You both did a fantastic job! I’m 67 and taught electrical theory and hands on at a motorcycle school in the early eighties. We did not have all the sensors and ridiculous smog applications. Retiring, I went back to motorcycle repair and high performance porting with a flowbench and do my own boring and valve grinding. But when I could not run diagnostics on a particular Harley-Davidson, I decide to get software oscilloscope for my pc. Now I’m trying to learn the use of the Hantek. Thank you both for going through the reasons and testing the component, instead of just replacing the part. Very informative, my new best “subscription”!
The best explanation with details at the electrical physics level I have ever seen on UTube. These two guys are well versed in ignition diagnostics and excellent at teaching the concepts and circuitry of an ignition system. They both should be at a votech college teaching. Great team. A+ from The Professor
Hi from Australia. My Toyota with 5vzfe had a bad misfire with unburned fuel smell. I watched this video and learned how to test the coil packs. Pulled each coil and found number 3 had half the resistance of the other 2 on the secondary side (waste spark ignition). Swapped in a spare for the old number 3 and as you would say Mr O. "bada bing bada boo" - misfire gone. New coil on order. Thank you for your channel, I am very grateful to you.
Really good video! I currently have a P0300 'random misfire on multiple cylinders' in my trailblazer. The previous owner gave me a box of OEM coils, he had the same issue at some point it seems and didn't know which coil was bad so he replaced them all, the box has both the good and bad coils in it, now I can test them to see which is bad and which is good. I did do the old unplug each coil in turn at idle to see which coil(s) had no effect on idle performance and the #2 cylinder seemed to be the issue, I swapped that coil with #3, the problem followed the coil so I know the coil is the issue. If I can find a good coil in the box he gave me I'll be set without having to buy any parts. Money is really tight right now and you may have just saved me quite a bit. Thanks!
This is the only video I found which really let me understand how coil on plug works and how they can fail. Wonderful video indeed! Please keep doing these videos as they are unbelievably helpful. Thanks, thanks, thanks....
You two should do these type videos more often together. Listening to you bounce ideas back and forth between each other really taught me a lot. Very interesting video!
I learned on a picoscope, and use it for A lot of my diagnostics. everything from blower motors, lights in the instrument cluster, is all pulse width modulated, communication issues, checking time of an engine all needs and can be done with a scope to save a ton of time and accurately diagnose a vehicle. Coming from a dealership for the past 6 years, its amazing how many people DONT use it. Nice to see it being brought out, and sharing some knowledge bombs! Keep it up!
The simple white board and visualizing the ohm readings made this highly effective training. Good Job! An example of why this works; as an aircraft mechanic F-111 at the time, I had a senior mechanic ask me an assembly process, I knew him to be an excellent mech., with 28 yrs exp. I started to explain at first, but decided it would be better retained if I took him to the book instead. He started fussing that a verbal would be fine, when I had the book open, and I noticed he wasn't paying att. I realized- he could not read. He was 60yrs old and had been doing a great job for years through visualization association retention :) Pelican
Thanks for thoroughly exploring and explaining everything from start to finish. Most videos leave viewers with questions unanswered. Not the case hear at all. It was beneficial having two experts explain as well.
Hello . I have been watching both of your all channels but individually it is so nice to see both of you together with not envy from one to another. Buenísimo 👍🏽
My dad told me,every year they build a car ,they make it more difficult to fix,but if you remember your basic diagnosis techniques,it doesnt matter how fancy it is,they all still work off the same basic principals. I agree with him. A test light can find more problems than any fancy computer on the market. Cars still use the basics to run,that has never changed. Granted,things have gotten more complicated,but using basic problem shooting techniques,even on the newer cars,you should be able to track down any problem.
These two work so well together they should get engaged. Fun to watch these master minds doing their thing. JUST KIDDING GUYS, ONLY WISH I HAD A TENTH OF THE KNOWLEDE BETWEEN YOU. Great instructional.
I have viewed many videos on scope patterns and techs explaining them, but yours was undoubtedly the best in putting it in laymans terms that I can understand lab scope usage. I have been looking into a lab scope again I have used them in the past ( ie snap on vantage ) but had problems getting the right pattern, even with the help from the scope and of course diagnosng the problem wrong so I just gave up and tried other methods. My wife and I own our own repair shop been I business for 16 years. I do like the diagnostics it is what I have been doing for the last 30 years but being by myself I don't always have the opportunity to go to classes on the new and fastly changing systems of these vehicles, so thanks for the videos keep em coming!
Ivan seems like a great guy! Appreciate the mental gymnastics and you two bouncing ideas and explanations off each other. This shows how a real tech works and the brains and analytic prowess it takes to be a good one and not just a wrench turner.
