Eric O. Makes A Pretty Embarrassing Mistake

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  • čas přidán 10. 06. 2023
  • Who would have thought a simple tail light video on a Mini Cooper Could have turned into this? I didn't really want to post this because it was kinda of a silly repair but I thought you could at least has a chuckle at my expense 😅 This is what I get for dabbling in the Euro car side of things.
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Komentáře • 2,6K

  • @DIYDaveOK
    @DIYDaveOK Před rokem +378

    I actually take Eric O making a mistake as an encouragement...for when I make my own DIY mistakes...puts a whole new spin on "If I can do it, you can do it..." 😁. Thanks as always, Eric!

    • @briancleaver3192
      @briancleaver3192 Před rokem +9

      My 2009 Scion XB has one reverse light from the factory.

    • @aussiebloke609
      @aussiebloke609 Před rokem +7

      Many of the Aussie cars I grew up with would confuse just about anyone. They didn't have 4-way hazard lights at all. And no clear/white reverse lights either - instead, both rear turn signals (always amber lenses in Oz) would turn on solid, not flashing. But not the front turn signals (which were sometimes amber, sometimes, white), so they must have been wired completely separately. There's weird stuff everywhere if you look hard enough.

    • @bobwellman9717
      @bobwellman9717 Před rokem +6

      @@briancleaver3192 Yeah, I've had cars with only one reverse light before, but I'm 70 and can't remember which ones, maybe the Datsun, or an old Subaru, I suspect maybe my Pintos, Escort wagon?🤔😏🙄 Who knows 😕🥺

    • @maffimukshukran9369
      @maffimukshukran9369 Před rokem +6

      Word. Eric does stuff I could never do, and I'm a mechanic for 24 years

    • @methanial73
      @methanial73 Před rokem +7

      "If you can't do it no one can do it" - Eric O probably. 😂😂😂

  • @IanDarley
    @IanDarley Před rokem +419

    As a former VAG tech of 18 years, I was smiling all of the way through this one knowing what was coming 😂😂 Edit BTW, if anybody wanted to do the double reverse lamp mod, order a replacement light from the UK. Because we drive on the opposite side, the reverse and fog lights are also reversed.

    • @richardc6038
      @richardc6038 Před rokem +13

      why thay make a car like that and why was it imported like that

    • @larrybe2900
      @larrybe2900 Před rokem +7

      That makes sense now that you brought up the right hand side driving. I did notice the lens but wondered why they illuminated the side away from the driver. Guess the driver side is merely a reflector.

    • @alexlail7481
      @alexlail7481 Před rokem +23

      @@richardc6038 Standard Answer #56 :because there german and they can. While this not a satisfying answer I find it adequately covers the majority of the oddities presented by a German engineered product 🤔.

    • @denizenofclownworld4853
      @denizenofclownworld4853 Před rokem +39

      What business does a gynecologist have working on cars, though?

    • @digi3218
      @digi3218 Před rokem +22

      ​@@denizenofclownworld4853 thats a VAJ tech

  • @ohboy2118
    @ohboy2118 Před rokem +62

    O, Eric O, that is one lesson you won't be forgetting anytime soon. UK viewer here and knew what was coming as soon as you said 1 reverse light and I saw the red lense. 😂 no embarrassment, just a lesson learned.

    • @MrSpartanicus
      @MrSpartanicus Před rokem +5

      I’m from the states and I was thinking what you already knew, lol. Much respect to Eric, as always, for chasing down the cause.

    • @davebolowski7925
      @davebolowski7925 Před rokem +6

      Yup. I was literally shouting at the screen 😂😮😂

    • @clivewilliams3661
      @clivewilliams3661 Před rokem +4

      Of course it never occurred to check the handbook especially as one side is a clear reversing light and the other is a red lens, it must be there for a purpose? I'm in UK and this type of lamp configuration is common but I have changed all my cars with this configuration to have two red fog lights and two white reversing lights, possible by mixing RHD and LHD components. It means one or other of the systems has to have auxiliary lamps below the rear bumper, but that is no hardship especially as the positives outweigh the negatives. This means that I can use a LHD or RHD car in other countries safely and besides two lights are better than one, whatever the use.

    • @G_de_Coligny
      @G_de_Coligny Před rokem

      @@clivewilliams3661 to add to this :
      Avoid rear led fog lights if possible, for snow conditions you want a warm incandescent bulb to try to keep the lense clear with the warmth melting the snow deposits.

