In this video I try and demonstrate the usefulness of freeze frame data and code setting criteria to help find the root cause of a check engine light. In this case it was on a Chevy Trail Blazer with a P0128. -Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: https://www.patreon.com/southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
https://teespring.com/stores/the-sma-store
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: https://www.paypal.me/SouthMainAuto
The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/southmainautorepairavoca
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: https://www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=affiliate_go&affiliateID=2525b91fc8e906e8215984074c9d9e8f&go=https://www.aeswave.com/Miscellaneous-p9347.html
Thank you for all the continuing support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.
Thanks man. Now I can't get that old J. Geils song out of my head.
so if the t/s is failing will i just see the p0128? or will the coolant temp sensor cause this code if it fails and no other codes?
Man I wish they would have kept that thermostat in that location!!! My 2008 has it at the very back passenger side of my inline 6! It. Is. Freakin. Pita to get to. Big time!
Did a thermostat on my '04 Bravada (same engine, etc.) about three years ago as I had the same code (low mileage vehicle at approx. 62 k at the time). Recently got the same code (P0128), at 83 k, so this time I changed the coolant temperature sensor (and I know I should have changed the thermostat again) but I was curious to see if my temp sensor was the real culprit. So far, no code, but I guess time will tell. Oh, changing either is a big pain in the tookus(sic); behind the alternator, which isn't any fun either. Hope I don't have to go in there again. 😀
Good information………..what model autel are you using
WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE HIIII VIEWERS WELCOME BACK TO BLA BLA 😭😭😭
Very helpful,well explained,good use of logic,and experience =right repair 1st time,good video,thankyou.
I'd assume the run time is in seconds, so 1 second short of 9 minutes of pure yeehaw going nowhere fast and burning through fuel :))
FREEZE FRAME DATA , CAN BE GOOD AT TIMES OR A HUGE WAST OF TIME DEPENDING NUN THE LEST THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION .
What scan tool is this? Im looking at buying an Autel scanner that has bi-directional controls, calibrating capabilities for after repairs like throttle bodies etc. , true live data, etc. We dont have a snap on truck or mac or matco that comes out to shop so looks like Autel is gonna be our route through the local NAPA. We use a laptop based cummins program for a scanner on school buses but now need to add a scanner for everything else thats getting added to our fleet from duramax's, explorers, powerstroke pickups etc.
Thanks for the video Eric! I have been getting the same code on mine intermittently. I was 99% sure it was the thermostat and with this I am able to confirm it! I am almost positive mine is the original thermostat with 195K. Just got the TB so time to change it!
🖒 buen dicho yo puedo hacerlo tu puedes hacerlo🖒
Dude. Love the channel. I think you’re a great mechanic. I’m watching too many vids. I got the old lady’s car in pieces every weekend. Love it !!
it seems that while using the otc scan tool you often have to change scan tools if that doesn't answer some of the what scan tool to buy questions I don't know what will
Harbor freight has a new scanner for 2k they say it good as a snap on
The Bob Ross of automotive stuff.
eric o. this is what we have to deal with
So the computer is my friend if only I were able to hear and see what is telling me, hence the Autel.
Freeze Frame…… Reminds me of a song I once …….
I use freeze frame data all the time. Also, thank the automotive powers that be for giving us "Identifix. I find it real helpful when I get into something that I have not worked on before. Nothing like the experience of other techs which is one of the reasons I watch your channel. Minds are like parachutes, they only work when there open. Thanks my friend…
Good video amigo.
I do look at freeze frame data depending on the situation. I appreciate your perspective, thank you.
Next up, a video where the freeze frame has zero helpful information. Cause I love when that happens
Distance since first failure 58 miles, Distance since last failure 637 miles… here we are again with which scan tool is the best 🙂
what happened to the "Hello viewers and welcome back… ???
This happened to me with my GM Oh and it was caused by me also. I was experimenting with different thermostats and when I stuck the 170 in it. Well lets say it wasn't happy.
Well there’s your problem! Great advise!
What if it was -40 out? The temp might never get to normal 😉
I despise Bosch scanner software. Be Mac, otc or whatever. No thank you
8 minutes, 59 seconds is 539 seconds, just FYI. 🙂
Hi Eric, do you know if there is a place to find the same kind of code setting criteria for the DIYers? I noticed that you used Identifix to find that information. However, not sure that is a viable option for the diy guy. Thanks!
I understand why you can not suggest only one brand of diagnostic scanner. Thanks Eric.