Wow, that was so cool and it is true that 2 heads are better than one, at least in this case. Ivan was able to fill in really well. I especially like learning about the return voltage, albeit so small returning through the ground. It reminded me of when I made pellicles at DuPont that were basically used as dust covers to etch circuits on chips. This process was done in a clean room with this solution called nitrocellulose that was only viable when the temp was between 68 & 72 degrees and the humidity between 38 and 42. The solution was dispensed on a plate of glass spinning at a certain rate which varied depending on the specific pellicle. That was in the early 90's and we were down to only being able to have sub micron particles which was the largest gap on the chip where the circuit would still function. That process may now be obsolete with the size of the chips getting smaller and smaller. Thanks for sharing.
Pretty awesome having Ivan there asking questions that we may ask. Different from most of you videos but as usual it was well worth watching. Thanks Eric O.
Eric, great video, lots of deep info ton follow. Thanks, if you can do it, I can watch. Special thanks to Ivan, watching you two talk through the condition was super. Thanks again.
Man you have no idea how happy this video makes me. Two techs geeking out and for also very geeky viewer to watch and enjoy. Please more geeky vids like this please.
Re: the ringing on the open circuitI haven't read all 410 comments, so this may have been covered. There is a capacitor across the switching transistor in all the electronic ignition circuits I looked at, this with the coil and its DC resistance forms an LCR circuit, so if the energy is not dissipated in the spark it will be stored in the inductance of the coil and the capacitor and will oscillate until the energy is dissipated in the resistance, so the circuit will have the ringing on the scope with an open secondary.Excellent video.
If I have to do a misfire diagnosis at work I, like you simply switch the suspect coil to another cylinder and replace the coil if the miss stays with the coil and the car is out the door but it's interesting to know the way the coil failed. Years ago we tested the primary and secondary resistance of a single coil but it's too easy now to just test the COP coil in another cylinder. Nice job guys.
Great video Eric and thanks for Ivan's input as well. So interesting to see the scope patterns of the misfire as opposed to a good one, and the simple ohm test on the coil to confirm your diagnosis. Many thanks--superb.
I got all excited for a minute as I thought the both of you would go on about the waste spark system like in my 2000 jeep xj. The coil bar is a bit of a different animal. Great video all in all. Happy New year!.
Great video. I really liked the white board explanation. I'm always using my white board to explain things to the wife. I'd like to see another video like this.
Eric. Great explanations from you and Ivan. Very instructive - well walked through. Having worked a great deal with 4 channel scopes, etc., it sure brought back a lot of memories. The only difference for me, was I was able to make small adjustments in order to really "clean up" a wave form, mainly amplitude and pulse width, etc. This was on an old Bendix Weather Radar, on USAF Aircraft. Its pulsed output was 65KW, and it did this 400x a second. :) Loved working on that RT! Again, super explanation by you and Ivan. You two obviously have "it together" - really well! Only comment about current flow - for me, always neg to pos. Well, there is "Hole Flow" in certain transistors - Positive Holes - love that concept. :)You are really educating me - thanks a million.
This is why I love watching yours and Ivan's channels. I love electrical, as much of a headache it can be, but I always learn something. I work for Chrysler and trying to move to the back and would love to have the Verus when I do. Alas, they're horribly expensive though a major asset
Hey there Eric, this was really great video. It was great just listening to you guys collaborating on this diagnosis. I know guys are flat out working, but you guys make a great team for these videos. Your explanations were easy to understand and informative.
This is exactly what im talking about and why i have changed my direction and approach this year. I mean, Im gonna charge the customer 1hr usually anyways or somewhere around there. Swapping the coils takes about 3 minutes out of my life and the way of life for 16 yrs now for me but knowing is what its about. Right on brother.
Great video, you guys work well together, the questions and explainations from the other guy works very well with your teaching, definatley the way forward.
A couple of points, I once checked out a coil using a VOM and was told that I should have checked out the resistance of the high voltage secondary coil using high voltage as this would more accurately reflect the natural state of its operation and possible failure mode. The second point was that a faulty coil might in turn lead to failure of the switching transistor in the ECU. Not having the resources, in the event I swapped coils and at the same time checked the resistances of the all coil windings with a standard VOM; the ECU had in fact popped its switching transistor. Great video, I feel at a disadvantage not having a scope but I guess you do what you have to do with the tools and skills available to reach the right diagnosis to effect a fix.
Another great video. I was great to attach a face to Ivan whom you sometimes mention in other videos. My favorite thing is when you say "that's your problem"..you do it with such authenticity, as if you learned it from your father when you were very young. Thank you so much for the videos.
