Is It Ok To Guess And Not Test!
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Date: 2024-02-05
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Comments and reviews: 19
DriftingDragon74
I have a tip I used to share among my fellow technicians is to order some Plasti-Dip spray and coat the connectors and seal them right up. It may not be better protection than liquid black tape but it's easily sprayed on and easier to peel off for repairs and you can get it in a variety of colors. I guess it would be similar to the newer Flex Seal spray they have nowadays that only comes in black or maybe white now too as some of their other stuff I know comes in white. Anyways, you can pick a color that blends well with your project or maybe even contrasts it to easily locate in the future. Really great for coating connections on trailers. Any time I'm wiring a trailer I automatically put in GM Weatherpacks at each tailight and coat them to prevent hassles in future lamp replacements.
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I have a tip I used to share among my fellow technicians is to order some Plasti-Dip spray and coat the connectors and seal them right up. It may not be better protection than liquid black tape but it's easily sprayed on and easier to peel off for repairs and you can get it in a variety of colors. I guess it would be similar to the newer Flex Seal spray they have nowadays that only comes in black or maybe white now too as some of their other stuff I know comes in white. Anyways, you can pick a color that blends well with your project or maybe even contrasts it to easily locate in the future. Really great for coating connections on trailers. Any time I'm wiring a trailer I automatically put in GM Weatherpacks at each tailight and coat them to prevent hassles in future lamp replacements.
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Leon-qc7fe
It is not silly to guess' for any problem that you can not pin down. In the electronic service business we would have intermittent problems that were too intermittent to give an accurate diagnosis. You know, this problem happens sometimes at home in normal use but when the tech tests it it does not fail. So, we would explain to the customer we think this may fix the problem if YOU want us to do it and give them the option with NO GUARANTY. Then we would write on the bill Work performed at the customer's request No GUARANTY on this repair and have the cust sign. If it came back, for the same complaint, we would give the customer credit for labor paid for 90 days toward any work needed. We never had a problem or a mad customer.
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It is not silly to guess' for any problem that you can not pin down. In the electronic service business we would have intermittent problems that were too intermittent to give an accurate diagnosis. You know, this problem happens sometimes at home in normal use but when the tech tests it it does not fail. So, we would explain to the customer we think this may fix the problem if YOU want us to do it and give them the option with NO GUARANTY. Then we would write on the bill Work performed at the customer's request No GUARANTY on this repair and have the cust sign. If it came back, for the same complaint, we would give the customer credit for labor paid for 90 days toward any work needed. We never had a problem or a mad customer.
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TheSzalkowski
Yes, an educated guess for a common issue can be a good idea.
First example that came to mind was the late 80s, early 90s Ford ignition control module on the distributor.
Those went bad all of the time due to heat, we would get 2 to 3 a week.
Car gets towed in with no spark, it takes 5 minutes to swap in the testing module I kept in the top of the toolbox.
If it starts, install a new one, if not troubleshoot from there.
On the other hand I do not condone parts swapping.
e. g. Engine code that mentions O2 sensor so you replace every O2 sensor in the car without even looking to see if the wire got a little close to the exhaust and melted.
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Yes, an educated guess for a common issue can be a good idea.
First example that came to mind was the late 80s, early 90s Ford ignition control module on the distributor.
Those went bad all of the time due to heat, we would get 2 to 3 a week.
Car gets towed in with no spark, it takes 5 minutes to swap in the testing module I kept in the top of the toolbox.
If it starts, install a new one, if not troubleshoot from there.
On the other hand I do not condone parts swapping.
e. g. Engine code that mentions O2 sensor so you replace every O2 sensor in the car without even looking to see if the wire got a little close to the exhaust and melted.
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donv6039
For professionals like yourself guessing, as you stated, is a matter of experience, probability, and cost effectiveness. For us DIYers low cost part edgamacated guesses are simply a matter of expedience since we’re not paying any labor. In most cases the parts blunderbuss and a special one time use tool will still be cheaper than the dealer. And you get to keep the tool! . But we still come here to learn how not to be a Parts cannon ordinance specialist, private 3rd class when there’s green crusties, CAN or module madness afoot. Someone with your expertise doesn’t need to justify your methodology.
