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50 thoughts on “Don t have a crystal ball! diagnostic pain!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Hummel says:

    I would have guessed the fuel pump falling flat at times! Boy would I have been wrong!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Geise says:

    Don’t know if it’s too late for a suggestion but I had an ‘84 Omni with the same problem and the inside of my catalytic converter broke loose and when I accelerated hard it would fall on its face and when I would let go it would run normal. The insides would turn sideways and block my airflow, it started with the same symptoms as this vehicle.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Bayles says:

    You do know that the manufactures do have "no code" diagnostic plans right? (and TSB'S and case history) You statement that the PCM can not monitor the mechanical performance of the variable cam timing system, that it can only determine electrical faults, indicates that you really do not understand closed loop engine control systems. (and the real possibility that maybe you should not be rendering services in this capacity) One of the reasons for a cam position sensor is for closed loop control of the valve timing. The PCM operates an actuator and expects a specified change in cam/crank phasing, (monitored by the cam and crank position input). You need to develop the habit of observing fuel trims, the effect of your "mass air flow sensor cleaning" could have been quantified. Your Snap on man would be very disappointed, in your not utilizing the "movie/data recording" function of your scanner. You could have easily observed, frame by frame, all sensor/ actuator data PIDs. during the symptom occurrence. Then maybe you could have associated the operation of the variable valve timing solenoid with the occurrence of the symptom. Excessive current draw by any one of the PCM actuated devices is a likely scenario. You had a crystal ball in one of the other videos, what happened to it?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars frank o donnell says:

    t was a repair , not a non repair, it stopped after you cleaned the vvti valve ,so even the simple thing like cleaning it solved the problem

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Emad A says:

    ray you have to dry the MAF after you spry it. starting the car when the sensor is wet with cleaner may blow the sensor..

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony Carderelli says:

    Ray I enjoy watching your videos and they teach me about das auto. I especially like the videos that you are unable to rely on the diagnostic computer and then have diagnose what the problem is. Not because I want you to have to work harder, but that you show me how to do that type of diagnosing since I don't have a computer.
    Thank you Ray!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars skid mark says:

    Old school fix!!!!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NTH Welding says:

    But did the spark knock go away?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars shane m says:

    Dude love your videos, as a tech I see a lot of stuff from dealers as well as customers and dude it does get crazy some days but you have helped out in some of your videos so thanks and hope you have a great day too

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pork chop says:

    Amazing they don't want to spend $80 for a new solenoid. That is not that expensive. However if your sales guy indicated it was "speculative " then I can understand why they hesitated

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Crouse says:

    Hey Ray, Whaddaya say? I'm pretty sure my family thinks I'm crazy for watching you working on cars, but the virtual experience is priceless. Thanks for sharing your expertise and process with us. Also your sense of humor and philosophy of things.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Victor Varsanyi says:

    Now you know what being a mechanic was like prior to the existance of OBD.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daddy says:

    Thanks!

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars sockrabbtt says:

    nice HDR

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Maynard says:

    The old school method of diagnosis, “Process of elimination.” Been there done that

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Craig Dupree says:

    With the cost of gas, your test drives probably cost more than your time.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kyo gamer says:

    Hey I have a 2011 Town & Country And the air-conditioning does not work in it How much is it to check it

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Whitelaw says:

    Nothing worse than chasing an intermittent fault, narrowing it down with sheer good detective work, identifying a relatively cheap part with low labour cost to replace and the client declining! 9 times out of ten, when it represents itself, they will blame the tech for not fixing it properly…hence, all you apprentices out there, document, document, document. We call is “C-Ya” It means “we’ll be seeing you again to the customer, and “Cover your ass” in the shop.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill husted says:

    This video. This video should be required watching for all car owners! I have worked on my own cars, ( some times to my own detriment) and everyone should know of the limits of the computers and humans working on their cars. Pre computers I have fought electrical demons. Often for a long time. Worst one ended up being rust underneath the bracket that Ford decided to run the ground from the battery. Rust, underneath the bracket for something else that used a bracket bolt as the bolt for the ground from the battery. Two years.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GARY OSBORNE says:

    Love your videos. It never ceases to amaze me how many people come in and ask to have a problem diagnosed only to choose to do nothing. Now it might make sense if the repair was more than the car was worth but if they are dead broke and could afford nothing for repairs OR had zero interest in spending money on the car, then why did they bring it is to begin with? I am wondering if they just want to know what parts or adjustments are needed (because they have no clue) so they can go home, watch a YouTube video and try to fix it themselves. I hope y’all charge a reasonable price for diagnostics.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gmgunner says:

    Sticking open?