Nice demonstration guys..very educational ! I apprecited so much the drawings and explanations on the white board. Thanks for your efforts guys. Blessings for you guys ! 👍😎
History has been made----the white board has come to SMA.Great video and real good white board info. Hannnah was part of this diagnosis---acknowledge her input and let her say hi to the viewers.
This video was great. Know I have seen someone who has more Rockauto car picture magnets than I. I checked out the two locker doors in the back ground.
Hey, you guys ever listen to Click and Clack, the Tappet bros, from the N.P.R. radio show?? You remind me of those guys going back and forth about car repairs!! And being humorous, while also being informative! You two make a great team!!! Double thumbs up, if I could!!
Like the hat :) I had an Econoline that I fought the Coil on plug for a long time until I totaled it .... then it was no problem hahaha Can I borrow your scanner ??? LOL Nice job.
I'm having a problem with my traverse and I Remember this video from a few months ago and now watching this again I'm gonna go test my coils to see if I have a problem. damn I love this channel, double thumbs up!
Excellent tech. I had a ford triton 5.3 in a truck same issue. I fixed using fluke ohm meter. Compared all coils found one out of spec when hot. Goofy shop charged me to change all plugs didn't stop problem. So I troubleshoot it old school. Remember physics class(I am engineer) current goes from negative to positive and collapsing electric field always induces a magnetic and collapsing magnetic field induces an electric current through flux of iron core. Cool seeing Napa coil from anywhere but China. Next snap on will make stuff there...lol..Good show! Thanks שלום
Happy New Year. The is a really informative clip. The coil is a transformer and works like a transformer. MAGNETIC FLUX. when the current flows, magnetic flux builds up in the coil. The energy is stored in this flux. The rapid collapse of the flux field induces the voltage in the secondary. ( an electromagnet, unlike a permanent magnet in a lawnmower motor) When there is no load (open circuit) the flux flows back and forth between the primary and secondary inducing the voltage you see on the waveform. The flow is like the swinging of a pendulum until the resistance of the coil absorbs all the energy in the form of heat.
Great video, it is 20ma-80ma in secondary, a married type of coil the + is connected to each other like you draw, saw in the comment someone did not believe it be the case (Haldermans book advanced engine performance diagnose). I notice one thing on a Mb with waste spark and one after-market coil. I connected the coil to a strobe light and the after-market coil flickered noticeable more slowly and the car had erratic idle (new coil), swapped it with older coil Bosch MB coil and the idle smoothing out getting better.
Great video Eric, I really love learning about this sort of thing. I'm not a technician and therefore have never learned about using a scope and reading waveforms but I find it very interesting. Guys like you and ScannerDanner are great teachers. I had the opportunity to meet Paul Danner this summer and he is as smart and awesome as you'd expect.
Good explanation. This all started with radial aircraft low tension ignition. There were many "experts" then reading the patterns. Most would call out "plug, lead and coil"
Great video!!! I myself not knowing the tech part of an ignition coil with the workings of the surrounding components was lost 20 mins ago. My 2009 M3 I bought (68,000 miles) 9 months ago ran like a champ until yesterday (79,000) when I jumped on it entering the FRWY paddle shifting it down to 1st (7 speed double clutch AUTO) 7,000 RPM hitting 2nd at 8300, and dropped off the throttle at 7000 before hitting 3rd (I'm already over 80mph but it is CA) only to immediately notice I've lost power. Today on a meter it shows 6 of 8 cylinder problems. I had picked up new plugs today knowing after a little research they are over due, and now after viewing your video I believe it's very possible I blew 6 ign coils. Ouch! Thank you for the great info in layman's terms!
The E90 M3 with the S65 did supersede to a new coil number in Sep 2009. I'm pretty sure from a Bosch to a Delphi. There is a SB on switching from Bosch to Delphi in almost all models
Top work from the both of you , it's always good to learn something new. Having spent time in a garage as an apprentice doing general servicing and monkey wrenching. I never got to learn about how coils worked or how to check resistance never used something as advanced a the snap on verous, or the vantage learning how to analyse a wave form and how that transforms in finding and conforming a fault is top work, even if it's geeky. Oh I mainly worked on Diesels and checking glow plugs was a simple job of hooking up a wire from plug to a battery and grounding it out!. Once again great video you keep posting and I'll keep watching.
Absolutely excellent video Eric. I too have been guilty of just swapping coils. But it's was nice to poke the ol brain power and make myself think and learn more about the function and theory. I'm hoping to be able to pick up a scope soon. Keep up the good work and may the new year bring you and your wonderful family Many Blessings.
