Why You Should Never Get A Diagnosis At The Parts Counter....
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2022
- This video shows yet again why you should never let the counter person at the Advance Auto, O'Reilly, Napa, Auto Zone or any parts store diagnose your car for you. There are several reason why but number one they are typically wrong and two it ends up costing you more money in the end. Sure they get lucky once in a while but why not just have it diagnosed by an actual mechanic? I dunno, maybe I am crazy...
-Enjoy!
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When you questioned him if he wanted a thorough diagnosis, that was the best money he spent and a invaluable lesson to why code readers are not the answer all the time. SMA should also stand for smartest man around, because you sir are a phenomenon. Huge fan from Canada 🇨🇦 keep up the amazing videos.
Smartest Man Around. Brilliant!
You know, I'll never think of SMA as South Main Auto ever again!
LoL 😅😆
*Brilliant!*
I now hate you!! Job well done!!
Yep Mr.O is a genius only one I know who was as good or better was my brother Dan he my friend was a walking diagnostic computer I kid you not he walks by a vehicle and tells you what was wrong with it and 100% of the time nails it.
I really want to learn this !!
I love watching and listening... Please continue posting. I'd love to be your level of tech
Mr. O: Please continue to explain yourself! I'm not a technician. Probably on a good day, I'm a lousy mechanic. But your videos of using the scope and diagnostic computers are starting to have a positive effect on me!
There is tons of old content from him that go in depth on scopes and scan tools. Odds are good if he doesn’t go far enough in a current video a quick search or scroll will find you what you need!
@@dieselwhisperer6907 Thanks for that. I'll go look. He's often over my head but I'm trying to learn.
Completely agree!! Please continue to explain the basic decision making processes that go on quietly in your noggin for us guys who can understand the tech and methods used but don't always have a level of knowledge that would mean we can infer why you do what in your troubleshooting process. It is very very helpful - thanks!!
I work at the parts counter and the first thing I tell them when they want diagnosis is that I'm not a mechanic and refer them to a local shop. So Mr. O you are correct.
Ditto, I've worked a parts counter for far too long than I care to admit. The amount of people that actually assume I know what's up with their car and will actually argue with me, wanting to know why I sell parts if I don't work on them.. is astounding.
@@gravediggmn You should just bring out a magic 8 ball from under the counter and put it on top and just shake it and look at them 😉
Amen...same here. People walk in. Want a Diagnosis. I tell them. This is a scanner only. Tells you what codes are present.
The bad part is: The scanner is downloaded. Presto the cure to your engine miss is a misfire. On #4. 😂
The customer says. I changed plugs and wires already. The guy yesterday told me to change them.
I say. Take it to a shop. Have them do a proper Diagnosis and come back and I will sell you the part after the shop has done its job.
At the small 'mom and pop' parts store I work at, we get the 'Do you have a scanner?' question just about every single day.
Our reply is 'It's a code reader, nothing else. We can give you the codes but it ain't gonna tell you what the actual problem is'.
We get the 'Well Autozoo, O' really, etc can tell me what's wrong with it, why can't you?'
My personal reply is usually 'I can tell you the codes, it's up to you as to whether you want to buy the ammunition for the parts cannon, or you can take it to a shop for a HOPEFULLY proper diagnosis.'
@@Raylude5 My manager and myself have discussed this on MANY occasions...😄
The HARDEST and best thing a vehicle owner can do is to find a local mechanic they can TRUST. Trust to do a proper diagnosis. Trust to do the repairs properly. Trust not to use the Parts Cannon.
I had a really good mechanic until he retired. Now I have to find a new one.......heavy sigh.
That is the statement of the day. My mechanic will fix his mistakes for free and often does little things at no cost for me. Fixed a nail in a tire for free. Properly, not just with a cheap plug. Put on new windshield wipers for free without even mentioning it. I have several old cars so he gets his pound of flesh, but when he gives me a bill, I don't even look a it.
@@bayanon7532 That is such a hard thing to find anymore and it's sickening. My wife just brought her vehicle to get the annual inspection where she originally purchased the vehicle and they told her she had 2 bulbs out, which normally would be not a big deal, but they charged $35 labor to replace one marker bulb and $14 and some change in labor to replace the other bulb. Both bulbs were $2.99 each. That in my eyes should be a free service labor wise to keep your customers happy since it was there anyways. She was on a time crunch so she had them do it instead of them failing her inspection, coming home me putting in the 2 bulbs and her having to go back to get the sticker. Maybe I'm wrong for thinking that way, but that's why you go back to your mechanic, because he throws you a bone from time to time and you appreciate it. I just wish there were more shops like yours and SMA
@@imacgst27 I get what you are saying, but do you do free stuff for your employer, like sweep the floor because you are there anyway? Some Cadillacs required front fascia removal to access lamp retention bolts. Taking up a bay for this will require some time. Time is how the shop gets paid.