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For professionals like yourself guessing, as you stated, is a matter of experience, probability, and cost effectiveness. For us DIYers low cost part edgamacated guesses are simply a matter of expedience since we’re not paying any labor. In most cases the parts blunderbuss and a special one time use tool will still be cheaper than the dealer. And you get to keep the tool! . But we still come here to learn how not to be a Parts cannon ordinance specialist, private 3rd class when there’s green crusties, CAN or module madness afoot. Someone with your expertise doesn’t need to justify your methodology.
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avenger1888
Eric O
You changed the Speed Sensor and the connector that goes to the vehicle on the left side ( Drivers side). The reason you changed it was of the old crusties and water. I was wondering would'nt be worth the time to check the right side ( Passenger side) speed sensor cable and vehicle connection Why I ask if this has happened on one side chances could be good that the other side might be in the same condition. So would it worth the time to check and change the right side ( Passenger side) while the vehicle is at your garage.
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Eric O
You changed the Speed Sensor and the connector that goes to the vehicle on the left side ( Drivers side). The reason you changed it was of the old crusties and water. I was wondering would'nt be worth the time to check the right side ( Passenger side) speed sensor cable and vehicle connection Why I ask if this has happened on one side chances could be good that the other side might be in the same condition. So would it worth the time to check and change the right side ( Passenger side) while the vehicle is at your garage.
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jamescaron6465
Risk/Reward experience vs cost and time wasted. It is so much not a guess but an estimate of the issue based on prior experience and skill level. I diagnose and do a good chunk of my own repairs, but there are certain things I have to farm out to a trust professional. I tell him everything I have found, including live data and any error codes, but I also remind him to please check again to make sure as I think it is important to a way to point forward but not take it as the single source of truth.
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Risk/Reward experience vs cost and time wasted. It is so much not a guess but an estimate of the issue based on prior experience and skill level. I diagnose and do a good chunk of my own repairs, but there are certain things I have to farm out to a trust professional. I tell him everything I have found, including live data and any error codes, but I also remind him to please check again to make sure as I think it is important to a way to point forward but not take it as the single source of truth.
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SouthMainAuto
I just want to make sure I am clear when I say that as a general rule I DO NOT condone guessing, if you will. There are rare instances when there is an intermittent problem in front of me that I can not duplicate I may elect to use an educated guess providing it is cost effective and most importantly understood by the customer as nothing more than an educated guess. Was I clear in the video and is there any questions when I think it may be appropriate or inappropriate for that matter
-Eric O.
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I just want to make sure I am clear when I say that as a general rule I DO NOT condone guessing, if you will. There are rare instances when there is an intermittent problem in front of me that I can not duplicate I may elect to use an educated guess providing it is cost effective and most importantly understood by the customer as nothing more than an educated guess. Was I clear in the video and is there any questions when I think it may be appropriate or inappropriate for that matter
-Eric O.
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robertoruiz7069
Well when i took my car to the Dealership, I TOLD the service writer my ABS lights on. My wife TOLD ME to take it to you guys, SO here I AM>go ahead and FCK ME! f I KNOW you want to, so go ahead, I'm ready. Start with the Abs pump, then the rotors ans pads and while your down there you might as well do the wheel bearings and lastly put in NEW SENSORS, go ahead and do ALL FOUR!
you might as well check my TIRES TOO>they're a year old and the rainy season is here, thanks.
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Well when i took my car to the Dealership, I TOLD the service writer my ABS lights on. My wife TOLD ME to take it to you guys, SO here I AM>go ahead and FCK ME! f I KNOW you want to, so go ahead, I'm ready. Start with the Abs pump, then the rotors ans pads and while your down there you might as well do the wheel bearings and lastly put in NEW SENSORS, go ahead and do ALL FOUR!
you might as well check my TIRES TOO>they're a year old and the rainy season is here, thanks.
