In this video I bring you along as I diagnose and repair a 2006 For F-150 that won't crank or communicate with the PATS, ECM or Trans. Good video on how relays work : • VEHICLE RELAYS - Opera...
I can honestly say that my DIY mechanic skills have gone way up since I started watching your vids. You obviously have great skills but what I like the most about you is your attitude... Each time I watch your videos, you make me want to go fix something !.. It shows that you love what you do and this transcend through the screen. Thank you for doing these and taking the time to explain the logic behind each move you do. Hopefully you keep doing them for a long time. Cheers.
@@gormenfreeman499 Likely they do and also they likely mark up what SMA's charge was to them which I would suppose is the same as any client rate would be. However, SMA has said in the past, he does this because he has a relationship with those shops. At some point, you have to deal with the local turf which is rural and word spreads fast in those conditions.
All future mechanics need to listen to this guy. The fancy tool doesn’t tell you what’s wrong with the car. The fancy tool only tells you what’s being affected by what’s wrong. From there you have to start analyzing the data stream and doing proper troubleshooting. All I can say is I wish I had a mechanic like this where I live. He knows his stuff!
I can relate. My old Astra had "Turbo overboost" codes with limp mode set. I would never have found the issue without my AUTEL MaxiCOM and the live data. The codes alone pointed to the turbo. The live data showed the MAP sensor was stuck low when it should have been changing with revs. New sensor fitted, she revved up beautfully, with the sweet whistly moan of the turbo! Back to life! I love AUTEL products!
Another great video Eric, as an electrical technician in a hospital I have an old saying, "Five minutes with your head, can save an hour with your hands". Think about what it is you are there to repair, digest all the information you have and ask questions. I would say the Verdigris on that relay is the result of that window being left open as a shower of rain came past in the wrong direction and made its way into the A pillar fuse box, corroding that relays pins out. A couple of years ago I did an 11 state tour of the USA and took a trip to the Ford plant in Detroit where I saw the F-150's being assembled, I can tell ya the dash goes in on a gig and two guys secure it up in under two minutes, that fuse-box is already part of the dash and at best they just plug the connectors together before the truck moves along the line, nobody in the plant bent backwards to access it the way you were!! I drive a Ford Mondeo (Ford Fusion in the USA) and the inside fuse-box is under the dash in a similar place, the good ole G-spot is easier to get your fingers on.
YEA! l HAVE BEEN D0lNG "NlGHT SCH00L" 0NE VlD A NlGHT FEW DAYS A WEEK WlTH SMA AND HAVE LEARNED AL0T! FlXED WlFE'S CAR, FlXED TRANl F0R DlL CHANGED MY 0WN WHEEL BEARlNGS 0N MY RAM! S0 AWES0ME. ERlC, YA MAY BE 3,000 MlLES AWAY BY R0AD, BT YA lN MY SH0P WHEN l NEED YA! SMA SCH00L!!
Still relevant information. By complete chance, I happened to come across this video while watching randoms on his channel.....and I have an 07 with an intermittent no start - no crank issue. It only happens every now and then and it goes away when I try to crank it over like a million times. Now I know what the problem is and I'll be changing that relay.
@johnny smit how stupid can u really be I have 3 ford trucks at my house best there is. We have 8 at my job all have 300 400k miles I would be embarrassed to drive a chevy or fiat.
Eric, I've watched many of your videos and have quite an admiration of your skills, patience and knowledge (and humor). I've practiced electronics for over for over 60 years, examined dozens (if not hundreds) of relays and of the very strong opinion your relay corrosion was generated by a front pillar/windshield/cowl leak (salt water). Relays don't self destruct in the manner that was shown. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time with us 'wannbe' shade tree mechanics!
i like your down to earth approach, it a real pleasure to see someone think his way though a problem, rather than relying on a computer to solve the problem Thank you
Eric, I love your sense of curiosity and ability to educate. I've been learning a LOT from your videos. I know this is an old video, but you're removing the rust from the old-school automotive technology classes I took in high school vocational school. Thank you for sharing the experience and logic behind your diagnoses!
Sure is fun to go back in time and revisit old videos of yours. Your procedures haven't changed, a bit more complete today perhaps, but still logical and thorough. Don't ever change. Thanks for sharing.