@@lincoslam No I get where your coming from on the extreme cases where you have to disassemble the car. The way I look at it is if you purchase a vehicle from them, get all your oil changes done by them, get your yearly inspection done by them, bought a battery by them at the same time they needed to replace the lights and it is already there in the bay, seems a bit much to charge $45 for $6 of lights and 2 minutes at least for those lights. We all know the dealerships aren't hurting for money or business.
It's not "explaining yourself"! It's helping us to learn to think like a diagnostician logically. Thank you!
That's what Hack is saying.
Best thing about this channel: ATTITUDE...
No bashing the customer...just educating...
You can teach a lot of people a lot of things...the hardest one is a good attitude...
I would take an uneducated person with a good attitude any day over someone with a poor attitude...
It's the worst. I escaped from the parts business after I graduated from college and this was always the worst. People would call in and want us to diagnose their car over the phone, giving them a magical part that would fix all of their problems. Then they'd argue about whatever you told them and want just the cheapest possible they could rationalize.
When I worked at autozone a decade ago, they would never let us give a definitive diagnosis. Just tell them the codes and possibilties and let the customer decide from there. I alawys got stuck installing all the batteries cause I was the only one who knew how to work on a fucking car.
I'm with you Eric, I work in an auto parts store and I also have my own personal shop where I do a lot of work. I never ever tell people what's wrong with their car I tell them to take it to a qualified mechanic I'm just here to sell you parts. I see a lot of people including coworkers that think they know what's wrong with a car without even looking at it. I guess looking through glass at the color of the car tells them what's wrong with it. Hats off to you Eric keep up the good work
Spot on sir
As someone that worked at a parts counter for a few years, you are correct sir!
Good Morning! Just to clarify - it’s not “explaining yourself,” it’s “teaching.” And that is why many of us are here.
Even though you don't have to explain yourself, it increases other peoples ability to not only diagnose, but understand why you do it that way..
I worked for that parts company, and anyone who is telling a customer what is wrong with the car is freelancing, as the policy was that it was only a way of putting the customer in the right area of why the money light was on, and not a complete diagnosis. The employees that do that, only blacken the eye of the less than optimum feeling of the company, and instead of the customer wanting to do the right thing, he is relying on an individual who is not trained properly to diagnose what is wrong. You are one of the good guys, and most shops would have put the parts in first, then did the proper diagnosis after, costing the customer much more money.
I do not blame the parts counter. They are clerks who know how to order and sell parts. If they were mechanics then they would be working in an auto shop.
They just want to sell parts and don't care😂
100% agree with the title…reading codes is fine…diagnostics?…hell to the no
Eric, I watch your videos because you are the one online car repair guy that does problem diagnosis the right way. Even with years of experience you get the data first to confirm the suspected problem before any parts replacement. If I lived anywhere nearby (I don't) you would be "my guy"
Diagnose Dan is quite good too.
There are a lot of Eric’s out there,, your job is to find guys like him! We “are” out here ! LOL
@@fredwalker839 Yes, I'm sure they are around. It's just tough for a customer to identify them without using the "try them and pray" method. Even then you usually can't tell whether they just got lucky with the parts cannon.
Reading codes is one thing. Actually understanding the conditions that cause the code are another. That's why you don't want to have the parts store diagnosing your problem. The vehicle that had codes for power steering, trailer control, and another module to go along with absolutely heavy steering, backup camera coming on when not in reverse, and another unrelated issue. Turns out the issue was a thoroughly corroded ground strap that wasn't diagnosed by the dealer's technician. This took actual diagnosing like this problem not just reading a code.
8:02 “This is not rocket surgery here!” Quote of the year!!
Don’t think of it as explaining yourself to the haters and know it alls. You are educating those of us that are watching to learn exactly what you were teaching. That deep dive into why you do what you do is what makes this channel so awesome and educational!
The Phenomenal One, Eric O. Always gets the data first.
