In this video I have a look at a customers 2005 GMC Envoy that has no low beams. Ends up not being anything to fancy but I at least show you that following a good analytical thought process and plan wins every time! -Enjoy!
Where do I get all of my free service info and wiring diagrams you ask? I made a video on that few years ago - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L1FxoQI_Fw4.html
I used all data DIY to obtain information that was needed during the building of the older 700R4/4L60 and newer 60Es never let anyone tell you you cannot do it in your own shop garage backyard. I saved fortune doing it myself versus paying a shop. And at times I even made money doing it for others. A source of information is imperative.
@@billmonroe8826 I believe the price is around 30 bucks or so for an individual car. The price you might have seen is for unlimited cars, which would be appropriate for a shop, but not a DIY'er.
This video definitely doesn't suck Eric. What a great way to show how to assess if the wiring is good throughout the system quickly and in a smart fashion. Pretty sure the customer is quite happy to only have to deal with a new relay. I really enjoy these videos.
Spot-on diagnostics, Eric. That relay looks like it's the solid state type, which would explain the price. Instead of contacts going clicky-click, a transistor goes zappy-zap. Such a relay style should be more reliable, but they're also a common failure item on some imports that use them for the A/C clutch.
I have had that happen before on an older car with the 4 lamp square bulbs , it had no headlights. The customer called and wanted me to install a new headlamp switch because it was not working. Lucky for me I checked the system first, well you got it, all four headlamps were burned out!
Once again, nice video. Can never get tired of watching you logically approach an issue and solve the problem. No matter how mundane it may be for you, it's interesting for us, of course along with your witty comments and real-life advice. Keep'm coming.
This is another video where you have taught the masses how to check something that is not overly complex to do. You have again shown as the significance of the humble test light as a versatile and simple tool to use in diagnostics. There is nothing to be sorry about. Thank you Eric.
The average back yard mechanic does not usually have the test equipment that provides them with wiring diagrams for each system in a car. Talk to us about what is available and where you purchase this kind of technology.
@@warrenclement5240 I have a test light, power probe & workshop quality, entry level diagnostic tool with actuation capability. I only bought the diagnostic tool this year. Prior to that I had el-cheapo code readers. As far as wiring diagrams goes, well Google is your friend, along with forums. The only thing I have not bought is experience gained through having a go. Admittedly I do have a technical trade and have worked in areas where I did a lot of diagnostics and testing with high end test equipment. I am not in the automotive trade. These days I pay someone to do the work or one of my sons does it. I dabble in diagnostics because I have an interest in that. One of my kids is an apprentice mechanic, My equipment is available for him to use when not at his place of work. I hope he enters the world of diagnostics. Motor vehicles are a complex beast these days. And I love the the comfort they offer. I have a British 4WD, so having an understanding of electronic systems, modules and diagnostics is a must. So far I have had 18 months of trouble free motoring. Prior to that it was a bad case of electronic warfare lol. I trust that answers your question.
Nicely done Mr. O. Perhaps some might believe that because there wasn't a big "crowd pleaser" reason for the lights not to be shining, this kind of video is incredibly valuable for the world to see when it comes to logic and reason during diagnosis. You perform such a valuable service to those of us who love cars and love fixing them. The things learned in your videos apply to so many other things in life as well. Thanks for all you do Eric.
This video follows logic so clearly that it could easily be used at any tech school 101. It's clarity helps us understand how to dig a little further had there been the need to. Thank you!
Yep remember those failures. I remember the first one I ran into many years ago. Even if you knew or not you followed a testing process that is excellent and helped your viewers learn instead of just going hey lets swap this and see. As always a great learning resource for up and coming techs or even just the person in their own garage.
Not only is it methodical, you've got the efficient work flow of a guy who has done this kind of diagnostics thousands of times. For example you started on the good light, and quickly checked both ground wires first. Doing so eliminated half the circuit within a few seconds, with a technique that gets electrons moving and exposes any voltage drop that might be present. The power probe is seductive in some ways but it means I need to add the extra step of drop testing. So, I can see why old school methods are so appealing, especially if you're on the side of the road with very few tools.