I have learned that if you gap your plugs a little tight , that it ay create the slightest of fish bite as you call them at idle that most drivers wouldn't notice . great video's
Wow! That was a very nice video. Great explanations on terms and what things should look like. I like that you are doing your thing and then you had an unexpected issue happens. It happens to many people and it can be discouraging…. I just change my spark plugs and now I can’t get the truck to idle/lose of power.
Thank you, that was super informative! And it was great to see the two of you working together. Y'all make a good team. O yeah, nice whiteboard work! 😉
Have a Pico secondary paddle probe works great on 2 wire coil but not on 3 or 4 wire coils like BMW. I am a diy guy so have not tested it so much. Great scope the Pico saving me money do the diagnostic my self instead of part changers.
Great video as always! If we put you two guys in lab coats and hang a chart on the front of that truck and you might as well be two electro cardio surgeons discussing a patient. I am sure to the non initiated who do not turn wrenches it sounds exactly the same. Heck I do wrench and know what's up and it still sounds the same! Dr. Eric and Dr. Ivan lol. You guys are incredibly smart! I learn tons of stuff from you and your videos. Anyone who bitches about why getting your car fixed needs to tune in and watch the processes that take place.
I doubt that's true, otherwise the cylinder that they had the ignition coil suspended in mid-air, with a plug wire extension, would not fire. And what about all the vehicles with plastic valve covers?
Awesome to see shop tech understanding waveforms viewed on the scope, from my servicing days of radio/tv you can call those oscillations seen on the scope "ringing".
DVOM can measure coil winding resistances which may be useful for checking a known completely shorted or open coil. If you want to find which coil is faulty a scan tool coupled w/ a scope is the most efficient. DVOM would not come out of my tool box for coil testing.
Would the current ramp show that pattern if the current clamp was at the battery feed fuse to the coils on a engine that has the coils buried under the intake manifold ?
Love Ivan walking in and you two geeking out over wave forms. Still a great video.
You both did a fantastic job! I’m 67 and taught electrical theory and hands on at a motorcycle school in the early eighties. We did not have all the sensors and ridiculous smog applications. Retiring, I went back to motorcycle repair and high performance porting with a flowbench and do my own boring and valve grinding. But when I could not run diagnostics on a particular Harley-Davidson, I decide to get software oscilloscope for my pc. Now I’m trying to learn the use of the Hantek. Thank you both for going through the reasons and testing the component, instead of just replacing the part. Very informative, my new best “subscription”!
The best explanation with details at the electrical physics level I have ever seen on UTube. These two guys are well versed in ignition diagnostics and excellent at teaching the concepts and circuitry of an ignition system. They both should be at a votech college teaching. Great team. A+ from The Professor
Hi from Australia. My Toyota with 5vzfe had a bad misfire with unburned fuel smell. I watched this video and learned how to test the coil packs. Pulled each coil and found number 3 had half the resistance of the other 2 on the secondary side (waste spark ignition). Swapped in a spare for the old number 3 and as you would say Mr O. "bada bing bada boo" - misfire gone. New coil on order. Thank you for your channel, I am very grateful to you.
Really good video! I currently have a P0300 'random misfire on multiple cylinders' in my trailblazer. The previous owner gave me a box of OEM coils, he had the same issue at some point it seems and didn't know which coil was bad so he replaced them all, the box has both the good and bad coils in it, now I can test them to see which is bad and which is good. I did do the old unplug each coil in turn at idle to see which coil(s) had no effect on idle performance and the #2 cylinder seemed to be the issue, I swapped that coil with #3, the problem followed the coil so I know the coil is the issue. If I can find a good coil in the box he gave me I'll be set without having to buy any parts. Money is really tight right now and you may have just saved me quite a bit. Thanks!
The two of you get together and all hell breaks loose!!!
The board part was a hit!!!! Genius!
Do more like this.
This is the only video I found which really let me understand how coil on plug works and how they can fail. Wonderful video indeed! Please keep doing these videos as they are unbelievably helpful. Thanks, thanks, thanks....
You two should do these type videos more often together. Listening to you bounce ideas back and forth between each other really taught me a lot. Very interesting video!
This has been one of my favorite S.M.A. videos! I really appreciate Eric (and guest Ivan) taking the time to explain to us how these systems work.
I learned on a picoscope, and use it for A lot of my diagnostics. everything from blower motors, lights in the instrument cluster, is all pulse width modulated, communication issues, checking time of an engine all needs and can be done with a scope to save a ton of time and accurately diagnose a vehicle. Coming from a dealership for the past 6 years, its amazing how many people DONT use it. Nice to see it being brought out, and sharing some knowledge bombs! Keep it up!