The difference is “reading” the codes versus knowing how to read the codes ❤️🚘🎥
I'm working on a 3.5 Nissan Maxima 2010, coworker's car, he used to take it to mechanic shops and getting ripped off and now he saw me working on his car and was amazed on the "tricks" that I have to pull to proof to him that not all mechanics are honest. This Nissan is a lemon, one thing is repaired,next week something completely different goes back in it. Not much space around the engine compartment to work with. I have to be calm like yourself. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I would certainly drop off my cars at your shop anytime, you have integrity.
I actually had just the opposite of this my best mechanic buddy ran a one man shop until he retired and soon after died ....but I digress..jimmy was a great diagnostician and mechanic and he had a lifetime of experience...and tons of common sense...but Jimmy hated to chase parts...And always told me what to get and where to go get them...Sometime locally sometimes the dealer in the next town...
He decided that he liked me for the first time when he told me what head gaskets to buy and not to get the cheaper ones and I didn't argue ...but just asked where to get them and which ones he wanted!...Folks so much of the time ask the expert for advise and then want to argue or tell him he's wrong...I knew he knew more about that car than I ever would...
Once when he was in the middle of a big job and I stopped in for help he said he was swamped and told me how to fix it myself and gave me a couple of deer back straps from a deer he shot that morning and wouldn't charge me anything...What a great guy!
All the chain parts stores have one thing in common - make a profit. The free "scan for codes convenience" is just a conveyance to sell parts. They pull up a code and sell you "the most common" culprit. In most cases they are electrical components. The customer purchases them and runs home to install the "magic solution". When said electrical gizmo fails to correct the problem, the customer removes the part, puts it into the greasy print covered box, and with receipt in hand, goes back to the store for a refund. The sadness sets in when the new shift's counter person explains that the part is used and not returnable. They also point out that there are no returns on electrical items unless they are defective and are within the warranty period. The house still wins and the gambler loses.
Because they don't sell Used parts. As soon the new part is installed. It's a used part.
Not that hard to clean the part up and return it in the condition you got it. Should be common sense to do that anyways if you want to return something.
Lol, some people clean and spray paint the old parts, box'em, and successfully return them because the counter help, no offense, usually doesn't realize it. Especially when staff changes shift. We all have seen the ridiculousness run wild.
the house always wins in gambling . thats how they stay open
People look for the easiest, cheapest solution. Not always the one that is right.
Chevy misfire. Parts counter guy told me a bad coil on #2. He told me to swap coils to verify it. He was right.
He at least gave you good direction instead of just telling you to replace the coil.
Just for fun, I checked my local Advance website. For a 2015 Cherokee w/ the big 3.2, a set of plugs (lower end Autolite iridium) and an ignition coil (Advance branded) came to $99 + tax. Then you pay Eric to install the parts and your car’s still broke. Or, instead, you can pay Eric the $99 (or thereabouts) to get a correct diagnosis. Your out-of-pocket will be the same but your blood pressure will be a lot lower and your car will be fixed the first time.
My fee is $80 and I dont own a shop.
I worked for the “Green” guys for around 8 years. I hated doing check engine light scans. People expected us to be able to tell them what was wrong , and how to fix it.
Idgaf if my SM, DM or RM would write me up. I would NEVER sell a customer parts based off of a check engine light code. I’d tell the customer the code, explain what it could be and always say - “if you don’t have the proper tools, skills and experience to correctly diagnose it, please take it to a shop. I am not a mechanic and this is only an aid to assist you”
Some customers loved I was honest with them. Others hated me. They wanted a fix for fee and wanted me to tell them how to do it.
I’m a DIYer on the side. I’ll fix family/closed friends cars. If I don’t know what I’m doing - I’ll tell them. Take it to a shop. I know a few good mom and pop shops in the area that’ll treat you right.
The Zonies across the street from the last store I worked would sell parts from their code scanner and I hated that they did it. Horrible business practice.
So nice that you were honest with the customer as you tried to cover your own butt as well, since the boss would want parts sold. These new vehicles are getting way too complicating for the average person to bother to try and fix it them self. So many people also thing just pull a code and that is the problem. We both know it isn't so. Mr O is a great tech and wish there were more of them around.
Eric, as you said you don't have to explain yourself but thanks for doing it anyway. You probably saved your customer loads of dollars. Plenty of charletans would just have taken the money and rolled with it. That's called honesty and a wee bit of integrity. You will never be short of work. Word of mouth is the best reference you can get. 🤗
I work at a parts counter, and I will always recommend a diagnostic procedure as opposed to a "here's your problem, Lady." Most of the time the diagnostic procedure I recommend is "drive it to a shop."
