I love how the stealership, the guy with all the fancy tools, all the fancy testers, and factory certified technicians, charging $200 an hour couldn't fix the problem while the small shop guy with all the brains nails it in no time.
I know! how do these crooks, (parts changers) get away with that? I dii the same thing as Eric for years. I'd go right to the problem and fix it after they threw 100'S $ of unnecessary parts and they still think they're getting cheated. BZ to Eric for doing what he does
Tools and a certified tech doesn't mean you can fix anything. When I went to BioMed School they drilled theory of operation in us everyday, the motto was if you don't know how it works how do you fix it? A lesson you never forget.
And I hope that lady NEVER goes back to that dealer. I worked for Mopar dealers in Minnesota for a long time and NONE of them would have allowed a tech to get away with that kind of crap. Must be a New York thing!
You'd think that. I'm booked too far out to take on new customers. They typically can't wait a few weeks. That is why these deals are usually a one and don't never see you again type of thing 🤷♂️
@@billwTCan I think the apprenticeship program would be best so he can hire the tech that will most likely have the willingness to learn. You can't teach people to have a good attitude.
Better on the wheel well than where Ford had them in the 1980s. My 1984 Ford Escort had its module slapped against the engine. Problem was, instead of the module dissipating heat it got super hot from the engine and burned up. I went through half a dozen modules before I realized why the modules kept falling. The dealer could not help. They only replaced them. I ended up re-locating the module off the engine and never had another module fail again. I wrote Ford telling them of their mistake and they never responded. That was the last Ford I ever owned.
Y’all have no idea how cool I thought it was two weeks ago when I stopped for the night at the truckstop just down the road from Wilburt’s and realized how close I was to SMA. I honestly considered doing a drive-by and tooting the airhorn the next day to see if I could be “that guy“ in one of the videos.
@@SouthMainAutohey brother. 40 year Master Tech here. I truly love your videos. Never can learn enough about repairing these engineered jigsaw puzzles. Your integrity and knowledge can be a rare find in our business. I'm a frequent visitor of Wilbert's in Williamson. Great facilities. Can you please share what model Autel scanner you use? Much appreciated and keep on wrenching!
@@SouthMainAuto Loves for a couple of their cheddar sausages, then Pilot for a nap and a… well, a bath. Thanks for asking, and for keeping us all entertained! I know I appreciate it.
...you mean master-bators, not master techs. Those people with fancy tools and certificates of proficiency coming out the ying-yangs are as good as the tits on a bull.
I saw a fancy paper on the wall covered in dust. Turned out to be expired 7 years ago. I laughed so hard when I noticed it at one of my local stealerships. Another thing that happens at stealerships is only having one guy certified and employing six more who are not. That makes it hard to say if the person working on your car is certified. I think they are happy to find someone who has a drivers license and can pass a drug test.
Not a stupid video at all. I am a systems engineer and electrician, I do all my own car and motorcycle repair if I can and just for fun. The thing that usually stops me is a lack of diagnostic equipment, technical info/drawings and experience. Your videos are full of info, and grab my undivided attention, it's like being an apprentice again but from my armchair 🔧👍
Check your local library's website to see if they have access to car repair service data. The local library near me has Mitchell and Chilton service data FOR FREE for library card holders.
@davidcoates4852 That's what John Deere is doing to American farmers. They don't give them access to software needed for repairs. They get the software from " napster" .I mean black market. There is a lawsuit against them now from a number of farmers.
@@wrnhokie My library used to have good stuff available. Both hard copy manuals and access to online tech info. Now the online tech info sucks and newer paper manuals are a hit and miss if they have them at all. Sad!
ECUs, PCMs, whatever alphabet soup the manufacturer spelled out of his cereal box that morning- rarely go bad these days. Most techs go for "" well, it fixed the last car" parts cannon and hope for the best. Because Eric actually understands the entire system, he nails root cause quickly. His talent is rare and appreciated by many. ROCK ON SMA!
Where I live, three Super Master Techs at three different dealerships could not do what you just did. They said the vehicle was beyond repair. Young man, the more I watch, the more I'm impressed with your abilities and integrity.
It's not just a few clicks of a button and a trip to the junk yard. It's the years of knowledge and experience that fixed it, along with proper testing. A+
The ONLY question is " will it fix the car " ? Your honor , this is the factory . They have the complete engineering staff , factory trained technicians , factory tools , etc. They gave a written estimate . They are the experts on this vehicle . They charged me $$$$.$$ to NOT fix the car . Then they claimed it needed more parts OR " it couldn't be fixed " ! I demand ALL my money back . The car is exactly the same . But now I am out $$$$.$$ and have a car that is NOT fixed but does several new parts that were NEVER needed . " But we TRIED to fix it " ! But FAILED !!!!!!!!!! It will cost them hours in small claims court . I would not even pay a diagnostis fee because they failed . Go pay a taxi to drop you in the wrong town !😂😂😂 Great lesson and fix Eric ! Wilberts for the win !
I read all that and I have no idea what you said. are you saying you're not going to pay your bill at the dealership? if you don't, you just gave your car to them. they will apply for a lein, get a title in their name and sell it to auction to get their money. you have no say in this.
@@Loulito they used to have multiple junk yards when i was younger and working in my dads garage but now they don’t like you walking around in the yard anymore around here. I used to put a lot of car parts on my dads account back then.
Ambient noise is a constant at SMA; if it isn't The Big Dog, That Guy, or Lawn Mower Neighbor, it's a train. Only a matter of time until a marching band makes an appearance.
Seriously... I'm not a car guy. Not even a little 😂. This is my job and I enjoy fixing them I just have little to no interest in them after work. I think cars are stupid and a waste of money but a necessary form of travel. That's why I say I'm not a car guy 🤷♂️
@@SouthMainAutosince you have zero emotion about cars and you can clearly learn to be a technician on any kind of vehicle, what are your thoughts on ev’s?