It’s nice to see a real working shop where you never know what comes through the door. I enjoy your videos and appreciate that you take the extra time to make those videos.
Mr. O, videos like this are my favorite. You show the masses how to properly diagnose a failure. Regardless of the level of the repair, if you have a solid plan, along with decent skills, there is almost no repair that even a novice can't do. Hence, your tag line at the end of every video is very fitting for this video .
As one who isn't a mechanic, but learns something every time I watch one of your videos, I'll say this video doesn't suck. Might help someone like me down the road some time.
Your teaching technique is excellent. Describing all your actions and the reason for them. Lecturers could learn from you. Yes a simple diagnosis but the explanation of the process was excellent.
I used to follow ScannerDanner but you're much more down to earth. Paul has gotten a bit jaded lately. I like your honesty and your willingness to go the extra mile on some issues. I find it fun and educational watching over your shoulder, do to speak no matter how mundane some of these things turn out to be.
Appreciate the new videos. It's also good to reinforce the diag process. Sometimes we get lucky before having to track down a broken wire or rusty ground.
Despite the "simple" fix, your trouble-shooting is well worth the viewers' time. I'm wiring an old Ford Tudor from 6 to 12 volts, every bit of info of how the "big guys" do is good to assist me in my planning. Stay healthy. Best wishes to you, Mrs. O and your family.
Thanks Eric! My low beams went out after buying 2 new light housings and light bulbs for my Envoy. Appreciate the logic stepping and your years of expertise. I just wish your shop was near me!
Thanks! Another good electrical video. Reminds me of my Air Force days tracking down wiring on older F-106 Aircraft radar sets. This was before they had on-board computers to help you. Seems to me there was an F-106 squadron at Griffiss AFB, near Rome (now Griffiss International airport). PS, never did see that link you mentioned about clear-coating for faded headlight housings.
Good advice Eric, never overlook the bulbs blowing simultaneously. On my 2001 GM Holden Commodore, the cruise control stopped working, it would make a clack noise when turning the key and it wouldn't respond to any inputs. Long story short, some testing and trawling through forum posts later, I found out that when the brake light circuit has a fault, the cruise control stops working. I checked my brake lights, the one on the spoiler was working, but the bulbs were dead. I put a test light on both the bulb sockets while I used a broomstick to depress the brake, and both had power. It was only then I took a closer look at the actual bulbs. Turns out both bulbs just blew at the same time. And to think I was nearly going to pull the trigger on a new cruise module. To my credit, I was far less experienced back then several years ago, I never considered the possibility of both bulbs blowing at once.
Yep, especially if you replace them both at the same time. Discovered that with headlights about 4 years ago, if memory serves, the driver's side went, and had not gotten to the parts store to replace it yet as I was not needing to go where they were at the time, 2 weeks or so later, the other side went, so had NO low beams (I did have separate high an low beam lamps in my car), so had to buy both.
There is never a need for a super fancy fix. We love just seeing you do your thing. Just the troubleshooting process teaches us but your personality keeps us. We love getting a video no matter the fix!
You’re a beaut Eric! Keep up the great work. Most of the channels I watch are builds and projects it’s nice to see a confident competent mechanic be able to troubleshoot and diagnose without a parts cannon. I’m a field service tech in the medical field and I see lots of people that can’t diagnose worth a shit.
I've come across this year's ago on an 03 envoy, and it also ended up being a 40 dollar relay. Got an 07 envoy now and it has been a joy to own. Tough truck.
You deserve an easy one once in a while. Besides...never hurts to review the diagnostic approach even for what turns out to be a simple and quick solution. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Hi, Mr. O. Good detective work, again, as usual, as expected. Sometimes the fingerprints match up and the guilty party confesses. Relays that don't relay get relayed to the trash bin. Anyway, thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!
Ahhhhhhh, I remember all so well when headlights were glass (inexpensive) and never turned opaque and yellow. Cool step by step diagnosis and repair, thanks for the video Mr. O.
Eric, I’ve almost caught up on all your past videos. You have been very consistent over many years. Although GRAYER, you always do a great job at both your presentation and editing. Keep up the great job!