You are amazing. Your diagnostic skills are great and your delivery is articulate and always takes your audience along as though we are right there with you. May you have great success and become a RU-vid sensation!
This is a classic case of needing to keep it simple. Really cool seeing a diagnostic that isn't running around the vehicle looking at everything at once. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Keep up the great videos!
I know this is an old post but sure helped me out today. I had a no-crank, no-start, flashing antitheft light condition on my 2004 Ford F150. In the past I was able to get the truck to start with the "key on-unlock three times, key off-unlock three times, key on" dance but this time it flat would not work. My scanner was telling me the PCM was not responding. I checked the different ground connections and they were all good (cleaned them up anyway). Then I watched this video, ran the same test light tests, and swapped the fog lamp relay into the PCM power slot and BAM! my truck started right up. Thank you so much!
Eric O , you give me more and more inspiration every video I watch. As a DIYer mechanic you have given me some invaluable insight into basic automotive diagnostics. Your good heart and patience transfers into a great teacher. Thanks for sharing your automotive repair knowledge via RU-vid and you have a fan for life in me. Keep the videos coming! May GOD continue to bless you and your family as you continue to balance work, family, and making RU-vid videos.
Man, I am so thankful for this video. It’s been a hard couple months with truck repairs (including a tranny rebuild) and this video saved me. Bless you and your family. $24 to fix because of you. Thanks a million.
Eric, I have been frustrated with my 2012 3.5L EcoBoost for the last month. It has been intermittently starting after driving for about an hour with multiple stops and restarts. Then turn the key or remote start and get nothing but dash board lights?? But if I lock it up and let it cool down for 10 to 20 minutes then it fires right up. I suspected fuse or relay to the PCM. When I watched you diagnos the 2006 f150, PCM main relay video, I just went to Ford parts and bought a new relay for $7.12 problem solved. Though my relay was located in the engine compartment above the radiator it still controlled the PCM according to my owners manual. Thanks a million. You are a genius 😊
OMG! Dude you nailed it. I had the exact same issues. I watched the video and BAM!. Temporarily switch the relays and it fired right up. Awesome! Thanks and keep them videos coming.
No need to apologize for anything brotha...Your efforts to produce great informative videos are second to none. Camera's gettin banged around and tough camera angles are all part of the package.. And its a great package.
Sorry to have such a late replay. I have seen this same kind of corrosion on a device we use at work to test thermal imagers. We used to use a diluted dishwasher soap as a vacuum leak test chamber as a quality check. There is a power module in this unit that has a connector with spade pins. After several days one of the pins that provided communication would corrode with green crust and cause failure in the mech. These pins werent on the power circuit, however; during the test there was a electrical bias on this line. The problem was that dishwashing detergent has a lot of phosphates that will corrode copper when an electrical bias is applied. We ended up switching to a non-corrosive detect like "snoop" which stopped this from happening. probably similar situation with the relay in this car. Awesome work. I watch you all the time to help me on my vehicles. You do great work.
Even though this video has been up a while, its still awesome when instincts kick in and a "let's start from square one" attitude make a problem like this seem so trivial. Awesome ninja diagnosis skills, Eric!
This was exactly what my problem was. You are the man! Probably saved me a few hundred dollars by not having to take to the dealership/shop to get it figured out. Thanks a lot! I appreciate it!
Mr.O, you are very entertaining and informative. I look to your videos as another time well spent in a classroom, your shop. I look forward to more of your videos that i have not watched and diagnostics I have trouble with. I applaud your expert, basic knowledge on how to approach every situation you encounter. Thank you so much for you being you... and to your back up crew, Mrs O.
Back in the 70s, my dad used to be a mechanic at a dealership in Chicago, after work he would go to Dumpys Rucksack or Scrappy McDoogals for tater tots
As a home mechanic with four of my own to keep running, I have always wanted to throw down and get a bidirectional tool, but the more I watch these videos the less I want to spend all that cash. You proved once again that a code scanner combined with a test light is many times more than enough to diagnose even the most puzzling problems. Great video. I agree with the comment below about watching you and wanting to go fix something after. I love watching your videos even when nothing is broke down and that says a lot about your talent to teach and motivate, oh and of course to diagnose also. Keep up the good work!