Such great diagnostic skills. But more importantly integrity, test and verify. It’s such a shame that the dealers and other independent shops are so willing to throw parts at it when it does not need them. Thanks Al always for great video and commentary
I just went through this exact situation on 08 Ram 1500. Bought off a dealer at a hefty discount, because they had no interest in figuring out the code issues. Truck is for son about to get his license and your channel has definitely given me confidence to really get after troubleshooting myself, which I enjoy. So guess what? Pulled codes fought with an O2 sensor heater fault and ended up blaming the ecu. Expensive part if I’m wrong… however opted for a used one from a vendor the forums had recommended and that was it! Bad ecu circuit to O2 heater… so great to see today’s video.
How in the world can shops shake down these people for thousands of dollars, then give 'em an estimate for thousands more to actually fix the thing? (When the additional thousands wouldn't have fixed it either!) Unbelievable... People should be hauling these charlatans into small claims court to get some financial recovery! Outstanding job again Mr. O.. You probably have a new forever customer!
@@peterhodgkins6985 the problem is mechanics who don’t know how to troubleshoot, and don’t know anything about electronics. When you know how to properly troubleshoot it makes you look like a miracle worker, things that others struggle with for weeks you can fix in minutes. The fundamental algorithm of troubleshooting is this: divide a complex system into simpler subsystems, then test each of the subsystems. Additionally one needs to be incredibly careful about assumptions. It’s very easy to rule out the actual solution by assuming.
@@wackyvorlonNo. The problem is shops not standing behind their work. There's got to be some sort of liability to charging the customer for a service (fixing the problem) and not doing the job.
@@Wheelman81 My son was literally told this. He and I get along like oil and water and trying to tell him this would just cause an argument. So I sit back and let him do what he wants and just keep to the subjects that are safe to talk about.
What I find most entertaining and fascinating is the pure joy that comes through as you work solving each puzzle. The editing and content are straightforward. There’s no useless “fluff.” The work you do is a blending of art and science and the result is pure poetry. Keep it up and thanks for spreading joy by following your passion.
@@xyzzy7145 There is noting to "suppose", because in 2022, there were 260 deaths, and 2,200 accidents from trains hitting cars, even with the "safety first" horn blasts. Federal Regulations, going back 150 years, _require_ a 96-110db horn (jet engine loud). At every street, the regs mandate two longs--a short-a long. SMA is 600 feet from the River St crossing, 400 feet from the S Main St crossing, 300 feet from the Grant St crossing, 500 feet from the Maple St crossing, and 1000 feet from the Carrington St crossing.
Eric, my friends and family get tired of me talking about your trouble shooting skills and how good you are and the issues you find when nobody else can. You should be teaching the techs at the dealerships your skills. I'm in Michigan and sure wish you were closer to work on my vehicles. Everybody assumes the dealers know everything on troubleshooting and car repair but time and time again you systematically find the problem. Awesome work. And when you say " If I can do you can do it". I don't think I could.
Info is out there for people to learn. I think sometimes people forget Eric basically grew up in a workshop and has many years of experience under his belt, the tools, and the reference material which is why he makes it look so easy.
Love the computer fail videos and Wilbers! The customer will be thrilled...then she will be pissed at all the money she spent at the other shops!! Great job!!
This is my 3rd career, but I was always very mechanically inclined due to my father’s influence of diesel and gasoline engine repairs. I helped manage a fellow veterans auto repair shop. I noticed that on occasion, some of the dealerships didn’t do the correct diagnosis. It turned out they didn’t devote sufficient time because they were in the clock to move cars out. Cars on lifts or stalls do not make money. Dealerships are no t in the business to loose money. That’s why I believe that many of these independent shops will and can at times, devote more time to analyze vehicle problems. Eric O just gained another faithful customer. It’s a win-win for everyone
Yet another quality video showing off your superior ability! The 3 shops and especially the dealership should be ashamed of charging for not fixing. Unfortunately you make it look so easy, but who is teaching all these other guys? Why don’t they care enough to learn the basics that you use? Or at least not try and just send them to you in the beginning? You are obviously one of a kind and we are all so lucky to be able to watch and learn from you!!!
I'll be 78 next month, and I remember when all you saw in a "junk yard" was OLD cars. Like 20 years old and older. Look at the cars in Wilbert's, most are only a year or a few years old. What does that tell you? WE ARE GOING BACKWARDS!!!!
You are so right, modern cars are junk. I am a similar age to you, I will be keeping my 8 year old diesel Ute, it will be my last car. I am not going to risk buying a pile of junk. Cheers from Australia.🇳🇿
Alternatively, upstate NY (where Eric's shop is) puts down so much "salt" during the winter that most cars have their frames rotted out by the time they are 15 years old.
SMA to the rescue again! I’ve been in the industry for 18 years now and wish I could work with someone this good to learn off. Glad he has the channel! Eric O best technician I’ve never met!
I needed the window and door lock switch for my truck and visited the junkyard. I walked around like Eric and said all the things. I even told the gal at the counter “here’s your problem lady”. It was great fun.
Nice to know you can put a used pcm in that vehicle. Sometimes swapping in a used module if it's available is faster then all the individual tests. Now if a previously enjoyed part is not available then that's a different story. Nice fix!
@@PhillipBailey I am proud of you you are a good mechanic I always watch your videos and I learn from you how to fix Cars and how to use scantool correctly I indebted to you and the owner this channel Soth America both of are genius,,,🌹🌹🌹
If you read the Honda service info that's how part of their diagnostic flow chart. If nothing else fixes it, "substitute a known good PCM." Because everyone has known good PCM's laying around.
Anytime I repair a vehicle another shop or mechanic could not repair I seem to end up with a new customer for life. Another great job Eric! keep up the good work!