Another great post, thank you Eric, Ivan and Hanna.
im gettin addicted to these videos. hes like eric the car guy and scanner danner all wrapped in one.. epic!
The simple white board and visualizing the ohm readings made this highly effective training. Good Job! An example of why this works; as an aircraft mechanic F-111 at the time, I had a senior mechanic ask me an assembly process, I knew him to be an excellent mech., with 28 yrs exp. I started to explain at first, but decided it would be better retained if I took him to the book instead. He started fussing that a verbal would be fine, when I had the book open, and I noticed he wasn't paying att. I realized- he could not read. He was 60yrs old and had been doing a great job for years through visualization association retention :) Pelican
Eric O and Ivan's Auto tech school.....Excellent video, really nicely done, guys.
Thanks for thoroughly exploring and explaining everything from start to finish. Most videos leave viewers with questions unanswered. Not the case hear at all. It was beneficial having two experts explain as well.
The two best mechanics in one place ! What a new years gift !
This is really an exceptional video. Great combination of engineering and practical knowledge. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Great breakdown of a diagnosis and theoretical explanations. Don't know if many automotive guys appreciate this but I sure do! Thanks!
Hello .
I have been watching both of your all channels but individually it is so nice to see both of you together with not envy from one to another.
Buenísimo 👍🏽
My dad told me,every year they build a car ,they make it more difficult to fix,but if you remember your basic diagnosis techniques,it doesnt matter how fancy it is,they all still work off the same basic principals. I agree with him. A test light can find more problems than any fancy computer on the market. Cars still use the basics to run,that has never changed. Granted,things have gotten more complicated,but using basic problem shooting techniques,even on the newer cars,you should be able to track down any problem.
These two work so well together they should get engaged. Fun to watch these master minds doing their thing. JUST KIDDING GUYS, ONLY WISH I HAD A TENTH OF THE KNOWLEDE BETWEEN YOU. Great instructional.
Thankyou Ivan and Eric O for the "Technical Detail" with a failed coil.
Great Video!
I have viewed many videos on scope patterns and techs explaining them, but yours was undoubtedly the best in putting it in laymans terms that I can understand lab scope usage. I have been looking into a lab scope again I have used them in the past ( ie snap on vantage ) but had problems getting the right pattern, even with the help from the scope and of course diagnosng the problem wrong so I just gave up and tried other methods. My wife and I own our own repair shop been I business for 16 years. I do like the diagnostics it is what I have been doing for the last 30 years but being by myself I don't always have the opportunity to go to classes on the new and fastly changing systems of these vehicles, so thanks for the videos keep em coming!
Ivan and Eric: The Warriors for Truth!
Fantastic video, I love the dissection of the problem.
Ivan seems like a great guy! Appreciate the mental gymnastics and you two bouncing ideas and explanations off each other. This shows how a real tech works and the brains and analytic prowess it takes to be a good one and not just a wrench turner.
Wow, that was so cool and it is true that 2 heads are better than one, at least in this case. Ivan was able to fill in really well. I especially like learning about the return voltage, albeit so small returning through the ground. It reminded me of when I made pellicles at DuPont that were basically used as dust covers to etch circuits on chips. This process was done in a clean room with this solution called nitrocellulose that was only viable when the temp was between 68 & 72 degrees and the humidity between 38 and 42. The solution was dispensed on a plate of glass spinning at a certain rate which varied depending on the specific pellicle. That was in the early 90's and we were down to only being able to have sub micron particles which was the largest gap on the chip where the circuit would still function. That process may now be obsolete with the size of the chips getting smaller and smaller. Thanks for sharing.
Pretty awesome having Ivan there asking questions that we may ask. Different from most of you videos but as usual it was well worth watching. Thanks Eric O.
Eric, great video, lots of deep info ton follow. Thanks, if you can do it, I can watch. Special thanks to Ivan, watching you two talk through the condition was super. Thanks again.
I love it! Someone who not only finds the problem but is curious as to why! When you 2 get together there is going to be good timesThanks
Man you have no idea how happy this video makes me. Two techs geeking out and for also very geeky viewer to watch and enjoy. Please more geeky vids like this please.
Re: the ringing on the open circuitI haven't read all 410 comments, so this may have been covered. There is a capacitor across the switching transistor in all the electronic ignition circuits I looked at, this with the coil and its DC resistance forms an LCR circuit, so if the energy is not dissipated in the spark it will be stored in the inductance of the coil and the capacitor and will oscillate until the energy is dissipated in the resistance, so the circuit will have the ringing on the scope with an open secondary.Excellent video.
nice description.
