Come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as we watch this 2003 Ford Escape mop the floor with him on what started out as a simple EVAP code for a fuel tank pressure sensor. No wonder he has grey hair... -Enjoy!
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46 thoughts on “Ford escape – worst diag ever!?!? – part i”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Coy Carlson says:

    Eric , you are certainly a detective in diagnosing ANY vehicle trouble – it really is amazing the level of understanding you possess. Reading some of your bio – of how you grew up in your dad's shop ? Each and EVERY YouTube video you make displays your IMMENSE Skills – for getting to the heart of the problem and locating the cause of failure. You indeed dig in – and run every possible test – to confirm your diagnosis – and , of course , this is the EXACT skill that places you in the preferred category of auto repair shops – YOU find and repair the problems many other shops cannot . I place you in the SUPER TECH category of technicians. You ARE that good – and I understand your , Mrs O , when she made the comment in your YouTube video in which you repaired a shorted connector in her car ( one of your children spilled coke ) and it got into the connector, to the point – Mrs O said , you fix any vehicle you attempt to fix. AGAIN ,
    THANK YOU MUCH for sharing your VAST knowledge of auto diagnosis and repair – I learn something from EVERY video you make and take a nugget of what you teach and place it in my own thought for diagnosing and repairing my personal vehicles. 👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️😊

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph bradshaw says:

    I have the same issue on my 96 cavalier with the crank sensor. Total random and undiagnosed issue.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kerzwhile says:

    Lmao.. The random tornado siren test makes this channel!!! 😆 Eric's Never phased or remotely acknowledges it. Ever! LOL…

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DR.DRE' says:

    That's why I stay tuned to your channel, because you're "REAL LIFE" no fake news, you bring real life experience to the front and center! Being a good technician/mechanic, is really hard work, and you have to be smart, and I've learned that experience brings wisdom. Thank you Mr. O.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars WoodierEel24 says:

    My 09 escape has a code on it saying there’s a leak in my EVAP system too. It seems to turn off around a 1/4 tank and below but turns back on when I fill the tank. Does that seem like a faulty sensors or like there is an actual leak?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Martinez says:

    Hahaha look at the little baby drill.. hahaha

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zr1sparky1 says:

    Erik: "so I think the next step is" and he's interrupted by the lunch siren and I found myself yelling out: 'lunch'!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ronald Bergeron says:

    Interesting video

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars andy lowe says:

    I believe software is turning it off, at 3,000 rpm, by Ford engineer design.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Barry says:

    From my decades of EEC-IV experience, Ford uses the term "signal return" for the sensor low reference (ground), not for the signal itself, which is what you seem to be doing while thinking out-loud.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars felix dakatt says:

    Dirty voltage, check frequency on lines , alternator?

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Drew Bush says:

    Where's part 2 🤔

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars computerguy says:

    Ask Scotty!😆😆😆

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Treasure Guard says:

    They say one step in diagnosing is to do the visual, I guess that includes checking all the pids on the scan tool.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nicholas Andre says:

    At the point when you’ve confirmed the sensor at the tank is acting independently of the 5V reference, my next move would have been to unplug the sensor and measure resistance or shermnangle a separate pressure gauge onto the tank. My inkling would be that it’s not lying.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars roscocsa says:

    I had to change the alt in my 05 escape once. Thankfully I don't have that car anymore, but if it would have ever happened again I would have lit it on fire and watched it burn instead of going through that again.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nick Loss says:

    My current thought process would be possibly an air restriction would cause the engine to pull excess vacuum on the tank? Obviously I have no idea what im talking about lol but just a thought

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars yy z says:

    Can't believe ford put an access panel in there for the pump and evap

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars michael cummings says:

    It seems like they check the raid sirens a LOT where you live

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jhitt79 says:

    Lot of ads for an eighteen minute video

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven Lockhart says:

    Bum

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars richard Turk says:

    Escape not excape

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Packrat’s What If. says:

    Hey Eric: Where did you get those yellow clamp on wire testers with the banana plugs on the end ????? Those are a super idea for testing.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donnie Robertson says:

    Great job

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! arat neerg says:

    Im looking fwd to watching this one. Love his lack of ego! Such a cool guy.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J. cates says:

    Fucn computers anyway I like wrenching on cars not fucking with codes

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bob often says:

    Reading Through the comments,
    Faulty Sensor ( change it out for a new one )
    Alternator Check , Test , and run vehicle without Aternator wire connected.
    As the voltage spike / decrease only happens between 3000 rpm to 4300 rpm . Alternator breaking down .?

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bob often says:

    Fuel pump under left rear passenger seat.
    Did Ford also copy the two fuel pump set up ?
    One fuel pump for low speed feed.
    Second fuel pump for high speed feed.
    Two fuel pumps , two fuel feeds as done by Mitsubishi.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Fowler says:

    do an ac voltage scope of alternator output. possible bad diode in alternator. also as quick check unplug alternator and retest at rpm and if prplem gone bad diode in alternator causing ac ripple and screwing with electronics. been there

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Robertson says:

    Eric O, my problematic 03 Mazda Tribute had the same issue. It threw a P0451 code, and changing the totally unrelated power steering switch cleared it.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Dicks says:

    I know you don't just change parts but is there a way you can check to see if the sensor is shorting out during and extra load from the vibration of the fuel pump

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nicholas Moody says:

    So I have a professional question..
    You split into the wire to back probe. Do you fix the wire after or just put tape over the hole you created?
    I've been in the dealership game for 2 years now and every class I'm sent to, they state to never probe the wire outside of the connector.
    Could you recommend a "proper" technique, or would you say it's safe to probe as long as you cover the hole

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fierodough says:

    From the tests you did, ground is good, 5V ref is good and the signal drops at 3K RPM. two things can do this in my opinion. Excessive vacuum in the tank. Not likely… or bad sensor. other option is to simulate a sensor reading with a resistor… But I suspect you need to replace that sensor…

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kameron Stout says:

    IMO escapes are crap, I just don’t care for them at all an extremely weak vehicle.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Forest Spirit says:

    the classic reach around

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garry Harris says:

    Take the Gas Cap Off And retest I think then it will lead in the Right Direction. I am still at Thought ?

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Freddy Flintstoned says:

    A New 4Runner will fix the problem.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J M Stew says:

    Maybe the purge valve is leaking at that stated rpm. Test tank vacuum, with vacuum gauge.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Foster says:

    My old man had one of these, he's so glad he got rid of it lol.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donnie Robertson says:

    Great job again like always

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Caleb Sandersier says:

    change the sensor

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wyatt Klingensmith says:

    Basically as far as my diag capabilities is google. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with something like this. Today my friends vw rabbit threw a p0480 code. I had to tell them i don’t know how to diagnose what it could be. the fan was working is what I know. All I have is some the scan tool you can get from Walmart for 20 dollars. If anyone could give me advice on how to learn or go about diagnostic like this I would greatly appreciate it. Im a young guy 18 learning through experience as i go but I really wanna be able to test instead of throwing parts at stuff

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jacob barth says:

    I LOVE your channel Eric. And these are the reasons why diag is one hour isn’t always correct and ANOTHER reason why service whiters have to have been in the field. I love your videos and just point blank your awesome and an inspiration on all levels! Thanks for the video a lot of fun

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pool Doctor of Clermont Inc says:

    I love the firehouse siren. We had the same type of siren in the small town I grew up in, in southwest Michigan.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mike chainz says:

    Hey Eric love your channel as always I'm leaning towards possibly a leaking purge valve

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Barry Stone says:

    LOL you say technically I say in theory keep up the good blogs

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