enjoy!
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.2K

  • @SouthMainAuto
    @SouthMainAuto  ปีที่แล้ว +91

    UPDATE: 9/7/23 car still runs like a champ. Symptoms never returned.

    • @MD-pz3cn
      @MD-pz3cn ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Power Foam ftw!

  • @jdgimpa
    @jdgimpa ปีที่แล้ว +55

    When I worked at the Chrysler dealer we had a data recorder. When the vehicle acted up the customer had a button to push. I fixed several intermittent problems that way. One that comes to mind was a vehicle that would seem to miss or buck at highway speed. It took some looking on the data recording but finally by advancing it frame by frame and looking at the values I discovered the vehicle speed sensor was glitching to 150MPH for one frame. So the computer thought the vehicle was over speeding and shutting the fuel off for like a second.

    • @compu85
      @compu85 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That sounds like a super useful tool. Was it hooked into the DLC?

    • @jdgimpa
      @jdgimpa ปีที่แล้ว

      yes it was hooked to the data link@@compu85

    • @yohannwilkerson6058
      @yohannwilkerson6058 ปีที่แล้ว

      Isn't that how the STUXNET virus disabled Iran's uranium centrifuges?

    • @chrisclark6044
      @chrisclark6044 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      What “button” do you speak of? How can I obtain said thing?

    • @jdgimpa
      @jdgimpa 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@chrisclark6044 It was a device called a Co Pilot that came with the diagnostic system Chrysler had at the time, this was the mid 1990s. It plugged into the diagnostic connector and had a button that clipped on the sun visor. I have no idea if it would still work with newer cars. However some of the diagnostic equipment have a data recorder function that does the same thing. I doubt that you would want to sent your scan tool with a customer for however long it took for the vehicle to act up.

  • @flatdaddio
    @flatdaddio ปีที่แล้ว +595

    Shop I went to charged me for diagnostics, changed all the plugs and coils and charged me over $900. I drove out of their shop and had the same problem (misfires) 2 miles down the road. I ended up buying a few tools, watched your videos and Scanner Danner videos. I purchased an Alldata subscription and found low fuel pressure. My neighbor changed my fuel pump for me and now my car runs great! Some shops are not repair shops, they are parts changers and have no clue about diagnostics. The people in your area are lucky to have someone like you that really is a diagnostic technician. Thank you for your videos and being an honest repair shop.

    • @Mountain-Man-3000
      @Mountain-Man-3000 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Seems most shops are just parts slingers these days as you say. Faster and easier way to make money, why bother looking for the actual problem??

    • @PaulHigginbothamSr
      @PaulHigginbothamSr ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Flatski daddio: I find watching Eric O diag a problem helps me immensely since he does this day and night and probably asleep.

    • @nosefirst
      @nosefirst ปีที่แล้ว +24

      I'm just a schmuck that enjoys watching SMA videos but thought I could hear an extra 7.5 horsepower throbbing
      in the exhaust noise.

    • @benjamincresswell3713
      @benjamincresswell3713 ปีที่แล้ว

      Those shops have a phrase "The Money Ran Out,'' they use when they can't guess it. ben/ michigan

    • @Garth2011
      @Garth2011 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      So true, SMA is not a parts changer, neither is scanner Danner or Ivan w/ PHAD. These shops are following the correct procedures to fix what is causing the problem so they do not have come backs and having to work for free the second time or third. There is a process to do this, it takes skill, equipment, knowlege and some research to find the failure points. Sometimes all it turns out to be is a corroded electrical connection or a bad solder joint...no parts needed at all, just a fix to something that was manufactured with flaws or a poor design that needs corrected.

  • @festusian9089
    @festusian9089 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    "people buy products because they see a sticker on a race car." I worked for some professional teams in a nationally known series. First: STP for the older viewers. Second: One team was getting a significant amount of money for prominently running the logo of a major oil company. We had a handful of their empty quart bottles in the transporter in case we needed to add oil in public view. Those bottles were filled with another oil that made a noticeable increase on the dyno. The sponsorship agreements never required actual usage, just logo display.

    • @FishFind3000
      @FishFind3000 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What brand/type oil did you guys use?

  • @samcooke2742
    @samcooke2742 ปีที่แล้ว +316

    "We didn't really fix anything, but we're having fun" Wise words from America's best car mechanic.

    • @timwheeler1503
      @timwheeler1503 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      It's all fun and games til you work on something all day and find out you didn't fix anything, at least that's what my ex wife told me.

    • @MarzNet256
      @MarzNet256 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@timwheeler1503 It's having the experience under your belt and trying to avoid it next time...that's gold.