I love your local Pick a Part Eric. So clean and tidy, and the wheels are still on. Ours is messy, the fuel tanks have been holed and drained, and people have wrecked good parts to get what they want. Like ripping door panels off to get to speakers or door mirrors. I love Pick a Part, costs us $2 to get in but a shame to see how people have trashed good vehicles whilst they owned them and then scrapped them. They must have lost $1000s when basic maintainance and care would have kept them going longer. I love your videos, explanations and your humour. Keep it up Eric, cheers...
The dealer standards are pitiful everywhere. And they wonder why folks hate stealerships. Great scientific analysis through observation, testing, verification through replication and correction. Very logical and scientific. Shane on all the other mechanics.
I swear, Eric, if it isn't the guy running his lawn mower then it is a freight train coming through town. It doesn't matter I will still watch. Wikipedia says that there was a railroad line that was severed through Avoca many years ago. They must have reconnected it. Great job on the Caravan. If you were that lady's last hope she was in good hands. GREAT VIDEO!
You get a very satisfying feeling when you fix a problem that other people (some trained people) have tried and failed. I worked in maintenance for 35 years and learned that some peole are fixers and some are not.
Work in a dealership for 3 months and you'll quickly realize that diagnostics don't get you paid, if you spent 2 hours trying to diagnose an electrical fault not only would you not get paid for it but you'll most likely be fired. They only care about volume and sales.
@@stevewhite3424 no it is whole system. we need a different system nowadays with complicated cars and expensive parts you can't just guess and try most obvious stuff like years ago.
I am with you on this one, I think the dealership should have Dr. Eric teach a class to their techs and pay him, then pay the techs to watch SMA videos. lol
Fan of SMA for a long time and today I have seen some first ever's. 1. A 14 year old New York Chrysler product still not rusted out... 2. Eric O in shorts! And a visit to Wilberts; What a day.
Thanks for taking us all on another entertaining field trip to Wilbert’s. I think a few of your viewers may have missed the reference to “Gibb’s Rule Number 1” ..as in Leroy Jethro Gibbs of the NCIS tv show. Very Cool.
Never saw a junkyard like this before!! Everything up on blocks and in order! Im use to the junkyards with cars piled all over the place and weeds growing around them and an old guy named "bob" sleeping in a little shack that owns the place!!
I used to run a bodyshop that had a you pull yard just down the street. After particularly stressful days i would go down and walk thr yard. I started remembering the vehicles in there and repaired many vehicles using parts from the yard. I wound up running the yard for 2 years after i left the bodyshop business. Still would walk the yard after hours, i found it therapeutic to look at all of the used and abused vehicles.
I could maybe do it if I had all your years and years of experience, but I keep learning new things each time. Great job as always. Have a great weekend!
Eric I can't even begin to tell you how much respect I have for you as a shop owner for going to a you pull it to get your customers back on the road reasonably. It's so amazing!!
Dealerships. I’ve got two recalls on my new car and I don’t even want to get involved with their shenanigans. Besides, they’re so overwhelmed that when I try to set up an appointment they tell me we’re months out for what is essentially a visual check and a software update on a parking brake. I use a local shop with a great mechanic for my other vehicle and oil changes. Happy to help support a local business, not willing to subsidize a scam operator.
I got that beat I got a recall I called scheduled my appointment and took off work drove over to the dealer sat for 1 hour then they came and said they didn’t have the part to do the recall after calling me to come get it done and scheduled it
The dodge dealership I’m at will do software update recalls same day. There is a service backlog, because we are severely short handed. Seems like the younger generation doesn’t want to to the physical labor required in this profession. Im 45, got back into the field in 22, and have no problem working 10 hours a day in the heat. Beats being stuck behind a desk.
My VW has a recall for the ignition switch. Almost every one of them since a Mk2 has had this issue anyways. The one in the wife's car is definitely hinky, pull the key out and like 3-5 seconds later the interior light comes on (the colder it is the slower it reacts). Not really worried about it until it breaks , because try getting an appointment like you said.
Unparalleled diagnostic lesson for us all. Salvage yards have saved me thousands of bucks in the past but wary of electrical parts. Great job once again Eric ! Absence of rust on this unit leads me to think the owner must winter in Florida or Arizona away from the winter salt baths! 👍👍👍🥇🔧🔧
A 1 auto is YOU THANKS Mr magoo here in Milo, Maine You Make good sience thanks for the indepth troubleshooting. You are a BLESSING to watch in action..... 101 points
I've been watching your videos for a couple years now and usually it's "that guy that mows his lawn every couple days" making noise but I've never heard the train before lol Another great informative video - thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Most techs maybe 90% don’t know how to diagnose modern vehicles and they are only getting more complicated. I was at the store yesterday and this brand new Kia something was beeping like a forklift as it was backing out the parking spot next to me . I keep waiting for a piece of heavy equipment to appear in my backup screen.
STOP IT!! You are doing my job, this looks like me at pull and pay. The thing I like about you the most is the relatable things you do. As always thank you for the entertaining content, And if I may ,a shout out to your other half Mrs.O, you both are a great team. 42 yr wrencher here, 63 cincinnati oh.
Don't ever think a Stealership is the answer. Especially on an older vehicle. They'll shotgun parts on your dime everytime. We need real technicians like Mr O. 🤛
Been watching for a while now from down under in Napier, New Zealand. A retired engineer and very impressed by your work ethic Eric, your an inspiration to the trade. Well done Sir😉👍
I still don't comprehend how repair shops "diagnose" a vehicle, charge hundreds or thousands for parts and labor, and it doesn't fix the vehicle. How can they possibly charge the customer ?
You allow them to. When you approve the work. Some states they don't even have to fix it and you pay. So it's lame. Gotta know how a car works these days.