Ohm's law has been a silent player in today's show. Give him a warm reception. Please don't resist.
The more my family and friends give me "hobby" work, the more I pride myself on correctly diagnosing rigs. I always check for power and resistance FIRST. My saying is, "I don't do try-agnostics when I fix a rig. I want to be sure before I replace parts." You da man! Thanks so much for the info you put out to all of us.
Codes give you a direction not always because of parts failure.
Worked at a part store for a year and a bit. Loved seeing people learn to DIY but hate the amount of people expecting a professional diag on their car.
As a person who works for one of those auto parts places that does the "free check engine light scan" I really wish we didn't. Because we're pretty much told just to give the customer the code, and to recommend they take it to one of our commercial shops. So then the commercial shop is going to scan it again any way then properly diagnose it. So it really renders the whole point of scanning a customer's car pointless.
I worked at AZ for years and got so annoyed hearing other zoners telling customers that have a O2 code they need a new O2 sensor. Ugh.
I get that point, but also it was nice before I could afford a decent scan tool and just had a cheap harbor freight multi tool. At least gave me a direction to start looking. But yeah, the fact they pretty much advertise it as "anything wrong, your ECU knows exactly what it is" A: devalues decent mechanics and B: sells them more parts (which I'm sure is the important bit)
Sometimes customers wanted to know just for peace of mind. Like to know if it’s still okay to drive the car till they had the money to get it to a shop. That I didn’t mind.
There is no issue with telling a customer what the code number and definition is. Telling them that they need to replace a part based only off of reading the code is the problem.
Its to build trust in the AZ staff so when they tell you that a part is needed, youll be more likely to buy said part, plus the brake pad grease and anti sieze because you always need brake pad grease and anti seize
That’s the difference between a parts cannon man and a true tech!
This kind of diagnosis is EXACTLY why I love your channel!!!
Gotta love it when the customer has their vehicle "Diagnosed" by the parts counter guy, buys a top quality Chineseium part, installs it, causes a totally separate problem, brings it to the shop then won't admit to touching anything under the hood.
Eric, when you end your videos with the phrase, "if I can do it, you can do it." I wish that were true. Your level of skill and understanding is second to none.
I work in the auto parts industry in Australia, we don’t scan for codes but I will sometimes give some verbal advice based off what they say the symptom are, but we never EVER recommend what to buy or what to do even if we know the exact issue they’re having.
As an experienced controls electrician I appreciate the fact that you do diagnostics to verify problems and you are not a "module swapper" technician. I always trust the schematics and the test of the hypothesis to verify a lost skill.
It’s a breath of fresh air to see somebody who is honest and wants to get down to the root of the problem keep up the good work.
Hello Mr Eric…. I work at Advanced Auto and I agree 100% with you . First thing I tell them this is just a small part in diagnostic. You need to take it to a shop and get the full diagnosis….
To get the full picture. Love you videos it help me , help customers.
Getting the parts store to "diagnose" the problem, then paying a diagnostic mechanic to do the parts cannon part is pretty backwards.
Glad the guy saw sense and authorised you to do the proper diagnosis
Reading a code is not Diagnostic. I tell customers. Here is the code. Go to a shop to have the car Diagnosed correctly before purchasing parts. Once the shop the actual cause of the code. Then buy the parts to fix it and the shop will reset your engine light.
People like Eric , their knowledge and experience on where and what to look for , is invaluable. Just a code # is not enough , you need his brain power.
theres no two car the same hence the diag
Many think that all that has to be done is plug it in and read a code.
Eric and his brain power…. Awesome stuff
@@REDMAN298 if you are a “Why Guy” things get a little more clear ! Know your Scanner & what it is saying ! Numbers never lie ! It ‘s the Tech ‘s responsabilty to “de- cipher “ what it’s Saying !
Retired marine technician here. Absolutely loved this video! Over the years I/we have had so many boat owners/arm chair mechanic’s come in that watch certified you tube mechanics and think they ‘find’ the problem, buy the parts because ‘they’ can get it cheaper, then come to us. We TEST & CONFIRM to make sure what ‘they’ found is correct or not, and most times they are wrong just like with you here. What we really loved over the years was when they bought their ‘cheaper priced’ parts, which did happen to be the part that failed, we would call to see if they wanted a good top quality part or to put in what they give us. Then about half the time we would see them back real soon!