    • @geraldguyette470
      @geraldguyette470 ปีที่แล้ว

      Having fun with foam .

    • @klystron1
      @klystron1 ปีที่แล้ว

      its all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

    • @bryankirk3567
      @bryankirk3567 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's never a waste of time cleaning dirty bits.

  • @BABA-ws5eo
    @BABA-ws5eo ปีที่แล้ว +93

    I think you handled it the best way you can by doing some basic checks, and maintenance. The important thing is that you let the customer in on the plan, so they know what to expect, and if they have the trouble again, they know that you have already eliminated the some simple items.

  • @YaksAttack
    @YaksAttack ปีที่แล้ว +65

    On my personal vehicle (I'm an electrician not a mechanic), I ignore the intermittent problems until they become consistent problems 😂

    • @Beretta96Dan
      @Beretta96Dan ปีที่แล้ว +4

      We electricians know how the scam goes! Thieves have no honor!

    • @YaksAttack
      @YaksAttack ปีที่แล้ว +13

      ​@@Beretta96Dan I'm an honest electrician though! My father is an honest retired mechanic, so I saw how he built his client base throughout his career and he taught me to treat every customer as if they were family. If this was my mother or father or uncle or aunt etc, how would I fix their problem. And I get repeat customers because of it.

    • @Garth2011
      @Garth2011 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Would hate for the intermittent problem to happen in the wrong envoironment such as high risk zones like RxR crossings, intersections, steep grades and so on. It depends on what it is.

    • @Beretta96Dan
      @Beretta96Dan ปีที่แล้ว

      @@YaksAttack Maybe your wife works, too. When it's time to pay all the bills, get groceries, try to go out and eat sometime, etc...You can't treat everyone like family!

    • @mistero4
      @mistero4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They only become real problems on rainy Friday nights at 9pm. 😂

  • @fscottgray9784
    @fscottgray9784 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    I love watching the logical methods you use. I wish I could be as detail oriented as you but it is enjoyable to watch you work. Common sense is in big supply on this channel.

  • @AraCarrano
    @AraCarrano ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Such a honest human. Lets throw some no-parts needed maintenance/underskirt inspections at it before looking for random cannon ammo.

  • @leecarroll1817
    @leecarroll1817 ปีที่แล้ว +96

    Regardless of outcome, you certainly didn't hurt anything by cleaning the throttle body.
    Keep up the great diagnosis and I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I'm pretty much only viewing your and Watch Wes work videos, I always come away feeling like I learned something and thoroughly enjoy. All the best.

    • @michaelmaker8169
      @michaelmaker8169 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yes, you feel like these are the ones you can trust.👍🙏

    • @tv43405
      @tv43405 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Like going to auto shop in high school but better

  • @thenormalyears
    @thenormalyears ปีที่แล้ว +5

    “We didn’t really fix anything but we’re having fun” is a way to describe many of my days in the shop

  • @notmeatall70s
    @notmeatall70s ปีที่แล้ว +19

    As soon as you said new battery, I knew exactly what customer was talking about. Those subaru take a full month to relearn everything. The rpm goes way down and stays that way for a month of consistent driving, there's a bad hesitation when you step on the gas, and stalling and just poor driving. I hated changing my battery.

    • @guesswho9742
      @guesswho9742 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Ever since computer cars came out, I've used a small motorcycle battery with a cig lighter plug wired to it. Install it before changing battery then remove it after you connect the battery, and you won't disturbe the ecm. no relearn

    • @Garth2011
      @Garth2011 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Best to jump a 12v source to the vehicle before disconnecting battery cable to keep the system "alive" while swaping in a new battery.

    • @jerrybraeger4799
      @jerrybraeger4799 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      They learn a lot quicker with a clean throttle body. When the memory is cleared it does a throttle body reset. So when throttle closes and hits a ridge then you end up with a low idle and stalling

    • @kevinmcewen1760
      @kevinmcewen1760 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      There’s a relearn process you can do. TH-cam has it. Something like letting it idle for 10 min, then turn off, the letting it idle for 15 min. I forgot exactly but that’s helped me when it does the stumbling after a battery change

    • @bourbonrenewal216
      @bourbonrenewal216 ปีที่แล้ว

      No. Kidding. But there's a procedure to reset the stochio- throttle body in an hour.

  • @Woodiez
    @Woodiez ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Man i could hear the extra 15 HP when he fired it up.