In all the years I've been watching you Eric, I legit think this is the first time we've seen you wearing shorts at work. Your boss finally institute casual Friday dress attire?
I know it’s just another day at the office for you but repairing that van truly helped out the owner. Just imagine if she had to junk that thing and buy a new car would have cost her. We are all struggling to get by these days. Great job I’m sure she was delighted with you. The dealership should make their techs watch this video.
I can't get over your incredible patience with these garbage vehicles. These videos make me want to rip all this solid state garbage out and install a carb.
@@djsi38t ROFLMAO. A 305 V8 had about 180 HP. It wasn't built for HP it was built for reliability which it nailed in spades. Carbs don't suck, well literally they do but figuratively they don't and you can make a carbureted engine with the same HP as FI.
A bad day at the boneyard BEATS a good day at work ANYDAY!!! I personally have a 1995 ford F250 4x4 351w and my late wife's 2012 Dodge grand caravan and when I'm done grabbing whatever I went to pick and pull for I enjoy just walking around the cars!!
Really enjoy how you take us along your journey to find out what the failures are with each repair. It’s very informative for me and sure it is for most watchers. There are few auto mechanics like you out there To many young mechanics only go by what the computer tells them no common sense anymore. Great work😊😊😊
Every time you film this salvage yard I'm impressed with how well maintained it is.
Vegas ones are mint
@@claudiosantana3320 UK ones are usualy an oily mess.
For sure, the ones around here are just piled on top of each other. Did get a whole front end of a mini plus valve body so I won’t complain.
The ones in my area aren't bad but I can buy new parts for less. They have gotten outrageous on pricing.
And no wrecks. All rusted out?
I love how the stealership, the guy with all the fancy tools, all the fancy testers, and factory certified technicians, charging $200 an hour couldn't fix the problem while the small shop guy with all the brains nails it in no time.
I know! how do these crooks, (parts changers) get away with that? I dii the same thing as Eric for years. I'd go right to the problem and fix it after they threw 100'S $ of unnecessary parts and they still think they're getting cheated. BZ to Eric for doing what he does
Sadly that is becoming the norm more and more now.
Tools and a certified tech doesn't mean you can fix anything. When I went to BioMed School they drilled theory of operation in us everyday, the motto was if you don't know how it works how do you fix it? A lesson you never forget.
I think they planned it that way---crooks
not all dealers are like this.
Wilberts' is the unsung hero of South Main Auto lore.
There's gotta be a T at the end with how he says it right?
I missed if he showed the sign
No fun in the boneyard after a recent rain storm!
@@Onewheelordeal Yup, the full name is "Wilbert's U-Pull It of Bath"
@@abw121 the sign did say "No swimming" on the rock 😅
Wilbers is a nicely kept yard
We love taking field trips to Wilberts with you, Eric! Pocket full of sockets lol.
The dealerships may have made more money on that job, but now you'll have a new customer for life!!( Guaranteed!) Great job/video.
And I hope that lady NEVER goes back to that dealer. I worked for Mopar dealers in Minnesota for a long time and NONE of them would have allowed a tech to get away with that kind of crap. Must be a New York thing!
She'll be back because that van is a trash dump on wheels. They break down regularly.
You'd think that. I'm booked too far out to take on new customers. They typically can't wait a few weeks. That is why these deals are usually a one and don't never see you again type of thing 🤷♂️
@@SouthMainAutoWhy not expand hiring local folks interested in being a mechanic?
@@billwTCan I think the apprenticeship program would be best so he can hire the tech that will most likely have the willingness to learn. You can't teach people to have a good attitude.
Guy has unbelievable diagnostic skills! Never ceases to amaze me.
If there is such a thing as a classy junkyard, Wilbert’s is it.
That is the most organized and cleanest U-Pull It yard I have ever seen
Imagine putting the computer in the wheel well and expecting it to last a long time? The engineers are Kookoo.
ikr
@@barry009 they have a lot of faith in conformal coatings.
the pcm belongs in the interior away from heat and water/moisture.
Better on the wheel well than where Ford had them in the 1980s. My 1984 Ford Escort had its module slapped against the engine. Problem was, instead of the module dissipating heat it got super hot from the engine and burned up. I went through half a dozen modules before I realized why the modules kept falling. The dealer could not help. They only replaced them. I ended up re-locating the module off the engine and never had another module fail again. I wrote Ford telling them of their mistake and they never responded. That was the last Ford I ever owned.
Hey. If the voyager probe still works.....
Y’all have no idea how cool I thought it was two weeks ago when I stopped for the night at the truckstop just down the road from Wilburt’s and realized how close I was to SMA.
I honestly considered doing a drive-by and tooting the airhorn the next day to see if I could be “that guy“ in one of the videos.
I think of SMA every time I drive to and from Rochester to see my daughter. Love the videos and Wilbert’s is always a treat.
Pilot or love's?
@@SouthMainAutohey brother. 40 year Master Tech here. I truly love your videos. Never can learn enough about repairing these engineered jigsaw puzzles. Your integrity and knowledge can be a rare find in our business. I'm a frequent visitor of Wilbert's in Williamson. Great facilities. Can you please share what model Autel scanner you use? Much appreciated and keep on wrenching!
@@SouthMainAutomiss the old kanona truck stop.
@@SouthMainAuto Loves for a couple of their cheddar sausages, then Pilot for a nap and a… well, a bath.
Thanks for asking, and for keeping us all entertained! I know I appreciate it.
All those fancy papers on dealer walls about master techs etc don't mean much if they cannot fix it. Eric you are amazing.
...you mean master-bators, not master techs. Those people with fancy tools and certificates of proficiency coming out the ying-yangs are as good as the tits on a bull.