BOOOM! Just fixed my 2007 F150 5.4 with identical problem. Shop said starter, I said no way. Why can’t I hear my fuel pump if it was just the starter? Towed the truck home, and after 2 days of google and YouTubing search I found your video kind sir. I RAN to the truck to swap relays. Sure enough, Vrooom She instantly fired up. Your video saved me at least $1000 and multiple tows to different mechanics. Soon as I heard that Ford chime in your video I knew you found the culprit. Thank you thank you. Just FYI we had some fairly cold weather recently and I had used my pickup to jump my semi truck. Took an hour on the jumper cables to get her started. Pretty sure I overheated plenty of the electrical system to cause that relay to go bad...
Nice fix Eric. Checking power,ground, fuses, and relays is always first for me. My grandson watched this with me and said,"Papa,that's what you always tell us when you're helping us with a math problem. Use what you know to find out what you don't know with the information you have". This customer will probably chose you from now on. Best repair videos on youtube as far as I'm concerned.
gmctrk63 That has always helped me with diag work. Lets go find out what we know to help figure out what we don't know :) Lol glad he got it, you sound like a wise teacher.
This one's a winner! While hooking up my trailer lights I saw a spark and the engine quit. I watched your video, replaced one trailer light fuse and swapped the same relay you did and that did the trick! When I heard that beep I was so excited! Thank you!
I know this is an old video, but PLEASE don't ever apologize for your camera work Eric. Your job comes first, you spend alot of time setting up the camera for perfect shots for us viewers, and take the time to thoroughly explain what you are doing step by step. If somebody has the nerve to complain about a shaky video, or out of focus video, well they don't need to watch because they are inconsiderate pricks. So please never apologize, thank you for all you do for us viewers.
I am a journeyman tech and Personally I agree with you about flow charts, they have been unhelpful a lot of the time and a waste of time.They take the ability for mechanics to think. ( they can be helpful at times too) Keeping it simple with what ya know , makes customers smile and yourself too. Everyday in the trade a person learns something new. People like you help and teach me to my job better! Thank you so much for your videos!!!
Thank you for this video. It was the same exact problem on my 5.4 Triton. I bought a new battery thinking it was a cranking amps issue and was contemplating a new starter until I saw this video. $18 bucks later, me the wife and the three dogs were taking our Sunday cruise through Key West once again.
Eric the car guy talks about mechanics vs technicians. But I think this is a case where the mechanic wins. A mechanic grabs his "scope on a rope" and works the problem where a technician pulls out a scan tool and throws his hands up when it doesn't tell him what to fix. Good on you Mr. O!
You do things with a scan tool that amaze me. Most technicians use a scan tool like Google for car problem answers. What part should I replace oh crystal ball. You use a scan tool as what it was meant to be...a diagnostic tool! And you make it deliver.
Erick is no Mechanic. He is a Propper Technitian and Diagnostician!!!!!! Erick You the Man!!!!!!!!!! I would love to work with someone like You. Keep it up💪🏻
Honestly this video saved me so much headache at first I thought it could’ve been a relay for the starter or my ignition but 5 minutes, ur video and a new relay and now we’re good thank you
Just some excellent diagnose work my man! I work in automotive development and frequently get frustrated by our mechanics acting like there's nothing they can do about the simplest of problems. I often dive into engine bays and do the very same stuff you show in these videos. Laptop with all the wiring diagrams and diagnostic software stays closed more often than not - think about the issues, find the most likely cause, test it. 90% of the time works every time.
I enjoyed this one. You seemed a little hesitant or lost in the beginning but once you simplified it, had a plan... you straight up nailed it! Excelente! Me gustó! 👍👍
Thank you for the videos showing your troubleshooting steps and proving you don't always have to keep throwing parts at it until it runs again. I have a 2006 Milan that was doing the same thing with no com/start/etc and it ended up being the fuse for the circuit that the PATS is on. I figured I had a dead PCM. Once I replaced the fuse, it fired up right away after sitting nearly a year because I didn't want to spend much on a 16 year old car with a salvage title.