  • @cullenmiller8170
    @cullenmiller8170 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Sounds like a solid plan and basic things you started with. Definitely keep the EGR in mind since the monitor wasn’t run.
    Should have given it a CAT scan since Luna was there and you found mouse turds. 😂😂

  • @michaelleporati149
    @michaelleporati149 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I've been using power foam for about 20 years and it is the best product I've found. I also worked at a NAPA jobber for 20 years, and out of all the products I've seen over time power foam works the best. I also do a brake clean douche too for a rinse. I feel you used the product correctly so I hope your viewers find this helpful.

  • @cannbudo
    @cannbudo ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I think I would check for TSBs and also Identifix and or Suretrack first, to see if others have experienced the same problem. Depending on what, if anything, was found, I would use the information to direct further diagnosis. Next a visual inspection and check the related fluids, oil, coolant. Aside from that, what you have done makes perfect sense to me.

  • @scottminer7702
    @scottminer7702 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't" , gotta love it. My wife has a Subaru. Your customer does his own oil changes because you don't have to lift them up to do it. Very easy. Well done, you have to eliminate what it isn't in order to find out what it is.

  • @defresurrection
    @defresurrection ปีที่แล้ว +26

    One thing I can say since first watching you a long time ago is that your content has been on point, and you haven't changed a thing! Other channels have started well but went down fast as they forgot what got them there. Thanks!

  • @danielklopp7007
    @danielklopp7007 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    When Eric started the car @24:52, you could tell from the sound, the big 2.5 was making 15 more bhp (although I think Eric's estimate regarding contributing factors was off; I estimate +5 hp from using the Power Foam on then EGR valve, +8 hp from using the Power Foam on the throttle body, and +2 hp from cleaning the mouse nest out of the air box)...🤣

  • @a320guy9
    @a320guy9 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Aside from sharing your vast knowledge, your positive attitude while working these problems is simply amazing. Any videos I made would have to be muted, but I'm working on it, with you as my inspiration.

  • @CycleGeezer-cq9lm
    @CycleGeezer-cq9lm ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another classic...."The more (foam) you put in it, the more horsepower you get out of it". Gotta love it!! 😂

  • @gcrauwels941
    @gcrauwels941 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Doing maintenance like you did is a pragmatic approach on this. A lot of 'techs' would probably start loading the parts cannon.

    • @michaelmaker8169
      @michaelmaker8169 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I can see that.
      Even myself as a diy, thinking it must be broken or about to not knowing you can clean EGR. $$$🤯🤯🤯

  • @wadet73
    @wadet73 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    There was no point to years of Price is Right but it still popular. You showed more in this than you think. Tips, tricks and knowledge

  • @josephmercer8101
    @josephmercer8101 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Looking forward to the follow up.

  • @ttocselbag5054
    @ttocselbag5054 ปีที่แล้ว

    It’s easy to be chill when you’re working with a rational, logical, and reasonable man. 😁👊

  • @RMM--uv7uk
    @RMM--uv7uk ปีที่แล้ว +8

    We will ask the customer if we can drive the car for a few days on our own time. Drive it home. Drive it over the weekend. We usually have the guy that lives the furthest distance from the shop. And we also will do the unplug method like you said. And have customers drive with engine light on.

    • @Troy_Built
      @Troy_Built ปีที่แล้ว

      When my grandparents 98 Ram was acting up we were pretty sure it was the transmission. I took it to some guys that specialize in Ram transmissions. They told me the couldn't get it to act up. I filled the tank and told them to drive it back and forth to work and for lunch. They had a scope hooked up to record when it finally did it four days later. The torque convertor lockup would slip sometimes. Some of them are just that hard to find.

  • @Delekham
    @Delekham ปีที่แล้ว

    For almost a year my car keeps sending a "Low Evap" . After 20 or 30 miles it clears itself. Bought myself a cheap code reader and sure enough. It tells me to replace the gas tank cap. I had already done that. THANKS!! ;) The Mechanic I do have is just like Eric! God Bless him!! Down to Earth and very honest!
    My advice to everyone here is...IF you find a good mechanic? Keep him! They are worth more than Gold!

  • @gregbarnett3141
    @gregbarnett3141 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Over my career as a mechanic, it has always been customer concern dependent. The concern in this video, I definitely would have looked at the throttle body first, as the old GM 3800's come to mind for their hot start/stumble issue. Other issues I just try to get as much info up front as I can, for example maybe a window motor or lock actuator acting up, is it weather dependent, doesn't work when rains etc. I always was upfront with folks about pricing, and never skipped the visual on anything. My career has actually taken me down a bit different path the last couple of years now that I am mobile and go to collision shops to do ADAS calibrations, but I still am the go to tech for our company for diagnostics. Just usually now it has more to do with crushed wiring, connectors, modules, green crusties etc.
    Keep up the great content, Dr. O! Just curious if you received the package I sent a few months ago?