    • @clivewilliams3661
      @clivewilliams3661 Před rokem

      @@G_de_Coligny Good point, thank you. The other issue with LEDs is that they tend to be directional so that unless specifically catered for, they are not as bright from the side.

  • @GregoryFarmer-gu9ho
    @GregoryFarmer-gu9ho Před 3 měsíci +4

    Eric, thanks for having the humor and humility to post this video. I was yelling at you for 30 min to look it up LOL. I had read about this long ago. You are awesome Mr. Euro Car Guy!

  • @justinballard7242
    @justinballard7242 Před rokem +209

    Not a mistake. A learning experience

  • @dwk5234
    @dwk5234 Před rokem +66

    No reason to be embarrassed at all, Eric, learning something new (even with everyone watching) is still a positive and productive experience…and we all learned with you! Consider yourself the leader of the class, and thanks for taking us along with you!

  • @johnbender1596
    @johnbender1596 Před rokem +60

    Thanks for the ride. My late father always said “ if you can learn from other peoples mistakes it doesn’t cost you anything”. You enlightened many of us today!

  • @gefffowlow7506
    @gefffowlow7506 Před rokem +39

    No one is perfect but your professionalism and honesty to your customers is above and beyond!! Keep up the outstanding service you provide!

  • @CarsExposed
    @CarsExposed Před rokem +82

    Hello mate, even being unfamiliar with the Euro vehicle your thought process was spot on !!! Have only one reverse light it’s quite a common thing here and quite annoying reversing in the dark . 👍

    • @chubbysumo2230
      @chubbysumo2230 Před rokem +3

      I am pretty sure on import into the United States, that left it's supposed to be swapped out for one with a clear lens in the bottom, and the wiring harness is supposed to have that pin moved to number 47 to accommodate us lighting requirements. Rear fog lamps are not legal in the United States. Some importer somewhere did not do their job.

  • @tylerlloydboone
    @tylerlloydboone Před rokem +106

    Those who do nothing do nothing wrong. I learned long ago that admitting your mistake is the first step to learning from it. Right on Eric. Keep up the great work

    • @CLIFTYPOPS
      @CLIFTYPOPS Před rokem +1

      Mistake is a bold claim 😁

    • @nickg9021
      @nickg9021 Před rokem +4

      Admitting your mistake is the SECOND step ... Making the mistake is the first step . LOL 😄😄😄😄

    • @tylerlloydboone
      @tylerlloydboone Před rokem

      @@nickg9021 …

    • @jmaxim80
      @jmaxim80 Před rokem +1

      Well said Sir

    • @andrecampbell691
      @andrecampbell691 Před rokem +1

      Experience is learning from a mistake and not repeating it.

  • @bills6946
    @bills6946 Před 3 měsíci +1

    I learned something watching this. There are some people that actually pay to get Mini Coopers fixed instead of just throwing them away.

  • @brianvarner
    @brianvarner Před rokem +1

    Having been a tech and shop owner for many years (retired) cars and trucks always kept us humble.

  • @curtgomes
    @curtgomes Před rokem +17

    My wife has a Mini. We've had it for 9 years. I had no idea it has only one reverse light. I would have gone crazy trying to figure out the light issue if this happened to our Countryman. Thank you....

  • @desmcdowell2469
    @desmcdowell2469 Před rokem +22

    Mini has several variations of reverse light and fog light depending on the year and model. Some have two reverse lights in the rear clusters and the fog light in the middle of the bumper. Others have a cluster in the middle of the bumper which has the fog light in the centre and a small reverse light on each side of the fog light. One reverse light and one fog light is very common in Europe. I live in Ireland, Irish and UK cars are RHD so fog light is usually on the right, reverse light on the left

  • @Dustin_the_wind
    @Dustin_the_wind Před 23 dny

    Integrity, humility, leading by example, being helpful, sense of humor, exc.
    Nice job Mr. O.

  • @dougbledsoe259
    @dougbledsoe259 Před rokem +1

    EVERYBODY makes mistakes...some admit it and others won't.
    THANKS for making us feel "normal" my brutha...😁

  • @marvinschleicher5542
    @marvinschleicher5542 Před rokem +50

    I never knew a vehicle could only have one backup light. Thanks for all that info!

    • @nominisexpers259
      @nominisexpers259 Před rokem +3

      My tractor at work only had one reverse lamp. Pretty common on the big rigs, we also don’t have reverse lamps on the trailers.