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dave_n8pu
To borrow a couple of lines from, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,
Spock: Mr. Scott cannot give me exact figures, Admiral, so. I will make a guess.
Kirk: A guess You, Spock That's extraordinary.
Spock: [to Dr. McCoy] I don't think he understands.
McCoy: No, Spock. He means that he feels safer about your guesses than most other people's facts.
Eric, I believe your customers feel safer with your guesses than they would with someone else's parts cannon.
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To borrow a couple of lines from, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,
Spock: Mr. Scott cannot give me exact figures, Admiral, so. I will make a guess.
Kirk: A guess You, Spock That's extraordinary.
Spock: [to Dr. McCoy] I don't think he understands.
McCoy: No, Spock. He means that he feels safer about your guesses than most other people's facts.
Eric, I believe your customers feel safer with your guesses than they would with someone else's parts cannon.
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topgun52
Hey Eric, I just want to say THANKS for sharing the part or model numbers of some of the tools you use. I'm a DIYer from construction to computers you name it I've fixed it. While watching the video I was wondering how you were going to strip those wires in such close quarters, then came the in-line wire stripers. Did a search and found some nice ones from HF and added them to my list! I'm a tool fool junky, can't live without them! Thanks Again!
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Hey Eric, I just want to say THANKS for sharing the part or model numbers of some of the tools you use. I'm a DIYer from construction to computers you name it I've fixed it. While watching the video I was wondering how you were going to strip those wires in such close quarters, then came the in-line wire stripers. Did a search and found some nice ones from HF and added them to my list! I'm a tool fool junky, can't live without them! Thanks Again!
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pjimmbojimmbo1990
Take half the god damn effin car apart to repair/replace anything. I have a Cadillac XT5, probably has the same Piss Poor Engineering as this Buick. Would cutting out the bottom of that Water Trap, keep Leaves and other Debry from plugging it up
Being that I drove for decades long before I ever saw a Car/Truck with ABS, I pretty much Ignore the ABS Lights when they come on. On one of my cars, it has been on for over 5 yrs.
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Take half the god damn effin car apart to repair/replace anything. I have a Cadillac XT5, probably has the same Piss Poor Engineering as this Buick. Would cutting out the bottom of that Water Trap, keep Leaves and other Debry from plugging it up
Being that I drove for decades long before I ever saw a Car/Truck with ABS, I pretty much Ignore the ABS Lights when they come on. On one of my cars, it has been on for over 5 yrs.
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jdesaavedra0432
Every code is for the left front sensor, wheel speed sensors are crap, so change the left front sensor. This looks like a flood car or salvage auction car--or both. If connectors under the wiper cowl are full of flood mud, then the whole car below the wiper cowl is suspect. This is why I always totalled a car that had been immersed to the dashboard. Maybe GM China just designed a waterway and put connectors in the stream.
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Every code is for the left front sensor, wheel speed sensors are crap, so change the left front sensor. This looks like a flood car or salvage auction car--or both. If connectors under the wiper cowl are full of flood mud, then the whole car below the wiper cowl is suspect. This is why I always totalled a car that had been immersed to the dashboard. Maybe GM China just designed a waterway and put connectors in the stream.
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garyradtke3252
There is a major difference between just a guess pulled from the thin air and an educated guess derived from experience and what little evidence you have to go on. When you compare the cost of the time it would take to maybe arrive at a proven failed part it's a no brainer. Besides, at least the customer gets a new part even it it isn't the fix instead of a bill for time and an I don't know statement.
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There is a major difference between just a guess pulled from the thin air and an educated guess derived from experience and what little evidence you have to go on. When you compare the cost of the time it would take to maybe arrive at a proven failed part it's a no brainer. Besides, at least the customer gets a new part even it it isn't the fix instead of a bill for time and an I don't know statement.