  • @joeyf504327
    @joeyf504327 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    loved Shania Twain growing up at Keuka Lake!

  • @andrewl9472
    @andrewl9472 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This seems like a pretty reasonable one to take on, especially when you can knock out a few potential issues in an hour’s work and have a good plan for eliminating other possible problems if this doesn’t fix it.

  • @brettemerich3237
    @brettemerich3237 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think you approached this intermittent problem the right way Eric Have good day

  • @J.E.Taylor
    @J.E.Taylor ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I had a laugh at the brush and AR comment.

  • @blackdragonx1186
    @blackdragonx1186 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    you have to add the stickers to get the horsetorques, they have wifi tuning built into them. no stickers, no power :D

  • @jamesbruno5896
    @jamesbruno5896 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You did the best you could, what more could a customer ask for!

  • @TheTimothydragon
    @TheTimothydragon ปีที่แล้ว

    The troubleshooting process alone made this vid worth it.

  • @tctwg1
    @tctwg1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Waiting for the update 👍👍

  • @2962Todd
    @2962Todd ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Just because you have the brushes doesn’t mean you have an AR-15, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have one either. 😄 Great video as always, Eric!

    • @CountryBoy4ever
      @CountryBoy4ever ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't forget that the AR-15 can shoot 5000 rounds in half a second and the barrel shroud (shoulder thing that goes up), makes it the most powerful pistol shotgun in the world. 🤣

    • @2962Todd
      @2962Todd ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@CountryBoy4ever You're funny right there.😂

  • @bobbywills9487
    @bobbywills9487 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    When my 99 frontier 3.3 hit about 60,000 miles, it would fall on its face after warmer up at a red light, or stop sign. Finally figured out that the butterfly value on the throttle body was getting built up with dirt and carbon. Clean it out, and I was good for about another 6 to 7 months. Then I would have to do it again, and it didn't matter what type of air filter I used. So I made it a habit that every time I did my oil change, I would clean the throttle body, and never had a problem with it again.

    • @averywellsand888
      @averywellsand888 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That pesky pcv system coking up your intake. Lol oil was being sucked up in to your engine intake and collecting on the butterfly valve. Probably had excessive blowby other than a bottom end rebuild an oil catch can would have helped. Can make a cheap one plenty of instructions on the interwebs

  • @scottwilcoxson2439
    @scottwilcoxson2439 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I'm just a Shadetree Mechanic. But I would check a few of the obvious things like you did and see what happens. Never hurts to clean things up.

  • @SAMBITAR-w6o
    @SAMBITAR-w6o ปีที่แล้ว

    DEAR SIR;
    THE BEST APPROACHED UNDER THE SUN; REQUIRED INTERVAL SERVICES, KEEP UP BASED ON MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE WITH EXCELLENT DOCUMENTATATIN FOR THE FACTS ON THE WORK ORDER. ERIC
    YOU ARE ON THE TOP OF YOUR WORK. PERIOD. THANKS.

  • @gfd1166
    @gfd1166 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Please share a follow-up on this especially if the problem persists. I know you shared what your process will be... it would still be interesting & provide a little closure.

  • @alexoutdoors4449
    @alexoutdoors4449 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Being a Subaru specialist for 5 years, the only two outcomes I can relate to this type of concern is:
    Dirty throttle plate with Subaru having such a picky throttle relearn process (new battery? recently jumped? just cleared DTC's? anything to reset or clear memory from the car.)
    Or the old outback's had a ton of torque converter issues, but mainly it would present with hard to moderate braking = engine stalling but some customers misunderstood and said it would run rough and stall out which is correct, a DTC will be set for Engine Stall History and will reset some adaptives causing a rough idle.
    Been watching for years, hopefully this makes sense!
    *after watching the entire video, I am confident that in what you did with cleaning the throttle body and reconnecting the battery and letting it idle, the customer will not return with the issue they came in with

  • @GixxerRider1991
    @GixxerRider1991 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    When it comes to intermittents, I generally just wait until the problem gets worse (read: more consistent) so it becomes easier to diagnose. Faults like these make it very tempting to start firing the parts cannon. On another note, I had a very similar problem with my old Mitsubishi Galant. It turned out to be a bad mass airflow sensor. The car never threw codes.