I saw a fancy paper on the wall covered in dust. Turned out to be expired 7 years ago. I laughed so hard when I noticed it at one of my local stealerships. Another thing that happens at stealerships is only having one guy certified and employing six more who are not. That makes it hard to say if the person working on your car is certified. I think they are happy to find someone who has a drivers license and can pass a drug test.
Not a stupid video at all. I am a systems engineer and electrician, I do all my own car and motorcycle repair if I can and just for fun. The thing that usually stops me is a lack of diagnostic equipment, technical info/drawings and experience. Your videos are full of info, and grab my undivided attention, it's like being an apprentice again but from my armchair 🔧👍
Check your local library's website to see if they have access to car repair service data. The local library near me has Mitchell and Chilton service data FOR FREE for library card holders.
@@wrnhokie thanks for the tip, unfortunately I don't live in the US, we don't have the right to repair here in the UK. 🔧👍
@@davidcoates4852😊😊
@davidcoates4852
That's what John Deere is doing to American farmers.
They don't give them access to software needed for repairs.
They get the software from
" napster" .I mean black market.
There is a lawsuit against them now from a number of farmers.
@@wrnhokie My library used to have good stuff available. Both hard copy manuals and access to online tech info. Now the online tech info sucks and newer paper manuals are a hit and miss if they have them at all. Sad!
ECUs, PCMs, whatever alphabet soup the manufacturer spelled out of his cereal box that morning- rarely go bad these days. Most techs go for "" well, it fixed the last car" parts cannon and hope for the best. Because Eric actually understands the entire system, he nails root cause quickly. His talent is rare and appreciated by many. ROCK ON SMA!
Where I live, three Super Master Techs at three different dealerships could not do what you just did. They said the vehicle was beyond repair. Young man, the more I watch, the more I'm impressed with your abilities and integrity.
It's not just a few clicks of a button and a trip to the junk yard. It's the years of knowledge and experience that fixed it, along with proper testing. A+
I am always amazed how this guy can fix something that has been seen by others at dealerships can’t fix.
The ONLY question is " will it fix the car " ? Your honor , this is the factory . They have the complete engineering staff , factory trained technicians , factory tools , etc. They gave a written estimate . They are the experts on this vehicle . They charged me $$$$.$$ to NOT fix the car . Then they claimed it needed more parts OR " it couldn't be fixed " ! I demand ALL my money back . The car is exactly the same . But now I am out $$$$.$$ and have a car that is NOT fixed but does several new parts that were NEVER needed . " But we TRIED to fix it " ! But FAILED !!!!!!!!!! It will cost them hours in small claims court . I would not even pay a diagnostis fee because they failed . Go pay a taxi to drop you in the wrong town !😂😂😂 Great lesson and fix Eric ! Wilberts for the win !
I read all that and I have no idea what you said. are you saying you're not going to pay your bill at the dealership? if you don't, you just gave your car to them. they will apply for a lein, get a title in their name and sell it to auction to get their money. you have no say in this.
It's always a nice treat when a SMA video starts off at Wilbert's
MAN... I would spend a whole day @ ol' WILBERT's just screwing around! Like a kid at Christmas haha.
I loved walking around the junk yard when I lived near one!
@@Loulito they used to have multiple junk yards when i was younger and working in my dads garage but now they don’t like you walking around in the yard anymore around here. I used to put a lot of car parts on my dads account back then.
Only place more fun is a Tractor junk yard !!
Yip, me too....
Ambient noise is a constant at SMA; if it isn't The Big Dog, That Guy, or Lawn Mower Neighbor, it's a train. Only a matter of time until a marching band makes an appearance.
The Silent Hill horn scared me the first time I heard it
Or that air raid siren always spooks me out 😂
Still boggles my mind that people unsubscribed because the phone rang and/or people walked in the door while Eric was filming 😅
"Not a car guy" is the most real thing ever said by someone who has actually worked with cars for most of their life 😂😂
Seriously... I'm not a car guy. Not even a little 😂. This is my job and I enjoy fixing them I just have little to no interest in them after work. I think cars are stupid and a waste of money but a necessary form of travel. That's why I say I'm not a car guy 🤷♂️
@@SouthMainAutosince you have zero emotion about cars and you can clearly learn to be a technician on any kind of vehicle, what are your thoughts on ev’s?
Eric the car guy said same thing. Meh, I agree.
@@SouthMainAuto Doing this for living is one way to ruin hobby aspect! But I can't quit!
@@SouthMainAuto whatever happened to that WJ you were souping up?
Theres no day like an SMA day when you just sit back relax enjoy Eric fixing some cars and making some jokes :)
Such great diagnostic skills. But more importantly integrity, test and verify. It’s such a shame that the dealers and other independent shops are so willing to throw parts at it when it does not need them. Thanks Al always for great video and commentary
I just went through this exact situation on 08 Ram 1500. Bought off a dealer at a hefty discount, because they had no interest in figuring out the code issues. Truck is for son about to get his license and your channel has definitely given me confidence to really get after troubleshooting myself, which I enjoy.
So guess what? Pulled codes fought with an O2 sensor heater fault and ended up blaming the ecu. Expensive part if I’m wrong… however opted for a used one from a vendor the forums had recommended and that was it! Bad ecu circuit to O2 heater… so great to see today’s video.
How in the world can shops shake down these people for thousands of dollars, then give 'em an estimate for thousands more to actually fix the thing? (When the additional thousands wouldn't have fixed it either!)
Unbelievable... People should be hauling these charlatans into small claims court to get some financial recovery!
Outstanding job again Mr. O.. You probably have a new forever customer!
We call them STEALerships for a reason...
@@peterhodgkins6985 the problem is mechanics who don’t know how to troubleshoot, and don’t know anything about electronics.
When you know how to properly troubleshoot it makes you look like a miracle worker, things that others struggle with for weeks you can fix in minutes.