Great job I was excited when it started. Please continue to be the best mechanic I've seen on RU-vid your quality and attention to doing the best job is amazing its a shame those other shops didn't do the say due diligence and fix the car. Keep the videos coming Eric!!!!!
I know this is old, but I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for posting this.!! We have an 05 - F150 Lariet with the 5.4. A couple of Months ago, it started stalling, and after a 1/2hr or so, it would fire back up and run fine. Well, over the next few weeks, it would do it randomly, so we started to look into what was happening. The first time it happened when I was around it, I laid under it and jumped the starter, and it fired right up......... The next time, a week or so later it died, I did that again, and it worked, so I replaced the starter... Then, it happened again, and this time I got codes U1900, U1950 and B1352 B1352 code possible causes Faulty Ignition Key-In Switch (Part of the ignition switch) Ignition Key-In Switch harness is open or shorted Ignition Key-In Switch circuit poor electrical connection Faulty Smart Comunication errors. U1900 FORD code possible causes Faulty / intermittent ignition switch connections CAN Bus wiring intermittently open/shorted to power or ground Faulty / intermittent connection at PCM Faulty electrical connections at ABS Control Module Faulty electrical connections at the instrument cluster Poor connections at the trailer brake controller/trailer connector U1950 FORD code possible causes Faulty / intermittent ignition switch connections CAN Bus wiring intermittently open/shorted to power or ground Faulty / intermittent connection at PCM Faulty electrical connections at ABS Control Module Faulty electrical connections at the instrument cluster Poor connections at the trailer brake But at this time, I could connect to it with my scanner obviously. So, we replaced the Ignition switch, the Oil sensor, and both VCT valves, and tested it again. It stalled on the way home. Only this last time, it would not let me connect to the OBD2 port....... That was a new problem, and also, this time it showed errors on the dash about a communication error, and a charging system error. Well, it cranked very fast, the battery was fully charged from the alternator, and when running it was at 14.1v, so I did not trust that one, but the code U1900 led me to search YT for a solution, and this is the very first video I found, and watched. So, I told my bud, who had the truck, to replace that same relay. He swapped the one from the fog lights and boom, the truck has not stalled once and it's been driving quite a bit now. There was no corrision on our relay, and just like this video, it still worked. It's working fine for the fog lights now. It has to be a connection issue in enginneering with the relays. I feel bad for those who have not found this video, and are still chasing this problem around. My next move was to replace the FPDM, but this vid saved me from having to do that. THANK YOU! I greatly appreciate it! A Ford guy.....
Eric I live in American Samoa your approach to diagnostics has helped me go back to the basics to start instead of jumping all over the place. Thanks for this great lesson alofa atu wb
Just love these diagnostic videos. I taught electronic engine controls for 25 years and was in lock step with your every move. I really miss performing these diagnostics. Keep it up
Hi Eric. Thank you so much for this post. I crawled down the same rabbit hole as you did with this truck, except with no scanner or schematics at my disposal. I found a few things on the internet that helped me but eventually led to a dead end. My truck had the exact same problem and solution as yours. I found that fuses 32, 33, and 34 were not getting power just like your issue, but I was unable to isolate it to the PCM relay. Your video helped me tremendously and guided me to the finish line. Thank you.
Excellent work. You can tell that you care the way you explain and move camera around. I was on the edge of my seat to when that relay was triggered once for a start with your test light...dang that was fun. Subscribing now!!
FYI- Those second gen expeditions and f-150s are notorious for fuse panel problems. There are some relays soldered to the circuit board and one of them overheats, causing damage over time, eventually causing either intermittent fuel pump cutoff or failure altogether.
just started to watch your vids.......love them!!!!....your very high skill level and your verbal thinking method and camera work is superior....thanks.
We energize the Control Side of the Relay- and at the same time check for (0) ohms on the Load side. This is the best way to check the Relay. I learned this from ASE Master Jason Varnum.
Once again... Eric O to the rescue!! Yeah it's always exciting to watch your diagnostic skill at work... i learn a bunch from your video's and basics are premo. The ole' scope on a rope!! Love it your a good teacher Eric O.