    • @sjfk1306
      @sjfk1306 Před rokem +2

      Chevy volt, Saturn sky…

    • @randytravis3998
      @randytravis3998 Před rokem

      @@nominisexpers259 what's funny my pickup truck trailer plug has a spot for backup lights on the trailer.. about 10 years ago was helping a friend hauled his enclosed trailer but we put backup lights on it.. the trailer was so long and tall that you could not see to back it up in the dark .. the lights helped

    • @richardjones3112
      @richardjones3112 Před rokem +4

      Standard practice in Europe-anything to save pennies-cheapskates.

    • @martinhow121
      @martinhow121 Před rokem +3

      Very common in Europe on base models. MINI is now a BMW brand and they charge for each nut and bolt as an option.

  • @CalmeRyowl
    @CalmeRyowl Před rokem +45

    Most of our cars here in europe have 1 reverse light and 1 fog light. Left hand drive vehicles have the fog on the left and right hand drive vehicles have the fog on the right. Its so the fog light is near the centre of the road. So the option is there for them to swap wiring depending if the car is sold on main land europe (left hand drive) or Ireland/UK (right hand drive)

    • @MiracleMitch
      @MiracleMitch Před rokem +5

      I think you'll find that you've mixed them up. LHD fog on left, RHD fog on right.

    • @CalmeRyowl
      @CalmeRyowl Před rokem +3

      @@MiracleMitch Youre right, I absolutely did. now edited

    • @curtisj2165
      @curtisj2165 Před rokem +2

      Only smaller cars have one reversing light and one rear fog light, my Mondeo has two of each

    • @CalmeRyowl
      @CalmeRyowl Před rokem +1

      @@curtisj2165 I wouldnt say that. In a previous job I spent most days replacing bulbs and id say about 80% of cars only had the one. That has changed over the last few years with the LED lamps that just use a circuit board.

    • @FishFind3000
      @FishFind3000 Před rokem +3

      We don’t have or use reverse fog lights in the USA.

  • @tonydonders6777
    @tonydonders6777 Před rokem +3

    LOL, i laughed so hard. 20 seconds in the video i started screaming: “Eric, ERIC, its not a reverse light, its the foglight! So obvious for an European mechanic but i quickly understood it is not that obvious for you out there. I still watched the whole video, wanted to see the moment you would realize the ‘problem’. And then switching pin 51 with 47…. Me giggling and waiting for you to see the foglight coming on. But as always, with your skills you figured it out anyway….

  • @Jaguarist
    @Jaguarist Před 3 měsíci +2

    No worries Eric O. I'm from Sweden and I'm used to all kind of light combos (North America, EU and Asian) cars. And it was funny to wait Your reaction when You realize it only has one reverse light and one rear Fog light. Keep up these good videos coming.

  • @josephchamberlain9129
    @josephchamberlain9129 Před rokem +18

    A favorite of mine. Your honesty is your strongest quality.

  • @vickenkaragozian2041
    @vickenkaragozian2041 Před rokem +32

    I would never know that this car has one reverse lamp. I would've done the same mistake like you did. I would never feel bad about anything. We learn as we test and take our time to diagnose it properly.

  •  Před rokem +1

    Hey Eric, cut sugar out and you'll get your eyesight back! At 43 I started needing glasses to read. Then at 47 after I also started getting fat, I switched to keto and was happily surprised to no longer need the glasses. Quitting sugar put an end to the blood sugar spikes that had been damaging the capillaries in my eyes, and in a few months they recovered. I'm now 57 and still have good eyesight, on top of having more energy than when I was eating all that poison. Dr Sten Ekberg's videos, and those of Dr Robert Lustig and Dr Jason Fung, have all the info. Thanks for your videos, you've helped me learn a lot!

  • @JimmyMakingitwork
    @JimmyMakingitwork Před rokem +1

    The punishment for being thorough is an hour you'll never get back! Remember kids, if Eric O can make a mistake, any of us can...and will.
    Still nice work and we all learned something, well, not the Euro guys, but the rest of us.

  • @woodlandwonders6887
    @woodlandwonders6887 Před rokem +29

    There's always that aha moment when the light bulb goes on. Unless it's not wired that way.

  • @fmerkl
    @fmerkl Před rokem +5

    Great Job Eric!! with 25 years on the bench ,I have stories , some nights I still wake up in a cold sweat!