The fundamental algorithm of troubleshooting is this: divide a complex system into simpler subsystems, then test each of the subsystems. Additionally one needs to be incredibly careful about assumptions. It’s very easy to rule out the actual solution by assuming.
You know they'd go to the tried and tested, "well, you needed those other parts before we could finish the diagnosis."
@@wackyvorlonNo. The problem is shops not standing behind their work. There's got to be some sort of liability to charging the customer for a service (fixing the problem) and not doing the job.
@@Wheelman81 My son was literally told this. He and I get along like oil and water and trying to tell him this would just cause an argument.
So I sit back and let him do what he wants and just keep to the subjects that are safe to talk about.
There’s parts changers and there’s actual technicians. Eric is a master at his craft.
What I find most entertaining and fascinating is the pure joy that comes through as you work solving each puzzle. The editing and content are straightforward. There’s no useless “fluff.” The work you do is a blending of art and science and the result is pure poetry. Keep it up and thanks for spreading joy by following your passion.
That train is carrying nothing but lawnmowers, road salt, and little red clips.
You can hear that it stopped to drop off lawnmowers across the street.
@@TVwatcher-ic3ne And cans of brakleen, and rust penetrant.
Well, the engineer is also testing the hearing of the town folk and a bunch of us on the internet ... safety first I suppose.
@@xyzzy7145 There is noting to "suppose", because in 2022, there were 260 deaths, and 2,200 accidents from trains hitting cars, even with the "safety first" horn blasts. Federal Regulations, going back 150 years, _require_ a 96-110db horn (jet engine loud). At every street, the regs mandate two longs--a short-a long. SMA is 600 feet from the River St crossing, 400 feet from the S Main St crossing, 300 feet from the Grant St crossing, 500 feet from the Maple St crossing, and 1000 feet from the Carrington St crossing.
Still,we can suppose
Sound effects: Normally lawn mower but today it is the train horn.
Lawn mower was still there, just drowned out ....
The times, they are a changin
Or. " CHEVY THUNDER: LOL
Eric, my friends and family get tired of me talking about your trouble shooting skills and how good you are and the issues you find when nobody else can. You should be teaching the techs at the dealerships your skills. I'm in Michigan and sure wish you were closer to work on my vehicles. Everybody assumes the dealers know everything on troubleshooting and car repair but time and time again you systematically find the problem. Awesome work. And when you say " If I can do you can do it". I don't think I could.
Info is out there for people to learn.
I think sometimes people forget Eric basically grew up in a workshop and has many years of experience under his belt, the tools, and the reference material which is why he makes it look so easy.
"How often does that train go by?" "So often you won't even notice it."
Maybe Im crazy, but I do not recall ever hearing a train in one of his videos...
I know that movie. Just quoted a different line in another comment somewhere. It was the 106 miles to Chicago scene.
I liked the one in "My cousin Vinny"!
CCE Kurtis would say "F### off train" to that
Love the computer fail videos and Wilbers! The customer will be thrilled...then she will be pissed at all the money she spent at the other shops!! Great job!!
Oh that guy must've put train horns on his mower
Every time I see Wilbert's salvage yard, it brings back memories of my dad's and uncles' repair shop. Thanks for bringing us along. 😊
It’s a great day when we go out to Wilbert’s shopping and looking at stuff.
This is my 3rd career, but I was always very mechanically inclined due to my father’s influence of diesel and gasoline engine repairs. I helped manage a fellow veterans auto repair shop. I noticed that on occasion, some of the dealerships didn’t do the correct diagnosis. It turned out they didn’t devote sufficient time because they were in the clock to move cars out. Cars on lifts or stalls do not make money. Dealerships are no t in the business to loose money. That’s why I believe that many of these independent shops will and can at times, devote more time to analyze vehicle problems. Eric O just gained another faithful customer. It’s a win-win for everyone
You planned the whole video around that train, didn't you? 😂 Great as always, Eric.
It wasn't even a train lol. It was the big machine that changes out the ties. Sounds like a train though :)
beat's lawn mower man!
Obviously the dealers don’t watch your videos, otherwise “they could do it”!
@@SouthMainAuto Was half expecting the locomotive in the shop for some diagnostics!
I thought Eric was just swearing up a storm and he was getting bleeped out😂
Yet another quality video showing off your superior ability! The 3 shops and especially the dealership should be ashamed of charging for not fixing. Unfortunately you make it look so easy, but who is teaching all these other guys? Why don’t they care enough to learn the basics that you use? Or at least not try and just send them to you in the beginning? You are obviously one of a kind and we are all so lucky to be able to watch and learn from you!!!
Super impressive diagnostics. I learn something every time I watch.
I see a Chevrolet Equinox at Wilbert's. My sons blew transmission up at 64,000 miles. Got a settlement from GM. You are so good at diagnostics!
Wilberts and an interesting diag, that's what heats my sensors baby!
I'll be 78 next month, and I remember when all you saw in a "junk yard" was OLD cars. Like 20 years old and older. Look at the cars in Wilbert's, most are only a year or a few years old. What does that tell you? WE ARE GOING BACKWARDS!!!!
You are so right, modern cars are junk. I am a similar age to you, I will be keeping my 8 year old diesel Ute, it will be my last car. I am not going to risk buying a pile of junk. Cheers from Australia.🇳🇿
i think you're thinking 20 year old cars are from the 80's. 20 years ago was 2004
We're going backwards because junkyards crush vehicles nobody needs parts for? Its a business. Not a museum.
Why make something of good quality that will last when you make cheap shite and sell ten times more 😢
Alternatively, upstate NY (where Eric's shop is) puts down so much "salt" during the winter that most cars have their frames rotted out by the time they are 15 years old.
SMA to the rescue again! I’ve been in the industry for 18 years now and wish I could work with someone this good to learn off. Glad he has the channel! Eric O best technician I’ve never met!