WTH?
So I'm watching, I'm learning, I'm following along with your reasoning, I'm ready for you to start and then show us the resistance of the suspect versus the others and.......
CLIFFHANGER!!!
Just like the final episode of the season of your favorite show!
Appreciate all that you do for our entertainment and education. Thank you
BIGGEST DISSERVICE IN THE INDUSTRY is freaking AutoZone and the rest saying they will DIAGNOSE your car by reading codes! Every internet mechanic now thinks all you need to do is read a code and you'll know what is wrong. So annoying! Great video sir!!
Saw this same thing on my sister's 2010 T&C 4.0L minivan, P0205, flashing engine light. I hate "throwing parts at it" just on principle, so shade-treeing without a scope or scanner, I pulled the intake and swapped no. 5 coil, plug, and injector each to different cylinders, and went for a test drive. One injector later (with a second manifold R&R) and no more misfires. I was tickled pink to save them a chunk of money on that particular fix.
The O' will print you out a list of common causes for different codes. This can be very helpful for a home mechanic, as a free service to someone who doesn't have a lot of diag tools but can think through a problem logically, it does have its place.
Never used to see a lot of fuel injector failures on mopars but recently I’m seeing more and more especially on the jeeps.
I work part time at a national auto parts chain. We read the codes , give a few possibilities and let the customer take it from there. Never a diagnosis. We never say a certain part will fix it
I took a big chance and went to the parts store the other week and got a license plate light bulb, and a cabin air filter. They both worked. Whew. The cannon worked. However, the shop that "inspected" said cabin filter, put it back in upside down, and wanted $45 to put a new one in upside down. I'm not a pro, but I can read words printed on plastic and on the air filter element. Reading is optional at tech schools I guess, or any school they apparently never paid attention at.
Actually had a similar issue several years ago. Intermittent fuel injector. Found the wiring harness was rubbing against a bolt and had been worn thru and was shorting that specific fuel injector.
Or in the people's republic of New York, the wire rubs just enough to make a pinhole in the insulation, then the salt gets in there, and WAM. There's your problem, lady; it's got the green crusties = high resistance.
some cars are worse than others about that. anything dodge/chrysler are the worst offenders for wiring issues related to stuff rubbing.
Don't worry, as a former tech and now Napa store manager, I straight refuse to counter diag for anyone.
I have a small jalopy fleet, never replaced an injector (knock on wood). 250K mile XJ Cherokee, 216K mile 4.7L in a Grand Cherokee, 150K mile F150 (2004 3-v running great).
I fully agree “ parts counter people” shouldn’t be “ diagnosing (?)”customers vehicles because of the facts you stated here in this video. But sadly, decent, reliable, educated, caring technicians like you are verrrrrrrrrry few and faaaaaaaar between!!! I’ve yet to find one in my area that can do little more that the kid at the parts counter!!! They see a code and throw a part on it. Took my truck to a reputable mechanic, plugged in the scanner, you need a coil on cylinder so and so, a new coil, full set of new wires, plugs and $800 later, I was good to go……………. Didn’t even make it home (3 miles) it was doing the exact same thing !!!!!!!!
Eric is the _best_ guy to watch for auto repairs! Except when Nick Panaritis shows us what he's doing on his "Nick's Garage" channel with a 1969 440 6-Barrel Plymouth Roadrunner, or has a 426 Hemi on the dyno. Some guys have all the fun.
I believe the code reader gave you, the diagnoser, a starting point. I also believe you proved the problem part. I've seen too many parts hangers rely on the codes and fail to solve the problem. Logic prevails!
People are free to express their opinions. They are also able to feel free to open their own shop and run it their own way. Eric runs his this way and he has MANY customers that love him for his detail and thoroughness. You do you Eric! We love ya!
I went to a parts store looking for an Oldsmobile part. The kid behind the counter looked bewildered. Like I was trying to prank him. He asked "Who makes that?" 😆
You should have said Hudson.
@@michael931 You beat me by 30 seconds. I was going to say Studebaker.
@@michael931 That would have broken the poor kid.
Or ford pinto. I'm 34 yrs old and have a 70 mach 1 w/ fmx trans stock cruiser cruising. 90's baby & went in myself for part. Same 2000's gen. Who makes mach 1. Well can't know everything. Just told em ford. Like new plastic crap mach 1 lol 😆 but more artistic involved as compared to present year junk
Wish I worked with more mechanics like yourself. I got a shop full of shotgunners. Proves a lack of knowledge on their part. Thanks for another great video 👌🏻
An advantage of being the owner/operator in a shop. Most techs are not paid to diagnose so, it becomes a "parts-for-all" You're right though, bout having a guy like Eric would be great.