If I have to do a misfire diagnosis at work I, like you simply switch the suspect coil to another cylinder and replace the coil if the miss stays with the coil and the car is out the door but it's interesting to know the way the coil failed. Years ago we tested the primary and secondary resistance of a single coil but it's too easy now to just test the COP coil in another cylinder. Nice job guys.
Great video Eric and thanks for Ivan's input as well. So interesting to see the scope patterns of the misfire as opposed to a good one, and the simple ohm test on the coil to confirm your diagnosis. Many thanks--superb.
*Great video. Probably the best automotive video on TH-cam. More whiteboard would be awesome.*
I got all excited for a minute as I thought the both of you would go on about the waste spark system like in my 2000 jeep xj. The coil bar is a bit of a different animal. Great video all in all. Happy New year!.
Great video. I really liked the white board explanation. I'm always using my white board to explain things to the wife. I'd like to see another video like this.
Eric. Great explanations from you and Ivan. Very instructive - well walked through. Having worked a great deal with 4 channel scopes, etc., it sure brought back a lot of memories. The only difference for me, was I was able to make small adjustments in order to really "clean up" a wave form, mainly amplitude and pulse width, etc. This was on an old Bendix Weather Radar, on USAF Aircraft. Its pulsed output was 65KW, and it did this 400x a second. :) Loved working on that RT!
Again, super explanation by you and Ivan. You two obviously have "it together" - really well! Only comment about current flow - for me, always neg to pos. Well, there is "Hole Flow" in certain transistors - Positive Holes - love that concept. :)You are really educating me - thanks a million.
This is why I love watching yours and Ivan's channels. I love electrical, as much of a headache it can be, but I always learn something. I work for Chrysler and trying to move to the back and would love to have the Verus when I do. Alas, they're horribly expensive though a major asset
Great stuff! It's cool seeing you two going through this.
Hey there Eric, this was really great video. It was great just listening to you guys collaborating on this diagnosis. I know guys are flat out working, but you guys make a great team for these videos. Your explanations were easy to understand and informative.
This is exactly what im talking about and why i have changed my direction and approach this year. I mean, Im gonna charge the customer 1hr usually anyways or somewhere around there. Swapping the coils takes about 3 minutes out of my life and the way of life for 16 yrs now for me but knowing is what its about. Right on brother.
Great video, you guys work well together, the questions and explainations from the other guy works very well with your teaching, definatley the way forward.
+scon2006 Thanks!
A couple of points, I once checked out a coil using a VOM and was told that I should have checked out the resistance of the high voltage secondary coil using high voltage as this would more accurately reflect the natural state of its operation and possible failure mode. The second point was that a faulty coil might in turn lead to failure of the switching transistor in the ECU. Not having the resources, in the event I swapped coils and at the same time checked the resistances of the all coil windings with a standard VOM; the ECU had in fact popped its switching transistor. Great video, I feel at a disadvantage not having a scope but I guess you do what you have to do with the tools and skills available to reach the right diagnosis to effect a fix.
Video looked nice and clear as I watched it. Good vid Mr. O
+steve hall It is still rendering, YT is being a bit slow today, it will be 1080P HD in a few hours I would imagine.
You guys are GREAT together Iam sitting alone with a smile on my face.. Happy New Year Eric and Ivan .
Another great video. I was great to attach a face to Ivan whom you sometimes mention in other videos. My favorite thing is when you say "that's your problem"..you do it with such authenticity, as if you learned it from your father when you were very young. Thank you so much for the videos.
Big thumbs up! Great walk-through to explain pri:sec relationships and flow back to neg batt. And ohm check validates also. Great video.
Nice demonstration guys..very educational !
I apprecited so much the drawings and explanations on the white board.
Thanks for your efforts guys.
Blessings for you guys !
👍😎
You guys are awesome. Always love when Ivan joins the fun!
Good video from the dynamic duo. I liked the info about grounding the coil I've never heard that.
Eric O... Older (get-r-done) Jedi Master
Ivan... Younger (analytical) Jedi Master
You two are fun to watch!
thanks!
+Max that makes scanner danner yoda
Echowhiskey Absolutely!
History has been made----the white board has come to SMA.Great video and real good white board info. Hannnah was part of this diagnosis---acknowledge her input and let her say hi to the viewers.
+Tom OConnor I have had the board for over ten years , just never used it in a vid :)
+South Main Auto Repair Do you clean it with Brake parts cleaner? ;)
+Iam D lol actually I do, carb cleaner if the kids get permanent marker on it haha
+Tom OConnor Hey Tom did you miss the SMA Hyundai Tucson case study earlier this summer? The white board was out in full force on that one!!
motoYam82 That's right, I think you went full geek on that one haha well ok maybe only half at that point.