And just like that, a new customer for life! Great job as always, Eric.
I needed the window and door lock switch for my truck and visited the junkyard. I walked around like Eric and said all the things. I even told the gal at the counter “here’s your problem lady”. It was great fun.
That junkyard was FULL of Chryslers, as expected.
👀 👀 I'm gonna go out on a limb here Mr.O an say the entire community probably wants to see that picture 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
gearhead, Luna only shares her photos with Eric 💡👌
Please no.. I want to believe in a town of less population than my single neighborhood that there's pre-internet normality
Please yes! I want to believe that in a Town and Country anything goes! I'd subscribe to the Eric O O/F!@@COBRO98
You can have it. It's a picture Eric sends to Vanessa of himself when he's gone for more than a few hours. This is a no judgement channel.
That yard needs to be a sponsor
Nice to know you can put a used pcm in that vehicle. Sometimes swapping in a used module if it's available is faster then all the individual tests. Now if a previously enjoyed part is not available then that's a different story. Nice fix!
@@PhillipBailey I am proud of you you are a good mechanic I always watch your videos and I learn from you how to fix Cars and how to use scantool correctly I indebted to you and the owner this channel Soth America both of are genius,,,🌹🌹🌹
If you read the Honda service info that's how part of their diagnostic flow chart. If nothing else fixes it, "substitute a known good PCM." Because everyone has known good PCM's laying around.
Thanks!
Some say that train is still passing by days later.
That train is as slow as centerpoint fixing power outages after Beryl made landfall in southeast Texas.
What we didn't know was that the lawn across the street was cut three times while the train passed by.
Anytime I repair a vehicle another shop or mechanic could not repair I seem to end up with a new customer for life. Another great job Eric! keep up the good work!
I hear the train a commin' commin' round the bend 🎶🎶
I AINT SEEN THE SUN SHINE SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHEN
I love your local Pick a Part Eric. So clean and tidy, and the wheels are still on. Ours is messy, the fuel tanks have been holed and drained, and people have wrecked good parts to get what they want. Like ripping door panels off to get to speakers or door mirrors. I love Pick a Part, costs us $2 to get in but a shame to see how people have trashed good vehicles whilst they owned them and then scrapped them. They must have lost $1000s when basic maintainance and care would have kept them going longer. I love your videos, explanations and your humour. Keep it up Eric, cheers...
The dealer standards are pitiful everywhere. And they wonder why folks hate stealerships. Great scientific analysis through observation, testing, verification through replication and correction. Very logical and scientific. Shane on all the other mechanics.
Dealership mentality:
Door latch sticks?
Plug in the scan tool.
Folks in your region are fortunate to have both you and Wilberts.
My other favorite parts store.
The wrecking yard.
Thank you for posting your visit.
It amazes me how a dealership can't fix a problem yet here you are killing it in no time. Well done 👏
Awesome job as always Eric. Your troubleshooting skills are incredible!
I swear, Eric, if it isn't the guy running his lawn mower then it is a freight train coming through town. It doesn't matter I will still watch. Wikipedia says that there was a railroad line that was severed through Avoca many years ago. They must have reconnected it. Great job on the Caravan. If you were that lady's last hope she was in good hands. GREAT VIDEO!
You wore that paper bracelet from Wilbert's like a badge of honor...and rightfully so. Very informative vid. Thanks.
You get a very satisfying feeling when you fix a problem that other people (some trained people) have tried and failed. I worked in maintenance for 35 years and learned that some peole are fixers and some are not.
Sad that a dealership can’t even do a proper diagnostic test
problem is nobody wants to pay for diagnostics they just want you to magically know what's wrong in 5 seconds and throw in a part.
Work in a dealership for 3 months and you'll quickly realize that diagnostics don't get you paid, if you spent 2 hours trying to diagnose an electrical fault not only would you not get paid for it but you'll most likely be fired. They only care about volume and sales.
@@ranger178Ah, so it's the customer's fault... SMH
@@stevewhite3424 no it is whole system. we need a different system nowadays with complicated cars and expensive parts you can't just guess and try most obvious stuff like years ago.
I am with you on this one, I think the dealership should have Dr. Eric teach a class to their techs and pay him, then pay the techs to watch SMA videos. lol
Fan of SMA for a long time and today I have seen some first ever's. 1. A 14 year old New York Chrysler product still not rusted out... 2. Eric O in shorts! And a visit to Wilberts; What a day.
I saw a Wilberts van in Ithaca today in front of a Mexican restaurant. I didn't know they traveled this far.
Those who drive for a living know where the food is good !
@rogerdedrick373 Viva Tacqueria? They have good taste!
As long as the van works and has fuel, it should be able to travel anywhere there's connecting pavement.
@@KillaninjaFC Chipotle's
Thanks for taking us all on another entertaining field trip to Wilbert’s. I think a few of your viewers may have missed the reference to “Gibb’s Rule Number 1” ..as in Leroy Jethro Gibbs of the NCIS tv show. Very Cool.
Great video Eric love it when you go to the junk yard and fix what a dealership couldn't... Priceless!!!!
Never saw a junkyard like this before!! Everything up on blocks and in order! Im use to the junkyards with cars piled all over the place and weeds growing around them and an old guy named "bob" sleeping in a little shack that owns the place!!
I used to run a bodyshop that had a you pull yard just down the street. After particularly stressful days i would go down and walk thr yard. I started remembering the vehicles in there and repaired many vehicles using parts from the yard. I wound up running the yard for 2 years after i left the bodyshop business. Still would walk the yard after hours, i found it therapeutic to look at all of the used and abused vehicles.
I think you are the best mechanic tracking down problems and solving them for a minimal cost to the customer
I could maybe do it if I had all your years and years of experience, but I keep learning new things each time. Great job as always. Have a great weekend!