  • @williamharrison8646
    @williamharrison8646 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wish someone in Georgia had this guys skills!!!

  • @dlsimmonsjr1
    @dlsimmonsjr1 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I appreciate getting a chance to hear yr thoughts on how your shop handles intermittent problems. As a industrial electrician I try to resist using the parts cannon. But sometimes the boss wants something done. Bonus!!! Luna!!

  • @markryl-kuchar2373
    @markryl-kuchar2373 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My dads used the amsoil power foam on gummed up carburetors and it’s cleaned that up quite well

  • @sammacnab3514
    @sammacnab3514 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I really like your videos. I'm not a mechanic, but I try to do my own repairs . However, I know my limitations and will take it to a shop if I know I can't handle the repair. I've learned so much from you and want to thank you for all the videos. By the way, really miss your opening line " Hey There Viewers Welcome To The South Main Auto Channel" my eight year old daughter loves that.

  • @JeRKII
    @JeRKII ปีที่แล้ว

    Back when I had to this I found being honest as you are here in the video's is the best way but also had to put the plan in the discretion on the recipe so that both the customer and shop could remember days, weeks, months down the road..
    Fortunately in today's day and age I also like using the power of the internet and see if it's a common problem I just haven't seen yet.
    Thanks for sharing all this valuable info

  • @jasonjuedes565
    @jasonjuedes565 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Love your videos your just a genuine all around good guy and making your customers happy is always your goal !
    You could just sweep the shop floor in a video and still have thousands of views it’s you and your personality that makes us watch keep up the great work !

  • @2eagle86
    @2eagle86 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's a good thing you video tape all your customers car repairs, so atleast you have proof you ran thru the car from top to bottom, some customers are kinda con artist to say something else is wrong and you did something to it kinda deal

  • @mojunk19
    @mojunk19 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Another great video! The customer got what he paid for. Everything was needed and if that doesn’t fix the issue you can check that off the list. Good job.

  • @robertswartzwelder8810
    @robertswartzwelder8810 ปีที่แล้ว

    Intermittent stalling, ha! This video reminds me of the "good old days" when cars were carbureted, vacuum was king, the hood was opened at least once a week and everything ran like crap all the time! Today our expectations are too high, what do you mean it stalls occasionally? Suck it up, drive around it, be creative! :). Thanks for all the great content Eric O! Love your channel!

  • @DaddyBeanDaddyBean
    @DaddyBeanDaddyBean ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I had a stalling problem with a '65 Mustang - after starting it cold, driving about 10 mins, parking for 20-30, it would stall on startup. More precisely, driving from home to the ice cream store, and having an ice cream, and then it would stall when we started it up to leave. I couldn't figure it out. Mechanic said he couldn't reproduce it. He was located the same distance away, so I suggested he leave it cool overnight, and tomorrow, at the end of the day, drive it to the ice cream store and have an ice cream on me. He reproduced it and figured it out. 😎

    • @danielmonsanto8286
      @danielmonsanto8286 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sir i think i know your issue. Your car is jealous whenever you get ice cream and is having a tantrum because it's not getting any. 😂

    • @DaddyBeanDaddyBean
      @DaddyBeanDaddyBean ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@danielmonsanto8286 Right. I thought the ice cream store was just a coincidence, just exactly the right distance where a 20-minute cool-down would recreate the problem, but no - it was the ice cream itself. Or lack thereof. I started shoving a strawberry sundae down the throat of the carburetor, problem solved! 😂

  • @JB-tz9pi
    @JB-tz9pi ปีที่แล้ว

    That throttle body looks brand new now and so much fun to watch. I need to get some!

  • @Win52D
    @Win52D ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I had an issue like that on a early 70s Toyota. It would run fine then the engine would die. After pulling over to the side of the road it would start back and run smooth as can be. Turns out that when a fuel additive was dumped in one time the cardboard liner in the cap stuck to the bottle and ended up on the bottom of the tank. It floated around on the bottom til it got sucked onto the fuel outlet. Once the suction was gone the disc floated away til the next time it got close to the outlet.

    • @phillipfritz7014
      @phillipfritz7014 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Win52D That's amazing. But how the blazes did you ever think to look for something like that?

    • @Win52D
      @Win52D ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@phillipfritz7014 We had eliminated everything in the fuel system so we dropped the tank to see if there was a blockage. This was an early 70s car, long before EFI on board computers and electric fuel pumps so there wasn't much in the fuel delivery system other than a pump, tank and fuel line.

