In this video I have a look at a lady's 2009 Scion xA that she dropped off because the engine light was flashing and then all of a sudden the battery light came on too. Are the problems related? Well....kind of.
-Enjoy!
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--Eric & Vanessa O.
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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.
-Enjoy!
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.
That was nice of the customer to leap for the entire alternator. She said the same for the decoupling pulley just like you did, “ain’t nobody got time for that”
What about the “Maintence required” light? No time for an oil change Eric?😅
With that many miles, the slip ring brushes were probably almost used up anyway,,, I think replacement was justified,,, 🙂
Eric, you're always addressing your comments to "you fellows" or "you guys." What ever happened with Miss Hannah and Miss Marie?
Lol switching the altinator pulley and sending it back 🤣 that would be some sly shit 🤣
I didn't know that existed. A clutched alternator. Hmm
You are a good man sir.
Shame Toyota stopped making Scions. They were good reliable cars for a younger generation
It all comes to what kind of money the costumer wants to pay and how long they want to keep the car. Personally I’d just change the pulley
mr O do you tighten the belt tension to that spec whenever you remove and install the belt or do you only do that when its a new belt. because when I work on that drive system i just mark the bolt with a paint marker then return it back to original spot… just curious of reasoning. only thing I could think of is the new belt isn't going to have as much stretch
Had a failed alternator on a Mazda tribute, client wanted a second hand one to replace it, so I asked my son to get it from his local pick a part, same sort of place as Wilberts.
He thought he wouldn't have to much trouble, not realising that it was between the firewall and the block just above the suspension and the car was on the ground, by the time he got it out the place had closed and everyone had gone, gates locked and guard dogs loose….oops.
good move new alternator with that mileage
Great video, your knowledgeable and efficient. Awsome that you worked late to get the vehicle back to them quickly.
Based on my own experience / observation around aircraft … where PREVENTION is the name of the game … perhaps everyone is better off when ALL 4 Coils are replaced when ONE FAILS. Esp. on an in-line 4 where it is only MINUTES to CHANGE all of them.
In my own case, I REPLACED (all 6) Coils (with OEM parts) on my Toyota / Lexus SUV … along with the "mandatory" (all 6) iridium plugs change-out … at the 120K service.
The dealers love to just ignore the coils and then come back and change each coil as it fails … one-at-a-time; $700 for each rear coil. And $400 for each front coil. Ditto the alternator at high mileage. BTW … I AGREE with the Lady … change that ANCIENT ALTERNATOR, too!
John in the NW
why do they have a key lanyard with anus written on it ? 🤣
Sods law.
You'd have changed the decoupler pulley and the car would be back for an alternator a short time later.
Long term you've probably saved the lady money and fair play to her for making a wise decision 👏
Won't be long before your cricket shows up, to keep you company while working late. He'll serenade you for a couple hours before you go home.
Hiya Eric
You're a good man Mr O.
Nothing like a little lube, wiggling, and feeling. 😂
Nah, change the alternator as 'some guy' has poked something sharp into the rotating stuff😊 Nice of you to work late to look after your customers. Customer service is getting pretty thin on the ground these days.
I like the way you set to music what you are really thinking.
short and sweet…………very cool! no distractions either. miss those old videos you took things apart to find out why they failed but time is money.
246k on a yoda at 23 years and a problem again a year later. Sounds like a lemon law case for Duewe ,Cheatem and Howe. . Seriously, we should all be so fortunate. On the lady's side if you really need to rent a car, the going rate is over $100 a day. If cars are available, and they lie about that. . Will an aftermarket overrunning clutch match up and work? Eric has the part, the correct part to solve it in hand. Back to school time and sales to be at. good vid thanks.
Awesome job!!
Is it possible for a refreshment class video on how to delete your hard drive from your computer? 🙂
Proud of my Toyotas. 💪😎 So simple. The Nissan was miserable.
Parts cannon 🪖
Kinda makes me glad I jumped ship in the late eighties. It's no longer fun to work on vehicles. Just a PITA now .
Nicely done! An alternator swap is one of few jobs I've done, and it definitely felt like worming the alternator in/out of the engine bay was one of the toughest parts. Either that or getting my ratchet trapped between a bolt I was loosening and the wall of the e bay. I'll learn someday… hopefully! Thanks for the video.
Oy, Transverse engines and serpentine belts.. I miss the old days when everything was accessible and easy to change…Once I replaced the fan clutch on my Thunderbird 429, replaced the radiator and serviced the carburetor all in one day. Overheating with the a/c on, and sticking float problems solved. 1970 cars were so much easier. Vacuum lines were a weekend job.