That song you sing , if I can DOIT you can too , no sir , after this show I felt so dumb but still enjoy SMA Production.
I like any SMA video that has the words "Dealer" or "Another Shop" in the title.
Eric I can't even begin to tell you how much respect I have for you as a shop owner for going to a you pull it to get your customers back on the road reasonably. It's so amazing!!
Dealerships. I’ve got two recalls on my new car and I don’t even want to get involved with their shenanigans. Besides, they’re so overwhelmed that when I try to set up an appointment they tell me we’re months out for what is essentially a visual check and a software update on a parking brake. I use a local shop with a great mechanic for my other vehicle and oil changes. Happy to help support a local business, not willing to subsidize a scam operator.
I got that beat I got a recall I called scheduled my appointment and took off work drove over to the dealer sat for 1 hour then they came and said they didn’t have the part to do the recall after calling me to come get it done and scheduled it
The dodge dealership I’m at will do software update recalls same day. There is a service backlog, because we are severely short handed. Seems like the younger generation doesn’t want to to the physical labor required in this profession. Im 45, got back into the field in 22, and have no problem working 10 hours a day in the heat. Beats being stuck behind a desk.
My VW has a recall for the ignition switch. Almost every one of them since a Mk2 has had this issue anyways.
The one in the wife's car is definitely hinky, pull the key out and like 3-5 seconds later the interior light comes on (the colder it is the slower it reacts).
Not really worried about it until it breaks , because try getting an appointment like you said.
Unparalleled diagnostic lesson for us all. Salvage yards have saved me thousands of bucks in the past but wary of electrical parts. Great job once again Eric ! Absence of rust on this unit leads me to
think the owner must winter in Florida or Arizona away from the winter salt baths! 👍👍👍🥇🔧🔧
Dr. O. Calling Dr. O. ECM code blue.Last hope emergency! Don't worry lady. I'll replace that heart with junk yard parts.
A 1 auto is YOU THANKS Mr magoo here in Milo, Maine You Make good sience thanks for the indepth troubleshooting. You are a BLESSING to watch in action..... 101 points
I kept waiting for that Train to pull in the empty bay for the Renownd South Main Service : ) it was sound off closer and closer!
I've been watching your videos for a couple years now and usually it's "that guy that mows his lawn every couple days" making noise but I've never heard the train before lol
Another great informative video - thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Most techs maybe 90% don’t know how to diagnose modern vehicles and they are only getting more complicated. I was at the store yesterday and this brand new Kia something was beeping like a forklift as it was backing out the parking spot next to me . I keep waiting for a piece of heavy equipment to appear in my backup screen.
STOP IT!! You are doing my job, this looks like me at pull and pay. The thing I like about you the most is the relatable things you do. As always thank you for the entertaining content, And if I may ,a shout out to your other half Mrs.O, you both are a great team. 42 yr wrencher here, 63 cincinnati oh.
Don't ever think a Stealership is the answer. Especially on an older vehicle. They'll shotgun parts on your dime everytime. We need real technicians like Mr O. 🤛
Been watching for a while now from down under in Napier, New Zealand. A retired engineer and very impressed by your work ethic Eric, your an inspiration to the trade. Well done Sir😉👍
If it ain't the lawnmower man, it's the engineer!
Wilbert's and SMA carry the day again! Well done Mr. O!
I still don't comprehend how repair shops "diagnose" a vehicle, charge hundreds or thousands for parts and labor, and it doesn't fix the vehicle. How can they possibly charge the customer ?
Because their greedy crooks, just like politicians and attorney's..
And then give up!
You allow them to. When you approve the work. Some states they don't even have to fix it and you pay. So it's lame. Gotta know how a car works these days.
If only our public services were as well managed as Wilbert's...
Dealership failed you? Eric O. to the rescue! Very objective diagnostic, Eric!
Eric O the last hope, is now SMA 1st for life ...
I’m enjoy watching you fix a problem that other shops can’t seem to fix. lol I kind of like doing the same myself .
Keep up the good work
In all the years I've been watching you Eric, I legit think this is the first time we've seen you wearing shorts at work. Your boss finally institute casual Friday dress attire?
The master at work. I have learned many things from you sir . Your humble and honesty is unmeasurable. ❤❤
Great video with a great start!
I know it’s just another day at the office for you but repairing that van truly helped out the owner. Just imagine if she had to junk that thing and buy a new car would have cost her. We are all struggling to get by these days. Great job I’m sure she was delighted with you. The dealership should make their techs watch this video.
I can't get over your incredible patience with these garbage vehicles. These videos make me want to rip all this solid state garbage out and install a carb.
Carbs suck...a baby 4 cylinder today has more HP than a monte carlo ss v8 in the eighties..
@@djsi38t ROFLMAO. A 305 V8 had about 180 HP. It wasn't built for HP it was built for reliability which it nailed in spades. Carbs don't suck, well literally they do but figuratively they don't and you can make a carbureted engine with the same HP as FI.
A bad day at the boneyard BEATS a good day at work ANYDAY!!! I personally have a 1995 ford F250 4x4 351w and my late wife's 2012 Dodge grand caravan and when I'm done grabbing whatever I went to pick and pull for I enjoy just walking around the cars!!
ROTFL, at the junkyard, 'What do I know? I'm not a car guy'
Really enjoy how you take us along your journey to find out what the failures are with each repair. It’s very informative for me and sure it is for most watchers. There are few auto mechanics like you out there To many young mechanics only go by what the computer tells them no common sense anymore. Great work😊😊😊
The only benefit to having a car with the parts cannon fired at it… is you know everything that won’t fix it!
Autel and older Chrysler dont play well together. Solid gold info and this guy just giving it out for free. Thanks again Eric!
Dam that lawnmower guy got a new horn 😂😂😂
(I do know it’s a train)