  • @jesstreloar7706
    @jesstreloar7706 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The plan was discussed with the customer and they agreed you should try this. Excellent 100K service on the Outback air intake system. Hoping for an update. As an industrial maintenance mechanic - "There is something wrong with the machine." I would arrive at the machine in question. "How long is it going to take to fix it?" Well, I need to find out what is wrong then I can tell you. A certain customer was usually not happy with that answer.

  • @douglash3129
    @douglash3129 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi Eric, Those brushes are good as long as you don't use them to brush your teeth after a TB cleaning with Berkbile 2+2.😛 Great job Eric, fun stuff!

  • @j.markkrzystofiak9907
    @j.markkrzystofiak9907 ปีที่แล้ว

    “It doesn’t say how many HP per can”…that’s a classic my guy!

  • @robiecarmichael9958
    @robiecarmichael9958 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I love your thought process, honesty, integrity and just your damn good knowledge and attitude. If every business approached the consumer and their problems as you do. We would have the absolute most efficient, logic based system in the world! Oops forgot many businesses are run by money grubbing yahoos. Great video as always. Keep them coming. Thank you

  • @jonjones1290
    @jonjones1290 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sometimes taking the opportunity to give things a clean and a tickle can prevent/reduce problems becoming permanent. Preventative maintenance my mentor used to drum into me. Tip top job

  • @jimpantherdrivervickers5439
    @jimpantherdrivervickers5439 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    They tell me "can't find a problem...fix it your self...here's my bill"

  • @BigDaddy_MRI
    @BigDaddy_MRI ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks! Once again, my favorite professional auto mechanic and diagnostic genius shows us how it gets done.
    And, to be a simp for AMSOIL products, they’ve never let me down. Use AMSOIL in all my vehicles and lawn equipment. So, good choice, Mr. O!
    FINALLY a SMA video my wife didn’t spoil. Take care and HOWDY to the family from Texas!

  • @michaelcosta7235
    @michaelcosta7235 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    We charge them the one hour reduced rate diag charge and explain to them we are unable to determine an issue at this time due to the issue not being present currently.

  • @Raymond.Butler
    @Raymond.Butler ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those brushes were used on the M-16 prior to the AR-15 and listed as a firearms cleaning brush in the Army.

  • @StankiewiczFarm
    @StankiewiczFarm ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I had a similar issue with my 2014 Impreza. It would sometimes do a weird idle and stall and did it quite often. First and foremost I NEVER use Fram filters. I use OEM or Wix. The issue was caused by the Variable Valve Timing Control system. When an engine oil gets low, dirty or sits, it can plug up the oil valve. This is a common problem with this system. I did an engine oil flush, replaced the filter and oil and it ran like new and the problem never came back.

    • @sblagg527
      @sblagg527 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just FYI if you were using an OEM Subie filter on anything besides the 3.6R engine, it was MADE BY FRAM. (AFAIK only Subaru of America did this; Subaru of Canada and Subaru of Japan still used the fantastic Tokyo Roki filters, which Subaru of America still used on the 3.6R 6 cylinder engines.)

  • @jeffthurmond7537
    @jeffthurmond7537 ปีที่แล้ว

    Most shops would just ready, aim, fire the parts cannon. And reload and keep shooting. I appreciate your professionalism and procedures.

  • @edwicks66
    @edwicks66 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Good vid man , I would have done the same things ! Throttle body was nasty so you may have gotten a good result from the foam ! Keep em coming folks I'll keep liking !

    • @devinmabon6770
      @devinmabon6770 ปีที่แล้ว

      We just drive the heck out of them to try and get problem to show. We chase all our own parts so just use customers vehicle as a shop truck for a few days. If the problem doesn't show in that period ship it and tell them to try and come back while its acting up

  • @granitecowboy2199
    @granitecowboy2199 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A couple of shops I have worked in, we would try up to 3 times to recreate the issue. In this situation I would have let vehicle idle for a half hour or so, and then tried to recreate the issue. If I couldn't verify what is happening. I would ask the customer to drive it until the issue happens, and if at all possible, bring it back when it happens again without shutting the vehicle off. I know that's hard to do, but I don't want to waste customer money, and they want the car fixed. So you just do what you can...

  • @Clearanceman2
    @Clearanceman2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My 2008 does this randomly at idle and I ordered a used throttle body for $40 and I'm going to give it a try. I've taught the current throttle body to idle 5 times. No effect. I think the vent for the fuel tank is clogged and it might be part of it. I haven't go that far. It's getting worse though. Once it warms up, now it will mostly stutter and sometimes stall at idle. I've cleaned the throttle body over and over. The wires are very tight for the drive by wire where it plugs in the throttle body. I hate stuff like this. There are no codes. I checked for vaccum leaks no vaccum leaks. I pulled the EGR valve and it looks great. I've changed the MAF sensor after cleaning the MAF sensor. If clearing the vent and pressure sensor and throttle body doesn't work, I'll try unplugging the EGR valve.