Thanks Eric.... I've been really struggling this winter with my stubborn 04 F150 Triton 3V. First broke a timing guide ...barely limped it a few miles home.....fixed the timing stuff did lash adjusters checked rollers...new oil pump and PS pump that was leaking. It ran ok but stalled when hot....got a code for engine temp sensor....also found vacuum leaks at the intake so I pulled that all apart....did plugs while it was apart and checked the knock sensors.....took my time and was real careful. But then crank but no start.....messed with it a bit the no crank no start ! By now I'm way out of my league....gauges were acting crazy....had a weird clicking..... Found your vid this morning and tried swapping the relays.....started immediatly ! That R02 relay is for fog lights.....I dont even have any ! Thank you so much......I dont have any more $$$$$ to pour into this truk but for now I really need it.
As a previous person commented there are mechanics and then they are Parts changers Eric not normally are you a great mechanic here when the few I see online that no electrical problems and sir I commend you for it , I have yet to see your videos where you do not fix electrical problem this is one of the reasons I keep watching your videos especially when you are fixing electrical problems wish me like so many others we are scared shitless on electronics problems on modern Cars & Trucks LIKE this one you fixed here .
I love watching your videos. You bring alot of skill and knowledge to the table and have helped many people try and keep some money in their pockets. I dont have this problem, but knowledge is power and I'm sure eventually I'll come across this type of problem.
I just wanted to add that I really love that you always put real situations in your content. Again love your real life approach in your videos. And your showing of all your diagnostic procedures per situation
Great job. I wouldn't have had a clue as to where to start. I wonder how many shops would have just diagnosed a bad pcm and replaced that without simple diagnostics. In this case, they'd still have a no crank no start.
Jeffrey Cardimen Please help I just replaced body wiring harness and that whole pcm that you just replaced fuse. Mine is a 2013. I try to start and a clicking noise in pcm no fuel pump coming on just clicks. Does it need re programmed from dealer ? Or could it be relay or fuse like yours but it’s brand new from dealership. Please advise thanks
Just happened to to be browsing and found this awesome video. My 04 f 150 has been doing about the same thing. It turns on and then it doesn't want to anymore , and then all of a sudden it starts again. I will be looking at that relay in the morning . Awesome video thanks a lot.
I really like these diagnosis videos best, and it just struck me that now I can go back a few years for a repeat watch. I remember this truck, but didn't remember the solution to the mystery. Two things aren't mysteries; first, the engineers who put fuse boxes under the dash are stupid, and second, Eric is the man.
i have to disagree if you refering to ford being stupid for putting the box in a hard to reach spot,sure its harder to get too but the benefits of not having your fuse box exposed to the elements make it a better choice then engine bay.
@@pigeonsil240sx This is a part of a more general complaint with car makers who make cars today seemingly with little consideration for maintenance and repair. Twenty computer modules, inaccessible spark plugs, water pumps inside the block, and fuse panels under the dash. Put the panel on the side of the dash. Things are too hard to work on because the mechanicals are stuffed inside the styling. Back in the day changing a water pump was fast and easy; blower motor, simple as pie. Try changing a blower motor now. First, it will take two hours to sort through the computers to verify the fault, then five more hours to disassemble the whole dash. Cars are better, and more reliable now, probably designed to last for six trouble free years. But then they want you to buy a new car. Many folks like me have traded in cars because the cost of repair didn't warrant keeping it.
Absolutely despicable! A mechanic that finds and fixes problems quickly. Unheard of. Nice catch Eric, every now and then you get right to the root of the problem surprising even your self. Nice to see an honest mechanic pop up on the radar every now and then. Just curious, how many vehicles towed in from other shops become regular customers? Cheers!
This saved my ass!!! I was just about to rip out the starter and go to town before I luckily stumbled on this video. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us!!!
That's another one of Fords great ideas they advertise they have . They put green dye bombs in relays for 20 k ,40K and 60k mile settings to keep you coming back to the service department . lol Great job you found what three other shops could not find . I'm with you it pays to start at the basics . Thanks for sharing your skills and teaching others .
After watching this video, I found a 10A fuse that was bad. I over looked it because it's for the trailer turn lamps. So, thanks for making this video.