  • @donspringer8222
    @donspringer8222 Před 6 měsíci +1

    In 45 years working on cars I have never seen a vehicle with ONE reverse light. I would have made the same assumption. Different cultures have different philosophies. That's why I don't ever work on Euro stuff....just doesn't make sense to me.
    Kudos for your diag and compliments for being humble enough to admit your mistake.....absolutely forgiven for the above reason. Awesome that you figured it out!

  • @fiorisony
    @fiorisony Před rokem +1

    Thanks for posting this kind of stuff eric! we all make a mistake every once in awhile.

  • @ghook8
    @ghook8 Před rokem +28

    I was almost shouting at my tv. Fog lights are not an option over here, they are the law. Quite a few cars over here have the same set up as that Mini, except the fog light works obviously. And the rear fog light/lights usually have their own separate switch/button. Good video Mr O.

    • @brentowen9480
      @brentowen9480 Před rokem +2

      What's the rear fog light for? To see the paint line in the door mirror?

    • @Icedmanx
      @Icedmanx Před rokem +7

      @@brentowen9480 the rear fog light is for others to see, so when there's fog - or flurrying snow/heavy snowfall, other road users behind you (you know, you generally don't own the road alone) can see you easier further along, instead of just before ramming you.

    • @petermaciak8030
      @petermaciak8030 Před rokem

      ​@@Icedmanx which countries have them as mandatory?

    • @2DogsVlogs
      @2DogsVlogs Před rokem

      @@petermaciak8030 I don't know of any country where it is mandatory, than again I don't think there is a car being made in the last 5 years that doesn't have a rear fog light. Kia\Hyundai all do, as do all Fords, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, GM, even Suzuki & MG though GWM doesn't which is a little surprising considering how popular they are.

    • @Kenny_P_abz
      @Kenny_P_abz Před rokem +3

      @@2DogsVlogs Rear fog lights are mandatory in the UK. And it’s an MOT (inspection) failure if it doesn’t work

  • @dans_Learning_Curve
    @dans_Learning_Curve Před rokem +10

    I can *CLEARLY* see the issue here!😂
    Thank you for posting this!
    Title isn't click bait if it's true!

  • @luxdedeus
    @luxdedeus Před rokem

    Thanks for sharing! It's helpful to follow along with you and learn. If it wasn't for you I would not be as knowledgeable about cars and car repairs! Thank you for all of the time that you put in to us!

  • @wadecornwell8896
    @wadecornwell8896 Před rokem

    Great video! Excellent demonstration of thinking it's one way when it is entirely something else. We've all done it many times. Always frustrating when you finally figure out your mistake.

  • @rider547
    @rider547 Před rokem +34

    Great video! In my troubleshooting courses (industrial controls) we always talk about making sure the symptoms are actual problems and not normal operation that the operator might not be aware of. I’ve gone down that rabbit hole a few times. 😅

    • @SqueakyHinge
      @SqueakyHinge Před rokem +11

      Repaired a commercial office building control system which was very complicated. Building manager gave me great thanks and a pat on the back as I left as the champion! On the way home he calls again, states it's all failed now! The entire building is down! Turn truck around & drive back calculating all the worst possible failures including main board & stuff. Went back to the central power board as a start to only notice in my great effort to congratulate myself on how smart I was I forgot to turn the power back on before I left.

    • @Intabih
      @Intabih Před rokem

      People kept telling me that my running light on this side or that was out when the turn signal was on. Working as intended!

  • @JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT

    Good diagnostic Eric! You followed the circuit as you should, but, in Europe, most cars have only one reverse light. At 9:30 I shouted "It has only one reverse light!!", but I'm too far away 🙂

  • @1979royalknight
    @1979royalknight Před rokem +3

    Nice to know you are human and honest. Love your videos.

  • @Retro_Rework
    @Retro_Rework Před rokem +19

    No need to be embarrassed at all! It's easy to get tunnel vision, especially with something as unusual as this one. At least you learned something, you'll never make that mistake again, and another positive is you made all of your viewers smile :). Great video as always, Eric!

    • @alexanderkupke920
      @alexanderkupke920 Před rokem

      I wonder how dumbfounded some European mechanic (although they don´t do only car mechanics any more, apprenticeships these days are all car mechatronics for a reason.) would look at an american vehicle with the brake lights being abused as blinkers. Which by the way to my knowledge only is legal around here for an actual car you imported yourself. If it would be a car regularly sold here they would have to do a "normal" rear light with separate red brake and amber blinker lights.

  • @porcello2007
    @porcello2007 Před rokem +11

    The logic tree that you went through was the value in this instance. There is no one that I would rather go down the back-up light, Mini rabbit hole with. At one point I had that thought: "could there only be one back up light?". It's almost inconceivable. Hahaha.