I fell into the trap of "it just needs two bulbs" once. I had a '68 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible that I was restoring, and the brake lights didn't work. Did I even check the bulbs? Nope. I just assumed "old car, bad wiring." I started at the brake pedal (at first I assumed it was the brake-light switch, but it wasn't). I worked my way back, following the wiring harness from there. Everything tested good, all the way down. Then I finally checked the bulbs. LOL! Felt *REALLY* stupid, but learned a good lesson -- *ALWAYS* check the simple stuff first! 🙂
Couple of thoughts on this repair: 1. The relay is a solid state part, this it’s why the part was so expensive. 2. This may have an additional problem. I had a 2003 Envoy XL with a similar concern. I replaced the relay and it was good for a short while. A few weeks later, the problem started up again. If you touched the relay, the headlights would work intermittently. Ultimately I had to replace the fuse box to the tune of $300. The terminal inside the box was fretting. I could not effectively repair the bad terminal. I love watching your diagnostic videos and encourage my students in class to watch them, especially your PICO scope videos.
I still enjoy your videos Eric... no matter how long or short... This simple fix you found was NOT what I was thinking was wrong... I was thinking a bad headlight switch, then a broken wire then a blown fuse... you reminded me to always BACK TRACE a wiring problem... Thank again for a great video
Often overlooked is there are two parts to learning. The details/knowledge and how to think and use that knowledge. This video was pretty basic on the knowledge side but a nice clean demonstration of how to track down using logic instead of guessing. The use of logic is what you have to train, using simple problems, so that you have the discipline to be able to dig into the complex ones.
Thank you for the easy to follow instructions! I appreciate it, my low beams have been out for about a week😅was gonna have the shop look at it tomorrow but may look at it myself tonight.
I love this channel because your job is like a physical version of mine. I'm a programmer and when debugging a problem this is the same exact kind of thinking as you're doing. Logically deducting step by step, component by component, where things might be going wrong.
It's what separates you from the pack as a real technician. You can walk anyone thru on why you do, what you do. Someone just replacing parts has no idea.
That 3M headlight restoration kit is the real deal. I've used them on my wife's car and my daughter's car and they both turned out fantastic, even when done by a DIYer like me. Thanks as always, Eric!
@@TheJimCramer The version of the kit I bought didn't have the clear coat, so I got a bottle of Meguiars Clear Coat and it worked great. Even did a video of my effort on our old Sienna.
Dude, this is a perfect video, mostly because it goes to show that sometimes the issue isn’t always some crazy insane failure. I’m sure the customer was super pumped it was so straightforward, and everyone is happy! Thanks for sharing the easier ones, genuinely!
Not a crappy video, I don’t know about other viewers but I love your electrical diagnoses videos. I took electrical diagnostic courses when I became a certified Honda and ASE certified tech. I have been out of the automotive field for a little over 10 years now but still work on vehicles on the side and these videos have always helped me not forget electrical diagnoses.
I have a 2009 Chevy Trailblazer and have had that relay go out once. I kinda figured you knew what was wrong at the beginning of the video. Apparently it’s a common issue with the Envoys and Trailblazers. Great troubleshooting!
Like the logic when you look up the circuit diagram and trace it back until you find the issue. It is so logical and easy to understand it is appreciated.
This is a simple DIY fix only if you know where to start. Thanks for sharing. A few years ago it was just power, switch, fuse, and headlight in some order. No body control computer. It was easier back then.
These did have a recall for the HDM (headlight driver module) NHTSA campaign number 15V519000 GM Recall 14291 Covers most if not all MY06-MY08 GMT360 vehicles (including EXT and 9-⁷x) Revised GM Part # is 13506836
Watching you easily remove that headlight housing reminded me of my buddy and his 2001 F150 years back. He’d bought it used in another jurisdiction and on the long drive back home realized he had a driver side headlight burnt out. When I saw it after he got home the entire front was torn apart from him trying to get at the headlight bulb, there was a pile of assorted bits and pieces in the cab that he’d removed in his efforts. I went over to the passenger side and pulled the two little tabs up and pulled the headlight housing out in seconds and watched his jaw just about hit the floor!