Please continue to "explain yourself"......as your explanation is really helpful for me to understand your troubleshooting process!
The same thing happened to us. Same vehicle as a matter of fact. Advanced said it needed plugs. I bought them and asked our mechanic to replace them. He said he didn't think they were the problem. It turned out to be a fuel injector.
So very real. You know what YOU ARE DOING!!
The engine size correction was brilliant! +10
I once found a bad output driver in the ECU for an injector with the same problem. Each cylinder has an output stage in the computer with various diode protection circuits, etc. Required new ECU.
Years ago, I went to Auto Zone and asked them if they had a TV cable for a 700r4. They told me I would have to go to Radio Shack for that part. I haven't been back since that short conversation!
I replaced a Ford AC compressor years ago and had to go back because it didn't come with crankcase oil like I thought it would and it took me 45 minutes to get the counter person to understand I did not want oil for the freon.
What a wealth of automotive knowledge you have I learn something on every video you post , just impressive
You are one honest mechanic. Others would have told him you needed everything
Great video Eric O. I agree 💯 percent about auto parts stores. They just try to sell you parts you don't need.
Over the years, I have cringed so many times listening to parts guys advise customers. Not even when they are scanning a car, just when people are at the counter. Not just dumb as in what qualifications would most of them have to be doing any more than just selling them the part they ask for, but also could be downright dangerous. When we start to talk about brake and front end or even fuel related things, bad advice blindly trusted could make for a dangerous situation.
Just gotta say Eric, you most likely have by far the best automotive CZcams channel. You stick to the topic, are practical, and your electrical knowledge and troubleshooting is textbook and amazing. I have watched a few other channels but quickly stopped due to them getting too opinionated and off topic. Being in Canada I relate very well to your special problems related to climate. Keep it up, and if you ever feel a want later on, you would make an amazing teacher, any college/trade school would be blessed to have you, not to mention the students. You are helping thousands with your channel, but helping to mold new techs would give them such a good start. I can remember that everyone found electrical and transmissions the hardest subjects, I believe you could help them to really grasp and understand.
The Camera pointing at the laptop screen was fine, still great quality.
Please, continue to "explain" yourself!!! That's what makes your videos so wonderful: you go into detail and explain why (and how) you do your diagnosis. I was just disappointed you didn't find another rusty ground connection.
Eric, Patiently watching and then the video is interrupted by a commercial promoting Ed Vance the know it all guy at Advance. Funny stuff.
This is why I love watching Eric's videos this man goes out of his way to help you fix your car the right way the first time and it's cheap as possible instead of throwing Parts at it and not even fixing it
I work in IT and an old boss of mine had a saying. “Give them what they want, NOT what they ask for.” Great example here. A lot of the diagnostic process shown by Eric O can be applied to just about anything.
Awesome diagnostic as always it's good to know there are still some honest mechanics out there that have common sense 👍
Proper diagnosis is key to any repair.
Eric, I'm glad your working on that thing, not me. I retired from a Jeep dealership in 06. I hated the newer series vehicles. 4.0l was their best models.
Great explanation and example of why a proper diagnosis is needed when the “money” light is on. Love your videos! 👍🏻👍🏻
They should rename it from the "Malfunction Indicator Light" to "Empty Wallet Light"
I love the customers that drop it off and say it needs this or that replaced. I replace this or that and send it down the road. Comes back a week later with the same problem and then they actually want me to diagnose the issue. It only takes that happening once before they drop it off and explain the issue for me to diagnose from the get go.
Auto supply stores love when the "parts cannon" goes bang! The store that recommended the parts only stands to benefit because the plugs/coil probably wouldn't be returned had they been replaced without first analyzing their relevance (installed by owner, friends, etc...). I will say that some parts stores do recommend going to an expert (just saw this happen recently) but as someone who frequents auto parts way TOO much😆, it is the exception, not the norm. Good thing the customer had the smarts 🎓 to bring it to you!
Right, but most parts stores also want happy customers, because then they will come back and recommend to their friends etc. You burn one guy with the wrong expensive parts and he/she will just be pissed and go to the competition. There's no shortage of parts stores even smaller cities have O'Reilly's, NAPA, Autozone, Advance, at least. Pep Boys here too. There are bad apples out there though that only care about short term profits and sales versus long time repeat customers.