A lightly torqued nut gets a Snugga Dugga !….
Your the best.. Period! 😉
Your patience is most commendable !
Sprag clutch
Can you please open the alternator and show us what is the problem… just for knowledge
If it makes you feel any better Eric, it’s late at night and I’m working also😂Thanks for working over and making a video.👍🏻
These are the peak earning months for us tradesmen. Good to see you cranking those jobs out, and thanks for sharing while you do. My remodeling business has me working long days this summer.
I own a number of DeWalt cordless tools, I wonder what Eric's experience has been with the DeWalt ratchet?
I would not check for sure alternator internal movement, awesome
Usually when the bolt goes in they gasp if they don’t pull out back out cut your losses and go home 😂 I’m sorry I couldn’t help it great video as always
Ahhh, at that mileage replacing the alt is the better option. She's doing hwy miles in that thing and it's due. Of course I would've done all 4 coils at the time, but that's just me.
My 2006 kia Sportage 2.0 CRDI gen2 had a new LUC dual mass flywheel fitted (at my request) when the car had a new clutch at 70 k miles 5 yrs ago
16 months an 5 k miles later the DMF fell apart Kia were not interested so local indi removed and replaced LUC said it was more than likely due to a misfire but no warranty Been ok since
My alternator for my compass was sparking when it got changed out everything inside it looked melted
The after hours video felt way different and I enjoyed it a lot, but with 3 littles and a wife at home I know how important family time is, so I will look forward to more business hours videos! Thanks for the great instruction, video's, and you being you!
good work, well done
By far my wildest alternator CEL was on a 2003 WRX. It kept throwing a P0303, the customer did plugs and all coil packs but the car still has this P0303. Car ran like a top just this never ending CEL. So i got wise and checked the timing on the engine. Took off the t belt covers, front crank pulley and the drive belts. I did this because i have seen many a time some home gamer tech would do a t belt and break off a tooth on the center crank trigger and the car would run real funny lol. All looked good but just by chance i started the car up to see whats what. Well! starting the car up with no drive belts was a good thing! The CEL was gone because the alternator was not spinning! So i replaced the alternator and the car was happy! I knew something was very fishy before all this because when clearing the CEL then starting the car the CEL returned instantly and did not care about drive cycles or engine performance.
Turns out according the Subaru Canada at the time this was sort of a "thing"
Tell TeeSpring I want my money back for the crap SMA t-shirt they sold me that didn't last a single wash. And stop deleting my comments about it! They don't seem to respond to any inquiries. Maybe you will do the right thing. Deleting my comments isn't the right thing. Don't steal my money!
Service data procedure for removing alternator: 1. Remove engine. 🤪
Try a starter for a Lexus LS400. It's under the intake manifold.
250k miles wow
Sure was nice for that alternator to come out without disassembling the motor, brackets, arms, belts, and coolant lines !!!! Slipped out and in easily – nice !!!! Plug #3 was misfiring, so it was either the plug or the coil or both, I would have changed both to be safe. And a new belt was good for all them miles on it and some piece of it wiggling around. Customer knows the value of having your car working, and not broke down – put on a new part, don't gamble with the old stuff. Job well done Eric !!! Another satisfied customer spreading your trustworthiness at SMA !!!!!! When do we get a video of Mrs. O. at work dealing with the drop off and pick up customers and how she answers repair questions ??? A look into customer relations and the paperwork side of SMA !!!!!! Ready for the next video if the cars are three deep !!!!!! 🚙🚘🛻
Now for another edition of things you don't want to hear from your mechanic, "That's kind of bizarre, huh?"
Love your videos as always. Thank you!
And Meow…..love it!!!!!!
The difference between other shops and Eric, is when Eric fires the parts cannon, he only needs one bullet to hit a bullseye.
When the Lady says Do it, what's a fella to do ?
You Do it 😂😂😂
Something new learnt ,didn't know about the decoupling pulley , again more knowledge learnt from the school of Eric O 🤗
Cheers
I think that you did it the right way,…as the customer wanted.
Being down to 1 vehicle,it would ease things ,for them in the long run.
WELL DONE!
(I've done gas/diesel repairs for 48 yrs, and there are times such things must be done!)
Wow! A torque converter on the alternator.
I had one of those pulleys fail on my dodge journey, I just tac welded the pulley and coupler and it works.
Does anyone call you Sparky?
Parts cannon for the win 🏆
I like these night time videos better too. Eric seems happier and I enjoy the no distractions
Holy smokes that unit has more miles than the space shuttle@!
