I know I have made several other videos like this in the past but I feel it is always a good reminder to remember to stick to the basics when making a diagnosis. We don't always need to go digging deep when the problem is right in front of us. -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.

50 thoughts on “Stick to the basics!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R Chick says:

    My 98 4Runner had the exact same issue with the plug wire on cylinder 4. I didn’t think it would be the plug wire because I put plugs and wires from the good old naper in it less than a year ago and only put 8000 miles on it since. Put the black electrical tape on it and it runs like new. Gonna get some new plug wires from not NAPA. Thanks for all you do.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars chris harris says:

    Great advice! Keep it simple. Luckily that's all I can do, simple.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars daniel silva says:

    Awesome auto tech with a conscious 💯💯💯 that's hard to find in the industry these days

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Berry says:

    "Added the piece of resistance", I almost died! Maybe you should have said it like Pepe LePew

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leland Morell says:

    Hey some body I need help I'm not a mechanic but my 2001 Suburban 1500 5.3 a blown head gasket changed everything on my own now putting it all back together so far so good now I'm here at the fuel rail to fuel injection I can get one side the injections to set all the way in where they need to be other side where the fuel regulator is I cannot get the injectors to go all way down to set in what do I do if anybody got any suggestions hello somebody help me

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Oliver says:

    You da man Eric!!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Buxton says:

    A friend backed her van into a very frozen snow pile, then drove two hundred feet where it stalled. Her husband asked me to fix it. We scratched our heads for about ten minutes until I looked at the ice in the exhaust pipe .

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jimmie Adams says:

    We actually did something similar to this at school today! Except the wire had high resistance

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! tim s says:

    Tape is only temporary …. unless it works. Had a buddy with a boat I/O unit engine was missing, we found a plug wire conductor broken, just the insulation holding it together. Only thing we had to fix it was a paper clip (we were 8 miles out on lake erie), cut off about 2 inches of paper clip and splice it into the plug wire, taped it up. Ran like a champ, the next year we went to lake erie again, he still had not gotten new plug wires.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vincent L says:

    :06 The money light is on. 😂

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter B. says:

    My brother bought a Corolla for a cheap with a misfire. 3 good spark plugs and 1 with no electrode left. 4 new plugs. Golden. 300000km original plugs.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Dunagan says:

    Whatever I can afford to bring my car to a mechanic I just tell him facts: I always try not to offer diagnosis.

    I think one thing a customer can do to a mechanic to take him off is to think they know more than the mechanic does. Okay maybe telling the mechanic how the alarm system works.

    Now I have heard that it's routine maintenance to replace oxygen sensors at Toyota's as routine maintenance but I have not heard of replacing a catalytic converter as routine maintenance. The latter is a real b** to put in on a 2000 Solera type as I can attest first-hand.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! dougan1961 says:

    Fantastic videos thank you very much for sharing

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Vangorden says:

    Did you check the flux capacitor 😂 just kidding just wanted to get a rise out of you.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Bledsoe says:

    I made it home to Memphis TN from New Orleans LA with tape on two plug wires. Yep changed them as soon as it cooled down.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fluorescent Mug says:

    I have an easy night time job, doesn’t pay much and I’m bored mostly. I really enjoy all of your content. You are one of few channels I subscribed too.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew ROBINSON says:

    I did just that .i had a getz .it suddenly started running rough as if it was missing. A quick look at all the leads and connectors and yes one had a tracking mark. Taped it up . No problems. Fixed it right up. When I i sold it i did tell the new owners about the tape. Great work. I am learning so much from you. Much thanks Andy Australia

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Billy Copeland says:

    Enhance click click clack enhance click click clack enhance click click clack
    That's too tier humor my wife doesn't appreciate it

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Ferraro says:

    did not suck

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve says:

    I'll fix what you say to fix AND THEN I'll fix the problem. HAHAHA!

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave Carlson says:

    Wan other Eric o stale line "the money light is on"

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars S Fryc says:

    Great Video – Am Always Learning! Thanks !