  • @AdamIsUrqed
    @AdamIsUrqed Před rokem +6

    It's a Mini
    "Well there's your problem, lady!"

  • @edgarvillanueva3792
    @edgarvillanueva3792 Před rokem

    Eric, you are the man! Best way to learn is by going out there and do it. There is no wasted time when you learn from your actions or situations and that time is gold! Big congratulations man!!!🎉

  • @justingodbey475
    @justingodbey475 Před rokem

    This is definitely something I could see me doing, so I appreciate the video no matter how embarrassing it might have been. You're honestly a great teacher. I enjoy all the videos. Keep it up Eric.

  • @iomtom5954
    @iomtom5954 Před rokem +4

    If I can do it, you can do it. Your tagline is correct. Thank you for sharing the good, bad, and ugly, Eric!

  • @JeffreyStrader
    @JeffreyStrader Před rokem +15

    I’ve said this countless times Eric. You’d be the ONLY Mechanic/Electrician I’d EVER let touch any of my vehicles, if I lived up there.

  • @ttocselbag5054
    @ttocselbag5054 Před rokem +1

    Massive love and respect for your humility brother. Eric O. Is a class act!

  • @aussiefirestorm
    @aussiefirestorm Před rokem

    Good to see you are human to makes us lesser mortals feel better. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs over the years, it has made many of us better trades people.

  • @simonilett998
    @simonilett998 Před rokem +13

    Don't feel bad, Eric.
    As soon as I saw the red lense while you were doing the initial lights check I thought, 'here we go, down the invisible rabbit hole'🤣🤣
    I've seen the same thing on some older Hyundai Excels, and a few other makes and models, but luckily before going down a useless path, I noticed one side had red lense and other side was clear🤣

  • @99andrianmonk
    @99andrianmonk Před rokem +8

    Truly "enlightening"...... Who'd thunk that a vehicle with a well engineered connector would only have one backup light.
    Learning experience for most of us along with you.

  • @lincolnguy1991
    @lincolnguy1991 Před rokem

    Thank you being the guy you are. I mean I love your diagnostic techniques. You question things and that's how we learn things we don't know. Thanks for helping us all learn and enjoy working on things we may have to fix.cant have much learning without some experience

  • @petersomma4407
    @petersomma4407 Před rokem +46

    Really appreciate you showing this. It's not often that people share their mistakes. I wish more people did as we could all learn from them!

    • @FreeKanal
      @FreeKanal Před rokem +2

      Yep, i respect people who are honest and admits to their mistakes. Not hiding it.

    • @rossG1221
      @rossG1221 Před rokem +4

      Yup, we all make em, and the scan tool wasn't helping, showing left and right reversing lights. As a Brit, I was trying to send a telepathic message to Eric "look at the red lens.. look at the red lens.." As always Eric got there. As he said a pain in the hoo hoo as he has car backing up in the lot. Bravo Mr O.

    • @earnestbunbury2103
      @earnestbunbury2103 Před 6 měsíci

      Donald Trump never makes mistakes and never owns up to them and thus never learns.

  • @beaverc2884
    @beaverc2884 Před rokem +34

    That's not a mistake, it's a learning lesson for the majority of us that watch this channel. I have never heard of one reverse light, outside of my truck because I'm too lazy to change the bulb.

    • @johnhpalmer6098
      @johnhpalmer6098 Před rokem +2

      Not too uncommon for European makes to do this. I've known of this of this for a while myself. It comes from seeing videos from across the pond from time to time.

  • @shawnmacdonald1739
    @shawnmacdonald1739 Před rokem +22

    Thank you Eric for producing such great videos. I enjoy your thought processing as you search for the answer. The fact that you can remain true to your craft and document a misstep or two lol Thanks again. Shawn.

  • @k.aeffchen
    @k.aeffchen Před rokem +1

    I was yelling at the screen the whole time "thats not revers thats a fog lamp". Best wishes from Germany

  • @bartgoins1782
    @bartgoins1782 Před rokem

    Great video, thanks for sharing. I think I have learned something from most every one of your videos I've watched, and this one didn't disappoint. Thanks again.

  • @RobertKohut
    @RobertKohut Před rokem +13

    Learning something is never a "loss of time"... 🙂

    • @johncooper4637
      @johncooper4637 Před rokem

      No, but it is a loss of money. I would guess he lost at least one billable hour.