I had both low beams burn out at almost the same time once. The other thing that can happen is one goes out and they don't notice until the second goes. Then the mechanic thinks it's an unlikely coincidence like both went at the same time. D'oh! This is what happens when you comment before watching to the end. Really nice editing with the screen shots of the diagrams, BTW.
Good video, good refresher. Retired this past January. Have not had the need to drive the commuter car at night. I do drive with my low beams on all the time. The nicer newer car was out of town. Had dinner and a drink at the local tavern, a dbl Jameson and a Carnivore Calzone, leaving just after dark in the commuter and no low beams. High beams work fine. Before you take anything apart put the spare bulb in the connector, worked fine. Lucky for me it was just the bulbs, both were burnt out on the low beams. Things you don't notice in the sunshine. I felt bad about driving home on the high beams, but I was not flashed once. I think the LED bulbs throw so much light that high beams on an 06 just look like low beams now.
I love these quick videos. I had the same issue with a 2009 envoy. turns out that is not a mechanical relay. Its a Mosfet transistor driver so the BCM can PWM the "relay" for the DRL.
Great video's Eric O .. As a mechanic i can relate to the daily grind of a shop. Sometimes it's challenging but most of the time boring lol. Keep up the great work 👍
Thank you so much for this, I was having this exact same issue. I however checked the wrong relay instead thinking the one labeled headlamps controlled it. I just switched the fan an control relay and now they worked! Thank you again because I had replaced my multi switch on the steering column thinking that had to be the problem an after that wasn't it I was completely lost
I lucked out years ago when my Dad's neighbor asked for help on a vehicle much like that one. Both his low beam bulbs (or filaments if they were combined) were burnt out - like you said, he could have driven some time on one low beam and didn't realize it. He had already fired the parts cannon and replaced the switch on the steering column, with no cigar. Interestingly, he also called me over another time to "replace a bad breaker" in his home's breaker box. The "bad breaker" kept tripping. I checked and found one of those flat extension cords was twisted up - and the car was parked with a tire on the twisted cord. Unplugged the extension cord, and he was good to go - no parts needed.
Bro i love watching your videos it is because of you that got into me hanic and study and read books and watch videos everyday only to be hopefully one day like you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 god bless you my friend
Video doesn't suck Eric. Its a great educational tool in diagnostics instead of throwing parts at something. I ran into the parts cannon issue a couple years back with my 87 Ford Ranger. Its so old nobody knows how to work on the old stuff it seems. Every shop I took it to threw parts at it, still didn't fix the issues. I finally got on a Ranger forum stated what was going on, what had been done, etc. One member says did you change the O2 sensor...umm he** no, so after 7 months of thinking I got screwed on this truck that had computer issues, or major engine problems as it would randomly stall, lose power, bucking while accelerating, etc. I put a $45 O2 sensor in it, figured what the heck, another shop charged me almost $2k to install new plugs, wires, distributor, rotor, ignition coil, etc. and still didn't fix it, what's another $45 part tossed at it. Sometimes it pays to just step back bow thy head, and ask for help on a forum that knows these vehicles...that O2 sensor fixed the problem, and been loving this truck ever sense. Learning a little from your videos although not quite as much help to me because the Ranger is older so there ain't much in the way of getting codes off it like the newer stuff, yeah you can get codes off it, if it throws any, but there isn't much that it'll throw a code for anyways. Luckily its old enough to more easily take a step by step approach at figuring things out, and with help from the forum it'll be simple to keep up with too. A couple of my newer vehicles with some help of some diagnostics software really helps point me in the right direction too. Sometimes old is nice in simplicity, but sometimes new is nice because with scan tools and such you can really dive in and figure out the source of a problem instead of throwing a bunch of parts. At least narrow the issue down to a smaller group of things to check, and with wiring diagrams at the ready it sure makes it nice. With my Ranger I gotta dig around to find diagrams for it, they're not right on the scan tool LOL...rather lack of a scan tool HAHA!!! Thanks for all you teach us Eric, we appreciate all you do. Even if your videos are much less involved like this video, its a learning/teaching moment for many of us. A lot of things in my case boil down to my lack of patience, lack of a comfortable place to work, and oftentimes I'm finding that if I just had a vehicle lift I'd be able to much more easily tackle a lot of issues myself...lying on the ground under a vehicle is he** on my back and neck, its just downright uncomfortable and painful for me and I'm not even that old, my neck and back just don't let me do that stuff.