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael G says:

    Enhance, enchance, enhance

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LSuschena says:

    Ex wife’s car was over heating. Her nephew a parts store mechanic goes into a long diatribe about temp sensors and computer logic related to over heating. I popped the hood, opened the radiator cap, yup it was dry and coolant stains on the radiator.
    Coolant system does work with no coolant.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Pawelczyk says:

    That was fast great stick to the basics I watch you all the time every week I learned a little bit more

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christian Worthinton says:

    Yep. Change the cats.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Burns says:

    Does that have an old sony face off stereo? Haven't heard that noise in years 😂😂

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Red Toberts says:

    Car will break down in 3 years time and it'll be your fault.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Willard says:

    are you sure you want to give these secrets away?

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dale Langila says:

    I go to a shop tell them what's going on dam sure not going to tell them what parts to replace 🤣

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Castros says:

    It's never what the customer says is wrong!

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bryan Toth says:

    Hey Eric, just want to thank you for your excellent videos. Not only are you a very thoughtful mechanic, you are an effective teacher. Very few teachers/instructors tell us their thought processes while troubleshooting a problem. This gives us a why to the what.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jimmy, Making it work says:

    Lady Gaga commercials popping up, not sure about their choices in adds, lol.

    Anywho, thought you might need to dive into mode 6 for a second…
    I thought when manufacturers went to one coil per cylinder they’d end up being much more reliable. Didn’t realize they’d make them cheaper as well, or have 3 wires and 3 coil setups, lol.

    A clean pattern, but Low KV for a spark out of the chamber. No load without cylinder pressure.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony Winslow says:

    ok

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dirk G says:

    I always learn something from you and your scan tool thingamajig. Thank You. Great channel!

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Franklin says:

    I love being entertained even while most of this is over my head.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Ferguson says:

    Honestly this guy is a righteous dude. Thank you how refreshing to find an honest guy.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rickey Mitchell says:

    When Eric O speaks, the world should listen. Best mechanic on youtube!

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Francisco Landrau says:

    I would never in good conscience perform a $1K repair just because the customer is an idiot and doesn’t know better. I would have done the same inspection and validate my diagnosis to the customer in person. My line” I love money and I’d like to take yours. This is what you want, however, this is what you need. Would you like to reevaluate your decision?” After that, the customer pays my salary and we can move forward. Electrical tape as a fix, maybe for me if it was raining and I had no other means to get home. Never as a sign of “quality repair “ that I can guarantee as a permanent fix and not have it bite me in the ass a few weeks down the road when the adhesive melts off and misfires again. Just my thoughts.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ty Briggs says:

    Spent 3days and 500 dallars trying to fix no start condition , just to find out the crank angle sensor was partially disconnected.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Feeney's Mechanical says:

    Nothing wrong with that repair. Been there done that

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kirk Gallacher says:

    Hey, impressive skills, finding out that problem. Aye…. you Canadians got it right Aye!
    From a brother in New Zealand 🇳🇿. Aye.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ANONIMO PORSIEMPRE says:

    Honor who's deserve Honor 🤝🏼👍🏼

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Bill Malec says:

    I've been on many dirt bike discussion groups. Here's the typical.
    "My bike just stopped running all of a sudden! I think it's the stator or the coil!!"
    -Have you checked the tank for gas?
    – sheepishly: "oh that was it. I was out of gas".
    🤦🤦

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John BEE says:

    Sounds like its dinner time by that siren!

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DJ says:

    Can't beat visual inspection. I believe some technician have gotten so dependent on all the high tech tools that they don't know the basics.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lharchmage says:

    I once spent four hours working on a bike looking for starting .running issues checked everything except the plugs guess what it was?
    Yup Plugs.
    Th thing I should have checked 2nd
    1st battery
    2 plugs

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt D says:

    Great job! Would you just open up a shop in the Boston area? I really need a mechanic that can be trusted.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Guiliano says:

    That 4 beep when the ignition is shit off is a cheaper sony head unit. I recognize it from my head unit in my old jeep.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leap Year says:

    Battery tie down was not doing its job shes loosey goosey

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.