This video was great. Know I have seen someone who has more Rockauto car picture magnets than I. I checked out the two locker doors in the back ground.
+Pete Miller that is 1/8 of the collection haha
Hey, you guys ever listen to Click and Clack, the Tappet bros, from the N.P.R. radio show?? You remind me of those guys going back and forth about car repairs!! And being humorous, while also being informative! You two make a great team!!! Double thumbs up, if I could!!
+roadkill5333 Haha a viewer sent me an older CD of them guys, they are great :)
Like the hat :) I had an Econoline that I fought the Coil on plug for a long time until I totaled it .... then it was no problem hahaha Can I borrow your scanner ??? LOL Nice job.
I'm having a problem with my traverse and I Remember this video from a few months ago and now watching this again I'm gonna go test my coils to see if I have a problem. damn I love this channel, double thumbs up!
Excellent tech. I had a ford triton 5.3 in a truck same issue. I fixed using fluke ohm meter. Compared all coils found one out of spec when hot. Goofy shop charged me to change all plugs didn't stop problem. So I troubleshoot it old school. Remember physics class(I am engineer) current goes from negative to positive and collapsing electric field always induces a magnetic and collapsing magnetic field induces an electric current through flux of iron core.
Cool seeing Napa coil from anywhere but China. Next snap on will make stuff there...lol..Good show! Thanks שלום
As soon as Ivan pops in I got the Sanford and Son theme in my head.
Happy New Year. The is a really informative clip. The coil is a transformer and works like a transformer. MAGNETIC FLUX. when the current flows, magnetic flux builds up in the coil. The energy is stored in this flux. The rapid collapse of the flux field induces the voltage in the secondary. ( an electromagnet, unlike a permanent magnet in a lawnmower motor) When there is no load (open circuit) the flux flows back and forth between the primary and secondary inducing the voltage you see on the waveform. The flow is like the swinging of a pendulum until the resistance of the coil absorbs all the energy in the form of heat.
Oh and Matt would be proud to see the white board of knowledge being used ;-)
Great video, it is 20ma-80ma in secondary, a married type of coil the + is connected to each other like you draw, saw in the comment someone did not believe it be the case (Haldermans book advanced engine performance diagnose). I notice one thing on a Mb with waste spark and one after-market coil.
I connected the coil to a strobe light and the after-market coil flickered noticeable more slowly and the car had erratic idle (new coil), swapped it with older coil Bosch MB coil and the idle smoothing out getting better.
Great video Eric, I really love learning about this sort of thing. I'm not a technician and therefore have never learned about using a scope and reading waveforms but I find it very interesting. Guys like you and ScannerDanner are great teachers. I had the opportunity to meet Paul Danner this summer and he is as smart and awesome as you'd expect.
Excellent teaching! Thanx, guys.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks for another great video. You guys keep up the good work.
Very educational Thanks Ivan and Eric
HEY! Having Ivan walk in to South Main during working hours is kinda like Eddie Van Halen doing a surprise visit to the Letterman Show!
Very very good video!! The white board made things very clear for me. Thanks guys!!
Good explanation. This all started with radial aircraft low tension ignition. There were many "experts" then reading the patterns. Most would call out "plug, lead and coil"
A conversation between two genius’s....
Eric O you should do video of your tool box. Also tell us what you prefer snap on or Mac tools. Nice videos thanks for all the info!
Great video!!! I myself not knowing the tech part of an ignition coil with the workings of the surrounding components was lost 20 mins ago. My 2009 M3 I bought (68,000 miles) 9 months ago ran like a champ until yesterday (79,000) when I jumped on it entering the FRWY paddle shifting it down to 1st (7 speed double clutch AUTO) 7,000 RPM hitting 2nd at 8300, and dropped off the throttle at 7000 before hitting 3rd (I'm already over 80mph but it is CA) only to immediately notice I've lost power. Today on a meter it shows 6 of 8 cylinder problems. I had picked up new plugs today knowing after a little research they are over due, and now after viewing your video I believe it's very possible I blew 6 ign coils. Ouch! Thank you for the great info in layman's terms!