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patriot70 says:

    I am fairly competent at changing parts and firing the parts cannon. I have all of the right tools. But, it takes real experience, knowledge, and skill to know which part(s) that need to be changed. This video added much to my limited knowledge about which part to change even though you changed no parts at all.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Grant McInnes says:

    You seemed a little bummed that the video was a non repair, but diagnosis is a way more interesting skill than turning wrenches.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Myk T says:

    i love the thought process and understanding the logic behind it. Awesome content as usual.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Curren says:

    I gave my crystal ball away as I saw no future in it.

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

    Now if Toyota would make buses, then SCAT could drive TRDs!

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tom ashton says:

    I was gonna say fuel system failure, but im betting on a bad ground

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Nekuda says:

    Ray, I don't care what the girls at the pool hall say, you're a pretty sharp boy.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt Fields says:

    Can’t blame the owners for not throwing the parts cannon at a non 100% thing. That stumble could totally be cam misalignment by a half functioning VVT solenoid though. A can of good injector cleaner and some higher octane fuel/additive would go a long way too.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cary Coplon says:

    Hey Ray, going to pick a nit here. Not a big deal, but it's pronounced "hun – day. I used to work for them and they where very touchy about that.
    Otherwise I really enjoy your content.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Billy Bob says:

    That Engine light came on just when that happened a real quick second

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jett says:

    Yes i can confirm Bluaha is a technical term' my car does it all the time

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LTP Ma says:

    My suggestion is check the 16 pin OBD 2 on vehicle and ck pcm connection and main fuse and relay going to pcm

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Timmins says:

    That's gonna be a wrap .. Cows🤣

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jorge fernandez says:

    Sometimes the trouble is not clearly present so you have to infer what it is by what it is not doing. You provided us a classic example of this type of trouble. Nice Job and have a great day.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ianriggs says:

    Take a good look at those cows, they will probably be gone soon 🙁

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ya33a says:

    That 'worn' insulation on the plug lead may also have been the issue as it vibrated and made a short occasionally…

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars doleph1 says:

    Ray, your diagnostic process and your approach to working out the causes are why I watch your videos. This was a journey, thanks for taking us along for the ride! 👍

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adam Davis says:

    I only recently found this channel, and am now a new subscriber! Great content. I was a mechanic back in the day, worked on a lot of my own cars etc. so this is all very satisfying! *click

    Also for me, the diagnostic puzzle solving in your videos is a lot of the reason I watch. These types of videos are my favorites for sure. Anyway great work!

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hightttech says:

    Ray has a nice CODE READER; too bad Snap-On doesn't have a tool that records PIDs during road tests, or performs functional tests on stuff like VVT system. Ray's trained eye watches for MIL to flicker and tachometer to flutter for clues if ECM, CMP, CKP and VVT glitching. Also, a little exploratory surgery and bench testing makes for an awesome video 👍.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Kline says:

    This reminds me of how my '97 Prelude acted. While driving it would completely stall. Sometimes it happened at 40 mph sometimes it didn't happen for months. Would have loved to have seen you diag it Ray. Although thanks to you I eventually discovered both my alternator was bad and ignition switch was faulty.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Malcolm Hutcheon says:

    Hyundai leaves you High 'n' Dry!

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Spenny62 says:

    If I were the owner, I'd have done the same thing. Drive it as is and let it develop again if it's going to. In the 'olden days' we didn't replace plugs or points just because they were dirty, we cleaned them. No reason why it shouldn't be the same for a modern day solenoid. Having now watched the video and seen how simple it is to replace, if the fault did re-occur, then do it myself. Great video Ray, keep up the good work.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Andersen says:

    An awesome video I've been having to diagnose some things recently that has had no warning lights as well

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Andersen says:

    Quick question I live in the Pacific Northwest near Yakima I can't seem to find anybody that'll pay me more and 16 in a quarter an hour and I've been in the business since I was 19 and I'm 57 now this place just chaps my ass

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Viera says:

    Bullshit

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gus Smiles says:

    Ratt: Round 'n Round..

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathan Mimnagh says:

    SCAT! Back in the 80s my local town had an information technology centre to provide IT training to the locals. Problem? The town was St Helens, so it became known as the SHIT centre…. why do people not look at acronyms before using them!

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bloodnose says:

    They don't pay you enough.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brandon Yahn says:

    I'm loving the diagnostic thought process. This is my kind of video. (I do IT PC repair… this is what we do all the F*** time.)

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