  • @eskieguy9355
    @eskieguy9355 Před rokem +11

    Considering all the contradictory things there, I'm not surprised that it was hard to diagnose. Having a bulb and socket there seemed odd. Having it wired for an option it doesn't have, seems odd. I'm glad you posted this, it may help one or more of us dig our way back out on a confusing problem.

  • @tracydiller9378
    @tracydiller9378 Před rokem

    Great video Eric O. as always and your not an Idiot you take us along to prove you are only human.

  • @johnerway7255
    @johnerway7255 Před rokem

    Eric, you have never left me shaking my head, until today. I heard a noise, yep, I've got a loose screw in my head, lol. This was one of your best videos ever, thank you so much for making my day. As always, if you can do it, I can watch it. Have a super day from the guy with a loose screw. lol

  • @jeremyah78
    @jeremyah78 Před rokem +7

    Sure did have a chuckle at your expense on this one Eric!! But it was only your thoroughness, and maybe a sprinkle of curiosity, that got you off track on this one! But you’re still on the right track cuz we all admire that thoroughness and smile at that curiosity! Keeps us watchin! ✌️

  • @Marineio
    @Marineio Před rokem +8

    Another quirk to watch out for is on some VAG group cars, if you unplug the rear lights with the key on, the car will disable all of those lights on that side until you cycle the key. Got burned by that one too diagnosing something!

  • @rpsspain1966
    @rpsspain1966 Před rokem

    Great, thanks for sharing the journey, I am from UK but have a workshop in Spain, we do a lot of headlight conversions and swapping rear fog and reverse lights over for Euro driving. Doesn't matter how long you are in this industry, every job is a potential learning curve. Great videos, always interesting.

  • @jancilliers4525
    @jancilliers4525 Před rokem +3

    Thanks for sharing this with us Eric. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed about! I was involved in fault finding as Telecom technician for many years and have had my share of oops moments as well! I also drive a European car and was also smiling knowingly all the way!! Keep it up!!

  • @kennethorton3661
    @kennethorton3661 Před rokem +6

    We all make mistakes nobody is perfect you're still put out nice videos

  • @TM-jl7sd
    @TM-jl7sd Před rokem +14

    Thank you Eric! I have been watching you for years. Your videos, your efforts making all of them, have always been much appreciated and always cheer me up…especially when I have some tough days! Thank you buddy 👏

  • @tdjkeane
    @tdjkeane Před rokem +1

    Well found. I take my hat off to you sir for posting the honest video where you work your way through it and get to the bottom of it. Single reverse lights are really common over here in Europe, with the driverside rear light being the fog light. In fact it's really rare for us to see dual reversing lights!

  • @pjpyenta
    @pjpyenta Před rokem +2

    Watching you Eric stumble thru a system you're not familiar with reminds me of myself fumbling through repairs on my cars. You've "seen it all" on the cars you work on, but for me, it's always a "first time". Still... I get through it, as you did this repair. Keep posting! I love watching and learn so much!

  • @sfliet
    @sfliet Před rokem +32

    Definitely not a mistake... Just a great learning experience!

  • @LatersOnTheMenjay.
    @LatersOnTheMenjay. Před rokem +15

    Love this! How many channels would still show you the journey here? Even though it's quite funny (and probably the only time I could have been useful to you), watching you go through the diagnostic process is a masterclass.

  • @derekbrown8390
    @derekbrown8390 Před rokem

    I absolutely LOVE your videos (and style). Keep up the great work dude. My first thought watching was to build a jumper to the empty from 51 and obviously in the end that would not have worked. I had no idea of rear fogs and the difference in US and Euro models…explains a lot of questions I had about the lighting on a friend’s VW Jetta.

  • @rowlandpichey6602
    @rowlandpichey6602 Před rokem +1

    Good video Mr. O working on unfamiliar equipment can be challenging. You do a great service to your local customers by trying and succeeding for them!! I hope the folks in Avoca appreciate your work!

  • @jesserocha6352
    @jesserocha6352 Před rokem +6

    Like I tell all the guys I've worked with in the field: "Embarrassment is one hell of a teaching tool. You'll be so embarrassed about it, that you're never gonna forget it."

  • @mikemaccracken3112
    @mikemaccracken3112 Před rokem +12

    I would have lost my shit on that one😂. Excellent video Eric.