As someone who works for the parts store myself, I hate when people load the parts cannon, then they come back and return these parts because it didn't fix their problem. It sucks having shrink on that because I can't put it back on the shelf, it's used... and I have gotten used to this conversation "can you do the free diagnostic?" 'Yes I will read your codes for you, but its not a diagnosis its just a symptom, like when you go to the doctor and say you have a cough, the doctor figures out why you're coughing' and depending on the problem i have a list of shops i steer them towards, I'll sell the parts if they insist, but I try to get people taken care of the first time, because nothing personal, but i don't wanna see you again today for same problem, but I'm happy (relatively speaking) to see you for an air freshener or a new problem.
Sadly some of the shops in my area are parts cannon marksmen themselves, so "oh its a p0301, we'll throw plugs wires coil at it" or something like that
Bought an Autel MX808 a few years back after watching your videos. Not as fancy as the ones you use at the shop but it’s saved us a bunch of $$$.
You have the neatest setup with the mom and pop shop.
You have all the tools, diagnostics, various types of equipment, connective tool sets, its amazing.
Other shops have these things spread over too many guys.
These guys buy their own so they can depend on it, then they try to specialize.
The answer can be found if they sell the time and give it to the right guy. But
They dont. And the guy they do give it to cant concentrate and research like you do.
He gets called slow.
They want a human Gatling gun.
His misfires come to Eric O. Its further to go, and he runs the right tests and has good diagnostic plans, instincts, and savvy.
The other shops end up looking pretty bad.
But they had 90 out of 100 successes, also, that week. The 10 dont count.
They needed specialized testing. Or shooting from the hip just left it limping.
I found its really tough to remain in a shop like some of those.
You go up to the office sometime and, wait, who are these people? What happened to the guys who knew things we learned? They had policies and procedures that were successful.
Why are they no longer OUR goto guys who help these goto guys in the bays?
Wheres my diagnostic time?
Its the state guideline.
No, i dont have your answers.
Guesses? You trust me to guess? ME ?
Im not the service manager.
Read your policy manual.
Yep, it happened too many times.
I must have needed to borrow a few million dollars so i could get land, a shop, tools, equipment, all that.
Just so i could be the guy pointing at the state guideline sign for diagnosis time and inspections and prechecks to answer confidently and correctly.
Nope, put on your Carnack the Magnificent head dress, and deduce the envelope.
Hmmm.
Can i get time to road test it?
It is my shop or work area and tools.
Well, theres payments, accountant, staff, workers, everybody.
What do you THINK it could be...?
Otherwise...
Dr. O. is in the house! Thanks for the lesson!
I work at Advance Auto and I can say with corporate training certainty the policy is to read the codes and provide them to the customer. Nothing more. I usually mention Google or better yet a website I found that is great with explaining codes, but end with the best course of action for the customer is take their vehicle to one of the many reputable shops we deliver parts to. Unfortunately an Associate may go further with a persistent customer that is impatient and doesn't want to bother with a shop. I do my best to find an opportunity to re-emphasize how the code reading is supposed to be handled. It gets more complicated when an Associate is actually an experienced mechanic. I do what I can.
As a fellow tech, and someone who feels the need to explain my extra diagnostic steps, I find that the flat rate guy that pulls in 90 hrs a week, who would have seen an injector circuit code and chucked an injector, claimed his hour diag and probably been right (lucky) 90% of the time. For me I know that if I chuck a part, it would definitely be corrosion on a terminal due to water intrusion.
I find the ability to diagnose only comes into play when 3 parts chuckers have already taken their swing at it. Then you come along and actually test a circuit and you are the hero for 15 minutes. Then the next car comes through and you are wasting time again
Welcome to the “real world,” now the owner wants “brain power “ all the easy stuff is done ! Not much money left over to fix the real problem,, heard it many times ! Why not take it back to the guy that replaced all the $ parts ! Now the lies/ truth may come out ! LOL
Used to work at the O some years back and got real good at dissolving the customer false sense of hope from the free engine scan. In its place I would walk them through the importance of have their car throughly diagnosis by a reputable shop and only thinking of the engine scan as preliminary check so they have an idea of what it could possibly be and not what it can be so if they’re told at a shop that they need big ticket items immediately then it would pop a red flag and continue they repair shop searching. I would also refuse to sell them any parts from the possible fix list until they know for sure what they need but if they were adamant about purchasing parts I’d do it regardless to avoid conflict with people.