I really appreciate Eric’s honesty and methods regarding parts and perhaps swapping a coupler/pulley around. Coming from a Parts Pro at AA, I would totally support this
I would have replaced the alternator too
246000 miles in A 2009 vehicle. That's a lot of driving.
Jiggly bits?? Ray????
He did it! He did it! Parts cannon!! 😁😁
…may as well install a new decoupler on O.G. 'Nader and put it in a box in the corner of the trunk. It will come in handy when the Aftermarket unit fails next month.
No gloves. Meat nuggets looked fine.
246K miles on this little New York Toyota and the alternator decoupler gives out. This is why people buy these cars in the first place.
But you man a Lady happy today! It suck being down a car. It sick’s more when your mini van is down and you have to fit 2 adults and 3 kids in a Honda Accord.
Great work as always.
change all the coils
Why didn't you recommend 2 new ignition coils
The D coupling pulley is amazing technology. When you come across aftermarket alternators they do not use them always. I would stress to use OE quality.
I was 99% sure it was the wiper blades. Huh….damn if that wasn't a surprise.
I’ve figured it out. Most Mechanics already talk to theirselves while working on vehicles. They mostly talk about the engineers that design sometime garbage that’s sprung on the public but, the engineers don’t have to get their hands dirty (if they fit) into replacing failed parts. Videos came along then YouTube, a perfect union. The good mechanics can share their knowledge, experience and frustrations with others. Thanks for sharing your mechanical talents and knowledge, with the rest of us.
Sometimes it's worth slapping a cheap part like a coil in to see if it fixes it, because it's cheap enough to risk having to eat the cost for the time savings. And sometimes you're willing to spend some extra money to get the car back quicker. Maybe one of them has to miss work with only 1 car and it's cheaper for them to spend the extra and get it back than miss another day of work, that's how it is for me. Plus, now they're got a whole new alternator so they shouldn't have to worry about the rest of it going out any time soon.
That's the story of my life: an inch short! Don't apologize or feel guilty. Part of your diagnostics skills is a thing called experience.
Wow,246 somethings miles on the Odometer.She got her moneys worth on this car..
Just a thought a misfire probably would not wreck an alternator but a on functioning alternator could cause the coil to fail due to higher amp demand (low voltage)
Well Lady, you got it. New coil and alternator. No issues, There ya go Lady, Problems solved!
Well… Too late.
Thanks Eric, I know you get a butt load of comments but if you happen to see this one, thanks for the educational and entertaining content~
What brand belt tension gauge was that? Time to upgrade from my ancient clicker styles 😂
she got more than her money's worth in how you did the turn around for her.
Awesome job boss. May The LORD GOD Jesus Christ Bless you and yours,
The business, the lovely MRS.O and your children and extended family. can I get a
witness on that. Jesus is in the business of saving souls, and your in the business of doing
for others that are unable to do for them selves. There is a lot of sacrifice in volved when it
comes to mending other people's problems.
Wait, according to the internet Toyotas "NEVER BREAK'?????
I watched your video at Playback Speed x2 so that you could get home sooner. 🙂
I so remember back in the 70s and 80s working on cars where you actually had a bit of space to put parts in and take them out. Now guys like Eric O. damn near have to be Olympic gymnasts to install replacement parts. Great job Sir. I would have thrown a wrench at it and went on home. 😆.
When you said, "FEEL" when it's IN I just about choked on my coffee laughing so hard!
Another ringer! Have a great weekend and thanks.
Ya sounded a little tired in this one.
Interesting lanyard when you jumped in.😁
Your my hero! And if you load the cannon your 99.9% correct with 250,000 no questions asked .
It can be a tough call. I have no doubt the OEM alternator is far superior to an aftermarket one, though that particular OEM unit has been there a long time, and an OEM new one would be cost prohibitive I would imagine, unless the car has a lot of service life of course. Either way, the car is now repaired,
We haven't had much luck getting the pulleys for a while now. I know a couple of shops that started having the techs come in between 5 and 6 am. They get a lot more done and avoid a lot of the heat. The downside being you aren't getting any parts until 8am. At that mileage I would have changed the alternator if it was mine.
I see several of you folks are asking about the purpose of the decoupling pulley on the alternator. Do a quick google search and you will find some good results from reputable sources.
-Cheers 🍻
Alternator pulleys are not so simple anymore. Many late-model vehicles are equipped with special pulleys that are engineered to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and extend the life of the alternator. An Overrunning Alternator Pulley (OAP) has a one-way clutch mechanism inside the hub that allows the belt to turn the alternator in one direction, but allows the alternator to “free wheel” and spin at its own speed when the engine suddenly decelerates.
-Stolen from the internet