Classic fault finding protocol. This is where many shops fail, by using `common knowledge', rather than a fact based logical method. Nice touch to shine up his lamp covers. Thanks so much for the link, this is VERY useful
Great video Eric! Some of the equipment I work on daily has 60+ relays. Depending on the function they can be a real bear to chase down and to make things worse, it's German made with German diagrams...I only know English. Some days are challenging. Thanks for all the great videos!
There is a recall for the low beams. We got a 2006 envoy and had problems the low beams for years but I finally went to O'Reilly's & got a new relay and so far it's been good and that was about 5 years old
I once had what I would guess a "10 million to one odds" chance with both my headlights "Low Beams" burning out at the same time. I drove my family in the car, a 1997 LS400, to a Melting Pot restaurant for dinner. The headlights were fine, it was after sunset. We came out after dinner, climbed into the car and I started the car, as usual the headlights were on, and as I put the car in drive, I realized my headlights were off. I thought I accidentally turned them off. But I had not switched them off. I drove the short distance home with the "Brights" on. Replaced both lamps and everything was back to normal.
@Eric, the one thing that I had found out about my 2003 Envoy was, the headlight wiring gauge is too small for the headlights. This is a common problem with those years of the Envoys, whereby the wiring will overheat ; just outside of the headlight bulb connector thus you'd find scorched/overheated and have to replace the connector and a segment of the wiring.
I've replaced the turn signal stock twice on my 2005 buick regal for this exact problem and just figured that's where this video would end... good thing i watched it till the end!
Another hunt-'em-down and give 'em a headshot. Nice Eric! Often, people don't take the time necessary to thoroughly investigate the problem to derive a viable solution based on observed facts - they black-box it, or as you so aptly put it "Load up the parts cannon". Run out and buy new bulbs, connectors, a big box of fuses, four or five relays (none of which are the correct ones) and of course, the problem remains the problem. I sincerely appreciate the way you methodically go step-by-step in a logical manner to achieve the light bulb coming on (yes, pun intended). When I was in the Navy, I taught my young sailors the very same technique - and those who remained in Engineering Fields prospered greatly from that. Something you failed to mention in this video, but I'm sure you have at some point, is those wiring diagrams are provided unpowered, or dead. One has to view them in that light to mechanize them as they troubleshoot. For instance, the relay is not picked up, but it's easy to see what is supposed to happen if you know what you are viewing.
Ty Eric yet another great diagnostic video mate, always interesting watching your thorough procedure in working out the issue. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘
Excellent troubleshooting Mr. Holmes lol. Thank you for the link on troubleshooting subscriptions! Makes life so much easier for the backyard mechanic. My son was hit by another car causing a minor fender bender. Ruining his rear d.s. taillight Amazon 200, ebay 140. Local pick your own parts 26$!!! SCOOOOOOOOORRREEEE!!
Excellent video. The process to resolution was terrific. Gotta chase two of these electrical issues myself today - airbag and garage door opener on 17 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee. Did find a mouse nest in the engine yesterday when changing valve cover gaskets...
Another great video. To paraphrase you tag expression .If you can do it so can I. You give us backyard mechanics confidence and tips to trouble shoot ourselves. If the problem is greater than our skills can handle, that's when we should pass it on to the pro's.
Hi Eric, great entertainment as usual. I love the fact that you are probably the only person that was disappointed by the video. Love the methodical approach as always. If it was always a bigger problem to solve it might discourage us DIY folk from having a crack as it would be too daunting
I got a smile when I saw this video pop up and seen the symptom. I don't have enough fingers or toes to how many of these envoys or trailblazers I've seen have this happen over the years. Kind of odd how it just picked on them models