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s. j. 5850
Your trouble-shooting method makes a lot of sense to me. It saves you time & the customer money. I consider the age & price of the part to determine if it's worth shot-gunning the part into the car, or going the more invasive ($$$) route. In the automotive business time is money. That speed sensor came out WAY too easy. I have had to drill out a couple of them (making sure not to expand the hole.
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Your trouble-shooting method makes a lot of sense to me. It saves you time & the customer money. I consider the age & price of the part to determine if it's worth shot-gunning the part into the car, or going the more invasive ($$$) route. In the automotive business time is money. That speed sensor came out WAY too easy. I have had to drill out a couple of them (making sure not to expand the hole.
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smarthome2660
The chicken never crossed the road.
Chickens have been around way longer than roads have been.
That particular chicken has always been on that side of the road.
Some chickens were laid as eggs on one side of the road, rolled over to the other side, hatched and poof, now there are chickens on both sides of the road.
Some chickens cross the road because they are in a box of KFC.
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The chicken never crossed the road.
Chickens have been around way longer than roads have been.
That particular chicken has always been on that side of the road.
Some chickens were laid as eggs on one side of the road, rolled over to the other side, hatched and poof, now there are chickens on both sides of the road.
Some chickens cross the road because they are in a box of KFC.
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tomtke7351
Troubleshooting is 'locating the problem. ' Early in his light bulb development Edison would frequently be asked: how's your light bulb investigation going . To which Edison would reply: I haven't developed a bulb yet BUT I KNOW A HUNDRED WAYS THAT DON'T WORK. Troubleshooting is as much an art as a science. Parts cannoning is appropriate when it's cheaper than a lengthy, costly, science project.
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Troubleshooting is 'locating the problem. ' Early in his light bulb development Edison would frequently be asked: how's your light bulb investigation going . To which Edison would reply: I haven't developed a bulb yet BUT I KNOW A HUNDRED WAYS THAT DON'T WORK. Troubleshooting is as much an art as a science. Parts cannoning is appropriate when it's cheaper than a lengthy, costly, science project.
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bigg4454
That's part of this business. A guess sometimes. I've worked next to some where, that's ALL they do. Guess and don't think twice about it. I can't (as a tech) 'cause I wouldn't want that done to me (as a customer) and in addition, I wouldn't learn anything. From learning, you grow. You get better. You gain trust. It pays in the end. Guessers send me stuff they can't fix. Yep, it pays in the end.
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That's part of this business. A guess sometimes. I've worked next to some where, that's ALL they do. Guess and don't think twice about it. I can't (as a tech) 'cause I wouldn't want that done to me (as a customer) and in addition, I wouldn't learn anything. From learning, you grow. You get better. You gain trust. It pays in the end. Guessers send me stuff they can't fix. Yep, it pays in the end.
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autorepair
Question for Mr. O: What impact do you see of more hybrids and EV’s in the market on how your business will evolve For sure, plenty of combustion vehicles for the near future to work on but long term say 10 to 15 years or so down the road, replacing electric motor units or battery packs as a new skill set Curious to know what a pro like you sees for the self-owner repair industry
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Question for Mr. O: What impact do you see of more hybrids and EV’s in the market on how your business will evolve For sure, plenty of combustion vehicles for the near future to work on but long term say 10 to 15 years or so down the road, replacing electric motor units or battery packs as a new skill set Curious to know what a pro like you sees for the self-owner repair industry
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lvsqcsl
I know years ago when I first started following you, Eric, your motto was, test, don't guess. However, I've seen you from time to time not able to duplicate an issue the customer describes and if the parts aren't expensive you go ahead with your hypothesis. I would say all of your guesses are based on years of experience and likely you have seen symptoms before. GREAT VIDEO!
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I know years ago when I first started following you, Eric, your motto was, test, don't guess. However, I've seen you from time to time not able to duplicate an issue the customer describes and if the parts aren't expensive you go ahead with your hypothesis. I would say all of your guesses are based on years of experience and likely you have seen symptoms before. GREAT VIDEO!
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