    • @porcello2007
      @porcello2007 Před rokem +2

      I would have been fishing around in the glove compartment for the manual or getting on the horn to the Mini people at the not so local dealership after about an hour and a half.😅

  • @craigheislen3304
    @craigheislen3304 Před rokem

    Glad to see a mistake video! It’s very encouraging to us DIYer’s to see that not every diag is perfect like most of the videos would lead to believe. Thanks for posting!

  • @TheBurnsStuff
    @TheBurnsStuff Před rokem

    I'm glad you posted this. You don't know what you don't know and we only know what we know.

  • @thebrewsters8037
    @thebrewsters8037 Před rokem +3

    For the VERY first time I was sat here waiting for you to realise. It was so funny when you exclaimed its Red. Made my day, very common in the UK.

  • @mooxima
    @mooxima Před rokem

    Great video, have no shame most of us thought the same thing as you, and now we will have learned something that’s what counts. Thanks for bringing us along

  • @carolriley9392
    @carolriley9392 Před 10 měsíci

    People admire your honesty. We learn from experience. Keep it up!

  • @donaldpeterson9521
    @donaldpeterson9521 Před rokem +3

    Takes a big man to show a mistake and take ownership. Good job, experience and mistakes are the best teachers. We always remember when we mess up, just the part of life that teaches very good lessons. Keep up the great work!!! Very good video!!!!

  • @endall6783
    @endall6783 Před rokem +4

    I would have done the same thing. I'd thought there were two thanks I learned something and that's a big deal THANKS for posting !

  • @neilrrjoseph5054
    @neilrrjoseph5054 Před rokem

    Good day Sir finally after all the years of looking at your channel I finally known something you didn't it almost put a smile on my face because I have had a few meaning a lot of days like that

  • @MarcusBerking
    @MarcusBerking Před rokem

    😂 was screaming at my phone watching you learn ;) good job with the process 😊

  • @Martin_from_SC
    @Martin_from_SC Před rokem +4

    Great video Mr. O. nothing to be ashamed of, and it proves your troubleshooting skills are excellent tracing the wires and reading the schematics. Plus the scantool also wasnt reporting correctly and it was showing right and left reverse lights.
    Strange that a north america spec car would have the fog light lens.

  • @Asto508
    @Asto508 Před rokem +47

    I think the rear fog light is actually the 4th switch, 2 switches right next to the front fog light which is missing on your particular model there. No wonder you got confused but that's how it often is with options that are unused. It's even weirder that there was a bulb in the rear fog light socket.

    • @Guillotines_For_Globalists
      @Guillotines_For_Globalists Před rokem +7

      They saved $1 by omitting the switch. Great job! I see a lot of American-spec Euro cars with the rear fog light circuit fully functional.

    • @aussiebloke609
      @aussiebloke609 Před rokem +9

      @@Guillotines_For_Globalists It could be worse - well, stupider. I remember my Dad's car when I was a kid ('60 FB Holden Special wagon) didn't come with reverse lights (they were an option), but the lens and bulb were still there - only the switch on the gearbox was missing, blanked off with a screw-in plug. Or my wife's '89 Ford Probe, which didn't have a light in the trunk - the light fixture and switch were installed, but the wires were taped behind the plastic trim. And the bulb was left out. Plugged in the wires (and installed a bulb) and I got a free light. They literally saved themselves the cost of a bulb - everything else was present.

    • @GaryWhittingham
      @GaryWhittingham Před rokem +6

      @@aussiebloke609 but they sold the one WITH the light (and other little options) as the deluxe package for $1500 more, see... most cars get full spec harnesses - better for manufacturer (parts, spares, fitting etc.)

    • @baldmaggots
      @baldmaggots Před rokem +1

      Have to agree with you here, the tail light assembly must be manufactured with all bulbs present, but the switch to turn it on is an expensive option. Cars. Sheesh.

    • @aussiebloke609
      @aussiebloke609 Před rokem +3

      @@GaryWhittingham All the more reason to buy the base model and just take the time to plug in all the things you didn't actually buy. LOL It's certainly not logical for manufacturers to make separate harnesses for different trim levels, but considering there's virtually no savings for them, you'd think they would just make it standard equipment.
      Sadly, I don't think we can get away with that sort of thing these days. With everything controlled by computer, it's too easy for them to remove features via code instead of physical hardware.

  • @benwingo6675
    @benwingo6675 Před rokem

    Great humility shows that your are truly trustworthy, really like your work.