  • @youtubeuser5424
    @youtubeuser5424 ปีที่แล้ว

    Shows you how smart AR owners are. They couldn’t possibly, think of any other uses that one would have those brushes for.

  • @75hdfxe
    @75hdfxe ปีที่แล้ว +4

    If it started acting up after the new battery install I would definitely suspect the dirty throttle body, but they seem to run consistently bad. The intermittent condition is confusing. Will be curious how it works out for the owner.

  • @kwshilts
    @kwshilts ปีที่แล้ว

    This was a very information-filled video. Good job. The one reason I watch your videos is when a customer brings a car into your shop. You do not nickel and dime the customer. I.E. the air filter.

  • @cmdrclassified
    @cmdrclassified ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Friends don't let friends use Fram!
    Intermittent problems are tough to deal with. Unless it happens to you, which as you say, it never happens at the Mechanic! More than half the time, I find them by accident.
    Have a great day, Sir! o7 PS, I love how you and your cat talk to each other! :)

  • @LrdnBeast
    @LrdnBeast ปีที่แล้ว

    Started in the second source parts business 11 years ago.. My personal experience has brought me to purchase OEM parts for certain regular maintenance. Break pads OEM last longer, starters the same. Spark plugs and O2 sensors as well.

  • @RainmanRaysRepairs
    @RainmanRaysRepairs ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Ask google 😆

    • @michaelcosta7235
      @michaelcosta7235 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Now Ray, we all know they asked Google, Facebook, and several vehicle specific forums before finally relenting and bringing it to us. 😂

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Hey Siri....

  • @timmykelly4508
    @timmykelly4508 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mr O thank you for all the videos you put out. I fixed my car by cleaning the throttle body just from watching your videos saved me 500 dollars.

  • @williamdorsey4962
    @williamdorsey4962 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Im a tech actually at a western new york dealership. I treat them very similar to what you said. I will spend way more time on a safety type concern then say a radio concern. Also been working on same brand for 19 years so relay highly on experience from problems seen in the past. It can be hard to teach the newer guys to try on intermittent problems especially with the flat rate system. As you know this business is getting harder by the day and unfortunately their are more bad techs in the business that shot gun parts then guys like you and me who get more enjoyment in finding the exact problem.

  • @Iceman-wd1jk
    @Iceman-wd1jk ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just had a Expedition same symptoms about 2 month ago and preformed throttle body and iac clean so far all good. I didn't do mass or egr just to see if it would go away but that would have been my next step. So saw this title and had to watch but I watch all your videos. Thanks for all your videos just like being in the shop with you all straight up.

  • @guesswho9742
    @guesswho9742 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Years ago, Scotty turned me on to running laqure thinner throughthe fuel tank to clean the fuel and cat system. I had a customer just like you that had a hard start problem also. We talked it over and ran thinner in the fuel. Around a week later the problem dissapeared. A few weeks later, his kid totaled the car... I belive carbon was the cause, but didn't get to see the results. LOL

  • @DIYDaveOK
    @DIYDaveOK ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well, as a "home mechanic," a comeback means my wife says "it's still doing it." 😊. Tried a lot to fix an intermittent misfire on my son's Ranger before we found a cracked coil pack! Thanks as always, Eric!

  • @brianstroh6266
    @brianstroh6266 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I believe the amsoil was sent to you by a viewer and it was on a live stream a couple of years ago.

    • @MrHugawa
      @MrHugawa ปีที่แล้ว +2

      now here's a true fan of the channel... good memory

    • @mattmanyam
      @mattmanyam ปีที่แล้ว

      I miss the live streams...

    • @brianstroh6266
      @brianstroh6266 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MrHugawa Thank you.

    • @glassvial
      @glassvial ปีที่แล้ว

      I think we're overdue for another WuW!!

  • @zachgilmore7865
    @zachgilmore7865 ปีที่แล้ว

    My mama always said intermittent's are like irritable bowel syndrome, you never know when it's gonna.... Well you get the point. Good vid. Thanks Mr. O.