The E90 M3 with the S65 did supersede to a new coil number in Sep 2009. I'm pretty sure from a Bosch to a Delphi. There is a SB on switching from Bosch to Delphi in almost all models
Top work from the both of you , it's always good to learn something new. Having spent time in a garage as an apprentice doing general servicing and monkey wrenching. I never got to learn about how coils worked or how to check resistance never used something as advanced a the snap on verous, or the vantage learning how to analyse a wave form and how that transforms in finding and conforming a fault is top work, even if it's geeky. Oh I mainly worked on Diesels and checking glow plugs was a simple job of hooking up a wire from plug to a battery and grounding it out!. Once again great video you keep posting and I'll keep watching.
Thank you for sharing that. I learned something today. You guys are awesome.
+Jared Mance Thanks
Graet diagnostic video , i am working on a 02 trilblazer right now with an intermittent misfire suspecting a coil and a happy new year to you all .
+8power0 uhoh.... I-6 .... might need a valve springs :)
Absolutely excellent video Eric. I too have been guilty of just swapping coils. But it's was nice to poke the ol brain power and make myself think and learn more about the function and theory. I'm hoping to be able to pick up a scope soon. Keep up the good work and may the new year bring you and your wonderful family Many Blessings.
Happy New Year. it was nice to chat with you and Ivan the other night. Thanks for the great vid.
+Randy Gudeahn (ProTech) Heck ya, oh and next time don't feel like you have to dress up haha
That was funny. I didn't know you guys were there.
I have learned that if you gap your plugs a little tight , that it ay create the slightest of fish bite as you call them at idle that most drivers wouldn't notice . great video's
Love all the Rockauto magnets! Another well done video.
LMAO Eric!!! @ 16m.44s "It comes back & punches the primary coil in the face". Nice Video guys, loving the 'Ivanostics'
Cool work both of you and its info well used and saveing the wave forms is a good idea to help in diagnosing
Wow! That was a very nice video. Great explanations on terms and what things should look like. I like that you are doing your thing and then you had an unexpected issue happens. It happens to many people and it can be discouraging…. I just change my spark plugs and now I can’t get the truck to idle/lose of power.
You two did an excellent job together. Hope to see you both do more videos together...
Thanks for the new video and happy New years to you and your family....
Thanks mates...its really refreshed my memories. I'm from Singapore, a place cars are difficult to own, costly to own😭😭😭😭😭.
Thank you, that was super informative! And it was great to see the two of you working together. Y'all make a good team.
O yeah, nice whiteboard work! 😉
A great video as usual Eric and to have Ivan pop in is a bonus. Strangely enough I was expecting some bonus footage at the end with Ivan there lol.
Have a Pico secondary paddle probe works great on 2 wire coil but not on 3 or 4 wire coils like BMW. I am a diy guy so have not tested it so much. Great scope the Pico saving me money do the diagnostic my self instead of part changers.
Good video with the theory on the coil and wishing the both of you a Happy New Year!
I love the white board explanation!!! ex USCG mechanic
Great job Eric and Ivan. Keep me coming. Thanks
Great video as always! If we put you two guys in lab coats and hang a chart on the front of that truck and you might as well be two electro cardio surgeons discussing a patient. I am sure to the non initiated who do not turn wrenches it sounds exactly the same. Heck I do wrench and know what's up and it still sounds the same! Dr. Eric and Dr. Ivan lol. You guys are incredibly smart! I learn tons of stuff from you and your videos. Anyone who bitches about why getting your car fixed needs to tune in and watch the processes that take place.
Highly enlightening - all makes sense AFTER being explained - = I lerv nerds - Old git, UK
Nice video. Never knew you guys were engineers. Happy New Year guys!
+James Last Haha not me sir
Whoa bonus SMA video having Iven in the shop! Nice video guys! Cheers!
Thanks for doing all that to teach us !
The secondary coil is grounded thru the metal ferrule for the mounting bolt.
Yes, I am surprised that they think the secondary coil is connected to the battery positive.
I doubt that's true, otherwise the cylinder that they had the ignition coil suspended in mid-air, with a plug wire extension, would not fire. And what about all the vehicles with plastic valve covers?
Awesome to see shop tech understanding waveforms viewed on the scope, from my servicing days of radio/tv you can call those oscillations seen on the scope "ringing".
For those of us who do not have an oscilloscope is there a way to check those coil packs? With a DVM possibly?
DVOM can measure coil winding resistances which may be useful for checking a known completely shorted or open coil. If you want to find which coil is faulty a scan tool coupled w/ a scope is the most efficient. DVOM would not come out of my tool box for coil testing.
Would the current ramp show that pattern if the current clamp was at the battery feed fuse to the coils on a engine that has
the coils buried under the intake manifold ?
+James Miller yep as long as it was only feeding the coil powers. Of course you would see the current ramp for all the coils hooked to that circuit.
I was doing some of the same measurements in 1960 using an old heathkit scope.