Come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he has a look at this 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon 2.5 DOHC that has some problems with the cooling fans and overheating. It was pretty cut and dry really. It had 2 blown fuses. New fuses installed and everything works fine. BUT WHAT BLEW THE FUSE!? That is the question we try to track down in this video so stay tuned.
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50 thoughts on “Taking your diagnosis through to the end – what blew the fuse?”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Farmer says:

    Haha ๐Ÿ˜„ . Peeking out ๐Ÿ’ฉ ..sorry jus tryna get a Lil laf.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Nice find Eric O with the wave Forms them motors are definitely shot popping fuses always tell a story great diagnosis Eric O ๐Ÿ‘ @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

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

    Have a good story. My 2001 Avalon had intermittent rumbling/vibration under load generally on the interstate. Took it to a mechanic with a code. He said the motor mounts were bad 3 of them I believe. I let him replace them because I saw them and they were bad. But he didnโ€™t fix the problem. He was convinced it was the motor mounts. I already replaced the tps and maf and some bad tubing going into the throttle body thanks to your content I got a lot of confidence with my own hands. After some more research I narrowed it down to the oil control Solenoid or vvt solenoid ( which ever name you like) and fixed it myself and I wonโ€™t go back to that mechanic.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Anderson says:

    That wave form can ben evened out more with a capacitor. Its a very messy DC load and looks needs a correction cap from factory.

    Great job๐Ÿ‘

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John E. Carr says:

    ๐Ÿ‘โœŒ

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

    Your diagnostics are second to none. Too bad for customers who can't come to you.
    I am retired and have lots of free time.I live in CT and am planning to drive to Avoca to see you. I'll call first to make you will be around.
    You will like my Maserati!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark McKelvy says:

    Hey there viewers and welcome back to the self made auto channel ๐Ÿ˜€

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars timothy smith says:

    This is why I watch your videos, other mechanics would replace the fuse and send it down the road, thanks for being you!

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Bynum says:

    Always learn something new.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stu Reedy says:

    Very interesting and informative. Thank you, Sir!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chip Burns says:

    If only Doctors used this same method. What caused the cancer?…

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chip Burns says:

    Next time just put a 25 amp fuse in it!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Pretty much the same with exception of car quest had Siemens replacement fans that were direct fit for the vehicle

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rafael Marin says:

    From 0-100%, electrical diagnostics, testing, to a complete fix. You do everything for your customers,,,Thank you.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kirby Schneider says:

    Stud!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dependable Auto Truck says:

    could i ask how many different bulbs do you use for loading and which ones do you use. trying to get setup with different ones

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bill luzius says:

    Use the hook amperage draw heater fan motor or whatever fan

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

    This is why I love my 2002 Honda Accord. Aftermarket main fan: $40.79. Aftermarket aux fan: $38.79.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Martin Kucic says:

    Nice work Eric. CYA!

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars M tspace says:

    $600 for Subaru fans? I have a fan in my old Dodge Truck that runs on a belt. The belt costs $20. Maybe we have gotten too complex when it comes to getting from point A to point B.

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

    Second time watching 5/7/ 2020

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bruce Bratschi says:

    More good info ERIC. Stay safe ye all.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Balazsy says:

    It's GREAT that you'd get a used part… a lot of guys would tell the cust to buy the new one.. or go get a used one themselves. And then refuse to guarantee ANYthing even labor… lol.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave Scruton says:

    This is a few years old and I am a bit late, but if you ever suspect an intermittent short to ground you can disconnect both side of the wire and put a megohmeter on it and see if the insulation is compromised. Putting 1000v on it will cause voltage to jump any short gaps and that shows up on the meter.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Fry says:

    Another AWESOME teaching video.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt Man Productions says:

    I like that they have the green connectors to hook up and test relays, that is pretty smart

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Glen Johnson says:

    You said you were not sure why you made this video, well I could see right at the start that this was an issue that needed to be told!! Now I digress for a moment, you are such a humanitarian, I know of no shop that would go through what you do to save someone some cash. With that said, you id a great service showing people why you cannot just replace a fuse and walk away. In my mind as was yours, there would always be the question of why did the fuses blow??? There is always a reason.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anti-Troll Comedian says:

    Cars almost dead get any old fan small enough to fit wire it in cheap and good enough.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Curtis Roberts says:

    Who were the seven douches that disliked the video? Probably seven guys who would have put in new fuses and shipped it!I did a repair on a privateย corporate bus A/C system where the system over-pressurized and blew out a pressure relief plug. Found out the cooling fan fuses for the condenser on the roof were blown.ย  Replaced them and did everything we could think of to try and over heat them or cause high amp draw (didn't have a scope at the time), but it ran perfectly for over an hour.ย  Put the cover back in place and inspected it and found that the fan blades out circular edge rubbed on the cover causing just enough friction to cause the motors to start overworking.ย  Cut the cover for clearance and boom.ย  Corporate execs have a nice cool bus to ride in again.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Halwest H says:

    These infos are really valuable thanks for sharing, because you i love cars lol ^_^

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars riblets1968 says:

    There's a world of difference between diagnosing the proximate cause and diagnosing the ultimate cause.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keith yount says:

    you go the extra mile by finding used fans for the customer.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PAULY'S AUTO says:

    Eric I've been on a roll rewatching and catching up on your videos, but I really loved this one, because you are teaching a very valuable lesson on finding out the "why"…excellent!

    Also, thanks for sharing the waveforms on the before and after…very valuable for learnin'!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Samuel James says:

    If the battery voltage was low the amperage would be higher

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Schmied says:

    Your tagline "If I can do it …" isn't true any more. You do a better job of diagnosis and have a better understanding of what is happening than many "professional" mechanics. Without that understanding being able to take things apart and re-assemble them while following a manufacturer's procedure is not much more effective than throwing parts at a problem.

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

    Before scopes, all I had was the Digital Multi Meter, and of course, my old Sears Craftsman (analog) Meter with the current scale. It….worked……sorta. NOW with the Pico, its WOW! "THERE'S YOUR PROBLEM LADY!" Thanks for this info.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars moe green says:

    In an earlier video you said you don't get any trollers on your channel meaning people trolling you saying rude stuff. I believe that is because I think you're an exceptional mechanic. I'm a small engine mechanic and I also maintain a fleet of trucks for a water restoration company I wish I had some of the diagnostic equipment that you have. we just don't have the budget for it that's why I have to rely on guys like you when I hit a dead end instead of poking around and making things harder. I enjoy watching your channel you are probably one of the best mechanics I've seen. Kudos.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Pol says:

    Eric, you my friend are what they refer to in this business as a, REPUTABLE MECHANIC. I'd let you work on my car, with my family in it! Lol. Great work and with your integrity, you are guaranteed to always have full bays and a full cash drawer! Take care. Jpol. Remember….more old school diagnosis.. Please and Thank you.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Knox says:

    thk for the follow through i need picoscope and yes i know this video is old

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Flannagan says:

    Eric, I loved this video when it was new, just watched again. It is awesome to find how much you can discover about how it is working while it is working. I watched Scanner Danner do the same with a fuel pump motor, even calculating the pump's rpm by the time base on a pulse width modulated pump. You do great work building the integrity of your trade. Thank you.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis Acevedo says:

    Awesome work brother… hard to find honest mechanics..

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kontor15 says:

    Great video Eric. I alway think youโ€™re saying, โ€œSELF MADE AUTO CHANNELโ€.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rinker says:

    When ur hands get too tired to keep wrenching u should 100% consider teaching

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clifford Hill says:

    Thank you once again Eric for sharing your diagnostic experience. I really enjoy these videos, keep up the good work! California cliff

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cuba's Automotive says:

    I went through a few of your Pico videos. I could have sworn you had links to the waveforms somewhere in the descriptions. I guess not a big deal, the videos are still great and watching the scope usage on there.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K i r k H 4 2 0 says:

    I was shopping around for a scan tool, taking my time and reading everything I could get my hands on. I've been watching a bunch of your PicoScope videos and I've decided to change my direction. Our shop has an Autel but nobody has a scope. In fact when I mentioned that I am looking for one, i got the ol "well i been turning wrenches 20 years and I never needed one of those….." Well sure, you can use decades of experience to give you a more accurate throwing arm as you play Parts Darts. But I want to be able to prove what I think may be the cause of a problem, plus the real experts use scopes. We may not need it every day but think of the TV show House MD. He was the guy who got cases handed to him after 5 other professionals could not figure out the problem. Anyway, now I'm shopping around for a used Pico on ebay. I already have a good hand-me-down win7 i5 8gb ddr3 laptop which, once I cleared off all the junk, runs very smooth.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Radio Mechanic says:

    Only guy other than myself that I would trust to work on my vehicle…โ€ฆ.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MIKE CONT says:

    Great vid…

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Donavon says:

    Eric, another great video.ย ย  Without the scope, I'd guess we would have seen roughly that ~20 draw with just the amp clamp.ย  ย ย  In my mind, I was thinking that that 20 amp ckt would be normally around 80% of that fuse rating, or 16amp.ย  Your fix was well below that.ย ย  thanks.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars New Level Auto says:

    Testing with the load in place ! Brilliant! Silly tools not necessary absolutely. Squeezing of relays . pffft. Awesome video again my friend . Keep up the great work

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