  • @MickayG
    @MickayG ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My shop/mechanic is a very familiar with Honda and has basically seen it all and fixes all... he knows what to look for. But that one rare case he wasn't sure he gave me a loaner and used my car for a couple of days until he runs into the problem. Problem was that not every time, but sometimes my car would stall when the engine came up to operation temperature... sometimes no problem for weeks, sometimes multiple times a day... wouldn't start right after, but after waiting 1~2 minutes it would start again and run fine for the rest of the trip. Turned out to be a faulty sensor that normally shouldn't cause stalling, but he figured that it most likely was a programming bug in the ECM that would trigger cutting of the fuel when it shouldn't... didn't show up on data also because obviously he didn't monitor that sensor because it had nothing to do with fuel delivery.

  • @Ed-ip2sg
    @Ed-ip2sg ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So for intermittent I use a 10 pound sledge. If properly done things become much more consistent. Logical guessing and reasonable costs. Nicely done. Learned how to clean a throttle body

  • @kerzwhile
    @kerzwhile ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely The Best!! We all can wish to have our own Eric in our town! 😢 a true master mechanic knows when and when not to use new parts!

  • @tracydiller9378
    @tracydiller9378 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video Eric O. as always.The best thing here is you let your customer know what was going on unlike a lot of shops.This is why I watch your channel because you put your customers first and your honest.

  • @fixinanddoinstuff2134
    @fixinanddoinstuff2134 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Mr O, just a backyard micananiac but I do have a Subie. Great product on the throttle body.
    1 st thought: pcv valve or cracked hose to pcv.
    2nd thought: Subaru uses soy based wire coatings. With those mice I wonder if they are dining on his wiring?
    3rd thought: spark tube seals leaking oil into tube and sitting at the base of the plug. Boxer engine is prone to it. Spark then shorts from the boot to to oil/block.
    Good luck and keep us posted. Have a good evening 👍

  • @peterbenson3776
    @peterbenson3776 ปีที่แล้ว

    Seems like the most logical path.

  • @infin1ty850
    @infin1ty850 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've worked in IT my entire career, so similar troubleshooting paths, just different hardware/software. Intermittent issues are the bane of my existence. Since I don't have the luxury of being able tell people pound sand it's basically starting with the simple stuff and working up from there.

  • @brianbanks3044
    @brianbanks3044 ปีที่แล้ว

    the force field of the shop doors always eliminates the symptoms...try it out in the parking lot...LOL

  • @akdenyer
    @akdenyer ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Having done quite a few intermittent faults on all sorts of things. Try and reproduce the circumstances. even with my own vehicles. I then say, 'let the fault mature' as long as it is not dangerous or not a complete failure. I had a PATS system on a Ford Ranger. Would go for 3-4 months with no problem then it would start acting up. had the scope on it checked powers and grounds, check it was sending data, Yes I had several keys. Eventually I through an antenna ring at it and it fixed it. But I never caught it actually broken. Another one was a screaming noise loud and like a Cricket when the vehicle (Mitsubishi Lancer 2009) was moving at speed, wind noise yes, but where from??. That turned out to be an incorrectly shut window. Yes that simple. After I had the noise analyzer on it for an hour or so. Fun as you say Eric.

  • @ccgrider1014
    @ccgrider1014 ปีที่แล้ว

    Also, Berryman B12 carb, choke,and throttle body cleaner works great!! Cheaper too!!

  • @johnreid859
    @johnreid859 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just cleaned one of those throttle bodies. Made. A big difference in the idle. Thinking doing an Italian/Berimans tuneup on it also.

  • @jamesmachalik9924
    @jamesmachalik9924 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Simply unplug it. Great idea. I never thought of that as a diagnostic tool. Thanks again Eric O.

  • @ChrisWilliams-pu8pj
    @ChrisWilliams-pu8pj ปีที่แล้ว

    Like the way that you focus on the customer. Great job!

  • @garyalford9394
    @garyalford9394 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cotton balls soaked with pure peppermint oil done monthly help detour mice! also rabbit screen over air filter intake keeps them out of the air filter houseing.

  • @wadetaylor3195
    @wadetaylor3195 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. I'm a Amsoil cult member, i use the Power Foam. You get a lot of white smoke for a short while but it really works to restore power.

  • @chevyguy-hf1yq
    @chevyguy-hf1yq ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Perfection, absolute perfection. I bet it's fixed and I guess I have to get me some amsoil.

  • @coycarlson4979
    @coycarlson4979 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your customers are pretty chill because they know their vehicles are being worked on and repaired by one of the most competent technicians to ever work on automobiles 😏🙂✌️

  • @SGreen77Gaming
    @SGreen77Gaming ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve used Amsoil powerfoam on cars for years and it’s always worked great! Definitely recommend 👍