This is probably just me, but I think if I lived in Avoca, New York, I think before I allowed someone behind the counter of a(n) Auto Zone, O'reillys, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts counter to diagnose my vehicle, I would just pay what Eric charges and get a proper diagnosis of the problem. I know Eric does some diagnosis for customers and they replace the parts themselves. That is just insane to allow someone with basically no equipment to diagnose an issue. That looks like a PICO Scope like Ivan Temnykh uses! Great video!
In-depth diagnostics like this are my favorite part of repair. (I'm an electronics/I.T. guy, so no mystery there I guess.)
Hi Eric and the lovely Mrs.O., The only reason to me for you to explain is to teach, anybody that questions you theory would soon learn that you are not a parts changer and you always go as far as needed to inform the customer what needs to be done to repair the vehicle right the first time. Doing things twice cost time and money and you may lose a customer. I'm not a young man and I learn every time I watch this channel. I also retired in this field after 50 yrs. So thank you Eric!!
Thanks for going through your methodology. Obviously we are always told to not assume but it is good to hear exactly why you should not assume anything.
Love these shorter videos! Perfect for bathroom break lol
Another SMA video for breakfast. My favorite part of the day.
We get that all the time. Customer comes in with parts in the box. #1 rule “the customer is always right” 😂😂
We always ask up front “would you like us to diagnose it? If not, there is no guarantee/warranty on anything we do as related to your issue”
Hey buddy, I've been in the trade for years and yes I agree what we do isn't rocket science but it IS beyond the scope of the Johnny DIY'r. Videos like yours, like Rainman's are honest techs giving honest solid advice to people that happen to wander onto CZcams looking for help. Finding honest techs to listen to is indefensible advice. Yourself and other techs try the best we can to limit damage to our profession but you and again Ray take the time almost daily to video the diag and the repair. Don't knock the time you take to do these vids and explain what going on and how to do it. Some techs aren't bad, I try to believe they had bad apprenticeships and mechs that just tired of what they do. You're doing it right my friend and keep the masses informed! I don't have time to record my repairs and nor do I want to, so your channel and others are needed. Keep the dark side down brother!!
So true! Eric is a rare find ! On U tube ! He runs his own shop, get a good feeling about his content ! He thinks “ out of the box” every day,, it works for him, & his “U” tube revenue ! He deserves his income ! Ray, is the same but different , he is a smart guy too ! Ivan,,, from Pine Hollow is the only other, who is “scary smart “ Scanner Danner, confuses himself,,, not only the guys who try to learn but guys that have been around,, get a head ache ! LOL I guess with a lot of experience , we are all teachers of some sort, pass on the knowledge for who really wants it ! Free or Not !! As long as it is true !
Love your method. TEST, TEST, AND TEST AGAIN!!!
THIS is how your vehicle is properly repaired the FIRST time.
Hi. Eric, watch you all the time down here in Plano Tx .... i no longer fix cars at 86 and living in assisted living .... but i enjoy watching ALL your videos BECAUSE to me its just like watching DATELINE ...... in the sense of who or what KILLED THIS CAR !!!!!
Can't blame the customer for feeling like he is going to get screwed if he shows up and says " fix my car, it's broken". You are honest, but finding an honest and skilled mechanic is not an easy task. Hence, the rest of us that have some mechanical skill do our best to avoid being ripped off. I've learned a ton from your videos!
That Pico 7 softwares the cats rear end man. Great video Eric!!!!
Eric, you are a smart man. Accept it.
E.O. Been a subscriber for a while now. At least 2 years. I will tell you this.
You still are my favorite.
All the beans to give.
None of the such to take.
The good like bearing pullers
New info.
All the way back to that white corvette.
You are the best. Big fan never doubted you. Since I saw you the first time. You are some thing special in this world.
No I don’t want a free t shirt. I would like to thank you on curious info for all the rest including myself for helping out with friends cars. I came in handy more than you think and I look like a hero. But at the end of the day it’s me watching you. Couple of jeeps couple of fords. They are work buddies and I’m not a mechanic.
So thanks again for sharing info. You’re the best.
Not a mechanic as in SAE Certified but I’ve got brains about me. Still. Thanks again.
Funny no Toyotas lol jk I drive those. I’ve had my share as well. Keep on keeping on