Thanks for the knowledge, now
Let's see the actual change of thermostat always like seeing the mechanical process
A question the escaner is already includes witn the electronics diagram
Not necessarily freeze-frame data – but I use FORScan with my 2001 F250 7.3L for live data to monitor HPOP pressures and more. Also good for injector buzz-tests.
thanks for the info! you can learn something new every day if you have an open mind!!
So wha happen to "Hey there viewers, and welcome back to the South Main Auto Channel!"? Been missing these last times…
I know, I know… busy things, setting up and all that… it's just kinda comforting is all…
Oooh, I know! Maybe pick your best "Hey there!" from a previous show, throw it in front, then play Big Nasty's music while your logo fades in, then use Brake Cleaner fanfare on a hard cut switch to you and the new video!
…or… not… I guess… I mean, I understand if you can't…
🙂
Keep doing the great work you're doing, and ignore me. I'm used to it by now… XD
Definitely an important diagnostic resource. Thanks Dr. O!
I've had quite a few Ford 3.0 DOHC engines with vacuum leaks (intake), where freeze frame data told the tale. Misfire city – freeze frame says, coolant temp: 59° – runs better with heat – then confirmed with the water test. Bingo! Longest part of the diag is waiting for the damn scan tool to stop the "spinning wheel" thing and get down to business!
It's 2019 – can we get a damn magic-box computer that works FAST??? Is that too much to ask?!? 😡
GREAT vid, Eric – you say you're not a great teacher … I say … BS !! 🍻😊
I love freeze frame data!! As a matter of fact, I had a bowl of them for breakfast just this morning! With sausage links and orange juice! Lol
I was visiting a friend once. A family friend of his was present, and mentioned that she wanted him to change her thermostat. I asked why she just needed a thermostat changes, was she overheating. She said no, just the opposite. She was getting the dreaded P0128. Well of course, I had to look it up. I'm not as smart as you guys are. And I came up with the same thought. This could be an issue. Then she tells me that was the problem last time!! Huh?? Beg your pardon?? Did you say last time? She said that this happened a few weeks ago, too! And she changed the thermostat, and the code went away. UNTIL NOW!! I was like "AH HAAAA" well there's your problem right there, lady!! But, I was outnumbered, one woman to only two guys!! We changed her thermostat! I whispered a few times that this wasn't the problem, to the friend, but her just shrugged, and said we have to do what she wants!! I just assisted, and watched, while it all was done. She brought a T-stat, with her. NO COOLANT! No bucket! No drain pan, nothing but the need!! After the NEW coolant was drained into the street, they went for other NEW coolant. Someone asked what was up, and I explained that she saw a code, and wants someone to shoot the parts cannon at it. So, we were the ones to do it. While they were gone, I got a little curios, and grabbed the old(NEW) T-stat, and looked it over! What should appear before my very eyes?? Why, that was a large gap, where a large gap shouldn't be! Seem like the old(new) T-stat was faulty after all!! And allowing a pretty good amount of coolant to flow, keeping the engine a bit too cool, for a bit too long. Who'd a thunk it?? I set it back down, and went inside. They came back, and went went to refilling the system, while she tidied up a bit. As I walked out, I saw her throw a 20 footer across the driveway, and the old(new T-stat dropped home, NOTHING BUT NET!! I jumped immediately into action, and told her to back the truck up. I retrieved the old(new T-stat, and pointed out the obvious fault! I explained that she out to return it, to the store for a refund, and show them this. I reached for the box for the new(new)T-stat, and put it inside, and said she could maybe get a refund, if she has the receipt! So, she was right all along, the old(new)T-stat was faulty, and causing the code to set, again!! I had to eat some crow, but I think it taught me a lesson. It also turns out that she was employed at the very company where she purchased that faulty part. She works in the warehouse, not the parts counter. But still. She got her money back. One of those times that you ask yourself, O, O, O, O'REALLY?? wink wink
Eric, I vote for more factory tool usage. Autel and OTC have their own YouTube channels.
Outstanding video.
Very informative…Dr O
Eric you have a gift to get a point across man. Very nicely done.
Could it have been the coolant temperature sensor itself? (I am sure the statistics don't lie, but if it were the ECT that was failing/out of spec, would the data have been different?
To be really anal, you could get the engine up to temp and check coolant temp after 8.5 minutes with, say, an IR gun or a thermometer in the filler neck. Could be a temp sender that is slightly out of spec. But experience tells me…..
Tutorial videos are always welcome, no matter what !!
Great approach as always. I've learned a ton since finding this channel, thanks a million!
Excellent knowing the what to look for thanks gerbilly.