  • @rogerkneeland4433
    @rogerkneeland4433 Před rokem

    Great video ! I immediately checked my own 2005 Cooper S … two reverse lights and obviously no rear fogs . Without checking I couldn’t have guessed 😜

  • @justinlanglais9825
    @justinlanglais9825 Před rokem +3

    Hey Eric no big deal.... didn't take you that long to figure it out !!! 👍🏼
    As an old aircraft tech who used to troubleshoot a lot, I enjoy your videos ! Now I'm working on my cars and using your tips all the time!

  • @steveo6631
    @steveo6631 Před rokem +5

    Awesome video, my guy.... That must make inspections a real treat thinking a reverse light is not working... Crazy euros....

  • @TheFatesLieutenant
    @TheFatesLieutenant Před rokem

    I’ve been round and round many a time! We have US and UK and Old USSR equipment in the house wired for both 120 and 240 and what a goat rodeo it is at times! Love that you share and have a good attitude (at least on camera!)! Thanks!

  • @davidlewis7658
    @davidlewis7658 Před rokem

    Hi Eric! Dang! I've been a subscriber/watcher for 2 yrs now and really enjoy and learn alot from your videos! I'm an old school fart "brought up in the old, educated in the new" guy. But i was really pissed off this morning as i found your channel removed from my list and it appears i was never subscribed. Ahh, f YT but i still want to watch and learn something new every day! I hope you, Mrs O and family are doing well. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your content....cause YT sure ain't payin your bills but they love charging you for the service while bombarding the playbacks with advertisers! God bless! Dave Lewis and family, SW MI❤

  • @TheCarCrazyGuy
    @TheCarCrazyGuy Před rokem +30

    Nothing better than a humble gent. Excellent video Eric. Enjoyed every minute.

  • @littleshopintheshed
    @littleshopintheshed Před rokem +6

    Nice to see your human, and not afraid to share your new information about minis.

  • @johninwny
    @johninwny Před rokem +2

    Happens to the best of us. Don't sweat it . I still think you have one of the best car mechanic channels on CZcams. And I'd let you fix my car or truck any day of the week. You are honest, thorough and very knowledgeable. I have learned a lot and I thank you.

  • @easysimplemechanic8534

    I've done that more times than I would like to admit. Guys like you convinced me to start my own CZcams Channel call "Easy Simple Mechanic"... Keep up the excellent work, much appreciated....🤣

  • @krama2940
    @krama2940 Před rokem +8

    Eric great job. Nice troubleshooting. You found that there was no reverse in the light.

  • @markmosher1856
    @markmosher1856 Před rokem +6

    I'm actually kind of proud of Eric. He managed to fix a back-up light that wasn't broken. All kidding aside, being good enough to find that wire and move it to another cavity and actually get that b/u light working took determination and a certain amount of savvy.
    If you haven't worked on this stuff, how would you know? I found this out about the same way Eric did years ago. No shame in that. It's the way most of us get schooled from time to time. While it costs us something, so does any education. If we're lucky it only makes us a little late for dinner! This is one place where working alone in the shop with no one to run things by when they don't make sense is kind of hard. I think in my case, the tech in the next stall noticed me trying a light bulb in the left side with the back-up lights on and asked me what the hell I thought I was doing.
    Anyway, this video will still accomplish what these videos always accomplish. Someone who has not seen this before will be fore-warned. Keep em coming, Eric. I'll watch every one.

  • @ianpalin8318
    @ianpalin8318 Před 10 měsíci

    Great video, reminded me of the Frasier episode where Frasier’s dad Martin talks about European cars electrical systems, live and learn! Keep the workshop stories coming, love watching here in the UK 🎉

  • @French20cent
    @French20cent Před rokem

    I was laughing all the way, great video !
    And yes those connectors are a joy to work on, can relate !

  • @DaveImagery
    @DaveImagery Před rokem +3

    Your honesty gives you credibility

  • @JoseSanchez-ir2qz
    @JoseSanchez-ir2qz Před rokem +4

    Love watching every video regardless of the outcome. Complete learning experience. Please keep posting real-life videos like this!

  • @craigsewell7355
    @craigsewell7355 Před rokem

    30 years of industrial maintenance and working on my vehicles. you always learn something new.

  • @markasprey797
    @markasprey797 Před rokem +1

    A wise old man in my growing up years would always say that education costs you no matter how you get it. I have proved that saying true many a time. Thanks Eric.

  • @conradparker6355
    @conradparker6355 Před rokem +4

    I'm betting pin 47 is for a right hand drive so the lights can swap sides depending on which side the steering wheel is. Don't worry and have a hug from the UK.